Construction Sector Deal

Debate between Lord Harrington of Watford and Philip Hollobone

Thursday 5th July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Richard Harrington]

Absolutely; I can reassure my hon. Friend on that point.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

What is there in the construction sector deal to encourage small builders in Kettering?

[Richard Harrington]

My hon. Friend, as always, speaks up for Kettering, and he does so well. Kettering is typical of many places in the country where small businesses are the core of the construction industry. The sector deal is not silent about that. [Interruption.] The shadow Minister is chuntering that he made that point—he did, and he is absolutely right.

Small businesses are the core of the construction industry. On every visit I have made to the tier 1 large contractors, they have been very conscious that small businesses are part of the industry. We have to make sure that those small businesses get their share of the expenditure on apprenticeships, as they are getting, and make it easier for them to get apprentices, which we are doing. The training board and the industry bodies we work with are conscious of that.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Harrington of Watford and Philip Hollobone

Monday 27th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Richard Harrington]

As is to be expected, the hon. Gentleman asks a pertinent question; very soon, is the answer.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

Preying on elderly people in order to take advantage of their pension pots by giving them bad advice is a despicable crime. Is the Minister satisfied that the number of prosecutions of those who do this frankly evil activity is nearly enough?

[Richard Harrington]

I would like to be able say that it is enough, but I do not think it is. The steps we intend to take should make prosecutions for scam cold calling much easier. If I am asked the question again in the future, I hope to be able to answer in the affirmative.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Harrington of Watford and Philip Hollobone

Monday 17th October 2016 Commons Chamber

[Richard Harrington]

As the hon. Gentleman knows, this was looked into by the Turner review and by many people and institutions since. Automatic enrolment is in place, which is a great step forward. Millions of people have now enrolled. I hope that, as time evolves, this will become the main form of pension for people other than the new state pension.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

17. What proportion of (a) personal independence payment and (b) employment support allowance applications are awarded on appeal to a tribunal.