Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Sarah Newton Excerpts
Thursday 12th February 2015

(9 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Vince Cable Portrait Vince Cable
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The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. This calls for across-the-board treatment. The suggestion that has come from some sources that it would be sensible to cut the fees for engineering and science courses to £6,000 would, of course, massively undermine that, because it would no longer be possible to cover the costs of those courses.

Sarah Newton Portrait Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con)
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Will the Secretary of State confirm that he has asked Barclays to defer the closure of the St Agnes branch until the new protocol on last bank closures in communities where the post office is not a viable alternative has been agreed, which I understand will be next week?

Vince Cable Portrait Vince Cable
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I have indeed discussed that directly with the chief executive of Barclays, in response to my hon. Friend’s very persistent campaigning and that of her Liberal Democrat opponent, who has been equally assiduous. We recognise the need in St Agnes for a bespoke solution, since the post office is not the ideal vehicle, and I think we are working towards a satisfactory outcome.