Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

John Cryer Excerpts
Thursday 3rd June 2010

(13 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Mark Prisk Portrait Mr Prisk
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The hon. Lady is right to point out the importance of manufacturing; it is a crucial part of our economy. Sadly, it became imbalanced when her party was in power, and we need to change that. On the tax measure in question, and the representation that she made, she will understand that we are in the period running up to Budget purdah and need to be careful not to get ahead of what I think the Chancellor’s ambitions will be, but at the CBI dinner he made it very clear that, as regards corporation tax changes, we will not act in any way that impugns manufacturing in any form.

John Cryer Portrait John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab)
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Does the Minister consider any part of health and safety regulation to be burdensome or, as he just said, red tape? If so, which bits?

Mark Prisk Portrait Mr Prisk
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The key principle in regulation is to ensure that it is proportionate and balanced, and that risks, where they exist, particularly in health and safety, are recognised. However, I say to the hon. Gentleman and to the whole House, let us ensure that regulations are introduced and implemented with a degree of common sense. Under the Better Regulation Executive we have good rules about proportionate regulation, and I want to ensure that health and safety meets those standards.