Business of the House

Debate between Jacob Rees-Mogg and Matthew Offord

Thursday 24th October 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

I agree that the contribution made by small businesses to the economy is fundamental, and our economy grows because of the work of entrepreneurs. If the hon. Gentleman stays in the Chamber a little longer, we will come to the Queen’s Speech debate on the economy, in which I am sure his contribution would be enormously welcome and valued.

[Dr Matthew Offord (Hendon) (Con)]

May we have a debate in Government time on the Treasury’s plan to extend the off-payroll working rules in the private sector? Many freelance and contract workers in the public sector have had those rules foisted upon them, resulting in higher taxes, even though they do not receive benefits such as employment benefit.

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

People have come to many of us, as constituency MPs, with concerns about the off-payroll working rules. I think we must assume that most people are honest, and there must be a balance between ensuring that tax is collected correctly and not making life impossibly bureaucratic.

Business of the House

Debate between Jacob Rees-Mogg and Matthew Offord

Thursday 26th September 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

As I understand it, the Chancellor will take questions on Tuesday, and it is normal for a three-day rota to be set. [Interruption.] Will it be Monday? It will be available in the Table Office, and I assume that the Prime Minister will make his normal appearance on Wednesday. The Table Office is the right place to go for those questions.

[Dr Matthew Offord (Hendon) (Con)]

rose—

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

That is an ideal subject for an Adjournment debate, Mr Speaker, and I believe that you are open for applications.

[Dr Matthew Offord (Hendon) (Con)]

Our parliamentary democracy has taken a battering in the last few years. Will the Leader of the House bring forward legislation in the Queen’s speech to ensure that the recommendations of the boundary review are implemented and that we will represent constituencies of equal size and proportion?

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

The principle that constituencies should have the same number of electors is a very good and important one.