Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Rutley and Theresa Villiers

Wednesday 20th April 2016 Commons Chamber

[David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con)]

5. What discussions she has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on increasing the level of exports from Northern Ireland.

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mrs Theresa Villiers)]

Fixing the public finances to keep interest rates low and deliver economic stability is a crucial part of the Government’s efforts to promote exports. We are also using our diplomatic network around the world to promote exports from Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

[David Rutley]

Is my right hon. Friend aware that UK Trade & Investment and Economist Intelligence Unit information shows that the career aspiration young people want to fulfil most by 2020 is to run their own business? What steps are being taken to help them achieve their aspirations and to become first-time exporters in the UK and Northern Ireland?

[Mrs Villiers]

To do that, we are delivering economic stability, and we are cutting national insurance contributions for 3.4 million self-employed people. We are also working with the Northern Ireland Executive through the economic pact to deliver things such as our start-up loans programme for young entrepreneurs and through the taskforce on access to banking, which has delivered £60 million in business finance.