Northern Ireland: Public Expenditure

Debate between Viscount Brookeborough and Lord Shutt of Greetland

Tuesday 22nd June 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord Shutt of Greetland]

My Lords, the need for “due time” is also apparent with the Calman report. It is a matter for consideration by the coalition Government.

[Viscount Brookeborough]

My Lords, in agreeing with the noble Lord, Lord Dubs, is the Minister actually saying that the public sector is not too large in Northern Ireland? Recognising that Northern Ireland is the same size as Yorkshire, and all the education boards and very high employment in the public sector, we in Northern Ireland believe that it is too large. Why does he not?

[Lord Shutt of Greetland]

My Lords, I am aware of the size of Yorkshire—and these sorts of comparisons are useful from time to time. I take the view that the public sector in Northern Ireland is too large when compared with the private sector, but there is no doubt that the private sector is far too small.