Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Treasury – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 16 March 2010.
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
Parliamentary Secretary, HM Treasury
2:30,
16 March 2010
I assure my hon. Friend that we believe that investment is crucial for the UK economy's long-term success. That is why we acted to support business investment during the recession by temporarily doubling the main rate of capital allowance. We support capital allowances-unlike the Opposition, who wish to cut allowances for investment.
The Opposition are the political parties in the House of Commons other than the largest or Government party. They are called the Opposition because they sit on the benches opposite the Government in the House of Commons Chamber. The largest of the Opposition parties is known as Her Majesty's Opposition. The role of the Official Opposition is to question and scrutinise the work of Government. The Opposition often votes against the Government. In a sense the Official Opposition is the "Government in waiting".
