Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Sajid Javid and Gordon Henderson

Tuesday 23rd November 2021 Commons Chamber

[Sajid Javid]

I very much agree with the hon. Gentleman. The general vaccination programme for covid-19, or any other vaccine for that matter, should be voluntary. It should be a positive decision that people take to protect themselves and those around them. The only exception to that in England, as the hon. Gentleman will know, is those who work with vulnerable people in the NHS or in social care. Otherwise, it absolutely should be a positive decision that people are encouraged to take.

[Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) (Con)]

13. What recent steps he has taken to help ensure that everyone in Sittingbourne and Sheppey constituency has access to a GP.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Sajid Javid and Gordon Henderson

Monday 27th February 2017 Commons Chamber

[Sajid Javid]

I should like to assure the hon. Lady that we take this issue very seriously. It is a national issue. I have discussed it a number of times with my colleagues, and we want to see how we can take further action. I would be more than happy to write to her about this.

[Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) (Con)]

T6. Some local authorities have tendering processes so complex that they appear to have been designed to deter small companies from bidding. For instance, I know of local authorities in Kent that require bidders to complete a wide-ranging pre-qualification form not just once but before every tender is submitted. That is okay for large companies that have dedicated contracts departments, but it is burdensome and onerous for small and medium-sized enterprises. What is my right hon. Friend doing to encourage local authorities to make it easier for small companies to bid for work from them?

[Sajid Javid]

I can share with my hon. Friend the fact that this issue was identified back in 2010 when there was a change of Government. The Cabinet Office has already done a significant amount of work to make it easier for small firms to win procurement competitions, but there is more that could be done. I hope that it will encourage my hon. Friend to learn that, as we go through the process of leaving the EU, we will be taking a clear look at many of the EU rules that can cause those challenges.