Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Griffith and Theresa Villiers

Wednesday 22nd May 2024 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Griffith]

The hon. Lady has made some important points. My officials and I have met representatives of the institute and have considered a number of options for it, of which they and, I believe, she will be aware.

[Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet) (Con)]

5. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that Government-funded research is used to help increase levels of productivity.

[The Minister for Science, Research and Innovation (Andrew Griffith)]

The Government are providing record levels of taxpayer funding for research, and my right hon. Friend is right to highlight the opportunity to improve productivity. A priority for research councils is to focus on not just discovery but innovation, so that British taxpayers feel the benefits of faster economic growth, rising living standards and better health outcomes.

[Theresa Villiers]

As I saw during a recent visit to Chase Farm Hospital, better digital systems can dramatically improve NHS productivity, and artificial intelligence can contribute to that as well. Will the Government use their science and research budget to increase NHS output, improve outcomes for patients and get waiting lists down?

[Andrew Griffith]

That is exactly what we are doing. On Monday, the Prime Minister announced £15.5 million to roll out artificial intelligence radiotherapy that locates cancer cells two and a half times more quickly, helping to reduce those anxious days for patients and their families who are awaiting a diagnosis. That is affordable only thanks to the fact that our plan for the economy is working. Labour has no plan, and would end up having to cut the research budget.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Griffith and Theresa Villiers

Tuesday 11th October 2022 Commons Chamber

[The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Andrew Griffith)]

Push payment fraud is a growing problem, which the Government take very seriously. That is why we will be taking powers in the Financial Services and Markets Bill that will mandate reimbursement to consumers.

[Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet) (Con)]

T7. It is a massive relief that the nightmare scenario of energy bills of £4,000, £5,000 or even £6,000 has been prevented by the energy price cap. Will the Government explain how they are reducing the cost to taxpayers of that scheme and stabilising the energy market for the future?

Flood Response

Debate between Andrew Griffith and Theresa Villiers

Monday 10th February 2020 Commons Chamber

[Theresa Villiers]

My Department has very extensive contacts with the Welsh Government on a range of issues. Obviously, in circumstances like this, it is essential that there is excellent working between the devolved Administrations in relation to the transport network. That is what is under way, and it will continue.

[Andrew Griffith (Arundel and South Downs) (Con)]

Will the Secretary of State join me in paying tribute to the hard-working staff of the Environment Agency in West Sussex and nationally, who have been working diligently at antisocial hours, not just over this weekend, to protect life and property, but in many cases since the flooding in mid-December? I also thank her for making the link between the planning system and the incidence of flooding.

[Theresa Villiers]

I certainly join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to the hard-working staff of the EA and all those involved in the response to this emergency. They do a tremendous job, and they need our support in very difficult circumstances.