Business of the House

Ian C. Lucas Excerpts

Thursday 6th November 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hague]

Again, we might well want to debate such matters at the time of the autumn statement, which is only a few weeks away. As my hon. Friend says, the British economy—according to the European Commission —is growing 10 times faster than that of France. It is only two years since the Leader of the Opposition said:

“What President Hollande is seeking to do in France…is to find that different way forward. We are in agreement in seeking that way.”

That is the policy of Her Majesty’s Opposition.

[Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab)]

There is a crisis on our high streets throughout the country, as anyone who attends the all-party group on town centres will testify. May we have a debate on the impact of VAT rises on small businesses in our constituencies, so that the Prime Minister can make clear the Government’s position, which, again, he did not do yesterday?

[Mr Hague]

The Government’s commitment to small business is clear and strong. We removed £2,000 from employers’ national insurance contributions, which means that many small businesses, including some high street businesses, do not have to pay any such contributions at all. There is a good case for debates not just about VAT, but about a changing economy and the impact of social and economic trends on the retail world. The appropriate time to debate VAT and other taxation matters is around the autumn statement and the Budget.