§ Mr. Roger KingTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what interest is being shown by overseas companies in becoming established in Birmingham.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggOverseas businesses are currently showing great interest in Birmingham and in the west midlands in general. There are now over 100 overseas companies operating in the Birmingham area and I am pleased to be able to announce that the West German company Keiper Recaro, a leading manufacturer of car seats, is to establish a subsidiary company on the Woodgate business park in my hon. Friend's constituency. This project is forecast to create 96 jobs and an offer of regional selective assistance (of £250,000) has been made towards it.
This follows the recent announcement by another West German automotive components company, Kirsten Automotive of its plans to establish a facility on the same business park. That project is forecast to create a further 58 jobs.
We are in discussion with a number of other overseas companies planning to establish their United Kingdom headquarters in Birmingham. Prospects are very encouraging.