Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Performance)

Debate between Gavin Williamson and Brian Binley

Wednesday 2nd February 2011 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson (South Staffordshire) (Con)]

I share some of the incredulity of my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton South (Mr Binley) at Opposition Members’ apparent total denial of the fact that their party was greatly responsible for the catastrophic economic situation that it bequeathed the coalition Government.

I remember talking to a gentleman from a trade organisation who told me that the problem with the previous Government was that they were obsessed with presentation and constantly wanted to change the names of the Department, but did not consider the problems affecting business. I am shocked that a Department led by Lord Mandelson would be more interested in presentation, marketing and publicity than anything else.

[Mr Binley]

I am incredulous that my hon. Friend was surprised at that fact.

[Gavin Williamson]

I put it down to the naivety of youth. Hopefully age will make me wiser.