Oral Answers to Questions

Alok Sharma Excerpts

Wednesday 4th July 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Swire]

A very negative one. The hon. Lady is absolutely right. Northern Ireland justifies two airports. They are both thriving concerns and we have had some good news on air passenger duty. [Interruption.] The hon. Member for Foyle (Mark Durkan) is saying that I should not forget Eglinton airport either, and possibly others. We should certainly have Aldergrove and George Best Belfast City airports, which should thrive. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister and I are very positive and optimistic; we are trying to attract more airlines to fly in and out of Northern Ireland to grow the economy. The hon. Lady is spot on.

[Alok Sharma (Reading West) (Con)]

5. What recent discussions he has had with Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive on economic development.

[Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Con)]

11. What recent discussions he has had with Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive on economic development.

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

My right hon. Friend the Minister of State and I meet regularly with Northern Ireland Ministers in support of their efforts to promote economic development and to help rebuild and rebalance the economy.

[Alok Sharma]

What discussions has my right hon. Friend had with the Northern Ireland Executive to encourage them to set up enterprise zones?

[Mr Paterson]

I have regular discussions with the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Minister of Finance. Last year’s Budget, which became the Finance Act 2011, made that facility available. There are 24 enterprise zones in England, four in Scotland and seven in Wales. They have the capacity also to have enhanced capital allowances. I am in favour of them as a benefit for Northern Ireland, but this is a devolved issue and a devolved decision.