This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2016/feb/11/google-faces-grilling-at-public-accounts-committee-politics-live

The article has changed 20 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
Jeremy Hunt's statement to MPs on junior doctors' dispute - Politics live Jeremy Hunt's statement to MPs on junior doctors' dispute - Politics live
(35 minutes later)
1.52pm GMT
13:52
Jon Skewes, director for communications, policy and employment relations at the Royal College of Midwives has criticised Hunt’s vow to impose the contract on doctors.
Imposing contracts without further negotiation will further sever the little trust left between Jeremy Hunt and hardworking healthcare staff.
Both junior doctors and midwives already provide seven day services, day and night, 365 days a year.
Today’s announcement is further proof that the Government is failing to listen to the concerns of NHS frontline staff.
Imposing a contract on junior doctors in this manner is likely to damage morale further and is an attack on all NHS staff.
1.51pm GMT
13:51
Around 500 people have said they will join an emergency protest tonight outside the Department of Health at 5pm, against the imposition of the contract.
The government have decided to *try* to impose this contract on junior doctors. Let’s show them what they can do with it. #junioraction #juniorcontract
1.48pm GMT
13:48
Much has been made over how junior doctors have been moving in droves to Australia and New Zealand over working conditions and morale in the NHS. But they may not need to go as far as that.
Any junior doctors in England should know they will not have the contract imposed if they cross the border, the Welsh health minister Mark Drakeford has said in a statement released just now.
We have no plans to impose a new junior doctors’ contract.
Wales has a strong tradition of working in partnership with our staff and their representatives.
Wales will continue to offer attractive working arrangements and a positive training experience, based on the existing new deal arrangements.
Junior doctors from any part of the UK interested in working in Wales will find fair working conditions and a very warm welcome here.
Updated
at 1.49pm GMT
1.42pm GMT
13:42
My colleague Rajeev Syal has posted his first take on the tense exchanges between MPs and Google executives and HMRC earlier at the public accounts committee today, including the moment that Google’s Matt Brittin said he did not know his own salary.
In the early stages of a grilling over Google’s tax affairs, the internet company’s European boss was asked to tell MPs what he was paid – but said he could not disclose the figure because he didn’t know how much he earned.
Matt Brittin was appearing before the public accounts committee in the aftermath of a row about £130m in back taxes it agreed to pay in a deal that caused a public outcry, despite being described as a victory by George Osborne. At the beginning of the session, Brittin, the president of Google Europe, declined to respond to a request to say how much he was paid, saying: “I’ll happily disclose that if it’s a relative matter for the committee.”
The committee chair, Meg Hillier, demanded to know it, but Brittin said he did not have the figure. “You don’t know what you get paid, Mr Brittin?” she said to laughter in the room.
She continued: “Out there, our constituents are very angry, they live in a different world clearly to the world you live in, if you can’t even tell us what you are paid.
“It seems a bit of a PR disaster if you didn’t have the nous to realise in the same week that taxpayers were filing their tax returns, and sweating over a little bit of bank interest and getting it in on time, and you announce this as a good deal.
Here’s the rest of the report:
Related: Google boss claims he does not know his salary in Commons grilling
1.39pm GMT
13:39
Junior doctors have been tweeting me with their analysis of Hunt’s comments in the House of Commons earlier.
@jessicaelgot we cannot seek to "boost basic pay" rotas are rotas can't choose to work out of hours or not #juniorcontract
@jessicaelgot People will remember this day at the ballot box #juniorcontract
@jessicaelgot govt has 1 major bargaining chip in #juniorcontract - they are monopoly providers of postgraduate medical training [1/2]
@jessicaelgot most have worked incredibly hard for junior training posts – no way to progress in career unless we accept their contract[2/2]
@jessicaelgot thanks! I'm leaving for a research post in April and do not plan to return to NHS after. I'm about 1 year away from consultant
. @jessicaelgot Heartbroken that Govt imposing contract.Juniors will vote with their feet: England's loss is Scotland,Wales&Australia's gain
Updated
at 1.45pm GMT
1.35pm GMT
13:35
Jeremy Hunt finds support from the Telegraph’s Asa Bennett, who has little sympathy for the BMA. Here’s an extract.
This Saturday pay offer was far from unjust for junior doctors, who can already count themselves lucky for getting any premium for working that day. The same can’t be said for firefighters, police officers, air ambulance pilots, retail assistants or restaurant staff – all of whom work Saturdays on their standard rate of pay. Most care home nurses and managers work Saturdays at their normal rate too. As a union, the BMA is of course meant to have its members’ best interests at heart, but digging in over issues like this shows how out of touch it is, seemingly unaware of how others work in the public and private sector.
1.28pm GMT
13:28
BMA reaction: 'a flawed contract'
The full text of the BMA’s press release can be found here. Another snippet:
Junior doctors already work around the clock, seven days a week and they do so under their existing contract. If the government want more seven-day services then, quite simply, it needs more doctors, nurses and diagnostic staff, and the extra investment needed to deliver it. Rather than addressing these issues, the health secretary is ploughing ahead with proposals that are fundamentally unfair.
Updated
at 1.30pm GMT
1.24pm GMT
13:24
Denis Campbell
Here is the Guardian’s story on Hunt’s decision, which contains reaction from the BMA.
Dr Johann Malawana, chair of the BMA’s junior doctors committee, said: “The decision to impose a contract is a sign of total failure on the government’s part. Instead of working with the BMA to reach an agreement that is in the best interests of patients, junior doctors and the NHS as a whole the government has walked away, rejecting a fair and affordable offer put forward by the BMA. Instead it wants to impose a flawed contract on a generation of junior doctors who have lost all trust in the health secretary,.”
Imposition could prompt a generation of “alienated” junior doctors to choose not to continue their careers in the NHS, Malawana added.
“This is clearly a political fight for the government rather than an attempt to come to a reasonable solution for all junior doctors,” he said. “The government’s shambolic handling of this process from start to finish has totally alienated a generation of junior doctors – the hospital doctors and GPs of the future, and there is a real risk that some will vote with their feet.”
Related: Jeremy Hunt to impose contract on junior doctors
1.20pm GMT
13:20
Jeremy Hunt has been on Sky News defending the new contract. While feelings are running high in the middle of an industrial dispute, he argues, once the dust settles people will realise in a few years’ time that it was the obvious thing to do. He rejects the argument that the contract is unsafe as it will mean a reduction in maximum hours worked in a week and fewer consecutive night shifts.
12.57pm GMT12.57pm GMT
12:5712:57
Lunchtime summary - Jeremy Hunt imposes contract on junior doctorsLunchtime summary - Jeremy Hunt imposes contract on junior doctors
12.51pm GMT12.51pm GMT
12:5112:51
Hunt has finished taking questions on his statement. Here’s some of the latest reaction on Twitter to the news he will impose the contract.Hunt has finished taking questions on his statement. Here’s some of the latest reaction on Twitter to the news he will impose the contract.
Hard to believe Hunt was brought in to calm things down in the NHS after the warfare triggered by Andrew Lansley and his reforms #savethenhsHard to believe Hunt was brought in to calm things down in the NHS after the warfare triggered by Andrew Lansley and his reforms #savethenhs
Glad to hear that Prof Sue Bailey chair @AoMRC has agreed to lead a wider review of long standing issues affecting junior doctors' moraleGlad to hear that Prof Sue Bailey chair @AoMRC has agreed to lead a wider review of long standing issues affecting junior doctors' morale
If current and earlier docs offer both "cost neutral", there is something very wrong with way @Jeremy_Hunt & Health Dept do their sums!If current and earlier docs offer both "cost neutral", there is something very wrong with way @Jeremy_Hunt & Health Dept do their sums!
Jeremy Hunt should be forced onto Question Time this evening so he can't hide away this evening after forcing his Junior Doctor contract.Jeremy Hunt should be forced onto Question Time this evening so he can't hide away this evening after forcing his Junior Doctor contract.
12.44pm GMT12.44pm GMT
12:4412:44
Many MPs are bringing up the effects of imposition of the contract on morale and recruitment.Many MPs are bringing up the effects of imposition of the contract on morale and recruitment.
Hunt says he believes “the biggest threat to morale is when doctors are not able to deliver the care they came into the profession to deliver.”Hunt says he believes “the biggest threat to morale is when doctors are not able to deliver the care they came into the profession to deliver.”
That’s what we’re trying to put right. In the end, the government have to decide what is right for patients and services as well as right for doctors.That’s what we’re trying to put right. In the end, the government have to decide what is right for patients and services as well as right for doctors.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.46pm GMTat 12.46pm GMT
12.38pm GMT12.38pm GMT
12:3812:38
Jack Dromey, Labour MP, asks if Hunt is proud that he has alienated junior doctors, and patronised them by saying they did not understand what was on offer.Jack Dromey, Labour MP, asks if Hunt is proud that he has alienated junior doctors, and patronised them by saying they did not understand what was on offer.
Hunt says Dromey “can do a lot better than that” but insists the BMA would not meet the government without pre-conditions until December this year, when they had already balloted for industrial action.Hunt says Dromey “can do a lot better than that” but insists the BMA would not meet the government without pre-conditions until December this year, when they had already balloted for industrial action.
12.35pm GMT12.35pm GMT
12:3512:35
Here’s the full statement from Labour’s shadow health secretary Heidi Alexander to Jeremy Hunt a few minutes ago.Here’s the full statement from Labour’s shadow health secretary Heidi Alexander to Jeremy Hunt a few minutes ago.
This whole dispute could have been handled so differently.This whole dispute could have been handled so differently.
The Health Secretary’s failure to listen to junior doctors, his deeply dubious misrepresentation of research about care at weekends and his desire to make these contract negotiations into a symbolic fight for delivery of seven-day day services has led to a situation which has been unprecedented in my lifetime.The Health Secretary’s failure to listen to junior doctors, his deeply dubious misrepresentation of research about care at weekends and his desire to make these contract negotiations into a symbolic fight for delivery of seven-day day services has led to a situation which has been unprecedented in my lifetime.
Everyone, including the BMA, agrees with the need to reform the current contract. But hardly anyone thinks the need to do that is so urgent that it justifies imposition, and all the chaos that will bring.Everyone, including the BMA, agrees with the need to reform the current contract. But hardly anyone thinks the need to do that is so urgent that it justifies imposition, and all the chaos that will bring.
One of the hospital chief executives who the Secretary of State claims is supporting him has tweeted this morning: “I have supported the view that the offer made is reasonable… I have not supported contract imposition”.One of the hospital chief executives who the Secretary of State claims is supporting him has tweeted this morning: “I have supported the view that the offer made is reasonable… I have not supported contract imposition”.
Can the Health Secretary not see that imposing a new contract which doesn’t enjoy the confidence of junior doctors will destroy morale which is already at rock bottom?Can the Health Secretary not see that imposing a new contract which doesn’t enjoy the confidence of junior doctors will destroy morale which is already at rock bottom?
Does he not realise that this decision could lead to a protracted period of industrial action which will be distressing for everyone – patients, doctors, everyone who works in or depends upon the NHS?Does he not realise that this decision could lead to a protracted period of industrial action which will be distressing for everyone – patients, doctors, everyone who works in or depends upon the NHS?
A poll earlier this week found that nearly 90 per cent of junior doctors are prepared to leave the NHS if a contract is imposed. The Health Secretary needs to stop behaving like a recruiting agent for Australian hospitals and start acting like the Secretary of State for our NHS.A poll earlier this week found that nearly 90 per cent of junior doctors are prepared to leave the NHS if a contract is imposed. The Health Secretary needs to stop behaving like a recruiting agent for Australian hospitals and start acting like the Secretary of State for our NHS.
The Health Secretary has been keen to present a new junior doctor contract as the key which unlocks the delivery of 7 day services. This is a massive oversimplification and he knows it. Whilst research shows a higher mortality rate amongst patients admitted to hospital at the weekend, there is absolutely no evidence which shows a lack of junior doctors specifically causes this.The Health Secretary has been keen to present a new junior doctor contract as the key which unlocks the delivery of 7 day services. This is a massive oversimplification and he knows it. Whilst research shows a higher mortality rate amongst patients admitted to hospital at the weekend, there is absolutely no evidence which shows a lack of junior doctors specifically causes this.
What we heard from the Secretary of State today could amount to the biggest gamble with patient safety this House has ever seen. He has failed to win the trust of the very people who keep our hospitals running and he has failed to convince the public of his grounds for change.What we heard from the Secretary of State today could amount to the biggest gamble with patient safety this House has ever seen. He has failed to win the trust of the very people who keep our hospitals running and he has failed to convince the public of his grounds for change.
Imposing a contract is a sign of failure. It’s about time the Secretary of State realised that.Imposing a contract is a sign of failure. It’s about time the Secretary of State realised that.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.36pm GMTat 12.36pm GMT
12.33pm GMT12.33pm GMT
12:3312:33
MP Bernard Jenkin says he has such sadness that junior doctors were caught up in a dehabilitating and damaging dispute. He asks Hunt to speak directly with them and calls the BMA relationship “destructive.”MP Bernard Jenkin says he has such sadness that junior doctors were caught up in a dehabilitating and damaging dispute. He asks Hunt to speak directly with them and calls the BMA relationship “destructive.”
Hunt reiterates he believes there was no reason to have this dispute, and a seven-day NHS was something that was desired by every single doctors who “chose a career in medicine with the highest ethical motives.”Hunt reiterates he believes there was no reason to have this dispute, and a seven-day NHS was something that was desired by every single doctors who “chose a career in medicine with the highest ethical motives.”
He says he will continue to engage with doctors directly.He says he will continue to engage with doctors directly.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.34pm GMTat 12.34pm GMT
12.29pm GMT12.29pm GMT
12:2912:29
Here’s some of the first reactions from junior doctors, students and others to Hunt’s confirmation that he will be imposing the contract.Here’s some of the first reactions from junior doctors, students and others to Hunt’s confirmation that he will be imposing the contract.
Hunt announces Junior contract to be imposed. He has failed Patients, the NHS & this country. There'll be no certainly, only uncertainty nowHunt announces Junior contract to be imposed. He has failed Patients, the NHS & this country. There'll be no certainly, only uncertainty now
We seem to be living in a dictatorship not a democracy #juniorcontract @Jeremy_HuntWe seem to be living in a dictatorship not a democracy #juniorcontract @Jeremy_Hunt
@Jeremy_Hunt you're a liar. A complete liar. Thank you for making me feel like the last 6 years of uni have been for nothing #Juniordoctors@Jeremy_Hunt you're a liar. A complete liar. Thank you for making me feel like the last 6 years of uni have been for nothing #Juniordoctors
I'm devastated for my F2 daughter who is going to Oz in August and my son who graduates as a Dr this year #notsafenotfair #juniordoctorsI'm devastated for my F2 daughter who is going to Oz in August and my son who graduates as a Dr this year #notsafenotfair #juniordoctors
12.25pm GMT12.25pm GMT
12:2512:25
Labour MP Barry Gardiner says it is logical to assume the problem he is trying to solve will get worse as fewer doctors join the NHS.Labour MP Barry Gardiner says it is logical to assume the problem he is trying to solve will get worse as fewer doctors join the NHS.
Hunt says there are 10,600 more than five years ago.Hunt says there are 10,600 more than five years ago.
There have been a lot of smoke and mirrors about what the contract proposal is.There have been a lot of smoke and mirrors about what the contract proposal is.
I hope all trainees and medical students look at the proposal that independent experts believe fair and reasonable and we will continue to recruit more doctors into the NHS.I hope all trainees and medical students look at the proposal that independent experts believe fair and reasonable and we will continue to recruit more doctors into the NHS.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.25pm GMTat 12.25pm GMT
12.23pm GMT12.23pm GMT
12:2312:23
Hunt is challenge on his statistics on weekend death rates by the SNP’s Philippa Whitford, who is a doctor, who points out studies show that nurses are more important to mortality.Hunt is challenge on his statistics on weekend death rates by the SNP’s Philippa Whitford, who is a doctor, who points out studies show that nurses are more important to mortality.
Hunt calls her comments “immensely more constructive” than Labour’s, but says the contract will be looked back on as a major step forward for a seven-day NHS.Hunt calls her comments “immensely more constructive” than Labour’s, but says the contract will be looked back on as a major step forward for a seven-day NHS.
Conservative MP Dr Sarah Wollaston, a former GP, said the BMA should welcome the inquiry into morale announced today and asks that both sides move forward in a positive way and “take the temperature down”.Conservative MP Dr Sarah Wollaston, a former GP, said the BMA should welcome the inquiry into morale announced today and asks that both sides move forward in a positive way and “take the temperature down”.
.@Jeremy_Hunt: "hope we can go forward in a positive spirit". That's just laughable as he's IMPOSING a #juniorcontract. #juniordoctorexodus.@Jeremy_Hunt: "hope we can go forward in a positive spirit". That's just laughable as he's IMPOSING a #juniorcontract. #juniordoctorexodus
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.27pm GMTat 12.27pm GMT
12.13pm GMT12.13pm GMT
12:1312:13
Here’s a list of the NHS chief executives backing the imposition of the contract.Here’s a list of the NHS chief executives backing the imposition of the contract.
A list of NHS chief execs backing the position set out in Sir David Dalton's letter to Jeremy Hunt #juniorcontract pic.twitter.com/y2RjJ9x1iNA list of NHS chief execs backing the position set out in Sir David Dalton's letter to Jeremy Hunt #juniorcontract pic.twitter.com/y2RjJ9x1iN
But the consensus is already crumbling, as Heidi Alexander points out, one of the chief executives listed says he has not agree that the contract should be imposed, only that doctors should accept the dealBut the consensus is already crumbling, as Heidi Alexander points out, one of the chief executives listed says he has not agree that the contract should be imposed, only that doctors should accept the deal
@cpeedell I have not supported contract imposition. I have supported the view that the offer made is reasonable.@cpeedell I have not supported contract imposition. I have supported the view that the offer made is reasonable.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.15pm GMTat 12.15pm GMT
12.10pm GMT12.10pm GMT
12:1012:10
Heidi Alexander, the shadow health secretary, says the imposition of the contract will “destroy morale” among junior doctors and says Hunt’s statistics on weekend death rates are “deeply dubious”.Heidi Alexander, the shadow health secretary, says the imposition of the contract will “destroy morale” among junior doctors and says Hunt’s statistics on weekend death rates are “deeply dubious”.
She cites the number of doctors moving to Australia to work, saying the UK should not train doctors to export them to the Southern hemisphere.She cites the number of doctors moving to Australia to work, saying the UK should not train doctors to export them to the Southern hemisphere.
This could be the biggest gamble with patient safety this house has ever seen. Imposing a contract is a sign of failure and it is about time the Secretary of State realised that.This could be the biggest gamble with patient safety this house has ever seen. Imposing a contract is a sign of failure and it is about time the Secretary of State realised that.
12.05pm GMT12.05pm GMT
12:0512:05
Hunt announces review into 'morale' of junior doctorsHunt announces review into 'morale' of junior doctors
Hunt said the process has “uncovered deep seated concerns about morale, well-being and quality of life” and he cites separation from spouse and families on placements and inadequate support from seniors.Hunt said the process has “uncovered deep seated concerns about morale, well-being and quality of life” and he cites separation from spouse and families on placements and inadequate support from seniors.
He has asked Dame Sue Bailey, president of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, to lead a review into measures outside the contract that will improve morale.He has asked Dame Sue Bailey, president of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, to lead a review into measures outside the contract that will improve morale.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.41pm GMTat 12.41pm GMT
12.04pm GMT12.04pm GMT
12:0412:04
Hunt says the government’s “door remained open” for three years and said the departments showed a willingness to negotiate time and again.Hunt says the government’s “door remained open” for three years and said the departments showed a willingness to negotiate time and again.
But he said it was imperative both sides demonstrated flexibility and compromise. “The BMA proved ultimately unwilling to do that.”But he said it was imperative both sides demonstrated flexibility and compromise. “The BMA proved ultimately unwilling to do that.”
He refers to eight studies on weekend death rates, and said that six pointed to inadequate staffing levels.He refers to eight studies on weekend death rates, and said that six pointed to inadequate staffing levels.
Hunt said he is confident that the new contract is “one that in time can commend the confidence of workforce and employers.”Hunt said he is confident that the new contract is “one that in time can commend the confidence of workforce and employers.”
11.59am GMT11.59am GMT
11:5911:59
Hunt says those working one in four or more Saturdays will receive a pay premium of 30%. It does represent a reduction in current rates, because hospitals must be able to afford additional weekend restoring.Hunt says those working one in four or more Saturdays will receive a pay premium of 30%. It does represent a reduction in current rates, because hospitals must be able to afford additional weekend restoring.
The government will also give doctors a basic pay rise of 13.5%.The government will also give doctors a basic pay rise of 13.5%.
11.57am GMT11.57am GMT
11:5711:57
Hunt will impose contract on junior doctorsHunt will impose contract on junior doctors
Hunt pays tribute to the chief negotiator, Sir David Dalton, who he said has reached agreement on 90% of issues.Hunt pays tribute to the chief negotiator, Sir David Dalton, who he said has reached agreement on 90% of issues.
But Sir David and NHS England’s chief executive, Simon Stevens had asked him to end the uncertainty, and Hunt said he has decided to do that today.But Sir David and NHS England’s chief executive, Simon Stevens had asked him to end the uncertainty, and Hunt said he has decided to do that today.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.06pm GMTat 12.06pm GMT
11.55am GMT11.55am GMT
11:5511:55
Jeremy Hunt in the House of CommonsJeremy Hunt in the House of Commons
I’m switching now to cover Jeremy Hunt’s statement on the junior doctors’ contract in the House of Commons, he’s expected to impose the contract on the doctors this summer.I’m switching now to cover Jeremy Hunt’s statement on the junior doctors’ contract in the House of Commons, he’s expected to impose the contract on the doctors this summer.
11.54am GMT11.54am GMT
11:5411:54
Labour MP Caroline Flint asks why HMRC hasn’t applied any penalties to Google for non-payment of tax over the last five years.Labour MP Caroline Flint asks why HMRC hasn’t applied any penalties to Google for non-payment of tax over the last five years.
It is very difficult to argue they have taken insufficient care, even if they have come to the wrong conclusion in their accounting, Harra said.It is very difficult to argue they have taken insufficient care, even if they have come to the wrong conclusion in their accounting, Harra said.
Flint says that the lawyers and tax experts of Google have “out- manoeuvred” HMRC and says there is “considerable public anger”.Flint says that the lawyers and tax experts of Google have “out- manoeuvred” HMRC and says there is “considerable public anger”.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.54am GMTat 11.54am GMT
11.51am GMT11.51am GMT
11:5111:51
Lin Homer is going back to the letter sent last night to the committee. The letter contained taxpayer-confidential information, she said, which they needed Google permission to make public. She insists the information was intended to be aired in the committee.Lin Homer is going back to the letter sent last night to the committee. The letter contained taxpayer-confidential information, she said, which they needed Google permission to make public. She insists the information was intended to be aired in the committee.
The SNP’s Deirdre Brock said the committee does not need the exact numbers. What they need to know is, is every business treated the same, even small shops in her constituencies?The SNP’s Deirdre Brock said the committee does not need the exact numbers. What they need to know is, is every business treated the same, even small shops in her constituencies?
It is exactly the same process, Brock said, though admits the average length of an investigation is 22 months so “this was a long one”.It is exactly the same process, Brock said, though admits the average length of an investigation is 22 months so “this was a long one”.
11.45am GMT
11:45
Jim Harra, HMRC’s Director General for Business Tax says he does not have a figure for how much the six-year investigation into Google has cost the taxpayer.
Obviously, us conducting a six year audit is a very expensive and resource intensive process which, obviously, I wish we didn’t have to do.
They do not usually take six years. It is a new area of the economy. [For companies like Google] their scale and business model and ways their customers behave change all the time. we can’t just look at one year and extrapolate that to other year.
It was long, resource-intensive and pain-staking.
Updated
at 11.45am GMT
11.42am GMT
11:42
Up next is HMRC’s turn to be probed over the tax arrangment with Google, and corporate tax deals more generally.
In front of the committee is Dame Lin Homer, chief executive and permanent secretary, Jim Harra, director general of business tax and Edward Troup, tax assurance commissioner.
Hillier reveals that the committee received a letter yesterday offering some confidential background information about the HMRC and Google deal.
Homer admits that letter was co-ordinated with Google, offering to share more information about the deal with the PAC.
Hillier said the approach was disappointing.
We want answers about this in public, so taxpayers hear the answers too. Last minute, confidential information does not help that. We want to talk openly and honestly.
I don’t need to remind you that you are public servants. I was disappointed with that approach.
Updated
at 11.43am GMT
11.36am GMT
11:36
Here’s some reaction from the Twitter-sphere about the Google executives in front of the PAC.
"If you are so keen on this tax reform, why don't you lead by example" #googletax
Bonkers of Google to pretend that *its* tax complexity is a function of tax rules. It's a function of Google's choices.
What we have discovered PAC/Google: 10 year deal - taxes £112m, interest £18m, Google says it's "fair", UK tax structure stays the same
David Mowat on PAC asks Google if their employees are proud of them not paying more tax. Ridiculous idealistic nonsense
11.34am GMT
11:34
PAC concludes questioning Google
Hillier concludes by calling on the company to be more transparent.
Why don’t you lead by example to provide more information to the general public and to other countries?
If you want your staff to be proud, if you want to do good in the world, then why can’t you tell the ordinary British taxpayer how your settlement was reached?
Hutchinson said no company has ever provided as much detail on a tax settlement as Google, but he cannot say more because it is commercially sensitive.
11.30am GMT
11:30
Back at the PAC, Richard Bacon MP is still pressing the Google executives on the exact pre-tax profit of Google of which 19% tax was paid.
I’m trying to express myself clearly. You paid tax at 19%, which must be 19% of something. You have said several times that you pay it at 19%.
You answer that by saying that is spread over 5 years. I can’t understand why you don’t know that. I don’t understand why you don’t have that figures now. I’m very surprised you don’t know it.
11.26am GMT
11:26
While I’ve been focussed on the Google evidence at the select committee, Chris Bryant, the shadow leader of the house, has been asking an urgent question on short money in the House of Commons, relating to the funding of political parties.
He called George’s Osborne’s plans to cut the funding of state grants to opposition political parties by 19% as “shabby”.
Bryant said Commons Leader Chris Grayling had failed to turn up for three meetings yesterday on the issue.
Why, frankly, isn’t the Leader of the House doing his proper job and standing at the despatch box today?
What’s the word for this behaviour? Is it shabby, tawdry or just downright cynical?
Here’s the report from the Press Association of the exchange between Bryant and Cabinet Office Minister John Penrose.
Replying to an urgent question from Labour, Cabinet Office Minister John Penrose told MPs a consultation will start “shortly”.
Opening his remarks, Mr Bryant quoted previous Conservative comments objecting to opposition parties being under-resourced at a time when spending has increased on taxpayer-funded special advisers.
He said: “In opposition the Prime Minister said he would cut the number and cost of special advisers, yet in Government he has appointed 27 more special advisers than ever before and the cost has gone up to the taxpayer by 2.5 million a year.
“There’s a word for that Mr Speaker but it’s not parliamentary.”
“In opposition, the Conservatives banked 46 million a year in short money but in Government they want to cut short money by 20% for the Opposition.
“There’s a word for that Mr Speaker but it’s not parliamentary.
“How can it be right for the Government to cut the policy development grant for political parties by 19% when it’s not cutting the amount of money spent on special advisers of its own?
“Surely history has taught us that an overweening executive is always a mistake.
“Surely if a party in Government needs financial support in addition to the civil service then it’s in the national interest that all the opposition parties should be properly resourced as well.”
Mr Byrant said the Government has been briefing journalists that its proposals will be published on Friday - when Parliament is in recess.
Updated
at 11.27am GMT
11.21am GMT
11:21
Hutchinson says Google is paying what they think is a “reasonable” amount of tax - 19%. Mowat said if that is the case, why do they book sales in Ireland, channel business through the Netherlands and Bermuda?
If we did have our UK office selling directly to UK customers, that would be a change in our structure, but would not change that the tax rules require you pay tax in the UK relating to the value of the profits generated in the UK?
Is Tom Hutchinson from @Google honestly saying they'd pay the SAME tax in the UK if they had a permanent establishment here? Really?? #pac
11.17am GMT
11:17
Tory MP David Mowat concedes Google has paid “probably the right amount of tax” given its exceptionally complex tax structures.
But he says it is not the correct moral course.
You use Ireland, Holland, Bermuda. Doesn’t it bother you some of your employees might bail out over that?
Updated
at 11.17am GMT
11.15am GMT
11:15
Hutchinson said it was not a negotiated tax settlement.
There was not a number that was thrown out by HMRC and we negotiated it down. That is not the way the process worked.
Bacon said the row is ruining the reputation of the internet giant.
This is staining your reputations. You have chosen to take very complex routes. You can’t like the fact that lots of people hate you because of this. Why don’t you face up to that?
Brittin said they cannot pay more than the government demands of them.
We have reached the end of a lengthy independent process. At the end of the process, the HMRC told us exactly the right amount to pay and we are paying it. We have just finished an intensive review with tax specialists where they decided this is the right amount to pay.
We believe we are [paying the right amount] because this is what we are asked to pay.
11.09am GMT
11:09
An extraordinary response to a question from Tory MP Richard Bacon.
Can you tell me the number on which you paid tax at 20%?
Brittin said he does not have the profit numbers in front of him. Hutchinson said he also does not have the exact numbers of how much tax was paid in the UK. Bacon himself uses a calculator to work out the profits on activities in the UK - around £230m.
Why did it take you take six years - as long as the second world war - to explain your activities adequately to HMRC? Are you saying it’s HMRC’s fault for being so slow. Either you’re bad at explaining or they are very thick at understanding.
Brittin said HMRC interviewed people at Google “from top-to-bottom” to try to understand the way the business operates.
It’s incredible that it takes six years to explain what the internet is, Bacon said.