Autumn Statement Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Autumn Statement

Harriett Baldwin Excerpts
Thursday 5th December 2013

(10 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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George Osborne Portrait Mr Osborne
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As I said, we are launching a huge scheme to help home movers insulate their homes, help public authorities insulate their buildings, and ensure that private landlords also have incentives. I disagree with the hon. Lady—and, I guess, her philosophy—in that I think such things are better done through incentives and lower taxes than through higher taxes and higher charges that put people off the agenda she wants to promote.

Harriett Baldwin Portrait Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)
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The Chancellor is an historian of some note. Can he recall an occasion where such good news on jobs and growth was heard in such stony silence by the Labour party?

George Osborne Portrait Mr Osborne
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I did history at university if that is what my hon. Friend is referring to. The extraordinary thing is that the Opposition gambled on there not being an economic recovery, and the shadow Chancellor based his entire reputation not only on the idea that the recovery would not happen, but that it could not happen. As a result, his entire economic edifice has collapsed.