asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the progress of the work on a strategy for the development of the Northern Ireland economy.

I am pleased to inform the House that a document entitled "Economic and Social Progress in Northern Ireland: Review and Prospects" is being published today. This document reviews and assesses recent developments in the economic, social and environmental fields in Northern Ireland and outlines Government's views on possible ways to enhance progress in these areas. I regard this document as an important step towards establishing an on-going consultative process involving Government, the Northern Ireland Economic Council and all other interested groups and individuals.