Changes to the Budget Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Changes to the Budget

Alec Shelbrooke Excerpts
Monday 11th June 2012

(11 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Gauke Portrait Mr Gauke
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In respect of all the measures we are discussing today, this Government have been listening to the arguments. As far as charities are concerned, once we had reached the conclusion that we would not proceed with a cap on relief for charitable giving, we felt it only fair to make the announcement as soon as we could—and we did so.

Alec Shelbrooke Portrait Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con)
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Before I feel tempted to congratulate the Minister on the changes he has made, I should perhaps declare a personal prejudice and a personal interest in the reduction in VAT on pasties.

Welcome as the Minister’s consultation with Back Benchers has been, may I ask him to continue to focus on the main aim of the Budget, which is to ensure that we do not go down the same road as the rest of Europe?

David Gauke Portrait Mr Gauke
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I am not sure that that particular policy announcement will necessarily do my hon. Friend any good, but he is absolutely right to ask the Government to continue to focus on the big issues that the country faces, and we will do so.