Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jenny Willott and Hugh Bayley

Thursday 6th March 2014 Commons Chamber

[Jenny Willott]

I fully support competition in the retail sector, with its benefits for consumers. The competition regime in the UK is designed to ensure that competition works in the best interests of consumers; it is not intended to protect incumbent businesses from competition. The Government remain committed to a town centre first policy, but that does not mean that shops cannot be built outside town centres where appropriate. It is up to local authorities to ensure that their local plans identify the retail needs of their local communities, and that they provide a firm basis for any planning decisions.

[Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab)]

14. What steps his Department is taking to encourage UK students to study for postgraduate qualifications at UK universities.