§ 13. Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had over the proposed takeover of Irish Distillers; and if he will make a statement.
§ 19. Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the proposed takeover of Irish Distillers and its likely impact on the Northern Ireland economy.
§ Mr. ViggersIrish Distillers is registered in the Republic of Ireland, where most of its activities are based. I have not therefore been directly involved in the current offer to acquire the company. However, the Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland is maintaining close contact with the "Old Bushmills" Distillery Company Ltd. which is part of the Irish Distillers group and is located in County Antrim.