Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Rehman Chishti and Margot James

Tuesday 31st January 2017 Commons Chamber

[Margot James]

The Taylor review will also look into that very important issue. A worker’s contract with his or her employer is the fundamental basis on which he or she is judged to be self-employed or an employee, and that distinction will be closely scrutinised by Matthew Taylor.

[Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con)]

7. What steps the Government are taking to support the growth in the number of SMEs in Kent and Medway.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Margot James)]

SMEs in Kent are fundamental to our economy, as they are everywhere else. Through local growth funds, the work of Kent County Council and the business operations of Kent and Medway, the Government will ensure that the area benefits hugely from the increased number of SMEs.

[Rehman Chishti]

In view of the Government’s commitment to investment in infrastructure, which will assist businesses in Kent and Medway, will the Minister confirm their commitment to the Lower Thames crossing, along with extra investment for Kent roads, which will provide connectivity for local businesses?

[Margot James]

The Department for Transport will make an announcement, but my hon. Friend should be reassured that Kent County Council and the relevant business organisations are working closely with my Department to ensure that there are extensive improvements in the transport infrastructure in his constituency and the wider county.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Rehman Chishti and Margot James

Tuesday 13th December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con)]

T2. I thank the Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, my hon. Friend the Member for Stourbridge (Margot James), for the recent meeting in relation to my private Member’s Bill on the regulation of certain laser pens. Will she clarify when the consultation’s call for public evidence will start and when the Government will come forward with their conclusions?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Margot James)]

I congratulate my hon. Friend on his work to bring the misuse of laser pointers to the Government’s attention. The Government are concerned about the misuse of high-powered laser pointers and will seek evidence early next year on the potential options for tackling such misuse.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Rehman Chishti and Margot James

Tuesday 13th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Margot James]

Although there have been serious fires, they represent less than 0.2% of the total number of tumble dryers sold, so we must keep things in perspective. Lynn Faulds Wood’s review provides an overview of the current consumer product recall system, and the independent recall review group, composed of industry safety experts and the Chief Fire Officers Association, will complete the work on the recommendations.

[Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con)]

9. What assessment he has made of recent trends in the sale and supply of laser pens.