The Department for enterprise says it hasn't been able to find experts to carry out research for it.
A Freedom of Information request asked about a planned project comparing the costs of doing business on high streets on the Island and in the UK.
In its response, the department said it didn't have any information on the findings because after two tendering processes it hasn't been able to find anyone to do the research.
It says it still hopes to find someone capable of carrying out the work.
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