Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Debate between Nigel Mills and Oliver Dowden

Thursday 12th November 2020 Commons Chamber

[Oliver Dowden]

I am quite sure that many millions of Scots will look forward to a party celebrating Her Majesty’s platinum jubilee more than to a celebration of such narrow nationalism.

[Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con) [V]]

I, too, welcome today’s announcement. Does the Secretary of State agree with the importance of ensuring that these celebrations truly are nationwide in every community? Could he help to arrange, perhaps via the national lottery, for some small grants to be made available to community groups so that they can organise events on those important days?

[Oliver Dowden]

My hon. Friend makes an important point. Of course we will be working with the national lottery, and we will be looking at ways in which we can seed and support such celebrations in every part of the country—the four nations and all parts of England.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Nigel Mills and Oliver Dowden

Wednesday 10th January 2018 Commons Chamber

[The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Oliver Dowden)]

Thank you, Mr Speaker, and hon. Members for that very warm welcome.

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and this Government are committed to supporting them in securing Government contracts. To that end, we have already streamlined our procurement processes to assist small businesses. Our small business panel is working to improve accessibility of Government contracts, and we continue to focus on breaking down the barriers that might deter SMEs.

[Nigel Mills]

I thank the Minister for that answer and welcome him to his position. He will know that many small businesses are put off trying to get contracts by the amount of information they need to supply and the bureaucracy they have to go through. What more can the Government do to reduce that bureaucracy and amount of information?