Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Gauke and Stuart Andrew

Wednesday 23rd March 2016 Commons Chamber

[Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con)]

2. What discussions he has had with representatives of the North Sea oil and gas industry on UK Government support for that sector.

[The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David Gauke)]

Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors, including the oil and gas industry. Last week, the Chancellor announced a further package of reforms to support jobs and investment in the oil and gas sector. That will help the industry respond to the challenging commercial conditions caused by the steep fall in oil prices.

[Stuart Andrew]

The excellent Budget package for the oil and gas industry has certainly been welcomed by that industry. Is that another example showing that when Scotland’s two Governments work together they can get the best outcome for Scotland in the United Kingdom—something that an independent Scotland could never have achieved?

[Mr Gauke]

My hon. Friend makes an extremely good point. The United Kingdom is able to absorb the shocks of the volatile oil price, and take steps to ensure that our oil and gas sector is as strong as it can be, given the low oil prices.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Gauke and Stuart Andrew

Tuesday 1st March 2016 Commons Chamber

[The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David Gauke)]

The United Kingdom is leading the way in respect of a public register of beneficial ownership, but other countries, including the overseas territories, are not committed to that. We continue to engage with them, because we believe that they should follow the same direction as us—as, indeed, should other countries.

[Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con)]

T8. Tackling the deficit should rightly be a priority for the country. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that everyone pays a fair share in meeting that objective?