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Proceeding contribution from Steve Webb (Liberal Democrat) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 30 November 2011. It occurred during Opposition day on Living Standards.


Living Standards

I am grateful, Mr Speaker. The hon. Member for Dover (Charlie Elphicke) spoke about how low interest rates benefit growth, which is crucial to the economy. The hon. Member for Broxtowe (Anna Soubry) raised the crucial issue of us having to pay our own way. In opposition, one must do two things: yes, one must oppose the things that one is against, but one must also propose the things that one is in favour of. The Labour party failed to tell us where the £46 billion of spending cuts identified by the shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions would come from. We heard speech after speech from Labour Members who were opposed to every single cut, but I heard no Labour Member say what they would cut. We heard that there should not be cuts for people out of work, or for people in work, that there should not be cuts to the public sector, or to the private sector. Where does all the money come from? Answer came there none.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
536 c1048 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Children Disadvantaged Benefits rules Women Families Economic situation Personal income Low incomes Poverty Public expenditure Low pay Public finance Welfare tax credits Taxation Unemployment Standard of living Cuts
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk