HC Deb 11 July 1985 vol 82 cc524-5W
Mr. Hume

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how much the Industrial Development Board's "Come on Northern Ireland" advertising campaign on commercial broadcasting outlets has cost to date indicating the cost of producing the commercials, the cost of advertising them on independent television and independent radio; and how much more is to be spent on this campaign;

(2) how much the Industrial Development Board has spent on promotional advertising in local newspapers, provincial newspapers, British national newspapers, Irish national newspapers and foreign newspapers, respectively, on the "Come on Northern Ireland" campaign; and how much more is to be spent in this way in the remainder of this financial year;

(3) if he will make a statement on the purpose of the "Come on Northern Ireland" advertising campaign run by the Industrial Development Board and on its achievements to date.

Dr. Boyson

The aim of the "Come on Northern Ireland" campaign is to create a greater awareness of the role of the Industrial Development Board and to stimulate good will, support and involvement of all sections of the community in the effort to bring about the regeneration of the Northern Ireland economy. Follow-up research has indicated that it has been broadly successful in its aim. There are complementary campaigns aimed at local industry and overseas investors using the themes "With a little help from your friends" and "Judge us on the facts," respectively.

The total cost of the local TV campaign for 1984–85 was £124,000 including VAT (production £55,000, screen time £69,000). The budget for 1985–86 allocated for this campaign is £45,000 which is mostly for screening. There has been no radio advertising. The Industrial Development Board budget for newspaper advertising, the bulk of which relates to the drive for inward investment, has been as follows:

Type of Newspaper 1984–85 1985–86
£ £
NI Local (including provincial) 35,000 80,000
British National 192,000 67,000
Irish National Nil Nil
USA/Canadian 310,000 777,000
European 232,000 135,000
Far Eastern 50,000 158,000