Press briefing - afternoon 26 February 2013
The Prime Minister's Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on enterprise zones, the economy, pensioner benefits and Sir David Nicholson.
Enterprise zones
Asked whether the PM was satisfied by progress being made in enterprise zones, the PMS said that there was progress being made. £150 million of private sector investment had been attracted by enterprise zones and it was important to continue with the progress being made.
Economy
Questioned about comments from the Bank of England on interest rates, the PMS said that interest rates were a matter for the Bank of England. Asked about the government’s broader economic plan, the PMS said the right approach was a tight fiscal policy supporting a supportive monetary policy.
Mortgage holders and businesses were seeing the benefit from near record lows in borrowing levels. The private sector had created one million new jobs and the deficit was down by a quarter. The economy was healing.
Pensioner benefits
Asked whether the PM believed that well off pensioners should receive pensioner benefits, the PMS said that the PM had been clear on his position, which was unchanged.
Sir David Nicholson
Asked about the PM’s view on Sir David Nicholson, the PMS said that the PM thought Sir David had done the right thing by apologising. The PM understood the families’ strength of feeling.