HC Deb 17 March 2004 vol 419 c294W
11. Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on job prospects in Strangford. [160827]

Mr. Pearson

Residents based claimant rates indicate that in January 2004 unemployment in the Strangford constituency stood at 3.6 per cent. However, the hon. Lady will be aware of the recent announcement locally that TKECC is to close with the loss of 550 jobs. Invest NIs Local Office team is working with other Government Departments to facilitate retraining and other employment-related options for the work force. Since April 2002 Invest NI has offered client companies in the constituency over £3 million assistance towards investment of over £12 million. In addition it has supported 270 business start-ups and continues to work in close partnership with the local councils in support of their economic development activities.