Written question asked by Martin Smyth (Independent Unionist) on Tuesday, 9 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 December 2003. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 December 2003 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what plans he has to help small businesses in Northern Ireland cope with rises in public liability insurance.

Answer: Rev. Martin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to help small businesses in Northern Ireland cope with rises in public liability insurance. [143849] Mr. Pearson: I appreciate fully the problems which the current hard market in insurance is creating for many businesses. Invest NI and the Health and Safety Executive for NI are working with local companies to improve risk management and insurability. In addition I have been pressing the UK insurance market to facilitate more coverage for Northern Ireland businesses. In relation specifically to Employers Liability Compulsory Insurance (ELCI), I will also be working alongside Ministerial colleagues throughout the UK to ensure the effective implementation of the recently published Second Stage Report of the Department of Works and Pensions led ELCI review.

Secondary information