asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assistance his Department is offering the Northern Candle Company and the A Town Welding Company of Whiterock, East Belfast, both about to be dispersed from their premises by the Royal Engineers.

With the assistance of the Department of Commerce, the Northern Candle Company and A-Weld have been found temporary alternative accommodation in another industrial site in West Belfast. A further site on the same estate has been made available to Northern Candle for the construction of permanent accommodation, and similar arrangements for A-Weld will be provided by the Department of Commerce if required.Furthermore, the Northern Ireland Office has made interim compensation payments to both companies, whose representatives are in close touch with the authorities to discuss further claims.