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Finance (No. 2) Bill

I accept, with the hon. Gentleman’s background in accounting, that some other measures have helped in that regard. Nevertheless, the scheme that we are discussing has been particularly effective and particularly popular, and that is all the more reason not to scrap it. I shall outline the specific advantages as I continue, though I take the hon. Gentleman’s point. In 2005, the Minister of Communities and Local Government, the right hon. Member for South Shields (Mr. Miliband), told his regional press the following about the scheme:"““As technology and IT-based business becomes an even bigger part of our regional economy, it is vital that the workforce develops the skills that will keep us competitive. That process should begin in the home so that everyone has the opportunity to become comfortable and competent with computers. That is why the Government is offering tax breaks which reduce the cost of computers to employees while saving money for their employers.””" To coincide with the second anniversary of the scheme in 2006, Brendan Barber, the general secretary of the TUC, said:"““Experience has shown that when a business implements an HCI scheme, demand for learning services and training rises significantly.””" In short, the HCI scheme has been hailed as an important part of the drive to improve the nation’s IT skills, by the Government, in the form of the DTI, and the umbrella bodies of both British industry and the trade union movement combined. The scheme has enabled almost half a million people to obtain a computer through HCI. Equipment is not only more affordable, but it usually comes with added peace of mind because of features such as warranty cover for the length of the hire agreement and technical support. So, for many who would not ordinarily have had a PC at home, whether because of lack of access to credit, affordability or simple technophobia, HCI has provided a low-risk, cut-price option which allows them to access the world of information technology, to the benefit of themselves, their families, their employer and, ultimately, the wider economy as a whole. The Government have sought to argue that they are looking for a scheme that is of more benefit to retired people and jobseekers. However, scrapping a scheme that was already working for those in employment and was, indeed, primarily for the benefit of low-paid workers is not the answer.