Debates between James Cartlidge and Lord Harrington of Watford during the 2017-2019 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between James Cartlidge and Lord Harrington of Watford
Tuesday 19th March 2019

(5 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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James Cartlidge Portrait James Cartlidge (South Suffolk) (Con)
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9. What recent steps he has taken through the industrial strategy to increase the number of high-quality and well-paid jobs.

Lord Harrington of Watford Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Richard Harrington)
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The industrial strategy is based on increasing the number of high-quality and well-paid jobs because it invests in skills, infrastructure and innovation, as well as building long-term strategic partnerships with businesses through sector deals between the Government and industry.

James Cartlidge Portrait James Cartlidge
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As my hon. Friend will be aware, we often talk about our being the fifth largest economy, but by GDP per head we are ranked about 23rd or 24th, according to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Does he agree that greater export penetration into growing markets overseas will help to raise that GDP per head and that an independent trade policy could boost that endeavour?

Lord Harrington of Watford Portrait Richard Harrington
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I agree with my hon. Friend. In his own constituency, six companies have received the Queen’s award for international trade. He understands the importance of exports. I agree that the UK needs to deploy all the tools at its disposal to support UK exporters, and a key part of that is tailoring our trade policy to the strengths and requirements of our economy and supporting the delivery of the industrial strategy.