§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will urgently raise through the normal channels of North/South contact the situation of the former employees of Irish Fertilizer Industries based in Northern Ireland (Richardson's), in respect of their expectations of receiving pension entitlement; and if he will make a statement.[159051]
§ Mr. PearsonI have raised the pension entitlement issue with the Irish Fertilizer Industries shareholders on a number of occasions. The Trustees appointed to manage the fund following closure have now lodged a debt with the liquidator and this is being considered as part of the overall liquidation process. I will write to the shareholders to express my continued concerns.