§ 26. Mr. John GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the prospects for the Northern Ireland economy. [20435]
§ Mr. AncramProspects for the Northern Ireland economy remain encouraging. Employment is at record levels, output and trade are increasing and we would wish this excellent progress to be maintained. Nonetheless, Northern Ireland's economic prospects would be significantly more assured through a permanent end to paramilitary violence.