National Insurance Contributions (Termination Awards and Sporting Testimonials) Bill

Vicky Ford Excerpts

2nd reading: House of Commons & Ways and Means resolution: House of Commons
Tuesday 30th April 2019 Commons Chamber

[Robert Jenrick]

Yes, and I must also declare an interest as a member of Nottinghamshire county cricket club. We have given the matter a great deal of thought. The proposal was raised several years ago, as I said, and we consulted at that time with the sporting bodies, including the England and Wales Cricket Board. It was my right hon. Friend the Member for South West Hertfordshire (Mr Gauke), then the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, who discussed the matter with the cricketing bodies. When the proposal was first brought forward, the threshold was £50,000 but, having spoken with the sporting bodies, we made the decision to increase it to £100,000, making it significantly more generous and allaying some of the concerns that my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton Deane (Rebecca Pow) sets out.

[Vicky Ford (Chelmsford) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Sir Lindsay Hoyle)]

Let us hear from Essex county cricket club.

[Vicky Ford]

I just wanted to declare an interest as a member of Essex county cricket club. I thank the Minister for supporting cricket.

[Mr Deputy Speaker]

That is not a problem as long as we do not forget the great county of Lancashire. [Laughter.]