Oral Answers to Questions

Jessica Lee Excerpts

Tuesday 29th January 2013 Commons Chamber

The Chancellor of the Exchequer was asked—

[Jessica Lee (Erewash) (Con)]

1. What fiscal steps he is taking to encourage private sector job creation.

[Mr Brooks Newmark (Braintree) (Con)]

6. What fiscal steps he is taking to encourage private sector job creation.

[Jessica Lee]

I warmly welcome the announcement that my right hon. Friend has just made. I am sure the fact that a fairer share of tax is being paid will also be warmly welcomed by my constituents in Erewash. Does my right hon. Friend agree that another important aspect of private sector job creation is the role of apprenticeships? Companies such as Derwent Analytics and TecQuipment in my constituency have an important role and are enriching young people with opportunity and skills for the future.

[Mr Osborne]

My hon. Friend is right, and I am glad she welcomes the deal we have struck with Switzerland—a deal, by the way, rejected by the previous Government. Apprenticeships are vital in helping to create that skilled work force. More than 1 million people have started apprenticeships since 2010 and in her constituency alone there has been a 42% increase. I am delighted that successful businesses in her constituency are helping to train the work force of tomorrow.