0:00:00 > 0:00:02second line. Join me for a round-up at 11pm, but first we have questions
0:00:02 > 0:00:04for great Clarke and his team of ministers.
0:00:04 > 0:00:11-- Greg Clark. I would like to answer this question ten. I have set
0:00:11 > 0:00:17up a task force of bringing together small and medium-size businesses,
0:00:17 > 0:00:19with the government, local government and the trade unions to
0:00:19 > 0:00:24assist with the impact on SMEs and supply chain. The task force has
0:00:24 > 0:00:27delivered a range of supportive measures including assistance from
0:00:27 > 0:00:32HMRC to those experiencing difficulties and over £900 million
0:00:32 > 0:00:40of support from UK lenders.With 30,000 small firms thought to be
0:00:40 > 0:00:43owed money by Carillion due to late payment of fees, will the Secretary
0:00:43 > 0:00:50of State look at the idea of project bank accounts which hold money in
0:00:50 > 0:00:55trust in Ring plans to accounts to make sure this situation doesn't
0:00:55 > 0:01:00happen again? Britain should follow what happens in Australia already
0:01:00 > 0:01:04which uses these in large public and private building contracts.I will
0:01:04 > 0:01:10look at that and this has been one of the the recommendations of the
0:01:10 > 0:01:14task force. It important that we lead the lessons quickly and that is
0:01:14 > 0:01:17one suggestion. --
0:01:17 > 0:01:21lead the lessons quickly and that is one suggestion. we learn lessons
0:01:21 > 0:01:28quickly.The local authority pension fund form has said that a quarter
0:01:28 > 0:01:35review setting accounting standards, saying that there are substantial
0:01:35 > 0:01:39legal flaws with international reporting standards. This states
0:01:39 > 0:01:41that it does not enable anyone to make a meaningful assessment of
0:01:41 > 0:01:53going concern, of highly relevant issue to Carillion. Will he support
0:01:53 > 0:01:59such a review?The day that Carillion went into insolvency, I
0:01:59 > 0:02:03went and roach to the financial reporting Council and spoke to its
0:02:03 > 0:02:09chairman to ask them to investigate the auditors and those who are
0:02:09 > 0:02:12regulated as accountants. They have agreed to do that, they announced
0:02:12 > 0:02:16yesterday that investigation is underway and I would expect them to
0:02:16 > 0:02:20learn the lessons in terms of any changes to the regulations that they
0:02:20 > 0:02:27apply.Can the Minister confirm if the advice to firms that have lost
0:02:27 > 0:02:31money as a sub contractors of Carillion is that they take out
0:02:31 > 0:02:35alone, the Minister think it's acceptable that they be charged
0:02:35 > 0:02:42interest on taking out a loan and not getting money for jobs they have
0:02:42 > 0:02:48completed as a supply chain businesses of Carillion?On the
0:02:48 > 0:02:52first day of the insolvency, I had the representatives of all of the
0:02:52 > 0:02:55supply chain organisations in the first request that they made was
0:02:55 > 0:03:01that we got the banks in to make sure that they would be treated
0:03:01 > 0:03:10leniently, the customers caught up in the insolvency, they agreed to do
0:03:10 > 0:03:14that, they put funds aside to assist them and each of them have made
0:03:14 > 0:03:19commitments that they will apply leniency to any terms conditions on
0:03:19 > 0:03:24those businesses.My right honourable friend has almost
0:03:24 > 0:03:29answered my question, I was going to say, if cash flow is as important as
0:03:29 > 0:03:34stability? The problem with lack of cash flow is when the banks become
0:03:34 > 0:03:41so heavy that they foreclose on smaller firms.That is why I asked
0:03:41 > 0:03:44the banks to attend in person to meet the businesses and they gave
0:03:44 > 0:03:48those commitments and guarantees. It important for members with
0:03:48 > 0:03:53constituents who may be affected that the banks have made that
0:03:53 > 0:03:57commitment and they have made a promise that anyone that is so
0:03:57 > 0:04:00perfect it, they will deal individually with them and the
0:04:00 > 0:04:04missions are on each of the bank's websites but come back to me if they
0:04:04 > 0:04:13have any problems.This morning, a joint select committee hearing of
0:04:13 > 0:04:17Carillion were told by the chiefs that it affected of the financial
0:04:17 > 0:04:20reporting Council that before and after the collapse of PHS, he had
0:04:20 > 0:04:23been asking for greater powers to regulate companies and take action
0:04:23 > 0:04:27before things go badly wrong -- the collapse of BHS. He told us that
0:04:27 > 0:04:34there was a lack of government interest in this. In the light of
0:04:34 > 0:04:39the collapse of Carillion, the threat of thousands of jobs and the
0:04:39 > 0:04:42suppliers, if the government interested in taking action now?I
0:04:42 > 0:04:48don't agree with what she says. I Inc aged the FRC immediately, it's
0:04:48 > 0:04:52very important -- engaged them, we will apply any lessons that are
0:04:52 > 0:04:57appropriate from that enquiries.The honourable member for Paul said that
0:04:57 > 0:05:02he was not told of the grouping. If that is so, that is a discourtesy, I
0:05:02 > 0:05:06hope it's not so, maybe it got lost in the post. Let's hear from him.
0:05:06 > 0:05:13The collapse is very bad for many smaller businesses, many of whom
0:05:13 > 0:05:16have their capital white out. What discussions have the Secretary of
0:05:16 > 0:05:20State had with banks about forbearance and keeping these
0:05:20 > 0:05:24businesses going so there is proper competition in the market in the
0:05:24 > 0:05:27future?I apologise to my honourable friend if he did not receive notice
0:05:27 > 0:05:32of the grouping, I am sure that is my error. In terms of the engagement
0:05:32 > 0:05:37with the banks, each of them have responsibilities to their customers
0:05:37 > 0:05:41to help them through difficult times. They have explicitly
0:05:41 > 0:05:45committed to help them with any cash flow difficulties if they experience
0:05:45 > 0:05:53them and I expect them to deliver on that.The Scottish training firm
0:05:53 > 0:05:57tigers are working hard to place 106 apprentices previously placed in
0:05:57 > 0:06:01partnership with Carillion. What is he doing to introduce more
0:06:01 > 0:06:04businesses to fill the gap and ensure all the apprentices can get
0:06:04 > 0:06:10their training?An excellent question and I want to pay tribute
0:06:10 > 0:06:14to the sea ITV who have been working closely with the Scottish
0:06:14 > 0:06:19colleagues, they have been working very closely and had a magnificent
0:06:19 > 0:06:23response, they have offered continuity and contact to the order
0:06:23 > 0:06:27of the apprentices, I think I am right in saying, to give them the
0:06:27 > 0:06:32ability to continue their training -- all of the apprentices. That was
0:06:32 > 0:06:39an agile response and they deserve the praise of the House.In July
0:06:39 > 0:06:43last year, the government was warned by the Federation of Small
0:06:43 > 0:06:46Businesses and SEC group that Carillion was transferring risk to
0:06:46 > 0:06:51its subcontractors. They highlighted that Carillion's payment period was
0:06:51 > 0:06:56doubled from 65 to 120 days, that Carillion made money on the back of
0:06:56 > 0:07:02early payment by charging fees, and that section 113 of the public
0:07:02 > 0:07:05contracts regulations which relates to 30 day payment was not being
0:07:05 > 0:07:10enforced. So can the Secretary of State outline what actions he took,
0:07:10 > 0:07:16if any, on receipt of this information?What I would say to the
0:07:16 > 0:07:20honourable lady is that the lessons and the scrutiny of what went wrong
0:07:20 > 0:07:27in Carillion, both on the part of its directors and its scrutineers,
0:07:27 > 0:07:31and in the oversight that took place across the whole of the public
0:07:31 > 0:07:34sector in terms of contracting, is something many to be looked at and
0:07:34 > 0:07:37will be looked at including by select committees of the House,
0:07:37 > 0:07:43whatever actions are required from that, we will take.So it's clear
0:07:43 > 0:07:45that no action was taken and that subcontractors were being mistreated
0:07:45 > 0:07:52again and again. That's not all. The FSB and SCC highlighted how
0:07:52 > 0:07:57retention monies and project funds due to suppliers when being
0:07:57 > 0:08:01protected from the potential insolvency of Carillion. As a result
0:08:01 > 0:08:05of the government in action, micro-businesses are owed on average
0:08:05 > 0:08:13£90,000, small firms 141,000, medium firms 236,000, and large businesses
0:08:13 > 0:08:20are owed on average £15.6 million. So can the Secretary of State
0:08:20 > 0:08:25explain to the House and all businesses affected wider government
0:08:25 > 0:08:34took no action last July and why -- why the government took no action
0:08:34 > 0:08:39last July?In terms of retention and project bank accounts, this has been
0:08:39 > 0:08:44the subject in response to those concerns, the consultation on
0:08:44 > 0:08:50specific measures that closed to very recently. That came out of the
0:08:50 > 0:08:56recommendations made. Part of the task force that we have established
0:08:56 > 0:09:01include these representative bodies and they have my commitment to take
0:09:01 > 0:09:06necessary actions to learn to protect any future concerns against
0:09:06 > 0:09:13any lessons that can be learned from this case.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20Thank you, Mr Speaker. The national minimum wage and a national living
0:09:20 > 0:09:25way traits are recommended to the government by the independent low
0:09:25 > 0:09:32paid commission. -- national living wage rates. The government provides
0:09:32 > 0:09:37£25.3 million to HMRC for minimum wage enforcement. This is up from
0:09:37 > 0:09:5113,000,020 15 - 16. Large last year, HMRC got arrears totalling £10.9
0:09:51 > 0:09:55million.I welcome him to his deserved position. I welcome the
0:09:55 > 0:09:59national minimum wage to boost wages for workers but that he sent share
0:09:59 > 0:10:02my surprise that there are those who criticise its generosity, given that
0:10:02 > 0:10:10the only international comparison is the Economist big Mac index, where
0:10:10 > 0:10:16we have the most generous minimum wage second only to your's richest
0:10:16 > 0:10:22country, Luxembourg? -- Europe's richest country.I agree, the next
0:10:22 > 0:10:26increase is a whopping 4.7%. The introduction of the national living
0:10:26 > 0:10:30wage was the biggest pay rise for low-paid workers in nearly 20 years.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33The latest increase will benefit 2 million people and is set to cover 3
0:10:33 > 0:10:40million by 2020. The average earnings of a 25-year-old full-time
0:10:40 > 0:10:46has increased by £2000 since 2016. When will the government accept the
0:10:46 > 0:10:52need to actually persecute more firms who failed to pay the national
0:10:52 > 0:10:57minimum wage? Because only when people are prosecuted for breaking
0:10:57 > 0:11:00the law, rather than issued with warning notices, are they going to
0:11:00 > 0:11:05take it seriously.
0:11:05 > 0:11:10I would gently point out to the honourable lady that the government
0:11:10 > 0:11:13takes robust action against employers who do not pay their staff
0:11:13 > 0:11:18correctly. We have increased the funding for enforcement to 23
0:11:18 > 0:11:24million this year. The total value of penalties has more than
0:11:24 > 0:11:31quadrupled since 2014-15. In 2016-17 record £3.9 million was recovered in
0:11:31 > 0:11:37penalties, with one penalty issued over £1 million.Along with the
0:11:37 > 0:11:40steps the Minister has outlined, would he also agree with me that
0:11:40 > 0:11:45taking the lowest paid out of tax altogether and increasing the tax
0:11:45 > 0:11:48free threshold has made an enormous difference to many workers in this
0:11:48 > 0:11:56country.I absolutely agree with the honourable gentleman. 4 million
0:11:56 > 0:12:01people have been taken out of paying tax as a result of decisions taken
0:12:01 > 0:12:10by this government. The employment rate is 75.3%, the joint highest
0:12:10 > 0:12:16since the parable records began in 1971. -- since comparable records
0:12:16 > 0:12:21began. We have record numbers of people in work, unemployment at its
0:12:21 > 0:12:24lowest in 40 years. This is a government that is on the side of
0:12:24 > 0:12:30the worker and on the side of the lowest paid.Lope stifles investment
0:12:30 > 0:12:35and holds back productivity. We in the S&P believes the economy is
0:12:35 > 0:12:40stronger when a real living wage is paid. The Minister's on Department
0:12:40 > 0:12:44has rightly named and shamed 350 companies who failed to pay even the
0:12:44 > 0:12:48minimum wage. Does the Minister agree that the practice of companies
0:12:48 > 0:12:53paying no wages at all through unpaid work trials is morally
0:12:53 > 0:12:55repugnant and would his department
0:12:55 > 0:13:00support ending this shameful practice?I would point out to the
0:13:00 > 0:13:05honourable gentleman that over 160,000 people in Scotland directly
0:13:05 > 0:13:11benefit from the national living wage. The government are looking
0:13:11 > 0:13:14closely in relation to employment practices. We engage the work of
0:13:14 > 0:13:19Matthew Taylor to look at the practices and come up with new ways
0:13:19 > 0:13:24of supporting people who are particularly in the gig economy. We
0:13:24 > 0:13:28very much value that work and we will be putting forward his
0:13:28 > 0:13:39recommendations in the near future. Number three, Mr Speaker.With your
0:13:39 > 0:13:43permission Mr Speaker I will answer this question together with question
0:13:43 > 0:13:5019. The government will legislate to require quoted companies to publish
0:13:50 > 0:13:55and explain the ratio of their CEO's pay compared to the average pay of
0:13:55 > 0:13:59UK employees. Companies will also have to provide a better explanation
0:13:59 > 0:14:05of how share price increases affect the value of complex long-term
0:14:05 > 0:14:09incentive plans.Laura Smith.Does the Secretary of State acknowledged
0:14:09 > 0:14:15that there is sufficient compelling evidence to safely conclude beyond
0:14:15 > 0:14:20any reasonable doubt that collective bargaining significantly reduces
0:14:20 > 0:14:29income inequality?I thank the honourable lady for her question.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32She is absolutely right to raise the issue of collective bargaining and
0:14:32 > 0:14:38to look at how that impacts on employee pay and also in relation to
0:14:38 > 0:14:43the wider play of executives. I would just point out to her one
0:14:43 > 0:14:51interesting fact. The average FTSE 100 CEO pay let from £1 million to
0:14:51 > 0:15:04£4.3 million between 1998 and 2010. But CEO's pay fell in 2016.
0:15:04 > 0:15:10Interesting.If you take the average person in Barnsley East, it would
0:15:10 > 0:15:16take them 176 years to end what the average CEO does in 12 months. Does
0:15:16 > 0:15:19the Minister agree with me that this is a sign of grotesque inequality in
0:15:19 > 0:15:27the UK, and what will he do about it?What private companies pay their
0:15:27 > 0:15:32directors is ultimately a matter for their shareholders. But the new pay
0:15:32 > 0:15:36ratio disclosure requirements mean we will give shareholders and other
0:15:36 > 0:15:39stakeholders important new information on how pay at the top of
0:15:39 > 0:15:44companies fits with wider workforce pay. Companies will be forced to
0:15:44 > 0:15:49explain and defend their pay ratios and account for changes to the ratio
0:15:49 > 0:15:55overtime.Does the Minister agree with me that Britain's biggest
0:15:55 > 0:16:00broadcaster, the BBC, is setting an appalling example to nation over
0:16:00 > 0:16:07executive pay in failing to ensure gender parity?Canella sure the
0:16:07 > 0:16:10honourable gentleman that we absolutely and completely agree with
0:16:10 > 0:16:16fair pay. It is unacceptable that women who are doing the same pay as
0:16:16 > 0:16:22men receive less pay. That must change and the BBC must act.
0:16:22 > 0:16:28Hard-working people and on ordinary incomes are understandably angry
0:16:28 > 0:16:32about the way executive pay has skyrocketed at a time when ordinary
0:16:32 > 0:16:35pay has remained flat. When can we expect to see these regulations he's
0:16:35 > 0:16:40talking about when publication of pay ratios and can you confirm the
0:16:40 > 0:16:42requirement will be in place for companies by June of this year as
0:16:42 > 0:16:48promised?I were just point out to the lady that she may have her
0:16:48 > 0:16:57figures wrong. CEO pay has fallen, not risen. This government is keen
0:16:57 > 0:17:08to ensure that there is more transparency. We want to give
0:17:08 > 0:17:10greater accountability to shareholders and the workforce.
0:17:10 > 0:17:20Laura Pidcock.Since 2010, Carillion has paid out more than 500 million
0:17:20 > 0:17:23in dividends to shareholders, while in the same period running about
0:17:23 > 0:17:28pensions deficit of 587 million, a deficit is now threatening the
0:17:28 > 0:17:31security of thousands of hard-working people. While those
0:17:31 > 0:17:36people suffer, former Carillion CEO Richard house and was awarded with a
0:17:36 > 0:17:42bonus package worth one million in 2016. Will the government join me in
0:17:42 > 0:17:45condemning this scandal and work with the Labour Party to end the
0:17:45 > 0:17:49failed model of outsourcing using shell companies and condoning
0:17:49 > 0:17:56excessive pay, or will it be just business as usual?Please allow me,
0:17:56 > 0:18:00Mr Speaker, to assure the honourable lady that any payments due to
0:18:00 > 0:18:04directors and executives of Carillion have been stopped. Nobody
0:18:04 > 0:18:12is getting paid. Nobody is getting executive bonuses. The Secretary of
0:18:12 > 0:18:17State, on the moment the insolvency happen, wrote both to the insolvency
0:18:17 > 0:18:21service and to the FRC to ensure that there was a thorough
0:18:21 > 0:18:29investigation of all the payments to directors, and if necessary the
0:18:29 > 0:18:32insolvency service and FRC have the power to claw back all those
0:18:32 > 0:18:36payments. I can assure the honourable lady that we will learn
0:18:36 > 0:18:41the lessons of the Carillion insolvency and ensuring we do all we
0:18:41 > 0:18:44can to support businesses going forward.We have a lot of questions
0:18:44 > 0:19:00to get through so we need to speed up. Chris Williamson.The government
0:19:00 > 0:19:02believes my government and the Department for Transport work with
0:19:02 > 0:19:12trade unions and employers to ensure employers have the responsible to
0:19:12 > 0:19:16two pay the national minimum wage. We are crystal clear that if you
0:19:16 > 0:19:21work in UK waters you must pay the national minimum wage.I am pleased
0:19:21 > 0:19:25to hear that, but is the Minister aware that UK seafarers are being
0:19:25 > 0:19:30undercut by rates of pay as low as £1 75 per hour. This is happening,
0:19:30 > 0:19:34even though the legal working group on seafarers and the national
0:19:34 > 0:19:37minimum wage, including his department, agrees legislative
0:19:37 > 0:19:41changes are needed to provide more protection. Will the Minister give a
0:19:41 > 0:19:47commitment to work with the RNC in Norton to stop this brazen
0:19:47 > 0:19:53exploitation, starting with the enforcement of the UK minimum wage
0:19:53 > 0:19:57for UK seafarers working in ports and store installations.I will
0:19:57 > 0:20:01assure the honourable gentleman that the guidance is clear, national
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Minna wage applies on foreign registered ships and then they are
0:20:04 > 0:20:08in UK territory. The new guidance is the first of its kind on the
0:20:08 > 0:20:12application of the national minimum wage. Specifically to seafarers,
0:20:12 > 0:20:18showing this is a priority to this government. The UK national minimum
0:20:18 > 0:20:23wage law must naturally have a limit, but if you are employed as a
0:20:23 > 0:20:28seafarer in British waters, you will be entitled to the national minimum
0:20:28 > 0:20:43wage.question about five.-- question number five. This includes
0:20:43 > 0:20:47encouraging businesses, including offering apprenticeships. We are
0:20:47 > 0:20:53working with all employers to ensure the apprenticeship levy works
0:20:53 > 0:20:55effectively for industry and supports productivity across the
0:20:55 > 0:21:00country.I thank my honourable friend for his answer and can I
0:21:00 > 0:21:05welcome him to his role on the front bench. I have had previous
0:21:05 > 0:21:09conversations with my honourable friend, the member for Putney, to
0:21:09 > 0:21:17support my constituents to get involved in further education. Will
0:21:17 > 0:21:22my honourable friend commits with meeting with me to look at how
0:21:22 > 0:21:33further... To train young people in -- in Mansfield.We are committed to
0:21:33 > 0:21:37supporting young people in Mansfield through the growth hub that has
0:21:37 > 0:21:41engaged more than 5000 businesses. In terms of young people in his
0:21:41 > 0:21:45constituency, which he specifically mentioned, the message from this
0:21:45 > 0:21:48government is that for those who think university is the best route
0:21:48 > 0:21:51to build the future they want, the government will support them. But
0:21:51 > 0:21:56for those who find apprenticeships and nonuniversity roots are the best
0:21:56 > 0:22:02route, we will also support them. We will not want to limit aspiration.I
0:22:02 > 0:22:06know the Minister is new in his post, but wake up, for goodness'
0:22:06 > 0:22:12sake. There is chaos and meltdown in the apprenticeship scheme. 62% drop
0:22:12 > 0:22:19in apprenticeship starts. Colleges in bankruptcy. Small individual
0:22:19 > 0:22:22employers in the textile industry can't get apprenticeships through.
0:22:22 > 0:22:30Get a move on and do something about it, man!I welcome the
0:22:30 > 0:22:34characteristic passion with which the honourable member delivers his
0:22:34 > 0:22:37questions and I share his objective, which is we both want to have the
0:22:37 > 0:22:42best future for young people. As he knows, the apprenticeship system is
0:22:42 > 0:22:48going to change. It will be employer led, with a focus on quality. We are
0:22:48 > 0:22:54in the first year of the levy operating. We expected a bit of a
0:22:54 > 0:22:58dip but I think this will recover to deliver the future for our young
0:22:58 > 0:23:03people.Further education colleges such as Newcastle-under-Lyme and
0:23:03 > 0:23:09Stafford are vital for provisions for apprenticeships both for the
0:23:09 > 0:23:13levy and non-levy. But just having the levy on its own is not
0:23:13 > 0:23:18necessarily sustainable. Can he ensure that all further education
0:23:18 > 0:23:20colleges have access to funding for non-levy apprenticeships?The
0:23:20 > 0:23:26honourable member makes a very good point. What I will say about the
0:23:26 > 0:23:34levy is that it is very much in its infancy. It will raise £2.6 billion
0:23:34 > 0:23:36to fund apprenticeships for people in this country. We have to give it
0:23:36 > 0:23:43time to work but I taken point his point. We are told there is a skills
0:23:43 > 0:23:48shortagein my area. Given the introduction of the levy and other
0:23:48 > 0:23:51policies the government has been talking about, at what point in time
0:23:51 > 0:23:58does it believe the skills gap will be filled to ensure that positions
0:23:58 > 0:24:02in business and the wider community are filled. Can he give this a time?
0:24:02 > 0:24:10The honourable nonmember mentioned a skills gap in his local area. This
0:24:10 > 0:24:13covenant is committed to 3 million apprenticeships to plug that skills
0:24:13 > 0:24:22gap. I'm determined we will deliver on that target.Question number six.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25The government enjoys a strong partnership with the aerospace
0:24:25 > 0:24:30sector through the errors base growth partnership. Turnover has
0:24:30 > 0:24:33increased to 34 billion since 2010 and exports have almost doubled.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37Following the excellent and wholly justified ruling of the US
0:24:37 > 0:24:43International Trade Commission on Friday night, I'm delighted that
0:24:43 > 0:24:45Bombardier in the honourable gentleman's constituency can look
0:24:45 > 0:24:51forward to a bright future.I was overjoyed on Friday night when
0:24:51 > 0:25:00Bombardier unanimously won their case with the US ITC. Can I ask that
0:25:00 > 0:25:04they stand resolute against any appeal that might be lodged and make
0:25:04 > 0:25:10sure the C series, now it is finally ready for take-off, is the true
0:25:10 > 0:25:15success we know it will be.I will indeed, that the pay tribute to the
0:25:15 > 0:25:19honourable gentleman for the stalwart way in which they stood up
0:25:19 > 0:25:21for their constituents and the supply chain that covers the whole
0:25:21 > 0:25:26of the United Kingdom. Right from the beginning this has been a joint
0:25:26 > 0:25:29endeavour between ourselves, the Canadian government, the company,
0:25:29 > 0:25:36and everyone with an interest in the success of Bombardier. Through
0:25:36 > 0:25:42the...LAUGHTER Does my right honourable friend
0:25:42 > 0:25:48agree that the future of our space and aerospace industries are key to
0:25:48 > 0:25:55our economic future and practical measures will open up new
0:25:55 > 0:25:56opportunities?
0:26:01 > 0:26:13I agree with my honourable friend. Space is one of the
0:26:19 > 0:26:35does he not share my alarm that the takeover of a Co to -- a company,
0:26:35 > 0:26:40GKM, is it a national security issue? He knows that the powers that
0:26:40 > 0:26:42the secretary has everything that has
0:26:43 > 0:26:45exercised.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51He will know that I have spoken to the Chief Executive is involved and
0:26:51 > 0:26:59I am keeping it under both review. Close review. It is good to hear him
0:26:59 > 0:27:05talk about the importance of aerospace, will he consider the
0:27:05 > 0:27:08aerospace centre being put in my constituency and will he meet with
0:27:08 > 0:27:13meat or colleagues to discuss it?I will be very happy to meet with my
0:27:13 > 0:27:19honourable friend to develop the full potential of aerospace in his
0:27:19 > 0:27:27constituency.Question seven, Mr Speaker.Keep me posted, -- Keep Me
0:27:27 > 0:27:34Posted are dedicated advocates for billing, my officials have met them
0:27:34 > 0:27:38in the past and they are familiar with their campaign and their
0:27:38 > 0:27:42valuable work.Considering the levels of digital exclusion
0:27:42 > 0:27:48including broadband coverage in my own constituency of East Lothian,
0:27:48 > 0:27:51will the Minister meet with me and Keep Me Posted to discuss
0:27:51 > 0:27:59invitations on our constituents?In response to his point on levels of
0:27:59 > 0:28:02exclusion, I think the House can celebrate that under this government
0:28:02 > 0:28:0595% of the country will be covered by superfast broadband but I take
0:28:05 > 0:28:11his point and I will be delighted to meet with him.Will the Minister
0:28:11 > 0:28:14work with banks and utilities to ensure the charges for paper billing
0:28:14 > 0:28:21are restricted to the actual cost of providing that service and are not
0:28:21 > 0:28:24allowed to become a punitive fee for those who need or choose paper
0:28:24 > 0:28:32bills?Yes, I agree and I'm happy to work with him.Can I welcome the
0:28:32 > 0:28:36Minister's commitments to meet with the Keep Me Posted campaign? That's
0:28:36 > 0:28:40a very welcome development particularly because of older people
0:28:40 > 0:28:43in my constituency, who have made representations saying they find it
0:28:43 > 0:28:49intolerable that they are not able to get paper bills. Can the Minister
0:28:49 > 0:28:55assure me that he will take this on for the whole of the UK?Absolutely,
0:28:55 > 0:28:59and I do agree that our consumer choice is important. Many suppliers
0:28:59 > 0:29:04do offer paper bills but these are not cost free. It's important to
0:29:04 > 0:29:10recognise that and at a time of seeking to boost productivity, it's
0:29:10 > 0:29:16not Andrew Small for businesses to intensify efficiency in billing.
0:29:16 > 0:29:26Where charge different exist, I will look at it.Whilst recognising the
0:29:26 > 0:29:30gradual shift away from paper statement and bills as they go
0:29:30 > 0:29:33online, it must be acknowledged that 16 million people over 15 years old
0:29:33 > 0:29:40old still don't have a thick online -- Basic online skills and 5.2
0:29:40 > 0:29:43million households do not have access to the Internet at home and
0:29:43 > 0:29:49these might find penalties for a cracking a paper bill. What action
0:29:49 > 0:29:55will the Minister take to ensure that people are not penalised for
0:29:55 > 0:29:58making what should be a legitimate consumer choice and what strategy
0:29:58 > 0:30:01will he put in place to make sure the people who do not have the
0:30:01 > 0:30:07skills at the moment are able to develop those skills in the future?
0:30:07 > 0:30:12The honourable member makes a very important point that we should make
0:30:12 > 0:30:18sure that those who need paper bills do receive them and they are not
0:30:18 > 0:30:21unfairly penalised. Any discount made for paperless bills or charge
0:30:21 > 0:30:25for paper bills in sectors where this is allowed must be justified in
0:30:25 > 0:30:28relation to the relevant administration costs and we do not
0:30:28 > 0:30:33believe that the government should intervene to make the cost of
0:30:33 > 0:30:42providing a paper bill service be borne by other customers for whom
0:30:42 > 0:30:45online is acceptable.Question number eight.With your permission,
0:30:45 > 0:30:50I will answer this with 13. We are actively supporting small businesses
0:30:50 > 0:30:54by enhancing the business helpline and funding growth hubs in every
0:30:54 > 0:30:57local enterprise partnership in England. The new small business
0:30:57 > 0:31:02Commissioner will help payment issues and the British bank has
0:31:02 > 0:31:06programmes that support nearly £4 billion of finance to over 60,000
0:31:06 > 0:31:12SMEs.I thank the Minister and welcome him to his new position.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16Somerfield in my Copeland constituency is one of Britain's's
0:31:16 > 0:31:23biggest single site employer. It is about to award its multi-million PPP
0:31:23 > 0:31:26contracts. What is he doing to promote the role of SMEs, rather
0:31:26 > 0:31:32than just large companies, when awarding the contract?I would just
0:31:32 > 0:31:38clarify to the House that the PDP that the honourable lady was talking
0:31:38 > 0:31:41about stands for programme and project partners, and not as many
0:31:41 > 0:31:45might have assumed, a private public partnership. This programme as she
0:31:45 > 0:31:49talks about will support Sellafield in decommissioning and containing
0:31:49 > 0:31:54commissions designed to support small businesses. In November 2015,
0:31:54 > 0:32:00the Cabinet Office agreed to a target of 31% of spend with SMEs for
0:32:00 > 0:32:04the government's nuclear decommissioning authority. Moreover,
0:32:04 > 0:32:07as the small-business minister, I will be looking at what I can do to
0:32:07 > 0:32:14make sure that more is done to make small businesses win government
0:32:14 > 0:32:19contracts.Would the Minister join with me in commending the work of
0:32:19 > 0:32:25the awash partnership which helps entrepreneurs in my constituency
0:32:25 > 0:32:31start up their business, and will he consider more support for these
0:32:31 > 0:32:42services?I am delighted to join my honourable friend in a applauding
0:32:42 > 0:32:49the work of the Erewash partnership. All businesses will have access to a
0:32:49 > 0:32:54growth hubs. We have announced £24 million of core funding over the
0:32:54 > 0:33:00next two years for growth hubs, including partners to the Erewash
0:33:00 > 0:33:08partnership, and I be an delighted to work with her.What is really
0:33:08 > 0:33:13important is to SMEs in the automotive and aerospace supply
0:33:13 > 0:33:23chains is stability in Tier one suppliers. If the Melrose bid for
0:33:23 > 0:33:27GKN splits off and sells off that Company, that cannot be in the
0:33:27 > 0:33:31interest of either sector or SMEs in this country?I would say that we
0:33:31 > 0:33:35always sensitive and aware of the impacts on the supply chain. We need
0:33:35 > 0:33:39a strong supply chain. I would also pointing to the previous answer of
0:33:39 > 0:33:44the Secretary of State in addition to this.Support for the small
0:33:44 > 0:33:49business sector will be more urgent given the findings of the UK
0:33:49 > 0:33:53Government's leaked Brexit analysis showing that in all current
0:33:53 > 0:33:56scenarios, businesses across all sectors in all parts of the UK will
0:33:56 > 0:34:01be hammered with between 2% and 8% reduction in GDP growth. Can the
0:34:01 > 0:34:06Minister confirm what planning his department has undertaken in light
0:34:06 > 0:34:14of these figures, added he has, is he not publishing because they are
0:34:14 > 0:34:19too embarrassing?The honourable member that this is going to be
0:34:19 > 0:34:22answered in an urgent question later on and I hate to spoil his fun so I
0:34:22 > 0:34:28will leave it to others.Question number nine.Would you indulge me? I
0:34:28 > 0:34:30would like to pay tribute to the honourable lady's predecessor who
0:34:30 > 0:34:38made such an amazing and powerful speech in the other place. I think
0:34:38 > 0:34:41we should all be proud of the excellent progress the UK has made
0:34:41 > 0:34:45in meeting carbon reduction targets, we have met our first budget and are
0:34:45 > 0:34:49on track to exceed our second and third and we are mad to 7% and 95%
0:34:49 > 0:35:00of our weight to -- 97% and 95% of the way to meeting the fourth and
0:35:00 > 0:35:07fifth budgets.I thank the Minister for her tribute to my predecessor
0:35:07 > 0:35:16baroness jowl who is much loved in my area. -- Baroness Jowell who is
0:35:16 > 0:35:19much loved.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27Can the Minister tell me what conversations she is having with
0:35:27 > 0:35:31private firms with large pension funds to encourage and facilitate
0:35:31 > 0:35:35divestments from fossil fuels? This is now clearly the most responsible
0:35:35 > 0:35:38decision both for pension-fund members and the future of our
0:35:38 > 0:35:45planet.I think the honourable lady points out that the government can
0:35:45 > 0:35:48set the policy and achieve targets like the renewable ambition but we
0:35:48 > 0:35:52also need the private sector and private capital to be involved in
0:35:52 > 0:35:55financing this. I had numerous conversations with companies both in
0:35:55 > 0:35:57what they're doing with their investments but equally what they
0:35:57 > 0:36:01are doing to help other companies invest in a more sustainable future
0:36:01 > 0:36:05and I refer her to the power and past coal allowance which I launched
0:36:05 > 0:36:13with Canada last year which is helping the world gets off the most
0:36:13 > 0:36:19dirty fossil fuel heat.Given a year has gone passed since the review on
0:36:19 > 0:36:22tidal lagoon technology, when does my honourable friend thinks that the
0:36:22 > 0:36:29Minister will be able to respond positive to this?I am left in no
0:36:29 > 0:36:33doubt by my right honourable friend and others how anxious people are to
0:36:33 > 0:36:37see this review, we want to get our future investment in renewable
0:36:37 > 0:36:42energy is right, we continue to look closely in this and we will inform
0:36:42 > 0:36:47the House shortly, hopefully.The Minister will have seen the recent
0:36:47 > 0:36:52report by the climate change committee on the government's clean
0:36:52 > 0:36:56growth strategy in addition to the fifth carbon budget. I know she has
0:36:56 > 0:36:59seen it because she wrote them a nice letter thanking them for the
0:36:59 > 0:37:05report. What plans does she have in place to rectify the shortcomings
0:37:05 > 0:37:09and omissions in that plan, as identified by the committee on
0:37:09 > 0:37:15climate change in their report?As we both know, the report basically
0:37:15 > 0:37:21said that there was a sea change in our ambition for future climate
0:37:21 > 0:37:25reduction actions. I was extremely grateful, as I am always, for their
0:37:25 > 0:37:28scrutiny and information, with the first country in the world to pass
0:37:28 > 0:37:32the climate change act and set up an independent scrutineers and as we
0:37:32 > 0:37:36all know, we have to do more particularly around the areas of
0:37:36 > 0:37:40business energy efficiency and new home standard and I am the keyboard
0:37:40 > 0:37:45to working cross-party to bring that forward.Number 11, Mr Speaker.I am
0:37:45 > 0:37:51delighted that the paper commits to considering a town deal for Grimsby
0:37:51 > 0:37:55and I know my honourable friend has warmly received it. I welcome the
0:37:55 > 0:38:00strong public and private approach to drive forward and vicious plans
0:38:00 > 0:38:04for regeneration of Grimsby and the Department and Project board --
0:38:04 > 0:38:07ambitious plans. And the boards are in close contact for this deal and
0:38:07 > 0:38:13we hope to have a proposal in consideration in the future.It also
0:38:13 > 0:38:21includes Cleethorpes, Mr Speaker. I know discussions are continuing at
0:38:21 > 0:38:24an official level but I would welcome the opportunity of the
0:38:24 > 0:38:26Minister meeting with representatives of the appropriate
0:38:26 > 0:38:30board in the near future so reeking give some political clout to this
0:38:30 > 0:38:34deal which could provide a pilot for many provincial towns up and down
0:38:34 > 0:38:40the country.Mr Speaker, I would be delighted to meet with my honourable
0:38:40 > 0:38:45friend and members of the grated Grimsby including Cleethorpes
0:38:45 > 0:38:50Project board. -- greater Grimsby. As soon as I able to leave
0:38:50 > 0:38:54Westminster or I encourage him to meet here with me and if he wants to
0:38:54 > 0:38:59bring some local fish and chips, that would be fine.Let's hear the
0:38:59 > 0:39:09voice of Grimsby!Great Grimsby is obviously the centre of the universe
0:39:09 > 0:39:12in northern Lincolnshire, certainly! This project is important to
0:39:12 > 0:39:18providing jobs, skills, housing and culture in my constituency, it seems
0:39:18 > 0:39:22to have been ping-pong between groups, who is taking a lead, how
0:39:22 > 0:39:29much will the government commit to ensure its success and when will my
0:39:29 > 0:39:33patient constituents see the change they deserve?I can assure the
0:39:33 > 0:39:36honourable lady I do not play ping-pong but this is showing
0:39:36 > 0:39:40government working together and it will continue to work together and I
0:39:40 > 0:39:46will take my responsibility to make sure it happened as soon as Arsenal.
0:39:46 > 0:39:52Double 12. That as possible.Number 12, Mr Speaker. The task force
0:39:52 > 0:40:00established includes the default of work and pensions and we are in
0:40:00 > 0:40:03regular contact with the pensions Secretary. Those already receiving
0:40:03 > 0:40:08pensions will continue to receive payment at 100% of the usual rate.
0:40:08 > 0:40:13Anyone worried about their pension situation can contact the pension
0:40:13 > 0:40:16advisory service whose dedicated helpline has responded to 800 calls
0:40:16 > 0:40:21since Carillion's insolvency.I think it would be very little
0:40:21 > 0:40:26comfort, his answer, to many Carillion staff past and present
0:40:26 > 0:40:32when they hear their pension fund is approaching a deficit of £1 billion.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34Public sector contracts have made some of the top of Carillion very
0:40:34 > 0:40:39rich indeed. What action is the Minister taking to ensure that
0:40:39 > 0:40:44carrot and future pensioners do not lose out?-- current and future
0:40:44 > 0:40:46pensioners? The right honourable gentleman will understand that
0:40:46 > 0:40:53issues in regard to pension schemes are a matter for the independent
0:40:53 > 0:40:57pensions regulator, however they have been in contact with Carillion
0:40:57 > 0:40:59and a pension scheme trustees for a number of years about the funding
0:40:59 > 0:41:04for the pension schemes. I can absolutely assure the honourable to
0:41:04 > 0:41:12common that the work of the task force is to work with what happened
0:41:12 > 0:41:15in the insolvency and ensure that if lessons are to be learned, we will
0:41:15 > 0:41:22learn them.The global headquarters of GKN is in Redditch in my
0:41:22 > 0:41:26constituency, it was 200 people. There are concerns ranged about the
0:41:26 > 0:41:29pension scheme there, the pensions regulator warning that in the end of
0:41:29 > 0:41:33a takeover, there could be something to look up there, what lessons is he
0:41:33 > 0:41:36learning from Carillion in this case and what further action says he need
0:41:36 > 0:41:41to take?
0:41:41 > 0:41:45I think the Secretary of State has already outlined the approach the
0:41:45 > 0:41:52government is taking the takeover of the GKN situation. I can assure the
0:41:52 > 0:41:56honourable lady that the indications of business actions and in
0:41:56 > 0:41:59particular takeovers in relation to pension schemes is a priority for
0:41:59 > 0:42:03this government and we will continue to proceed with care and caution to
0:42:03 > 0:42:07protect the interests of all those members of pension schemes.Gareth
0:42:07 > 0:42:20Thomas.Number 14. Thank you, Mr Speaker. The government works to
0:42:20 > 0:42:25ensure our labour markets work for everyone. This is why the Prime
0:42:25 > 0:42:28Minister asked Matthew Taylor to carry out an independent review on
0:42:28 > 0:42:31modern working practices. The government is considering the issues
0:42:31 > 0:42:35the review has raised, including the rules governing the use of agency
0:42:35 > 0:42:39workers forced up the review is comprehensive and detailed, and we
0:42:39 > 0:42:44have been giving the report to the careful consideration it deserves.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48We will respond shortly.2000 workers in British Telecom call
0:42:48 > 0:42:55centres, some of whom handle 999 calls are paid up to £500 less per
0:42:55 > 0:42:59month than permanent staff because BT uses the loophole known as the
0:42:59 > 0:43:04Swedish derogation under the agency workers regulations. Taylor
0:43:04 > 0:43:08recommended is its abolition. When will the Minister get on with it?As
0:43:08 > 0:43:12I already outlined to the honourable gentleman, the Matthew Taylor report
0:43:12 > 0:43:21does look in some depth at the Swedish issue. I will be meeting
0:43:21 > 0:43:24Matthew Taylor this afternoon and that particular issue will be one of
0:43:24 > 0:43:29the issues we will be discussing. I can reassure the honourable
0:43:29 > 0:43:34gentleman that in 2007, the employment agencies standard
0:43:34 > 0:43:40inspectorate dealt with more than 800 complaints from agency work is.
0:43:40 > 0:43:44Those investigations are protected and it estimated 300,000 agency
0:43:44 > 0:43:50workers, and we will continue to defend their interests.Jon Cryer.
0:43:50 > 0:43:54How many of those complaints under the Agency Workers Directive lead to
0:43:54 > 0:43:59successful prosecutions?I will write to the honourable gentleman
0:43:59 > 0:44:07with that answer.With your permission I will answer this with
0:44:07 > 0:44:11question 21. Development of renewable energy is a tremendous UK
0:44:11 > 0:44:19success story thanks to significant investment from all of us. Last year
0:44:19 > 0:44:2530% of energy generation came from renewable sources.Yesterday ten UK
0:44:25 > 0:44:28trade associations wrote to the Secretary of State to highlight
0:44:28 > 0:44:34serious concerns to the feed in tariff. Will he agree to meet with
0:44:34 > 0:44:40ministers to address those concerns and the small-scale carbon energy
0:44:40 > 0:44:43projects?I am always happy to engage with anyone who would like to
0:44:43 > 0:44:49further the cause of renewable energy in the UK. .Mary Creagh? Not
0:44:49 > 0:45:00here. Paul Masterson.The largest onshore wind farm in the UK is based
0:45:00 > 0:45:13in West Renfrewshire. Can the government confirmed that otheras
0:45:13 > 0:45:15the honourable gentleman knows because we discussed it several
0:45:15 > 0:45:20times we are looking hard at how we use that support for renewable
0:45:20 > 0:45:23energies in a way that brings forward projects where there is
0:45:23 > 0:45:25significant local support. I look forward to continuing the discussion
0:45:25 > 0:45:32with him.In the first three quarters of 2017 renewable energy in
0:45:32 > 0:45:34Scotland was 19% greater than the same period in the previous year.
0:45:34 > 0:45:43Scotland is on track for a record renewable energies in 2017. We'll be
0:45:43 > 0:45:46Minister commend the Scottish governorate in this area,
0:45:46 > 0:45:50particularly a new target set of 50% of Scottish energy used to come from
0:45:50 > 0:45:56renewable energies by 2030.Scotland benefits from some significant
0:45:56 > 0:45:59geographical advantages making it a world leader in this area. But UK
0:45:59 > 0:46:09built payers across the nation are investing in renewable energy.The
0:46:09 > 0:46:20group Mark Porter, finally and briefly.Question is 17.We have a
0:46:20 > 0:46:26range of schemes with regard infrastructure. The autumn budget,
0:46:26 > 0:46:29as the Chancellor announced, 400 million of joint public and private
0:46:29 > 0:46:34charged investment fund.My constituency is already home to the
0:46:34 > 0:46:41new Electric London taxi. We recently heard an investment of £800
0:46:41 > 0:46:46million in Coventry. Does this represent opportunities for my
0:46:46 > 0:46:50constituency under wider area to establish leadership in the electric
0:46:50 > 0:46:58vehicle sector?It does. I had the honour of visiting my honourable
0:46:58 > 0:47:04friend in his constituency. The CEO of Land Rover said they intend to
0:47:04 > 0:47:07produce battery electric vehicles in the region, making the West Midlands
0:47:07 > 0:47:11before front of modern mobility in UK. This is the industrial strategy
0:47:11 > 0:47:20in action.The District Council is investing in 20 new electric vehicle
0:47:20 > 0:47:23charging points in car parks across the district but constituents
0:47:23 > 0:47:27recently told me it took six and a half hours to get from Chichester to
0:47:27 > 0:47:31Oxford in his electric car because of insufficient journey charging
0:47:31 > 0:47:36points. What will be Minister do to join up individual council
0:47:36 > 0:47:39initiatives to make sure there is a conference of network nationwide?We
0:47:39 > 0:47:44are pressing hard on this. The government is taking powers under
0:47:44 > 0:47:48the automated electric vehicle built to ensure the role that of
0:47:48 > 0:47:51infrastructure and government leadership with local authority
0:47:51 > 0:47:55engagement in the growing private sector means the UK now has more
0:47:55 > 0:47:58than 11,500 publicly accessible charge points. The government has
0:47:58 > 0:48:03committed £15 million to ensure they are every 20 miles on strategic
0:48:03 > 0:48:09roads. It is coming and coming soon stubbly topical questions, John
0:48:09 > 0:48:17Penrose.Topical question number one.It is my pleasure to introduce
0:48:17 > 0:48:21new colleagues, the members for Surrey East and Burton and to see
0:48:21 > 0:48:26our agenda progressing. We announced the automotive sector deals
0:48:26 > 0:48:28supporting British innovators and manufacturers with a joint
0:48:28 > 0:48:31commitment of millions of pounds of investment from industry and
0:48:31 > 0:48:34government. The Society of motor malefactors and traders said the
0:48:34 > 0:48:38deal would place the UK at the forefront of electric connected and
0:48:38 > 0:48:41autonomous vehicles. I am delighted to announce to the house that in the
0:48:41 > 0:48:48case of Lotus cars, they have announced an intention to invest
0:48:48 > 0:48:51significantly to expand its production creating 300 new jobs at
0:48:51 > 0:48:54its plant in Norfolk and for production to increase fivefold in
0:48:54 > 0:49:00the years ahead.Energy distribution network operators charge obscenely
0:49:00 > 0:49:07high prices on energy bills and make absurdly large profits getting
0:49:07 > 0:49:10energy to our homes. With the Minister agree that Ofgem has been
0:49:10 > 0:49:15far too soft on these firms for ages, allowing them to get fat and
0:49:15 > 0:49:18lazy other customers expense and join me in urging them to get a
0:49:18 > 0:49:21great deal tougher in the future.I agree with my honourable friend and
0:49:21 > 0:49:28welcomed the decision by SGM, S S E and the National Grid to refund
0:49:28 > 0:49:33excess returns to consumers and the others should follow suit. He is
0:49:33 > 0:49:37right that in the next price control period, Ofgem should have a much
0:49:37 > 0:49:42tougher regime.Can I gently remind colleagues that topical questions
0:49:42 > 0:49:45progress is expected to be much quicker so we need short and sharp
0:49:45 > 0:49:49enquiries. People shouldn't bring it to topical is what they would have
0:49:49 > 0:49:56asked if they had been called when they went other desperate when they
0:49:56 > 0:50:05weren't in the questions.GPL is a great British company formed in the
0:50:05 > 0:50:12Industrial Revolution. It would place it at the heart of our future
0:50:12 > 0:50:18economy, high skills and high productivity and high wage. But the
0:50:18 > 0:50:24debt driving hostile takeover threatens UK workers, 6000 of them,
0:50:24 > 0:50:29pension funds and supply chain. The Secretary of State has said he will
0:50:29 > 0:50:35not comment on individual cases. So can I ask him a general question,
0:50:35 > 0:50:38does he believe it is in the national interest for city
0:50:38 > 0:50:46investment in houses to use debt to dismantle our industrial base.What
0:50:46 > 0:50:50I would say to the honourable lady, she understands the constraints I
0:50:50 > 0:50:54have in any particular takeover. It's very important as a feature of
0:50:54 > 0:50:59our economy that we have investment from those with a capital to invest,
0:50:59 > 0:51:05to go into our companies. That's why we have a regime that limits the
0:51:05 > 0:51:07grounds for intervention, but there are certain grounds I have to
0:51:07 > 0:51:14consider during the time ahead.Will the Minister join me in welcoming
0:51:14 > 0:51:19the news announced by the aerospace trade association of record new
0:51:19 > 0:51:23aircraft delivery figures with £29 billion to the UK in 2017 and the
0:51:23 > 0:51:31further announcement of an order by Emirates for an additional 36 Airbus
0:51:31 > 0:51:38380s. How will the government ensure the UK supply chain is in a place to
0:51:38 > 0:51:43take advantage of these excellent opportunities?I thank my honourable
0:51:43 > 0:51:46friend for that question. The sector has huge growth potential stop the
0:51:46 > 0:51:49government supports the industry through the aerospace group
0:51:49 > 0:51:55partnership that we have committed 3.95 billion to this, which already
0:51:55 > 0:52:03supports 200 companies including those in his hesitancy.By last
0:52:03 > 0:52:10Friday, just fry covenanted -- 526 companies of those who needed to
0:52:10 > 0:52:16support the agenda pay gap have done so. What powers does the government
0:52:16 > 0:52:20have to compel these companies to publish these figures by the end of
0:52:20 > 0:52:29April deadline because there are no civil or criminalin companies
0:52:29 > 0:52:32failing to report, and I will take this matter forward and work with
0:52:32 > 0:52:42her as a matter of urgency is. Bearing in mind the world leading
0:52:42 > 0:52:45reputation in Harpenden, will be secretary explained what plans the
0:52:45 > 0:52:51department has to work with deaf and other bodies to improve Britain's
0:52:51 > 0:53:00world-class position in agricultural science? -- and Defra. You like the
0:53:00 > 0:53:09judgment is investing 70 million -- the government is investing 70
0:53:09 > 0:53:17million... We are working together to deliver integrated solutions to
0:53:17 > 0:53:22the agricultural community.On the 10th of January, the First Minister
0:53:22 > 0:53:25of Wales spoke to the Prime Minister offering substantial funds for the
0:53:25 > 0:53:30tidal lagoon. When will you get a response and where and why we have
0:53:30 > 0:53:34in the tidal lagoon decision for investment across Wales?I would say
0:53:34 > 0:53:38to the honourable gentleman that officials are meeting with their
0:53:38 > 0:53:41counterparts in the Welsh government to understand and explore the
0:53:41 > 0:53:49proposal that has been made.As banks are closing on our high
0:53:49 > 0:53:53Street, two of my towns, New Haven and Polegate is not having any bank
0:53:53 > 0:53:55facilities next, will the mystic consider expanding the facilities
0:53:55 > 0:54:02post offices offer, as they are keen to do more, but Post Office Limited
0:54:02 > 0:54:07are refusing to allow them to do this stubbly I take on board the
0:54:07 > 0:54:10very important questions the honourable lady asks. The government
0:54:10 > 0:54:14has invested over £2 million to ensure the government is able to
0:54:14 > 0:54:17meet the needs of our constituents and the small businesses that rely
0:54:17 > 0:54:23on it. That means 99% of the UK personal bank accounts and 95% of
0:54:23 > 0:54:27small business accounts can be accessed to withdraw cash.Customers
0:54:27 > 0:54:34can deposit cash over the counter and with checks in any one of the
0:54:34 > 0:54:4011,600 post offices across the UK. Investment in solar energy has
0:54:40 > 0:54:45fallen by 85% over the last year. Will the minister explain why his
0:54:45 > 0:54:51department believes solar energy is no longer requires public subsidy.
0:54:51 > 0:54:55I'm sure the honourable lady will be delighted to know I opened the UK's
0:54:55 > 0:54:59first subsidy free solar farm last year with the great success of a
0:54:59 > 0:55:02policy framework and investments we have all made through our bills
0:55:02 > 0:55:06means we are able to bring forward renewable energy without substantial
0:55:06 > 0:55:09subsidies. I would have thought the idea of getting more renewable
0:55:09 > 0:55:19energy for less investment would be something she would welcome.Giving
0:55:19 > 0:55:31the keep me posted campaign showed that those who don't use the
0:55:31 > 0:55:39Internet face larger household bills for services, of £440 per year, will
0:55:39 > 0:55:43the Minister consider extending the provisions that already exist in
0:55:43 > 0:55:48banking to energy and telecommunications bills?The
0:55:48 > 0:55:52honourable member makes a very important point, which is why I
0:55:52 > 0:55:55agreed in the early question to meet with the campaign officials to see
0:55:55 > 0:56:02how we can work on this.The loss of over 200 jobs at Cleveland potash is
0:56:02 > 0:56:08heavy blow for living in East Cleveland. I'm grateful to the
0:56:08 > 0:56:10small-business minister for agreeing across government at the same
0:56:10 > 0:56:14flexible it is around training that were granted to workers at SSI will
0:56:14 > 0:56:18be extended to those at Baldy. The chief executive of the task force
0:56:18 > 0:56:22has described those is critical. Will he agree that these will be
0:56:22 > 0:56:25finalised before redundancies are announced in the spring so people
0:56:25 > 0:56:27leaving have certainty?
0:56:31 > 0:56:36I think if you have got a long question, edit a bit out, never
0:56:36 > 0:56:41suffers.Can I congratulate the honourable member on his tenacity
0:56:41 > 0:56:47and campaigning Lombard of his -- and a bath of his numbers. I am
0:56:47 > 0:56:51happy to confirm that there will be additional back severity in how the
0:56:51 > 0:56:55rapid response service can be used, so while there is no additional
0:56:55 > 0:57:02funding, all of the workers will have the same flexibility for job
0:57:02 > 0:57:06focused training as there has been for other workers.In light of the
0:57:06 > 0:57:17possible buyer to resolving cross-border is overseas post
0:57:17 > 0:57:23Brexit, how does he insure that the framework is fit for progress?We
0:57:23 > 0:57:28keep under constant review the insolvency regulations both in
0:57:28 > 0:57:31response to Brexit and also lessons to be learned from our experience
0:57:31 > 0:57:39domestic leaf. I will work with him to make sure his views are fed in.
0:57:39 > 0:57:42Consumers in the south-west are paying extra on their bills because
0:57:42 > 0:57:48of energy network companies charging too much. And we need greater
0:57:48 > 0:57:52competition and gritted teeth in the watchdog to do something.I think he
0:57:52 > 0:57:58is inviting me to agree with him, it is the case that network costs vary
0:57:58 > 0:58:01regionally because it costs different amounts to serve
0:58:01 > 0:58:07customers. Jan has taken billions out of the last framework and they
0:58:07 > 0:58:13are looking forward to introducing members like a price cap bill which
0:58:13 > 0:58:17I shall be bringing forward shortly. We want to make sure that energy
0:58:17 > 0:58:21bills can afford and we protect the most honourable in that process.
0:58:21 > 0:58:27Single sentence questions of the order of the day, to be brilliantly
0:58:27 > 0:58:32exemption fight...The universal service obligation for super fast
0:58:32 > 0:58:34broadband will be good news for businesses across the country
0:58:34 > 0:58:39however the fact that the announcement has been made no date
0:58:39 > 0:58:42is being counter-productive and slowing down broadband, will the
0:58:42 > 0:58:44government and up-to-date and will they also announced that frustration
0:58:44 > 0:58:50can start immediately?-- registration can start immediately?
0:58:50 > 0:58:57In the Digital economy Bill the date set out for 2020. I am sure that he
0:58:57 > 0:59:01will join me in congratulating the government on its success in
0:59:01 > 0:59:05ensuring that 95% of the country now has access to broadband across the
0:59:05 > 0:59:13UK.With the Minister supports transport for the North's strategic
0:59:13 > 0:59:23plan which calls for a 50% increase in infrastructure payment?It is a
0:59:23 > 0:59:28major pillar of the White Paper, local input is essential and I
0:59:28 > 0:59:35welcome transport the North's input and I am sure the public transport
0:59:35 > 0:59:43will welcome this.The hostile Tae of daycare -- -- takeover of GKN by
0:59:43 > 0:59:49another company is disastrous, will the Secretary of State intervened to
0:59:49 > 0:59:56block this hostile takeover which is not national interest?I have
0:59:56 > 1:00:00explained the importance of exercising these powers in the
1:00:00 > 1:00:07required way, not to give a running commentary in this house.But the
1:00:07 > 1:00:11minute Greek -- does the Minister agree that competitive interest
1:00:11 > 1:00:16rates should be given to businesses affected by the lark collapse and
1:00:16 > 1:00:248.7% offered to some is too high?I agree that access to competitive
1:00:24 > 1:00:28finance is essential not just for those businesses affected by Lark
1:00:28 > 1:00:31but more widely, particularly small businesses, I am happy to meet with
1:00:31 > 1:00:36him and discuss the issues he raises if you would like to.It's a great
1:00:36 > 1:00:40pleasure to welcome back to the House the honourable member for
1:00:40 > 1:00:45Redcar. I know the House will join me in that.It's great to be back.
1:00:45 > 1:00:50I'd like to ask the Secretary of State, we have ambitious plans to
1:00:50 > 1:00:53create 20,000 jobs on the former steel site but the biggest issue
1:00:53 > 1:00:57holding us back in the ownership on site, what, this is is he having
1:00:57 > 1:01:02with the receiver and the banks so we can bring investment back to the
1:01:02 > 1:01:06site?I welcome the honourable lady back to the House and commend her
1:01:06 > 1:01:09for her commitment to making sure that we get the best possible future
1:01:09 > 1:01:13for the site. I am visiting quayside shortly to continue those
1:01:13 > 1:01:18discussions, there is great commitment between the government
1:01:18 > 1:01:23and the local government cooperation to get the right solution. The
1:01:23 > 1:01:27ownership is not a government hands but anything that can be done is
1:01:27 > 1:01:33being done.A constituent of mine is a director of a leading SME in the
1:01:33 > 1:01:39PPE sector, recently they were rejected by TEFL in round one in
1:01:39 > 1:01:41their exploration. Best practice is for feedback to begin but this
1:01:41 > 1:01:45doesn't always happen, will be Minister work with departments to
1:01:45 > 1:01:53ensure that the system does not hinder SME growth?This government
1:01:53 > 1:01:56is committed to ensuring that more small businesses are able to bid for
1:01:56 > 1:02:07this kind of contract. We want to support SMEs through the secure mode
1:02:07 > 1:02:10process and I am happy to be to her and the representative that she
1:02:10 > 1:02:15mentions to find a solution.When I met with the Minister last week, I
1:02:15 > 1:02:23was told that the Carillion headquarters will be up and
1:02:23 > 1:02:28permitted in the intervening period. What offers are given to the workers
1:02:28 > 1:02:34who work in my constituency?As spoke on the day that the insolvency
1:02:34 > 1:02:38happened, I have met her twice since a long with other Wolverhampton
1:02:38 > 1:02:43colleagues to ensure that she is kept fully updated. We are working
1:02:43 > 1:02:47closely with PwC and the insolvency service in the best interests not
1:02:47 > 1:02:52just of the creditors and also all of those employed in the