Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Thomas Docherty and Lord Willetts

Thursday 2nd February 2012 Commons Chamber

[Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab)]

14. What steps his Department is taking to promote business growth.

[The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David Willetts)]

The plan for growth commits the coalition to creating the most competitive tax system in the G20. We will make the UK the best place in Europe to start, finance and grow a business and we will create a more educated work force who will be the most flexible in Europe.

[Thomas Docherty]

I am most grateful for that answer. Given the vital role of exports in trying to grow our economy and yesterday’s disastrous news about Typhoon not being take up by the Indians, will the Minister meet me and other BAE Systems MPs to find out what his Department can do to get behind BAE Systems?

[Mr Willetts]

Let us be absolutely clear that the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State and I have all been on trade missions to India because we recognise its importance as an export market. British exports are growing by 10% and we will continue to argue the case for Typhoon as an excellent and cost-effective deal for the Indian Government. Of course, Ministers would be very happy to meet employees.