Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between George Freeman and David Gauke

Tuesday 24th June 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

There is an agreement with the Welsh Government on that, but as I said a moment ago, this Government have an infrastructure plan. Up and down the country progress is being made to improve our transport infrastructure. That is part of our long-term economic plan. The hon. Gentleman will also be aware that in his constituency the number of jobseeker’s allowance claimants is down 20% over the past year.

[George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con)]

Does the Minister agree that all the evidence suggests that the biggest impact on the rate of earnings is the competitiveness and productivity of industry? Does he also agree that the single biggest threat to increases in average earnings is Labour’s plan for a stealth corporation tax and a jobs tax?

[Mr Gauke]

Absolutely. If we want to see jobs and investment in this country, we should be taxing jobs and investment less, not more.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between George Freeman and David Gauke

Tuesday 12th March 2013 Commons Chamber

[George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con)]

19. What assessment he has made of the effect of measures he announced in the 2010 and 2011 Budgets.

[The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David Gauke)]

I am delighted to answer Question 19.

The Budget of June 2010 set out the Government’s plans to reduce the deficit and rebuild the economy. The Government’s strategy since then has provided the foundations for recovery. Market interest rates have fallen to near-record lows. The deficit has been reduced by a quarter over two years. Employment is at record highs and exports of goods to China, India and Brazil have increased by about a third.

[George Freeman]

The Government set out in 2010-11 some key initiatives in the all-important life science sector: the biomedical catalyst fund, the patent box and tax breaks for start-up companies. This week sees the publication of the catalyst fund’s first annual report, showing that more than £1 billion has been raised in five new early stage funds in the UK, with more than 50 innovative medical projects coming to the NHS. Does that not suggest that we are laying the foundations for a sustainable recovery?

[Mr Gauke]

My hon. Friend makes an excellent point and I am sure that the House is delighted to have heard him do so. I know that he has done some superb work with the biotech industry. I met representatives of the BioIndustry Association a few weeks ago and they recognised that the steps we have taken on the patent box and research and development tax credits have put in place a very favourable environment for that industry.

Budget Leak Inquiry

Debate between George Freeman and David Gauke

Thursday 22nd March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

Of course the OBR is independent, and that may be some irritation to Opposition Members, given its conclusions about the failure of the 50p rate.

[George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con)]

Does my hon. Friend agree that the only possible explanation for the general hypocrisy on the Opposition Benches, given their own leaking of this urgent question before the Speaker’s Office announced it, is their desire to avoid the good news of GlaxoSmithKline’s investment announced this morning?

[Mr Gauke]

I am interested to learn that this story was apparently briefed before any decision emerged. [Interruption.] I understand that that is incorrect and that it was not announced on Twitter before your decision, Mr Speaker. If it was, I am sure that there will be an internal Labour party inquiry.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between George Freeman and David Gauke

Tuesday 24th January 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

We do not accept that. I must point out, for example, that of the 1.1 million people taken out of income tax because of policies that the Government have pursued, the majority are women.

[George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con)]

Will the Minister also confirm that, as well as the 1.1 million people taken out of tax, we are reducing the tax bill of 20 million of the poorest families?