0:00:07 > 0:00:11Hello, good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the House of
0:00:11 > 0:00:15Commons. MPs return to the detail of the European Union withdrawal bill
0:00:15 > 0:00:20with the first of two days of debate to cover the remaining stages in the
0:00:20 > 0:00:23Commons before the bill goes to the Lords at the end of the month.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26Ministers have tabled a series of amendments that will limit their
0:00:26 > 0:00:31ability to use Henry VIII powers to an end EU rules and regulations than
0:00:31 > 0:00:36they are transferred into the UK statutory book. Votes are expected
0:00:36 > 0:00:43at 4pm and 7pm today. Do join me for a round-up of the day in bed houses
0:00:43 > 0:00:47of parliament at 11pm tonight at first the questions to the
0:00:47 > 0:00:52Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond and his charity team. -- and
0:00:52 > 0:01:02his Treasury team.
0:01:06 > 0:01:14Order, order. Questions to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.Number
0:01:14 > 0:01:21one. Could I firstly can graduate my honourable friend trolley working as
0:01:21 > 0:01:24done to promote marriage and civil partnerships and all the benefits
0:01:24 > 0:01:28are two families in wider society is thereof and can I assure him that
0:01:28 > 0:01:33the design of the marriage allowance is such that it will indeed continue
0:01:33 > 0:01:39to rise as the Raby personal balance as they did in the recent budget?
0:01:39 > 0:01:44Thank you. Given me £48 billion of cost to the Exchequer from family
0:01:44 > 0:01:48breakdown, will my honourable friend meet me and a delegation to discuss
0:01:48 > 0:01:51how we can further strengthen this three tax system to help you of what
0:01:51 > 0:01:57they own.My honourable friend is pushing in a direction in which we
0:01:57 > 0:02:01have already travelled in the last budget, making provision for
0:02:01 > 0:02:06ensuring that those who have been married or in a civil partnership
0:02:06 > 0:02:12and have a deceased partner are able to claim the marriage allowance and
0:02:12 > 0:02:15bank date and claim some full years and I will of course be happy to
0:02:15 > 0:02:21meet with him and his colleagues to discuss this matter further. -- four
0:02:21 > 0:02:30year.In April, the national living wage will write to £7 83. In total
0:02:30 > 0:02:36that means an annual pay rise of over £2000 for a full-time national
0:02:36 > 0:02:40living wage workers since it was introduced in 2016. It has helped
0:02:40 > 0:02:44reduce the proportion of full-time jobs that although page to the
0:02:44 > 0:02:50lowest level in at least 20 years. Sustaining long-term pay growth
0:02:50 > 0:02:53relies on improving productivity and that is why we have increased the
0:02:53 > 0:02:57national productivity investment fund to over £31 billion Enviro
0:02:57 > 0:03:02taking further action on skills, retraining and capital investment as
0:03:02 > 0:03:09they build a bridge and fit for the future.Thank you. The Chancellor
0:03:09 > 0:03:15tell the house whether income in a quality has gone up or down since
0:03:15 > 0:03:192012 -- inequality has gone up since 2010 and how does it compare to the
0:03:19 > 0:03:28last Labour governments?Income inequality is lower than it was in
0:03:28 > 0:03:3122 in -- 2010 and remains lower than it has at any point during the last
0:03:31 > 0:03:37Labour governments. The coefficient and international recognised measure
0:03:37 > 0:03:43of coefficient inequality is now lower by 20% and in 2010. Since my
0:03:43 > 0:03:48statement in 2016, Wien increased the tax contributions of the highest
0:03:48 > 0:03:52earners while those on low incomes have gained overall. -- we have
0:03:52 > 0:03:57increased.Thank you. The problem the coming constituencies like mine
0:03:57 > 0:04:01where more and more people have to go to food banks, what is being done
0:04:01 > 0:04:05in terms of economic development of the country to assure that they get
0:04:05 > 0:04:14better paid jobs in places that deprived like Holden? -- like
0:04:14 > 0:04:21Halton.Good point. Better wages can only be increased through increased
0:04:21 > 0:04:25productivity meaning investment in infrastructure, skills in training,
0:04:25 > 0:04:28research and development both public funding and tax incentives for
0:04:28 > 0:04:33private funding and it means ensuring that capital is available
0:04:33 > 0:04:39for businesses to invest in the equipment that already productivity
0:04:39 > 0:04:43of their workers. The governments's ambition is for a high wage, high
0:04:43 > 0:04:49skill economy and we are investing to deliver that.Can the Chancellor
0:04:49 > 0:04:53confirmed that the lowest paid have in fact been a 7% real term wage
0:04:53 > 0:04:59increase since 2015 and inequality is now at its lowest level in 20
0:04:59 > 0:05:05years?My honourable friend is right. Income inequality is lower
0:05:05 > 0:05:09than at any point during the Labour governments as I have said already.
0:05:09 > 0:05:14People in full-time work on a national living wage and then a
0:05:14 > 0:05:18£2000 per year pay increase as a result of the national living wage
0:05:18 > 0:05:24and of course everyone in work has seen an improved take home pay as a
0:05:24 > 0:05:27result of the significant increases in the person not an ounce which
0:05:27 > 0:05:32this governments committed to and which is delivering.They can fly's
0:05:32 > 0:05:35a living wage is a pretender living wage and is not available to those
0:05:35 > 0:05:42of the age of 25. Can he explain why the wage gap in the minimum wage has
0:05:42 > 0:05:51increased in his budget between £3 45 previously to £3 63 between
0:05:51 > 0:05:5425-year-olds and 16-17 -year-olds. How does that work every one of the
0:05:54 > 0:06:02youngest are not being paid equally? The... Rates for people under 25
0:06:02 > 0:06:11have been increase in the budget by the biggest amount ever.The gap.Of
0:06:11 > 0:06:16course we want to see high rates of employment and high rates of pay
0:06:16 > 0:06:20across all age groups in the economy but for young people, the most
0:06:20 > 0:06:24important thing, the most important thing and be a low pay commission
0:06:24 > 0:06:30has highlighted this fact, the most important thing is that they get
0:06:30 > 0:06:33into work because by being in work when they are young, they are more
0:06:33 > 0:06:39likely to remain in sustainable work throughout their lifetime.Number
0:06:39 > 0:06:48three. Thank you. Her Majesty's Treasury
0:06:48 > 0:06:51regularly engages with the airline industry an air passenger duty. Any
0:06:51 > 0:06:59autumn budget, we froze 20 APD rates at all 19 levels for short haul
0:06:59 > 0:07:03passengers on long haul a cunning passages. This provided a freeze for
0:07:03 > 0:07:0995% of passengers.May I congratulate my honourable friend on
0:07:09 > 0:07:20his appointment? He will be aware that airlines such as FlyBe based at
0:07:20 > 0:07:24Exeter Airport to undertake a lot of domestic flights are hit twice by
0:07:24 > 0:07:28APD to take off and landing on international flights. Treasury
0:07:28 > 0:07:33officials with a new minister will tell him that any change is
0:07:33 > 0:07:37impossible but as they exit the EU, is this an anomaly something you
0:07:37 > 0:07:42will look at with a view to changing it?I'm grateful to my honourable
0:07:42 > 0:07:46friend press kind remarks. Can I pay to beat my predecessor, a member for
0:07:46 > 0:07:51Harrogate, Lingo is well regarded across the house as my honourable
0:07:51 > 0:07:54friend says, the Government is unable to exempt the return leg of a
0:07:54 > 0:07:58drastic flight. Of course, as they leave the European Union, lanky
0:07:58 > 0:08:01change in the Treasury will keep that under consideration but we
0:08:01 > 0:08:06certainly recognise the economic significance of regional airports
0:08:06 > 0:08:10like his own in Exeter and that is why we have kept short-haul rates
0:08:10 > 0:08:19frozen since 2012 and in 2015...The governments's own figures show
0:08:19 > 0:08:24Newcastle Airport will be most affected by any car to edit larger
0:08:24 > 0:08:27tax in Scotland and the continued uncertainty on this issue is
0:08:27 > 0:08:37incredible damaging. -- any cuts. Have any progress being made and
0:08:37 > 0:08:40Abbey in a position to confirm our regional airports will be protected
0:08:40 > 0:08:45in the effects of those cuts?You honourable lady is right thing is
0:08:45 > 0:08:49because Newcastle Airport and others are important to the economy of the
0:08:49 > 0:08:53north-east and as she has heard in my response to the prior question,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56the EU rules to prevent us from changing the rules with regards to
0:08:56 > 0:09:00the return leg of a domestic flight. We will keep this under
0:09:00 > 0:09:02consideration and we have taken other important steps such as
0:09:02 > 0:09:08keeping the rate frozen, exempting children and it is wrote saying that
0:09:08 > 0:09:15air passenger duty races over £3 billion per year so it does make an
0:09:15 > 0:09:17important contribution.There are substantial benefits to reducing and
0:09:17 > 0:09:25taking away passenger duty, with response to GDP and too risen. In
0:09:25 > 0:09:31Northern Ireland, it particularly distorts trade between ourselves and
0:09:31 > 0:09:35the Irish Republic. There was a commitment in the budget to have a
0:09:35 > 0:09:39review. Could we have an update on where that review on our passenger
0:09:39 > 0:09:44duty is?IAM grateful to my honourable friend for that question.
0:09:44 > 0:09:50As he knows, we are committed not just do passenger duty but too risen
0:09:50 > 0:09:54in Ireland and we will report back at that review is underway that will
0:09:54 > 0:10:02be by the autumn budget this year. Number four.My honourable friend
0:10:02 > 0:10:06will know there is an exemption in the charge for inheritance tax for
0:10:06 > 0:10:11donations to political parties that does not exist in relation to
0:10:11 > 0:10:17donations to referendum campaigns but I can inform him that I and my
0:10:17 > 0:10:22honourable friend, the Chancellor, have discussed the issues he has
0:10:22 > 0:10:25raised over previous weeks can be sympathetic to the looking carefully
0:10:25 > 0:10:32at how the law may be changed for future campaign referendums.Thank
0:10:32 > 0:10:38you. In the last nine years, there have been 23 retroactive tax changes
0:10:38 > 0:10:45where there has been a unfairness, error or unduly odorous taxation. In
0:10:45 > 0:10:481994 when this law was drafted, there was no idea that there would
0:10:48 > 0:10:56be a succession of referendums and it is deeply unfair that people have
0:10:56 > 0:10:59contributed to the referendum in Scotland and the Brexit referendum
0:10:59 > 0:11:02and may find very large tax bill is winging their way to want them, not
0:11:02 > 0:11:07the least as Her Majesty's governments spent £8 million of
0:11:07 > 0:11:19taxpayer money we nearly any Brexit referendum. -- spent £8 million will
0:11:19 > 0:11:23he nilly. Yellow like we do not change tax retrospectively but my
0:11:23 > 0:11:29honourable friend and I will look very carefully at these issues
0:11:29 > 0:11:38raised.Can I had one further caveat given that the HM RCR now looking at
0:11:38 > 0:11:42all the other referendum that are taking place? There was also another
0:11:42 > 0:11:46issue which, when looking at this, and without them to take into
0:11:46 > 0:11:50consideration and those organisations that are not charities
0:11:50 > 0:11:55but do public dude are now beginning to be concerned that H M R C will
0:11:55 > 0:11:58pursue individuals who have made individual donations to them but
0:11:58 > 0:12:01they are not charities novelist parties. I wonder of my honourable
0:12:01 > 0:12:09friend Woodward at that as well.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13He makes an interesting point, they would like to make representations
0:12:13 > 0:12:23on the specific point, I would be happy to discuss them.Number five.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26Mr Speaker, with your permission, I would like to answer this question
0:12:26 > 0:12:32together with question number ten. In 2010, we inherited the largest
0:12:32 > 0:12:37deficit since the Second World War. We have successfully reduced that by
0:12:37 > 0:12:45three quarters. But our debt is still too high. High levels of debt
0:12:45 > 0:12:50leads us vulnerable to economic shocks. That is why the Government
0:12:50 > 0:12:54has clear and detailed fiscal plans to reduce borrowing further and
0:12:54 > 0:12:59ensure debt falls going forward. With the Chancellor agree with me
0:12:59 > 0:13:07that it's essential to continue to show that we live within our means,
0:13:07 > 0:13:11because the alternative, that failure to do so, merely passes our
0:13:11 > 0:13:17bills onto the next generation?I absolutely agree. The policy of
0:13:17 > 0:13:22increasing borrowing means passing the cost of today's consumption on
0:13:22 > 0:13:31to future generations and wasting more taxpayers' money. Even Labour's
0:13:31 > 0:13:33shed education spokesman has acknowledged this is an ultra high
0:13:33 > 0:13:41risk strategy, gambling with our economic future.Does he agree with
0:13:41 > 0:13:45me that that is bad for the economy, bad for the young people had to pay
0:13:45 > 0:13:50the debts, or should they followed the model shown by the Opposition
0:13:50 > 0:13:54that shows all the qualities of the Parliamentary sewerage system?I can
0:13:54 > 0:14:00agree on that. Any party that aspires to Government and is serious
0:14:00 > 0:14:04about properly managing the public finances should be able to explain
0:14:04 > 0:14:09how it will fund the expenditure it's committing to, and should be
0:14:09 > 0:14:15able to do that without consulting an iPad.The Chancellor has said he
0:14:15 > 0:14:19doesn't want to income or debt, they may yesterday the Treasury approved
0:14:19 > 0:14:26a minute providing for a contingent liability on Carillion, in which we
0:14:26 > 0:14:30have had no estimate. Did the Chancellor please explain to the
0:14:30 > 0:14:35House what sort of expenditure is going to be covered? He has given an
0:14:35 > 0:14:40indemnity to the receiver. How he is going to report to the House on how
0:14:40 > 0:14:45much money the Government is going to be liable for?The Government has
0:14:45 > 0:14:48given an indemnity to the official receiver in order to take on the
0:14:48 > 0:14:55role of special manager of the assets of brilliant firm to ensure
0:14:55 > 0:15:01continuity of public services in the many local authorities that have
0:15:01 > 0:15:06contracts with Carillion. What the Treasury has done is provided the
0:15:06 > 0:15:09official receiver with a line of credit that enables the official
0:15:09 > 0:15:16receiver's offers to operate the company's public sector contracts,
0:15:16 > 0:15:19recovering the costs in due course in the department that would have
0:15:19 > 0:15:23paid fees for their services anyway. The official receiver is only able
0:15:23 > 0:15:28to step in and do this with the Treasury's underwriting, and we
0:15:28 > 0:15:36deemed it appropriate to do so. There is borrowing against the UK
0:15:36 > 0:15:40governments, can Chancellor advise the House what exposure his
0:15:40 > 0:15:49Government has from lending to Carillion?I'm not aware of any
0:15:49 > 0:15:56direct exposure of the Government as a creditor of Carillion, but I will
0:15:56 > 0:16:05check and write to the honourable gentleman.We have made good
0:16:05 > 0:16:08progress in cutting the deficit, but the national debt remains a
0:16:08 > 0:16:13dangerously high level and will only start to reduce next year, ten years
0:16:13 > 0:16:18after the crash. Cantlay chancellorship of the House how our
0:16:18 > 0:16:23level of national debt and GDP relate to other major western
0:16:23 > 0:16:34economies?Our debt is too high, and that matters, in response to the
0:16:34 > 0:16:40financial crash of 2009, the Government was able to allow data to
0:16:40 > 0:16:45rise to respond to that situation. If we had a similar crisis now, we
0:16:45 > 0:16:50would be struggling to do that, because we already have a debt level
0:16:50 > 0:16:56that is close to 90% of GDP. It is necessary to get our debt level down
0:16:56 > 0:17:01to greater to deal with any crisis that comes along in the future,
0:17:01 > 0:17:07whether internal or external.It is amazing that this Government wants
0:17:07 > 0:17:11to plant questions about high levels of borrowing, given at his most
0:17:11 > 0:17:20every single one of its deficit reduction targets and let us not
0:17:20 > 0:17:23forget, this Conservative Government has borrowed more than any other
0:17:23 > 0:17:31Labour Government in history. Under Labour's fiscal rules, we would
0:17:31 > 0:17:37close the deficit in day today spending over five years. But we
0:17:37 > 0:17:40would exclude investment spending from that figure. Given the
0:17:40 > 0:17:45challenges we face in productivity, challenges the Chancellor has
0:17:45 > 0:17:48ordinary mentions, doesn't he recognise that as a prudent,
0:17:48 > 0:17:54sensible way forward?No, Mr Speaker, nor do they. At is why they
0:17:54 > 0:17:59have already recognised their plans with developed into a run on the
0:17:59 > 0:18:05pound. I will take no lectures from a party that saw over a 165 present
0:18:05 > 0:18:10increase in debt and is proposing to add more to the data just at the
0:18:10 > 0:18:15point when this Government is still bring a reduction in debt.Question
0:18:15 > 0:18:24six.Isil data income has fallen from 152 present at the start of
0:18:24 > 0:18:342010 -- household debt has fallen. I also note the IFS report on that
0:18:34 > 0:18:42same subjects.I have also read the IFS report today that highlights
0:18:42 > 0:18:46that get is a real problem for a significant minority of low income
0:18:46 > 0:18:52households that are struggling to pay the bills and debt repayments.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56Dusty accept that imposing a freeze on benefits when inflation is
0:18:56 > 0:19:02standing at 3% will make things tougher for those families?I also
0:19:02 > 0:19:04acknowledge the report points out the percentage of households with
0:19:04 > 0:19:14financial liabilities fell between June 2010 and June 2014. I would
0:19:14 > 0:19:19also say the Government is fully committed to helping the poorest.
0:19:19 > 0:19:25That is why last year the money advice service gave 440,000 free
0:19:25 > 0:19:32client sessions to help those that are backthe UK has the second
0:19:32 > 0:19:37highest level of household debt in the G8. We have loan sharks
0:19:37 > 0:19:44masquerading as has good stores. Would he agree that we have an
0:19:44 > 0:19:48unhealthy addiction to these services?The Government have
0:19:48 > 0:19:53empowered the independent financial policy committee advising the
0:19:53 > 0:19:59Government on these matters and keep a close watch on this level of debt.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02One trend that alarms me is the false advertising of consumer credit
0:20:02 > 0:20:09rates. Despite having the profit credit rating, according to
0:20:09 > 0:20:12Experian, I was told M&S bank wouldn't give me the advertised
0:20:12 > 0:20:21rate. What is the minister doing to ensure that the rates advertiser
0:20:21 > 0:20:28Brexit Bill what the majority of customers? -- the rate advertiser
0:20:28 > 0:20:34are available to the majority of customers?The FCA has a wrist to
0:20:34 > 0:20:37ban products and limited fines at its disposal and can order
0:20:37 > 0:20:45repayments. 51 present of applicants for loans will receive the rate as
0:20:45 > 0:20:51advertised, and those returns to which the FCA Works.When will
0:20:51 > 0:20:58incentives to save exceed those to borrow?I clearly don't have a
0:20:58 > 0:21:01crystal ball, and as the economy grows, there are different patterns
0:21:01 > 0:21:05of behaviour that will ensure. It is not for Government to tell people
0:21:05 > 0:21:09what to do, what were trying to do is ensure in economy where people
0:21:09 > 0:21:18have the choice.Is the biggest worry for so many people I meet. The
0:21:18 > 0:21:22figures released by the IFS today show a third of those on the lowest
0:21:22 > 0:21:26income are in net debt. This is persistent, spiral people get stuck
0:21:26 > 0:21:31in four years. What is the UK Government doing to improve their
0:21:31 > 0:21:38financial position of those households?We do recognise that, on
0:21:38 > 0:21:43occasion, people find themselves with challenging debt situations.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48That is why we committed to a six-week breathing space and we will
0:21:48 > 0:21:59bring that legislation forward in due course.If people aged under 45,
0:21:59 > 0:22:02over a third live in households that have a financial wealth of less than
0:22:02 > 0:22:10zero. For too many people voters not enough money at the end of the week.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14From next year, individuals in England will pay more income tax
0:22:14 > 0:22:20than if they live in Scotland, Harris is justified?The Government
0:22:20 > 0:22:23recognises the challenges facing those on lower salaries, and that is
0:22:23 > 0:22:29why we have increased the tax-free allowance. We have had the eighth
0:22:29 > 0:22:34successive fuel duty frees, and does increase the National Living Wage
0:22:34 > 0:22:43above inflation.The lowest paid about a pay cut in real terms, -- a
0:22:43 > 0:22:49pay increase in real terms, the Government is helping?The
0:22:49 > 0:22:52Government does not take anything for granted and will take a close
0:22:52 > 0:23:01look at what happens with the poorest in my, society.Does the
0:23:01 > 0:23:04Minister acknowledged that one of the reasons for why now a quarter of
0:23:04 > 0:23:06people on low incomes are
0:23:06 > 0:23:11experiencing significant problems with arrears or debt repayment is
0:23:11 > 0:23:15because his Government has not taken on board Labour's programmed to rein
0:23:15 > 0:23:20in credit card debt, and secondly because of his changes to the tax
0:23:20 > 0:23:23threshold had been outweighed for the poorest people by alterations to
0:23:23 > 0:23:33Social Security?The honourable lady needs to acknowledge that the
0:23:33 > 0:23:38transformation the National Living Wage has brought to so many people.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42Interest payments as a proportion of income are currently the lowest on
0:23:42 > 0:23:52record.Question seven.The UK internal market benefit all nations
0:23:52 > 0:23:59of the UK. The Scottish Government's own latest figures show that 67% of
0:23:59 > 0:24:09Gollum's exports are to the rest of the UK. -- Scotland's exports. It is
0:24:09 > 0:24:18vital that we can double that it is vital we continue to support these
0:24:18 > 0:24:22exports, and that there are no barriers to living and working in
0:24:22 > 0:24:27the UK are created as we meet the EU.Does my right honourable friend
0:24:27 > 0:24:32agree with me that leaving the UK single market would pose a far
0:24:32 > 0:24:36greater risk to the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Island economies and
0:24:36 > 0:24:43leaving EU single market?That is absolutely true that for both
0:24:43 > 0:24:47Scotland and Wales plays, making the UK single market would be far more
0:24:47 > 0:24:52economically damaging then leaving the European single market. Which
0:24:52 > 0:24:59does beg the question, why the SNP has advocated so strongly remaining
0:24:59 > 0:25:04in the European single market, but also advocated so strongly breaking
0:25:04 > 0:25:10up the UK?That would be interesting, day/night has nothing
0:25:10 > 0:25:17to do with Government policy. Are now very briefly, Chancellor, stick
0:25:17 > 0:25:24to your last. Your business, not theirs.That is the nicest thing
0:25:24 > 0:25:29anyone is likely to say to me today! The Chancellor is right to extol the
0:25:29 > 0:25:36benefits of the UK single markets, Dame isn't the hypocrisy exposed by
0:25:36 > 0:25:39hearing the chief executive of error bars saying that leaving the
0:25:39 > 0:25:43European single market would be damaging for the UK economy, we
0:25:43 > 0:25:48don't have to pick and choose, why won't he commit to keeping us in the
0:25:48 > 0:25:52European single market?The honourable gentleman will know that
0:25:52 > 0:26:01I arguing for the last year for a jobs-first Brexit, which means
0:26:01 > 0:26:03negotiating the close as possible relationship with the European Union
0:26:03 > 0:26:09are to be leave that union, that is what we intend to do.The
0:26:09 > 0:26:12contribution of the UK internal market is of course important to
0:26:12 > 0:26:18Wales. The economy of the southeast England has steamed ahead under this
0:26:18 > 0:26:24Government. Will the Jazz a commit ending this inequality by
0:26:24 > 0:26:29rebalancing the UK internal market and showing it is not based on
0:26:29 > 0:26:34Westminster diktats, rather a partnership?We have identified
0:26:34 > 0:26:40regional disparity as one of the drivers of low productivity in the
0:26:40 > 0:26:43UK, raising the productivity performance, particularly of our
0:26:43 > 0:26:51great cities outside London, is key to raising UK performance overall.
0:26:51 > 0:26:59Question eight.The decision announced at the autumn budget
0:26:59 > 0:27:06raised £1.2 billion to the Welsh Government's budgets, including over
0:27:06 > 0:27:11£65 billion -- six £5 million thanks to the Barnett Formula. This ensures
0:27:11 > 0:27:16the block grant will increase.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19The headline grabbing announcement in the budget was the alleged £1.2
0:27:19 > 0:27:25million uplift repeated by the Chancellor in his answer, to the
0:27:25 > 0:27:31Welsh finances. This is an example of financial trickery similar to the
0:27:31 > 0:27:38big red buses. This is not true that this is half made up in the form of
0:27:38 > 0:27:43loans?I do not agree with the analysis and be slightly cavalier
0:27:43 > 0:27:47attitude to £650 million of taxpayer money. This money is at the disposal
0:27:47 > 0:27:51of the Welsh Government and can be used for important things like
0:27:51 > 0:27:54helping to support businesses and get on the property ladder to help
0:27:54 > 0:28:01to buy.Given last week, for the first time ever, the tools on the
0:28:01 > 0:28:04Severn crossing went down, there was going to be greater demand for use
0:28:04 > 0:28:11of the M4 but since 2012, the Labour Welsh Government have done nothing
0:28:11 > 0:28:16about using the public money available to it to expending the M4.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20Is not the case that public money should be spent on this and it is
0:28:20 > 0:28:25available in Wales from this governments.My honourable friend
0:28:25 > 0:28:28makes a good point and as I said in the answer to previous question, we
0:28:28 > 0:28:32have increased the budget for Welsh Government. How they choose to spend
0:28:32 > 0:28:38that and how wisely they do it is another question.Number nine.Chief
0:28:38 > 0:28:46Secretary.The unemployment rate is now the lowest since 1975. 300
0:28:46 > 0:28:54million people more in jobs since 2010. That means the ability to use
0:28:54 > 0:28:57their talents, to support their families and to get on in life.She
0:28:57 > 0:29:08was so excited to report that banshee neglected to group that.My
0:29:08 > 0:29:14apologies, I would like to group it. Well my honourable friends work with
0:29:14 > 0:29:21me to see how Ireland could benefit from enterprises in the Medina
0:29:21 > 0:29:27Valley helping to drive the jobs and wealth creation agenda on the Isle
0:29:27 > 0:29:30of Wight?My honourable friend does a fantastic job of cat Chappell the
0:29:30 > 0:29:37Isle of Wight since 2010 -- of championing the Isle of Wight. We
0:29:37 > 0:29:41have seen a reduction in the Isle of Wight, many issues need addressed to
0:29:41 > 0:29:46make sure the economy on the Isle of Wight is competitive and dynamic. Of
0:29:46 > 0:29:49course, the Isle of Wight ferry is a very important service and we need
0:29:49 > 0:29:52to make sure that the competition and market authority have the tools
0:29:52 > 0:29:56to deal with that but I'm very happy to meet my honourable friend to talk
0:29:56 > 0:30:00about what more region do to boost the Isle of Wight. You like thank
0:30:00 > 0:30:05you. I'm the chairman of the all-party group of youth employment
0:30:05 > 0:30:11in the track he figures. Good my honourable friend talk about job
0:30:11 > 0:30:15creation and welfare are dependencies in 2010?I congratulate
0:30:15 > 0:30:20my honourable friend on his work and, since 2010, we have seen a 40%
0:30:20 > 0:30:24reduction in youth unemployment. If you compare that with what happened
0:30:24 > 0:30:30under the Labour governments while during an economic boom, youth
0:30:30 > 0:30:34unemployment rose and those young people were left on the scrapheap
0:30:34 > 0:30:39rather than joining apprenticeships and getting the training
0:30:39 > 0:30:42opportunities under the governments. Thank you. He was a reality check
0:30:42 > 0:30:47for the minister. Limited well-paid jobs, record levels of in work
0:30:47 > 0:30:51poverty coupled with this governments's unflinching assault on
0:30:51 > 0:30:54the welfare safety net has contributed to the UN estimating
0:30:54 > 0:31:04there are 8 million households in the UK who are food insecure. My
0:31:04 > 0:31:07bill will robustly measure and lead to policy development that will
0:31:07 > 0:31:11eradicate hunger. Why about our governments back it?And surprise
0:31:11 > 0:31:16the honourable lady isn't interested in the news you heard earlier which
0:31:16 > 0:31:24is those on the lowest incomes have seen a 7% real terms pay rise since
0:31:24 > 0:31:282015 which will enable those people to help support their families.
0:31:28 > 0:31:33Would eg secretary agree with me that one of the best ways of
0:31:33 > 0:31:36creating employment is to signify the tax structures, help small and
0:31:36 > 0:31:39medium-sized enterprises to create employment right across the United
0:31:39 > 0:31:45Kingdom?The honourable gentleman is absolutely right and it is because
0:31:45 > 0:31:51this governments have cut red tape, we have cut taxes, we have cut basic
0:31:51 > 0:31:55rate tax by £1000 for working people. That encourages more people
0:31:55 > 0:31:59to get jobs and introduce more companies to take people on the land
0:31:59 > 0:32:05that is why these economic success they are.Transport for the north
0:32:05 > 0:32:10today have published their strategic plan which forecasts a new jobs of
0:32:10 > 0:32:16the plans are delivered. The document is disappointing for
0:32:16 > 0:32:18cleaver and Northern Lincolnshire. More investment in transport any
0:32:18 > 0:32:23north will provide those jobs. Can the Minister given insurance that
0:32:23 > 0:32:28resources will be available to deliver this plan?I'm pleased to
0:32:28 > 0:32:33say we are investing a record amount in economic infrastructure of the
0:32:33 > 0:32:38EIS has said it would be a 40 year hide by the end of the period of
0:32:38 > 0:32:44this Parliament and in particular we are giving money to other cities
0:32:44 > 0:32:49like this. We allocated over £1 billion for that reason at the
0:32:49 > 0:32:55beginning of the budget.There are thousands of Pirelli and the workers
0:32:55 > 0:33:01who will turn up tomorrow I'm sure of having a job. -- Carillion
0:33:01 > 0:33:09workers. Carillion workers face cuts to pensions and hundreds more firms
0:33:09 > 0:33:12along the supply chain also uncertain about their future. The
0:33:12 > 0:33:16judicial role that the Treasury is to protect our public finances. Will
0:33:16 > 0:33:22the minister and Alex went to the house what involvement the Treasury
0:33:22 > 0:33:26had with the thousands of contracts held by Carillion at the time of its
0:33:26 > 0:33:31liquidation? We now Treasury proof is required for these PFI contracts.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35Can the Minister tell the house how many PSI and PFI to contract was
0:33:35 > 0:33:42signed by Treasurer during the current time in the office of the
0:33:42 > 0:33:45Chancellor? What'll happen to those contracts and staff working on them?
0:33:45 > 0:33:49There are loud and clear arena signed about Carillion and why
0:33:49 > 0:33:55instead of intervening, that the Treasury of ministers collusion in
0:33:55 > 0:33:59drip feeding more contracts to Carillion to boycott and the three
0:33:59 > 0:34:11failing company? -- to the buoy up a failing company.We are upset by
0:34:11 > 0:34:14what happened at Carillion and we will ensure those people have the
0:34:14 > 0:34:17support of job centres to make sure we continue to supply those public
0:34:17 > 0:34:22services. It would be completely wrong for a company that has got
0:34:22 > 0:34:27itself in this they to be bailed out by the state and that is what we are
0:34:27 > 0:34:31not doing. We're making sure we continue to supply those services at
0:34:31 > 0:34:39the same time as helping people who are working for those companies but
0:34:39 > 0:34:44also continuing to supply public services as they do that. If we get
0:34:44 > 0:34:47the record of contracting, a third of those contracts were signed the
0:34:47 > 0:34:55previous Labour governments. One of the most recent contracts was signed
0:34:55 > 0:35:05by a Labour led Leeds City Council. The fact is that we have £60 billion
0:35:05 > 0:35:10of private sector companies which deliver public services across this
0:35:10 > 0:35:15country. That is an important way of delivering our public services and
0:35:15 > 0:35:20when there is an issue as we have had with Carillion, we have made the
0:35:20 > 0:35:24preparations, we have taken action and we are sorting the situation
0:35:24 > 0:35:30out.We are asking questions now about when it was obvious this
0:35:30 > 0:35:35company was failing and what the Treasury role was. I put it no
0:35:35 > 0:35:40stronger than this. At this stage, there are real suspicions that the
0:35:40 > 0:35:45governments was too close to this company and too wedded to its
0:35:45 > 0:35:48privatisation role. We need full transparency in meetings and
0:35:48 > 0:35:53discussions that to place between Government ministers, civil servants
0:35:53 > 0:35:59and representatives of Carillion and what warnings were given around
0:35:59 > 0:36:02this, implemented or not. We now need the Treasury to start playing
0:36:02 > 0:36:05its proper role and provide an independent assessment of the
0:36:05 > 0:36:12potential costs and risks facing the taxpayer. It has already been
0:36:12 > 0:36:15referred to yesterday, a Cabinet Office minutes was published after
0:36:15 > 0:36:18the statement establishing aching binge and liability. We urgently
0:36:18 > 0:36:22need to know from the Treasury what is the potential range of costs now
0:36:22 > 0:36:30facing the taxpayer?First of all, we publish all those minutes, all of
0:36:30 > 0:36:35those details of meetings already. We are a transparent Government and
0:36:35 > 0:36:40the make decisions on an objective fashion. Those decisions are signed
0:36:40 > 0:36:43off by the Treasury and signed off by the Cabinet Office. Recent
0:36:43 > 0:36:52decisions on Carillion contract have been made to make sure the taxpayer
0:36:52 > 0:36:56is protected. We always look for value for money in the way that we
0:36:56 > 0:37:02set up our contract and I think the Government is dealing with this in a
0:37:02 > 0:37:05responsible and measured way rather than making cheap political shots at
0:37:05 > 0:37:13a time when people's jobs are in question and we are working in to
0:37:13 > 0:37:26sort that out.Chief Secretary.We are investing a record £41 billion
0:37:26 > 0:37:31in our schools this year. For the first time ever, we will have a plan
0:37:31 > 0:37:36national funding formula are putting in place. We are seeing and of
0:37:36 > 0:37:41rising recently in and a national test with England's scoring its
0:37:41 > 0:37:48highest ever score.Thanks to the incredible hard work of staff,
0:37:48 > 0:37:51children and parents in Redditch, 92% of those schools are occurring
0:37:51 > 0:38:00rated outstanding. Leaving a great education in maths is critical to
0:38:00 > 0:38:03equip children in Redditch for the economy. What support this to
0:38:03 > 0:38:09department giving to encourage people in Redditch to have this
0:38:09 > 0:38:12education? Galaxie is right, maths is vital for the future of our
0:38:12 > 0:38:21economy. We know there is ahuge need for people who have proficiency
0:38:21 > 0:38:25in this area. Any shouldn't you does maths from 16 to 18, the school will
0:38:25 > 0:38:36receive £600.Number 13.The Government has an outstanding record
0:38:36 > 0:38:40in clamping down on tax avoidance, evasion and noncompliance will be
0:38:40 > 0:38:47brought in an protected £160 billion in 2010 and no less than £8 billion
0:38:47 > 0:38:51in 2016-17 alone from the UK's largest companies. The tax gap at
0:38:51 > 0:38:57the moment, 6% is the lowest, one of world and lower than during any year
0:38:57 > 0:39:01during the last Labour governments. I wonder if the Minister would agree
0:39:01 > 0:39:06that to really tackle tax evasion by big multinational companies, a big
0:39:06 > 0:39:11approach is needed and could he say with his discussions around the
0:39:11 > 0:39:17OECD, the issues he is discussing an have found favour in a more
0:39:17 > 0:39:22international basis.We have, as my honourable friend will know, the
0:39:22 > 0:39:28night with the forefront of the OECD's project in the common
0:39:28 > 0:39:30reporting standards being rolled out at the moment. We have taken further
0:39:30 > 0:39:36measures in the budget to consult on the taxation of digitally -based
0:39:36 > 0:39:41companies, particularly in response to holding tax and royalties going
0:39:41 > 0:39:43into the role although tax jurisdictions. That was operational
0:39:43 > 0:39:48report back in February and he will take appropriate action.It is
0:39:48 > 0:39:52embarrassing for the Government that Carillion's chairman is an adviser
0:39:52 > 0:39:58to the Prime Minister on corporate responsibility. Given the level of
0:39:58 > 0:40:01salaries and bonuses awarded to senior management and Carillion as
0:40:01 > 0:40:04well as improving corporate tax evasion, what'll ligament to to
0:40:04 > 0:40:12ensure better corporate governance in UK companies?I say gently to the
0:40:12 > 0:40:14honourable lady that she does need to check her facts because the
0:40:14 > 0:40:21current head of Carillion is not an adviser to the Prime Minister. There
0:40:21 > 0:40:28was an appointment earlier which was terminated some months ago and as to
0:40:28 > 0:40:34her general point about corporate governance, this Government has
0:40:34 > 0:40:37among the most robust corporate governance in the world and that is
0:40:37 > 0:40:44something that this Government will continue.The Government has
0:40:44 > 0:40:48undertaking a significant amount of work to assess the economic impact
0:40:48 > 0:40:51of leaving the EU and this is part of the continued programme of
0:40:51 > 0:40:55rigorous and extensive analytical work on a range of scenarios. The
0:40:55 > 0:40:57Government has committed to keep the party informed, provided that doing
0:40:57 > 0:41:04so would not risk damaging our negotiating position.Thank you. The
0:41:04 > 0:41:10Chancellor has said he wants jobs first in Brexit. Given that 81% of
0:41:10 > 0:41:17the British economy is in the services sector and the buoy model
0:41:17 > 0:41:23-- EEA model is the one given in our industries, does he agree that a EEA
0:41:23 > 0:41:27based Brexit the only viable option for country?I think what we can
0:41:27 > 0:41:34agree on is that the Government is working to get the most ambitious
0:41:34 > 0:41:37and secure Brexit deal, meaning a bespoke deal that will not damage
0:41:37 > 0:41:43the interests of the economy long-term.Thank you. Try the the
0:41:43 > 0:41:49Minister to his place in the Treasury? I'm sure he will do an
0:41:49 > 0:41:52excellent job but isn't it the case that it is impossible to assess the
0:41:52 > 0:41:57impact of leaving, whether it is the EEA are the EU, without knowing
0:41:57 > 0:42:01where we are headed. It's time for the Government to be clear about the
0:42:01 > 0:42:04end stage of negotiations around financial services and I would like
0:42:04 > 0:42:08to see the Government publish a position paper on financial
0:42:08 > 0:42:12services, particularly informed by the meeting, the Prime Minister and
0:42:12 > 0:42:16the Chancellor had last week.I'm grateful to my honourable friend as
0:42:16 > 0:42:20chairman of the select committee, being aware of her previous exchange
0:42:20 > 0:42:24with the Chancellor. The Chancellor has undertaken to look at it and I
0:42:24 > 0:42:30will be working at him and respond in due course.
0:42:31 > 0:42:36Academic assessments by the Treasury are crucial, but my constituents are
0:42:36 > 0:42:40reeling from hundreds of job losses at Vauxhall and the comments last
0:42:40 > 0:42:44night from the CEO of Airbus that whatever Brexit we had it will be
0:42:44 > 0:42:50net negative. Can I plead with the Minister to take this seriously,
0:42:50 > 0:42:54keep us in the single market and customs union and my constituents in
0:42:54 > 0:43:01their jobs?I can assure you the honourable lady I do take it
0:43:01 > 0:43:06seriously and it is the Government's intention to negotiate a special
0:43:06 > 0:43:11partnership on economic matters. I would technology there is room for
0:43:11 > 0:43:16positivity. If you look at what GSK, Apple and Google phone has said,
0:43:16 > 0:43:24that attitude for positivity exists. Does he agree with me that since
0:43:24 > 0:43:31deciding to lead the EU, this Government has overseen record job
0:43:31 > 0:43:34in finance and figures showing improved productivity that about you
0:43:34 > 0:43:41agree that Britain's best years lie ahead?It's certainly the case that
0:43:41 > 0:43:45negotiations this country faces are complex, but I would take and not
0:43:45 > 0:43:50domestic approach to all the discussions undertaken at the
0:43:50 > 0:44:03Treasury and elsewhere going forwards. Mr Speaker, make principal
0:44:03 > 0:44:05responsibility is building on the ambitious that slide out of the
0:44:05 > 0:44:09autumn budget to face the key challenges we face to create a
0:44:09 > 0:44:14economy fit for the future. I Laporta doing so ably supported by
0:44:14 > 0:44:23my ex-husband managerial team. Our approach to -- my excellent
0:44:23 > 0:44:29ministerial team. We will be fair to the next generation by reducing the
0:44:29 > 0:44:37national debt that remains to large. Does my right on friend agree with
0:44:37 > 0:44:42me that lowering business taxes, as this Government has done, is not a
0:44:42 > 0:44:46race to the bottom, but vital in building the strong economy that we
0:44:46 > 0:44:55all depend upon?I agree. Keeping a business tax competitive so we can
0:44:55 > 0:45:01attract international investment to this country is essential. There is
0:45:01 > 0:45:05a quid pro quo, if taxes are low, they must be paid, and we are
0:45:05 > 0:45:10determined to insure full compliance looking at ways of improving
0:45:10 > 0:45:20compliance.The NHS is in crisis due to the tightfisted approach the
0:45:20 > 0:45:27Johnson takes the public finances. During any discussions he has had
0:45:27 > 0:45:32with the Health Secretary, has the Chancellor raised any discussion of
0:45:32 > 0:45:39the funding crisis, and what solutions has the right diet for
0:45:39 > 0:45:47funding?We put an extra £6 billion into the National Health Service.
0:45:47 > 0:45:52The first two weeks of the year at the highest pressure weeks in the
0:45:52 > 0:45:56NHS, traditionally. We have seen extreme pressure in the last two
0:45:56 > 0:46:07weeks. We have a influenza virus crisis going on as well. We treat
0:46:07 > 0:46:11the sickest patients first, and it is right we prioritise those with
0:46:11 > 0:46:20urgent needs.But was an insouciant attitude if ever there was one. It
0:46:20 > 0:46:34is reported that the A&E department in his constituency is struggling,
0:46:34 > 0:46:41so what solutions does he have to explain why so many have to wait so
0:46:41 > 0:46:45long for emergency treatment and what funding body the NHS?The
0:46:45 > 0:46:53answer to that is £6 billion, the extra week provided to the NHS. I'm
0:46:53 > 0:47:01going lad he raised the hospital in my constituency, what ever the media
0:47:01 > 0:47:07says, when one speaks to 1's own constituents about their experience
0:47:07 > 0:47:09at their local hospital, it is invariably good and they have
0:47:09 > 0:47:25nothing but praise for the service received from our NHS.
0:47:27 > 0:47:34Can my right honourable friend show that as a Conservative that he
0:47:34 > 0:47:36believes in conservation and that will be something standing for
0:47:36 > 0:47:42future generations to enjoy?I agree with the assertion of the importance
0:47:42 > 0:47:50of our Heritage, which is why the Department last year gave grants of
0:47:50 > 0:47:56millions in that respect. As in the respect of repairs to historic
0:47:56 > 0:48:03buildings. The regulations at the moment mean we would have to reply
0:48:03 > 0:48:06any reductions to all buildings across the UK, but that is something
0:48:06 > 0:48:15we can look at when we leave the EU. A quarter of £1 million were given
0:48:15 > 0:48:18to a anti-abortion group, some are being taxed on our bodies by people
0:48:18 > 0:48:23don't think we should have control over them. With the set-aside funds
0:48:23 > 0:48:29instead to tackle poverty?We have committed at the early opportunity
0:48:29 > 0:48:36to zero-rate tampons. The fact we are not doing this at the moment is
0:48:36 > 0:48:43due to our membership of the EU. The tax we raise, the equivalent amount
0:48:43 > 0:48:49we are racing through taxing tampons, we extend to women's
0:48:49 > 0:48:56charities.The debt household is around £65,000. Another name for the
0:48:56 > 0:49:02state is deferred taxation. Does the Chancellor agree that the best way
0:49:02 > 0:49:09to reduce this is to grow our economy?There are two ways to get
0:49:09 > 0:49:14our debt falling as a percentage of GDP, by far the easiest and most
0:49:14 > 0:49:19agreeable for our constituents is to grow the economy so that the two
0:49:19 > 0:49:28nominator strings.Together with the Department for Work and Pensions,
0:49:28 > 0:49:31HMRC has a late, missing and incorrect initiative looking at the
0:49:31 > 0:49:38problems with PAYE real-time information, which makes an many of
0:49:38 > 0:49:42the heiress Lucy in Universal Credit towards. Can I ask what progress has
0:49:42 > 0:49:48been made in quantifying those three problems and what hopes he has for
0:49:48 > 0:49:59improving the quality twoas he well know, the initiative is there to
0:49:59 > 0:50:07drive up the accuracy of real-time information in HMIC, important to
0:50:07 > 0:50:14ensure Universal Credit is rather effectively. Is reversed and
0:50:14 > 0:50:19statistics, we believe that across those three areas, the level is
0:50:19 > 0:50:25around 6%, and we are continuously driving down this figure is growing
0:50:25 > 0:50:31forwards.The opinion free trade Association will provide an
0:50:31 > 0:50:38excellent framework from within which to exercise our partnership
0:50:38 > 0:50:48with the EU. Would this be considered as a way forward?We are
0:50:48 > 0:50:53seeking a bespoke vehicle for a special partnership, and where are
0:50:53 > 0:50:56keen to locate any constructive suggestions from any site of the
0:50:56 > 0:51:02House.The chief executive of Airbus last night said any current Brexit
0:51:02 > 0:51:05scenario on the table will weaken British industry, is the Chancellor
0:51:05 > 0:51:13listening?We engage frequently with industry and our number one priority
0:51:13 > 0:51:16is to ensure we protect the UK economy as we exit the European
0:51:16 > 0:51:28Union. In fact, Airbus as a manufacturer of equipment with a
0:51:28 > 0:51:30zero tariff on it should be a relatively minimally affected
0:51:30 > 0:51:38company. But the company has concerns about its ability to bring
0:51:38 > 0:51:43EU nationals enter the UK to work. We have assured it we will make sure
0:51:43 > 0:51:49that those individuals can continue to come.The next stages of
0:51:49 > 0:51:52negotiations with the EU are about to have to make, what we want is a
0:51:52 > 0:51:57good deal for business and the service sector. With the Chancellor
0:51:57 > 0:52:08agree that membership of Esther gives off that opportunity for us?
0:52:08 > 0:52:12Membership of the European economic and, which EFTA would entail, will
0:52:12 > 0:52:17offer on the current rules compliance for freedoms and that
0:52:17 > 0:52:24means free movement of people, which the British Beagle have rejected. --
0:52:24 > 0:52:33the British people have rejected. With Carillion now the poster church
0:52:33 > 0:52:44by ... -- with Carillion note the poster child for dodgy cat as, what
0:52:44 > 0:52:48steps will be taken...?We have clear rules about managing public
0:52:48 > 0:52:53money. We are not bailing this company out, it has gone into
0:52:53 > 0:52:58liquidation. We are taking the proper steps to protect public
0:52:58 > 0:53:05services, which is the right approach to take.Since 2010,
0:53:05 > 0:53:08unemployment in Cheltenham has fallen to just over 1%. Does he
0:53:08 > 0:53:15agree with mean that to secure jobs, the Government is right to continue
0:53:15 > 0:53:19backing the cyber innovation Centre which is creating opportunities?I
0:53:19 > 0:53:25completely agree, and I'm shortly due to visit that centre in
0:53:25 > 0:53:32Cheltenham.The east of the Ambulance Service experience is
0:53:32 > 0:53:38busiest ever Christmas, and it had to rely on taxis to take patients to
0:53:38 > 0:53:43hospitals. At least one patient died waiting for a ambulance. How much
0:53:43 > 0:53:48worse does it have to get before this Government will commit funding
0:53:48 > 0:53:53for these Ambulance Services to run safely and efficiently?It is
0:53:53 > 0:53:58important to note we have 2.9 million more people visiting A&E
0:53:58 > 0:54:04than we did in 2010. As well as making sure we put in place what a
0:54:04 > 0:54:10nice age and to the NHS, where investing more money and allocated
0:54:10 > 0:54:20much more in the budget. -- in-place modernisation to the NHS.What
0:54:20 > 0:54:22discussions is the Government going to have the HMRC and other
0:54:22 > 0:54:28businesses to make sure these companies are able to pay tax
0:54:28 > 0:54:33liabilities and their employees? HMRC already has a scheme that can
0:54:33 > 0:54:37assist companies which are finding cash flow difficulties in meeting
0:54:37 > 0:54:42tax liabilities. We agreed last night that HMRC will specifically
0:54:42 > 0:54:48signposts by the Carillion-specific websites that are operating at that
0:54:48 > 0:54:54facility exists.Greater Manchester Police space eight years of
0:54:54 > 0:54:59real-time Scarlets and most 2000 officers. Week after week,
0:54:59 > 0:55:04constituents come to my surgery distressed about anti-social
0:55:04 > 0:55:09behaviour that the police cannot attend to. As a former officer
0:55:09 > 0:55:14myself, I know they do the best they can. Would then Minister commit to
0:55:14 > 0:55:19more funding for Greater Manchester Policethe honourable gentleman will
0:55:19 > 0:55:23have noticed that in the draft local Government settlement we have been
0:55:23 > 0:55:27giving police authorities power to raise additional precepts to deal
0:55:27 > 0:55:38with those issues. It is a decision for the Greater Manchester Police.
0:55:38 > 0:55:41The funding formula for local Government is opaque, with the agree
0:55:41 > 0:55:49it would be advantageous to motor a different formula?The Government is
0:55:49 > 0:55:55committed to introducing a fair funding formula. The Secretary of
0:55:55 > 0:55:59State has committed to move forward with that programme this year.
0:55:59 > 0:56:05Yesterday saw the success of this successful space industry Bill which
0:56:05 > 0:56:12could see Prestwick become the UK's for spaceport. But the Growth Deal
0:56:12 > 0:56:18is ensuring the widest possible growth from that commitment. Will
0:56:18 > 0:56:24the Government commit to the steel? I can assure the honourable lady I
0:56:24 > 0:56:27meant regular discussions with the Scottish secretary about the Growth
0:56:27 > 0:56:32deals across Scotland. We have committed to a number of originals
0:56:32 > 0:56:41and are looking at further once.One sentence, please.Will the Minister
0:56:41 > 0:56:50welcomed that Manufacturing is at an eight-year high?Yes, Mr Speaker!
0:56:50 > 0:56:54Many local councils are setting their budgets now. They face a
0:56:54 > 0:57:08funding crisis, what is Government going to do about it?
0:57:08 > 0:57:11Councils have to look at how Linighan become more efficient, Alec
0:57:11 > 0:57:17and your back offices and technology.Unemployment in my
0:57:17 > 0:57:21constituency is down by over 50% of will I honourable friend consider a
0:57:21 > 0:57:24new round of enterprise zone bidding opportunities to help further that
0:57:24 > 0:57:29success story?We will give consideration to my honourable
0:57:29 > 0:57:37friend's suggestion.Can the Chancellor clarify whether the terms
0:57:37 > 0:57:41of the public sector PFI contract with Carillion al for those
0:57:41 > 0:57:47contracts to be sold on to other companies in the event of
0:57:47 > 0:57:52liquidation?My understanding is that the strictly PFI contract are
0:57:52 > 0:57:55joint ventures and in that case, it is most likely that the
0:57:55 > 0:58:00joint-venture partner will take over. There are contracts,
0:58:00 > 0:58:05outsourcing contracts, which is here could be sold on but since the
0:58:05 > 0:58:07Government Department as the contracting party will invariably
0:58:07 > 0:58:12have a right to cancel the contract on the insolvency of the company, in
0:58:12 > 0:58:16practice, they will not be able to be sold on by the official