Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mike Weir and David Gauke

Tuesday 16th June 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

Yes, my hon. Friend makes an important point. Regulations that are burdensome and do not achieve their objective do nothing to help productivity; they hold businesses back. That is why it is right that for every new regulation we bring in, two are taken out.

[Mike Weir (Angus) (SNP)]

T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mike Weir and David Gauke

Tuesday 24th January 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

We are taking measures to ensure that work will always pay. On the Labour party’s complaints, I point out that its flagship policy at the last election to increase national insurance contributions for employers would have hit the retail and other sectors very hard.

[Mr Mike Weir (Angus) (SNP)]

3. What recent discussions he has had with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs on the operation of the COP26 process.

[The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David Gauke)]

Ministers have regular meetings to oversee and challenge HMRC business, including the administration of tax credits and the recovery of overpayments.

[Mr Weir]

I am grateful for the Minister’s answer, but does he understand the intense frustration and anger of many of my constituents who repeatedly tell HMRC about errors in tax credits that HMRC does not correct, which subsequently give rise to overpayments? How often can HMRC be allowed to make mistakes and hide behind COP26 to evade any responsibility?

Scotland Bill

Debate between Mike Weir and David Gauke

Tuesday 21st June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

I look to others for inspiration on the precise details, but we are certainly talking about months. The hon. Lady is right to say that the detailed analysis has not been provided. I am sure that the Scottish Government are working very hard to produce it, but we have not received it. It could have been helpful for this evening’s debate, but so be it.

[Mr Mike Weir (Angus) (SNP)]

It might have been difficult for the Scottish Government to provide that information during the purdah period, and they were re-elected only a matter of weeks ago. It is perhaps no surprise, therefore, that those weighty documents have not yet arrived on the Minister’s desk.

[Mr Gauke]

I have to make a confession to the House: I have come only relatively recently to these issues. My understanding, however, is that the Scottish National party has been interested in this policy for some years. I am sure that if it is a priority, and I understand that it is, we will receive the paper very soon. I look forward to receiving it.