Oral Answers to Questions

Philip Hollobone Excerpts

Tuesday 26th June 2012 Commons Chamber

[Miss Smith]

My hon. Friend is correct: child poverty is a real problem. This Government are committed to eradicating it and to increasing social mobility. We are taking the measures to assist children that I listed in response to the previous question. I should also point out that the average household gains about £5.50 a week from the tax and benefit changes made in April this year. We are making progress and acting where we can. It is important to keep up the pressure on child poverty.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

13. What assessment he has made of the effect on economic growth of increases to fuel duty.

[The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Miss Chloe Smith)]

The effects on the economy of fuel prices, including oil prices, refinery margins and tax, are assessed by the Office for Budget Responsibility as part of its economic and fiscal forecasts.

[Mr Hollobone]

Motorists in the Kettering constituency and local hauliers will warmly welcome today’s announcement by the Chancellor. Has my hon. Friend undertaken any analysis of the negative impact on national economic growth that would have occurred had the present Government increased fuel duty by as much as the previous Government intended?