Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Wales Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Geraint Davies Excerpts
Wednesday 29th February 2012

(12 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Cheryl Gillan Portrait Mrs Gillan
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Yes. We are aiming to be the most business-friendly Government in history. By scrapping new regulations and with the red tape challenge, we have thrown down the gauntlet to all those organisations that put barriers in the way of business. I wrote to the First Minister about that some time ago—I am still waiting for his response, but I am sure he would share my sentiments that we need to encourage and not stifle business.

Geraint Davies Portrait Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op)
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At a time when unemployment is at a 17-year high and more people than ever are forced into short-term work, is the Government’s decision to withdraw working tax benefits from low-paid, part-time workers an example of reducing administrative burdens, or is it simply an example of the Government kicking someone after they have thrown them on the ground?

Cheryl Gillan Portrait Mrs Gillan
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I hope the hon. Gentleman has noticed that in creating the most competitive tax regime in the G20, which is the aim of the Treasury and this Government, we have also taken the lowest-paid out of tax. That will make a great difference to families and individuals across the UK, including in Wales.