Oral Answers to Questions

John Bercow Excerpts

Tuesday 12th March 2013 Commons Chamber

[Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op)]

Businesses in Swansea are telling me that assessing net debt should include an assessment of net assets, and they have written to me and the Chancellor asking that Swansea be considered for superconnectivity status, namely that the Government invest in our broadband capability. Is that something he is willing to look at positively with the businesses involved?

[Mr Speaker]

That was very wide of the subject of public sector net debt falling as a share of GDP in 2015-16. The hon. Gentleman needs to do his research and have another go. Go back to the drawing board. We are grateful to him.

[Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con)]

Would it ever be a credible policy to borrow more in order to borrow less, or would it simply increase our debt, damage our credit rating and ensure that the country would be in even greater difficulties than it already is thanks to the Labour party?

--- Later in debate ---

[Danny Alexander]

The hon. Gentleman will know that in the 2010 spending review and the 2011 and 2012 autumn statements, we increased spending on infrastructure compared with the plans for capital spending that we inherited from the previous Government. Consequently, investment in infrastructure in this country is higher as a share of GDP over this Parliament than it was on average during the previous Government’s time in office.

[Mr Speaker]

I call George Freeman.

[George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con)]

Question 19, Mr Speaker.

[Mr Speaker]

No, I was taking the hon. Gentleman on Question 18. Does he wish to come in on Question 18?

[George Freeman]

I was going to come in on Question 19, Sir.

[Mr Speaker]

I am extremely grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s generosity, but I am afraid we are not going to take Question 19. We are moving on. [Hon. Members: “Shame!”] Oh, go on, then. I am not going to ruin the hon. Gentleman’s day.

[George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con)]

19. What assessment he has made of the effect of measures he announced in the 2010 and 2011 Budgets.

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[Mr Gauke]

My hon. Friend makes an excellent point and I am sure that the House is delighted to have heard him do so. I know that he has done some superb work with the biotech industry. I met representatives of the BioIndustry Association a few weeks ago and they recognised that the steps we have taken on the patent box and research and development tax credits have put in place a very favourable environment for that industry.

[Mr Speaker]

Unfortunately, we certainly do not have time for Question 20 from the hon. Member for North East Somerset (Jacob Rees-Mogg) on article 153(5) of the treaty on the functioning of the European Union, but you never know what topical questions might bring.

[Mr Stephen Hepburn (Jarrow) (Lab)]

T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

--- Later in debate ---

[Several hon. Members]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I am sorry to disappoint colleagues, but demand always exceeds supply at Treasury questions.