Julian Smith
Main Page: Julian Smith (Conservative - Skipton and Ripon)Department Debates - View all Julian Smith's debates with the Leader of the House
(13 years, 10 months ago)
Commons ChamberI understand the hon. Gentleman’s concern. He will have seen my written ministerial statement last month, which I put on the Order Paper, indicating what would happen for this year. Looking further ahead, it is proposed, under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, that MPs pay, allowances and pensions will be determined by an independent body.
On the eve of national apprenticeship week, may we have a debate to highlight the Government’s excellent policies in this area, which make it much easier to take on board new employees as apprentices than it was under the previous Government?
My hon. Friend is right—there are 75,000 more apprenticeships and we have protected the science budget. This is, indeed, laying the foundations for future growth.