Topical Questions 2020-01-07
2020-01-07
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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The Government's commitment to the Midlands engine for growth is welcomed by Derbyshire colleagues.
What plans does the Chancellor have to push the engine forward and deliver investments and jobs for Derby North?
I warmly welcome my hon. Friend back to her rightful place. Last month, I visited with her some excellent businesses in her constituency, and I want to see more such businesses, not just in Derbyshire and the midlands, but throughout the country. There is so much more we can do with the midlands engine, and in this coming Parliament we are going to really fire it up and spread opportunities. I look forward to working with my hon. Friend and colleagues in doing just that.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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The London Stock Exchange leads international stock exchanges in listing African country bonds for trading.
What steps will the Chancellor take to support his colleagues in the Department for International Development to generate private sector investment in financial markets across Africa, so that services, businesses and start-ups can grow and create 50,000 jobs?
The Government are always willing to work with the City and interested parties to consider how we can advance investment across all those sectors, and I would be happy to discuss such matters with the hon. Gentleman.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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During the election campaign, the Chancellor visited Merxin, an innovative medical company in King's Lynn.
Will the Chancellor work with me to ensure that dualling the A47 and half-hourly rail services are part of the infrastructure revolution ahead of the Budget?
I will work with my hon. Friend, welcome him to his place, and I am committed to an infrastructure revolution that benefits Norfolk and transforms its local economy.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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Durham County Council has developed a housing regeneration masterplan to tackle absentee landlords and poor quality housing.
Will the Chancellor meet me and representatives of Durham County Council to discuss how the housing masterplan can be financed for regeneration in Horden?
The hon. Gentleman raises an important issue, I welcome new ideas and will ensure that the relevant Minister meets him.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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Nine out of ten pathology labs in England, Wales, and Scotland are short of pathologists leading to long wait times for test results.
Can the Chancellor meet me to discuss how to incentivise more people to become histopathologists to address the shortage of pathologists?
The hon. Gentleman is right, I will ensure that NHS has enough funding for cancer treatment, and we are looking at what more can be done to address the need for more skills in histopathology.
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Q6
Direct Answer
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South Ribble has many creative and hard-working smaller businesses whose products grace the world.
Will my hon. Friend confirm how small business exports are growing our national economy and what the Government are doing to support them?
I welcome my hon. Friend, recognise that SMEs are vital to the economy, have international trade adviser networks offering peer-to-peer support and a strategy launched in August 2018 to encourage more exports.
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Q7
Direct Answer
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The policy to increase road duty for motor homes and camper vans is similar to the caravan tax of 2013 which affected Hull's manufacturing.
Will the Chancellor meet me, colleagues and those in the industry concerned about this policy so they can explain how it will be disastrous for Hull's manufacturing?
I thank the hon. Member, met National Caravan Council in October to discuss these issues, and I am clear we need incentives for lower emission vehicles but are sensitive to industry concerns; will happily meet him again.
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