Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Huw Irranca-Davies

Main Page: Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour - Ogmore)

Oral Answers to Questions

Huw Irranca-Davies Excerpts
Thursday 15th March 2012

(12 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Vince Cable Portrait Vince Cable
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My hon. Friend touches on the core argument. We are talking about a very productive plant, which reflects well on the management, and also on the labour force, who have been consistently co-operative. Currently the plant does not operate at full capacity; the issue for the company is how to use that production in a way that minimises excess capacity. We are confident that the UK has a strong case in ensuring that existing production—but also new models, as he said—is secured in Ellesmere Port.

Huw Irranca-Davies Portrait Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab)
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The Business Secretary has just described himself as being under attack from left and right on his proposals to weaken employment protection laws. Where on that spectrum would he put Fiona Dawson, the managing director of Mars UK, who has said:

“I would like to see something that makes it easier for the workforce but it’s got to be fair. So I would not support employees’ rights being removed. I think we’ve got to make sure that it is fair, not just for businesses but for employees as well”?

How does he respond to that?