Oral Answers to Questions

Jamie Wallis Excerpts

Tuesday 16th June 2020 Commons Chamber

[Douglas Chapman (Dunfermline and West Fife) (SNP)]

What steps he is taking to support the business economy during the covid-19 outbreak.

[Dr Jamie Wallis (Bridgend) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to support businesses during the covid-19 outbreak.

[Alison Thewliss (Glasgow Central) (SNP)]

What steps he is taking to support the business economy during the covid-19 outbreak.

--- Later in debate ---

[Alok Sharma]

I have detailed discussions with all Cabinet and ministerial colleagues. I recognise the challenge ahead of us—there is no doubt about that—but we have provided a significant amount of support for the UK economy, and if that had not been put in place a range of independent commentators have made it clear that we would be in a far worse position.

[Dr Wallis]

The automotive sector is important to my constituency of Bridgend, as it is to the whole UK economy. Will my right hon. Friend outline what the Government are doing to help businesses in that sector recover from the impact of covid-19?

[Alok Sharma]

I have set out the full range of support available to all sectors across the economy, and the automotive sector can take full advantage of that. I would point out that the job retention scheme has been widely utilised by the automotive sector, with a recent survey by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showing that the scheme has been accessed for over 60% of full-time workers in the auto sector.