Robert Syms
Main Page: Robert Syms (Conservative - Poole)Department Debates - View all Robert Syms's debates with the Northern Ireland Office
(12 years, 7 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Mr Speaker
Order. I ask the Minister to shorten his answers, as other Members wish to participate in the debate.
Mr Robert Syms (Poole) (Con)
13. Further to the question on air passenger duty, should the Government not be doing much more to expand Belfast airport, particularly the air links, especially if we are to promote more public sector jobs in Northern Ireland?
Mr Swire
I hope my hon. Friend meant more private sector jobs in Northern Ireland, but more jobs there is great news. The employment figures for Northern Ireland are better today—better than in other parts of the United Kingdom. We are not on the back foot on this one: we want more traffic and more flights to and from Northern Ireland; that is what we are working towards.