§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 9 March,Official Report, columns 260–61, what was the total number of applications for (a) the number of companies participating in and (b) the number of first-time users of the product and process development scheme so far in 1993–94; and what were the comparable figures in the previous year.
§ Mr. Tim SmithSo far in 1993–94, 113 companies —43 first-time users—have submitted 173 applications under the product and process development scheme compared to 65 companies—24 first-time users—and 153 applications in 1992–93.