Asked by: Alex Brewer (Liberal Democrat - North East Hampshire)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support rural pubs in North East Hampshire constituency.
Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Government recognises the vital role that rural pubs, including those in North East Hampshire constituency play in supporting local communities.
In April, the Government established the Licensing Taskforce, bringing together representatives from the hospitality industry to help shape reform. The Government’s response published on 31 July sets out proposals for a new National Licensing Policy Framework designed to simplify outdated licensing rules and protect long-standing venues from noise complaints.
We’re reforming the business rates system to support high streets, including permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties with a rateable value under £500,000. We’ve also launched a Hospitality Support Scheme to co-fund projects aligned with DBT and Hospitality Sector Council priorities such as Pub is The Hub to encourage local investment.
Asked by: Alex Brewer (Liberal Democrat - North East Hampshire)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he is taking steps to support the re-opening of Basingstoke Post Office.
Answered by Gareth Thomas
The Government is committed to strengthening the post office network, in consultation with postmasters, trade unions and customers. It provides critical services that are valued by communities across the whole of the UK.
Although there will be variations in the number of branches open at any one time, the Post Office works to restore service to the community when a branch closes. The time this can take will vary depending on the individual local circumstances in each case.
Regarding Basingstoke Post Office, we understand that the Post Office plans to reopen the branch on 11 August.
Asked by: Alex Brewer (Liberal Democrat - North East Hampshire)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps the he plans to take to improve the system of (a) applying for and (b) receiving export licences.
Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland
ECJU is implementing a new digital export licensing system, LITE, to provide a modern digital service that streamlines the export licence application process.
ECJU has an ongoing programme of Continuous Improvement and we routinely identify and implement opportunities to make targeted improvements to the way we operate and manage the export licensing service to help us adapt to the changing demands on the system.