Speeches by Madders.

“At the moment I am thinking quite broadly about the whole consumer landscape. It seems pretty fragmented in terms of how individuals enforce their rights. Obviously, we are hoping that the CMA’s new powers are going to go a long way in terms of delivering that. I know you have picked up the issue with trading standards…”

“DBT is responsible for the overall framework. The specific areas that you have mentioned are more for those particular Departments in terms of how prices operate.”

“All right.”

“Yes, that is all due to come into force in April and, as we have heard very clearly from the evidence, this is something that is recognised across all parties and by the CMA itself as something that has been long overdue. The challenge is then for the CMA to be able to deliver on that. There are going to be some new ru…”

“To sum it up in one word, it would probably be fairness: people understanding when they are buying something what they are going to be paying for; that there are no hidden costs; that there is transparency about what this all means; people being able to buy something without anything being added on later; and that ther…”

“Obviously we are always keeping an eye on these things and clearly, in particular sectors such as energy, telecoms and financial services, there are measures that those sectors have brought in to make sure that those on low incomes are not prejudiced by particular products being put at a different or a higher price. Ob…”

“Yes, I am, and I have actually asked the Department to look into this issue again. I understand that they did some research a few years ago that indicated that the use of personalised data was quite limited in terms of online sales, and where it was in place it tended to increase prices by only about 0.5%. Instinctivel…”

“We obviously are very supportive of that work. One of the members of the Committee is the chief executive of Citizens Advice, who we fund through the Department. We are also pleased to note that the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute is part of that Committee. It is early days in terms of what it is going to come…”

“As a former Minister, the right hon. Gentleman will know that the best way to get a Minister to agree to a meeting is to ask them directly in the Chamber. I will, of course, be happy to do that. I will explain a little more what the Government are looking at in this area. I recently met the Minister for Care, from the …”

“It is a pleasure to see you in the Chair, Ms Vaz. I congratulate the hon. Member for Keighley and Ilkley (Robbie Moore) on securing today’s debate, and on the thoughtful way in which he presented the issues. I thank Christina Harris, who started the petition and did an incredible job in getting 100,000 signatures. We h…”

“I thank the shadow Secretary of State for his question. We believe that a 0.4% increase in the overall pay bill, which is what we have estimated the Employment Rights Bill will mean for businesses, is actually a fantastic return for greater security at work, greater pay, better staff retention, increased productivity, …”

“The Government are pursuing the reforms needed to deliver sustained long-term growth. Developed and delivered in partnership with business, we have taken significant steps, including launching a consultation on the modern industrial strategy, establishing the national wealth fund, transforming our planning rules, commi…”

“I think it is something of a stretch to say that a Bill that is not even law yet, most of the provisions of which will not come into force until next year, is driving unemployment already. I quote back to him what the head of the CBI said yesterday about our growth plan. He said: “This positive leadership and a…vision …”

“The Government understand the effects that fireworks can have on animals and vulnerable individuals. Consumer fireworks have a 120 dB noise limit, but numerous low-noise options are available on the market at around 90 dB or below. This year’s fireworks public information campaign has highlighted low-noise fireworks an…”

“It is always a pleasure to meet my hon. Friend and I am happy to do so. Indeed, we will see whether we can get her to come along to some of the other meetings that we are holding with interested groups, some of which she has mentioned.”

“I thank the hon. Member for his question. He is right to recognise that fireworks are used at a number of events throughout the year, but it would be wrong to characterise that as people having to expect that there will be noise. There is now a sufficient number of lower-decibel products on the market for everyone to a…”

“The Government are investing £1.4 billion, with the North East combined authority, to deliver our shared objectives of economic growth and business support. That includes the development of the local part of the industrial strategy, guiding investment to deliver sustainable economic growth, and delivering support to gr…”

“I am at one with my hon. Friend in wanting all parts of the country, especially the north-west and the north-east, to have high-paid, well-skilled, good jobs, in tech sectors in particular, but also in other areas where we can see great advantage for the economy. The local skills improvement plan for the north-east wil…”

“No.”

“I can give the right hon. Member that reassurance. The independence of the CMA is very important. That will remain in place and a new strategic steer will be issued shortly that will reaffirm that independence.”