14/01/2016 Business Questions

today but is at an LGB T conference. This is an important issue. The

Prime Minister's commitment to invest in mental health services

this week will be important in this space. Will the leader of the out

campaign give us the business for next week, please? The business for

next week will be on Monday we will have the second reading of the

energy Bill. On Tuesday, an opposition day with a debate on the

cost of public transport followed by cost of public transport followed by

a debate on prisons and probation. Wednesday, the remaining stages of

the psychoactive substances debate. Thursday, business will be nominated

by the Backbench Business Committee. Friday, we will be debating private

members bills. Monday 25th, the remaining stages of the childcare

bill followed by business to be nominated by the Backbench Business

Committee. Tuesday 26th, a motion to approve the money resolution

relating to the charities, social investment and protection Bill,

followed by the remaining stages of that same bill. Wins the 27th, a

further opposition day. Thursday 28th, Backbench Business Committee.

Friday 29th, Private Members' Bill is. In Westminster Hall, there will

be a debate for small businesses and the self-employed. And another

debate on transitional pension arrangements for women born in the

1950s. Can I start by warmly congratulating the Scottish

Secretary for joining the ranks of being an out MP. Can I assure him

that being gay is not necessarily make you any better as a politician.

I didn't think that was very funny, but what mac it appears appropriate

that we should have a debate on space, following the debate of David

Alway, the ultimate star man. -- David Bowie.

The Prime Minister used the word menial. He demeans himself by using

that word. There are not menial jobs, only attitudes. Can we have a

debate on mysterious disappearances. It is like an Agatha Christie novel.

The mystery of the missing Health Secretary. Besought him here, they

sought him there, but even when the first strike was happening, he was

nowhere to be found. Not even in the television studio. Surely he should

be easier cleaning house he has lost the respect and trust of the whole

medical profession? Then there was the disappearance of the

government's consultation on the future of the BBC. The closing date

for the consultation was 99 days ago and it is sown over to be seen. The

charter runs out in less than a year. When will they published a

consultation on the new draft charter? On Tuesday, a whole

committee a was supposed to meet at committee a was supposed to meet at

2:30pm in committee room tend to consider the ports authority

regulation. Something I'm sure all honourable members think is

important. Members of the public turned up from far and wide to you

about the Minister had to say, but the government had pulled the

meeting. Why? This is an important matter that affects 47 UK ports.

Airport workers are very concerned about it. The European scrutiny

committee have said they remain deeply concerned the government

continues to refuse to have a floor debate on this issue. How can the

serious eurosceptic when he won't serious eurosceptic when he won't

even allow the House to debate EU measures? That is not the only

debate to disappear. The leader of the House promised a debate on

abolishing student grants. He made that on 10th December. I know he is

doing his huffy puffy, I'm going to get very angry about this later

face, but he should admit it. His precise words were these. On student

finance regulations, the honourable gentleman is aware that if you want

a debate on this in this House, all he has to do is pray against it. I

am not aware of any situation where that has not led to a debate in this

House. We took him at his word. EDM eight to nine is on the order paper.

-- 829. Instead, he has arranged the only debate there will be held will

be in committee not in this House, but in a committee at 1130 AM today.

Because it is in committee, even if every single member of the committee

were to vote against the motion, it would still pass into law. That is

not Chrissy, it is government by diktats. Let me be clear. This

should not be secondary legislation. should not be secondary legislation.

This major change and will deprive around 500,000 of England's

pluralist students of maintenance grants. The Deputy Leader is talking

nonsense. If she doesn't know the rules of this House, she should go

and get another job and come back. Forcing them with debts. As a man of

his word, will the leader of the House now ensure there is a proper

debate and vote in this House before 23 January? Which brings me to the

curious Case of the missing ministerial backbone. You see, I

thought ministers were men of integrity and principle. When they

was time the leader of the House for it. Last week, I suggested it

was time the leader of the House came out as an outer. There is a

vacancy. They want a leader. Surely the time has come. Cometh the hour,

started to take my advice. Years started to take my advice. Years

even written a piece in the Daily Telegraph about it. I was hoping for

a proper full throated eurosceptic intellectual argument from the

leader of the House. But it is the most missed peddling facing both

ways piece of pedestrian journalism which has ever come from his pen.

What is the phrase from the Bible? Because thou art lukewarm and

neither cold nor hot, while I spew the out of my mouth? I know he was

born on first April, but he cannot treat all of us as fools. I know he

is desperate to keep his place in the Cabinet but this is becoming a

farce. He's pretending he supports the Prime Minister's re-negotiation

strategy when he is really necessary to mount the barricades with the

banner of English and was. Apparently the Business Secretary is

going to pretend he is in favour of leaving the EU so as to bolster the

prospect of his favourite candidate for leader, the Chancellor. This

really is not a game. It is not really is not a game. It is

about the leadership prospects of one or other Tory minister, it is

about our constituents's jobs. Our standing as a nation. The most

important this country will make in this generation. He says it will be

disastrous for us to stay in. I Brown be disastrous for us to leave.

leaving our economy on the sidelines destiny at the

leaving our economy on the sidelines of the largest market in the world

and would undermine the battle against environmental degeneration

and international terrorism. You leave, I am staying. Me I thank the

innovative and talented rock star I so favourably David Bowie, the most

innovative and talented rock star I ever had the privilege of seeing or

hearing. Can I endorse the words about the Scottish Secretary. I'm

proud of my colleague and the statement he made yesterday. Can I

send the good wishes of this House to the people of Indonesia. And can

I wish the Speaker happy birthday for next week. Can I thank you and

the clerks for the work you all dead, that they all did, in ensuring

the first English and Welsh grand committee passed smoothly on

Tuesday. In our manifesto, we committed to introducing English

votes for English laws and we have votes for English laws and we have

now delivered at. We thought there was at his irony that the longest

contribution we heard yesterday came from the honourable member for Perth

who claimed he was being excluded from the debate and that seemed a

tad hollow. With a closing date of 26 January, there will be

consultation with members is of staff in both houses. Can I

interest in the project to take part interest in the project to take part

in the consultation? Now, the shadow leader. Today we have heard another

seven minute rhetorical flourish from the honourable member with his

usual wit and repartee. But... Bat, Mr Speaker, what on earth does he

think he is doing? He represents Her Majesty's loyal opposition. Last

week, on the day that Kim Jong-un announced he had developed a

hydrogen Bob, he was joined at the Shadow Cabinet table by the Shadow

Cabinet secretary who believes we should unilaterally disarm our

nuclear defences. He set alongside a Shadow Chancellor who attended an

event that claimed Jihadi John was a kind and beautiful young man. He

works for a man who sacked the Member for Wolverhampton South East

are having the effrontery to criticise terrorists.

We have seen several more junior members of his front bench have the

courage to stand up to his situation which most people in this house

regard as distasteful and wrong, they gave up their places on this

frontbench. While he and more senior members on gone to their jobs. It is

all very well him coming here on a Thursday morning and cracking jokes.

I have a simple question for him. Given the disgraceful turn of events

in the Labour Party, what on Earth is he still doing here?

Can I call on the Leader of the House to hold an urgent debate in

government time on the recommendations being made today by

the women and equality is committee, the first report of our committee

into trans writes and the problems they face today. This Government

needs to face swift action and a debate in the House would

demonstrate the commitment of the entire house to resolving these

problems. Can I congratulate my honourable

friend on what she's doing? I am powered to be part of

that is leading the way in addressing equality is issues and I

think she reflects the best of this house in also addressing those

issues. The government will be considering very carefully the

report she has brought forward this morning. I commend her and the

committee for this work and I have no doubt she will look to get the

backbench business committee to debate the report she has brought

forward this morning. Make also thank the leader of the

Eurosceptics -- make I also thank? It is like a boss, at you wait

decades for a mass more -- nasty decades for a mass more -- nasty

water, long and two, long that once! My honourable friend on Bastin, we

do of the House today for his Euroscepticism. This is serious in

Scotland. It is likely our nation may be pulled out of Europe against

us and we need a statement from the Leader of the House to say he will

respect the views of Scotland on this issue. It is popcorn time here

as we watch both UK parties knocking lumps out of each other and out of

themselves. Mr Speaker, this week, I have to say I felt like an

meeting of the image Parliament got meeting of the image Parliament got

right down to it. It was quite a remarkable event. The first time a

cause I image Parliament has met since the 18th-century. And we have

to make sure it is done properly. What did we do? We put signs on the

lobbies, England and Wales. We looked for no Scottish, but they

were not there thankfully. Suspending the House's business well

you had to see out the clocks to see is something needed to be

recertified. This is no way for one of the great Parliament of the world

to conduct its business. And it is a sad day for any motion and idea of a

unitary Parliament, the United Kingdom being the place where all

members are equal and I am sure the Scottish people were observing these

events with their Members of Parliament when they became

second-class and diminished in this nation and there is real anger in

Scotland. There was a Britain ministerial statement from the

Secretary of State who I want to congratulate for the way he has

identified his sexuality this week. There was a statement with a scheme

for Scotland. Forget about the fact the post and you work scheme is

wanted by all the higher education institutions in Scotland and the

business institutions and employer organisations and even the Scottish

Conservatives. The committee which I chair is currently undertaking a

report into post and work scheme is. That is practically made irrelevant

because of the statement. What do we have to do now, Mr Speaker? Should

we get a statement from the relevant department before we undertake such

enquiries? I think that was a gross discourtesy and disrespect to the

Select Committee in this house when it comes to these things today. This

has been a week when the real opposition established itself in

this house. It was ours that led as the Leader of the House and we had

the debate on trading economy, we will be leading

debates today, one on space and you are right, I was devastated about

the news of the death of David Bowie this week and I have seen him

several times and we have lost a musical icon in this country. One of

the things that thrilled me and I am sure thrilled my honourable friend

behind me was the endorsement from Star Trek about our space debate

today which shows while these two rip themselves apart, it is the

Scottish National Party which is Scottish National Party which is

boldly going where no party has ever gone before! Of course, Mr Speaker,

his party was previously led by one of this house's for most bigger Star

Trek fans. As I always say in these events, I have the greatest regard

for the honourable member but he does talk an awful lot of nonsense

on this. The first thing I would say is the honourable member and I have

been friends for more than 25 years and we will carry on being friends.

side of the House is that when we do side of the House is that when we do

it on the site, we have it with good grace and on that side, they hate

each other. And they really do hate each other, Mr Speaker. And I have

to say I am still baffled. He talks about the real opposition but it

still baffles me how those who purport to claim bail sensible

figures in the shambles of the Labour Party can still sit on the

front bench and represent a leadership I regard as being utterly

beyond the and which will keep completely away from ever having a

chance of running this country. Mr Speaker, again, I talk about the

propensity of the honourable member opposite to exaggerate just a little

bit. His comments about the debate on Tuesday did not really brings

very true. This idea that he is excluded from the debate in which

she spoke for the best part of half an hour to the great enjoyment of

members on the side of the House who enjoyed his rhetorically flourished

enormously. But the idea he was in some weight excluded I am afraid

it's just stretching the point in little bit and I would just remind

him that every poll done in Scotland says the Scottish people support a

England and that is what we are England and that is

doing. And I thank him for his kind words about the Scottish Secretary

and extend the banks of myself and my colleagues to the Scottish First

Minister and other leading figures in his party who also made Gracias

statements about the Scottish Secretary yesterday, we all very

much appreciated that. -- Gracias. On the post and he work scheme, we

have to have a managed immigration system. You can do a graduate level

job here but it is right and proper we have appropriate safeguards in

place, that is what the electorate expects and we will deliver and have

delivered and it is what the electorate across the UK of

happily we remain still part want us to do.

I am glad the European Scrutiny Committee with all-party support has

forced the government to cancel this European Standing Committee on ports

regulation which would in fact and may continue to damage 350,000 jobs

in the UK. This is a vital national interest. Does he recognise that

this must be debated on the floor of the House and voted upon and

furthermore, does he accept this is a perfect example where the

government is effectively through the European Community arrangements,

European Union arrangements, in a position where it can only accept

either a majority vote or a seedy compromise, and this is a perfect

example of why so many people in this country want to leave the

European Union! I hope my honourable friend will take comfort from having

raised the issue last week that indeed raising an issue like this at

business questions can be deeply effective and has led to the changes

he suggests. We have been talking about how to address an issue for

some many members and we will refer to him shortly and I thank him for

the wiki has done in raising this and other issues.

This week, my constituents have been suffering due to cancelled trains

because of a landslide on our local rail line. Can we have a statement

from the Transport Minister because there is complete chaos on all

lines? There is a knock-on effect and there seems to be no information

on south-eastern, no information about when the service is likely to

getting to and from work and getting to and from work and

businesses are suffering, we really need somebody to get a grip on the

situation. I understand the problems events like these cause for his

constituents and elsewhere. Other parts of the network have suffered

in recent weeks because of extreme weather. I will make sure concerns

are drawn to the attention of the transport Secretary This Morning who

will be here in ten days' time, but it is more urgent than that and his

concerns will be passed on immediately.

I have to state my interest although declaration is not necessarily

required. I wonder if my honourable friend would persuade the gunman to

have a debate on the UK relationship with the Commonwealth, particularly

the old, wealth? -- the honourable gentleman. I have just returned from

New Zealand and it is definitely there and I am conscious that in our

drive to reduce immigration, we are drive to reduce immigration, we

losing out on highly educated English speaking people, generally

graduates, who have much to offer in health, education, agriculture,

banking, research, Armed Forces and dare I say it rugby! That are issues

with these nations, they have and they are still today standing with

us in major and less major wars and we need to recognise this. I

understand my honourable friend has family roots in New Zealand so he

has an understanding of the issue. We try to maintain a sensible

balance in the immigration system. It is necessary to have controls and

it is right and proper to have controls, but we do also have roots

for experienced people to come here and work and many from Australia and

New Zealand and the Commonwealth have done over many years. I am sure

the Home Office ministers will have heard the comments he made and will

do their best to take as pragmatic and approach as they can but he will

understand the half to be limitations, electorate expects it.

-- there have to be. Given the abolition of student grants will hit

half a million university students from the poorest backgrounds, can

this is not being debated on the this is not being debated on

floor of the House? The people in my constituency certainly did not vote

for the people on the opposite benches and their democracy is being

assaulted. Mr Speaker, this is following the

normal route and it will not pass without a vote of the entire house

and will be debated again in this house which is more than just this

room. And the Labour Party as I have just announced as a number of

opposition days coming up and if this is significant enough, I would

suggest she encourages her colleagues to bring this to the

floor of the House if they do to do that if they choose to do so.

Part of the agreement says all illegally held persons should be

released or exchanged between Russia and the Ukraine, will he call for an

early debate regarding the release of a member of the Ukrainian

Parliament and Council of Europe? My honourable friend makes an important

point. I hope consideration will be given by those involved in this

detention to that situation. And I am sure my Foreign Office colleagues

are both aware of and pursuing the issue. Clearly, we want to see a

peaceful situation between Russia and Ukraine and we want to see areas

of dispute like this resolved quickly.

Last October, the government hosted the Seal Summit at which industry

laid out the urgent actions it needed from government to protect

the UK steel industry in extremely challenging times, can we have an

update about higher -- have asked the government is acting? There has

been some movement on energy costs but many areas need government

action and the situation is critical. This is still an ongoing

concern for members, not just those with steel concerns in their

constituencies. I will certainly ask for an update from my colleagues in

the business Department, I will ask if they will write to her and to

give her an update. There was due to be a debate on steel this afternoon

in Westminster Hall but I believe the member who has announced it has

withdrawn it, which is a shame, but no doubt there will be other

opportunities to debate this shortly. In the light of my right

honourable friend's important article in today's Daily Telegraph,

and early debate on the issue of and early debate on the issue of

ever closer union and how it is possible to ensure legally at the

European Court of Justice and the EU majority voting rules cannot prevent

the sovereign Parliament being able to exercise its sovereignty in the

future? He makes an important point. When

the Prime Minister returns from the council in February, it is an total

way -- undoubtedly something he will put forward for the country to judge

whether that is sufficient for them to vote to stay or leave. There are

reports that a mini beast has spoken on a possible British exit. Can he

update the House about people living in his constituency who are citizens

of the EU. The only many things I have notice are the Liberal

Democrats. Can we have a more widespread debate in this House on

the merits of leaving remaining in the European Union? In that debate I

think we will see the only arguments think we will see the only arguments

the people who want to stay have ask airmen in. Those who are most

enthusiastic idols who were enthusiastic about as joining the

euro in the past. That is certainly true. What I would say to my

honourable friend is he mixes point with his customary articulate and

debate that lies ahead. There will debate that lies ahead. There will

undoubtedly be extensive discussions undoubtedly be extensive discussions

in this House and around the country. We as politicians and the

public as a whole needs to decide whether future of this country lies.

When can we debate the gravy train of 25 foreign ministers in the last

government who are enjoying lucrative jobs in areas they once

regulated and the five former chairs of select committees who are

involved in jobs over firms which the ones adjudicated? Isn't this a

gravy train that is leading to bring this House into disrepute? Because

of the feeling that people are talking their insider knowledge to

the highest bidder. Last week, the honourable gentleman said he was

happy with the situation that all was fine. Previous holders of his

office have led in reforms of this House. When will he is leader of the

House start to Leeds? In response to the issues raised in the Daily

Mirror article, there is one simple to Word and serve which is Tony

Blair. As I said to him last week, there are plenty of opportunities

for him to raise his concerns with the relevant committees of this

House. I suggested last week he did so. I'm sure he will make his point

and seek the changes to the rules he is after. A building in my

constituency is 45 years old as it is collapsing and it will be

demolished. The Scout group are having fundraising problems. Would

he facilitate a debate where we can explore how big society

organisations like that that serve the wider community can access

facilities? Can I pay tribute to the facilities? Can I pay tribute to the

volunteers in her constituency who are clearly doing a fantastic job

working with young people, providing opportunities for young people?

Everyone of us as constituency MPs have a story our Ronan constituency

whether it is the Scout or others who are doing fantastic work helping

our young people. One of the things I hope the back end business

committee will do with the time it has available is to look to one or

I think would be in tune with the celebrate our voluntary sector

I think would be in tune with the wishes of the size and provide an

opportunity to do precisely what my honourable friend has just asked

for. With more job losses announced in Aberdeen this week, the UK

Government needs to take action to ensure a drive for increased Robert

Dinwiddie in the North Sea does not come at the expense of health and

safety on the rakes. When can we safety on the rakes.

hear a ministerial statement on this matter? She makes an important

point. The North Sea oil industry remains an important one to United

Kingdom. It is under great pressure because of the fault the oil price.

We should not wish to see safety standards compromised as a result.

We will debate the energy bill next week which contains measures we

believe will help bring costs down for the energy committee, but all of

us should work together to ensure we do all we can to help the industry

through what is clearly a difficult time. I pay tribute to Sir Albert

McQuarrie who died yesterday. Will he find time for a debate on

timetable changes for real services in my constituency. There will be a

non-violent demonstration tonight at Fenchurch -- Fenchurch Street

station at 5:30pm. Connecting graduate him for his continuing work

on behalf of his constituents? There is work to be done by our train

companies in ensuring the deliver the best possible service. The

Secretary of State will be here in ten days to take questions. I'm sure

he will take advantage of the opportunity to raise that issue

again. I will make sure my right again. I will make sure my right

is aware of the concerns he has raised today. As a greater

Manchester constituency MP, I am concerned that Fire And Rescue

Services are being treated disproportionately again compared to

other services across the country. 16 fire engines will be out of

action from the streets. This year -- Lea Valley engines and he was

that have responded to the flooding emergency is.

It is our hope and belief that as we move to try to unify many aspects of

the workings of our emergency services, including the sharing of

political leadership, it will provide an opportunity to deliver

savings, but at the same time ensure we deliver front line services. I

know my right honourable friend is in the Home Office will work to try

and ensure that happens. There is no option but to take tough decisions

challenges. Could we have a debate challenges. Could we have a debate

on the activities of Network Rail in landscape sensitive areas such as

the area of outstanding natural beauty. Nobody wants to hold up

electrification, but a level of... I am aware of his concerns. I have

walked through the Goring Gap recently seen the work taking place

news for people in his constituency the great Western rail line

news for people in his constituency and in South Wales. And will be a

benefit to the shadow leader's constituency as well. It is long

overdue. When they were in power, only ten miles of railway was

electrified. Network Rail needs to use care and be thoughtful to make

sure this essential work does not amidst the landscape. In the wake of

recent floods, there have been calls for flooding to become a statutory

responsibility of Fire authorities. The answer from the government seems

to be that the fire Brigade will attend emergencies. Fire Brigade

attended fires for many years before it was thought to be a good idea for

there to be a statutory responsibility. Will there be a

statement to determine whether they are examining this issue? At some

point in the future, flooding to be a statutory responsibility of the

Fire Service. On this issue we disagree. The idea you need to pass

a law to tell the emergency services a law to tell the emergency services

to respond to emergencies I think would be insulting to a group of

professionals who work hard on our behalf. A record 10.2 million

passengers passed through Birmingham International Airport in 2015. With

all the attention on Heathrow, could he find time to discuss how we can

further support regional airports. Worming airport is essential part of

the Midlands economy. It is the Midlands economy. It is

encouraging to see links improving. It has been helped by the work done

by local members of Parliament. This is an issue I know my colleagues in

the Department for Transport regard as being immensely important. We

will continue to work alongside him in an attempt to continue the

successful development of that airport. What message does the

leader of the House believe he is sending to young people watching our

proceedings today when a government elected by the majority of just 12

on a minority share of the vote can abolish grants in such a manner?

This is a matter that will be voted on by this House. If it is the

choice of a house to vote against it, that is what will happen. It

will sit on the floor of this House. If members want to vote on it, they

business committee is indisposed. We business committee is indisposed. We

send our best wishes for a speedy recovery. On behalf of the

committee, can I invite members to apply for the opportunities the

leader of the House has set out backbench committee debates. We

don't have a huge amount of debates requested. Could I ask members to

complete the forms thoroughly, follow the guidelines that are put

so the whole process is sped up. One of the main issues that is of

concern at the moment is the transport unions are threatening

three further strikes on London Underground. This will bring misery

to commuters across London. Can we have an urgent statement on what is

to be done about this to prevent this action inconveniencing

commuters and disrupting the whole of the business of London? Well, I

pay tribute our noble friend for the work he and his colleagues ordering

yet backbench committee. Were making a lot of time available for that

committee. There will be issues of the real sector. These are sections

of time set aside and I hope members raising issues today will look to

the Backbench Business Committee. I refer to a written question I placed

which asked the government what discussions it had with financial

institutions prior to the new rules for entrepreneurial visas. The

subsequent response simply said the subsequent response simply said the

government has met with financial responsibilities many times which is

inadequate. Can I get a more substantial response please? If this

was raised as a point of order, you would offer the advice to beat

persistent. And keep asking individual questions. Ministers

involved in migration matters have regular meetings with representative

groups and we will discuss this issue on a regular basis. These

matters are discussed regularly. A recent report found that consumer

strongest year since 2008. Can we strongest year since 2008. Can we

have a debate on the steps need to be taken to ensure this positive

trend continues? It is a sign of continued economic

progress and it is encouraging we have seen that in the Midlands and

the Northwest the economy has been growing faster than in South. There

is a lot of work still to do. We have a lot of ground to cover but

we're making good progress, this country is moving in the right

direction. And backwardness was us rather than the party opposite which

set up economic policies that would be disastrous for this country.

Despite the response by the Secretary of State for the

environment to my question on November the 5th stating that she

would be happy to discuss the future of the national wildlife crime unit

and despite a number of e-mails chasing response, the matter remains

unresolved. Given members across the House showed support for the unit at

an event last week, can to a range for an adventure -- a debate on this

issue in the near future? I know this is a matter of concern and I

understand the issues. Some of the wealth is crimes we see in this

country, not just in the UK but the smuggling of rare species and Bush

meat and products from Endangered Species Act, things we would wish to

see stamped out. I will follow it up if he

ensure he gets a response quickly after today's debate.

EU membership is especially unpopular in my constituency because

of the damaging impact of the common fisheries policy. Could the lead of

the House arrange for a statement to assure my constituents reform is

actually taking place during the renegotiation? I understand the

concern he industry is very important to his

constituency and the constituency of the shadow Deputy Leader. It is a

long-standing and important part of the economy. There have been many

calls over the years for more responsibility over the fishing

sector to be taken at a local level. Subsidiary take something the

premise has set at the heart of his renegotiation and whatever the

outcome of the negotiations and a referendum, the idea of decisions

being taken above that I think we would all agree should not be the

case. Yesterday, myself and my colleagues from the Select Committee

met with the Vice President of the EU Commission and I asked him about

the European Union's position on the Chinese market. He said that debate

has to happen and the decision will be taken. Energy intensive

industries such as steel manufacturing alike upon this

decision. Why is still the case and can we have statement why? The

government, irrespective of being a member of the U or not, why are they

backing the Chinese market without other clarification or qualification

to that statement? It is worth being cleared China is the largest economy

in the world. It is a country with which we have historic links. It is

right and proper we should engage with China economic life. But what I

would say this train has also, as we saw at the summit in Paris,

recognised the importance of environmental issues and I think the

outcome of that summit, figures including my right

honourable friend the Secretary of State for climate change, that has

started this world on a path in the right direction. Mid County College

in my constituency is doing a phenomenal amount of work to

encourage apprenticeships at informs me the greatest challenge is to

ensure young people and their parents see apprenticeships as a

good and vital alternative to university. Can we have an urgent

statement about what the government is doing to assist his colleges to

equally valuable career option? I equally valuable

great success stories of this Government. Since 2010, we have seen

2.5 million young people take apprenticeships in this country, a

step in the right direction. My experience is I seemed young people

in my constituency recognise the potential of them at their is a lot

of work to do. We have a duty as constituency members to promote

apprenticeships, some colleges have held apprenticeship affairs. The

point he makes today, we should continue to deal with an debate on

the floor of this House. Can I thank the Leader of the House for his

excellent timing in the Easter recess, he could not have timed it

better. Can I also draw his attention to another constituency

matter, in my name and many others about the goodness of Stornoway

black puddings declared a superfood. Due to it being rich in calcium, in

IM, magnesium, potassium, protein rich and the glycaemic index -- in

iron. Will he keep himself in good health and Google that so he can

time his recess perfectly? honourable gentleman has raised the

issue, I can tell the story the most unusual e-mail I have had in this

job was from the honourable gentleman who said, could you tell

me when the Easter recess is going to be because I need to work out

when to put the RAM out with the ewes. We clearly have a taste

contest between himself and the honourable member for Bury North as

to who can deliver the tastiest black pudding. Perhaps you should be

the judge next week and they should ring in Istanbul and you should be

the arbiter. It will be diplomatic. The honourable gentleman and unusual

have always been very much more than nodding acquaintances!

Can we have a statement on the use of smart technology for reporting

potholes? Tomorrow is national pothole day and it is a great day

for people to develop and app which has seen the number of potholes my

constituency reported and sorted double. It is a really good bit of

technology and I think the representative for the Department

should embrace this. I think I see the emergence of an all-party black

pudding group here! I would say this is, especially at this time of year

and with the rain we have had, an issue for constituencies across the

country and he makes an important point and I am sure members who have

an excess of potholes will take note of what he has said and offer

guidance to constituents affected and we hope they will be repaired as

quickly as possible. At the last general election, the Conservative

party promised to protect Social Security for disabled people. And in

addition, edition to the cuts proposed for the welfare reform and

work bill, before Christmas, they announced a consultation on the

process activate introduced it which will in effect reduce eligibility to

disabled people. So will the government explain why they have

Renate on a promise and when we can have a debate in government time on

this very important issue? -- they have gone back on their promise. The

system with PIP was its predecessor was being used not for the purpose

it was intended. DLA and PIP are both designed to provide extra

financial resource for people with disabilities to cover the extra

costs they incur in their daily lives. It has become a big call as a

sickness benefit and was being used by people who self referred with

temporary illnesses rather than a disability. The system was designed

to make sure we pay benefits to those people who need it for

disabilities are not those who do not have genuine disabilities rather

than health problems. That is what the system was introduced for and it

is perfectly reasonable to review that system after two years so it is

delivering that objective. Yesterday saw the launch of one

doors worldwide watch report on persecution of Christians for 2016,

which regrettably is growing and has got to a stage where Christians are

now the most persecuted group. Will the Secretary of State welcome the

work OneWorld and open doors to and secondly asked for an update on his

implement their proposal that the right honourable friend the

implement their proposal that the UK's position as a major aid donor

gives as leverage in ensuring respect for faith in a recipient

country? I am very happy to do both of those things. I think we should

say very clearly is a Parliament and as a nation that the persecution of

Christians around the world is to be aboard. This is a world that should

respect freedom of individuals to follow the religion, nobody should

be persecuted in their religion and it is right around the world that

persecuted for their religion. It persecuted

should be for this country as a beacon of Liberal democracy to stand

up for them and we will do and we should do. The Leader of the House

may be aware yesterday, the House ruled -- allowed my bill on the

national anthem to pass to second reading. There is a huge amount of

Bill came it was batted away without shame if when the ten minute

Bill came it was batted away without a debate. What steps can he take to

enable the voice of England to be heard and we can make a decision

about whether or not we have a different national anthem?

Yesterday's debate was certainly interesting and I am not sure he had

and high unity from the frontbench. Jerusalem is a magnificent part of

our musical heritage. And although it was broadcast last night and

yesterday morning around Westminster, having heard it for the

20th time, you just began to think on selective occasions but I commend

him for the wiki is doing and it him for the wiki is doing and it

will be discussed further. He could bring this to the backbench is this

committee and have it debated on the floor if you chose to do so. I am

sure House will support the proposal to direct a reconstruction of the

Temple of Els arch from Palmyra in Trafalgar Square in April and May

this year and maybe longer. That proposal coincides with the Queen's

Speech with my right honourable friend will be involved in. To

increase the symbolism of our environs against Daesh, with the

Leader of the House include the ratification and bring into law the

Hague Convention on which this area has

concluded swiftly in this House and the other ways and will be an

important symbol for this country? Can I say first my honourable friend

makes an important point. We have looked at dismay at the gratuitous

destruction of part of our collective heritage in the Middle

East at the hands of a group of people nothing short of barbarians.

He will forgive me that it will not be appropriate to give advanced

billing of the Queen's Speech. I will simply say I know this is a

honourable friend the Secretary of honourable friend the Secretary of

State for culture and the government and I welcome what will be happening

into vulgar square, we need to work together across the world to protect

the architectural treasures and archaeological treasures that will

be a part of our heritage and those of future generations. My

constituent Mark Middle Hirst is in a critical condition in hospital in

Perth Western Australia after suffering a severe brain injury as a

need to raise over ?50,000 to make have travel

need to raise over ?50,000 to make the journey back to the UK,

accompanied by a medical team. And the Leader of the House asked the UK

Ambassador to Australia to make urgent representations on this and

ask the Foreign Secretary to publish a statement next week with the

response? Can I first extend my best wishes to him and his family and to

him personally for the wiki is doing? It is always distressing as

constituency members when we come across a tragic case like this. I

will this morning after this session may contact with the Foreign Office

to follow up the point he has raised. It's very unfortunate when

people travel without insurance and we will always advise constituents

not to do so but I am sure the diplomatic service will do

everything it can to help the family. Following the point made by

the honourable member for Newark, can I ask the Speaker if he will

meet up with the members of the all-party Parliamentary group on

cultural heritage to discuss the issue of the Hague Convention and

how we can ensure it does become part of UK law in the next Queen's

Speech? Happy to discuss the issue with my honourable friend and

State is here for questions next week so you can raise the issue with

him. It is a matter the government is well aware of. There are growing

concerns across the UK and Northern Ireland to do with Sharia law and

councils. The Leader of the House, there can never be two legal systems

in the UK, the law is created and processed as this only law of the

land. All the Leader of the House agreed this is a legal matter? Let's

be absolutely clear, we have one more of the land that applies to

every single citizen of this country, every

country, regardless of race, colour or creed. That is beyond question.

It can never different in my view. Where we have systems that offer

arbitration services within for example religious groups, those

alternately are not legally binding, they are automatically the only

place in our country delivering legally binding solutions, the

courts and people always have recourse to the courts in

challenging matters in their lives. I know this is a concern for the

Home Secretary, she will be here next week and I would encourage him

to raise those concerned with her as indeed I will.

Figures published today show there has been a 30% increase in acid

attacks over the last two years. Little attacks leaving victims with

a life sentence. Can we have a debate in this House on how to

tackle acid attacks? I had a brief discussion about this matter with

Home Office minister of biological. I know it is a matter of great

concern to Home Office ministers. They have been looking at issues

around acid attacks and have been discussing it in recent days. I will

make sure his concerns are raised make sure his concerns are raised

after the session. It is a matter of great concern. The lasting effect of

such an attacked on an individual can be life changing. Last Monday

saw the deadline passed for responses to the Greater Manchester

spatial framework consultation which sets out housing land supply for the

next 20 years. The fact that very few councillors in Greater

but the fact the public did not know taking place would be

but the fact the public did not know at all this consultation was taking

place is atrocious. Can we have a debate on the accountability of

combined authorities, particularly to the electorate, but also to the

councillors of the constituent councils? I listen carefully to what

he says. I will pass his concerns to the humanities and local government

and undoubtedly they will be concerned to ensure the new systems

are working effectively. There is a duty on councillors to convey to

their constituents what is happening. They need to try to make

sure the message get out. I was pleased that the Minister for

equalities welcomed the trans-report. May I divert my

expertise to the clerks for working out whether this has happened

before. As I understand it, there before. As I understand it, there

has not been a debate on the main floor of this House regarding the

trans-community. I think that would be a very sensible thing to do. The

deputy chair of the Backbench Business Committee is sitting there.

place, formal -- request from the place, formal -- request from the

committee needs to be played. That is an ideal opportunity for this

report to be debated. I suspect the issue has not been debated before in

this House. But it is a genuine one and needs to be discussed. The

leader of the House will be very well we are the feet of six British

sailors in Shanghai, including one sailors in Shanghai, including one

of my constituents. They were detained for two years and have now

been sentenced to five years in prison. It has caused great upset to

the men and their families. Could I ask the Foreign Office to make an

urgent statement to the House as soon as possible about what they

plan to do to help these men. I know the honourable gentleman has been a

vigorous campaigner on behalf of these gentlemen and their families.

After the session has finished, it will pass that message to the

Foreign Office and ask them to respond to him. Once a court has

ruled, it is a much more challenging situation to address because we have

to respect the Justice systems of other countries. If they choose to

appeal, I would expect usual consular access to be made

available. It has been reported that the President of America will be

visiting this country in May, no doubt as the start of his farewell

tour. It is is will be invited by the Prime

Minister to comment on the merits of Britain staying in the European

Union as part of an increasingly desperate attempt to shore up the

increasingly threadbare proposals for us to stay in the European

Union. With the leader of the House right to be knighted States

ambassador not only to welcome President Obama to this country but

to make it clear to the ambassador the president should not be

commenting on very important domestic issues important to the

people of this country? I think I can reassure my honourable friend

that I suspect such a letter is not that I suspect such a letter is not

needed because I have no doubt the American ambassador follows closely

the proceedings at in this chamber and those comments will be reported

to him. I'm sure that message will filter back to the Americans. Can we

have a debate on the rather bizarre decision reached by the fisheries

minister at the open opportunities meeting, whereby guild net fishing

the endangered bass species, whereas the endangered bass species, whereas

domestic anglers are told they are to have a zero bag take. It seems to

me and many domestic anglers and absolutely unfair decision that

stops their recreational fishing whilst increasing a huge take on an

Endangered Species Act by fishermen including in the fisheries industry

ministers construe it stay that constituency. She is not the first

one to raise this concern. I can understand why honourable members

think it is somewhat strange. I will ask my honourable friends to write

to her after this meeting to talk to her about the reason for that

government has a new years decision and what will happen next.

government has a new years resolution to further deregulate

Sunday trading in the forthcoming enterprise Bill? Why doesn't the

government which the results its Sunday trading consultation which

might have got lost in the Christmas decorations back? This is a New Year

is resolution which makes no business sense, no family sends and

should be broken as soon as possible. IPAQ this is an issue my

honourable friend feel strongly about. If any proposals are to be

brought forward, the House will be properly informed and all

appropriate information will be provided to the House. After the

legislative grant committee on Tuesday, there were some forlorn

looking clerks in the division lobbies packing away iPads which

were not used. Why not put them to use and record all divisions and the

House as the first step towards a 21st-century system of electronic

voting? I think that is the intention. House of Lords is already

using them. It seems logical we should do the same. The system is

now in place and it is my hope and expectation we move to general

recording in the near future. Businesses across York have been

devastated by flooding. Can we have a debate on funding available. Can

he make it clear that the best way to support such places is to visit

and take advantage of the fantastic amenities. York is a large place.

The floods were damaging part of York. We should be encouraging

people into the city to visit, to people into the

shop, eat and rent and make sure the economy flourishes. That is true of

other places affected by flooding as well. Next week, the High Court will

hear a judicial review regarding a civil partnership. This is a matter

for Parliament. Will he find government time to legislate to

allow different sex couples to enter civil partnerships? He makes a point

that he has made before. If this is that he has made before. If

a matter before the courts, it is not appropriate to start discussing

it today. The government does not currently have proposals to make a

change, but it is always something we will keep under review. The

energy secretary has noted her frustration that the foul in

wholesale prices has been passed on to consumers. Frankly, my

constituents want to know what action will be taken. Can we have a

statement on what she will do to help hard-pressed businesses and

households from paying through the nose? Shop around. The have been

reductions in price. We have taken significant steps to try to

encourage a broader range of providers in the market. It has

risen from six to 30. We should try everything we can to help encourage

people to switch easily. Can we have a report from the museum Association

that reveals nearly one in five regional museums have closed part of

their facilities to the public. The North of England has been

disproportionately affected. We can't dictate what local authorities

do with their money, but in Mr -- in the Spending Review we protected the

money going to cultural institutions because we recognise the importance.

It is for a local councils to set It is for a local councils to set

their own local priorities. The leader of the House will be aware

that the Welsh grand committee meets from time to time. I believe he

appeared once in Wrexham. Members may make representations and speak

in either English or Welsh. However, when the Welsh grand committee meets

in this place in a committee room, members are only permitted to use

English. There are two official languages in Wales. We have Welsh

grand committee coming up on three February. Will he commit that all

Welsh? She makes a serious point. We Welsh? She makes a serious point. We

will look at that. Clearly it is important in Wales that happens. I

was not aware that was not possible in this building. I will look at

that for. Every piece of evidence shows that scrapping student grants

will deter students from Hoover backgrounds. Isn't this about

democracy? We have a proposal not contained within the Conservative

manifesto affecting over half a million people and it will be

shoddy way to do the government number of people. Isn't that

shoddy way to do the government should show the courage of their

convictions and allow a full debate and a full vote on the floor of this

House. If the Labour Party feels as strongly today about this, there is

an opposition Day on Tuesday it could use to debate this issue.

Statutes of this kind cannot pass into law against the wishes of the

voted upon on the floor of the size. voted upon on the

Every night, we address motions at the end of the day. If they

disagree, they will vote against them. I will remind him. The number

of young people from deprived backgrounds going to university has

increased, not decreased. Can we have government time to debate

cervical smearing for women under 25? Too many have died after being

refused a smear test? They are being erroneously diagnosed as having a

human infection. It is time to offer young women tests and promote more

to encourage take-up of smear tests amongst women of all

Will I make the Health Secretary aware of her point. Today we have a

debate on space technology, in sharp contrast, the leader of the House

hardly supports 20 for six -- 21st-century technology. Because

normal e-mails are not secure. I am secure that it implies that MP's

e-mails are not sink your. Kimi ever e-mails are not sink your.

proper ministerial statement and debate on the security of the IT

system? Mr Speaker, the honourable gentleman makes an important point.

On these e-mails, it is a matter being discussed as a matter of

ongoing concern. The new head of security has discussed the

importance of the integrity and security of e-mail systems. I give

assurance to the House that this is indeed the case. Point of order, Mr

Chris Bryant. The leader of the House has twice that that the

student Finance measure that was being considered at 11:30 a.m.,

there will automatically be a vote of the whole House, on the remaining

orders of the day. But is not the case. I would say this gently to the

leader of the House commie does not understand the rules