Oral Answers to Questions

Karen Lumley Excerpts

Wednesday 30th November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Karen Lumley (Redditch) (Con)]

3. What assessment he has made of the state of the economy in Northern Ireland.

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr Owen Paterson)]

The Northern Ireland economy is over-dependent on public spending. The Government share a commitment with the Northern Ireland Executive to rebalance it over time by promoting investment and growing the private sector. There are many world-class Northern Ireland businesses. We need more of them.

[Karen Lumley]

Will the Minister confirm that last week the annual survey of hours and earnings showed that Northern Ireland earnings increased by 3.5%, compared with less than 1% on the mainland? Does he agree that rebalancing the economy and the creation of private sector jobs is the key to Northern Ireland’s recovery?

[Mr Paterson]

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. One survey showed that public spending represents 77.6% of GDP in Northern Ireland. We know that that is wholly unsustainable, and we are committed to rebalancing the economy over time, working closely with the Executive.