Tuesday 24th March 2020

(4 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Matt Hancock Portrait Matt Hancock
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Yes, it is acceptable. It is right that volunteers in that sort of work, for example Samaritans, should travel to do it.

Mark Harper Portrait Mr Mark Harper (Forest of Dean) (Con)
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The Secretary of State will know that, following the Prime Minister’s statement yesterday, all tourism and leisure providers have closed. I commend those in my constituency that closed before the advice was given, in order to protect people. However, those who take lots of deposits are obviously being pressed by our constituents to return that money, and that may put them in financial distress, but equally our constituents need the money back given their financial circumstances. I accept that the Secretary of State may not have an answer for me now, but will he at least commit to take the issue away and see whether an answer is forthcoming, perhaps with the support of the Treasury?

Matt Hancock Portrait Matt Hancock
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Yes, I will get my right hon. Friend an answer from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.