0:00:09 > 0:00:15Welcome to BBC Parliament's live coverage of the House of Commons. In
0:00:15 > 0:00:19one hour, Philip Hammond the cancer of the Exchequer will make his
0:00:19 > 0:00:30spring statement, the slimmed down version of the Spring Budget. The
0:00:30 > 0:00:33Chancellor is expected to resist calls for an end to austerity
0:00:33 > 0:00:37policies. It is billed as a short statement but you never really know
0:00:37 > 0:00:42with these things. John McDonnell will respond for the opposition. And
0:00:42 > 0:00:57people are Mac will then make a series of... Changes to Universal
0:00:57 > 0:01:08Credit, and more. Join me at 11pm for a round-up. First, Greg Clark.
0:01:08 > 0:01:16Number one.My ministerial colleagues and I have discussions
0:01:16 > 0:01:24regularly with the Welsh Government. My officials were in Cardiff to
0:01:24 > 0:01:31discuss the proposed Swansea tidal lagoon.Last week. At the heart of
0:01:31 > 0:01:34the Industrial Strategy is spreading prosperity across the whole of the
0:01:34 > 0:01:38United Kingdom and working with devolved administrations in our
0:01:38 > 0:01:43nations and regions to achieve this. Working with practical developers to
0:01:43 > 0:01:53develop marine energy. Will the Secretary of State make a decision
0:01:53 > 0:02:01work with Welsh Government, with developers, so we can roll out,
0:02:01 > 0:02:03maximise our potential and spread prosperity in this part of the
0:02:03 > 0:02:10United Kingdom?The enthusiasm for green energy, I am proud of our
0:02:10 > 0:02:14achievements. We have quadrupled the proportion of our renewable
0:02:14 > 0:02:22electricity since 2010. We have a responsibility to minimise the
0:02:22 > 0:02:27impact on consumers' bills. The Swansea proposal was very much more
0:02:27 > 0:02:33expensive, more than twice as expensive as the Hinckley
0:02:33 > 0:02:37nuclear-power station for example. We are in discussion with our
0:02:37 > 0:02:43colleagues in the Welsh Government and don't want to close the door on
0:02:43 > 0:02:53something if it is possible.Can I also see that making a decision on
0:02:53 > 0:02:57the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon is important for Wales as a whole, more
0:02:57 > 0:03:03the goons around Newport following the Swansea find and we cannot pass
0:03:03 > 0:03:11these opportunities up.I take the point. The First Minister wrote to
0:03:11 > 0:03:16me yesterday acknowledging the genuine challengers, considering a
0:03:16 > 0:03:19proposal with untried technology and high capital costs and
0:03:19 > 0:03:29uncertainties. It is best to explore all of the responsibilities. --
0:03:29 > 0:03:43possibilities.With your permission, this would question 20. Government
0:03:43 > 0:03:47research in consumer satisfaction published in August last year shows
0:03:47 > 0:03:52satisfaction with smart meters are high. 80% of consumers are satisfied
0:03:52 > 0:04:00and would recommend them to friends and family. Smart Energy GB found
0:04:00 > 0:04:04nearly 90% of people with a smart meter change their behaviour
0:04:04 > 0:04:09patterns and make energy savings.It is good to hear that so many people
0:04:09 > 0:04:13are reaping the benefits from smart meters. No system is ever perfect.
0:04:13 > 0:04:21For a small number of customers like one of my clubs in Aikens this -- my
0:04:21 > 0:04:27constituency. They are getting unhelpful responses from their
0:04:27 > 0:04:28electricity provider.
0:04:31 > 0:04:38My honourable friend made a point about the Junior club in his
0:04:38 > 0:04:41constituency, I would meet with him specifically but I have not found
0:04:41 > 0:04:46that generally to be the case. The roll-out of smart meters is an
0:04:46 > 0:04:50important national modernisation programme bringing benefits to
0:04:50 > 0:04:55consumers and his constituents.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06My supplementary question. Smart meters are good for consumers and
0:05:06 > 0:05:13suppliers alike but the roll-out relies on a good mobile phone signal
0:05:13 > 0:05:16for effectiveness. In many parts of rural Scotland, that is not the
0:05:16 > 0:05:21case. Can the Minister reassure me he is working across the Government
0:05:21 > 0:05:25and with relevant stakeholders to make sure residents in rural areas
0:05:25 > 0:05:30benefit from smart meters? My apologies.I agree entirely. We are
0:05:30 > 0:05:42working on that. Our solution covers Scotland and contracted to cover
0:05:42 > 0:05:50nearly all premises by 2020.Does the Minister accept his stance based
0:05:50 > 0:05:56on surveys carried out about ten weeks after installation, my own
0:05:56 > 0:06:02survey found 54% of constituents would currently refuse a smart
0:06:02 > 0:06:07meter. 97% want to see the cost of the programme shown on their bills.
0:06:07 > 0:06:1274% said that receiving one has not yet made any difference to the size
0:06:12 > 0:06:19of their bills. Would you also take those findings into account?The
0:06:19 > 0:06:23honourable gentleman knows me well enough to know I am very interested
0:06:23 > 0:06:26in anything he has to say. He contributed a lot to the passage of
0:06:26 > 0:06:31the bill in the House of Commons and I would like to receive those
0:06:31 > 0:06:36statistics, I do not just quote one sample, because I get them from
0:06:36 > 0:06:40different places.I am sure the Minister is speaking in good faith
0:06:40 > 0:06:46but I have come across constituents who find bills are actually
0:06:46 > 0:06:50increasing. As he had discussions with utility companies about keeping
0:06:50 > 0:06:56an eye on this and making sure the effect of smart meters is to reduce
0:06:56 > 0:07:07costs, for many constituents are poor.I am surprised to hear this.
0:07:07 > 0:07:12We are both talking in good faith. I would like to hear those examples
0:07:12 > 0:07:16but I can't expand why bills would go up. Nearly 90% of smart meters
0:07:16 > 0:07:21say it is changing the energy patterns and bills are going down.
0:07:21 > 0:07:35Can the Minister update us where we are with the role of...He talks
0:07:35 > 0:07:47about the newer type of meter, smets2. The first one studs all new
0:07:47 > 0:07:48ones will be smets2.
0:07:54 > 0:08:02The smart meter becomes a dumb meter... Can he puts a timeline on
0:08:02 > 0:08:12the roll-out?In place shortly after the summer, the measures will make
0:08:12 > 0:08:20sure that does not happen. The small number of smets1 which do not become
0:08:20 > 0:08:25a smart meter, they will become compliant and they were speak to
0:08:25 > 0:08:36each other electronically.I think we should all be proud of the
0:08:36 > 0:08:40progress the UK has made in meeting its carbon reduction targets.
0:08:40 > 0:08:45Current statistics show we have met our first Budget, are on track to
0:08:45 > 0:08:49exceed our second and third budgets and 97% and 95% of where we need to
0:08:49 > 0:08:53be to meet the fourth and fifth budgets. IKEA groaning. I think
0:08:53 > 0:09:02these are decent numbers even though we are ten and 15 years away.The
0:09:02 > 0:09:06lack of focus and ambition from the Tory Government means we are set to
0:09:06 > 0:09:13miss our legally binding carbon targets. Repeal the ban on onshore
0:09:13 > 0:09:18wind. Prioritise energy efficient measures in zero carbon homes and
0:09:18 > 0:09:23commit to the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon. When will the Government
0:09:23 > 0:09:26gets its act together, demonstrate its commitment to future generations
0:09:26 > 0:09:32and get on with it?Perhaps she wrote that before hearing the
0:09:32 > 0:09:38answer. Let me share with the honourable lady two facts. Britain
0:09:38 > 0:09:47has led the world in de-colonising our economy. At present I'm not
0:09:47 > 0:09:48delivering carbon cuts.
0:09:53 > 0:10:02Two countries in the world's leading a two degree target. China and the
0:10:02 > 0:10:06UK. We have set out the most ambitious set of policies and
0:10:06 > 0:10:09proposals ever seen from the Government in the Queen growth
0:10:09 > 0:10:13strategy. Bringing that forward and it would be nice to feel cross-party
0:10:13 > 0:10:19consensus on doing something that is so vital for the future of the
0:10:19 > 0:10:28country and the world.I am interested to hear when she said
0:10:28 > 0:10:32that we were on target for three carbon budgets but will miss the
0:10:32 > 0:10:37fourth. In the words of the climate change committee, they said the
0:10:37 > 0:10:41fourth carbon Budget won't be met unless policies are supplemented by
0:10:41 > 0:10:44more challenging measures. She spoke about ambition. What are those
0:10:44 > 0:10:51challenging measures?The calculations for the fourth and
0:10:51 > 0:10:57fifth carbon budgets which end in 1015 years' time, which we are 95
0:10:57 > 0:11:03and 97% of the way to meeting are based on an analysis of only 13% of
0:11:03 > 0:11:08the policies and proposals in the growth strategy. -- Queen growth
0:11:08 > 0:11:23strategy. My right honourable friend 's think that is quite good. --
0:11:24 > 0:11:28clean growth. I am confident we will meet our budgets with our ambitious
0:11:28 > 0:11:33polity, ingenuity of British business and science and frank with
0:11:33 > 0:11:36the strong campaigning and structure of the Climate Change Act, which we
0:11:36 > 0:11:44were the first country of the world to pass.Does she agree with me
0:11:44 > 0:11:47that's improving home energy efficiency measures would help us
0:11:47 > 0:11:52meet our carbon budgets going forward?The honourable lady led an
0:11:52 > 0:11:57accident debate on this in Westminster. Aspect of cross-party
0:11:57 > 0:12:01consensus. -- excellent debate. We have set our home in efficiency
0:12:01 > 0:12:14targets in band C for 2025. We are bringing forward the eco-targets.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22If we are to reach our carbon targets, clearly nuclear power will
0:12:22 > 0:12:27be central to that. Is the Minister confident in progress is being made
0:12:27 > 0:12:33to see the construction of nuclear plants in Anglesey and Cumbria?As
0:12:33 > 0:12:38he knows, making these long-term decisions and creating costs for
0:12:38 > 0:12:41consumers over decades, whether in tidal lagoons or nuclear, are
0:12:41 > 0:12:47matters we have to take seriously. We have to reduce carbon emissions
0:12:47 > 0:12:51in the power supply, reduce cost for consumers and create innovation to
0:12:51 > 0:13:01export around the world. Those considerations are all being taken
0:13:01 > 0:13:03into account.The government will need to support offshore wind
0:13:03 > 0:13:10projects. In Scottish waters, Jim Ryan Trident are working to deliver
0:13:10 > 0:13:14projects. Due to factors outwith their control, they will struggle to
0:13:14 > 0:13:21hit UK Government deadlines in October. Will the Minister to
0:13:21 > 0:13:25discuss how we might support these projects to make their contribution
0:13:25 > 0:13:33to carbon reduction?We have worked hard on these innovations. The
0:13:33 > 0:13:42challenge is that the thes out of the obligations were set four years
0:13:42 > 0:13:52ago. Were not intending to extend periods. As he knows, I'm always
0:13:52 > 0:13:58willing to build cross-party consensus on this vital issue.I'm
0:13:58 > 0:14:04sure it's not the Minister was my intention to mislead the host, but
0:14:04 > 0:14:09her statements about us being 96% of our way towards meeting our fourth
0:14:09 > 0:14:13and fifth carbon budgets need to put in the context of the fact that we
0:14:13 > 0:14:19are committed to reducing between the fourth and fifth carbon budgets,
0:14:19 > 0:14:33CO2 emissions by 200 million tonnes but the government's amount only
0:14:33 > 0:14:43register by 100 million tonnes. What are the Minister's proposals to
0:14:43 > 0:14:50ensure that the outstanding 109 million tonnes are reduced?He is a
0:14:50 > 0:14:53clever scientific fellow and he knows those numbers are referring to
0:14:53 > 0:14:58the baseline numbers of 1990. I would be happy to sit down with them
0:14:58 > 0:15:03on goal line by line through the carbon budgets because again he and
0:15:03 > 0:15:13I need to be absolutely clear that regardless of what this government
0:15:13 > 0:15:16and future governments do, those budgets had to be fit to practice
0:15:16 > 0:15:19and we have to be clear and transparent about how we're going to
0:15:19 > 0:15:25meet them, which is exactly what the clean growth strategy has done.
0:15:25 > 0:15:35Britain is building one of the best charge point networks in the world.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38Our 400 million fund will see thousands more charge points
0:15:38 > 0:15:45installed across the UK.Yesterday, the select committee visited the
0:15:45 > 0:15:51electric vehicle company in my constituency. It opened last year
0:15:51 > 0:15:55and it is great when nursing electric taxis on the streets of
0:15:55 > 0:16:02London. In Milton Keynes, we heard can seems that we heard concerns
0:16:02 > 0:16:05about the lack of compatibility is putting people what can the
0:16:05 > 0:16:11Secretary of State do to encourage the industry to adopt a standard?
0:16:11 > 0:16:17I'm delighted the committee went to see the electric taxi company. It
0:16:17 > 0:16:21was a fantastic event that my honourable friend accompanied me
0:16:21 > 0:16:29out, opening at. The recently introduced alternative fuels
0:16:29 > 0:16:38infrastructure legislation speaks of publicly accessible charge points.
0:16:38 > 0:16:46The government will have new powers to regulate this technical sector.
0:16:46 > 0:16:53If there is an uptake and there is growth, the strain on the system,
0:16:53 > 0:16:59the idea that electric vehicles do not use a great deal of power is not
0:16:59 > 0:17:05true and there are concerns about strain on the system.We have one of
0:17:05 > 0:17:11the best access to the network in the world. Especially for fast
0:17:11 > 0:17:16charges. In terms of the electricity grid, he is absolutely right that
0:17:16 > 0:17:19electric vehicles can make a contribution to the resilience of
0:17:19 > 0:17:25the great because the batteries they contain can store electricity that
0:17:25 > 0:17:30is generated by renewables at the time when it is needed. That is part
0:17:30 > 0:17:36of the smart system's plan.One of the constraints people feel about
0:17:36 > 0:17:41buying cars at the moment is there is a limited range. So does he
0:17:41 > 0:17:47welcomed the initiative of the Mayor of the West Midlands, along with the
0:17:47 > 0:17:52government, for the introduction of battery research Centre here in the
0:17:52 > 0:18:01West Midlands?There isn't questions session that goes by without me
0:18:01 > 0:18:05welcoming the initiative of the Mayor of the West Midlands. We are
0:18:05 > 0:18:10investing at the cutting edge of battery technology, so we can build
0:18:10 > 0:18:15the cars of the future. Specifically, what comfort can the
0:18:15 > 0:18:18Secretary of State give to the people of Bristol who wish to see
0:18:18 > 0:18:24the number of electronic charging points massively increased?I'm
0:18:24 > 0:18:27delighted there is such enthusiasm. She will be aware the funding that
0:18:27 > 0:18:34is available for charging infrastructure is available
0:18:34 > 0:18:37especially for city Centre authorities who can put it into
0:18:37 > 0:18:45public car parks.The government remains committed to supporting the
0:18:45 > 0:18:59industry and building over -- on the budget outlines. I enjoyed my recent
0:18:59 > 0:19:03visit to Aberdeen. Industry presented its proposals for a deal.
0:19:03 > 0:19:09There is a meeting tomorrow. The oil and gas industry is in the
0:19:09 > 0:19:13north-east of Scotland have contributed over £340 billion to the
0:19:13 > 0:19:24economy. As a supply chain, it is worth nearly £30 billion. With an
0:19:24 > 0:19:34estimated 30 million barrels of oil still to...We need a single
0:19:34 > 0:19:44sentence question. There isn't time. What does the Minister intend to do
0:19:44 > 0:19:55to develop the industry?Yes, I do. What discussion has the Minister had
0:19:55 > 0:20:01with the Treasury regarding the HMRC changes for the gas and oil
0:20:01 > 0:20:11industry?I will give a very quick and succinct answer, as your vast. I
0:20:11 > 0:20:18don't know and I'm happy to meet the honourable member to discuss.Can I
0:20:18 > 0:20:22ask my honourable friend what consideration he is giving to the
0:20:22 > 0:20:27downstream sector? Each one of our oil refineries are important. They
0:20:27 > 0:20:34could benefit from clear long-term thinking.The whole sector is very
0:20:34 > 0:20:38important to us. Specifically the supply chain. I met with various
0:20:38 > 0:20:42other players involved in this and it is something that is of critical
0:20:42 > 0:20:48importance to us.The UK Government has so far failed to announce a
0:20:48 > 0:20:53sector deal for oil and gas and there was no mention of one in its
0:20:53 > 0:20:56industrial strategy. There is a need for a sector deal approach to the
0:20:56 > 0:21:00industry and the Scottish Government has been calling for such action.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04Will the Minister finally rectify this glaring omission and commit
0:21:04 > 0:21:10this vital support for the industry and the jobs and investment it
0:21:10 > 0:21:12relies on?The honourable gentleman should be aware that this is a
0:21:12 > 0:21:15priority for us. Were working hard with the sector to come up with a
0:21:15 > 0:21:22sector deal and I am expecting those talks to come into fruition very
0:21:22 > 0:21:29soon.The automotive sector deal will insure the UK continues to reap
0:21:29 > 0:21:33the benefits from reading the transition to zero emission and
0:21:33 > 0:21:37autonomous vehicles. Last month, this true in £33 million of
0:21:37 > 0:21:44investment into the UK-based connected and autonomous vehicle
0:21:44 > 0:21:47programmes, with participation across the industry.Jaguar Land
0:21:47 > 0:21:57Rover recently developed and electric performance SUV. The London
0:21:57 > 0:22:05Electric company has also developed the world's first electric taxi.
0:22:05 > 0:22:10Would he join me in congratulating these companies?They are iconic
0:22:10 > 0:22:14images and to see them leading the way into the future is a matter of
0:22:14 > 0:22:20great delight. I congratulate both companies for choosing the UK to
0:22:20 > 0:22:24manufacture these vehicles.What does the Secretary of State doing to
0:22:24 > 0:22:33help the development regarding the transition from diesel to petrol and
0:22:33 > 0:22:39diesel to electric vehicles, particularly with regard to helping
0:22:39 > 0:22:44the infrastructure?Were working closely with the industry to make
0:22:44 > 0:22:49sure that as they develop the new technologies of the future they are
0:22:49 > 0:22:55able to plan a smooth transition to a world in which all of these
0:22:55 > 0:23:00vehicles will be compatible with our climate objectives.All these new
0:23:00 > 0:23:04electric vehicles are going to need batteries, of which lithium is an
0:23:04 > 0:23:08essential element. Recent discoveries of large deposits of
0:23:08 > 0:23:12lithium in Cornwall open up the possibility of the UK securing a
0:23:12 > 0:23:17domestic supply for this vital element. What support can Secretary
0:23:17 > 0:23:23of State give to this exciting new emerging sector?We have the
0:23:23 > 0:23:28potential for new developments in battery storage. If Cornwall can
0:23:28 > 0:23:32supply the lithium to power that new industry, then I'm delighted to hear
0:23:32 > 0:23:36it and I will discuss further with my honourable friend the
0:23:36 > 0:23:41possibilities.At yesterday's select committee visit, it became very
0:23:41 > 0:23:44apparent that the market for electric vehicles is maturing at a
0:23:44 > 0:23:48much faster rate than many people realise. Is it possible that the
0:23:48 > 0:23:52ambition of the sector itself is outstripping ambition of the
0:23:52 > 0:23:56government and shouldn't the 2040 target be brought forward, perhaps
0:23:56 > 0:24:02even by a decade?When it comes to the new generation of automotive
0:24:02 > 0:24:05technology, this government is not outstripped by anyone. We are
0:24:05 > 0:24:08working closely with the industry through the automotive Council to
0:24:08 > 0:24:13make sure we are the best place in the world to research the
0:24:13 > 0:24:25technologies but also to manufacture was technologies in this country.On
0:24:25 > 0:24:28the automotive theme, the government's long-term partnership
0:24:28 > 0:24:31of the automotive industry as an exemplar of our industrial strategy.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35A fortnight ago, I went to Derbyshire to welcome Toyota's
0:24:35 > 0:24:41decision to build their new vehicle in Burnaston, helping to secure 3000
0:24:41 > 0:24:44jobs between Burnaston and Deeside in North Wales.I'm sure the
0:24:44 > 0:24:50Secretary of State will have been alarmed by the comments made by the
0:24:50 > 0:24:58Chief Executive of the PSA group which owns a facility in my
0:24:58 > 0:25:09constituency about Brexit and uncertainties. Will he meet with me
0:25:09 > 0:25:14to impact the confidence that plans? It is very clear that we are
0:25:14 > 0:25:17determined, as the Prime Minister set out in her speech at the Mansion
0:25:17 > 0:25:24House, to make sure that this very important integrated supply chain is
0:25:24 > 0:25:28able to operate. It's worth bearing in mind that since I and my team
0:25:28 > 0:25:33have been in our department, every single major new model decision has
0:25:33 > 0:25:42gone our way in this country and I'm determined to keep up that accuracy.
0:25:42 > 0:25:47Thank you. The automotive sector is crucial to the UK industry. It
0:25:47 > 0:25:52employs some 814,000 people and we are all proud of British car
0:25:52 > 0:25:57manufacturers, including the iconic Rolls-Royce and Jaguar. Yet, in
0:25:57 > 0:26:01recent weeks, President Trump has revealed an appetite for a trade war
0:26:01 > 0:26:07which began with the announcement of steel tariffs and now includes
0:26:07 > 0:26:13threats to put tariffs on EU cars which could hit our industry hard.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17What is he doing to avoid a trade war with the US? And should such
0:26:17 > 0:26:23tariffs come into play, what will he do to protect our sectors?
0:26:23 > 0:26:29Yesterday, the trade Secretary give a comprehensive statement. There was
0:26:29 > 0:26:33some welcome for the cross-party approach that went into defending
0:26:33 > 0:26:37the international system of free trade. It does no one any good if
0:26:37 > 0:26:42you have tariffs in place as that impede cheese trade. I would have
0:26:42 > 0:26:45thought her endorsement of the approach the trade Secretary was
0:26:45 > 0:26:54taking would be welcome.
0:26:54 > 0:27:00I Wood Group this together with 19. The official receiver and a special
0:27:00 > 0:27:07manager are working to an orderly transition by facilitating the
0:27:07 > 0:27:14transfer of contracts. As of the 12th of March, 8521 jobs had been
0:27:14 > 0:27:18safeguarded and 1536 people have been made redundant, sadly, through
0:27:18 > 0:27:23liquidation. My right honourable friend, the Business Secretary, has
0:27:23 > 0:27:30set up a task force involving trade associations, bankers and
0:27:30 > 0:27:33representatives of Government to support the Carillion supply chain.
0:27:33 > 0:27:39The task force has brought in £900 million from support from UK
0:27:39 > 0:27:55lenders.If there is any doubt that Tupe applies, will... Will trade
0:27:55 > 0:28:01union recognition be transferred with those staff?I refer to the
0:28:01 > 0:28:06recent Westminster Hall debate where we debated the legal
0:28:06 > 0:28:10responsibilities with relation to Tupe which do not apply in many
0:28:10 > 0:28:19cases during liquidation. Offer in terms to transferring employees...
0:28:19 > 0:28:24The Government is focused to make sure transferred employees are no
0:28:24 > 0:28:28worse than the official receiver is doing all he can to facilitate this
0:28:28 > 0:28:35wherever possible.The Carillion collapse has exposed market abuse
0:28:35 > 0:28:43with wheat contract is with contractors in Cheltenham
0:28:43 > 0:28:50suffering... What is being done to ensure compliance to the schemes and
0:28:50 > 0:28:53stamp out market abuse?My honourable friend who has met me on
0:28:53 > 0:28:57a number of occasions to defend the interests of businesses in his
0:28:57 > 0:29:01constituency will know the Government had two priorities, to
0:29:01 > 0:29:08protect the provision of services, vital public services, and do what
0:29:08 > 0:29:11we can to protect jobs employed by Carillion and jobs in the supply
0:29:11 > 0:29:16chain. We are clear we must learn the lessons from the collapse of
0:29:16 > 0:29:22Carillion. This could be a catalyst for change for the good. We must do
0:29:22 > 0:29:28all we can to learn the lessons with regards to procurement and do more
0:29:28 > 0:29:32to ensure the supply chain are promptly paid and small businesses
0:29:32 > 0:29:37are paid speedily, looking at the prompt payment code is an important
0:29:37 > 0:29:46part of that.Following on, when Carillion went bankrupt and many of
0:29:46 > 0:29:51the subcontractors have not been paid for 120 days, and the money
0:29:51 > 0:29:54coming to Carillion was from the Government. What is the Government
0:29:54 > 0:30:04doing that when it gets contracts to big businesses they are paying
0:30:04 > 0:30:09contractors on time? Small contractors are being destroyed...I
0:30:09 > 0:30:12applaud the work area committee is doing of getting to the bottom of
0:30:12 > 0:30:17what happened with Carillion. With public sector contracts we pay with
0:30:17 > 0:30:2430 days and expect Tier one contractors to pay in 30 days, too.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28We are determined to take action to ensure this happens and looking at
0:30:28 > 0:30:32what we can do not only to make sure that small businesses in the public
0:30:32 > 0:30:38sector supply chain get paid within 30 days, but also we do more to
0:30:38 > 0:30:43support the private sector suppliers as well.What support has been given
0:30:43 > 0:30:52to British nationals working abroad who were with Carillion?I thank
0:30:52 > 0:30:56him. The main priority for this Government has been to protect jobs
0:30:56 > 0:31:02here in the UK and continue the continuation of the public sector
0:31:02 > 0:31:06contracts and services. The special manager of course has a
0:31:06 > 0:31:12responsibility to wind up the business, get best for creditors. He
0:31:12 > 0:31:18is responsible for dealing with businesses overseas.For the
0:31:18 > 0:31:22Carillion workers who were not transferred under the Tupe, what was
0:31:22 > 0:31:32the degradation of their terms?I know she is working hard to make
0:31:32 > 0:31:35sure her constituents employed by Carillion get all the protections
0:31:35 > 0:31:39possible. The Secretary of State has had conversations with the special
0:31:39 > 0:31:45manager to ensure that wherever possible when contracts are
0:31:45 > 0:31:49transferred the employees get like conditions so they are no worse off.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52As the honourable lady will understand this is a complex and
0:31:52 > 0:31:55complicated business and I do not at the moment have an answer to the
0:31:55 > 0:32:06specific statistics she requests. Number 11. We want self-employed
0:32:06 > 0:32:10people when it is the right thing for them to be self-employed. This
0:32:10 > 0:32:14is by the Government has introduced new measures to make sure they are
0:32:14 > 0:32:20even better supported. These include improved support on embarking on
0:32:20 > 0:32:22self-employed careers, encouraging pension savings and supporting
0:32:22 > 0:32:28people to pay the right tax. From the 6th of April 2016, we have also
0:32:28 > 0:32:32given self-employed people the ability to build their entitlement
0:32:32 > 0:32:42to the new state pension at the same rate as employed people.Lucky to
0:32:42 > 0:32:47have a driving high street. Apollo fisheries in morally were handing
0:32:47 > 0:33:04out free food. -- Morley. Wilkie congratulate the fisheries for the
0:33:04 > 0:33:13Yorkshire hospitality?I am no stranger to a fish supper. I would
0:33:13 > 0:33:18like to join her in congratulating Apollo fisheries for their community
0:33:18 > 0:33:21spirit. This demonstrate clearly that businesses contribute not only
0:33:21 > 0:33:26to the economy but our society. The future high streets Forum provides
0:33:26 > 0:33:30joint business and Government leadership to enable our high
0:33:30 > 0:33:33streets and town centres to adapt and compete in the face of changing
0:33:33 > 0:33:39consumer and social trends. We want to go for this last week I announced
0:33:39 > 0:33:42the establishment of the retail sector Council bringing together
0:33:42 > 0:33:47leaders in retail to help make policies and support for the fighter
0:33:47 > 0:33:55retail sector.Whilst we all want to see self-employment grow, we want to
0:33:55 > 0:33:59crack down on apparent self-employment where people are
0:33:59 > 0:34:06forced to become self-employed by exploitative employers who then save
0:34:06 > 0:34:09National Insurance contributions whilst putting all of the risks of
0:34:09 > 0:34:12that employment on too often vulnerable individuals. What is the
0:34:12 > 0:34:16Government doing about that?I am sure the honourable lady will be
0:34:16 > 0:34:21delighted to know the Government are taking forward the proposals set out
0:34:21 > 0:34:27by Matthew Taylor. We recognise that status and whether workers are
0:34:27 > 0:34:31employed or self-employed is key to them getting not only the payment
0:34:31 > 0:34:35but the protection they deserve. That is why we have embarked on a
0:34:35 > 0:34:40full consultation with an intention to clarify the status of those
0:34:40 > 0:34:44workers, to give them extra protection and to ensure if it looks
0:34:44 > 0:34:51like work, feels like work, it is work and they are paid properly.The
0:34:51 > 0:34:55Government was my response to the Taylor review did virtually nothing
0:34:55 > 0:34:59to tackle the challenges and insecurity self-employed people
0:34:59 > 0:35:05face. Equally poor was the Government's treatment of gig
0:35:05 > 0:35:13workers. Don has died, they should be making changes, that was what his
0:35:13 > 0:35:20widow said. Matthew Taylor said the response to the Taylor review was
0:35:20 > 0:35:26four out of ten. I wonder what score the Minister would give himself.
0:35:26 > 0:35:34Seven weeks and, I think ten out of ten. The Lady quotes Matthew Taylor,
0:35:34 > 0:35:39what he has said clearly is that this is a complex and complicated
0:35:39 > 0:35:43matter. He wants us to get the definition of status right because
0:35:43 > 0:35:49the rights of thousands of gig workers depend on it. That is why in
0:35:49 > 0:35:53the quote she says he also says when we are finished our consultation if
0:35:53 > 0:35:59we deliver as we have promised he would give seven or eight.I wanted
0:35:59 > 0:36:09to be ten. Ten out of ten, indeed. The Chancellor might attempt to Lord
0:36:09 > 0:36:14employment figures as positive news but will fail to state 3 million
0:36:14 > 0:36:22people are in insecure work. The Centre for labour and social studies
0:36:22 > 0:36:27say many do not have enough to live. Despite assurances the quality of
0:36:27 > 0:36:32work was worse. The Foreign Secretary and other ministers are
0:36:32 > 0:36:37pushing for a major employment law deregulation. I ask him to confirm
0:36:37 > 0:36:41whether his department is carrying out any work looking at the
0:36:41 > 0:36:46deregulation of certain employment rights.She must have pasted the
0:36:46 > 0:36:50intention of what the Government were doing with the Matthew Taylor
0:36:50 > 0:36:56report. Not only are we committed to guaranteeing we will continue with
0:36:56 > 0:37:00employment rights and protections that we currently have, this
0:37:00 > 0:37:04Government is going further and faster than anyone else. We are
0:37:04 > 0:37:07going further and faster than our European colleagues. To ensure that
0:37:07 > 0:37:14we are giving gig workers, workers in vulnerable working conditions,
0:37:14 > 0:37:18agency workers greater protections than ever before. We are not just
0:37:18 > 0:37:24talking about it, we are protecting those workers.12.
0:37:28 > 0:37:33I was congratulating myself too much. Carthago delenda
0:37:37 > 0:37:43the Government and British business banks supports £4 billion worth of
0:37:43 > 0:37:55finance to over 60,000 UK SMEs. We are looking to establish a new £2.5
0:37:55 > 0:38:01billion investment fund with the British business back. The small
0:38:01 > 0:38:05commissioner in addition else with payment issues, dispute resolution
0:38:05 > 0:38:08and sourcing advice across the UK. For the Industrial Strategy we are
0:38:08 > 0:38:13continuing to invest in 38 growth hops across England alongside a
0:38:13 > 0:38:23business support helpline. -- he will no one of the crucial thing is
0:38:23 > 0:38:26for successful small business in a sector is access and understanding
0:38:26 > 0:38:31the finances.There is considerable evidence that there is a gap at the
0:38:31 > 0:38:38moment in the market for small business to access finance. What is
0:38:38 > 0:38:44he doing to address the knowledge gap?We are concerned at reports
0:38:44 > 0:38:48that this is particularly small business are reticent in coming
0:38:48 > 0:38:52forward and accessing finance that can help to invigorate and grow the
0:38:52 > 0:38:55business. That is by the British Business Bank publishes the business
0:38:55 > 0:39:04finance guide produced in partnership with the ICEAW. It is
0:39:04 > 0:39:10published online. Also. Watching a new digital platform in the spring
0:39:10 > 0:39:16of this year to raise awareness further.Small businesses in
0:39:16 > 0:39:20Cumbria, particularly farming and tourism, were integral to the Lake
0:39:20 > 0:39:24District gaining World Heritage Site status last summer, which could see
0:39:24 > 0:39:29a massive increase in visitors coming to what is already the second
0:39:29 > 0:39:34biggest British destination. Well the Government back the businesses
0:39:34 > 0:39:42with the infrastructure they need to grow searches electrification?I am
0:39:42 > 0:39:47delighted to commit to support the small businesses that he talks
0:39:47 > 0:39:52about. He will be pleased to note that we are boosting infrastructure
0:39:52 > 0:39:57including digital with over £1 billion of public investment
0:39:57 > 0:40:07including 176 million four five G and 2,000,004 -- for full fibre
0:40:07 > 0:40:13network also. I would like to talk about the businesses in Lakeside
0:40:13 > 0:40:21further and discuss more about what we can do.In small towns in my
0:40:21 > 0:40:24constituency there is a thriving retail sector. But things are
0:40:24 > 0:40:30getting harder for them. Will the Minister reinsure me that the
0:40:30 > 0:40:34Government is doing everything it can to support independent retailers
0:40:34 > 0:40:41in thriving market bounce? -- reassure me.I recognise the very
0:40:41 > 0:40:44real challenges are high street faces particularly independent
0:40:44 > 0:40:52businesses. As the Spring Budget the Chancellor announced a package of
0:40:52 > 0:40:56measures for business rate relief which included £1000 discount for
0:40:56 > 0:41:05public Houses with values below £100,000, 300 million for local
0:41:05 > 0:41:09authorities to find discretionary rate relief and a cap on rate relief
0:41:09 > 0:41:13-- increases. Any small business using rate relief will not see
0:41:13 > 0:41:22increases.The Minister should stop being quite so complacent. Carillion
0:41:22 > 0:41:27was a Secretary of the payment code... Carillion suppliers were
0:41:27 > 0:41:34paid on terms of 120 days. Subcontractors say they are being
0:41:34 > 0:41:37hammered by late payments. Yesterday the Federation of small business
0:41:37 > 0:41:41again highlighted the damage done to growth by late payment. When our
0:41:41 > 0:41:45ministers going to support smaller firms in the public sector supply
0:41:45 > 0:41:51chain and enforce the prompt payment code?We are certainly not
0:41:51 > 0:41:57complacent. That is why we set up the trade body group, in order to
0:41:57 > 0:42:01assess the impact of Carillion. The honourable gentleman will be
0:42:01 > 0:42:06delighted to know that yesterday I spoke to fill King who runs the
0:42:06 > 0:42:11prompt payment code, I am meeting him later on this week to see how we
0:42:11 > 0:42:15can tighten up the code and give it a real teeth. We are determined to
0:42:15 > 0:42:16help small businesses.
0:42:22 > 0:42:27We are firmly committed to local partnerships, as announced in the
0:42:27 > 0:42:32industrial strategy we are reviewing the rules so they are able to play
0:42:32 > 0:42:37an important role in driving growth across the country, as we prepare to
0:42:37 > 0:42:46leave the EU.Does the Minister agree with me it is shameful that
0:42:46 > 0:42:52growth deal won money is being used to sell off public sector land for
0:42:52 > 0:43:00luxury apartment developments?£50 million of growth deal round one has
0:43:00 > 0:43:05been invested in Stevenage. It has helped leveraging commitment of 350
0:43:05 > 0:43:09million private investment into the town. He raises an issue of concern
0:43:09 > 0:43:16and I would urge him to speak to the Secretary of State for housing,
0:43:16 > 0:43:21communities and will and to resolve this issue.Come to Yorkshire and
0:43:21 > 0:43:31talk to our local enterprise partnerships and explain why the
0:43:31 > 0:43:37Midlands, the North and the regions will be in better disappointed
0:43:37 > 0:43:40territory after Brexit.He is talking manufacturing down. It is
0:43:40 > 0:43:47doing incredibly well in the North of England. He will also be aware
0:43:47 > 0:43:50that we are determined to deliver across the country with our
0:43:50 > 0:43:57industrial strategy.I know the honourable lady has a keen interest
0:43:57 > 0:44:01in the subject and we have met to discuss the impact on many of her
0:44:01 > 0:44:13constituents. Our assessments detailed in the report at the end of
0:44:13 > 0:44:18last year was published in a nuclear safeguard report in December. My
0:44:18 > 0:44:23door is always open to her to discuss this matter further.We know
0:44:23 > 0:44:32the government is seeking a closer relationship with Eurotam. But
0:44:32 > 0:44:38Oxford need clarity now to plan for the future. Can the government
0:44:38 > 0:44:42categorically say they are seeking an associate agreement and can the
0:44:42 > 0:44:48guarantee they will kick-start that agreement before the 1st of July?We
0:44:48 > 0:44:53are seeking the closest possible relationship with Europe and we are
0:44:53 > 0:45:00working hard to achieve that objective.At a recent meeting which
0:45:00 > 0:45:06I cheered, the attitude of the government to expand its
0:45:06 > 0:45:09collaboration in nuclear activity was well evident.I thank my
0:45:09 > 0:45:14honourable friend for that question. He has a keen constituency interests
0:45:14 > 0:45:21and I'm cream to represent the interests of his constituents.
0:45:21 > 0:45:26Order.Topical questions, Mark Menzies. Toyota announced it would
0:45:26 > 0:45:29build its new model in Derbyshire. Most of the engines would come from
0:45:29 > 0:45:34the Deeside factory in North Wales. We published a response to the
0:45:34 > 0:45:42Taylor review of modern practices. 1 million vulnerable users would be
0:45:42 > 0:45:48safeguarded with a tariff tap. Domestic gas and electricity bill
0:45:48 > 0:45:53was passed into Parliament. Yesterday, we announced a research
0:45:53 > 0:45:56programme into technologies to serve the ageing population and make sure
0:45:56 > 0:46:00that we can benefit from this encouraging global trend.I would
0:46:00 > 0:46:04like to ask the Secretary of State what engagement he is having with a
0:46:04 > 0:46:13Canadian company called Brookfield, likely buyer of a manufacturer of
0:46:13 > 0:46:19nuclear fuel in my constituency and provides over 1200 well-paid jobs?
0:46:19 > 0:46:25He is a champion for the sector. The Member for Watford has met with a
0:46:25 > 0:46:30vice president of Brookfield and expressed our continuing support for
0:46:30 > 0:46:35Springfield to have a future in providing fuel for plans was in this
0:46:35 > 0:46:46country and overseas.GKN was forged in our country's first industrial
0:46:46 > 0:46:49revolution and built the tanks used in the D-Day landings. The
0:46:49 > 0:46:56innovative battery technology will power our future. The industrial
0:46:56 > 0:47:03strategy identifies batteries as a key priority, yet the Secretary of
0:47:03 > 0:47:07State has nothing to do about the hostile takeover of this great firm.
0:47:07 > 0:47:13Will he and to this question, why is it that with arm and Unilever, all
0:47:13 > 0:47:19too often the Secretary of State's industrial strategy seems to leave
0:47:19 > 0:47:23great British success story is less great or less British?The
0:47:23 > 0:47:27honourable lady I would've thought would have informed herself as to
0:47:27 > 0:47:33the responsibility of ministers under the enterprise act. The
0:47:33 > 0:47:39enterprise act 2000 to pass under the Labour government requires that
0:47:39 > 0:47:42ministers can only intervene in mergers that raise public interest
0:47:42 > 0:47:47concerns on the grounds of national security, financial stability and
0:47:47 > 0:47:51media plurality. That she should know that the government's forms of
0:47:51 > 0:47:57corporate governments have made sure that GKN had longer to prepare their
0:47:57 > 0:48:03defence, preventing the kind of smash and grab raid under the
0:48:03 > 0:48:12previous government. Provision has been made for a legally binding
0:48:12 > 0:48:17undertakings which are intended to be used and I would be surprised and
0:48:17 > 0:48:21disappointed if any bidder did not make their intentions clear and
0:48:21 > 0:48:26legally binding.Can he assure me that protected status for Cornish
0:48:26 > 0:48:35produce like the Cornish pasty will not be compromised post Brexit?It
0:48:35 > 0:48:41is said that I am no stranger to a fish supper, or a Cornish pasty. All
0:48:41 > 0:48:49of those products will achieve UK geographical indications, will
0:48:49 > 0:48:53continue to be protected in the UK after EU exit. As negotiations are
0:48:53 > 0:48:58ongoing, I cannot right now give her a cast iron assurance that UK
0:48:58 > 0:49:02products will remain protected in the EU a exit, but I can
0:49:02 > 0:49:13categorically state that this is the government's clear objective.The BT
0:49:13 > 0:49:16Sport call centre has been brought to my attention. They are paying the
0:49:16 > 0:49:20minimum wage to agency workers beyond 12 weeks using a Swedish
0:49:20 > 0:49:25derogation. The Taylor report talked about getting rid of the Swedish
0:49:25 > 0:49:29derogation. When the government going to act to protect some of our
0:49:29 > 0:49:34lowest paid workers?We are acting right now. Is a consultation under
0:49:34 > 0:49:40way right now that discusses exactly that. That discusses the Swedish
0:49:40 > 0:49:43derogation. Businesses should be under no doubt. This government
0:49:43 > 0:49:47expect everyone to be paid the National minimum wage or the
0:49:47 > 0:49:50national living wage, that's why we have doubled the amount of
0:49:50 > 0:49:56enforcement, that's why we have protected the pay of 98,000 workers
0:49:56 > 0:49:59and why we are absolutely committed that everybody gets paid the
0:49:59 > 0:50:09national minimum wage.Retention of payment in the construction industry
0:50:09 > 0:50:12is affecting many small firms across the UK. When will the government
0:50:12 > 0:50:18deal with this issue?The government is determined to improve payment
0:50:18 > 0:50:22plans. We understand the tensions cause problems in the supply chain.
0:50:22 > 0:50:27We consulted on cat protection and are considering responses to assess
0:50:27 > 0:50:33the extent of the issues and what further intervention is required.
0:50:33 > 0:50:36Does he agree with me that the overwhelming evidence shows that
0:50:36 > 0:50:40migrant workers including EU nationals make a hugely positive
0:50:40 > 0:50:44contribution to business, the economy, public finances and did not
0:50:44 > 0:50:49undermine wages?I think we all recognise that whether it is in
0:50:49 > 0:50:53business or in the public services, the contribution made by workers
0:50:53 > 0:51:01from the EU is extremely positive and I endorse that.According to
0:51:01 > 0:51:07tidal energy industry leaders, sell pot is considered one of the best
0:51:07 > 0:51:13locations in the UK for a tidal lagoon. Would he meet with me to
0:51:13 > 0:51:19discuss bringing tidal energy to Southport?I will be delighted to
0:51:19 > 0:51:25meet with him. I should point out that the particular lagoon project
0:51:25 > 0:51:28in his constituency is currently not part of the proposal being put
0:51:28 > 0:51:37forward by the company promoting other...Last year, the government
0:51:37 > 0:51:44raised business rates on rooftop solar schemes by up to 800%. Now it
0:51:44 > 0:51:49appears that on-site battery storage is likely to go the same way. Given
0:51:49 > 0:51:53that gas, heating and power has been exempt from business rates,
0:51:53 > 0:51:59shouldn't the government do the same first-order and battery storage?In
0:51:59 > 0:52:02the last two years, our solar capacity has increased by more than
0:52:02 > 0:52:0530 years so clearly we are bringing forward the schemes and he would
0:52:05 > 0:52:10know we are looking closely at ways to reduce some of the disincentives
0:52:10 > 0:52:14about on-site storage. I'm happy to meet with him to discuss this
0:52:14 > 0:52:19further.Does the Minister I agree with me that the South West is a
0:52:19 > 0:52:31great region? I met with the business commerce to promote North
0:52:31 > 0:52:35Devon as the region's economic powerhouse.The south-west is a
0:52:35 > 0:52:40great region for doing business. Chambers of commerce, including
0:52:40 > 0:52:44Barnstable which has served the community since 1911, have a
0:52:44 > 0:52:48valuable role to play in supporting local businesses and making sure
0:52:48 > 0:52:53their voices heard. That's why it Chambers of Commons 11 week -- 11
0:52:53 > 0:52:57times in the seven weeks I have been in this role.Why despite being the
0:52:57 > 0:53:01most popular and one of the cheapest sources of clean energy is solar
0:53:01 > 0:53:05power excluded from clean Power options from the last three years?
0:53:05 > 0:53:11And wide as it continued to be excluded when the industry is
0:53:11 > 0:53:16clearly at a disadvantage?We're looking at ways to bring forward all
0:53:16 > 0:53:20forms of renewable energy and were now up to 30% of energy generation
0:53:20 > 0:53:25in this country from renewables. We haven't yet taking decisions about
0:53:25 > 0:53:31future contracts, but we intend to do so.The banking scandals that RBS
0:53:31 > 0:53:34destroyed thousands of businesses. The owners of those businesses have
0:53:34 > 0:53:38no means of justice or recompense. With the Minister support the
0:53:38 > 0:53:43all-party group for fear business banking's proposal for a wee dress
0:53:43 > 0:53:51to an independent system of tribunal is?Let me pay tribute to the work
0:53:51 > 0:53:53of the APPG for fear business banking of which my honourable
0:53:53 > 0:53:59friend is the joint chair. I met with them last week to explore the
0:53:59 > 0:54:03options he discusses. I share the aim that small businesses should
0:54:03 > 0:54:06have an accessible and impartial forum for which to seek redress when
0:54:06 > 0:54:13things go wrong. There is work to be done about payments and legislation,
0:54:13 > 0:54:19but I look forward to working with him.The 220 people at work at GKN
0:54:19 > 0:54:24Aerospace in my constituency bridges windshields for military aircraft as
0:54:24 > 0:54:31well as commercial ones. Isn't this a further indication that the
0:54:31 > 0:54:34hostile takeover bid raises national security implications and will the
0:54:34 > 0:54:41Secretary of State intervene under the enterprise act?I have to make
0:54:41 > 0:54:47sure that I don't prejudice any assessment. At I set out the
0:54:47 > 0:54:53constraints to his honourable friend.A review published in last
0:54:53 > 0:55:03October said manufacturing sectors in my constituency could be
0:55:03 > 0:55:10transformed under the industrial strategy.I met with the Chief
0:55:10 > 0:55:16Executive of Siemens UK to discuss this. At a recent dinner, my right
0:55:16 > 0:55:21honourable friend the Secretary of State asked Sir Mark Walport to work
0:55:21 > 0:55:33on the investment in digitisation of our industrial strategy.What work
0:55:33 > 0:55:38is being done to ensure that the charging points are more frequently
0:55:38 > 0:55:44powered by renewable foresees?He makes an excellent point. Part of
0:55:44 > 0:55:48our industrial strategy is to bring together the energy sector and the
0:55:48 > 0:55:52automotive sector, someone reinforces the other. That is the
0:55:52 > 0:55:55Faraday challenge which is attracting so much attention in both
0:55:55 > 0:56:03industries.Can my right honourable friend reassure the House of the
0:56:03 > 0:56:08efforts he is making to secure exemption for UK produce steel and
0:56:08 > 0:56:13aluminium products from the imposition of tariffs from the
0:56:13 > 0:56:20United States?I can assure the right honourable friend that I was
0:56:20 > 0:56:24in Brussels last week meeting trade union leaders and representatives of
0:56:24 > 0:56:30employers to make sure we do exactly what he says.The bases select
0:56:30 > 0:56:33committee of heard powerful evidence of why the government should call in
0:56:33 > 0:56:38the Melrose bid for GKN on national security grounds and the Secretary
0:56:38 > 0:56:43of State for defence has written to the Business Secretary. So will the
0:56:43 > 0:56:46Secretary of State use those powers before it is too late to protect
0:56:46 > 0:56:54this great British engineering giant?
0:56:54 > 0:57:01I will look carefully and seriously consider that evidence.The door is
0:57:01 > 0:57:05still open to the benefits of marine energy so would he commit to see
0:57:05 > 0:57:11Charles Hendry, author of the review which are still awaiting a response
0:57:11 > 0:57:16from the Government 14 months and, as Chair of the party groups and
0:57:16 > 0:57:25representatives of tidal lagoon and tidal stream?We continue to commit
0:57:25 > 0:57:27to support our marine energy industry. I referred the honourable
0:57:27 > 0:57:33gentleman to the answer my right honourable friend gave at the start
0:57:33 > 0:57:36of questions, we continue to exchange information with the Welsh
0:57:36 > 0:57:40Government, we need to understand what is on offer and need to reach
0:57:40 > 0:57:51the right decision.The county in which I live have only two
0:57:51 > 0:57:55electronic charging points. If the Minister able to set charging points
0:57:55 > 0:58:00for rural and urban areas?It is true that the charging network needs
0:58:00 > 0:58:03to extend right across the country if people are to have the confidence
0:58:03 > 0:58:07that they will be able to recharge their vehicle and the rural aspect
0:58:07 > 0:58:14is very much in mind.According to the press, the Secretary of State
0:58:14 > 0:58:18gave a presentation to the subcommittee of the Cabinet about
0:58:18 > 0:58:24the automotive Section and how important it was that we do not have
0:58:24 > 0:58:27a hard Brexit. It seems to have persuaded those people of the
0:58:27 > 0:58:32Cabinet that it might be a good idea for a hard Brexit that it would in
0:58:32 > 0:58:36fact be a very bad idea for British business, notably the automotive
0:58:36 > 0:58:40sector. On that basis, could the Secretary of State make it available
0:58:40 > 0:58:49to all members, honourable and right honourable?It would be wrong of me
0:58:49 > 0:58:57to disclose what's our conversations are in Cabinet. She understands the
0:58:57 > 0:59:00collective responsibility but it is no secret to anyone in this House
0:59:00 > 0:59:03that I regard the success of the automotive sector depending on
0:59:03 > 0:59:09integrated supply chains as being good evidence of what type of trade
0:59:09 > 0:59:13agreement is needed. It was referenced, indeed highlighted, in
0:59:13 > 0:59:16the