Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Alison McGovern and Andrea Leadsom(10 years, 7 months ago)
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Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op)
16. What recent representations he has received on reform of the Office for Budget Responsibility.
The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Andrea Leadsom)
The Chancellor regularly receives representations on a wide range of matters, including the role of the independent Office for Budget Responsibility.
Alison McGovern
The Minister may have guessed that I am going to ask whether she agrees that the OBR should be allowed to audit the manifestos of all the main political parties, and I can probably guess what her answer will be, but can she explain why?
Andrea Leadsom
The hon. Lady can read my mind, Mr Speaker. Excellent!
This matter has been the subject of some debate, and, as the hon. Lady will know, it has been discussed by the Treasury Committee. I feel that, given that the Office for Budget Responsibility was established so recently, this is not the moment to start considering changing its remit. As has been pointed out by the hon. Lady’s party, it is essential for the OBR to be independent and to confer accountability on the Government, rather than becoming embroiled in party politics at such an early stage.
Finance (No. 4) Bill
Debate between Alison McGovern and Andrea Leadsom(12 years, 7 months ago)
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