Static Caravans (VAT)

Lisa Nandy Excerpts

Thursday 26th April 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Stuart]

My right hon. Friend is right. He and many other Members on the Government Benches who would not dream of opposing the Government’s general strategy, or even most of the specifics, have such profound doubts about this one policy that they are asking the Treasury to think again.

[Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab)]

Does the hon. Gentleman agree with the point made to me by Pemberton Leisure Homes in my constituency that the measure will also have a profoundly damaging effect on apprenticeships? That firm employs 160 people, but it also has many apprentices. I know that the Government are keen to boost the number of apprenticeships. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that this measure could be problematic for that policy objective too?

[Mr Stuart]

The hon. Lady is right. I may have a chance to get to that issue later in my speech.