Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Dowden and James Duddridge

Wednesday 13th March 2019 Commons Chamber

[Oliver Dowden]

As the hon. Gentleman is aware, in respect of lower grades—those below the senior civil service—there is a delegated pay process. The overall framework is set by the Cabinet Office and the Treasury, and it is for individual Departments to decide. We will go through the proper process, and no final decisions have been taken.

[James Duddridge (Rochford and Southend East) (Con)]

3. What plans the Government have to encourage more candidates with disabilities to stand for election.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Dowden and James Duddridge

Wednesday 27th June 2018 Commons Chamber

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

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we are determined to continue to level the playing field so that they can compete for Government contracts. That is why in April I announced a number of measures to help achieve that and have recently met the Government’s strategic suppliers and Ministers in several Departments to ensure that those measures are delivered.

[James Duddridge]

I thank the Minister for that reply. Specifically, how will coastal towns such as Southend-on-Sea benefit from the changes in this procurement procedure?

[Oliver Dowden]

As my hon. Friend will know, small businesses generate more than 16 million jobs and we are determined to level the playing field so that those in coastal towns such as Southend get their fair share of prosperity and win Government contracts. I encourage businesses in Southend to look on Contracts Finder, on which more than 17,000 small businesses are already registered, for procurement opportunities.