Tax Credits

Debate between Clive Efford and Greg Hands

Tuesday 20th October 2015 Commons Chamber

[Greg Hands]

No, I am not giving way. I have just said I was not giving way. [Interruption.] I gave way to the hon. Gentleman as well.

Our reforms to tax credits will account for £4.4 billion in the next financial year. This is the key question for the Opposition, which they have ducked during the last five hours of debate: if they do not want to reform tax credits, where will that money come from? Will they borrow more and saddle our children with still higher debt, or will they cut other services, such as schools or the NHS? I ask the Opposition: what would they do?

[Clive Efford]

Will the Minister give way?

[Greg Hands]

I am not going to give way. I thank my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Rushcliffe (Mr Clarke), who told us:

“This is the time to do it”.