Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Baroness Elliott of Whitburn Bay and Anna Soubry

Tuesday 3rd May 2016 Commons Chamber

[Anna Soubry]

I am sorry that it seems the hon. Lady did not hear my answer; I remind her that productivity is now 1.7% higher than it was in 2008 and we saw its largest annual increase since 2011 only last year. I do not know where she is getting her information from—I have my suspicions—but unfortunately she is wrong. This Government are absolutely committed to improving productivity, and we have already heard, by way of example, the Minister for Skills talking about the work we are doing to ensure that we have the right skills—that is an essential part of an effective productivity plan.

[Julie Elliott (Sunderland Central) (Lab)]

T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Baroness Elliott of Whitburn Bay and Anna Soubry

Tuesday 10th November 2015 Commons Chamber

[Anna Soubry]

Of course, we offer people information. The British Business Bank puts together the various funds that are available to small businesses. One reason why I am in favour of the great devolution deals is that they take that sort of activity right down to the local level. The coming together of local authorities, businesses and local enterprise partnerships enables us to get this sort of information out. The Federation of Small Businesses and the chambers of commerce also have a huge role to play, because they do excellent work, often at a local level.

[Julie Elliott (Sunderland Central) (Lab)]

15. What recent discussions he has had with the Foreign Secretary on the effect on businesses of the UK’s membership of the EU.