Coronavirus: Employment Support Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Coronavirus: Employment Support

Bambos Charalambous Excerpts
Thursday 19th March 2020

(4 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Glen Portrait John Glen
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I take the challenge from my hon. Friend in the spirit in which it was intended. There is no sense that the Treasury is trying to over-engineer anything. We are not trying to restrain spending for the sake of restraining it. We want to bring forward an effective package of measures that effectively meets the needs of the most vulnerable. My hon. Friend makes the reasonable point that a number of colleagues of great seniority have raised significant points of interest, and I will ensure that their contributions are heard at the heart of this process today.

Bambos Charalambous Portrait Bambos Charalambous (Enfield, Southgate) (Lab)
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Dental practices are at high risk of spreading coronavirus, yet there was nothing for them in the financial package on Tuesday, which means they have to stay open, with an increased risk of spreading coronavirus. Will the Government give assurances that they will cover fixed-price dental costs so that dentists can close and provide only urgent care?

John Glen Portrait John Glen
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The hon. Gentleman makes an interesting point. I will take it back to my colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Care and see what can be done.