Oral Answers to Questions

John Bercow Excerpts

Tuesday 13th March 2018 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Bowie]

I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. The oil and gas industry based in the north-east of Scotland has contributed over £330 billion to the economy, supports over 330,000 jobs across the United Kingdom and has a supply chain worth nearly £30 billion. With an estimated 20 million barrels of oil still to get out of the North sea, the industry has huge potential to drive this country’s growth, but of course there is still uncertainty, so I know that the Minister will welcome the response—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I am sorry to interrupt the hon. Gentleman, but we need a single-sentence question, not a preamble.

[Andrew Bowie]

Will the Minister pledge to work continually with the industry to develop and deliver the sector deal?

[Richard Harrington]

Yes.

[Mr Speaker]

Thank you.

[Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)]

What discussions has the Minister had with the Treasury about the impact of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs’ new end-use procedure changes on the gas and oil industry?

--- Later in debate ---

[Stephen Hammond (Wimbledon) (Con)]

12. What steps he is taking to support growth in the small business sector.

[Mr Speaker]

I call the Minister.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Andrew Griffiths)]

Apologies, Mr Speaker. I was congratulating myself too much!

The Government-owned British Business Bank provides £4 billion to support more than 60,000 UK small and medium-sized enterprises. We plan to unlock more than £20 billion of investment in innovative and high-potential businesses, including a new £2.5 billion investment fund with the British Business Bank. The Small Business Commissioner helps with payment issues, dispute resolution, and the sourcing of advice throughout the UK. Through the industrial strategy, we are continuing to invest in 38 growth hubs across England, as well as the business support helpline.