Covid-19: Financial Support for High Street Retailers

Debate between Lord Callanan and Viscount Ridley

Tuesday 27th October 2020 Lords Chamber

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

I did not quite catch all of that question, but I understand what the noble Lord was saying about the difficulty the retail sector is experiencing. Of course, the pandemic has exacerbated what has been a long-term problem, so I agree with the noble Lord to that extent.

[Viscount Ridley (Con)]

My Lords, given the remarkable achievements of the high street retail sector in adapting to very difficult circumstances this year, can my noble friend say what steps the Government and the retail sector are taking to ensure that shops are safe for customers to visit in the run-up to Christmas?

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

The Government have worked closely with retailers throughout the pandemic and we continue to do so. Retailers were instrumental in the development of the Covid-secure guidance and we have invested a great deal to ensure that their premises are Covid secure. I welcome the British Retail Consortium’s campaign to encourage consumers to “Shop early, start wrapping, enjoy Christmas”.

Housing Insulation

Debate between Lord Callanan and Viscount Ridley

Tuesday 25th February 2020 Lords Chamber

[Lord Callanan]

Given the recent horrible news from many parts of the country, particularly in the north, the noble Lord makes a very good point.

[Viscount Ridley (Con)]

My Lords, will my noble friend agree to look into why it is that, if you switch a house from oil-fired to gas-fired central heating, its energy performance certificate gets worse, not better? It is a perverse system in the regulations. I declare my interest as a landlord.