Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Hugh Bayley Excerpts
Wednesday 24th November 2010

(13 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Oliver Letwin Portrait Mr Letwin
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Of course. If the Scottish Government take the correct measures, it will apply in Scotland; and in the UK as a whole, and in England in particular, we will make sure there is transparency and that the compact is totally observed regardless of where the contractors come from.

Hugh Bayley Portrait Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab)
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The cuts in public expenditure will put enormous pressure on construction industry firms, and the smaller and medium-sized firms will be particularly badly hit. What are the Government going to do to protect those companies so that when the economy improves they will still be there to do the construction that is needed?

Oliver Letwin Portrait Mr Letwin
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The greatest protection for small and medium-sized enterprises in the construction sector and elsewhere is, of course, a macro-economic framework that enables them to survive the recession, prosper and grow. That is why my right hon. Friend the Chancellor has taken the steps that have led the world in providing a solid macro-economic framework and low interest rates that enable—