Business, Innovation and Skills Questions House of Commons

Order, order. The questions to the Secretary of State for business,

innovation and skills. Wade McNamara one, Mr Speaker. We want to make the

UK the best place in Europe to innovate, patenting ideas and grow

business. That is why creating a support of business for example the

tax credits and to innovate UK. Thank you Mr Speaker. I am grateful

to the Secretary of State. The UK's position as the world leader in

offshore renewables is underpinned by industry and academics from

across the European Union working together on innovation projects. And

by funding from the European investment bank other European or

collaborative research and development funds. Cantlie Secretary

of State give me an assurance that this number one position will not be

put at risk by Brexit? Mr Speaker the UK is the world's largest

offshore wind market today and it will still be the largest by the end

of the decade with ten gigawatts expected to be installed. Despite

the decision to leave the European Union I am confident we can still

cooperate on science and research, as many countries actually do from

outside the European Union with the European Union counterparts and I

believe that will make sure the sector remains very strong. Mr

Speaker innovation and research are adequately linked. Yesterday I asked

the Prime Minister about the impact on research institutions over the

decision to leave the EU and he assured us that existing contract be

honoured, that researchers were applying for funding on a daily

basis. What support can be put in place to deal with the uncertainty

that a data and next week? First of all I will tell the honourable

gentleman that there is no change immediately as he knows for at least

two years, the current structure stay in place. Of course companies

are concerned with what replaces that, that is what we are working on

now with many receptors and businesses and others and my

honourable friend the science minister is taking this very

seriously and has already been speaking to a number of

stakeholders. A vital component of innovation in business is so

profound -- superfast broadband connections. With the Secretary of

State consider extending the excellent satellite voucher scheme

to allow the pooling of voters to allow community schemes such as

fixed point wireless? I will certainly discuss that with my

colleague the Culture Secretary and I was pleased that when I was the

Culture Secretary by previous role to have introduced that scheme, it

has been making progress. My honourable friend will possibly like

to know that the new National innovation and be published shortly,

infrastructure will be key. You will know well because you bear with me

that I met the textile industry in my constituency and the university

in my constituency last night. They are appalled by the decision to

leave the European Union. Surely we should have more than the rather

Cambodge this morning, there should be an emergency package to deal with

the real concerns of the great exporters and innovators in this

country. Mr Speaker of course there will be a number of companies

whether in textiles are other sectors that will have concerns,

particularly about the short-term. That is why myself and my colleagues

are already in touch with the number of businesses around the country.

Today for example this afternoon I will be holding a roundtable with

businesses that represent every sector of the economy and we will

follow up on just those issues. The innovation that British industry

needs is a range of innovative trade deals with the world super economies

outside the EU. We need to do this now, not white for our exit and then

start. What steps is my right honourable friend taking to

supercharge the trade unit within his department to get crack trade

officials working on these agreements straightaway? My

honourable friend is absolutely right, but the highlights is that

with this decision of course there are short-term challenges but there

are also medium term and long term opportunities, and trade is one of

those. It is something the department had already thought about

an easy decision was Brexit. Now we will put to use this work

absolutely. Scotland, who voted to remain within the EU has secured

around ?120 million from Horizon 2020, the biggest EU research and

innovation programme. Participation in EU be and innovation programmes

have enhanced our scientific and business reputation so what is the

Minister and his department going to do to ensure similar funding and

support and options are available post-Brexit? The honourable lady may

be interested to know that there are actually a number of countries that

are part of these collaboration programmes and research programmes

that are not part of the EU. Israel for example. So it is everything

possible to continue if we choose to do so, working with our EU partners

on science and research. Question two. Mr Speaker, I am incrementing a

package of measures to support a cultural change to tackle late

payment including the small-business quaestor, the jetty for large

businesses to report on payment packages and support for the

voluntary nonpayment code. I thank the Minister for its answer and

welcome his work in this area. Not just late payment but also when the

term payment. An example, an SME in my constituency is negotiating with

a multinational company. It is an excellent opportunity but the

proposed payment schedule is where terms and conditions with mean a 98

date wait for payment of ?3 million which presents as something of a

disincentive, indeed, a brisk. I recognise that the market is opening

up to SMEs but we need to work to inspire a more level playing field

across more as -- across all aspects of business practices if SMB 's are

truly to compete. I agree with my honourable friend. These reporting

requirements I mentioned would give small businesses the information

they need to make better decisions, negotiate better terms and encourage

other companies to improve payment practice. This is something we take

seriously and we are determined to change this. A lot like one of the

worst performers from late payment of small to medium-size businesses

are the public sector themselves. So what is the Secretary of State doing

to ensure that the government departments, agencies and local

government paid promptly those small businesses that they use? The

honourable gentleman will be pleased to know that this was the case in

2010. It was appalling payments led the public sector. There has been

significant improvements throughout central government and beyond. From

my own department we take great pride in paying almost all invoices

within seven days. Thank you Mr Speaker. We welcome the move to set

up a small business commission to help with late payment as the

Secretary of State knows, but the proposals follow small-business

commissioner are modest. In the Secretary of State assure those many

small businesses out there who are going to be dramatically impacted by

any downturn resulting from Brexit that he will put in -- eagle putt in

additional support for them to the supply chain to deal with the

consequences of their customers delaying payment to deal with the

problems of Brexit? What I can assure the honourable devilment is

that the proposals are not modest, the small-business commissioner will

have some significant powers as the ability to help. We can help with

general advice with the director of services for the particular -- for

the smallest of businesses and we will be able to consider complaints

and be able to take several complaints from trade bodies.

I continue to promote the engine which could add an extra ?34 billion

to get carried by 2030 and create 300,000 new jobs by I am pleased

that John Dees has been appointed. Whether it is designers,

manufacturers or engineers, there is a huge range of talented people

working in the Midlands. What can be said to ensure that the video games

company will prosper? I thank the honourable gentleman and I

acknowledge that the computer game generation businesses prospering. We

have a package for research and an award for Midlands connect, and I'm

determined to do more. The result of classic's referendum showed he did

this content in many of our market towns and postal areas where people

feel left out and left behind because they have not seen the

benefits of economic growth. What steps will be Secretary of State

state to ensure that the devolution agenda increases jobs, skills and

infrastructure investment in some of these peripheral economies are not

just our great metropolitan cities? Well, you honourable lady will know

that since 2010, we have seen considerable growth in every single

region of the day. Of course, that includes the Midlands and, because

our focus on the Midlands engine, of course we want is even more. She is

right highlighting borders of devolution. After the ride. For

example, the devolution of skills will make a big difference. Thank

you. One of the best ways of bringing new industries and new jobs

to replace the ones we have lost in the West Midlands of the past few

decades are due back exciting plans for an Institute of Technology,

building on the brilliant work that is going on already, which we are

inviting the minister earlier this year to see and he seemed to be very

impressed with. Will he meet a delegation to discuss the spine then

I am a big fan of Dudley and I would love to visit again. Before the

events of last week, I decided to hear that John bees was appointed

head of the Midlands project. He is a fan of experience and one of the

German dotball gully. Well my honourable friend ensure me that it

is people like Sir John who will now be in a working in the Department

because of the summer to ensure that Midlands economy is prepared for

Brexit over the next few days? My honourable friend is absolutely

right and he makes a very powerful point. The Midlands is doing well,

it can do better. They can invest in the absolutely key. I plan to lead

the third Midlands chain emission of what America in this case and demo

and I would be honoured companies from his constituency could join me.

Thank you. As the honourable gentleman knows, the insolvency

service is an investigation BHS continues. I was looking to ensure

that Britain is an open place to do business but the regulation is in

place to protect workers and prevent abuse. As such, we have launched a

consultation on the review on the solvency framework. Not one that

gets off the tongue but importantly it there are any emerging findings

arising out of British home stores in all that, I can assure him they

will be fully taken into account. To the minister's response of money

alas, I am sure members are around the country scene with dismay that

the pensions in the Black Country and reached a deficit of ?9 million.

Can the Minister and assure that this house, myself and my

constituents who work in BHS in Clydebank, they are doing everything

in their power and reflecting in last week's that and even the BHS

scandal to ensure their pension funds. The honourable gentleman make

a very good point. Yesterday was a dreadful day. On the market. Of

course, we saw that two of our bands to stop trading. Today, according to

the result is a better day. -- banks. I think that is important. As

the Prime Minister said yesterday, nothing has changed at the moment,

as we know. It is really important that we talked up our great country

and our great economy. We instil confidence and stability on all

sides. Thank you. The issue of pensions is of course very important

in the context of BHS, but also in the context of Tata Steelworks. The

conservation finished on the 23rd of June. Could we have an update on

where reality pension scheme and reflect the fact that the trade

unions and many others have said that putting the pension scheme into

the PPF would be a complete disaster. Can I say that the

consultation has of course finished. I think the word is concerned on

this side of the house that the other side and not been supportive

any future plans for Tata steel as we had hoped. As he knows, our doors

are always open to him by the great work that he has done to make sure

we have a sustainable steel industry in South Wales. Thank you. The

workers at the BHF in my living thing constituency will be watching

in horror as events unfold. What assurance can she get to the staff

of BHS to support them at this difficult time? And, like the

feelings I had, like others, the NHS were not willing to engage with the

Adele Commoner. What can she say to ensure that BHS will engage your

local consumers? Well, that is not satisfactory. What we have done is

ensured we are working hand in court with the Department for Work and

Pensions to make sure that people are getting the support they need.

And the opportunities they need to get jobs. So, I'm glad I'm pleased

that that work continues. In fact Governor does continue.

Notwithstanding Lassie's about. Number five. -- notwithstanding

Lassie's vote. Sorry, that is one of mine. And I almost all the

honourable lady the honourable gentleman. Online retailers have

been met to help coordinate all enforcement action against sellers.

The dedicated crime unit investigated cell organic goods and

an eight double 2014, the Government introduced a criminal sanction, and

rightly so, to look at intentional products against registered design.

Research undertaken by safety first has found that 64% of counterfeit

products are now purchased online with sales via social media

increasing by 15% every year. As the Government counted the impact of

this trend in the consumers and industry itself? Can I just say, for

the record, as like to thank the honourable lady forgive me notice of

a supplementary because I can now give her a proper and good answer.

Otherwise, she would have got, I would happily meet. I will happily

meet but I want to say that we are working together with law

enforcement to prevent cells of counterfeit goods. We have something

Project Jasper. That will target cells of counterfeit goods on

Facebook in particular and succeed in removing thousands of listings

and users profiles. -- user's profiles. My constituency is home to

the Fire and Rescue Service. 214 house fires were caused by faulty

items in the past five years alone. Of course, trading standards is

enforced as a local level but online sales may be harder to tackle. What

is the Government's strategy to curbing the online raise of

electrical goods. I have and to that question but the honourable lady

makes an important point about some of the real dangers from faulty

goods, especially sold online. I was delighted that Lynn Faulds Wood 's,

who will be known from previous campaigns, has campaigned to keep

homes safe. She has had an excellent work and her work continues in the

way that we are looking at policies to see how we can making better and

safer. Question six, Mr Speaker. I am surprised you shortened my name

today. The programme grew in 2014. Our results show positive

progression rates with a lot of trains moving onto apprenticeships,

work and a further 17% going on to further learning. I'm sorry to

disappoint. As the world should now that his full name is Mr Nicholas

Edward college bowls. -- coal -- Colridge Bowles well played. I am

sure that there are still at perception that training and

apprentice places are seen as a midpoint. This week, I will be

running a summer school in my constituency to help young people

realise the vantage of eligible and mechanical engineering

apprenticeships and joining. I wonder if the minister will meet

with me and members of the college in the constituents to see how we

can raise a profile that is very important traits. Thank you. I would

like to congratulate the honourable gentleman on his initiative, which

is fantastic and particularly powerful given his own history as an

apprentice. He can really preach the reality of it. I have to confess to

him that I have never been to old, so I would love to come for the

first time to join him. -- Oldham. Jade green. Traineeships are to be a

route to great quality apprenticeships but we know that is

a substantial gender pay gap for apprentices per hour. Can you

minister suggested changes can be developed to encourage girls and

young women into career routes that a good salaries with good prospects?

I think it is a very important challenge that she identifies and

one that has been longing easy existence but nevertheless we have a

long way to go. -- existence the key thing is to to try and persuade

young women of the kinds of jobs that are open to them that would

actually pay them much better rates. That is easily spam related careers,

engineering related jobs and traineeships are often a good way

for people to get a taste of a profession but equally, we need to

attack the problem much earlier. At primary school, and check the

attitudes of young girls and make sure that they know that like the

Shadow you minister on the front bench, a career in technology is

open to them. Thank you. The chief executive of CI PDE has said if the

Government is serious of increasing the quality of apprenticeships and

skills, as well as the quantity, it has to completely overhaul the

apprenticeship V. Is he right? V is right to the extent that they want

to massively improve the quality of as the quality. That attack as well

as the quantity. If you're going to do both, you need more money to

spend. That is why the levy is critical. It will enable us to take

apprenticeship spending from the Government from 1.5 point pound per

year at the moment to 2.5 billion pounds per year by the end of

parliament. That is essential if we get the quality up as well the

numbers. The Minister has tried to construct a reassuring some

traineeships but the fact that had been dragged out of Government tell

a different story. Freedom of information figures published say

that just under 20% of 19-24 -year-old went onto apprenticeships

and just one in five. Why has the Government waited three years

failing properly to promote, explain our target them? Ten days ago, the

Minister warned about Brexit insurgencies threatening

apprenticeship growth and the levy. Well he now spell out new

initiatives to tackle that increase in traineeships as needed? Including

support to colleges and providers who are desperate to press ahead

with them or else risk failing that young generation. Can I start by

congratulating the honourable gentleman on being one of the few

people to resist the dictation to resign in your last 48 hours. He and

the Shadow Home Secretary Lord down in the history books as brave

champions of modern opposition. On the point that he makes, and lighted

that he is an avid reader of FE week. It is an interesting

obligation. You know traineeships are not just about apprenticeship

programmes. The whole point of traineeships is to take people into

either apprenticeships or jobs, or further training, whatever is best

for them. He would seek to narrow that programme whose great strength

as its versatility. Number eight. Mr Speaker, we are... And I think as

often been discussed, introducing an apprenticeship levy which will have

two main outcomes. The first is that we are going to be genetically

increasing spending on apprenticeships. It will also

require larger employers to either invest in apprenticeships or see

their money used by someone else. The honourable gentleman is seeking

to group this question with number 12. Gripping and read. Very good.

Thank you. I am grateful to my honourable friend for his answer.

They, like I, will be very relatives and lawyers have said they are not

happy with the apprenticeship levy and as the Government to rethink.

That's my honourable friend agree with me that the levy is the best

way to ensure that businesses invest in the employee skills and the

Government to apprenticeships funding on a sustainable footing.

Forgive me. We are all somewhat discombobulated at the moment and I

should have mentioned that I am seeking to group this question with

a later one. My honourable friend is absolutely right. What we're trying

to design the apprenticeship levy is that it is actually something of an

invasion in Government. Which is it is a new tax but with the people who

pay the tax, the completed Ajax will have the ability to spend it on

training the directly benefits them.