Oral Answers to Questions

Pete Wishart Excerpts

Thursday 3rd November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Vaizey]

There was an identical case in my constituency, and the misunderstanding was cleared up rapidly and amicably.

[Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP)]

As the Minister will know, the Hargreaves review of intellectual property will result in many opportunities for young people in the creative industries, but there are also some wild and fantastic assumptions, including the claim that if all the recommendations are implemented it will bring £7.9 billion into the economy. That amounts to almost 0.6% of GDP. The Business Secretary now calls this a ballpark figure, as these estimates start to unravel. What is the DCMS view of that figure of £7.9 billion?

[Mr Vaizey]

I am not responsible for the Hargreaves review; that is a matter for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. However, what I would say, on a personal level, is that I found that figure surprisingly accurate.