Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Vince Cable and Dominic Raab

Thursday 26th March 2015 Commons Chamber

[Vince Cable]

I have a longer memory than the hon. Gentleman; I first became involved in debates on the European Union in the mid-1970s, when I was campaigning in favour and the Labour party was against it. I am glad that it has finally seen the light, but my party has been consistent throughout.

[Mr Dominic Raab (Esher and Walton) (Con)]

T4. Last week Len McCluskey set out plans for illegal strikes. The Conservatives condemned it and the Leader of the Opposition said nothing—Labour is bankrolled by Unite. I just wonder whether the Secretary of State and his party condemn the threat to the rule of law or sit on the fence.

[Vince Cable]

Of course we condemn threats to the rule of law. I simply point out that the level of strikes in this country is the lowest it has been for a generation.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Vince Cable and Dominic Raab

Thursday 26th June 2014 Commons Chamber

[Vince Cable]

First, I thank the hon. Gentleman for his constructive remarks at the beginning. On funding, he will be pleased to know that under the StartUp loan scheme, we now have 13,000 loans that have been disbursed. They operate through the Business Bank, which is also funding crowdfunding, and it is operating on a significant scale and accelerating fast.

[Mr Dominic Raab (Esher and Walton) (Con)]

4. What steps he is taking to strengthen vocational training.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Vince Cable and Dominic Raab

Thursday 21st March 2013 Commons Chamber

[Vince Cable]

I would have thought it was fairly obvious that when there is an economic slump in the markets that constitute half our exports, it is rather difficult to expand into them, despite the competitive advantage that we have. There are deep structural problems. Many exporters genuinely have problems in getting access to bank finance or difficulties in getting access to trained workers. These are long-term structural problems that we inherited and are now trying to deal with.

[Mr Dominic Raab (Esher and Walton) (Con)]

2. What steps he is taking to reduce business regulation for start-ups and small businesses.