Written question asked by Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 26 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 December 2002. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 December 2002 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions have taken place between Government departments and the owners of the IFI/Richardsons Plant in Belfast over the announcement of the plant's closure.

Answer: Mr. Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions have taken place between Government departments and the owners of the IFI/ Richardsons Plant in Belfast over the announcement of the plant's closure. [84387] Mr. Pearson: The owners of Irish Fertiliser Industries are ICI and the Irish Government. Since the announcement of the company's closure on 15 October I have exchanged correspondence with Mary Harney TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in the Republic of Ireland, and with the Chief Executive of ICI. I also met the ICI Chief Executive and an official representative of the Irish Government in London on 28 November. My objective throughout these contacts has been to stress the need to treat the Belfast employees fairly.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 84387; 395 c742-3W;395 c740W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Company liquidations Belfast Republic of Ireland ICI Irish Fertilizer Industries
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk