Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many new industries were announced by the industrial development boards in the constituency of Strangford during 1988; how many new jobs they are expected to provide; and what is the present availability of advance factory space in the constituency.
§ Mr. ViggersWhile no new companies were established with the assistance of the IDB during 1988 in the constituency of Strangford, the board supported expansion plans by eight existing companies which are intended to provide 294 new jobs. The local enterprise development unit does not maintain job statistics on the basis of parliamentary constituencies; however, in 1988 it assisted 20 entrepreneurs to establish new businesses in the Castlereagh and Ards borough council areas. These together with expansion projects supported by LEDU have promoted 96 new jobs in these areas in 1988. There are no vacant advance factories at present in the constituency, but a small refurbished factory is available in Newtownards.