Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Damian Hinds and Theresa Villiers

Monday 17th December 2018 Commons Chamber

[Damian Hinds]

If parents, employers and others heard us suggesting that there was some sort of conflict between knowledge and skills, they would despair. People need both when they come out of school. The development of skills is in many ways about knowing how to deploy knowledge. We believe that a knowledge-rich curriculum is incredibly important and helps to develop the skills that young people need for the world of work—and, indeed, for life.

[Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet) (Con)]

Does the Secretary of State agree that, if we are to continue to raise standards in schools, it is important that schools funding is given a high priority in next year’s spending review?

[Damian Hinds]

Indeed. Schools, and education more broadly, are a unique case in our national life because they are all about bringing up the next generation and social mobility, and ensuring that our economy works at its full productive potential.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Damian Hinds and Theresa Villiers

Monday 13th November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Damian Hinds]

We know that people on universal credit spend a great deal more time looking for work than others, and that they apply for a wider range of jobs and consider jobs that they may not have considered before. All that is part of why it involves significantly better labour market outcomes, and why people are more likely to be in work after six months than they were on the old benefits.

[Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet) (Con)]

16. What steps he is taking to ensure that the benefits system does not penalise people who wish to increase the number of hours they work.