Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 1 May 2025 · 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 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Harriet Cross raised concerns about the impact of the family farm tax on rural businesses and farms, with 49% reporting cancellation or deferral of investment and 34% reducing operations.
  • Ben Obese-Jecty highlighted severe postal delays in his constituency due to recent restructuring and route changes, affecting rural communities and businesses.
  • James Wild inquired about the amount of taxpayers' money spent on British Steel, to which the Secretary of State confirmed 94 million in working capital had been provided.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Harriet Cross Con Gordon and Buchan
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Since the Government announced the family farm tax in the Budget, CBI Economics has surveyed over 4,000 businesses and farms across the country. The survey found that 49% have cancelled or deferred investment, and 34% have reduced or paused it.

Question

Many rural businesses rely on farms for their trade. Since the Government announced the family farm tax in the Budget, CBI Economics has spoken to over 4,000 businesses and farms across the country—49% said that they have either cancelled or deferred investment, and 34% said that they have reduced or paused it altogether. How can the Government say that they are supporting local businesses, and what will the Department do to support farms and rural businesses that are suffering because of the Government’s policies?

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

I feel that is a question for either the Treasury or the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, but the hon. Lady made it well. Agriculture features prominently in trade and business, and I will ensure that she gets the right opportunity to put questions about taxation to the Chancellor.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer avoids addressing the specific request for action from the Department of Business and Trade to support affected businesses.

How: Redirects Question To Other Departments

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Q2 Ben Obese-Jecty Con Huntingdon
Employment Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The hon. Member's constituency has experienced severe postal service delays, particularly affecting rural areas and businesses.

Question

Across my constituency in recent weeks we have experienced severe delays to post in those areas served by the Huntingdon delivery office. That follows a recent restructuring of the workforce and changes to delivery routes. Rural communities and businesses, in particular, have been impacted, with missed hospital appointments and several businesses telling me that it is affecting their ability to receive and therefore pay invoices. Will the Minister urgently investigate those ongoing and worsening delays in Huntingdon, and write to me with the outcome of his findings?

Answer from Justin Madders

I had to wait 50 minutes for a question, Mr Speaker, but this is an important one and I share the hon. Member’s concerns. We regularly meet Ofcom to discuss the performance of Royal Mail, and I will certainly write to him about the discussions we have in respect of his constituency.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges the concern but does not promise an urgent investigation as requested.

How: Acknowledges Concerns Without Committing To Specific Action

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Q3 James Wild Con North West Norfolk
Economy
Context

The hon. Member asks for transparency regarding the financial support given to British Steel by taxpayers.

Question

Will the Secretary of State be straightforward with the House today about how much taxpayers’ money has been spent so far on British Steel?

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

The amount of working capital provided to British Steel to date stands at £94 million, which is considerably less than if we had given a large amount of money to Jingye, or if we had had to deal with the complete loss of the entire British Steel site and business.

Answered
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Q4 Nick Timothy Con West Suffolk
Immigration Business & Trade
Context

According to reports, issues around visas have been resolved as part of the free trade agreement negotiations with India.

Question

According to reports in The Guardian, Government sources have said that issues around visas have been resolved as part of the Government’s free trade agreement negotiations with India. Will the Secretary of State rule out visa liberalisation as part of those negotiations?

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

We should always be careful about what we read in some newspapers. [Laughter.] The hon. Gentleman knows that we cannot give a running commentary on trade negotiations, but the UK-India talks have been fruitful this week. I am optimistic and excited for the future of what is a key relationship bilaterally and for the signal it can send to the rest of the world.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer avoids giving a direct ruling on visa liberalisation and instead refers to the general progress of negotiations.

How: Refuses To Comment On Ongoing Negotiations

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