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Caravan Industry: Hull and East Riding
15 June 2020
Lead MP
Emma Hardy
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
EconomyTaxationCulture, Media & SportBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Emma Hardy raised concerns about caravan industry: hull and east riding in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
As many Members will know, Hull is the capital of caravan manufacturing in the UK. The industry has faced significant challenges due to the global financial crash in 2008 and more recently with the current pandemic restrictions. My speech outlined that while businesses have benefited from economic support measures such as the job retention scheme, the unique nature of the caravan industry’s dependency on leisure tourism means these are insufficient. I called for specific government interventions including eligibility for business rates relief and a flexible extension to the furlough scheme until spring 2021 to protect jobs and ensure the industry can bounce back in time for next year's selling season.
Peter Aldous
Con
North Waveney
Asked if consideration should be given to the whole caravan industry supply chain.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked about reopening of caravan parks in Northern Ireland and its potential for England.
Karl Turner
Lab
Kingston upon Hull East
Reiterated the importance of jobs in the caravan industry, asked for support to extend furlough scheme and business rate relief grants.
Government Response
The Minister congratulated Emma Hardy and Karl Turner on their speeches. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the caravan industry due to the pandemic but highlighted past resilience after the financial crisis in 2008. The Government provided support through schemes such as the job retention scheme, business interruption loans, and bounce-back loans. The furlough scheme is set to end in October with flexibility introduced from August onwards. He committed to meeting with the National Caravan Council to discuss specific asks and reiterated that caravan parks could reopen once safe to do so based on scientific evidence.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.