Oral Answers to Questions

John Howell Excerpts

Tuesday 27th October 2015 Commons Chamber

[Greg Hands]

It is worth noting that the Barnett formula will continue, but diminish in importance. For the first time, more than half the Scottish Government’s budget will come from Scottish taxpayers rather than a grant from the UK Government. That will add extra accountability to the Scottish Government.

[John Howell (Henley) (Con)]

6. What assessment he has made of recent trends in the level of employment.

[James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con)]

7. What assessment he has made of recent trends in the level of employment.

[The First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne)]

We have a record number of people in work. Today’s GDP data show that Britain continues to outperform other western economies, but there are clear global risks and there is still much more to be done to fix our economy. In the autumn statement, we will take more steps to ensure the recovery is felt right across the country, make long-term investments for the future, and, crucially, continue to make the tough decisions required so that Britain lives within her means.

[John Howell]

The total number of unemployed in my constituency is 219, with youth unemployment at only 36. Will my right hon. Friend join me in praising institutions such as the Henley college, which is providing excellent apprenticeship training?

[Mr Osborne]

It is very good to hear about the success the people in my hon. Friend’s constituency have had in finding work over recent years and the clear business confidence that exists in Oxfordshire. The Henley college is doing an excellent job in making sure that young people have the skills they need to take the opportunities now out there in the jobs market. We will, of course, go on helping such institutions by increasing the number of apprentices we fund in this country, so that we deliver the 3 million apprenticeships mentioned in our election manifesto.