Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Swire and Elizabeth Truss

Wednesday 7th March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Swire]

As I have said, following the Loyal Address to Her Majesty, there will this afternoon be a joint ministerial working group meeting, at which corporation tax will be discussed.

[Elizabeth Truss (South West Norfolk) (Con)]

6. What discussions he has had with Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive on economic development.

[David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con)]

7. What discussions he has had with Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive on economic development.

[The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr Hugo Swire)]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I regularly meet the First and Deputy First Ministers and their colleagues in support of the Executive’s efforts to develop the economy. We also work closely together on the joint ministerial working group on rebalancing the economy, which—I now say for the third time—will meet this afternoon.

[Elizabeth Truss]

Manufacturing exports from Northern Ireland rose in the last quarter, which is great news in respect of the effort to rebalance the economy. What further steps is the Minister taking to ensure our exports increase?

[Mr Swire]

It is good news that Northern Ireland sells £12.4 billion-worth of manufactured goods abroad, and has almost recovered to the pre-recession level in sales to Great Britain—indeed, sales to GB achieved a new record. Those are very positive trends, on which we seek to build.