Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Tuesday 6 February 2024 · 20 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 6 Partly answered 11 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Theresa Villiers asked about higher greenfield foreign direct investment in the UK compared to France, Germany, Italy, and China since 2010, and the Chancellor confirmed the data.
  • Theresa Villiers inquired about finding funds for an increased pay offer for junior doctors, to which the Chancellor stated that junior doctors have received a fair offer, higher than recommended by the independent pay review body.
  • Rachel Reeves questioned the impact of recent mortgage changes on homeowners, highlighting the financial burden on 3,100 people in Wellingborough paying 210 more on their mortgages each month.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Theresa Villiers Con
Employment Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from the need for an update on the minister's activities and departmental updates.

Question

I ask if he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities, highlighting recent data releases indicating higher greenfield foreign direct investment since 2010 compared to France, Germany, Italy, and China. Additionally, unemployment has fallen to a quarterly average of 3.9%, meaning it has halved under Conservative Governments with the creation of over 800 jobs every day since 2010.

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

I would like to update the House on a couple of data releases published since our last oral questions. Total greenfield foreign direct investment since 2010 has not just been higher than that of France, Germany and Italy, but in the past two years has overtaken that of China to be the second highest in the world. Yesterday's labour force survey said that unemployment fell to a quarterly average of 3.9%, meaning that unemployment has halved and Conservative Governments have overseen the creation of more than 800 jobs every day since 2010.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Theresa Villiers Con
NHS Employment
Context

The question arises from concerns about junior doctors not receiving a fair pay rise, despite the government's efforts to safeguard public finances.

Question

Can the Treasury find funds for an increased pay offer for junior doctors? I agree that we must consider affordability and the public finances, but if ever a group deserved a raise, it is junior doctors. The dispute needs resolution.

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

As my right hon. Friend knows, as Health Secretary I campaigned for extra money for the NHS to make sure that we could pay NHS staff fairly, but I do believe that junior doctors have had a very fair offer—one that is higher than was recommended by the independent pay review body and is about double the rate of this year's predicted inflation. I know that the Health Secretary is willing to talk about anything else that could help make their working conditions better.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked for an increased pay offer, but the answer did not provide additional funding specifics; instead it focused on defending the existing offer as fair and higher than the recommended rate.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Rachel Reeves Lab Leeds West and Pudsey
Economy Housing
Context

The question arises from criticism of the government's mortgage charter and a policy proposal by Labour to address high mortgage costs.

Question

Last week, when asked about the Tory mortgage penalty, the Prime Minister boasted that people coming off fixed-rate mortgages would save hundreds of pounds. However, they have to add years to their mortgages, making it harder for homeowners. Three million people are remortgaging this year and last, so does the Chancellor agree with the Prime Minister's statement?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

The way we are helping families with mortgages is not just through the mortgage charter, which is a lifeline to many families, but by bringing down inflation. We have been having a few pops about Labour's confusion about its £28 billion policy, but the real reason we are against it is that going on a borrowing splurge pushes up inflation, pushes up interest rates and makes mortgages more expensive.

Not addressed: The questioner questioned the mortgage penalty claim, but the answer shifted to criticize Labour's policy rather than address the specific question.

How: Deflects Criticism, Criticizes Opposition

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Rachel Reeves Lab Leeds West and Pudsey
Economy Taxation Housing
Context

The question arises from concerns about mortgage costs increasing under the government, affecting many homeowners.

Question

Under a Conservative Government, interest rates, inflation, and mortgage costs have risen. What will he say to the 3,100 people in Wellingborough paying £210 more on their mortgages every month due to the mortgage penalty?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

What I will say to them is that responsible, difficult decisions, the vast majority of which the shadow Chancellor opposed, have seen the inflation rate more than halve and interest rates likely to have peaked. Last year, we built more houses in one year than in any single year under the previous Labour Government. We are doing everything we can to help bring down mortgage rates, but a £28 billion borrowing spree will make them worse not better.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked about specific homeowner issues, but the answer focused on overall government actions and criticized opposition policies without addressing the specific impacts of higher mortgage costs.

How: Criticizes Opposition

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q5 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Context

The question arises from concerns about the use of a compensation fund for victims of the Equitable Life scandal, which is not fully being used.

Question

In 2011, the Government set up a fund to compensate victims of the Equitable Life scandal. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that this fund is spent on benefiting those who suffered in the scandal rather than returning it to the Treasury?

Answer from Bim Afolami

I thank my hon. Friend for his question and I will write to him with the specifics of the answer.

How: Promises To Write

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q6 Rebecca Long-Bailey Lab Salford
Crime & Law Enforcement Taxation
Context

The question arises from concerns about the lack of prosecution of companies involved in disguised remuneration schemes causing financial hardship to victims.

Question

Many constituents feel that victims are being pursued instead of those responsible for financial schemes. Will the Chancellor confirm why they ignore the providers and operators? How many have been prosecuted specifically for their involvement?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

Eighty-five per cent of the funds recovered from the loan charge so far—about £3.9 billion in total—have come from the employers, therefore those who were running those schemes, so the hon. Lady is mischaracterising where we have gone so far. There has been one criminal conviction so far; others are in place.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked about ignoring providers and prosecutions, but the answer focused on recovery rates from employers rather than providing specifics on prosecutorial efforts.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q7 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
Taxation
Context

The question arises from concerns about loan charge victims having no access to a tribunal when they cannot agree with HMRC's assessment.

Question

At the meeting tonight, will the Financial Secretary review the injustice that prevents loan charge victims who have engaged with HMRC but cannot agree with their assessment from having any access to a tribunal?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

I know my right hon. Friend has been campaigning on the issue. I respect and appreciate the information he has provided, and his contributions to the debate. I assure him that I am in listening mode and looking forward to the meeting tonight, because I want to ensure that I hold HMRC to account to make sure everyone involved is treated fairly and respectfully.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked for a review of tribunal access issues, but the answer focused on listening mode rather than providing commitments or actions regarding tribunal access.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q8 Caroline Lucas Green
Economy Climate Energy
Context

The International Monetary Fund urged the Chancellor to prioritise public spending and investment over tax cuts. The UK has not yet delivered on promised green investments.

Question

Last week, the IMF urged the Chancellor to prioritise public spending and investment rather than tax cuts. Will he deliver the level of public investment this country needs, including in a nationwide energy efficiency programme that would shield households from high gas prices, create jobs, and get fuel bills down for the long term? Or is he too scared of green investment?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

I cannot discuss the Budget ahead of time. However, I celebrate that the UK recently decarbonised by more than 50%, exceeding France, Germany, Japan and the United States.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Delivered a congratulatory statement on green achievements instead of discussing investment levels or specifics

How: Congratulating On Past Achievements

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q9 Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire
Economy Taxation
Context

The question arises from the premise of increasing public spending by £28 billion a year.

Question

If the Chancellor aims to spend an additional £28 billion, what tax levels would that necessitate on ordinary households?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

Increasing spending by £28 billion under fiscal rules would require a 4% income tax rise or an 8% corporation tax rise, as the Labour party claims.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q10 Kenny MacAskill
Energy
Context

The level of domestic energy debt is nearing £3 billion, making it difficult for consumers to manage their arrears.

Question

With winter still on us and rising fuel bills, Ofgem warns that the level of domestic energy debt is approaching £3 billion. How can we expect people to pay back such high levels of arrears when they struggle with current bills? Shouldn't we consider a debt write-off scheme as proposed by National Energy Action?

Answer from Gareth Davies

The Government work closely with Ofgem, and last year introduced measures to ensure prepayment meter users pay no more than standard meter customers. This follows the Energy Price Guarantee which paid 50% of household bills.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to a debt write-off scheme but discussed recent protective measures for consumers

How: Discussing Other Initiatives

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q11 Sajid Javid Con
Defence Religion & Faith
Context

A proposal exists to establish a memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum honouring Muslims who fought for Britain, including an estimated 750,000 with tens of thousands making the ultimate sacrifice.

Question

The World War Muslim Memorial Trust has proposed establishing a memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum honouring Muslims who have fought for British armed forces. Will the Chancellor personally consider this proposal to ensure it becomes a reality?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

My right hon. Friend is correct; we must remember sacrifices of all nationalities, including Muslims who died in WWII. My officials will engage to identify how best to support this vision.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q12 Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire
Economy Business & Trade
Context

Business owners in Oswestry and other high streets face challenges primarily due to business rates.

Question

High street businesses are struggling with business rates. Will the Chancellor consider a radical reform of business rates that puts the high street on an even footing with online retailers?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

We have supported high streets by freezing multipliers and providing targeted relief for specific sectors. We continue with frequent revaluations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to reforming business rates, instead highlighted past support measures

How: Highlighting Existing Policies

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q13 Richard Fuller Con North Bedfordshire
Standards & Ethics
Context

There is concern about the risks associated with implementing DEI policies, especially following a debanking scandal.

Question

Following a debanking scandal, will my hon. Friend ensure that clear direction is given to the PRA and FCA regarding DEI policies to avoid risks?

Answer from Bim Afolami

My right hon. Friend, I am studying those policies carefully and will discuss them with the PRA and FCA.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to clear direction but stated intention to study risks associated with DEI policies

How: Promising To Study

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q14 Peter Dowd Lab Bootle
Economy Taxation
Context

The Chancellor announced plans at the autumn statement to explore selling off the Government's remaining stake in NatWest.

Question

Following the Chancellor's announcement about exploring the sale of NatWest, does he anticipate a better or worse return for taxpayers compared with previous sales?

Answer from Bim Afolami

The decision is subject to value-for-money concerns and market sensitivity. Value for money will be at the heart of any consideration.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide an assessment but stated that considerations are ongoing

How: Referencing Process

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q15 Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham
Economy
Context

Businesses and households in coastal areas face challenges that need to be addressed as the Budget approaches.

Question

As the Budget approaches, will my right hon. Friend consider maintaining the vitality of economies in our coastal areas?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

I absolutely will; two thirds of new jobs have been created outside London and the south-east since we started levelling up. We will continue to look at proposals.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q16 Paul Blomfield Lab
Context

Concern about a government policy that makes universities reliant on international student income.

Question

The Government have deliberately created a funding model for universities in which they are dependent on income from international students. Does the Chancellor share my concern about ensuring that nothing is done to undermine that income?

Answer from Laura Trott

The university sector is one of the jewels of this country and I am proud that we have four of the world's top 20 universities. I am happy to look at any individual proposals from the hon. Gentleman.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address concern about undermining university income; instead praised UK's university sector

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q17 David Duguid Con
Energy
Context

Concern over the implementation and legal framework for ESIM, including floor price adjustments and alternative setting methods.

Question

Last June the Exchequer Secretary announced the energy security investment mechanism, and I welcomed the announcement in last November's autumn statement that the floor price would rise with inflation from April. How and when will that be legislated for, and will he look at alternative ways of setting that floor price, other than the 20-year reference period that is already used?

Answer from Gareth Davies

The energy security investment mechanism was designed, as my hon. Friend points out, to give more certainty not only to the oil and gas sector, but to investors, ensuring that the energy profits levy is disapplied when prices return to historically normal levels. To provide additional certainty, on the back of urging from him and the industry, we have agreed to legislate for ESIM and will be announcing that shortly.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q18 Imran Hussain Lab Bradford East
NHS Economy Housing Employment
Context

Disapproval of government policies affecting healthcare, housing affordability, job security and wages.

Question

Regardless of what the Chancellor tells us, the reality remains that people in Bradford are worse off after 14 years of this Government. Healthcare, GPs and dentists are less accessible, homes are more expensive, colder and riddled with mould, jobs are less secure and badly paid, with stagnating wages, and household savings have been wiped out by rising food, water, energy and fuel bills. Ahead of the last Budget he will deliver before the general election, will the Chancellor apologise for 14 years of disaster that have devastated our communities?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

Let me tell the hon. Gentleman some positive messages he can take home to his constituents in Bradford: violent crime and burglaries have been halved, school standards are up, the NHS has more doctors and nurses than ever in history and real after-tax income for people on the minimum wage or national living wage is up by 30% if they are working full time.

Not addressed: Avoided apologizing; instead highlighted positive achievements like reduced crime, improved school standards, and increased NHS staff without addressing Bradford's issues.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q19 Peter Gibson
Employment Local Government
Context

Inquiry about staffing numbers and naming of a new building at the Darlington campus.

Question

Can my hon. Friend tell me how many staff are now employed across the eight Departments based at the Darlington Economic Campus? What progress is being made on naming the new building “William McMullen House”?

Answer from Gareth Davies

I can tell my hon. Friend that 750 staff are employed across all Departments at the Darlington Economic Campus. The Treasury's aim is to reach 355 full-time staff by March 2025, and we are on track to meet that target. The official name of the campus will be decided closer to the 2025-26 delivery date and will be consulted on by the Government Property Agency, but we have heard very clearly his suggestion of William McMullen House, and we will consider that in due course.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q20 Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
NHS
Context

Inquiry about the progress of setting up a compensation body for victims of contaminated blood scandal.

Question

The Chancellor knows jolly well that in April 2023 Sir Brian Langstaff made his final recommendations on compensation for those infected and affected by the contaminated blood scandal. The Chancellor also gave evidence in July to Sir Brian and said that work was under way. In December, this House voted for a compensation body to be set up. I would like the Chancellor to answer my question, please, not a junior Minister, and explain exactly what is going on in the Treasury, what work is being undertaken and whether there will be an announcement in the Budget.

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

With great respect to the right hon. Lady, who has campaigned formidably on this issue, I do not think she is giving a fair representation of what the Government have done. I stand by every word I said as a Back Bencher, and as Chancellor I have tried to do everything I can to speed the process up. She has not mentioned that the Government have already given £100,000 to the families affected. We have accepted the moral importance of the duty to give compensation, and we will now work with colleagues in the other place to make her amendment workable.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not fully address what is currently being done or if there will be an announcement in Budget; instead defended government actions and highlighted £100,000 given to families.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)