Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Vince Cable and Andy Slaughter

Thursday 5th December 2013 Commons Chamber

[Vince Cable]

I do not know what those exciting schemes involve, but they sound fun. The basic underlying theme is that we are all being urged to support our local shops and to shop locally. I am sure that is a very good theme around which we can all unite.

[Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab)]

Across my constituency, small businesses are being forced out by big developers who want to redevelop them for luxury flats. The local council is supporting that, and in the case of Shepherd’s Bush market, has even issued compulsory purchase orders to drive out small businesses. The Tory party will always prefer big business over small business. What will the Secretary of State do about this situation?

[Vince Cable]

This distinction between big business and small business is seriously unhelpful—most big businesses have supply chains—and we should support both.