§ 24. Mr. John GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made for the prospects for increased industrial and commercial investments in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Government do not carry out formal assessments of the prospects for increased industrial and commercial investment in Northern Ireland. However, the most recent independent surveys of business prospects show that both business confidence and companies' investment intentions are rising. This suggests that recovery from the recession is well underway in Northern Ireland and that investment prospects are good.
§ Mr. Patrick ThompsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the level of inward investment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsSo far this year the Industrial Development Board has secured four new inward investment projects involving a total investment of approximately £163 million and I am confident that there will be further announcements during the remainder of the financial year.