Income Per Capita Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Income Per Capita

Lord Forsyth of Drumlean Excerpts
Tuesday 14th July 2015

(9 years, 5 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord O'Neill of Gatley Portrait Lord O'Neill of Gatley
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I would like to make reference to the presentation of the Budget and the policies included, which, I think I am right in saying, considered many ideas from many people in undertaking its commitments to raise the living standards of everyone in the UK.

Lord Forsyth of Drumlean Portrait Lord Forsyth of Drumlean (Con)
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My Lords, does my noble friend agree that the way in which we can increase per capita income is by selling goods and services competitively across world markets, and that there is a limit to the good that Governments can do but almost no limit to the harm?

Lord O'Neill of Gatley Portrait Lord O'Neill of Gatley
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My Lords, while again I use this opportunity to encourage all Members to read our brilliant document, I shall also make reference to forces that I believe are important from my previous life on the topic of sustainable development and GDP per capita, one of which is indeed the performance of a country’s trade balance, particularly its export performance. That is something that our private sector needs to take the lead on. All that a Government should do is to make sure that it has the right environment to allow it to flourish.