Finance Bill

Alec Shelbrooke Excerpts

Tuesday 20th July 2010 Commons Chamber

[Matthew Hancock]

Let me make some progress; I have only a couple of minutes left.

The final argument is about productivity. Greater tax competitiveness not only helps productivity in the private sector, as consolidation can also help productivity in the public sector. We read only this morning that the police have said that they can take 12% out of their budget without affecting front-line services. I wonder what that 12% was spent on under the previous Administration.

[Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con)]

Paperwork.

[Matthew Hancock]

My hon. Friend is probably right.