Oral Answers to Questions

Stephen Hammond Excerpts

Tuesday 22nd March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hoban]

The hon. Gentleman should pay attention to the forecast produced last year by the OBR indicating that the economy would continue to grow in each year of this Parliament.

[Stephen Hammond (Wimbledon) (Con)]

Does my hon. Friend agree that real progress on growth has to be made through not only matching expenditure, but cutting the deficit, and that the OECD says that the only way we will get future growth is by ensuring that the deficit plans are continued and this Government pursue their policy?

[Mr Hoban]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The OECD is one of a number of organisations that have supported our plans. The IMF has said:

“The government’s strong and credible multi-year fiscal deficit reduction plan is essential to ensure debt sustainability.”

That theme continues to come across from international organisations, which demonstrates that we are on the right track to get this economy growing again and ensure that Britain continues to live within its means after a decade of a Labour Government who maxed out on the nation’s credit cards.