UK GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Early day motion 1117A2, tabled 5 May 2004 by Harry Barnes (Labour). Signed by 3 members.

Line 3, leave out from 'England' to end add 'and observes that this can be explained by a number of factors including relatively higher deprivation and unemployment, comparatively high levels of emigration, a relatively small population which has difficulties benefiting from economies of scale, the existence of the only land border in the UK, continuing disruption from paramilitary forces linked to criminal gangs, lost revenue to the Treasury from illegal smuggling of fuel, videos and other goods, lost revenues in legal cross-border fuel purchases due to the high duty differential between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic, higher charges for electricity and certain other public services due in part to the physical separation of the Province from Britain, the need to maintain a sizeable but now declining police and prison service, and the requirement to sustain a society finally but haltingly emerging after decades of bitter and open conflict via some form of peace dividend.

Signatures by party: Labour 3.