Debates between Chris Evans and John Glen during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Evans and John Glen
Tuesday 11th February 2020

(4 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Glen Portrait John Glen
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I am delighted to confirm that the retail discount of 50% will operate from 1 April this year. We will also extend the discount to include cinemas and music venues, extend the duration of the local newspaper office space discount, and introduce an additional discount for pubs, worth £1,000, for up to 18,000 pubs up and down the country.

Chris Evans Portrait Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op)
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Most businesses in my constituency are microbusinesses employing one or two people. The biggest problem they have is larger firms not paying their bills on time. What measures can be put in place to ensure that larger companies pay small companies on time so that they can continue with their business?

John Glen Portrait John Glen
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The hon. Gentleman is right to raise that point. That is why we have the Small Business Commissioner. We are working closely with trade bodies to ensure best practice. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy leads on this, but we work closely with that Department so that more progress is made on this vital matter.