Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Dennis Skinner Excerpts
Tuesday 15th December 2015

(8 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Anna Soubry Portrait Anna Soubry
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We should of course mention the importance of Rolls-Royce to a great city like Derby; I say that, obviously, as a Nottinghamshire MP. In all seriousness, we are monitoring the situation carefully. We recognise the huge importance of the role that Rolls-Royce plays in our economy. It is really important that we do not talk things down. [Interruption.] Forgive me, but there is too often a tendency among Labour Members, not necessarily the hon. Lady, to talk things down. It is really important that we do not do that and that we continue to support Rolls-Royce.

Dennis Skinner Portrait Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab)
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In order to stop Rolls-Royce falling into the hands of the Chinese, let us say, why do not this Government take Rolls-Royce back into public ownership?

Anna Soubry Portrait Anna Soubry
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Because—I know the hon. Gentleman will have trouble in understanding this—this is 2015. We are not back in the ’60s and the dark days of the ’70s, and we have a long-term economic plan that delivers, unlike his plan, which would be an absolute disaster for our country.