Oral Answers to Questions

Margaret Curran Excerpts

Tuesday 6th September 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

As the hon. Gentleman said, the consultation process is now completed. I know we will be in contact with the Northern Ireland Executive to discuss the results. No decisions have been taken, but we have clearly made progress in this area. I look forward to having future conversations with the hon. Gentleman, including about the particular issue of cost that he mentions, but it is right for the cost as well as the powers to be properly devolved.

[Margaret Curran (Glasgow East) (Lab)]

16. What assessment he has made of the potential implications for the economy of the most recent figures for economic growth.

[The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander)]

Our economic policy is designed to achieve strong, sustainable and balanced growth that is shared more evenly across the country and between industries. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility has predicted that the economy will grow throughout 2011 and in every year of the forecast, and it will publish a fully updated forecast in the autumn.

[Margaret Curran]

Is the Chief Secretary aware of a survey produced this week by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply? It shows the sharpest slow-down in growth in the services sector for well over a decade. If Britain is such a safe haven, why is that happening?

[Danny Alexander]

I am aware of the survey, and of course many businesses are experiencing difficulties, not least owing to the headwinds in the global economy that we—along with other countries—are encountering. That is why we are taking measures to help businesses such as those to which the hon. Lady has referred, through our plan for growth and in relation to regulation, the planning system and investment in the transport infrastructure. I am sure she agrees that constitutional uncertainty about independence in Scotland is causing serious damage to businesses and business investment there.