Business of the House Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Business of the House

Kevin Brennan Excerpts
Thursday 26th January 2012

(12 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Young of Cookham Portrait Sir George Young
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My hon. Friend raises an important issue. We are introducing measures that will raise around £4 billion over the current Parliament by clamping down on tax avoidance. Some 2,250 HM Revenue and Customs staff are moving into a new anti-evasion and avoidance unity. We took action in the previous Budget to close loopholes.

Kevin Brennan Portrait Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab)
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Why have the Government failed to provide support or time for the Metal Theft (Prevention) Bill, which was due to be discussed last Friday? It is supported by hon. Members on both sides of the House in every party, and there is a crisis out there in the country. It could have got through in time. What is the reason for the Government’s lack of support? Is it petty party politics?

Lord Young of Cookham Portrait Sir George Young
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I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman has had time to look at the written ministerial statement by the Home Office today, but it outlines the action the Government are taking on scrap metal dealers. I know he was on television earlier this morning, which may have detained him from looking at that.