Press briefing: morning 5 November 2013
The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on energy company bonuses, water bills, TPIMs and India's space programme.
Cabinet
The PMS noted the Cabinet agenda.
Energy company bonuses
Asked whether the Prime Minister (PM) thought energy bosses should forego their bonuses, the PMS said bonuses were a decision for individual companies and their shareholders. The government always encouraged restraint on remuneration. On energy, its focus would remain on increasing competition on energy bills to help family budgets.
Water bills
Asked about action on water bills, the PMS said that the Environment Secretary had done the right thing in what he had set out in his letter to water companies.
Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures (TPIMs)
Asked whether TPIMs were working effectively, the PMS said that the government was right to make the reforms it did and introduce TPIMs in 2011. The PM thought TPIMs imposed tough controls, but in specific cases of absconds the government would see if there were lessons to be learnt.
India space programme
Asked about aid to India in light of its space programme, the PMS said that all financial grants to India would stop by 2015. No UK taxpayer assistance had gone towards India’s space programme.
Intelligence
Asked about alleged UK intelligence gathering, the PMS said that he did not comment on intelligence matters.