All 2 Debates between Hugh Bayley and Oliver Letwin

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Hugh Bayley and Oliver Letwin
Wednesday 2nd March 2011

(13 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Hugh Bayley Portrait Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab)
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What proportion of Government contracts were won by small and medium-sized enterprises in Yorkshire, and what are the Government doing to ensure that small companies in the north of England get a proportionate share of Government contracts?

Oliver Letwin Portrait Mr Letwin
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I will write to the hon. Gentleman with the figures for Yorkshire. I can tell him that we have set a presumption that all Government Departments will be moving towards 25% of contracts being in the hands of small and medium-sized enterprises, giving a vast range of opportunity not just in one part of the country but all parts of the country. Indeed, we intend to ensure that people throughout the country have ample opportunity to get into this market, which is why we are making it so much easier to participate.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Hugh Bayley and Oliver Letwin
Wednesday 24th November 2010

(14 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Oliver Letwin Portrait Mr Letwin
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Of course. If the Scottish Government take the correct measures, it will apply in Scotland; and in the UK as a whole, and in England in particular, we will make sure there is transparency and that the compact is totally observed regardless of where the contractors come from.

Hugh Bayley Portrait Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab)
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The cuts in public expenditure will put enormous pressure on construction industry firms, and the smaller and medium-sized firms will be particularly badly hit. What are the Government going to do to protect those companies so that when the economy improves they will still be there to do the construction that is needed?

Oliver Letwin Portrait Mr Letwin
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The greatest protection for small and medium-sized enterprises in the construction sector and elsewhere is, of course, a macro-economic framework that enables them to survive the recession, prosper and grow. That is why my right hon. Friend the Chancellor has taken the steps that have led the world in providing a solid macro-economic framework and low interest rates that enable—