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Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats:Covering the constituencies of Twickenham and Richmond Park |
Huppert, Munt and Brooke quiz Cameron at PMQs
November 12, 2011 8:15 PM
• [Nov 09] Julian Huppert (Cambridge, Liberal Democrat): May I add my tribute to the Prime Minister's about the sad death of Private Matthew Haseldin from 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment, especially with Remembrance Sunday so near?
The Prime Minister is rightly concerned about jobs and growth. Crucial to that is consumer confidence. Does he think that telling 25 million workers that they have no job security and can be fired at will tomorrow will boost or reduce consumer confidence?
David Cameron : Clearly, we have to make it easier for firms to hire people. That is why we have scrapped Labour's jobs tax, taken 1 million of the lowest-paid people out of tax, established new rules so that someone can go to a tribunal only after working somewhere for two years, and introduced fees for claims in employment tribunals to stop vexatious claims. Added to that, we are investing in the Work programme and apprenticeships-all as a way of helping to give young people jobs.
• . . Tessa Munt (Wells, Liberal Democrat): If he will make it his policy to endorse the Somerset Community Foundation's 2011 Surviving Winter appeal.
David Cameron : The winter fuel payment provides valuable help to millions of people with paying their fuel bills. Individuals are of course free to donate their payment to a charity if they wish, but it must be a decision for them.
Tessa Munt (Wells, Liberal Democrat): I thank the Prime Minister for that question. I would like him to congratulate Peter Wyman of the Somerset Community Foundation on having the brilliant idea of people donating some or all of their winter fuel allowance to those who need it most. Would the Government consider enabling such donations by including an option in the letter sent out about the allowance to allow an automatic donation to the Surviving Winter appeal?
David Cameron : I shall certainly look at that suggestion, but it is important to keep the promises that we made to Britain's pensioners about keeping up the winter fuel payments and cold weather payments. I would not want to see any unnecessary pressure put on people to do something that might not be in their own best interests.
• . . Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole, Liberal Democrat): Is the Prime Minister aware of the growing evidence of the increase in abuse, intimidation and harassment on park home sites across the country? Tackling those problems needs political will, not a large sum of money. Will he address the issues urgently, so that vulnerable park homers get the protection that they need and deserve as soon as possible?
David Cameron : The hon. Lady raises an important point. I have had constituency cases myself in which people have been treated very badly by park home owners. There are some extremely good park home owners, who not only obey the rules but demonstrate responsibility and compassion, but there are some who do not. We are committed to providing a better deal for park home residents by improving their rights and increasing protection against bad site owners. I will arrange for her to have a meeting with the Housing Minister so that they can discuss this urgent action.
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