§ 21. Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received about future investment intentions in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Tim SmithI am grateful for my hon. Friend's continued interest in these matters. I receive representations from many quarters and I am pleased to record that the Industrial Development Board has just completed its best-ever year of inward investment.
§ 27. Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the latest figures for business investment; and what were the figures in each of the past three years.
§ Mr. Tim SmithComprehensive information on investment in production industries for United Kingdom regions is available only from the annual census of production. The most recent figures from ACOP relate to 1991 and show that net capital expenditure by manufacturers in Northern Ireland amounted to £333.8 million. Corresponding figures for 1990 and 1989 were £330.7 million and £300.8 million respectively.