Oral Answers to Questions

Douglas Chapman Excerpts

Tuesday 16th June 2020 Commons Chamber

[Chris Green (Bolton West) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to support businesses during the covid-19 outbreak.

[Douglas Chapman (Dunfermline and West Fife) (SNP)]

What steps he is taking to support the business economy during the covid-19 outbreak.

[Dr Jamie Wallis (Bridgend) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to support businesses during the covid-19 outbreak.

--- Later in debate ---

[Alok Sharma]

The issue that my hon. Friend raises is raised with me regularly by businesses, and I completely understand the economic rationale that his constituents have outlined to him. As he will know, a review is taking place, and we will wait to see its results.

[Douglas Chapman [V]]

The OECD predicts that the UK recession will be the worst in the developed world. The Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland has issued a similarly depressing assessment. In terms of supporting Scottish business, what have been the key asks of the Department from the Secretary of State for Scotland?

[Alok Sharma]

I have detailed discussions with all Cabinet and ministerial colleagues. I recognise the challenge ahead of us—there is no doubt about that—but we have provided a significant amount of support for the UK economy, and if that had not been put in place a range of independent commentators have made it clear that we would be in a far worse position.