asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the reasons industrial premises, which were previously occupied by Government and IDA-sponsored companies which have since gone into liquidation and whose premises are now being sold at low prices to private individuals and companies, are not being purchased by IDA and the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The existing stock of factories in the Industrial Development Authority's ownership comprises factories directly built by the authority and factories acquired following liquidations or restructuring. In the past, the IDA have purchased 60 factories from companies which ceased to operate or as part of restructuring packages to assist companies in their efforts to become viable. In view, however, of the existing stock of available factory space the industrial development agencies under the aegis of my Department have no plans to acquire any further industrial properties.

Will the Minister agree that it is short-sighted when some of those factories are going at a low price that they are not purchased by the IDA?

No, I do not.

4.