Oral Answers to Questions

Lord Dodds of Duncairn Excerpts

Tuesday 6th September 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Osborne]

We are giving a much greater role to local communities in determining their own local plan. We are also protecting the green belt and areas of outstanding natural beauty—of which I am sure there are a number in my hon. Friend’s constituency. I would make this point: these are sensible protections for the countryside, but we must also allow economically productive development in this country. We have to simplify a planning system that is completely unintelligible to most citizens. That is precisely what we are doing and I hope we will be backed on both sides of the House.

[Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP)]

T6. Will the Chancellor give a categorical assurance to the House that the Government will swiftly and robustly reject any proposal from the European Commission, the European Parliament or any other European institution for a trans-European revenue-raising measure?

[Mr Osborne]

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that I am certainly opposed to any new European tax.