Live Treasury Questions House of Commons

Good morning and welcome to BBC Parliament's live coverage of the

Commons. In an hour's time, Conservative Charles Walker is

asking a legend question on the Government's response to his

committee's verdict on membdr's bills. And at 1pm comes the

long-awaited statement from the Transport Secretary on airport

expansion in the Celtic of Dngland. Lisbie Heathrow, will it be Gatwick?

-- south of England. There will be exceptional freedom to crithcise the

Government policy if it is for expansion of Heathrow. Todax the

first debate is general deb`te on the Criminal Finances Bill. This

gives more power to law enforcement agencies to seize the procedds of

crime and prevent the financing of terrorism. Don't forget to join me

for a round-up of the day and both houses of parliament at 11pl

tonight. First, it's questions to Philip Hammond and his team of

Treasury ministers. Order, order. Questions to the

Chancellor of the Exchequer. Number one, Mr Speaker. Creating a economy

which works were all is a kdy priority of this Government. All

regions are benefiting from the 12 by the impact local growth funds,

and our industrial strategy will this growth across the UK.

Devolution deals will get areas the tools they need to make the right

economic decisions. We're stpporting the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands

Engine, and investing over ?100 billion in infrastructure over the

course of this Parliament across the UK.

I'm encouraged by the chartdred s reply, but there is always the

feeling in Northern Lincolnshire that we are peripheral from the

northern para House and there is too much focus on Leeds and Manchester.

Did the Government is sure ts that we are part of the scheme, `nd that

regeneration projects in progress, had the chance one of its tdam

agreed to make a delegation from north Lincolnshire separates you

those? I can reassure my honourabld friend

that that is not the case. Northeast Lincolnshire is a much a focus of

the Government's attention. We have agreed deals with the Humber Local

Enterprise Partnership, with ?1 0 million. This includes support for a

regeneration programme for the centre of Cleethorpes, as mx

honourable friend will know. One of my ministerial team will be very

happy to meet with him and his council colleagues.

The floods in Yorkshire including in Leeds last Boxing Day cause

devastation and many businesses still have not reopened. Wh`t

conversations as the charts are having with insurance companies who

have restricted cover, incrdased premiums and put up excesses,

risking creating a ghost towns in many of our communities and risking

jobs too? This is a matter on which the

Minister for the Cabinet Office in Leeds, but I have some understanding

of the issues as my own constituency were subject to serious flooding in

2014. I will talk to my right honourable friend, the Minister for

the Cabinet Office and make him aware of the concerns laid out.

Can I thank your for allowing not into takeover parliament today? I'm

sure my right honourable frhend the Chancellor knows the benefits of the

East Midlands because he usdd to work in Nottingham. I'm surd he also

believes in the value of infrastructure projects. And I ask

whether he's minded at all, as it prepares the Autumn Statement, to

bring Ford HS2, making sure the Midlands hub, and also the `lleged

location of the East Midlands Main line, all of which will bendfit

Nottinghamshire? I thank my honourable friend for her

question, indeed, Nottinghalshire is a part of the country I know well

and have a great deal of affection for. The Government is completely

seized of the need for infrastructure investment to support

for the activity performancd of our economy. My right honourabld friend,

the Transport Secretary, will be looking at the priority to be

afforded to specific projects, and will make statements in due course.

Given that the East Midlands and the West Midlands together could

generate significant growth for our economy if it got there eyed road,

rail and skills infrastructtre, will he acknowledge that, given ht is not

a game in Parliament day-to,day that the Autumn Statement rdally

should be bringing forward those ambitions in the Midlands Engine?

The Government is committed to the Midlands Engine, and the honourable

gentleman is absolutely right that the Midlands conurbation ovdrall has

a weight of population and dconomic activity that allows it to be a

rival to the hub of London `nd the South East. As I said to my

honourable friend a minute `go, announcements about specific

projects will be made in dud course by the relevant extra in a relevant

departmental minister. One of the most important w`ys the

Chancellor could boost economic growth outside of London and this at

least pays is to energise slall business. I wonder if on th`t basis

he would consider reviewing the small business enterprise scheme in

the hope that he might supervise it or we could see a wall of private

cash invested in small businesses? My friend is right, ensuring the

right amount of funding in start-up enterprises is key to the ftture of

our economy. I can assure hhm that all schemes, taxes and other such

structures will be reviewed in the run-up to the Autumn Statemdnt, and

I will let him know on Novelber 23 my conclusions.

Is the Chancellor of Excheqter aware that his predecessor introdtced a

scheme that was raised upon robbing the Derbyshire County Counchl of

?155 million in cuts, and then promising to give them less than 20%

of that money back? No wonddr the people in Bolsover marketpl`ce, they

don't call it the Northern Powerhouse, it's the Northern

Powerhouse. I know my right honourable friend

will be wanting to look at the allocation of funding to local

authorities, including Derbxshire County Council. As he will know

there are many powerful advocate for Derbyshire on both sides of this

House. I wish the honourable gentldman a

speedy recovery, he can ask his question from his seat.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. The Chancellor be aware that thd East

Midlands has a trade surplus with China thanks to manufacturing

interests in the area. Past chancellors have been keen to

trumpet business interest in the Northern Powerhouse, would this help

to turn the Colts in the middle and engine with future visits?

Indeed, I well, it is an important part in the role of chancellors to

act as a champion for busindsses in the North and the Midlands. Digest

draw attention to inward investors like the Chinese, like the Hndians -

who are of course already hdavily invested in the East Midlands - to

opportunities exist in the TK beyond London and the South East, which are

sometimes not so obvious to foreign investors as those that exist in

London. In order to boost growth outside of

London and they said these place, there should be a focus on

manufacturing and its assochated innovation research and devdlopment.

The UK's record on RND development is lamentable competitor

competitors. But they Chancdllor take the committee to reverse the

Autumn Statement and confirl funding for grants and loans?

We've supported ?22 billion of research and about meant spdnding

through the tax credit spending examine microsystem. The right

honourable gentleman is correct the... Aaron Best meant in research

and is considerably less th`n many of our principal competitors. I can

promise him we are acutely `ware of this challenge, and I will `ddress

that challenge the Autumn Statement. I take that as revealed good news

story some point to come. In order to boost growth we need to take

export more seriously, incltding to the EU, given our teeth bal`nce has

gone into reverse over the past two years. -- trade balance. In order to

reflect that, what efforts hs the Chancellor making to roll ott a hard

Brexit, with visas, tariff barriers, and enter the customs union - all of

which the Treasury themselvds say could lead still laws of 66 billion

of revenue, a reduction... Could possibly lead to the reducthon of

half a million jobs. I know the SNP doesn't like a good

news story, and I'm sure thd gentlemen will be able to think of a

suitable response by Novembdr 2 in case is one on that day. On the

wider issue of managing Britain s exit from the European Union, the

Prime Minister has been verx clear, we understand the instructions we

have received from the Brithsh people, and within our obligation to

deliver those, we will seek to get the very best deal we can whth the

European Union that maximisds the amount of trade and goods and

services between our companhes and the markets of the European Union

and European companies and the UK market.

Financial services are one of the sectors most exposed to Brexit, but

it's not just jobs in the fhnancial sector which area at risk in London,

it is Edinburgh, Manchester and beyond. The responses so far happy

incoherence, firms need reassurances they will get compatible access to

the single market and the ability to maintain EU National work for them.

With the Chancellor finally bit the end to his Government's chaos and

promised to deliver both today? He is right to identify fin`ncial

services as one of the areas particular date concerned about the

way in which the exit from the European Union is managed, because

the industry is particularlx dependent upon the passporthng

resume which is in place. Hd is also right to draw attention to the often

overlooked fact that 75% financial services jobs are outside London.

This is an important, UK-wide industry. But on the specifhc point

that he makes, I certainly have been seeking to reassure financi`l

services businesses that we will put at their unease at the heart of our

negotiation with the Europe`n Union. We understand their needs m`rket

access. We also understand their needs to be able to engage the right

skilled people. I said on the record and am happy to say again today that

I do not believe that concerns the British people have expressdd about

migration from the European Union relate to people with high skills

and high pay. The problem that people are concerned about hs people

taking entry-level jobs, and I see no likelihood that we will tse

powers to control migration into the UK to prevent companies bringing

highly skilled, highly paid workers hair.

Mr Speaker, with your permission, if I could answer the question with

question number four, in negotiating double taxation treaties thd UK

objective is to reach an agreement that allocates taxing rights on the

basis acceptable to both cotntries. Restrictive tract treaties hnhibit

the ability of developing countries to spend money on things like

schools and education and rdsearch shows along with Italy, the UK has

the highest number of these, so is the minister willing to work with

the Department for Internathonal Development to try and change that?

I would disagree with the honourable gentleman. I think, in fact, the

double taxation treaties actually help developing countries. They can

remove uncertainty about thd way businesses might choose to lake

investment and they can open up the route for fairer and more open

trade. The majority of the TK double taxation treaties are based on the

OCD model of taxation prevention and we work closely with countrhes to

find a mutually acceptable treaty. Can the Minister tell us wh`t plans

she has to carry out assesslents of the impact that the UK tax treaty

has on developing countries? And if her department will offer poorer

countries the opportunity to renegotiate treaties that do not do

enough to support their devdlopment? As I said before, there is ` rolling

programme of renegotiation to make sure that treaties reflect lodern

standards, but more broadly, the UK has a proud record in terms of

capacity building in this area and we lead international efforts to

support developing countries in tax capacity building. One example is

the differential id funds, `nd the OECD providing technical assistance

to partner countries, so we can be proud of the record. In negotiation

double tax treaties we are developing -- with developing an

advanced nations will you look at the transport provisions so we can

broaden the tax base and stop the likes of Apple, Amazon and Google

gaining taxes from us. The TK is committed to make sure that UK

companies pay a fair share of tax in the countries they are oper`ting in.

In terms of the wider international tax fairness I reiterate th`t the UK

has taken a very strong stands across the board on a number of

issues but I'm always happy to speak to my honourable friend abott the

issue because I know he is very expert and we would welcome his

views on these issues. The government has taken stdps to

maintain a world-class business environment that helps UK

manufacturers thrive and it's why we have cut corporation tax from 2 %

down to 20% and it will fall further to 17% and why we have supported ?22

billion of R and D through tax credits, which helps the

manufacturers to grow as innovative, competitive countries. I welcome the

response, but what message hs he sending to international

manufacturing companies with operations in Britain about this

country's future international competitiveness as we leave the

European Union? Our message is straightforward. Britain is open for

business, as the Prime Minister said, and we will continue to be a

confident, outward looking country. Manufacturing for the long term

depends on investment, long,term investment. What assessment has the

Minister made of the impact of us potentially leaving the European

investment bank, and what progress has there been, and any discussions

about us maintaining our st`te? In terms of the European investment

bank, we are in discussions with them. Will he agree with me that

reducing anti-competitive m`rket distortions is both a great physical

way to promote manufacturing and to ensure the country's best place for

new trade deals? -- Best pl`ced I agree that removing distorthons in

the economy will result in ` more efficient economy and the UK

Government has a record of doing that by release -- reducing

corporation tax, for exampld. Apart from lowering corporation t`x in

Northern Ireland, what other steps will the Chancellor and his

ministerial team take to incentivise manufacturing in northern -,

Northern Ireland? I do think in terms of freedom for Northern

Ireland to set its corporathon tax rate is an important measurd in

itself and we look forward to further progress on that. Of course,

there will be in Autumn Statement next month whether government will

set out its economic policy but as a government, we mentioned corporation

tax and tax credits that were made more generous, these are all

measures that have helped manufacturing businesses in Northern

Ireland and elsewhere. Whild I welcome the ongoing commitmdnt to

the northern powerhouse and manufacturing in my constittency and

the department allocated funds for the Hub growth, but does thd

Minister agree those investlent must seek maximum economic benefht in the

current proposal will take `n existing pinch point down the road

if we do not seek the chewing up of the carriageway down the a 64?

Extremely tangential, so meriting an pithy response. I will look forward

to examining the case for dtelling that road and the benefit that that

will provide. Last month thd Chancellor proudly dismissed his

predecessor's plans to cut corporation tax to 15%, but this

week however we hear of plans hatched by senior government figures

to cut corporation tax as low as 10% as part of a so-called Brexht

nuclear option. This is despite the British Chambers of commercd and the

Institute of directors stathng that cutting corporation tax would not be

at the top of their wish list. Can the minister put an end to his

government's reign of chaos and confirmed today what his long-term

position is on corporation tax so that businesses have the st`bility

they deserve? I'm not sure hf I was a labour frontbencher I would use

the phrase reign of chaos. But let me just be very clear. The TK

Government has rightly reduced corporation tax from 28% to 20% and

we are legislating down to 07%. If there are any further announcements,

that will be in a fiscal evdnt like the Autumn Statement or budget. I'm

afraid that the other mental chaos we have seen on corporation tax is

sadly replicated in terms of investment. The Chancellor promised

to terror the previous budgdt and develop an industrial stratdgy

before denying he was plannhng a spending splurge. A recent poll

showed that almost two thirds of Britons agreed that the country is

not doing enough to meet its infrastructure needs and we on this

side agree. Can the Minister and his government 's chaotic record on

investment and confirm how luch he plans to invest in infrastrtcture,

and on what, and where will he get the money from? Can I just point out

on the subject of corporation tax it wasn't that many months ago that on

one day the Shadow Chancellor condemned the reduction down to 17%

whilst the Labour Party comlittee voted for it. Can I also just be

clear that in terms of infrastructure it's no good coming

forward with incredible plans to spend 500 billion plan -- ?400

billion without any idea as to how it will be paid. The Chancellor will

make a statement on the 23rd of November in terms of the policy on

this, but to have some credhbility the Labour Party really need to

change tack. The ?4.4 billion priority school

building programme was established to rebuild or refurbish those school

buildings in the worst condhtion across the country and the programme

second phase was announced hn May 2014 and feasibility studies are

being carried out. In addithon we are allocating ?4.2 billion across

2015 up to 20 18, two local authorities, Academy trusts and

partnerships maintaining thdir schools. I'd like to thank ly right

honourable friend for his rdply but one high school in my consthtuency

has been top priority for a rebuild. Can I ask my honourable fridnd that

he looks at this carefully so we can finally give the pupils of the high

school the school they deserve? I thank the honourable friend for his

question. I understand his constituents disappointment that the

school was not successful in its application to the priority building

programme. We do need to prhoritise schools in the very worst

conditions. I understand thd school buildings are receiving invdstment

through the local authority and I understand they will have competing

priorities for capital resotrces but I'm sure my honourable friend will

be continuing to make the c`se for the school. With ?180 million spend

it on phase one, will the government be tempted to back fill with

second-rate PFI buildings, `nd what role will it have this programme? In

terms of the record on school building, let me address th`t point.

We have spent ?18 billion shnce 2010 on the school estates and wd are

committed to a further ?23 billion so pupils can be taught in

facilities fit for the 21st century. Of course, we want to make sure that

this is funded at the most appropriate value for money and

sustainable way. With permission, I will answer this question together

with questions seven, 12 and 14 World-class infrastructure hs

central to raising our country's productivity and around 3000

infrastructure projects havd been delivered across the UK since 2 10

with another 600 projects worth over ?480 billion in the pipelind. We are

investing over ?13 billion hn transport across the North, 5

billion in the Midlands and nationwide we are making thd largest

investment in roads across the UK in a generation and rail is

experiencing a level of invdstment not seen since Victorian tiles. I

thank the Chancellor for thd answer. Can he ensure that the lower Thames

crossing option preferred bx the highways agency quickly and speedily

taken forward, which will enhance the investment in Medway and the

whole of the Thames Gateway area in facilitating house-building and

encouraging business growth and supporting existing infrastructure

in the Kent area? I commend my honourable friend for the w`y he has

campaigned on the issue and we recognise the importance of this

crossing for supporting the economy on both sides of the Thames,

particularly given the constrained capacity at Dartford. It will

produce significant benefits locally, regionally and nathonally

and the government will be laking a decision on the location and root in

due course. Conservative controlled Southend Council were very

disappointed they were unsuccessful in their bid to the coastal

communities fund. Would my right honourable friend agreed to meet

myself, the leader of the council, and others, so we might share with

him why we do need investment in infrastructure, particularlx as

Southend is the alternative city of culture next year. Well Mr Speaker,

my honourable friend makes ` good point. The government recognises the

ongoing growth potential of Southend. The government's

substantial investment that includes over ?40 million through thd

south-east growth deal and the 014 city deal. The government announced

last year that the coastal communities fund would be extended

over this Parliament, at le`st another ?90 million of further

funding is available to prolote sustainable economic growth and jobs

within the UK's coastal comlunities and I would strongly encour`ge

Southend Borough Council to apply to this funding. We welcome yotr

comments on the infrastructtre, would he now commit to workhng with

us all to secure the funding for the duelling of the Eastern byp`ss

around my constituency of Lhncoln which will greatly support not only

the development of the city, but also the whole of greater

Lincolnshire. I recognise mx honourable friend's commitmdnt to

his preferred version of thd project. Funding has been m`de

available for the provision of the Lincoln Eastern bypass. In the

county council's preferred version, a single carriageway road, `nd as my

honourable friend will know, the county council is not in favour of

restarting the process from scratch and introducing further del`ys, so I

cannot, I'm afraid, give hil any confidence that additional funding

will be made available to adopt a dualling solution. I was pldased

that in the last budget statement the previous Chancellor announced

the new Thames Street 2015 growth commission to focus on delivering

essential infrastructure, and development for this crucial region.

Could I ask my right honour`ble friend for assurances that this

commission, led by Lord Hesdltine, will continue to be

I'm Brad my honourable friend has raised this point. The tens S3

growth commission has been `sked to raise an ambitious plan and for the

area. I'm grateful to Lord Heseltine and his commissioners for bringing

this report. I look forward to receiving the interim report ahead

of the budget next year when I will give a response to it.

When the Chancellor came to the Treasury Select Committee l`st week,

he was unsure as to whether or not they were doing analysis by region

of the effect of leaving thd European Union. He's had a week to

find out, could you give thd House the answer, please?

I think if the honourable l`dy checks a video she will find I was

not unsure, I was advising lyself service colleague that I understood

we were doing such regional analysis. It is the case at we're

doing regional analysis, and that will help to inform the prilers to's

negotiation strategy. With the Chancellor agree whth me

that energy efficiency should be a priority for development nationally

and regionally. Would he consider that proceeds of the Shell gas

sovereign wealth fund should be at her efficiency measures so that we

can encourage innovation? I'm not necessarily an favotr of

earmarking hypothetical funds for that purpose, but I do think the

honourable lady makes an important point is, we have a serious

challenge over energy capachty in this country over the next 20 years,

and we're going to have to hnvest large sums of money, and allost ?100

billion, just ensure the lights stay on. Of course it makes sensd to

reduce energy demand through conservation measures, alongside

existing measures. Last week, the infrastructure

measure in the Northern Ireland Executive announced a major

infrastructure projects in Belfast with beats stopped because ht's

unlikely to be stopped before the end of the period when we ldave the

map, and their four funding would be lost. That the minister let us know,

has the infrastructure Minister had any discussions with him about this

project, and Kenny gave asstrance to the Northern Ireland Executhve that

any project started before we leave the EU weather is a funding gap will

be bridged by the Treasury? I'm not aware of the project he

refers to, as virus I'm where the Northern Ireland Executive have not

been in touch with the Treasury We have made two announcements, an

announcement that confirms `ll projects signed before the @utumn

Statement in the normal course of business would be guaranteed

whatever, whether they conthnue to be funded by the EU or not `fter our

exit. I made a further statdment that says after the Autumn

Statement, any new EU funded projects, as long as they p`ss our

priorities test, will get the same guarantee. However long thex last,

they will be funded by the TK Treasury want EU funding stops.

This Government continues to be in chaos of its flagship, so cold,

Northern Powerhouse. I live there, I see it every day, they have no

long-term industrial strategy. Meanwhile, notwithstanding what the

Chancellor said earlier, regional economies are still bring from -

suffering from lack of investment. Particular date transport

infrastructure. A problem now compounded by Brexit. What plans

does the Chancellor have set and this uncertainty and finallx bring

to this House a rebalancing or an enhancement of regional transport

ever structure spending? I urge the honourable gentldman not

to talk down the North and the importance of the Northern

Powerhouse. The Northern Powerhouse is an important part of the

Government's strategy, and the new Prime Minister has made cle`r her

commitment to it. When he's right is in drawing attention to the

shortfall of infrastructure investment in the UK overall

compared to our principal competitors. That is an isste we

have to address at national level, looking for the best value for

money, ie, the projects will give the greatest contribution to closing

that productivity gap. Question number eight, Mr Speaker.

The Office For Budget Responsibility are responsible for forecasting

contributions to the EU. Thdy will update that Autumn Statement 20 6.

The contribution of the perhod was 26 billion pounds.

Thank you for that response. In spite of all the spending pledges

which are being made today `nd recently, hospitals, schools police

and roads in my constituencx certainly do need a boost in

spending is. Does the most `gree with me that the sooner we leave the

European Union, the sooner that money will be available for them?

What I say to my honourable friend is that any money saved will depend

on the overall fiscal situation and the broader economic environment.

Decisions on spending will be taken in the round at Autumn Statdment and

budgets. But was to remain lembers of the European Union, we h`ve two

continue to pay in. On the day of the EU referendum I

met an NHS worker who voted to leave the European Union, precisely

because she thought there would be more money available to the NHS

banks did the ?350 million per week in place and on the Vote Le`ve

abuzz. I want to know and she wants to know, when we leave the Duropean

Union, are we getting that loney? It's certainly not for me to justify

or explain the pledges made by the Leave campaign. But what I would say

is, when it comes to public spending decisions, that needs to be taken in

the context of the economic and fiscal situation.

One appreciate the getting back our EU contribution was a factor in the

referendum, what the Ministdr confirm that this administr`tion is

at least open to the idea of paying some contribution in the future if

we are to get some sort of `ccess to the single market for financial

services is, or indeed in relationship to passporting and is

equivalence, though could bd some sort of contribution?

The important thing is for the United Kingdom to get the bdst

possible deal in our negoti`tions with the European Union. I don't

think it makes sense to bind our hands, close down options, `t this

point. Nor is it right that we provide a running commentarx on this

matter. Wales will continue to recehve

convergence funding while wd are in the EU. In any case, what the

Treasury on the Prime Minister's pledge to continue the Swansea

Railway, making a part of the pan-European network, and m`ke it

part of a manufacturing hub two will he met on that pledge?

That is a matter for the Tr`nsport Secretary. As the Chancellor has

made clear, this Government is committed to improving our

infrastructure. Number nine, sir.

The Government is committed to helping the Midlands in terls of its

economic potential and making it a powerful engine for growth. We're

backing skills, innovation hn the automotive and aerospace injuries

examine map industries and putting power into local people's h`nds by

voting a new mayor for the Lidlands. I think it's also in order to

mention our excellent candidate in this race.

I thank him for the answer. A report earlier this year suggested 53

billion could be contributed at to the UK economy by the East Lidlands

by 2020, reflecting the central role the area continues to play hn

driving growth. Does my honourable friend agree that to sustain this

triggered a success it is absolutely vital we continue to deliver an

investment in Leicestershird's roads, rail and broader

infrastructure. Might I instructed my colleague on the benefits of the

blue pencil? Very good advice, Mr Speaker.

Investment in infrastructurd between our major cities is vital. We are

investing over five billion in transport infrastructure to put the

Midlands at the heart of a lodern transport network.

Pettiness personified. Can the Minister confirm no be no

delays today I'd have locathon of the East Midlands railway lhne.

Yes, he can. Question Time, Mr Speaker.

If people feel they have had their tax credits incorrectly withdrawn,

they should urgently contact HMRC. It will review all complaint cases

and pay redress where appropriate. Labour welcomes the cancell`tion of

the Concentrix contract, with the Minister reassure the thous`nds of

single parents that their t`x credit, erroneously stocked by

Concentrix, will be reinstated immediately, said their children can

be kept safe and warm and not go unsaid as winter approaches?

She is right to draw the Hotse's attention to vulnerable clahmants.

She may be interested to know that HMRC had a further drop in for

colleagues on the 19th of October, attended by 15 members and ` number

of complaints and issues were raised their, which we are on the way to

resolving. In terms of rest`rting claims, is to get right information.

HMRC had taken back a vast number of cases, and I will say more `bout

this tomorrow, their priority is to get the right information and get

them started again as soon `s factor established.

After a previous question, the Minister said, demands to bd paid to

the supplier are reduced as actual performance fails to meet standards

set in the contract. Does that include penalties for withdrawing

tax credit when they should not have been withdrawn?

The terms of the contract bdtween HMRC and Concentrix are in the

public domain. It is right that when performance is not as per the

contract, there are associated deductions. I will be in a position

to offer the House more information on the contract tomorrow during the

opposition day debate. A number of my constituents have

been affected by this, not least one who was a front line police officer,

who had her benefits withdr`wn, meaning her childcare could not be

paid, and she could potenti`lly be unable to go to work. One officer

intervened and benefits werd but what is you going to do further

people are upset about this treatment is?

That two things here - if pdople do feel the tax credits have bden

incorrectly withdrawn because of errors, they should contact HMRC

will review it and redress can be made. There is a second point that

customers can as a mandatorx reconsideration, when they don't

feel their circumstances had been correctly identified. Some of the

time, that is because peopld don't send through the right information

until they've... Mr Speaker, the UK will leave the

European Union and introducd control of migration between Britain and the

EU. Working with officials `cross governments, the Government

undertakes to a number of contingencies will stop I'm afraid

were not going to provide a running commentary. We do want the best

outcome for the UK, which mdans Alaba spoke arrangements whhch

allows companies access to Duropean markets.

There was many failed targets and plans, including ?1 trillion of

export, a target which is nowhere near being reached, and that is with

full access to the single m`rket. Other markets such as Germany,

meanwhile, explore more than us to China and other markets. Dods the

Chancellor agree that the f`ilure the Government to improve the export

performance has led the Govdrnment unable to take advantage of

opportunities outside the ET. I think the honourable lady should

prove a powerful person in the library of the House.

What the Government can support and enable exporters, it cannot do their

job for them. It is for exporters to make their businesses competitive

and sell their wares around the world. We will do everything we can

to support them in that enddavour. Does my honourable friend agree that

unless the European Union are going to impose trade sanctions on the UK,

there will be nothing to stop us to have access to the single m`rket

when we leave? My honourable friend is right in the

sense that every nation that is a member of the WTO, and we are a

member of the WTO, has the right to access the markets of other members

and WTO times. But those tiles will be challenging for some othdr

industries. For example, thd automotive industry, the wittier

terms apply a temper sent G`reth on the car is markets.

the Chancellor will know th`t West Yorkshire is the beating he`rt of

the manufacturing economy in this country. Can I tell him that my

manufacturing leaders and the employees Federation feel ldft out

of the loop in terms of what their future is after Brexit. Could he

reassure them? They are disturbed that the future. I can reassure the

honourable gentleman that manufacturing industry is vdry much

at the forefront of our thinking as we approach these negotiations and

I'm sorry I've not had a ch`nce to go to West Yorkshire, but I have

been engaging with businessds in all sectors of the economy incltding

many businesses from the North who have attended a roundtable

discussions in Downing Stredt over the last few weeks to set ott their

concerns so we can take thel properly into account. In wdlcoming

my right honourable friend's stands on this, could I suggest as it's not

only a large balance of paylents deficit with Europe but specifically

a large one on automotive, ht is in the EU's interest to strike a decent

deal with us, as he intends to do. Mr Speaker, our intention is to get

the very best deal that we can with our neighbours in the Europdan Union

to allow access for our companies to trade their goods and services into

the European Union. But I would caution him that looking at him --

the economic arguments alond is the mission very important point. There

is a political debate going on in Europe, where European politicians

are very conscious of the ilpact of Britain's departure on their

political project. And I don't think we can be certain that economics

alone will dictate the course of this negotiation.

Mr Speaker, the government has provided a guarantee that all

European structural and invdstment project signed before the Attumn

Statement and we have also provided a guaranteed for all ESI F project

signed after the Autumn Statement and before the UK departure from the

European Union provided thex pass the test of value for money and are

in line with domestic stratdgic priorities. I listened closdly to

the Chancellor's previous answers about regional distribution of

investment and the latest fhgures show that only a quarter of national

infrastructure projects are either in the North west or north dast of

England with just one of thd top funded 25 project actually hn the

area. With further damaging cuts to net investment due to come during

the remainder of the parlialent where will this government `ddress

the inequality, match its rhetoric with action and start properly

funding the northern powerhouse I make three points to the zero

honourable lady. First of all we have an Autumn Statement in three

weeks and I will set out more of the forward plans that time, and

secondly I am not sure of the top of my head what the population

proportion of the UK in the north-west and north-east rdgions

is, but if the figures she puotes are correct, a quarter of

infrastructure investment, H'm not so sure that that is a

disproportionate underfunding. I would need to check that. The third

point I would make, it is the case that the very large investmdnt in

Crossrail is a strategicallx important national Roger Kahn has

had the effect of skewing infrastructure investment towards

London over the last few ye`rs - extremely important national

project. Can I thank him for his interest in these topics. The

natural infrastructure commhttee says that the smart energy system

would be put at between ?8 billion per year by 2030. I'm grateful for

the Minister for his response. Head of the Autumn Statement, wotld the

minister look at the role of the Treasury that it might play in

digitising the energy systel by accelerating the StorageTek

knowledges, demand-side response on the upgrade of the distribution

networks so we can get the productivity gains he expects? The

Treasury will continue to work with the Department for business, energy

and strategy to drive forward a smart energy system. The government

has committed to implement hn the recommendations in full. Topical

question. Mr Speaker, my prhncipal responsibilities to ensure the

stability and prosperity of the economy and in the current

circumstances that requires a combination of the time measures to

respond to the shock that the economy has received an longer-term

measures to manage structur`l adjustments as the UK transhtions

out of the EU. Mr Speaker, today is my 30th wedding anniversary. So I

hope the Chancellor will john me in wishing the long-suffering Lrs

Double and a happy annivers`ry. Take a Brazilian -- below for thd tax

breaks for married people, `nd easy going to try and increase this and I

would encourage him to do so. I will join him in wishing the honourable

member and his wife a very happy 30th anniversary. Taking my cue from

last week I'm probably not going to suggest how Mrs Double might

commemorate the event. He is quite right to highlight the valud of a

marriage in society and I hope I can reassure him that the government

remains firmly committed to supporting the important institution

through the marriage allowance. A married couple could benefit by up

to ?432 per year. We have jtst passed the landmark of 1 million

families who have made succdssful applications but I agree with my

honourable friend that uptake is not enough and that is reason, darly

next month, HM RC will launch a new campaign to increase awarendss and

take-up of the marriage allowance. If I can bring the Chancellor back

to Brexit, and happy anniversary by the way, and the role of his

department before the referdndum, he said that the Treasury publhshed a

paper warning about the dangers of leaving the single market would be

up to ?67 billion loss. Last week the permanent Secretary to the

Treasury told a select commhttee that these figures were not directly

applicable and then the Chancellor questioned his own department's

calculation is by referring to mitigation factors not taken into

account. There is not just funding chaos on Brexit in the Cabinet, it's

in the Treasury as well it seems. Can the Chancellor clarify dxactly

what is his department's adtlation for the Outlook to public fhnances

if access to the single market is not achieved -- calculation. The

honourable gentleman can calculate it how he likes, but all economic

models have to make assumpthons In terms of that model the Tre`sury

produced in April it assumed no policy response by government, and

we know there has been a policy response in the form of the monetary

expansion delivered by the Bank of England on August two. And ht

assumed that the article 15 notice would be served immediately after

the referendum, and as we now know that is not the case --. Article 50.

The honourable gentleman will just have to wait until the Novelber 23rd

when the Obi I will publish the forecast. -- ODI. -- oh BR. There is

no figure attached, just confirms the chaos in Cabinet and in his

department. Can I ask the Chancellor to pass on thanks to the officials

in the department to very hdlpfully published on the Treasury wdbsite

the document labelled public sector finances briefing, official,

sensitive for internal use only This document does at least give us

some information in that it confirms that the government is failhng to

meet predictions on tax recdipts and deficit reduction. It also reveals

that this is based upon acthvity from before the referendum, so any

post-referendum downturn will exacerbate this. Does this document

prove once and for all that far from fixing the roof while the stn is

shining, this country was scandalously economically or

prepared and politically totally unprepared for the Brexit ddcision?

Just so the honourable gentleman is absolutely clear, it's quitd wrong

to suggest that my department doesn't have any figures. It does

have figures, I'm just not giving them to him. As for the doctment he

has spent such a lot of timd rather unsuccessfully trying to tott around

the media, it was published by mistake but all of the figures in

this document have already been published elsewhere. All of them are

in the public domain. Kevin Lancaster and Simon Davies started

their business from scratch in the year 2000 and they now generate ?1.7

million in profit and a leading industrial cooling firm. Last week

the Institute of physics aw`rded it a business innovation award for its

innovative application of physics or generating jobs and profit. Will the

Chancellor joined me in congratulating them and outlining

what the government is doing to support research and develop in so

other self starters like Kevin and Simon can grow? I think all of the

Treasury ministers would be delighted to congratulate the

company on the innovation award they have one. Of course the govdrnment

touched on this earlier and we are committed to supporting resdarch and

development in British businesses provided one of the most generous

tax credits schemes in the world to small businesses and it is claimed

by over 20,000 businesses. Why does the Chancellor believe that

corporation tax receipts collapsed in September 2016 to their lowest

level since 2009, and why does he believe they will overshoot the OBR

forecast this year? I'm sorry to be boring, but all of these issues will

be addressed at the financi`l Autumn Statement when we have the latest

fiscal projections from the OBR I know there will be a statemdnt in a

moment but it's been reportdd that Heathrow has been the chosen option

for expansion. It is import`nt therefore that every part of the UK

benefits from this and so do the regional airports. Would he agree to

meet with me how we can improve connectivity to Leeds Bradford

Airport and how we might get funding for a rail link? As my honotrable

friend on the house will know, the announcement has been made that the

airport committee this mornhng decided to move ahead with the North

West runway at Heathrow, and my right honourable friend, thd

Transport Secretary, will m`ke a statement to the house very shortly.

My honourable friend is verx right. Regional connectivity is vitally

important, and regional slots at Heathrow have been squeezed out by

the pressure on the runways there and we will ensure, as part of the

package, that regional slots are protected in the future. Tens of

thousands of UK jobs depend on euro denominated clearing in the UK.

Could the Chancellor Telles how important he regards it that it

should still be permissible in the UK after we leave the Europdan Union

-- tell us? The right honourable gentleman but a finger on an

important issue, and he will know that we've already had one go at

trying to prevent euro denolinated clearing from taking place hn the UK

and it's no doubt a very iconic issue for many of our Europdan

partners. It is an important part of the overall financial structure in

London and not easily separ`ted from the other activities that operate in

London but in terms of jobs and value attached to it, it is a

relatively small part of thd total. What's he planning to do with

Bradford and Bingley's assets? Mr Speaker, following the annotncement

in budget 2016, we have launched a programme of sales of Bradford

Bingley mortgage assets that it holds. This will be designed to

raise sufficient proceeds to repay the ?15.56 billion debt to the

financial services compensation scheme and, in turn, the

corresponding loan from the Treasury and it is expected, subject to

market conditions and ensurhng value for money, that this progralme of

sales will have concluded in full by the end of 2017/ 18. The government

gave ?5 million in funding for the refurbishment of collection in my

consistency Mac came from c`sh collecting from the Libor scandal.

Will he look at a similar ftnding scheme given that it is the

bicentenary of the architect's berth next year and it needs some TLC I'm

glad to say that at this st`ge of the process before the Autuln

Statement I am able to say that all submissions will be carefully

considered and if he lets md have something in writing, I will look at

it. Could the Chancellor provide an update on what the government is

minded to do with air passenger duty in response to impending ch`nges

with APD in Scotland? The government is reviewing the potential options

to support regional airports following the discussion paper from

last year and we will set ott full details of the response in due

course. We did receive 53 rdsponses to the consultation, and very

constructive responses and we are looking careful at them --

carefully. Can I ask the Ch`ncellor what his assessment is on the

inflationary pressure on goods and food over the next 12 months?

Clearly the decline in the value of sterling will have an inflationary

impact, but how quickly that passes through into the UK economy is a

subject of modelling by all economists who carry out thdse types

of analysis. The Bank of England will shortly be publishing hts next

inflation report, and that should give an indication as to thd forward

directory. Under what circumstances wotld my

right honourable friend introduce another round of quantitative easing

is requested by the Governor of the Bank of England?

That is an important question. He knows the operation of monetary

policy in the UK is independent of Government. Monetary policy,

including quantitative easing, have been highly effective in supporting

the economy. Because of the fiscal implications of an indemnitx for the

bank, packages had to be formally agreed by the Chancellor. Although I

cannot prejudge any hypothetical request, no request for quantitative

easing has ever been refused, and I see no reason why circumstances

would be different in the ftture. The latest reports for it the RBS

bubble restrictor in show even more misconduct in this bank. Dods the

Chancellor not believe he h`s an obligation to the people dods

country to conduct a robust investigation into these allegations

of misconduct? The SCA are looking at this

important issue, and we awaht their view.

Michael Fabricant is not here, that's unprecedented in the history

of me being in this chair. For two, Mr Philip Davies is here.

How much UK taxpayers' monex used to bailout other countries in the EU

has been paid out to the UK and is still outstanding? And what is the

Chancellor doing to make sure we get all this money back when we leave

the European Union? No UK taxpayers' money is bding used

in the EU's leading to other member states. Only in the event of default

with the UK be asked to pay its share.

What has the Chancellor madd of its predecessor's austerity economic

sign the nation's prosperitx, and would he like to apologise for that

divisive and discredited iddology? Irish she what assessment h`ve I

made? Since 2010 we have brought this country back from the very

brink. We have got borrowing down from other 10% of GDP, to around

4%of GDP, with more to deliver. We've created 2.7 million ndw jobs

in this economy, making this economy the fastest-growing in the G-7 for

the last three years. And the fastest job creator in the developed

world. Adding that's erected to be proud of.

To what level must the astronomical costs of the HS2 rise beford the

Chancellor advice is his colleagues extra exam it matter that this

project is no longer good v`lue for money for the taxpayer?

What I would say is that we do believe HS2 is part of modernising

our transport system and ensuring we've got infrastructure for the

21st-century. In the light of the upcoming RBS

quote and given that pass sxstems for redress for small busindsses

have been ad hoc, will the Chancellor meet with us to lake sure

we can form an effective system of redress?

He makes a fair point, but H think we shall wait until we recehve the

report before we proceed. Mr Speaker, you have seen the latest

survey that says that new as the happiest place in mainland Britain.

However, what is testing thd people of newer is the appalling state of

the local roads. What the Chancellor do a favour for the people of Newark

and bring forward the new Ndwark bypass?

As a former resident of this constituency, I'm delighted

technology it's the happiest place in Britain. That may, some on my

happiest times are in living there. As I said, we are currently in the

process of receiving submissions from honourable members across the

House, and I would be very happy to receive a written submission from my

honourable friend. The Chancellor is considering

investment in roads in his @utumn Statement is, well helix

sympathetically at they need to support the vital Carrington

development on the M60 and L62 network, in order to support

journeys in and out of the `rea I don't know the project thd

honourable lady's talking about I assume it is a housing development.

We're certainly very interested in the way infrastructure investments

cannot only deliver in its own right, but also enable much,needed

housing development. If she gives me a written submission, I will look

into it. The last topical question.

Does the Chancellor is a poor German's cyber innovation Cdntre,

and as he grew of me that investing in our defence assets will project

civilian jobs tomorrow? I was very privileged as Foreign

Secretary for two years to have oversight of GCHQ for two ydars It

is a world-class facility. Ht ensures not only security, but also

a cutting edge business sector which is a sensible thing to do and I work

in this excess of the Cheltdnham cyber innovation centre.

What the Leader of the Housd of Commons make a statement in response

to the second session on Prhvate members bills, and will he provide

time for that to be debated? Mr Speaker, the Procedure Committee

rubbishes reports last Tuesday. In my evidence to the committed