Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Glen and Eddie Hughes

Tuesday 2nd July 2019 Commons Chamber

[Eddie Hughes (Walsall North) (Con)]

It has been a while since I asked the Chancellor about the blockchain and distributed ledger technology, so I was hoping that he could present an update on how the Treasury is embracing this new technology.

[John Glen]

I thank my hon. Friend for his question. The UK’s digital economy is thriving and is growing 10 times as fast as the wider economy. We are pursuing a range of measures to reinforce that leading position, and that involves implementing a 10-year action plan to unlock over £20 billion in finance growth in innovative firms and a further £7 billion for research and development since 2016, with internationally competitive research and development tax reliefs to support investment.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Glen and Eddie Hughes

Tuesday 22nd May 2018 Commons Chamber

[John Glen]

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the response I gave earlier. The Government are taking forward a range of options, but I will examine the issue he raises and write to him.

[Eddie Hughes (Walsall North) (Con)]

The people of Bloxwich will soon be hearing more about blockchain. Will the Chancellor confirm that the Government will continue to invest in this innovative technology to keep the public’s data safe?