Oral Answers to Questions

Simon Wright Excerpts

Tuesday 25th June 2013 Commons Chamber

[Laura Sandys (South Thanet) (Con)]

6. What fiscal steps he is taking to encourage job creation in the private sector.

[Simon Wright (Norwich South) (LD)]

14. How many jobs have been created in the private sector since 2010.

[The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David Gauke)]

Private sector employment has been growing robustly, with 1.3 million jobs created in the sector since the start of 2010. At Budget 2013, we announced the £2,000 employment allowance, which will support businesses aspiring to grow by hiring their first employee or expanding their work force. Businesses will be able to employ four adults or 10 18 to 20-year-olds full time on the national minimum wage without paying any employer national insurance contributions at all.

[Mr Gauke]

It certainly does, and I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for the work that she has done for her constituency. Discovery Park is proving to be a success, with help from the regional growth fund and as an enterprise zone—and long may that success continue.

[Simon Wright]

The 2010 autumn statement confirmed the dualling of the A11, raising investor confidence in Norwich as a destination for growth. May I urge Treasury Ministers to be similarly bold in their spending review in relation to the A47, where investment has the potential to create up to 10,000 more jobs for the region?

[Mr Gauke]

I am grateful for that question, and I am sure that my hon. Friend will be listening attentively to any announcements made later on in the week. His constituency is another example of where private sector growth has been very strong, reflecting the national pattern.