Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Mike Weir Excerpts
Thursday 31st March 2011

(13 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Hayes Portrait Mr Hayes
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I know of the good work done by my hon. Friend and by Harlow college. He will wish to know that there was a 20% increase in apprenticeship starts in 2010-11 compared with the same period in the previous year. That is because of the work of organisations such as Harlow college and the advocacy of hon. Members such as my hon. Friend.

Mike Weir Portrait Mr Mike Weir (Angus) (SNP)
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Over the past few years, the oil and gas industry in north-east Scotland has created many new apprenticeships and skilled many new workers for the future. Does the Minister accept that that has been put at risk by the massive tax increase announced without any consultation in the Budget?

John Hayes Portrait Mr Hayes
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The figures will speak louder than any words—the hon. Gentleman’s words or even my own.