All 2 Debates between John Grogan and Lord Harrington of Watford

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Grogan and Lord Harrington of Watford
Tuesday 12th June 2018

(6 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Harrington of Watford Portrait Richard Harrington
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As the hon. Lady will know, because I met her the week before last, I am very conscious that Tata is in Port Talbot in her constituency. I promise that I will do everything in my power to ensure that Tata and other British steel companies, all of whom I meet regularly, are poised to act on these contracts.

John Grogan Portrait John Grogan (Keighley) (Lab)
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14. What the timetable is for his receipt of the report of the carbon capture usage and storage cost challenge taskforce; and if he will make a statement.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Grogan and Lord Harrington of Watford
Tuesday 1st May 2018

(6 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Grogan Portrait John Grogan (Keighley) (Lab)
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16. What steps he is taking to encourage the growth of employee-owned companies.

Lord Harrington of Watford Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Richard Harrington)
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I should declare that I worked for the John Lewis Partnership for three years, from 1979 to 1982, and was therefore a beneficial owner of part of the company. That is not the only model to encourage employees, of course; share ownership is developing more widely as part of generally non-employee-owned companies. I look forward to the private sector making the business case for this model through the Employee Ownership Association, which is the representative body for employee-owned businesses.

John Grogan Portrait John Grogan
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Does the Minister agree that, taken as a sector, the UK’s 300 employee-owned businesses have higher than average productivity? Will he follow the example of the Scottish and Welsh Governments and more actively promote the sector, particularly to small and medium-sized businesses that are looking for a succession plan?

Lord Harrington of Watford Portrait Richard Harrington
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That is very interesting. I will look with care at what is happening in Scotland and Wales. We are generally in favour of employee-owned companies and companies with employees who have a share in them.