§ 13. Mr. Jim MurphyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the impact the Budget proposals on small firms will have on the Northern Ireland economy. [36902]
§ Mr. IngramThe budget's measures for small firms, which include a reduction in Corporation Tax rate and generous first year capital allowances will encourage growth and investment by small firms in Northern Ireland, as in the rest of the UK. They are, however, particularly welcome in Northern Ireland where small firms represent a greater proportion of the economy.