17/12/2015 Business Questions

2015. European Union referendum act 2015. European Union approvals act

2015. Business questions. Mr Chris Bryant.

Will the House give us the business for next week and preferably the

recess as well. Business next we will be nothing at

all. I hope everybody will be enjoying a good festive break. The

business for the week commencing January four, on the Monday the

House does not sit, we return on the Tuesday, and I remind colleagues

that it is a Monday timetable starting at 2:30pm. We will be

debating the remaining stages of the Housing and planning Bill. The first

of two days debate. On Wednesday we will have an opposition day on a

subject to be announced. On Thursday the 7th of January we will debate a

motion relating to the effect of the equalisation of the state pension

age for women, followed by a debate on a motion for children in care,

both subjects selected by the backbench business committee.

Friday, January eight the House does not sit. Provisional business for

the week commencing January 11 includes, on Monday, remaining

stages of the Armed Forces will, followed by business to be nominated

by the backbench business committee. And the business in Westminster Hall

on Monday, January 11, the week when we return, Thursday January seventh,

a general debate on the Armed Forces covenant, and the Monday 11, a

debate on a e-petition relating to the NHS bursary. The House will rise

from the Easter recess at the close of business on Thursday March 24

2016 and return on Monday, April 11 2016. In what is a festival week --

festive, with the member for Suffolk Coastal and the deputy Leader of the

House in a particularly festive mood, in aid of charity, I commend

her work and support charity, I therefore take the opportunity to

wish you and her, the shadow team, and all members of this House a very

happy Christmas. And for those north of the border, a very happy Hogmanay

as well. I am sure the House will join me in recognising the important

work that goes on to support the House throughout the year. I thank

all the staff working throughout the Palace of Westminster. I wish them

all a restful Christmas and a happy New Year. In particular, Mr Speaker,

since there are always staff on duty there, to wish those who have to

work over the Christmas period a pleasant break when they have won,

and to express our gratitude to them for their work over the festive

varied. -- period. Despite the caterwauling yesterday

from the Leader of the House who insisted on making lame jokes about

Star Wars, as indeed the primer Mr did, I is your you that I have a

complete UK exemption from Star Wars related humour and some perfectly

good Lamela Labour jokes of my own without resorting to that -- is the

Prime Minister did. As you know, the pantomime season is now upon us. And

Cinderella is appearing at the park. Apparently auditions were last month

so unfortunately Rhonda will have to do without my Prince Charming.

However I see that the Epsom Playhouse this year, in the

constituency of the right Honourable member, his beauty and the beast.

There is a rumour going around that the leader and deputy leader are

actually going to be appearing in this production on select nights.

The only question is which part they are going to be playing I am pretty

certain that the deputy leader will be playing Mrs Potts. Obviously she

is Mrs Koff reports. That is the worst Labour job today. It may not

be actually. And as for the Leader of the House, he is no beast,

obviously, but I hear there was a mystery bidder at the sale of Mrs

Thatcher's frocks. There's a rumour that he will be seen waltzing across

the stage in that black, printed chiffon number in the beauty and the

beast later this week. Now, can we have a debate on food waste? Last

year 1.2 million sausages were sent to landfill in the Rhondda alone,

which is why whilst it is great that the local council is signing up

people to food recycling, new figures show that this House, last

year, wasted 45,000 meals. There are 33,000 Russell trust food banks

within the M25 Circle and 75,000 children going to bed hungry tonight

so is it not time the leader to donate unused food from this powers

to local London food banks? The leader announced that the Prime

Minister will make a statement on his first day back. Will he make

sure that this statement is on the primer Mr's renegotiation of the UK

relationship with the EU, and how that is going? I ask because I

gather that his EU counterparts are now so heartily sick of his endless

whining that he is finally going to be allowed to speak tonight for a

couple of minutes during dinner whilst the waiters are clearing away

the plates, somewhere between courses. He is becoming rather like

one of those really irritating relatives who pops around 40 every

now and again and casually asks if he can sleep on the sofa for a

couple of days, drinks all your whiskey whilst telling you where you

have gone wrong in life, and when you finally summon up the courage to

ask him to leave, says, do you mind if I redecorated bathroom? Because

there seems something utterly illogical about the renegotiation

process. The Prime Minister seems to think that EU citizens in Poland and

Rumania sit around trying to work out which is the most generous ten

of that system in Europe before deciding where to go and live and

work -- the most generous benefit system. Isn't that really what

members opposite thing people do? Is it really the conversation they

think they have? Which is better, the UK Denmark for Social Security?

Well I am not sure, but I certainly prefer the Scandinavian model to the

German system of contributory benefits. This is a complete

nonsense! Every single one of us. M and he is clever enough to know it!

Every single one of us know that EU citizens come here because we speak

English, because there are jobs in this country, and because it is a

great country. I know that the government is trying to undermine

every single element of that even the pensions secretary, Home

Secretary, and Justice Secretary, has told the Prime Minister but his

proposal will make absolutely no difference to admit migration

figures in this country. So why don't we just get on with the

referendum now? It is a simple question. In or out? Stay or leave?

As John Major said, flirting with exit is dangerous for this country.

It is one thing to choose to leave. Honourable, to my mind, but foolish.

But quite another thing to read by accident. That would be incompetent

and dishonourable. I am delighted the Leader of the House has given us

the dates for the Easter recess. But maybe he can extend further to the

Whitsun recess. May 15. Why can he not give us the recess dates for the

whole of next year? Is Boxing Day approaches, can I ask for an

assurance from the Leader of the House that the draft hunting act

2004 exempt hunting Amendment order to thousands of teen, which was in

drawn -- withdrawn this year is not on the horizon? Because it seems to

be in the press. If the government wants to bring back hunting it

should be open and honest and not sneak it in through the back door.

Primary legislation, not secondary. And with the New Year coming up can

I suggest the leader makes a resolution? Repeat after me. I will

always... , on! Oh, dear. I will always guarantee that all major

announcements of government policy are made to this House first and not

leaks to the press. And if that guarantee is breached I will resign

immediately. I thought, Mr Speaker, the Prime Minister treated this

House, and EU, frankly, with utter contempt last week, when after you

decision process the decision, decision process the decision,

regarding Keith Rowe and Gatwick Airport capacity, should be made in

this House -- and you, frankly. Regarding Heathrow and Gatwick

Airport. He then went and made statements on television. The Leader

of the House should have excoriated the Prime Minister and do so every

time he tries to do that again. There are 36 written ministerial

statements on the paper today, conveniently on the last day so as

to avoid scrutiny. One of them is on a particularly serious matter, the

southern health NHS Trust, where the deaths of 1000 people with

disabilities and mental health problems were not properly

investigated. This will only be made available late in the day-to-day,

long after Honourable members will be able to quiz the government about

it. A gross discourtesy to this House. Mr Speaker, it is Christmas

time. Well, as event at the moment. But Christmas is not as snug as it

may seem in adverts and carols. Jerusalem does not lie still. Aid UK

point out that more than 1 million owed people say they go far over a

month without speaking to a friend, neighbour, or family member, over

Christmas. Many people over eat but thousands of families will choose

between heating and eating. The real Christmas story is about an unfair

tax, a brutal dictator slaughtering innocents, a young, and married

woman giving birth in a stable and a family forced into exile. All of

these things have repeated in Syria in the last week alone yet

Kristianstad to believe that in that story lies hope for the world. I

wish you, Mr Speaker, a mirror Christmas, and to the Turks, the

doorkeepers, the police, the catering staff, the cleaners, and

all who work with and for Parliament -- the clerks-. To our security

services and all those who keep a watchful eye whilst we are very, I

say in the words of tiny Tim, God bless us one and all.

Mr Speaker, I didn't think it was going to finish... I would like to

update the House on progress retires been made regarding provision of

security for members. This has been a matter of serious concern for

members. I have been working to try to identify a proper way forward.

Security measures available to all members are to be standardised in a

security package. The package will address personal security off-site,

including constituency offices and homes. This is something which has

been raised as a concern by many members. Many colleagues will have

adequate measures in place, but this will provide standardised approach.

We will write to colleagues today. There will be details issued in the

New Year regarding access. I hope this will allay concerns. It has

been the end of an eventful year. The Conservatives won the general

election. Labour lost. The Liberal Democrats shrank in number. Has been

asked like change in the numbers on the benches over there. Then we all

came back to Westminster and you will remember those happy

early-morning sprints as the Labour left and the Scottish National Party

rushed for the best seats. But they don't need to do that any more

because the Labour left has moved from their to the front benches. He

asked a question about food waste. 1.4 million sausages sent to

landfill in his constituency is alone. Can I suggest he might

consider starting closer to home. I think the produce of Welsh virus is

first-rate. I can't imagine why the produce of Welsh farmers would want

to be sent to food waste. I made the point that the pro-minister will be

here to make a statement. Eulogy -- he will address European Union

issues. But I think it is important that we get an update on the Syrian

peace process. He will be available to address other issues if

necessary. The shadow leader talks about jobs. I have to say at the end

of this year one of the things we can be proudest of as the

unemployment figures we saw yesterday. 1.5 million people were

claiming Job Seeker's Allowance. That number has almost halved in the

past four years. More and more people are in work. The legacy of

unemployment we inherited from the party opposite has been well and

truly turned around. When it comes to Europe, I will not take any

lessons from the man who a decade ago expressed deep distress that

written was not joining the euro. I am glad to announce recess dates. We

as a party believe it is more important to make sure the essential

business on which we are elected to pass through gets enacted. He must

stop believing everything he reads in the papers. When and if this

government has a new measure, we will announce at. I have stood in

this chamber over the last few weeks and received numerous requests from

people to receive updates before Christmas. I make no apology for the

fact that today we are providing the plenty of updates before Christmas.

He made a serious point about lonely people this Christmas. I hope

everyone in this country will think, do I have a lonely person next door

like an invite round for a drink over Christmas and bring a bit of

light into what would otherwise have been a lonely life? I hope everyone

in this country has a very happy and joyful family Christmas. In the

absence of the Christmas adjournment debate which would have allowed

colleagues to remit -- to raise urgent matters, with my right

honourable friend find time for a debate on CTC timetable changes

which unfortunately has transferred what used to be the happy line back

into the misery line again? The chair of the committee is here, it

is clear the will of this House, that we should return to the

traditional format. I hope we will do that next time around. A

characteristically eloquent speech from my honourable friend.

Is can I thank the leader of the House for announcing next year's

business. Can I wish you and your staff all the best for a very

peaceful and merry Christmas. I know my rouble friends from the SNP would

like to wish all members of staff are very merry and peaceful

Christmas. We wish to congratulate the staff for ensuring that all new

members in this House feel welcome. I'm surprised to see so many of my

staff here. Last night, it was the Christmas party for the SNP. I'm

impressed to see so many of them here today. In Perth concert hall,

we also have Beauty And The Beast. Our annual pantomime. Looking at the

Labour benches, I thought sleeping beauty might have been more

appropriate. What about a pantomime stalking horse for our colleagues in

the Labour Party for next year? There is real growing concern in

Scotland just now about what is happening in the debate about Europe

with UK opinion polls now showing a majority of people throughout the

United Kingdom favouring Britain leaving the European Commission. We

see the Prime Minister flirting with our exit, trying to renegotiate our

membership terms with European leaders who couldn't care less. It

is like Chewbacca without the four trying to renegotiate our

membership. European leaders just want to see the back of. The

Scottish people remain determined to stay within Europe, yet there is a

real growing fear that our nation might be taken out of Europe against

our will. That is totally unacceptable to us. It will be the

first time ever that a nation within Europe has been taken out of Europe

against its will. During the referendum, we were told and no vote

would secure our place in Europe. If we dared to vote yes, we would be

dragged out. I'm offering the leader of the House a solution. That is a

quadruple lock. If we are a family of nations within the United

Kingdom, one nation of this union cannot determine the rights of other

nations within this continent. I am asking the leader of the House to

ensure she agrees to that debate next year. Yesterday's debate on

fracking was simply appalling. There is a Scottish word for it and that

is sleekit. Thank goodness we have the necessary powers to ensure that

our country will not be desecrated by the Tories's fractures friends.

And that is a difficult thing to say when you have had a good night out

the previous night. There is no agreement about the fiscal framework

which will allow the fiscal frameworks for the Scotland Bill to

regress properly. We need to have disagreed and we to know how this

government as a pro -- approaching this issue. I am proposing the

leader of virus will not agree to any debate about this, but can

ensure that Treasury ministers will fear in front of the Scottish

affairs committee? He needs to go to the Treasury and I sure we have the

necessary ministers so we can put our points to them. Finally,, this

has been some year because the real news is the emergence of my friends.

The Scottish National Party winning 56 out of 59 seats. One conservative

who barely won his seat as we have in Scotland. What you have here is

determined united the real opposition and they will get away

with nothing as long as the Scottish National Party sitting here. We can

no longer rely on this disunited, dispirited forlorn Labour Party.

These benches will provide the opposition. The honourable gentleman

is in his characteristic flamboyant form because he had an extremist

night last night or because he has been tasting a lot of single malt. I

wish them personally very happy festive period. And all of his

colleagues. I hope they have a relaxing and enjoyable time. Our

nation will not be taken out of Europe against its will. His nation

and my nation are the same. I should simply remind him that if he had had

his way, and he didn't because the Scottish people voted to remain a

part of the United Kingdom, they would now be at the doors of

Westminster with begging bowl because the collapse in the oil

price would have totally shocked their financial plans. I think the

Scottish people took a sensible decision and one that has proved

remarkably prescient. I say again, our nation will decide our future in

the European Union. On the fracking point, it is nonsense that this will

desecrated some of our finest areas. Fracking technology has existed for

years. It has been used in oil exploration in the south-east of

England. People have not noticed for decades. I do not believe, and nor

does the intention of this government, that taking advantage of

shale gas, an important resource for the future, will in any way

desecrate the finest areas of this country. He asked if a Treasury

minister would appear. As the chair of the select committee, he will

know that if a minister is asked to appear, it would be almost

unprecedented for them to say no. I simply suggest he extends the

invitation. On Scottish politics, it is true the SNP had a very good

year. It is our goal next year to be the second party of Scotland at

Holyrood. I wish all my Conservative colleagues well in the coming months

for the campaigns they are about to fight. He dropped a Star Wars joke

into his speech. I have to say to to him that although I have yet to see

them in action, I was disappointed the shadow leader did not want to

see a Star Wars joke because I think a number of people have freely

described him as the Jar Jar Binks of the Labour Party. Seasons

greetings to all. International women's Day 2016 will be on eight

March. The theme next year will be make it happen. I wonder if the

leader of the House would offer a chance for us to focus on the

opportunities of getting more female representation into this House and

all parliaments around the world on that day? And perhaps have a debate

about it leading up to that date, the 8th of March next year? She

makes an important point. Getting a much better gender balance in this

House will continue to be a priority. I am delighted to see a

really good intake of new female members of Parliament on both sides

of the House. I think the House is a better place for it and long may

that continue. Mr Speaker, can I say that there was a debate on

international men's day and I think it would be appropriate there is one

on International women's Day. The most interesting debate might be

between both honourable friends. You can, on behalf of the backbench

business committee and its staff, wish the House a Merry Christmas and

a happy and healthy 2016. I thank the Leader of the House the

statement, and the advance notice that we are to be allocated time on

January 11 for the remaining stages of the Armed Forces. Will that be

protected time for the committee, as did happen a number of days ago? We

were given three hours protected time, just in case there was, for

instance, and overrunning of considerations for the remaining

stages of the Armed Forces Bill. I apologise to the Honourable member

of South and West. The committee made a decision about the allocation

of time for today in good faith based on information provided to us

at the time. I have not been inundated by other members

complaining about the decision we made, but I was aware of the concern

of the member for South and West and also my colleague from Leicester.

But there are important debates this afternoon which have a local support

and on that basis the committee took its decision.

I am aware of the issue about the subject of protected time for the

committee and it is something I will give consideration but judging by

the speed at which this bill has made progress so far, with consensus

on both sides of the House, the likelihood is on that day they will

end up with more time rather than less but I will continue to review

the issue. I think his committee works well. It has provided an

interesting range of topics for debate. My one request to them, and

it is not the government to interfere, but they have a number of

points, for example, how we deal with the veterans in the Armed

Forces, and I hope the committee will always look to that as a part

of its calendar. The chair of the backbench business

committee had the Honourable member for also South in mind. -- Walsall.

It is in fact her little brother who represents Leicester.

The director generals of the Royal armouries Museum and the National

Army Museum have warned that significant damage will be done to

their collections of firearms leading to the near destruction of

thousands of historic guns if the proposed changes to the EU firearms

directive goes ahead. Can we have a statement from the government on

what they are doing to stop this happening?

We will have questions with the Foreign Secretary shortly after I

will return in January but I will say that it is important, whether in

this place of Russells, that new legislation is thought through

carefully -- this place, or Brussels. It is absolutely a policy

one can understand because of course we want to see a removal from Europe

or dangerous firearms but it should not be at the expense of historic

museums. The Foreign Secretary will take careful note of what he says.

My mistake, she is firmly rooted in her seat.

My constituent was tragically stabbed to death whilst on a night

out with friends and family in central London. He was a valued

member of the community, a father to a three-year-old boy and care to his

elderly grandfather. He was warm, intelligent, and kind. Weeks ago I

told the House, and other constituents, and ask the Leader of

the House if you could have a debate on the matter. He dodged the

question and gave no answer. Today I ask again. Willie one of the victim

and allow us time to debate? -- will he

honour? . I legislated in the last parliament to create a mandatory

jail sentence for somebody caught carrying a knife of the second time.

I will give careful consideration to what time can be made available but

actually a lot of the time provided by this House is in the hands of the

backbench business committee, I would encourage her to talk to them.

Given that the Lord Chancellor has announced he is undertaking a review

does the Leader of the House think it would be sensible for time to be

given for a general debate on sentencing so that he can get a

sense of the wishes of the House before bringing forward legislation?

I think there is absolutely a logic, as he prepares his review, to

express that view. I will talk to him about how that is best made

possible. Yesterday the National Audit Office

published a report about the future of hospitals showing that 181 of the

240 acute hospitals trust in this country are at a deficit six months

into the financial year. In the Autumn Statement the Chancellor

unveiled extra money for NHS England, we now know it will likely

be swallowed up by deficits. Given that the Chancellor's sleight of

hand will the Leader of the House make sure that either he or the

Secretary of State for Health explain how the government will make

sure our hospitals do not close? The reason health service finances are

under pressure is because the health service is doing more today than

ever before in this country, treating more patients, employing

more people, providing more treatment options for people, it is

right and proper we continue to do everything we can and that is why we

have provided more money to the NHS and will continue to do so. The

Health Secretary will be here the day we return and have the

opportunity to raise those concerns again. If we take those issues

seriously but it is because the NHS is doing more that it faces

pressures. Will the Leader of the House arrange for a debate in the

New Year to discuss the cherished relationship the UK has with the

other 15 rounds were Her Majesty is the head of state? Will Esher with

me the concern that the government of Barbados is intending to call a

republic felt a referendum? My honourable friend makes his point

customarily eloquently and I have to say that I was always hope and

expect that constitutional change in a common of country would come with

the opportunity for the people to express a view. I commend the work

it does on Commonwealth matters. We derive enormous strength from our

ties with the Commonwealth. We provide an opportunity for cultural

exchange and economic development. We have a debate on the UK Border

Agency in the New Year, as it affects constituents like mine. One

in particular, Michael Alphonso, who has lived in the UK for 31 years,

this -- is married to a British national, but struggles to achieve

permanent residency in a case in the Home Office are reluctant to engage.

Mayor also wish you a... SPEAKS WELSH.

. I do not think I could reply in kind ex-commissioner Mark I will

make sure the concerns of passed on to my right honourable friend the

Home Secretary. Earlier this week the European

Commission imposed a Draconian than on the catching of sea bass on

fishermen in this south-west. Can we have a policy statement, is used to

happen, when a fisheries minister came back from Europe? Or can have a

debate in the New Year to look at the implications of the fisheries

Council decision? I have known for years that we used to have debates

after the event and we used to have a statement from the fisheries

minister in the chamber so he could be questioned. Can we please have

that? My honourable friend makes an

important point and I will discuss this with the minister and make sure

her concerns are raised. It is a difficult rounds. We have a duty to

protect fish stocks -- it is a difficult balance. But we understand

the demands on communities like her and I will make sure the minister

get in touch with her and addresses the concerns as soon as possible.

The Leader of the House might know that not only is Christmas known for

overindulgence but it is also a time when many of our constituents get

out and have a wonderful walk. Often on Boxing Day, or over the holiday.

He knows that many members here believe that children learn best

outside the classroom. Can we have an early debate when we get back on

the value on out-of-school learning? And will he and other members join

those members who have raised ?5,000 in a constituency to make sure that

ten schools could out into the countryside and that if that

involves a partnership, the trust would be happy to help?

I would be delighted to find out more about what he is doing. I agree

about the needs to get the book, our families, constituents, out

exercising, taking advantage of the beautiful countryside over the

coming week. After a good Christmas dinner, I think. He makes an

important point. And what is also important and something I sought to

change in the last Parliament is that unnecessary health and safety

rules that put schools off taking him to ring out elsewhere, are used,

so that there is a talent between appropriate safeguards and

common-sense. Can I extend my best wishes to

everybody for Christmas? Particularly the team behind the

education select committee. With Christmas in mind can be spare a

thought for the turkey? Is it is prepared for the off, completely and

utterly stuffed. The Leader of the House agree with me that we should

have a debate on the consequences of leaving the European Union, after

the referendum? That is an interesting segue. On the

subject of the turkey, many will grace our tables and Christmas time,

possibly with pigs and blankets, except in the Rhondda, where the

sausages are all thrown away. But because sequences of leaving the EU

will be debated and discussed over the coming months, strong views will

be articulated on both sides and the people will decide.

The Leader of the House will be aware that one of our most eminent

conservationists, Chris Patten, said of the... Said earlier this week

that of the 75% decline and butterfly species, that it was a

final warning to the UK. Can we have a debate on the decline in this

country and the need for urgent action to meet our targets for

energy? I ought to declare a particular

interest in this subject since the Grayling is not just a species of

fish but also brown butterfly. Like him I would not like to see them

disappear from our country and I share the concerns he has raised. It

is important in this country to have a talented policy protecting our

countryside, habitats, as well as providing space for agriculture -- a

balanced policy. I will communicate his concerns to the Secretary of

State who I'm sure she the views he and I both do. -- shares.

As a member of the parliamentary group for mountaineering I welcome

the sports strategy today going beyond traditional sport to put

further focus on outdoor recreation such as walking, cycling, and

Mountain sports. Will my right honourable friend consider holding a

further debate to highlight the benefits of outdoor recreation in

terms of physical health, and mental well-being is to -- well-being?

It is an appropriate part of the future, engaging children in sport

at an early age is very important and I pay tribute to my honourable

friend the work she has done assembling a sports strategy. I wish

her all the very best for the next few weeks. We know she is expecting

her first child and we wish her the very best for a successful birth and

a happy time with her newborn. Merry Christmas to all in the House

and a happy New Year. During the Smith hash Smith Commission process,

the Scottish Government voted in favour of devolving trade union

legislation. This was blocked by the party opposite and the Labour Party.

One party has had an epiphany, so can we have an -- a further debate?

Lord Smith has said we fulfilled the terms of the Smith Commission. To be

honest, I think the Scottish administration would do well to

concentrate on using the powers we are giving them, rather than asking

for more. So far there is little evidence that when we give them

powers they make use of them. Can we have a debate in government time on

the report regarding the shambolic performance last week of the

non-announcement to this House, to discuss the unanimous conclusions of

the five commissioners that Heathrow was the right site for a new runway?

Can the terms of that debate be set widely enough to include

consideration of the extraordinary proposition from Gatwick that they

can put five times as many passengers on the train line, where

I repeat a message on Twitter from one of my constituents, who went to

work and said, southern real again? Are you on some sort of sponsored

screw-up? Crispin Blunt, you are our only hope. The situation was clearly

deeply wretched. I think we are in danger of getting into the detail of

the policy. Reference was made earlier to the fact that there was

no statement on the day in question, it was a very regrettable state of

affairs. The Secretary of State came on Monday to deliver a statement and

there can be no doubt that a minister was going to have to appear

at the dispatch box, either to deliver a statement or to respond to

an urgent question. Of that the honourable gentleman had no reason

to be in any doubt whatsoever. In future, rather than delivering the

statement later Billy when it was going to have to be delivered, it

should be delivered on time, as courtesy to the House of commons

requires. You know I always endeavour to make sure announcements

are made to the House. No public statements have been made by the

government today about the Strathclyde review which has now

been published. I would say that the Vermont has to do deal with market

sensitive information. I have noted his comments. I have to say the

phrase our only hope is Christian Blunt is one I had never hoped for

in this House. How often it will be heard again, we will wait and see.

He makes an important point about the Brighton mainline. At a time

when there is discussion about reopening the south coast line to

London, it is because there is heavy congestion already. Aspirations to

substantially increase the number of passengers on it, those who have

constituencies in that area would take some persuasion. The service

which has been provided to hundreds of thousands of commuters in my

constituency has been an appalling joke. And absolute joke. Southern

trains have admitted they don't have enough drivers and they don't have

enough decent trains. Basic things in providing a service. Will the

leader of the House at the Transport Secretary here to give a statement

or at least write to both of us explaining what he is going to do to

get these companies to sort their act out? They have broken promise

after promise. Enough is enough. I understand the pressures on the line

passing through his constituency. There is a massive investment at

London Bridge to create better infrastructure for the future. I

take note of the comments he makes. I will make sure the Transport

Secretary is aware of them. In defence of at least part of the

southern service, the section near Epsom appears to be working well. My

constituents value the right to compensation for certain flight

delays of more than three hours. There is one airline which appears

to disagree with this. One of my constituents suffered an extremely

long delay. Can we have a debate about airlines fulfilling their

obligations under this European ruling? This is a legal requirement.

Any airline failing to comply is subject to legal action. It would

not be appropriate for us to offer legal advice, but there are channels

for someone who wishes to pursue a legal claim against any

organisation. BT's handling of broadband infrastructure and leaves

a lot to be desired. Constituents constantly complain about service

they receive. My constituency office has a problem. We still have no

broadband and no phone connection nine weeks after moving into a

brand-new building. Given BT's constant failure to deliver in a

timely fashion the broadband infrastructure this country so badly

need the -- needs, can we have a debate on whether it is time to

separate the infrastructure and retail elements of this badly

performing company? She makes her point very eloquently. If she wants

to raise specific concerns with the Department and ask them to put fresh

on BT over this, she writes to me with the details, I will make sure

that is paid attention to. I will make sure the points she makes are

passed on to the business Department. In previous years, there

has always been a statement or debate in this House on the police

grant. I note on the order paper it is by written statement. Given we

have good news to talk about on the police grant and the Mayor of London

has announced today that the police funding will never ensure at least

one police constable and one PCS or for every ward across London, surely

we should have a debate on the issue so we can highlight the proposal

from the other side to reduce police grant by 10%? Well, the honourable

gentleman makes an important point. It is a sign of the way in which we

have turned the economy around. We have been able to make decisions to

protect police budgets. It will return to this House in the New Year

for approval. He will have the opportunity to make the important

point he makes. And to put the other side to shame over their record. Can

I join the festive compliments by wishing you all Americans must and

happy New Year in Gaelic? -- a Merry Christmas. The government seems to

be giving evermore status to the state and whether or not the UK is

in breach of the arms trade treaty. Many of us are concerned this is

Wilford has been dressed up in sheepdog clothing. Can I say to the

honourable gentleman that we've particularly stress of peaceful

Christmas for the people of Northern Ireland. We hope it will be a

productive and peaceful year. Regarding Saudi Arabia -- we always

raise matters on human rights with the Saudi government. If he has

concerns, he will have the opportunity in the New Year to raise

his concerns. They have been a nation with which we have a

long-standing partnership. Can I draw the House's attention to my

entry for interests? We expect to publish a report in the spring. Can

we please have a debate in government time to ensure we are not

holding problems for the future? He makes an important point. Most of us

have from time to time had constituents come to us who have

been badly let down on buying new homes. He is doing important work in

this area and I commend him. There will be a recommended provision for

hedgehog superhighways in construction. Can I draw the House's

attention to the excellent use the Home Secretary has agreed to

withdraw from legal action and will that -- left the ban on the

international seat Federation. This needs to be voted speedily

through by both houses. I will certainly do that. The leader will

be aware of proposals regarding limiting extracurricular activities.

They would need to be available for Ofsted inspections.

With the Lido use his influence to seek an extension to the 11th of

January deadline? She makes an important point and has been a great

champion for these issues. I will make sure today that we will pass on

the request she has made. There has been an economic impact published in

my constituency suggesting there will be job losses regarding fishing

grounds causing between the mainland and the Isle of Rothesay.

I understand that point. I am not aware of the detailed situation, but

I will make sure his concerns are passed and try to get an early

response for him. Merry Christmas. Can we have a debate on planning law

to look to make an amendment is so rejected applications for fast food

takeaway is with close proximity to schools don't have a right to

appeal. My constituents are objecting to a KFC yards to the

entrance of a primary school. My noble friend has campaigned on

behalf of his constituents since his election. I commend him. He makes an

important point. We have ongoing work being done to make it as

efficient as possible. Concerns will be noted since we have one of the

relevant ministers on the bench next to me. I am sure they will give it

due consideration. Whilst we leave this place to celebrate the

holidays, we must spare a fought for the hundreds of thousands of

schoolchildren who qualify for a free meal. Can we have an urgent

debate to discuss the impact on their life, health and long-term

aspirations? I am proud that since we took power in 2010 there has been

a fall in nearly 700,000 of the number of workless households. The

best way we have available for us to ease poverty is to get families

working on moving up the economic scale. That is a priority for us.

I was appalled by the announcement we are no longer vaccinating

Padgett. Can we have a debate about the performance of Defra? I don't

think the very continental grip. -- don't think it would be very

complimentary. He knows full well the impact that

bovine TB can have on the farming community, spread by badgers, and

that is why the difficult decisions we have taken have they did to be

taken. The -- have needed. Next year, seafarers UK, will be

getting ready to celebrate its centenary. Will the Cabinet Office

or Department for Transport be able to help this excellent charity

prepare for this and in we? -- for the centenary?

I will pass the request on. I would not normally pay tribute to work

done by a Labour government but I do think the effort put into rebuilding

the British flag motion fleet by the former Deputy primus stove was a

real benefit to the country -- Prime Minister.

Can we have a debate on the importance of small businesses to

our national economy and the future of the Northern Powerhouse?

I express thanks to all members, and I know he was one, and part and

small-business Saturday. I know his constituency well. I know what an

important role small-business plays in the era he represents. I graduate

on his efforts on behalf of the local business community I have no

doubt they'll is restricted due to him for so doing.

I have been contacted by a local foundry in my constituency

highlighting concerns at the severe increase in energy costs they face,

17%, year-on-year. Can a statement be made about the progress of

discussions with the European Commission in relation to further

compensation for heavy industries? The honourable gentleman makes an

important point. He knows it is a matter of ongoing concern to the

government. The Secretary of State that Energy and Climate Change

Committee her the Thursday after we return and I will make sure the

authors are aware of his concerns. They will be better prepared to

answer him. I previously raised the subject of a

campaign and the problems with pension equalisation measures. I am

glad to see a backbench committee has granted a debate on the petition

has not exceeded more than 70,000 signatures. In that debate can he

make sure the Secretary of State response, particularly given the

comment by his former Minister for pensions?

My honourable friend is making very effective use of social media in his

campaigning and I commend him for it. I will make sure his request is

passed on. The Manchester evening News recently

ran a piece highlighting premise is in greater Manchester with poor food

hygiene ratings. It featured the red line in Denton. Unfortunately for

the newspaper that is under new ownership. The editor has apologised

to the proprietor but they tell me that they got the information from

the government website. So can we have a debate in government time on

how up-to-date the information on government websites are? And

whether, when information is incorrect, it can be corrected

promptly? Most importantly, before any newspaper publishes a list of

people to name and shame it is good practice to telephone them first and

put that to them. In that situation they would have been corrected. I

would always want and expect the government websites to be as

up-to-date as possible tracking every change in management in an

organisation that has had a poor report would be an impossibility. It

is good journalistic practice to ask for a quote and discover that the

change has happened. The number of off-licences in my

constituency has led to a rise in anti-social behaviour and street

drinking. Can we have a debate on what it means to be a socially

responsible business in the 21st-century? And the cumulative

impact on businesses that do not take their social responsibility

seriously? There are extensive powers that are

not always use of local authorities to deal with problem premises. If

things are not working in the way that local planning laws work, we

have a team on the front bench who I'm sure would be very happy to look

at specific issues. On the subject of abysmal train

services can I add my name to the list of people who would like to

receive letters? What I would like to ask is, has there been a request

from the Home Office to debate the disclosure service? I am not sure if

he is aware that the service is 70,000 outstanding cases at present,

having a huge impact on people's ability to take up jobs.

This is an issue I have had constituency cases in the past. I

have not had any in recent times but it is always a matter of concern. We

do not want people not getting jobs because the appropriate

certification has not come through. I will make sure the Home Secretary

is aware of the concerns raised. Thank you, and happy Christmas, Mr

Speaker. Can we have a debate and the access to elected office fund

supporting disabled candidates in elections, given the government

decision to cut funding for them? We have regularly electoral

commission questions, we have just had those, so she had an opportunity

to raise these issues. We continue to to provide support where we can

for things that require support. But in recent years we have had to take

typical decisions. To make sure we have stable public finances.

Will the House make progress towards the publication of this report

report? It is sadly not a matter for

government otherwise it would have been published a long time ago. It

is entirely in the hands of Sir John Chilcott. We have absolutely no

benefit at all, no incentive at all as a government, to delay

publication, because we were not in power at the time of the events it

covers. We hope it will be brought forward as soon as possible in the

New Year. We all agree on the importance of

the NHS and staff will stop my constituent faces Christmas jobless

because as a radiographer Ealing Hospital she exposed the malpractice

of consultants taking extra financial inducement. Can we have a

debate on whistle-blowers in the NHS? It is not done since 2009

according to the Commons library. Can he grant is a debate, if not a

statement? What I can offer is the Health

Secretary on the first day back. She makes an important point. It is not

the government policy to see whistle-blowers penalised. I do not

know all the details of the case she raises but if you write to the

Secretary of State or to me I will make sure that is available to him

before he comes to the House on the first day back.

Merry Christmas Mr Speaker, to you and yours. I have received a letter

from a constituent, who confirms that a government minister is to

receive a visit from three spirit on New Year's Eve. Will the government

make a statement, having confirmed a new and munificent attitude to life,

to address the many iniquities of our current Social Security system?

Or are the hopes and aspirations of many milli on bug?

If anyone had a visit from three spirit of Christmas these days the

spirit of Christmas past which show a country in trouble, Internet, with

high. It would show Christmas present with falling unemployment,

and a high-tech exciting country with opportunities for all.

I warmly endorse the tributes that the Leader of the House gave to the

staff of this place. Can we have perhaps a debate on staffing here in

Parliament? It might give the government an opportunity to explain

why at the same time it is allowing the number and the cost of special

advisers to skyrocket and check, it is reducing by 20% the short money

support been given to opposition parties? -- and and we spend more

short money the special advisers. I have had contact from a

constituent who thinks the SNP are doing a great job providing a real

opposition to the Conservative government. He wants us to keep

asking tough questions and would like a statement on how we can

afford to fund ones for Syria, and nuclear weapons, well people in this

country are having to use the banks? -- bombs. I don't want to hear any

war for about how we have them in Germany.

We are affording military support to people who are trying to rescue

refugees. We are funding support to rescue a civilian population that

has been through a trauma unlike any experienced anywhere on this planet

in 50 years. Our job, our goal, the present of our forces in Syria and

Iraq is to restore peace to people who are wandering around a region

desperately looking for a home. We need them to be able to go back to

their own homes. The Secretary of State for

Communities and Local Government. I believe that our gloriously

diverse country will prosper more of the district, counties, towns, and

cities that make it up, have more power. If you accept that it follows

that you must believe councils to be capable of exercising that power.

Over the last five years councils have shown a