Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chloe Smith and Owen Paterson

Wednesday 28th June 2017 Commons Chamber

[Chloe Smith]

I will be happy to do so.

[Mr Owen Paterson (North Shropshire) (Con)]

Under the terms of the Azores agreement and legislation passed through this House, only a devolved Administration can use their powers to reduce corporation tax, which would have an overwhelming beneficial impact on every citizen in Northern Ireland. Can the Minister guarantee that that will be raised in the talks over the next two days?

[Chloe Smith]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will do everything he can to ensure that those talks come to a successful conclusion. The point made by my right hon. Friend the Member for North Shropshire (Mr Paterson) simply underlines the need to make the reaching of that agreement a priority.