Press briefing: morning 17 January
The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on banks, wages, and gender specific toys.
Banks
Asked about Labour proposals to break up banks to increase competition, the PMS said the government had initiated a 7 day switching scheme to help people move accounts easily. There were also 2 more banks on the high street under this government.
Warrior Games
Asked about the Warrior Games coming to London and the involvement of Prince Harry, the PMS said the PM had previously given his support to the idea.
Wages
Asked about the national minimum wage, the PMS said the government had submitted evidence to the Low Pay Commission. It was for the commission to make a recommendation. Asked about wage rises more broadly, the PMS said the government wanted to see wages rise. The OBR had forecasted wages rising in real terms in 2014. Regarding public sector pay, the government had said it would continue to make difficult decisions to deal with the deficit, so that mortgages and interest rates stayed low.
Gender specific toys
Asked whether the PM thought gender specific toys could be putting girls off studying maths and science, the PMS said encouraging girls to study maths and science was very much part of the government’s approach.
Zara Tindall
Asked for the PM’s response to Zara Tindall giving birth, the PMS said the PM passed on his many congratulations to the happy couple and Her Majesty the Queen.