Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the automatic application to Northern Ireland of any change in corporation tax in Great Britain.

The Corporation Tax (Northern Ireland) Act 2015 allows for devolution to the Northern Ireland Assembly of the power to set a Northern Ireland rate of corporation tax for certain trading income. Commencement of this legislation remains dependent on the Executive demonstrating that its finances are on a sustainable footing.

In advance of the legislation being commenced and any new Northern Ireland rate being in operation, any change to the UK rate of corporation tax will apply across the UK, including Northern Ireland. After commencement the Northern Ireland rate would apply to certain trading income arising in Northern Ireland. The UK wide rate of corporation tax would continue to apply to other income.