Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Christopher Fraser (Conservative). It was answered on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Political and Economic Developments

Question: I welcome yesterday’s positive announcement about the Executive, but will the Secretary of State therefore ensure that businesses in Northern Ireland, like businesses in the rest of the UK, receive help with the burden of taxation without delay, a sympathetic deal from the banking industry and relief from over-regulation to see them through these turbulent economic times?

Answer: Of course, many of these matters are now devolved matters but, that being said, we absolutely recognise the need to help all parts of the UK through the downturn. Through the work that the Prime Minister is leading, we of course intend to make sure that Northern Ireland has its fair share of anything that we are able to do. As Secretary of State, I stand ready to meet and work with Ministers in Northern Ireland to ensure that we do all that we can to mitigate the effects of the downturn.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 483 c221
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Devolution Economic situation Northern Ireland Administration of justice Politics and government
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk