0:00:00 > 0:00:01their heads in shame. But we are now fixing the problems they created.
0:00:01 > 0:00:05Business question, Valerie Vaz. Could the Leader of the House please
0:00:05 > 0:00:13give us the forthcoming business? Thank you. The business for next
0:00:13 > 0:00:18week will include Monday 26 February, estimates Day, first
0:00:18 > 0:00:23allotted day. Debate on Ministry of Defence estimates, followed by a
0:00:23 > 0:00:26debate on the estimates of the Department for exiting the European
0:00:26 > 0:00:36Union. Tuesday 27 February, debate on the Housing and local government
0:00:36 > 0:00:43estimates regarding homelessness. Followed by the Department for
0:00:43 > 0:00:47Transport's estimates. At 7pm, the House will be asked to agree all
0:00:47 > 0:00:55outstanding estimates. Wednesday 28 Ledbury, a debate on a motion by the
0:00:55 > 0:01:02independent complete and grievance policy, followed by the chairman of
0:01:02 > 0:01:09ways and Means naming opposed Private business for consideration.
0:01:09 > 0:01:16Thursday, backbench debate, subject to be confirmed. Followed by a
0:01:16 > 0:01:19general debate on St David's Day. The House will not sit on Friday
0:01:19 > 0:01:29second March. Monday 5th of March, second reading of the data
0:01:29 > 0:01:32protection Bill, Lords. Colleagues will also wish to know that subject
0:01:32 > 0:01:38to the progress of business, the House will rise at the end of
0:01:38 > 0:01:44business on Tuesday 24 July and return on Tuesday for September. For
0:01:44 > 0:01:48the conference recess, the host will rise at the close of business on
0:01:48 > 0:01:52Thursday 13 September and return on Tuesday nine October. House will
0:01:52 > 0:02:00rise at the close on Tuesday six November and return on 12 November.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04For the Christmas recess, the House will rise at the conclusion of
0:02:04 > 0:02:10business on Thursday 20 December and return on Monday seven January 2019.
0:02:10 > 0:02:17This week, the very best of British has surely been on display. The
0:02:17 > 0:02:20BAFTA awards on Sunday went to a number of Brits, including Best
0:02:20 > 0:02:25cinematographer, rising star and Gary Oldman playing Winston
0:02:25 > 0:02:31Churchill. We've all been glued to our televisions, watching our best
0:02:31 > 0:02:35ever Winter Olympics performance. Winning three medals in one day,
0:02:35 > 0:02:46with Lizzy Yarnold successfully defending her gold in the skeleton.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50Sports and the arts or of huge value to our economy and this week has
0:02:50 > 0:02:56showcased them superbly. It is a week are very important firsts for
0:02:56 > 0:03:00women. Congratulations to the First Lady after of the Black Rod, as she
0:03:00 > 0:03:07takes up her role. And two minute batters, the first female president
0:03:07 > 0:03:13of the National Farmers Union. Finally, Her Majesty is still
0:03:13 > 0:03:18achieving firsts, as she appeared on the front row of London Fashion Week
0:03:18 > 0:03:24and presented an inaugural award in her name. Thank you.Can I thank the
0:03:24 > 0:03:30Leader of the House for the business for next week and say I want to
0:03:30 > 0:03:35repeat that it is the 21st century and yet we are still celebrating
0:03:35 > 0:03:42firsts for women. That must change. It is helpful to have the business
0:03:42 > 0:03:48for next week and also dates for recess. I note that business stops
0:03:48 > 0:03:55on the 5th of March. What will happen after that? If the government
0:03:55 > 0:03:59is looking for some time to fill, could I ask the Leader of the House
0:03:59 > 0:04:05to provide us with another opposition day. The last one
0:04:05 > 0:04:11allocated was 24 January. At this time, there are two statutory
0:04:11 > 0:04:17instruments that have been prayed against the Member for Ashton
0:04:17 > 0:04:22underlying. One is regarding Universal Credit and free school
0:04:22 > 0:04:29meals. The other is regarding abolishing nursing bursaries for
0:04:29 > 0:04:32postgraduate students. Will there be time to debate those on the floor of
0:04:32 > 0:04:41the House? That is before the 40 days expire. What news of the trade
0:04:41 > 0:04:45bill and cross-border taxation bills? And to the government will
0:04:45 > 0:04:49want to squash rumours they are being pushed away. I want to of the
0:04:49 > 0:04:58House for her letter that I received yesterday, but it is a bit like the
0:04:58 > 0:05:01Morecambe and Wise joke. I am playing all the notes but not
0:05:01 > 0:05:06necessarily in the right order. The letter is a bit like that. She's not
0:05:06 > 0:05:19answering the questions I asked. I asked her about East Coast realign.
0:05:19 > 0:05:25I asked her to write to me regarding what were the costs associated with
0:05:25 > 0:05:35the privatisation and taking back. She didn't mention the inspector
0:05:35 > 0:05:37looking at Northamptonshire County Council. I asked her to let you know
0:05:37 > 0:05:40how long the inspection would take place and what are the terms of
0:05:40 > 0:05:47reference? We know Buckinghamshire may also be of interest to you, Mr
0:05:47 > 0:05:55Speaker, setting an illegal budget. They have lost government support.
0:05:55 > 0:06:02The leader needs to respond to that. She has a very able civil service
0:06:02 > 0:06:09staff. I meet them on occasions. Could I ask her to sign letters of
0:06:09 > 0:06:19slightly earlier, perhaps on a Tuesday? The government had two
0:06:19 > 0:06:25advises -- advisers. It seems only have both lost their jobs, the
0:06:25 > 0:06:29government seems to be reading the Labour manifesto. You're having a
0:06:29 > 0:06:35review of tuition fees. It is irrelevant whether more young people
0:06:35 > 0:06:40are going to university or not. All students don't want to start off in
0:06:40 > 0:06:48life with a debt of 56,000. We know because they are getting invoices
0:06:48 > 0:06:54yearly. The issue of the high pay rise of vice chancellors was raised
0:06:54 > 0:07:00at the education select committee hearing. MPs told a panel of vice
0:07:00 > 0:07:05chancellors that the high rate of pay enjoyed by some university
0:07:05 > 0:07:13leaders is immoral. Given taxpayer subsidies and rising levels of debt.
0:07:13 > 0:07:20And if they are not going to put that, could we have a debate on the
0:07:20 > 0:07:24possibility of further regulation of vice chancellors pay? Or will it be
0:07:24 > 0:07:29part for another year? It's almost a year since Article 50 was triggered
0:07:29 > 0:07:32and we may know at the end of this weekend exactly the government
0:07:32 > 0:07:37position. I don't know if you have a copy of this letter marked private
0:07:37 > 0:07:40and confidential to the Prime Minister but is teams everybody has
0:07:40 > 0:07:46had it now. If you haven't got it, I'm happy to give it to you. It's
0:07:46 > 0:07:52actually quite disrespectful to the Prime Minister, it is sent to the
0:07:52 > 0:07:57House of Commons and not Downing Street. I'm not going to go into the
0:07:57 > 0:08:02grammar or anything else, but I want to highlight one thing, leaving the
0:08:02 > 0:08:07customs union, they say leaving it at the single market isn't a
0:08:07 > 0:08:10question of ideology but practicality. So no mention of
0:08:10 > 0:08:14what's in the best interests of the citizens of this country or in
0:08:14 > 0:08:20Northern Ireland. It's quite right the member for love her brother --
0:08:20 > 0:08:23for Loughborough says it reads like a ransom note, it might as well have
0:08:23 > 0:08:30had a bullet at the end of the night saying do this all else. Signed by
0:08:30 > 0:08:3562 members, well over the magic number of 40. It's a world thinking
0:08:35 > 0:08:39day on international friendship and we want to stand by our
0:08:39 > 0:08:43international friends, the young people in Florida who want to
0:08:43 > 0:08:52remember the 17 people murdered last week. We they wanted change and
0:08:52 > 0:08:59watched the state capital. We were not at the Brit awards yesterday but
0:08:59 > 0:09:03I am sure we will echo the words of the young man who changed the
0:09:03 > 0:09:09industry, encouraging everyone to vote, pray and speak out about
0:09:09 > 0:09:16mental health issues. And he won many awards. Stormzy,
0:09:16 > 0:09:26congratulations.The leader of the House.Thank you, I would like to
0:09:26 > 0:09:29share the honour of the Ladies tributes to those tragically
0:09:29 > 0:09:33murdered in their prime, not even reaching their prime, in the
0:09:33 > 0:09:37appalling killings in Florida. I think we were all beyond shocked and
0:09:37 > 0:09:43in a slight despair of the fact it happens time and time again and we
0:09:43 > 0:09:47desperately hope action will now be taken to fulfil the wishes of those
0:09:47 > 0:09:53young people, that they grow up in peace and security. I also always am
0:09:53 > 0:09:57very happy to pay tribute to people who speak out about the importance
0:09:57 > 0:10:02of resolving the mental health of the nation. I had the great pleasure
0:10:02 > 0:10:07to speak and an event run by MG, a charity looking into research into
0:10:07 > 0:10:11mental health on Tuesday evening -- M June. They are doing everything
0:10:11 > 0:10:16they can to promote good mental health and I am proud of the
0:10:16 > 0:10:20governments achievements in that area. Returning to some of her
0:10:20 > 0:10:25points. I'm sorry she is grumpy about my letter to her, I do my
0:10:25 > 0:10:31absolute best to be nothing but courteous to the Right Honourable
0:10:31 > 0:10:36Lady who I respect enormously and have the greatest regard for. I
0:10:36 > 0:10:41share her tribute to my civil service teams but she will recognise
0:10:41 > 0:10:44is there is only a handful of them and some require answers from
0:10:44 > 0:10:49departments. With regards to her detailed questions about a
0:10:49 > 0:10:54Department for Transport matter, she will know there are very often
0:10:54 > 0:10:59Department for Transport questions in this Chamber and is also at
0:10:59 > 0:11:02liberty to ask the Secretary of State for Transport herself with a
0:11:02 > 0:11:06detailed questions rather than to be slightly churlish towards my team
0:11:06 > 0:11:12who are doing their very best on her behalf. May I again say thank you to
0:11:12 > 0:11:17my own team for the excellent rate of turnaround of letters for a very
0:11:17 > 0:11:22tiny department that we have. She talks about some things I didn't
0:11:22 > 0:11:29include in my response to her. She talks about the Inspectorate
0:11:29 > 0:11:31Northamptonshire County Council, his report due by March the 16th. I'm
0:11:31 > 0:11:37sorry if that was omitted from my letter. She talks about a number of
0:11:37 > 0:11:42things, and I see her friend sat next to her has also gone on Twitter
0:11:42 > 0:11:46with a letter to me criticising things I failed to say in the very
0:11:46 > 0:11:51courteous and timely response I gave to her. Mr Speaker, perhaps you
0:11:51 > 0:11:54might give your thoughts on how appropriate it is when one tries to
0:11:54 > 0:11:58be courteous to colleagues and they simply go on Twitter accusing you of
0:11:58 > 0:12:04not saying things they would have liked U2. So, it is a little
0:12:04 > 0:12:08discourteous -- that they would have liked you to say. The Lady talks
0:12:08 > 0:12:13about tuition fees and the government is taking a leaf out of
0:12:13 > 0:12:20Labour's manifesto. I don't think we would ever is said we would scrap
0:12:20 > 0:12:25tuition fees because of the appalling impact even the Opposition
0:12:25 > 0:12:30agreed would have on our economy. What we are seeking to do is
0:12:30 > 0:12:35seriously look at what is the best combination for delivering
0:12:35 > 0:12:40excellence in post-18 education at an affordable price. The Lady raises
0:12:40 > 0:12:48the issue of a letter from a number of Conservative MPs and as the Prime
0:12:48 > 0:12:50Minister 's spokesman made clear, all contributions from all members
0:12:50 > 0:12:55across the House to our position on Brexit are very welcome and all are
0:12:55 > 0:13:04taken into account.Sir David Amess. Well my friend finds time for a
0:13:04 > 0:13:11debate for support for women with endometriosis? An inspirational
0:13:11 > 0:13:14constituents of mine suffers from this crippling condition and is
0:13:14 > 0:13:17leading a local and national campaign to raise awareness which I
0:13:17 > 0:13:25hope the House will support.My friend raises a very serious matter
0:13:25 > 0:13:28and I certainly congratulate his constituent for her campaign.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33Statistics suggest that endometriosis is the second most
0:13:33 > 0:13:37common gynaecological condition in the United Kingdom affecting one in
0:13:37 > 0:13:41ten women and I would certainly encourage him to apply for an
0:13:41 > 0:13:46adjournment debates to raise awareness of this condition further.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50And I thank the House for announcing this is for next week. I'm not sure
0:13:50 > 0:13:57whether the leader is going to this Brexit bonding or war session this
0:13:57 > 0:14:02afternoon but can we have a debate on what other dystopian nightmares
0:14:02 > 0:14:07Brexit is not going to be quite alike. Apocalypse now, in a couple
0:14:07 > 0:14:11of years, children of men? My favourite would have to be the
0:14:11 > 0:14:15matrix where we have a bunch of clueless fantasists living in an
0:14:15 > 0:14:18alternative world believing they can impose their version of reality on
0:14:18 > 0:14:25anyone else. It couldn't be more out. Talking of alternative
0:14:25 > 0:14:28realities, we had English votes for English laws in all its ad server
0:14:28 > 0:14:34glory yesterday. Both go on, off, maize goes on and up, and nothing
0:14:34 > 0:14:40ever happens. There's no debate, consideration of all these English
0:14:40 > 0:14:46only issues. Nothing goes on at all. This is now becoming profoundly
0:14:46 > 0:14:53embarrassing for this House. It only seems to be designed to get in the
0:14:53 > 0:14:57wake of the workings and procedures of this House and is a psychological
0:14:57 > 0:15:01barrier to the unity of membership of this House based on nationality
0:15:01 > 0:15:05and geography. For goodness' sake, get shot of this absurd system we
0:15:05 > 0:15:11have in place. Lastly, I have the good fortune of being and the Brits
0:15:11 > 0:15:16last night to see the cream of British musical talent on show.
0:15:16 > 0:15:26Before you ask, MP4 were passed again for Parliamentary Rock band of
0:15:26 > 0:15:31the year. It's taken musicians to remind Parliament to do the right
0:15:31 > 0:15:38thing. Stormzy asked where the money was for Grenfell Tower? You thought
0:15:38 > 0:15:42we were going to forget but we are not and it's great artist and young
0:15:42 > 0:15:47people are reminding this governments to do the right thing.
0:15:47 > 0:15:55Well, to deal with the matter of Grenfell Tower, the Gentleman and
0:15:55 > 0:16:00all members across the House will know that resolving the appalling
0:16:00 > 0:16:04tragedy to enable people to carry on with their lives, to turn around the
0:16:04 > 0:16:09appalling physical and mental scars from that awful night is an absolute
0:16:09 > 0:16:14priority for the government and it will remain so. I'm very glad that
0:16:14 > 0:16:20he was able to enjoy the Brits, the best of British, very important for
0:16:20 > 0:16:25someone such as himself. And I'm sure MP4 will have their day, I'm
0:16:25 > 0:16:30sure they will. He talks about English votes for English laws. He
0:16:30 > 0:16:35will appreciate that under the devolution settlement, it is
0:16:35 > 0:16:40important that those who are directly affected should be able to
0:16:40 > 0:16:44hold the majority on a vote so where they are only affecting English or
0:16:44 > 0:16:49English and Welsh situations. And finally, he talks about our life
0:16:49 > 0:16:58outside the EU. In my own opinion, it's a much less Mad Max and far
0:16:58 > 0:17:01more Love, Actually.
0:17:05 > 0:17:10Mr Speaker, I'm not even going to try and follow that one! I just
0:17:10 > 0:17:14received a report from data diligence which the Lady will know
0:17:14 > 0:17:17because they pointed out the wrong doings of Northamptonshire Council.
0:17:17 > 0:17:23They sent me a report to prove that the council has been hiding money
0:17:23 > 0:17:28for years in financial Miss Prudence. Can we please have a
0:17:28 > 0:17:31debate on this matter? It is importance and shows local
0:17:31 > 0:17:35government is sometimes not worthy of the trust we put in it.The
0:17:35 > 0:17:39Gentleman has referred on this occasion to the council. Can I ask
0:17:39 > 0:17:44him has he notified the honourable member for Taunton that he intends
0:17:44 > 0:17:49to raise this matter?I wrote to her as in your guidance in the letter,
0:17:49 > 0:17:54thank you very much for it and follow it to the letter.Yes... This
0:17:54 > 0:17:59is becoming rather tiresome, to be honest. I did try gently to exhort
0:17:59 > 0:18:04the honourable Gentleman to pursue other lines of enquiry but I've
0:18:04 > 0:18:07permitted it is today but my patience is not unlimited. The
0:18:07 > 0:18:14leader?My friend will be away business questions are about the
0:18:14 > 0:18:18business of this House and he would be advised to speak to the local
0:18:18 > 0:18:24government departments directly with his concerns.Very grateful, Mr
0:18:24 > 0:18:30Speaker. If I can help the leader of the House, it's been determined this
0:18:30 > 0:18:35morning the other item of business on Thursday the first will be a
0:18:35 > 0:18:40motion on a seasonal migrant workers. That has been settled this
0:18:40 > 0:18:45morning. Can I ask the House leader, the Department for digital culture
0:18:45 > 0:18:50media and sport are backing the exhibition of the novel which is
0:18:50 > 0:18:55being hosted in Gateshead and Newcastle from June to September. --
0:18:55 > 0:19:01exhibition of the North. Could we have time to promote the exhibition?
0:19:01 > 0:19:05I know the leader of the House wouldn't normally ask this request
0:19:05 > 0:19:09to go to the backbench business committee but that would hardly seem
0:19:09 > 0:19:14appropriate in my circumstances!He could always go and chat to himself
0:19:14 > 0:19:22in the mirror but it might appear odd to anyone watching. I absolutely
0:19:22 > 0:19:26pay tribute to the great exhibition of the North, hope it's a huge
0:19:26 > 0:19:32success and I'm sure he will find as he has, great ways to promoted.Can
0:19:32 > 0:19:36I perhaps to the chairman of the backbench committee, there is a
0:19:36 > 0:19:44famous scene of one film there is a scene where one Minister persuades
0:19:44 > 0:19:50himself. Can we talk about the education funding agency, there is a
0:19:50 > 0:19:55particular situation in one school for boys of State is on the case but
0:19:55 > 0:20:00an underlying picture of an organisation whose procurement
0:20:00 > 0:20:03processes are top heavy, slow, hierarchical, process driven and are
0:20:03 > 0:20:07sometimes resistance to advice from external partners who often bring
0:20:07 > 0:20:13greater local knowledge to their procurement processes.I must say to
0:20:13 > 0:20:19him that I gather he was spotted in a prominent place on the first night
0:20:19 > 0:20:24of the said performance and we hope that he richly enjoyed himself. The
0:20:24 > 0:20:32leader?My friend is a big champion for his constituency and for
0:20:32 > 0:20:36education, and I absolutely encourage him to take this up
0:20:36 > 0:20:45directly with ministers all through adjournment debate.Emma Hardy?
0:20:45 > 0:20:50Trans Pennine express have recently downgraded the vital rail link from
0:20:50 > 0:20:55Hull to Leeds and Manchester to a stopping service, means it now stops
0:20:55 > 0:20:59an additional six places along the way. While I think it's important to
0:20:59 > 0:21:03have a stopping service to link together smaller towns, I also think
0:21:03 > 0:21:08it's important to have an express service as well. Please could we
0:21:08 > 0:21:11have a debate in government time about a rail, activities for
0:21:11 > 0:21:17northern cities?I think the Lady raises an important point and she'll
0:21:17 > 0:21:20be aware there are transport questions on Thursday the 1st of
0:21:20 > 0:21:26March. She might want to raise that directly with ministers of them.
0:21:28 > 0:21:34Thank you, Mr Speaker. The leader of the House will be aware of Tesco's,
0:21:34 > 0:21:42that great retail giant, hungrily taking over the wholesale of Booker.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46She will also be aware of the concerns about that on the part of
0:21:46 > 0:21:50farmers and growers and food producers. It would create an
0:21:50 > 0:21:53extraordinary distortion of the food chain at the expense of all those
0:21:53 > 0:21:58important people. Will she encourage those in the government responsible
0:21:58 > 0:22:01for agriculture and business to let this House know what their feelings
0:22:01 > 0:22:09are about that market distortion?
0:22:09 > 0:22:18You will be a clear processes surrounding takeovers and mergers
0:22:18 > 0:22:23and whether they are in the public interest. He might wish to seek an
0:22:23 > 0:22:28adjournment debate to discuss this particular issue for his
0:22:28 > 0:22:32constituency and its heavy reliance on the agricultural sector.My
0:22:32 > 0:22:38constituents have told me Universal Credit claimants there are
0:22:38 > 0:22:50instructed to attend meetings 12 miles away, instead of their nearest
0:22:50 > 0:22:55centre which is three miles away. Can we have a debate on how
0:22:55 > 0:22:59claimants from rural and semi rural areas are affected by Universal
0:22:59 > 0:23:03Credit?I think the honourable gentleman raises an important point
0:23:03 > 0:23:09and you will be aware of the government is committed to the
0:23:09 > 0:23:14roll-out of Universal Credit, which is a good way to help more people
0:23:14 > 0:23:17into work. With regards to the specific point he raises about
0:23:17 > 0:23:25access to job centres, for signing up for Universal Credit, can I
0:23:25 > 0:23:29suggest to him that if he wants to write to me I can take it up with
0:23:29 > 0:23:36the apartments directly on his behalf.Please can have a debate on
0:23:36 > 0:23:42the responsibilities of highways England? A key part of the A1
0:23:42 > 0:23:50through my constituency was announced in March. Bayfield to
0:23:50 > 0:23:56speak to local businesses and residents. The lack of communication
0:23:56 > 0:24:02has been a real crisis for the area. My honourable friend is right to
0:24:02 > 0:24:13raise this. I think a number of members have had problems about lack
0:24:13 > 0:24:16of communication regarding significant road closures. She might
0:24:16 > 0:24:25want to take up this issue at transport questions next Thursday.
0:24:25 > 0:24:33When can we have an urgent debate government time to talk about
0:24:33 > 0:24:39potholes and the state of our roads? Not just local roads, but also more
0:24:39 > 0:24:47to raise.He is right to raise the issue of potholes. It is a big
0:24:47 > 0:24:57frustration for all of us. There are lots of complaints in constituency
0:24:57 > 0:25:02surgeries. Have been improvements in recent years. I suggest he might
0:25:02 > 0:25:06like to talk to the Backbench Business Committee so that members
0:25:06 > 0:25:14can share particular frustrations. My question follows my honourable
0:25:14 > 0:25:28friend's about the work of highways England. The main road into Grimsby
0:25:28 > 0:25:33is undergoing unexpected roadworks at the moment. In view of the
0:25:33 > 0:25:37concern amongst other members, perhaps we could find time for a
0:25:37 > 0:25:46government debate on the issue?I'm glad he is speaking after his
0:25:46 > 0:25:52constituency. He might want to raise it at transport questions in the
0:25:52 > 0:26:01first instance.Me I mention the sad death of the American Evangelist
0:26:01 > 0:26:09Billy Graham yesterday? He was very saddened by the killing of children
0:26:09 > 0:26:20in schools in America, but he also would be appalled by the appalling
0:26:20 > 0:26:29deaths of children in Syria. Can we have a debate on that awful tragedy?
0:26:29 > 0:26:34I certainly share his tribute to Billy Graham who really was quite a
0:26:34 > 0:26:40life changing character for many people during his long life. And
0:26:40 > 0:26:44share his grave concern about Syria. The government has condemned the
0:26:44 > 0:26:50appalling loss of life. We will do all we can to ensure there is a
0:26:50 > 0:27:00ceasefire and we make progress in finding resolution in Syria.Last
0:27:00 > 0:27:08week, we brought together leaders from across my constituency from
0:27:08 > 0:27:13business, and transport providers, to discuss how to make Harrogate and
0:27:13 > 0:27:19Knaresborough more accessible for disabled people. Can we have a
0:27:19 > 0:27:27debate to look at how we can make the UK more disability friendly?Can
0:27:27 > 0:27:31I congratulate my honourable friend for his huge efforts in this area?
0:27:31 > 0:27:35And commend him for that meeting that he has called together? He
0:27:35 > 0:27:37might be aware of the Backbench Business Committee taking place
0:27:37 > 0:27:43later today on the role of disabled people and economic growth.
0:27:43 > 0:27:48Government spends over £50 billion per year on benefits to support
0:27:48 > 0:27:53disabled people and people with health conditions. At £7 billion
0:27:53 > 0:28:01since 2010. There are 3.5 million disabled people in work, up by
0:28:01 > 0:28:05600,000 in the last four years. There is more to do and more which
0:28:05 > 0:28:14can be done, but were good progress. Last year, a 13-year-old boy with a
0:28:14 > 0:28:18dairy allergy died after allegedly having cheese forced on him in
0:28:18 > 0:28:30school. Next month, children will watch Peter Rabbit in the cinema
0:28:30 > 0:28:39forcing a character to digests food that he is allergic to. Food allergy
0:28:39 > 0:28:46is no laughing matter. Can we have a debate on the bullying of children
0:28:46 > 0:28:52with allergies which is clearly not being taken seriously enough?She's
0:28:52 > 0:28:55raising an incredibly important point and she is absolutely right to
0:28:55 > 0:29:00highlight the seriousness of food allergies. We should do all we can
0:29:00 > 0:29:05to raise the importance and the awareness of the potential
0:29:05 > 0:29:10life-threatening impact of food allergies. She may well want to seek
0:29:10 > 0:29:16an adjournment debate to talk to ministers directly on that point.
0:29:16 > 0:29:22With the lambing season now upon us and domestic dog attacks on
0:29:22 > 0:29:26livestock at an all-time high, can we have a debate on what the
0:29:26 > 0:29:32government can do to limit the devastating effect irresponsible dog
0:29:32 > 0:29:38owners have on rural communities and rural economy?My noble friend is
0:29:38 > 0:29:41absolutely right to raise this. I think we've all seen photographs of
0:29:41 > 0:29:48the appalling effect of a dog attack on a field of sheep. It's hugely
0:29:48 > 0:29:54distressing for the animals and the farmers who look after them. As well
0:29:54 > 0:30:02as having serious financial imprecations. Dog owners can be
0:30:02 > 0:30:06fined up to £1000 for worrying animals. Farmers are encouraged to
0:30:06 > 0:30:12report incidents. The dog welfare code highlights to dog owners the
0:30:12 > 0:30:19importance of keeping their dogs on Leeds when near livestock.
0:30:19 > 0:30:24University lecturers and staff are currently in the largest ever strike
0:30:24 > 0:30:28in higher education due to changes in terms and conditions and
0:30:28 > 0:30:38pensions. Can we have a debate about protecting terms and conditions?I
0:30:38 > 0:30:42must declare an interest since my eldest son is about to study for his
0:30:42 > 0:30:50finals and now has no lecturers. At a personal level, I cannot say that
0:30:50 > 0:30:58I support innocent students who have worked hard and paid our fees being
0:30:58 > 0:31:05punished. The Universities Minister is engaging with unions to make
0:31:05 > 0:31:10clear to all parties the need to find a solution that avoids
0:31:10 > 0:31:19disruption to students.Under this government, the UK's weeding
0:31:19 > 0:31:23international efforts to tackle tax avoidance. Can we have a debate on
0:31:23 > 0:31:28the impact this has on vital public services? And what more we can do to
0:31:28 > 0:31:33ensure that everybody pays their fair share?My honourable friend
0:31:33 > 0:31:37raises an important point. He will be as pleased as I am the government
0:31:37 > 0:31:43has a strong record of tackling tax avoidance, aviation and
0:31:43 > 0:31:56noncompliance. Since 2010, HMRC has secured additional revenue. The tax
0:31:56 > 0:32:02gap is now down to 6%, its lowest level ever and one of the lowest in
0:32:02 > 0:32:09the world.We still await the government response to an
0:32:09 > 0:32:22independent review won't last year. Could we please have an urgent
0:32:22 > 0:32:27debate on the perilous position of broadcasting in Wales and the merits
0:32:27 > 0:32:33of devolving responsibility for it to the National Assembly in Wales?I
0:32:33 > 0:32:37share his enthusiasm for the Welsh broadcasting service and support for
0:32:37 > 0:32:42it. He may well wish to seek an adjournment debate to take up
0:32:42 > 0:32:49specific concerns with ministers. Can we have a debate on local news
0:32:49 > 0:33:03sites? A website in my constituency started in June 2013. It complements
0:33:03 > 0:33:10local print media. Will my right honourable friend is join me in
0:33:10 > 0:33:15congratulating the editor in his retirement and hope that someone
0:33:15 > 0:33:21will take over this successful site? He is a real champion for all things
0:33:21 > 0:33:29in Moray. Government is committed to supporting an independent, vibrant
0:33:29 > 0:33:35and plural press industry. Vital to democracy. The website has published
0:33:35 > 0:33:43thousands of stories in five years. I am happy to congratulate him and
0:33:43 > 0:33:50wish him a happy retirement.Two year six pupils in my constituency
0:33:50 > 0:33:57wrote to me regarding the harm of litter and plastics to our
0:33:57 > 0:34:06environment. Will the leader consider giving more time to a
0:34:06 > 0:34:16debate on building an economy based on clean energy?I congratulate her
0:34:16 > 0:34:27constituents. I'm sure she will be delighted by the number of people
0:34:27 > 0:34:30who have given up plastic for alleged. The government has taken
0:34:30 > 0:34:39great steps by reducing the number of plastic bags by 9 billion. There
0:34:39 > 0:34:43is a huge amount to do. We have announced the intention to get call
0:34:43 > 0:34:50of the system by 2025. There is more to be done and the efforts of her
0:34:50 > 0:34:56constituents are greatly appreciated.In the last two months
0:34:56 > 0:35:00alone, 25 civilians and at least seven service personnel have been
0:35:00 > 0:35:07murdered by terrorists in Kashmir. 162 terrorist training bases have
0:35:07 > 0:35:14been identified in Pakistan, illegally occupied Kashmir. Could we
0:35:14 > 0:35:20have a statement on what we can do in this country to help and support
0:35:20 > 0:35:27our great allies, India, in combating this terrorism?My
0:35:27 > 0:35:31honourable friend raises an incredibly serious point and he will
0:35:31 > 0:35:37be aware that we work very closely with all our allies to try and stamp
0:35:37 > 0:35:42out terrorism and all terror attacks. Evil, I'm sure, want to
0:35:42 > 0:35:46raise this directly with Foreign Office ministers or perhaps through
0:35:46 > 0:35:50an adjournment debate, so he can get specific detail on his particular
0:35:50 > 0:36:04point.One of my constituents was the initial whistle-blower regarding
0:36:04 > 0:36:19Barry Bennell. Can ask the Leader of the House to make time available to
0:36:19 > 0:36:23discuss this important issue?He raises an important issue. For the
0:36:23 > 0:36:27many victims of that paedophile, I think everyone in this House would
0:36:27 > 0:36:30want to send their deepest condolences and thoughts. It is
0:36:30 > 0:36:36appalling some of the things that happened to them. He may want to dig
0:36:36 > 0:36:40it up in the first instance with the Home Office at questions next
0:36:40 > 0:36:50Monday.According to a focus group, attacks on Christians in India have
0:36:50 > 0:37:03doubled in the last year to 736. Attackers have been accusing
0:37:03 > 0:37:07Christians of inciting attacks. Could I ask the Leader of the House
0:37:07 > 0:37:13for a debate on this issue?
0:37:13 > 0:37:17He raises the issue of religious freedom and he will be pleased to
0:37:17 > 0:37:21know there is a backbench debate on the 1st of March on freedom of
0:37:21 > 0:37:28religion or belief, so he will have the opportunity. It's his debate! He
0:37:28 > 0:37:33has his debate, delighted on his behalf and I'm sure it will be
0:37:33 > 0:37:38successful.After doing to know the Gentleman is aware of the debates
0:37:38 > 0:37:44taking place and it's his. Good start!I and a number of other
0:37:44 > 0:37:51members have been raising with government the 1984 camel layered
0:37:51 > 0:37:55strike campaign, and will referred to members of my registered interest
0:37:55 > 0:38:03to the members sponsored. We have been raising this for a number of
0:38:03 > 0:38:07years, in April, October, injustice questions, waiting for meetings that
0:38:07 > 0:38:11have now been withdrawn. How can the government be held to account when
0:38:11 > 0:38:21they offer meetings and withdraw them?I'm sorry, I'm unaware of the
0:38:21 > 0:38:25problem that the Gentleman is raising with the Justice Department
0:38:25 > 0:38:33if he wants to e-mail me, I can look into it on his behalf.Mr Speaker,
0:38:33 > 0:38:37can we have an urgent debate on the future of the children centre
0:38:37 > 0:38:42network. This was one of the last Labour government's proudest
0:38:42 > 0:38:46achievements and has been cut back drastically, on the basis there is
0:38:46 > 0:38:50going to be a streamlining of the service. If Gloucestershire is
0:38:50 > 0:38:54anything to go by, we are now potentially facing the closure of
0:38:54 > 0:38:59the few remaining children centres. Can we have a debate on this because
0:38:59 > 0:39:02it is vital for the future of our children we know what provision is
0:39:02 > 0:39:09available.I can say to whom I am an enormous fan of children centres, I
0:39:09 > 0:39:13think they were a fantastic initiative and certainly provided
0:39:13 > 0:39:19huge support for children. What he will be aware of I'm sure is that
0:39:19 > 0:39:21this government has invested enormously in nurseries and
0:39:21 > 0:39:27childcare, enabling many more parents to be able to benefit by up
0:39:27 > 0:39:35to £5,000 a year of tax-free childcare and improvement in Morne
0:39:35 > 0:39:38nursery care -- or nursery care and qualified childcare, enabling more
0:39:38 > 0:39:42families to have the assurance to be able to go back to work knowing
0:39:42 > 0:39:50their children are well cared for. Mr Speaker, the leader of the House
0:39:50 > 0:39:53will be well aware of legislation passed last year to prevent the mass
0:39:53 > 0:39:59farming of tickets by ticket touts, but when we read that Hamilton now
0:39:59 > 0:40:05sees tickets retailed at £6,000, absolutely outrageous, isn't it time
0:40:05 > 0:40:08we have a more comprehensive legislation dealing with ticket
0:40:08 > 0:40:14touting and an early statement from the relevant department on this?
0:40:14 > 0:40:19Having tried to get Hamilton tickets myself only recently, I completely
0:40:19 > 0:40:25agree with him! He seems to offer me some tickets from his inside pocket,
0:40:25 > 0:40:30Mr Speaker! But he's absolutely right, touting is an enormous
0:40:30 > 0:40:37problem and I certainly encourage him to seek and adjournment debate
0:40:37 > 0:40:43to raise those concerns.My constituent has faced a ten years of
0:40:43 > 0:40:47harassment and anti-social behaviour due to their neighbours using CCTV
0:40:47 > 0:40:52to track their movements in and out of their home. It was raised with
0:40:52 > 0:40:57police, concerns around the camera code of practice. Can I ask the
0:40:57 > 0:41:01secretary or a Home Office Minister to make a statement on the code and
0:41:01 > 0:41:06its success rate five years after being published by the government?
0:41:06 > 0:41:11He raises a very concerning issue and that must be horrible for his
0:41:11 > 0:41:16constituents, to have to be harassed in that way. He'll be aware there
0:41:16 > 0:41:19are Home Office questions on Monday and I encourage him to raise its
0:41:19 > 0:41:30directly with ministers.NatWest bank is 73% publicly owned and in my
0:41:30 > 0:41:34constituency of Cardiff North, as in other communities across this
0:41:34 > 0:41:39country, NatWest is closing many of its high-street banking facilities.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42What responsibility does the government accept for the damage
0:41:42 > 0:41:47caused to these local communities, and will they bring forward a debate
0:41:47 > 0:41:56on this issue and the justification for it?I certainly agree with the
0:41:56 > 0:42:01Right Honourable Lady that access to banking is vital. She will be aware
0:42:01 > 0:42:04that the banks decisions on whether to close our commercial decisions
0:42:04 > 0:42:09are made by them, there is an agreement made by the banking
0:42:09 > 0:42:15sector. This can only be taken place where volumes can justify that
0:42:15 > 0:42:21closure. She will also be aware the government is hosted by the post
0:42:21 > 0:42:26Office network which provides basic banking services for something like
0:42:26 > 0:42:3098% of all personal and business customers to carry out basic banking
0:42:30 > 0:42:36transactions within the Post Office network.Last year, the Supreme
0:42:36 > 0:42:42Court ruled that employment tribunal fees were unlawful and all claimants
0:42:42 > 0:42:47should receive their fees as a refund. Latest figures show only 6%
0:42:47 > 0:42:51of people have received those refunds and I'm at a loss to
0:42:51 > 0:42:55understand why it's a low figure given the service will have details
0:42:55 > 0:42:59of every person who makes a claim. Can we have a statement from the
0:42:59 > 0:43:02relevant Minister that people get back the money they are legally
0:43:02 > 0:43:07entitled to?The Gentleman raises an important point and one for the
0:43:07 > 0:43:12Justice Department. If he wants to write to me, I can take up the
0:43:12 > 0:43:17decision but I encourage him to take it up with the Justice Minister at
0:43:17 > 0:43:23the next Justice questions.Can we have a statement on the role and
0:43:23 > 0:43:26responsibilities of the UK Government in supporting families of
0:43:26 > 0:43:30UK citizens missing abroad. Liam Coogan from Inverness went missing
0:43:30 > 0:43:35from Hamburg on February the 10th and his family are worried he is
0:43:35 > 0:43:41injured. They are concerned about the help he is getting, desperate to
0:43:41 > 0:43:47find him and want to bring him home. I'm really sorry to hear about that,
0:43:47 > 0:43:51it must be an incredibly worrying time for his family and I'm quite
0:43:51 > 0:43:55sure they are desperate to hear news of him. I encourage the honourable
0:43:55 > 0:43:59Gentleman to make contact directly with ministers to make sure he can
0:43:59 > 0:44:05seek their support.Helen and Douglas House Hospice in Oxford is
0:44:05 > 0:44:10having to close one of its centre is due to lack of funding meaning it
0:44:10 > 0:44:16cannot provide end of life care to 18-35 -year-old. Under 47,000 people
0:44:16 > 0:44:20have signed a petition asking the government to intervene, could we
0:44:20 > 0:44:30have a debate on hospice funding?I share the Lady 's gratitude to Helen
0:44:30 > 0:44:34and Douglas House who deliver an amazing end of life care, not just
0:44:34 > 0:44:37her constituents but also to some of mine and I'm a huge in these last
0:44:37 > 0:44:43for the hospice movement. The Lady will be aware that local NHS
0:44:43 > 0:44:47commissioners determine the level of NHS funded hospices in their area
0:44:47 > 0:44:52but I would like to reassure her that NHS England have awarded £11
0:44:52 > 0:44:57million in 2017-18 to children's hospices through the children's
0:44:57 > 0:45:01Hospice grant. But she is right to raise this and may want to seek an
0:45:01 > 0:45:05adjournment debate to discuss what more can be done.
0:45:09 > 0:45:14Why is the government dodging the timetabling of opposition database?
0:45:18 > 0:45:22I just don't accept the government is dodging anything. We've been
0:45:22 > 0:45:27absolutely clear, ever since I've been a Leader of the Commons since
0:45:27 > 0:45:32the general election. We have been providing exactly the right
0:45:32 > 0:45:35appropriate level of opposition days, in accordance with standing
0:45:35 > 0:45:39orders and continue to do that and will continue to abide by the
0:45:39 > 0:45:44conventions and standing orders of this House.Many members will have
0:45:44 > 0:45:51noted the recent case of the doctor Who was struck off after being
0:45:51 > 0:45:55convicted of gross negligence and manslaughter, an evident case of
0:45:55 > 0:45:58institutional failure in the NHS which could impact any junior
0:45:58 > 0:46:02doctor. This has resulted in a loss of confidence amongst the medical
0:46:02 > 0:46:09profession. Can governments be improved in the GMC so people can
0:46:09 > 0:46:14have restored confidence in it?We are concerned about that case, there
0:46:14 > 0:46:19is a balance between transparency and enabling learning lessons to be
0:46:19 > 0:46:23taken from awful outcomes and situations. He's a right to raise
0:46:23 > 0:46:25that case.