§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to what extent the outflow of the profits of externally owned manufacturing companies is taken into account when evaluating the size of grants and subsidies to be given to companies to encourage them to locate in Northern Ireland. [63975]
§ Mr. IngramThe potential outflow of profits from externally owned companies seeking to establish manufacturing operations in Northern Ireland is fully evaluated in assessing the amount of grant that can be made available.
517W
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the studies carried out by DED of Northern Ireland's competitive advantages in attracting inward investment; and if she will place copies in the Library. [63963]
§ Mr. IngramThe Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland (IDB) the arm of DED responsible for inward investment, examines among other issues Northern Ireland's performance in the inward investment market relative to competitors. IDB has not directly purchased or commissioned any study into Northern Ireland's competitive advantage in attracting inward investment. However, a report prepared by Price Waterhouse Coopers in 1996 into Northern Ireland's investment performance compared with the UK and Republic of Ireland makes comment on Northern Ireland's competitive advantages. For copyright and commercial confidentiality reasons this report cannot be placed in the public domain by IDB.