Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Economic Effect

Tuesday 17 November 2020 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister had discussions with Chancellor on reducing economic effects of COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Granular approach at district or ward level is under consideration for tier allocation.
  • Government is exploring ventilation systems to reduce coronavirus transmission.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kevin Hollinrake Con Thirsk and Malton
Economy
Context

The MP is concerned about the severe economic effect of lockdown measures on the hospitality sector. He notes that infection rates can vary significantly across different districts within large constituencies.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on reducing the economic effects of the COVID-19 outbreak? In particular, when moving to a tiered system on 3 December, will he look at allocating tiers by district rather than county?

Answer from Matthew Hancock

We have looked at granular detail during the process of the tiered system, whether at district council level or ward level in some cases. While it is too early to say exactly how we will proceed from 3 December, that level of granularity remains a commitment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline and action plan for implementing the tiering by districts

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Q2 Kevin Hollinrake Con Thirsk and Malton
Economy
Context

The MP is concerned about the severe economic effect of lockdown measures on the hospitality sector. He notes that infection rates can vary significantly across different districts within large constituencies.

Question

In particular, when moving to a tiered system on 3 December, will he look at allocating tiers by district rather than county?

Answer from Matthew Hancock

We have looked at granular detail during the process of the tiered system, whether at district council level or ward level in some cases. While it is too early to say exactly how we will proceed from 03 December, that level of granularity remains a commitment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline and action plan for implementing the tiering by districts

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Q3 Philippa Whitford SNP
NHS Taxation
Context

The MP has highlighted previously that COVID-19 is spread not just by droplets but also by airborne particles, emphasizing the importance of good ventilation. She raised the issue of VAT on ventilation and air-purification systems.

Question

Can he clarify what discussions he has had with the Chancellor about removing VAT from ventilation and air-purification systems to make them more affordable?

Answer from Matthew Hancock

There has been work on promoting ventilation in government. The scientific evidence on aerosol transmission of coronavirus has strengthened over recent months.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about discussions with the Chancellor and their outcomes regarding VAT removal

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Q4 Philippa Whitford SNP
NHS Economy
Context

The MP has highlighted previously that COVID-19 is spread not just by droplets but also by airborne particles, emphasizing the importance of good ventilation. She raised the issue of VAT on ventilation and air-purification systems.

Question

Can he clarify whether we will hear an announcement from the Chancellor in the near future on supporting the installation of such systems? What is his strategy to control covid over the coming year?

Answer from Matthew Hancock

Our strategy is to suppress the virus and support the NHS and the economy until a vaccine can make us safe. Increased ventilation can help reduce transmission.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific announcement from Chancellor regarding VAT removal, concrete strategy for controlling COVID-19 this year

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