Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Oral Answers to Questions

Nadhim Zahawi Excerpts
Tuesday 24th June 2014

(9 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Gauke Portrait Mr Gauke
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As a Government we are trying to do everything we can to help the construction industry, whether that is through the beneficial effect of Help to Buy, the local infrastructure fund, or the changes to planning. It is worth pointing out that construction output, according to the Office for National Statistics, is 4.6% up from where it was 12 months ago. The purchasing managers index also shows significant increases in construction. We are moving in the right direction.

Nadhim Zahawi Portrait Nadhim Zahawi (Stratford-on-Avon) (Con)
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The construction industry has benefited from the business-friendly policies of this Government. Does my hon. Friend agree with my constituent, the former Trade Minister, Lord Digby Jones, when he says that the Leader of the Opposition is the “least business-friendly” leader of any political party in years?

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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On the subject of private sector investment in the construction industry, rather than the characteristics of an individual, a brief reply, Minister Gauke. We are grateful.