Contributions
2,217 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDPerforming Arts: Job Support SchemeMy Lords, the Government completely recognise the importance of the cultural sector to the British way of life and to people’s morale during this difficult time. As I said, it is…29 Sept 2020HANSARDPerforming Arts: Job Support SchemeMy Lords, I think that the Government do recognise that these jobs are at risk, and the Job Support Scheme is open to these organisations. Some will have benefited from the VAT…29 Sept 2020HANSARDPerforming Arts: Job Support SchemeMy Lords, performing arts organisations can benefit from the job support scheme. We understand that although performances are allowed indoors and outdoors with social distancing…29 Sept 2020HANSARDPerforming Arts: Job Support SchemeMy Lords, the Government have committed more than £190 billion to deal with the Covid pandemic and to support the economy and jobs. This includes a £1.57 billion Culture Recovery…29 Sept 2020HANSARDPerforming Arts: Job Support SchemeMy Lords, the business rates holiday applies for the year 2020-21. The Government will in future keep under review all the policies that they have put in place to support…29 Sept 2020HANSARDPerforming Arts: Job Support SchemeI absolutely agree with the noble Lord about the importance of the arts and culture to our well-being, but I have to disagree with him that it is at the bottom of the Chancellor’s…29 Sept 2020HANSARDPerforming Arts: Job Support SchemeMy Lords, the Government have recognised the specific pressure that certain sectors are under, and extending the 5% VAT cut until the end of March is one measure that they have…29 Sept 2020HANSARDCoronavirus Act 2020: Temporary ProvisionsMy Lords, I remind noble Lords of the time-limited nature of this debate. The time limit for Back-Bench speakers is four minutes, to allow for a full response by the Minister at…28 Sept 2020HANSARDEconomyMy Lords, I encourage questions to the Minister on the Statement.28 Sept 2020HANSARDHealth Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Greencore) Regulations 2020My Lords, the regulations we are discussing today came into force on 29 August. On 21 August, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care…25 Sept 2020HANSARDHealth Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions on Gatherings) (North of England) Regulations 2020My Lords, I remind noble Lords of the two-minute time limit for Back-Bench speakers.25 Sept 2020HANSARDHealth Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Greencore) Regulations 2020That the Regulations laid before the House on 1 September be approved. Relevant document: 26th Report from the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee25 Sept 2020HANSARDHealth Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Greencore) Regulations 2020My Lords, I thank noble Lords for this important debate. The restrictions we have debated today are necessary and important for three reasons, which I hope I set out in my opening…25 Sept 2020HANSARDInterest RatesHer Majesty’s Treasury set NS&I an annual target of net financing to raise. In July, this was revised from the £6 billion set at the Budget to £35 billion to support the…23 Sept 2020HANSARDInterest RatesThe Government will continue to consider all the ways that they can encourage saving. I am happy to assure both of my noble friends that I will take the specific idea of targeting…23 Sept 2020HANSARDInterest RatesMy Lords, I also expressed sympathy with those savers, including many noble Lords, who have been affected by the decision to change the interest rates. It is not an easy decision…23 Sept 2020HANSARDInterest RatesMy Lords, perhaps I should also declare my interest as a holder of NS&I savings products. I can understand people’s disappointment at the rate reductions. I reassure my noble…23 Sept 2020HANSARDInterest RatesI assure my noble friend that that is still government policy, but I disagree with him on the fact that the changes to NS&I’s interest rates take it below competitive rates in the…23 Sept 2020HANSARDInterest RatesIn effect, customers’ deposits with NS&I are a form of government borrowing and could be interpreted in that way. The increase in the financing remit for NS&I has allowed it to…23 Sept 2020HANSARDInterest RatesMy Lords, I disagree with the noble Baroness that the decision on NS&I interest rates will have an impact on interest rates in the wider market. It is partly because NS&I rates…23 Sept 2020