Arcadia and Debenhams: Business Support and Job Retention Debate
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Alison Thewliss
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Arcadia and Debenhams: Business Support and Job Retention
Alison Thewliss Excerpts(4 years ago)
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Paul Scully
I thank my hon. Friend—his experience will be valuable, and I would be happy to join him at the APPG. It is important not just to consider the immediacy of this, but the fact that with the new normal there is a new reality—a behaviour change that is baked into people’s approach to the high street. It is important to get right that long-term strategic view.
Alison Thewliss (Glasgow Central) (SNP)
I am deeply concerned by the situation facing Debenhams, which is a key part of Glasgow city centre, as well as the stores operated by Arcadia. My thoughts are with the staff, and I know that the Scottish Government stand ready with a pay scheme if it is required. Has the Minister established whether HMRC’s Crown preference rules, which came into force yesterday, had any bearing on the decision by Arcadia to go into administration on Monday? Has he calculated how much HMRC stands to lose as a result?
Paul Scully
I have not had any information or consideration of that issue as yet.