Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gordon Birtwistle and Danny Alexander

Tuesday 9th December 2014 Commons Chamber

[Danny Alexander]

I am not sure that that is a matter for discussion at a European Union level.

[Gordon Birtwistle (Burnley) (LD)]

Rebalancing the economy has been crucial in delivering the coalition Government’s economic plan. Delivering skills for the future is vital. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the funding of professional careers advice must be part of the plan, to ensure that the growth in manufacturing is secured for the future?

[Danny Alexander]

I wholeheartedly agree with my hon. Friend on that. He has done more than most Members of this House to promote apprenticeships, the creation of skills and the manufacturing industry, and I pay tribute to him for his work. I ask him to look at what we have said about this in the autumn statement, which contains particular measures to promote the provision of better careers advice in schools.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gordon Birtwistle and Danny Alexander

Tuesday 8th June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Danny Alexander]

A range of announcements will be made in the Budget across a whole range of issues, but as the Chancellor has said repeatedly, one of the key tests of measures is fairness, to ensure that we do not repeat the mistakes of the previous Government in allowing inequality to widen and in missing child poverty targets.

[Gordon Birtwistle (Burnley) (LD)]

Does my right hon. Friend intend to continue using the very expensive PFI funding for future capital investment in the NHS? The most expensive to date has been in Wythenshawe hospital, where the NHS will pay back 16 times the original capital value. More prudent borrowing in the past would have delivered the investment without adding to the deficit.