Coronavirus: Employment Support Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Coronavirus: Employment Support

Dave Doogan 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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The hon. Lady can absolutely take my assurance that we are working to absorb all ideas from across the House that can be actioned. I brought forward legislation previously in this House building a cross-party consensus, and we would seek to do so on this, too.

Dave Doogan Portrait Dave Doogan (Angus) (SNP)
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The Minister is very keen to point out that he understands the frustration of Members and their constituents. Can I assist him by pointing out that it is no longer frustration, but desperation? What we need are not loans; we need grants. Businesses in Angus are asking me why they should take out a loan to provide incomes for people who cannot work, through no fault of their own. That looks dangerously like welfare, and delivering welfare is the responsibility of Government. When will the Government deliver?

John Glen Portrait John Glen
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I understand the use of the word “desperation”—I recognise that, and that is why we are working urgently to have a package of measures, and extend that package of measures, so that there are a range of options to businesses of different sizes in different situations, based on their sector and the risks that they face.