§ 8. Mr. FabricantTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to promote the introduction of high-technology manufacturing in Northern Ireland. [98771]
§ Mr. McFallThe Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland (IDB), the agency charged with attracting inward investment, continues its aggressive marketing and sales campaigns world-wide with particular emphasis on high-technology sectors such as telecommunications, electronics and E-commerce. They are following up on last year's successful promotional tour in North America, a year in which I am delighted to say they achieved a record number of new investments. The Industrial Development Board is also working actively with local companies to encourage high added value investments and sustainable employment in these sectors.