Public Spending

Rob Wilson Excerpts

Thursday 17th June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Danny Alexander]

The hon. Gentleman will know that benefit and Department for Work and Pensions spending is a reserved matter, so does not have a Barnett consequential. He will also know that the Government have set out plans to establish a Work programme, which will replace those programmes during next year. That will be a more targeted, quicker and effective programme, based on paying suppliers by results to ensure that people get back into work quickly. I welcome that programme and I hope that he will, too.

[Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con)]

Can the Chief Secretary confirm the good news for Reading and for my constituents—that the Government are fully committed to the Reading station upgrade, because it offers excellent value for money?

[Danny Alexander]

I have heard what the hon. Gentleman has said. It will be for the Department for Transport to announce the details of projects that have been approved.