Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how the UK's Embassies and High Commissions may be used more effectively to promote Northern Ireland trade and investment.

I have regular meetings with my Rt hon Friend the Foreign Secretary and other Cabinet colleagues on a range of matters concerning Northern Ireland, including the promotion of trade and investment. The Government feels that it is important that the UK trade and investment system works as effectively as possible with Northern Ireland counterparts to maximise Northern Ireland's impact.