Ian Paisley MP asks Urgent Question on Wrightbus

After Wrighbus, the Northern-Irish coachbuilders, entered administration last week, Ian Paisley has asked ministers to outline Government provisions for those affected by redundancies. Directing his question to The Secretary of State to Northern Ireland, the MP highlighted the effects the company's collapse could have on the economy.

The Rt Hon Julian Smith MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland told MPs:

"I am deeply disappointed by the news that Wrightbus has had to enter administration. This is a real blow for the people of Ballymena. […] Support will be provided to those affected via the Northern Ireland civil service, and I will continue to do everything I can […] to work with Invest Northern Ireland and government colleagues to support any potential purchaser of the business or assets who may be identified during the process of administration."

Ian Paisley MP, responded: 

"Could I ask the Secretary of State the following issues; could he spell out to any investor what government support would actually look like in terms of research and development support, soft loans or grants?; Can he assure me that the party currently at the table is fully aware of the extent of the promised support and what it would actually look like to a system in this process."

• Watch Parliament TV: Urgent Question on Wrightbus 
• Transcripts of proceedings in the House of Commons Chamber are available in Hansard online three hours after they happen.

Image: Flickr via KK70088

Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.

Please fill in our quick feedback survey to help us improve our news content.