HC Deb 06 December 1995 vol 268 cc311-3W
Dr. Hendron

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what factors underlay the delay in the publication of the Planning, Industrial and Economic Development Advisers report into the proposed university of Ulster campus at Springvale; when it will be published;

(c) retailing in the last five years in Northern Ireland the current year to date; and what has been the cost to public funds in each category. [3458]

Mr. Ancram

Information on costs per job is not currently available in the form requested. The Industrial Development Board and the Local Enterprise Development Unit are currently each carrying out work to establish meaningful measurements in this difficult area.

The hon. Gentleman may, however, find useful the related information on employment and financial assistance contained in the latest IDB and LEDU annual reports, copies of which are available in the Library.

Mr. Ross

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many jobs have been created by inward investment in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years and the current year to the latest available date in(a) manufacturing industry, (b) the service industry and (c) retailing in each council area in Northern Ireland. [3463]

Mr. Ancram

Information on job creation is not available in the form requested. The table gives details of all inward investment job promotions in each council area in Northern Ireland for the years 1990–91 to 1994‴95 and for those agreed and announced in the current year up to 29 November.

what was its cost; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy. [3182]

Mr. Moss

The factors associated with the delay in the publication of the PIEDA report include the complexity of the assignment and the need for extended consultation with Government officials and education interests. The final report is expected by the end of 1995 and a decision about publication will then be taken. The cost of the economic appraisal to date is £82,263. No assessment of the adequacy of the assignment can be made until the final report has been received and considered.

Dr. Hendron

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the(a) elected representatives and (b) community activists whom PIEDA consultants consulted in drawing up their report into the proposed university of Ulster campus. [3183]

Mr. Moss

PIEDA consulted with three elected representatives from Belfast city council. They did not though consult any community groups as part of their assignment.