British Time Harmonisation
Debate between Lord Jones of Birmingham and Lord De Mauley
Lord De Mauley
My Lords, the point about that is that people who trade with Europe are already getting up an hour earlier.
Lord Jones of Birmingham
Will the Minister please comment on the fact that everything should be done, in this House and the other place, to ensure that at this time business has every single break to allow us to create jobs and make profit to pay tax? Will he reflect on the fact that, at the end of the day, if we are going to be internationally competitive, we have to be internationally attractive? That would mean that we could get the reward from the infrastructure investment in high-speed rail and in Eurotunnel. For once, let us sink a little bit of nationalism into the better cause of actually making money for the country.
Lord De Mauley
That was a wide-ranging question, my Lords, but I always listen to the noble Lord with great respect and interest.
Companies: Executive Remuneration
Debate between Lord Jones of Birmingham and Lord De Mauley
Lord De Mauley
My Lords, I am as yet unconvinced that it would contribute to the growth of those companies or of UK plc.
Lord Jones of Birmingham
My Lords, can the Minister explain exactly what a worker is? What is important is that directors on boards are seen to—and do—fulfil a duty to all the stakeholders in a business, including creditors, suppliers, employees and, above all, customers. I would welcome the Minister’s illumination on what constitutes a worker.
Lord De Mauley
I think that the word came from the Opposition rather than myself. We are all workers and I am delighted to have the opportunity to confirm that.