Budget Debate

Anne Main raises the concerns of local businesses that a Government that was business-unfriendly in the good times is unlikely to be business-friendly in bad times.

Anne Main (St. Albans) (Con): Does my right hon. Friend agree with the businesses of St. Albans that as the Prime Minister was not a very good Chancellor in the good times, they have much more to fear in the bad times? He was very business-unfriendly in the good times, and they are fearful for their businesses now that there may be bad times ahead.

Mr. Lilley: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Many of the businesses in her constituency employ people who live in my constituency, and they share the view that she has just expressed.