Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Owen Paterson and Conor Burns

Wednesday 30th June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Conor Burns (Bournemouth West) (Con)]

11. What recent discussions he has had on his Department’s policy in response to the collapse of the Presbyterian Mutual Society.

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

I have held a number of discussions with both Treasury Ministers and Ministers from the Northern Ireland Executive in recent weeks as we seek to identify options to assist members of the Presbyterian Mutual Society. The reconvened PMS ministerial working group will meet soon to review progress.

[Conor Burns]

I welcome the Secretary of State’s reply, which will give some reassurance to the thousands of people in Northern Ireland affected by the collapse. Does he recognise that there have been 18 months between the collapse of the society and the general election, and that this is another example of the Labour party leaving a mess for us to sort out?

[Mr Paterson]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right, because it was a boast of the previous Prime Minister that

“No UK depositor has lost money.”

That is why we have decided to grip the issue, and why I will chair the working group. I very much hope that we will come to a resolution soon.