§ Mr. JackTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what information he has on attempts by the Government of the Irish Republic to induce British-based companies to locate their activities in Southern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkI understand that the Government of the Irish Republic, in common with others, offer a range of incentives to inward investment by foreign companies including United Kingdom-based companies. This covers both the industrial and internationally traded services sectors and is administered by a number of state-sponsored organisations including the Industrial Development Authority (IDA), the Shannon Free Airport Development Company (SHADCO) and the Udaras na Gaeltachta. The IDA operate in the United Kingdom through its office in London.
The Government in the United Kingdom are fully committed to open markets in trade and investment and the Department of Trade and Industry is itself actively engaged in attracting investment into Britain through its Invest in Britain bureau.