Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Mark Prisk and Lord Dodds of Duncairn
Mr Prisk
The hon. Lady paints a very negative picture. When I talk to local FE colleges, they say that they are delighted that we are freeing them from red tape and that they can respond to local businesses. Of course they would like additional funds, but we all know why there is no additional money any more.
Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP)
18. What recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on reducing regulation and promoting growth.
The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Mr Mark Prisk)
Ministers and officials regularly consult their equivalents in Northern Ireland. Their discussions include promoting growth and the importance of reducing regulation, including its enforcement.
Mr Dodds
Will the Minister undertake to intensify efforts to discuss how regulation that affects Northern Ireland but is not in the remit and purview of the Northern Ireland Executive, including European regulation, may be reduced or diminished to promote growth in an area that is lagging behind other parts of the United Kingdom?
Mr Prisk
It is a priority to ensure that the red tape that the right hon. Gentleman talks about, which holds back business in Northern Ireland and elsewhere, is dealt with. That is one of the reasons we are ending gold-plating across the UK, including in Northern Ireland. I very much welcome positive ideas that come from the Northern Ireland Executive.