Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Paul Uppal and David Rutley

Wednesday 23rd March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Paul Uppal (Wolverhampton South West) (Con)]

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

[David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con)]

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

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

Northern Ireland Executive Ministers and I agree that the economy in Northern Ireland needs to be rebalanced. The Northern Ireland economy is too dependent on the public sector, for all the reasons that the House will understand. The consultation paper that we are publishing tomorrow and our ongoing work with Executive and Treasury Ministers will play a significant part in boosting the private sector and attracting investment to Northern Ireland.