Oral Answers to Questions

John Bercow Excerpts

Tuesday 10th March 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab)]

I could not help but notice that when my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Ladywood (Shabana Mahmood) was asking the Chief Secretary’s sidekick to answer a question about Lord Green, the Chief Secretary was constantly having a laugh at his expense. I am going to give him a chance: will he now answer the question about meeting Lord Green. Now is the opportunity to make a name for himself. Come on.

[Mr Speaker]

The hon. Gentleman has made his point, but unfortunately it does not relate to investment in infrastructure.

[Mr Skinner]

How do you know?

[Mr Speaker]

I am trying to use such powers of anticipation as I have, but let us hear the Chief Secretary respond.

[Danny Alexander]

I do not recall ever having had any conversations about investment in infrastructure with Lord Green. Matters relating to ministerial appointments are, of course, a matter for the Prime Minister. What matters is making sure that in this country we have a zero-tolerance approach to tax evasion and tax avoidance, and that where organisations are facilitating or encouraging tax evasion, we put in place the proper penalties.

--- Later in debate ---

[Danny Alexander]

I am not going to change the answer I gave to the earlier question. I appreciate the sensitivity of these matters, and I would say that this Government have taken steps, wherever we can, to support that particular industry. I am not sure that it would be appropriate for me to comment further.

[Mr Speaker]

Last but not least, Sir Oliver Heald.

[Sir Oliver Heald (North East Hertfordshire) (Con)]

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury will be aware that Hertfordshire is a prosperous and successful county. However, it had reached the point at which growth was being compromised because the A1M was not being widened between Stevenage and Welwyn. That work has now been announced but, for the future, are the Government satisfied that they are planning such infrastructure projects far enough ahead to enable us to maintain the kind of strong economic growth that we have at the moment as a result of the long-term economic plan?