Employment Law (Beecroft Report)

Debate between Chris Evans and Mark Prisk

Monday 21st May 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Prisk]

That is the point. Striking a balance is crucial. Not only is my hon. Friend absolutely right but youth unemployment rose by 40% under the previous Government. The Opposition claim that they care about this issue, but caring is not enough; we need to get the law right to ensure that those on the edge of the labour market have the chance to work. That is what we will do.

[Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op)]

Is there not a danger that having a different employment regime for workers in small businesses employing fewer than 10 people could be a disincentive to growing that business?

[Mr Prisk]

The hon. Gentleman is right that when devising policies we have to be careful not to create unintended ceilings to growth. That is certainly something we will want to consider carefully.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Evans and Mark Prisk

Thursday 17th February 2011 Commons Chamber

[Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op)]

14. What assessment he has made of the likely effects on the construction sector of the outcome of the comprehensive spending review.

[The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Mr Mark Prisk)]

The comprehensive spending review set out our plans for £200 billion of investment over the next 10 years as part of the first national infrastructure plan. This was welcomed by many in the construction sector.

[Chris Evans]

Does the Minister agree with Steve Morgan of Redrow when he says that the new homes bonus scheme is unlikely to prompt councils to approve more homes?

[Mr Prisk]

A number of benefits are being put forward for home building and for construction as a whole. The key issue with the housing market is whether the demand is there. That is the challenge: we will do our bit, but the market will need to operate as well.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Evans and Mark Prisk

Thursday 14th October 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con)]

19. What recent representations he has received on access to finance for small businesses.

[The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Mr Mark Prisk)]

I refer the hon. Gentlemen to the answer I gave to a similar question earlier.

[Chris Evans]

Atega Business Solutions, a new business start-up based in my constituency, tells me that part funding is available to it, but that in most cases it has to spend 100% of the cost before it is eligible to claim back 50%, which deters it from applying. What advice would the Minister give to Atega to secure funding when money is tight?