Jake Berry MP’s Week in Parliament: 11 October - 15 October 2010
Jake started with an important issue affecting Rossendale, which will be a pilot area for Incapacity Benefit Reform. Concerning annual health assessments he put to Iain Duncan-Smith:
“Is my right hon. Friend aware that many responsible employers, including those in my constituency, ask their staff to attend annual health assessments? Does he agree that it is fair and reasonable for those deemed not fit to work to attend similar assessments rather than wait 10 years on incapacity benefit without seeing a doctor?”
Mr Duncan-Smith agreed, replying that in parts of the country people had gone for six or seven years without having had a health check.
On Thursday, Jake spoke in relation to small businesses, asking Mark Prisk, Minister for Business and Enterprise:
“What recent representations he has received on access to finance for small businesses.”
Mr Prisk replied that the Government had received over 170 representations from its formal consultation on finance for small businesses.
Jake then raised credit insurance in Rossendale and Darwen, inquiring:
“Small businesses in my constituency, which includes some of this country's leading manufacturers, are reliant on credit insurance. What steps are being taken to ensure that such insurance remains available to them?”
Mr Prisk responded that he has sought reassurances on this from the principal insurers and will be scrutinising the area carefully.
Also on Thursday, Jake tabled seven written questions on matters which he is concerned about. Jake asked written questions covering the digital switchover which he fears may adversely affect small radio stations in his constituency and also on personal injury compensation.
Finally, on Friday Jake received a petition from Whitworth Community High School on global poverty and calling on the Government to make sure the poorest are protected after the economic crisis. Jake then presented this petition to the Speaker of the House of Commons.
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