Finance Bill

Debate between Mary Creagh and Matt Hancock

Tuesday 20th July 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mary Creagh]

No. I am going to take my time. As I have said, I am not going to take interventions.

Nappies, prams, babygros, bottles, dummies and high chairs will all be more expensive for families in our constituencies as a result of the VAT increase, but the grants to help the poorest women in our society to afford them will be cut. When I asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how he expected families to cope, he said that he wanted them to recycle prams, but if someone has a child one year younger than another child, where is the second baby supposed to sleep? In the same cot? The parent of a second child will still need to buy a new car seat and a double buggy. It will be more difficult for low-income families to buy all those items. We are losing the baby element of child tax credit, and we are losing Labour’s proposed toddler tax credit, which would have meant another £208—

[Matthew Hancock]

Will the hon. Lady give way to an intervention on the increase in tax credit?

--- Later in debate ---

[Mary Creagh]

I have already said that I am not going to give way to Opposition Members. It is true that child tax credit will rise by £150 above inflation for one year—

[Matthew Hancock]

rose—

[Mary Creagh]

I am dealing with the hon. Gentleman’s point. Perhaps he would acknowledge that. Families on low incomes, however, will see their costs rise as a result of the VAT increase—

[Matthew Hancock]

rose—

[Mary Creagh]

I know what the hon. Gentleman wants to ask, and I am happy to answer his question without his having to spend a minute asking it.

[Matthew Hancock]

On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. I am new to the House. Could you possibly advise me whether it is appropriate for a Member to make an entire speech having stated in advance that he or she will take no interventions whatever?