Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Helen Grant and Danny Alexander

Tuesday 16th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander)]

As the hon. Gentleman knows—and as the whole House knows—the justification for the measure that we took was to ensure that the cost of the spending review fell equally across the population so that those with the broadest shoulders would bear a greater share of the burden. In those circumstances, it is right that child benefit should be taken away from families with higher rate taxpayers. I would have thought that the Opposition would support that, not oppose it.

[Mrs Helen Grant (Maidstone and The Weald) (Con)]

T4. What fiscal action will be taken to increase social mobility and to stimulate it in our country?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Helen Grant and Danny Alexander

Tuesday 13th July 2010 Commons Chamber

[Danny Alexander]

The hon. Gentleman is right, of course, that the rural fuel derogation is in the coalition agreement. The Chancellor restated our commitment to investigating the matter in the Budget statement, and I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we will be coming forward with an announcement in due course.

[Mrs Helen Grant (Maidstone and The Weald) (Con)]

What action will the Chief Secretary take to boost new business in rural areas?

[Danny Alexander]

Businesses in rural areas will have the opportunity to benefit from the regional growth fund that we are establishing and which will help to support business growth in the regions of the country, particular those areas where dependence on public sector employment is greatest. Also, new businesses in rural areas will benefit from the cut we have announced in national insurance for new employees in new businesses.