To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many employees of the Industrial Development Board are based overseas; and what are the total wages and expenses bills for these employees over the last financial year for which figures are available.

A total of 38 employees are based overseas. The total wages and expenses bills in 1990–91 was £980,067.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Industrial Development Board staff based in Northern Ireland travelled abroad on their duties during the last year for which figures are available; how many trips were involved; and what were the total costs and expenses involved.

The information does not exist in the precise form sought by the hon. Member. During 1990–91 however, 74 members of IDB staff based in Northern Ireland undertook 139 visits by air travel to destinations abroad at a cost of approximately £370,000.