Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Miller Excerpts
Thursday 13th January 2011

(13 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Vince Cable Portrait Vince Cable
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My right hon. Friend is absolutely right; many companies are in that position. He will be aware that the banking taskforce recently produced a whole set of remedies for companies such as the one that he described, which have had bad experiences with banks and wish to pursue an appeal.

Andrew Miller Portrait Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab)
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The Secretary of State will realise that we now have a good opportunity to strengthen the supply chain in the automotive sector. However, unless he comes out with a clearer policy position on longer-term finance for medium-sized businesses, that will not happen. What is he going to do to strengthen the supply of finance?

Vince Cable Portrait Vince Cable
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I am aware of the importance of the automobile industry in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency, where I have seen the excellent Vauxhall operation. Specifically, we are working through the Automotive Council, of which I think he is aware, and with which all the leading manufacturers in the UK are associated. One of its earliest decisions was on deepening the British supply chain, and several companies have already reported that that process is happening in a positive way.