Government Spending Cuts Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Government Spending Cuts

Richard Ottaway Excerpts
Wednesday 26th May 2010

(13 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Laws Portrait Mr Laws
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We are about to embark on a strategic defence review, and all such issues will be considered as part of that. We will, of course, seek to protect the parts of the equipment budget that are particularly important, but I cannot pre-empt the review.

Richard Ottaway Portrait Richard Ottaway (Croydon South) (Con)
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Will the Chief Secretary agree that no Labour Government have left office with unemployment lower than when they came in? Does he agree that this lot, the last Government, were absolutely no different, and that it is a bare-faced cheek for them to come and ask questions of such a nature on this occasion?

David Laws Portrait Mr Laws
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My hon. Friend is right that the Labour party’s record on unemployment is very far from the original boasts that were made. That is why, even while we are taking tough action to bring down the deficit, we are ensuring that we invest in apprenticeships. We are also—this is the most important thing of all for employers—creating a stable economic environment, keeping interest rates low and ensuring that the recovery will be sustained.