0:00:13 > 0:00:18Business question.Will be Leader of the House please give us the
0:00:18 > 0:00:29forthcoming business?
0:00:29 > 0:00:32Feki Mrs Speaker, the business for the recommitting 12th of March will
0:00:32 > 0:00:35be on Monday 12th of March the status of the financial guidance and
0:00:35 > 0:00:40claims Bill. Due to 30th, Maradona will find the Chancellor of the
0:00:40 > 0:00:44Exchequer will deliver his spring statement followed by a debate on
0:00:44 > 0:00:49motions relating to Universal Credit, children and Young Persons
0:00:49 > 0:00:54and Social Security. Wednesday 14th of March, a general debate on
0:00:54 > 0:00:59European affairs day one, Thursday the 15th of March, conclusion of the
0:00:59 > 0:01:05general debate on European affairs Dave two. Friday 60th March, private
0:01:05 > 0:01:10members bills. The business for the week commencing 19th March will
0:01:10 > 0:01:14include second reading of the secure tenancies fixed term domestic abuse
0:01:14 > 0:01:20bill. Followed by a debate on Welsh affairs. Today Parliament is flying
0:01:20 > 0:01:24the flag for International Women's Day and this is patently special as
0:01:24 > 0:01:29we mark the centenary of some women getting the right to vote. We will
0:01:29 > 0:01:33be celebrating women's achievements throughout this year and I hope all
0:01:33 > 0:01:38members will be hosting an equality in their constituency during the
0:01:38 > 0:01:43summer to celebrate democratic equality and the opportunity to have
0:01:43 > 0:01:47cake and eat it. We have achieved much but there's a long way to go
0:01:47 > 0:01:51and today the Home Office has launched a consultation on Arab
0:01:51 > 0:01:54puzzles for a new domestic violence Bill which will tackle the plight of
0:01:54 > 0:02:00the newly 2 million mainly women living with violence to. We think
0:02:00 > 0:02:09that the opportunities for women. One, and four and practices in my
0:02:09 > 0:02:15private office and my Parliamentary office. And it was our multinational
0:02:15 > 0:02:17apprenticeship week in speaking from my own experiences, I would
0:02:17 > 0:02:22encourage any member and every business to offer the valuable
0:02:22 > 0:02:28experience of an apprenticeship to talented young people and lastly,
0:02:28 > 0:02:33this week marks the birthday of our own resident rock star, the for
0:02:33 > 0:02:41Perth and North Ayrshire. I hear that he's 21 again but actually I
0:02:41 > 0:02:47may be confusing and with his maturity. But I'm sure he's not much
0:02:47 > 0:02:51older than that. And I hope the whole house will join me in wishing
0:02:51 > 0:02:59him a very happy birthday tomorrow. Can I thank the Leader of the House
0:02:59 > 0:03:04for the business and for her speech and I wonder if that will help him
0:03:04 > 0:03:10every time. Despite telling me that the statements will be and has, I'm
0:03:10 > 0:03:15pleased the Leader of the House has announced the date of the spring
0:03:15 > 0:03:20statement, it is important. As there is a reason why the Leader of the
0:03:20 > 0:03:25House announces the business one began the day at a time because that
0:03:25 > 0:03:29teams to be the case. I asked last week about the legislation on
0:03:29 > 0:03:34registration and that likely to come back? There was a good turnout of
0:03:34 > 0:03:36the debate and every day and we don't do something for the costs are
0:03:36 > 0:03:44incurred. When is that likely to come back but she didn't answer. By
0:03:44 > 0:03:50all important legislation, it should not be delayed. It is almost no
0:03:50 > 0:03:54business government. I thank the Leader of the House for finding time
0:03:54 > 0:03:59for the statutory instruments. The only one that is outstanding as an
0:03:59 > 0:04:09early day motion 937.
0:04:09 > 0:04:15Helina 30% fall in applications for nursing degrees. . Perhaps the
0:04:15 > 0:04:17Chancellor might make a concession for the spring statement on the
0:04:17 > 0:04:23bursaries because immediately after that when we put it statutory
0:04:23 > 0:04:26instruments, there will be cuts to free school meals, ending childcare
0:04:26 > 0:04:32vouchers and ending... Universal Credit regulations affect
0:04:32 > 0:04:43self-employed and disabled people. It is a committee and environmental
0:04:43 > 0:04:50audit committee is on plastic bottles published in 27 December and
0:04:50 > 0:04:53disposable coffee cups. That is on the 5th of January. We have to find
0:04:53 > 0:04:57time for that debate and find time for the debate on the announcement
0:04:57 > 0:05:02by the president of the United States on tariffs on our steel we
0:05:02 > 0:05:09have a sitting Friday on the 16th of March at all of the leader is aware
0:05:09 > 0:05:14at the causing motion is moved after two hours of debate and stops our
0:05:14 > 0:05:18opposition spokesperson from speaking if you look at the report.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22Could leader confirm that is going to be the normal case and we need to
0:05:22 > 0:05:26one the honourable member for Glasgow South who are second on the
0:05:26 > 0:05:37list as his bill
0:05:41 > 0:05:53will and two debate on the new case exit from the European Union have
0:05:53 > 0:05:58had an opposition day since January. The speech at Mansion house for 6800
0:05:58 > 0:06:02words, only 2000 words to the House. I feel robbed, I don't know about
0:06:02 > 0:06:10you. We will need further a lot of dates. We have to talk with the Good
0:06:10 > 0:06:13Friday Agreement on 10th of April. The Prime Minister said the
0:06:13 > 0:06:20government is looking at issues around the world including the
0:06:20 > 0:06:26border between the United States and Canada. The Irish Prime Minister
0:06:26 > 0:06:28actually visited that border and he said it's definitely not a solution
0:06:28 > 0:06:32that we could possibly entertain and how to the former deputy panellist
0:06:32 > 0:06:36Michael Heseltine Pataki has criticised the plan is to get the
0:06:36 > 0:06:39speech when he said I is that after 18 months since the referendum we
0:06:39 > 0:06:42haven't got any closer to these issues will do the answer is simple,
0:06:42 > 0:06:48it is because nobody has got any answer. If you followed the rest of
0:06:48 > 0:06:53the speech and it was a recipe for a cake, you can even bake the cake.
0:06:53 > 0:07:00Even if it was a cherry Genoa cake. A double cherry Genoa cake. If it
0:07:00 > 0:07:04was a road map, Edward the road map to know where but I want to join the
0:07:04 > 0:07:09Leader of the House and congratulating and celebrating
0:07:09 > 0:07:15women's international day. You have your reference order. And you have
0:07:15 > 0:07:19had, in 2010, before edging to the size and watch the evidence of the
0:07:19 > 0:07:23Speaker's conference on Parliamentary and it made a huge
0:07:23 > 0:07:27difference. But we have International Women's Day and women
0:07:27 > 0:07:36consultant in the NHS, £14,000 paid less than a man -- than men. Women
0:07:36 > 0:07:44are paying a disproportionate amount to balance the government books.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48Most of the Senator has fallen on women. There may I women reminisced
0:07:48 > 0:07:53about the leader of one of the opposition has 50% of women in his
0:07:53 > 0:07:56side Shadow Cabinet and the government have 26%, the opposition
0:07:56 > 0:08:01party is leading the way with representation of women and you make
0:08:01 > 0:08:05up 45% of the Parliamentary party and could I ask the Leader of the
0:08:05 > 0:08:07House and it is international women's date you could make
0:08:07 > 0:08:13representations to the Foreign Secretary. If France can provide an
0:08:13 > 0:08:19exhibition to Iran, Peasgood he make a chance to on her release which
0:08:19 > 0:08:22could have been done before Christmas and there are schoolgirls
0:08:22 > 0:08:29who have been kidnapped again in Nigeria. On the day we have the
0:08:29 > 0:08:34National Audit Office talking about cuts, almost 50%, I want to thank
0:08:34 > 0:08:39all the public services for all their hard work over this inclement
0:08:39 > 0:08:44weather and they have protected us and made sure we are all safe.
0:08:47 > 0:08:53Thank you Mr Speaker and I certainly will join with the honourable lady
0:08:53 > 0:08:59in thanking all those who work so hard during this period of really
0:08:59 > 0:09:04difficult weather and also those who have to bear the brunt of sitting on
0:09:04 > 0:09:10trains that couldn't move due to the weather. There was a real community
0:09:10 > 0:09:13spirit which everybody should be congratulated on and she raised a
0:09:13 > 0:09:17number of legislative issues which I'm glad she did because quite often
0:09:17 > 0:09:21she asks about policy issues which are not technically a matter for
0:09:21 > 0:09:24business questions, she asks about legislation on registration and
0:09:24 > 0:09:29renewal. She knows, she sits on house committee. I have updated has
0:09:29 > 0:09:34commissioned last week, we will be bringing forward legislation on the
0:09:34 > 0:09:39establishment of a delivery authority as soon as possible and
0:09:39 > 0:09:43the trade bill, we discussed in last week, number of amendments have been
0:09:43 > 0:09:46put forward on the government considers those carefully, as is
0:09:46 > 0:09:50right and as I have always said, we will always consider amendments put
0:09:50 > 0:09:56forward to try to improve legislation as we enter into this
0:09:56 > 0:10:00very important decision to leave the European Union and make steps to
0:10:00 > 0:10:06prepare ourselves in the best possible way and graduates happy
0:10:06 > 0:10:10about the statutory instrument debate and having these debates next
0:10:10 > 0:10:14week and as she requested last week. She asks about nursing training and
0:10:14 > 0:10:20she will be aware that there is an increase in nursing training of 25%.
0:10:20 > 0:10:25The biggest increase ever, she also raises the question of plastics and
0:10:25 > 0:10:31what we are doing and I hope she as I have signed up to plastic
0:10:31 > 0:10:34freelance, tried to minimise the use of single use plastics during the
0:10:34 > 0:10:38lengthy period as an opportunity for ourselves to highlight the
0:10:38 > 0:10:45importance of reducing plaque -- plastics. This government's record
0:10:45 > 0:10:47is good on that with the determination and there were 25 year
0:10:47 > 0:10:50environment plan to be the first generation that leaves our
0:10:50 > 0:10:57environment and a better state than we found it. She asks about the top
0:10:57 > 0:11:00about tariffs coming out of the United States on steel and aluminium
0:11:00 > 0:11:06and we are concerned about that. She will be aware, in the UK we have
0:11:06 > 0:11:11made social and economic factors part of the consideration of public
0:11:11 > 0:11:16sector procurement of steel. The commission research to identify high
0:11:16 > 0:11:21value opportunities for UK steel with up to 4 billion a year by 2030
0:11:21 > 0:11:25and we have certainly made great steps to support our steel sector
0:11:25 > 0:11:28since 2013 for the cost of
0:11:28 > 0:11:30renewables and climate change policies but she is right to raise
0:11:30 > 0:11:34concerns about the US policy in this area and the parameter with a spoken
0:11:34 > 0:11:38with President Trump recently and raised deep concern at his
0:11:38 > 0:11:42forthcoming announcement on steel and tariffs. The parameter has noted
0:11:42 > 0:11:47that multilateral action is the only way to resolve this problem of
0:11:47 > 0:11:51global overcapacity. She asked that the ministerial response and I can
0:11:51 > 0:11:55tell her that list will be forthcoming as soon as possible once
0:11:55 > 0:11:59those positions have been confirmed and clarified with all departments.
0:11:59 > 0:12:07She asks about the debates on the European Union. I think she is
0:12:07 > 0:12:10having those debates. This is in response to a request for monetary
0:12:10 > 0:12:14honourable about honourable members to be able to talk in general terms
0:12:14 > 0:12:19about their ideas and proposals for how you leave the European Union. We
0:12:19 > 0:12:23have had a very important speech on the famous last week and of course
0:12:23 > 0:12:32we have the EU cattle coming up as well known as a very good time for
0:12:32 > 0:12:34all honourable and right Honourable members to put forward their
0:12:34 > 0:12:42thoughts and views she asks for representations about Mr Radcliffe
0:12:42 > 0:12:45and is to raise this case and we are very concerned about it. She will
0:12:45 > 0:12:52know the Foreign Secretary raised it himself with the Foreign Minister of
0:12:52 > 0:12:55Iran when he had the opportunity to do so, the Foreign Office continues
0:12:55 > 0:13:04to do that at every opportunity.I associate myself with the birthday
0:13:04 > 0:13:09wishes to the honourable gentleman from pressure who I regard as an
0:13:09 > 0:13:15honourable friend. My private members bill on code of practice
0:13:15 > 0:13:20received the second reading thanks to support from the government and
0:13:20 > 0:13:23support from the official opposition and from the Scottish National Party
0:13:23 > 0:13:29from which I am obliged. The bill cannot proceed further until our
0:13:29 > 0:13:34ways and means motion is tabled. Or the Leader of the House speak to our
0:13:34 > 0:13:40mutual friend, the Chief Whip and hopefully agree with him this is a
0:13:40 > 0:13:48matter which should be tabled sooner rather than latermy honourable
0:13:48 > 0:13:52friend raises an important issue the government had expressed support for
0:13:52 > 0:13:55a number of private members bills so far in the session and we continue
0:13:55 > 0:13:59to work with the relevant members in charge and that will include
0:13:59 > 0:14:02bringing forward money resolutions on a case-by-case basis in the usual
0:14:02 > 0:14:10way.In offering my best birthday wishes to the member for Perth and
0:14:10 > 0:14:14North Hampshire for tomorrow, perhaps I can borrow the legendary
0:14:14 > 0:14:17observation of the honourable gentleman, the member for Gateshead
0:14:17 > 0:14:22to me and apply to the honourable gentleman. Fortunately he is not yet
0:14:22 > 0:14:25at the age at which the cost of the candles exceeds the cost of the
0:14:25 > 0:14:33cake.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37Thank you, Mr Speaker, and thank you to the Leader of the House for her
0:14:37 > 0:14:43kind birthday wishes. Birthdays nowadays are more to be noted then
0:14:43 > 0:14:52celebrated, as our majorities of 21. Can I also wholeheartedly welcome
0:14:52 > 0:14:59International Women's Day and pay tribute to all the incredible women
0:14:59 > 0:15:02who have contributed to our communities, and we still have more
0:15:02 > 0:15:10progress to make. I'm sure many in this house has seen the incredible
0:15:10 > 0:15:13speech made by my honourable friend yesterday, a profound personal
0:15:13 > 0:15:17account of the misogynistic abuse she has suffered just for being a
0:15:17 > 0:15:22young woman in politics. On International Women's Day, can the
0:15:22 > 0:15:25house at least consider making misogyny a huge crime and
0:15:25 > 0:15:30proactively legislate in ensuring that this is something we can start
0:15:30 > 0:15:34a part of the history of the women's movement in this country? -- making
0:15:34 > 0:15:41misogyny hate crime. Can we have action on RBS branch closures, an
0:15:41 > 0:15:45issue which continues to upset and concerned amenities we represent?
0:15:45 > 0:15:54The Scottish affairs committee which are chair has finally secured equity
0:15:54 > 0:15:58to answer questions, but one group of people we have not heard from
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Houston refused to speak to us are the majority shareholder, this
0:16:01 > 0:16:04Government. The Government by the stewards of the public interest in
0:16:04 > 0:16:09this, so will you join me in insisting that Government treasury
0:16:09 > 0:16:11ministers agree to come in front of the Scottish affairs committee to
0:16:11 > 0:16:15answer questions about what they are doing to represent our interests?
0:16:15 > 0:16:19And lastly, we need a statement on this emerging constitutional crisis
0:16:19 > 0:16:23on Brexit. The Government now say we will push ahead without any
0:16:23 > 0:16:26agreement from the Scottish Government, but the Scottish
0:16:26 > 0:16:31Government are still progressing this constituted bill. The BBC have
0:16:31 > 0:16:39a letter in which the Government says it can't counter the power grab
0:16:39 > 0:16:46claims, perhaps they can't because that is exactly what it is.Mr
0:16:46 > 0:16:51Speaker, to the honourable gentleman's first point, I am very
0:16:51 > 0:16:55appalled, as I think all honourable members are, to hear of the
0:16:55 > 0:17:00experiences of his honourable friend. I sincerely apologise to her
0:17:00 > 0:17:06on behalf of everybody here for the appalling abuse she is received,
0:17:06 > 0:17:10it's utterly unacceptable and, of course, in my role as Leader of the
0:17:10 > 0:17:14Commons, if she wanted to come and talk to me, I would be happy to do
0:17:14 > 0:17:18so and see if there is anything I can do for her. As the honourable
0:17:18 > 0:17:22gentleman knows, Mr Speaker, and as you know yourself, we have worked
0:17:22 > 0:17:25tirelessly across party to put in place our independence complaint
0:17:25 > 0:17:29procedure. Whether that would come if it were up and running today,
0:17:29 > 0:17:33have gone some way to improving the honourable lady's situation, I am
0:17:33 > 0:17:37not sure. But I certainly help, Mr Speaker, that our commitment across
0:17:37 > 0:17:41this house and the other place to stamping out abuse and making our
0:17:41 > 0:17:47Parliament one of the best places to work and to be employed is going to
0:17:47 > 0:17:51stand us in good stead for the future. To his second point about
0:17:51 > 0:17:56RBS, I am very aware of the grave concerns expressed in a number of
0:17:56 > 0:17:59occasions by the honourable members on his side of the house about
0:17:59 > 0:18:05banking closures, and he will of course be aware that there are
0:18:05 > 0:18:09decisions, procedures to go through before a bank decides to close, in
0:18:09 > 0:18:15consultations with communities. But I would point out that there is an
0:18:15 > 0:18:18adjournment debate on backing in Scotland next week on the 14th of
0:18:18 > 0:18:22March, and I'm sure he wants to take part in that. Finally, the
0:18:22 > 0:18:27honourable gentleman raises the issue of the withdrawal bill and the
0:18:27 > 0:18:32Scottish National Party's continuity bill. It is the Government's
0:18:32 > 0:18:37position that the EU withdrawal bill will provide consistency across the
0:18:37 > 0:18:42UK to ensure that all parts of the UK are ready for departure across
0:18:42 > 0:18:46the EU, -- from the EU, and we are hopeful we can reach an agreement
0:18:46 > 0:18:52with devolved administrations on the bill in the coming weeks.In a
0:18:52 > 0:18:57recent debate on the family test in the Lords, family impact
0:18:57 > 0:19:00assessments, there was good cross-party support for Lord's -
0:19:00 > 0:19:06members Bill promoting a more satisfactory application of this
0:19:06 > 0:19:09test than currently seems to be the case from several questions I've
0:19:09 > 0:19:14asked recently. Would-be leader facilitate the safe passage of this
0:19:14 > 0:19:19bill in the other place by liaising with the leader there are so that it
0:19:19 > 0:19:23will come to this house for consideration as soon as the? -- as
0:19:23 > 0:19:28soon as possible? Carroll I would like to congratulate and commend my
0:19:28 > 0:19:32honourable friend for the amazing work she does cross-party in
0:19:32 > 0:19:37Crosshouse in supporting families. I totally share her desire to see the
0:19:37 > 0:19:40strengthening families of all types and salt and in particular, I know
0:19:40 > 0:19:45she shares my concern for the importance of early attachment and
0:19:45 > 0:19:49giving every baby the best start in life. I absolutely support her
0:19:49 > 0:19:54desire to see the family test carefully applied and I would be
0:19:54 > 0:19:56delighted to meet with her to discuss how I can specifically help
0:19:56 > 0:20:06her.A note from the business statement leader that backbench
0:20:06 > 0:20:18business have a number of outstanding applications for time
0:20:18 > 0:20:21allocation, so I would hope we would get some time before Easter recess
0:20:21 > 0:20:26in order to get some of our unheard debates timetabled. Mr Speaker, I'm
0:20:26 > 0:20:31afraid chickens have come home to roost with regard to the backbench
0:20:31 > 0:20:35committee, despite the fact that we had three members present on
0:20:35 > 0:20:40Tuesday, that is not a quorum for the backbench committee, we require
0:20:40 > 0:20:44four, we only have six members. We are hoping the cavalry will come
0:20:44 > 0:20:47over the hill from the Conservative group in terms of the two members
0:20:47 > 0:20:51missing at the moment, but also, could really leader look again at
0:20:51 > 0:20:56the core of the backbench business committee? On this committee, a
0:20:56 > 0:21:04quorum of four seems excessive.I would gently like to point out that
0:21:04 > 0:21:10there is Government time next week for Welsh affairs debate and as you
0:21:10 > 0:21:12will recall, we were all very disappointed on St David's Day went
0:21:12 > 0:21:17due to the awful weather and the need for members to get home before
0:21:17 > 0:21:24train station is closed and so on, not only I was at Number Ten
0:21:24 > 0:21:28reception for Saint Davids Day, and sadly missed out on the Welsh School
0:21:28 > 0:21:35choir, who couldn't get there. So we would be delighted to get time to to
0:21:35 > 0:21:38take place, notwithstanding that it is within Government 's time, and I
0:21:38 > 0:21:43will of course make sure that I make representations were necessary for
0:21:43 > 0:21:47his outstanding applications. I have raised with colleagues what we can
0:21:47 > 0:21:49do to facilitate extra Conservative members on the backbench committee
0:21:49 > 0:21:54and will continue to press for that. If he would like to write to me on
0:21:54 > 0:21:57the subject of the quorum, I'm very happy to take, to look at that
0:21:57 > 0:22:05matter very seriously. Thank you. You will know, so, this has only
0:22:05 > 0:22:14works if convergence are followed. -- this house only works. My Private
0:22:14 > 0:22:20members Bill passed on the 1st of December, another private members
0:22:20 > 0:22:23bill about constituencies pass on that date, both were actually
0:22:23 > 0:22:31unopposed. But more than three months later, no money resolutions
0:22:31 > 0:22:35have been forthcoming. That means there is not a single... There can
0:22:35 > 0:22:41only be one bill, private members bill committed at one time, none has
0:22:41 > 0:22:45been committed because of this. This looks to be an obstruction of the
0:22:45 > 0:22:50private members bill system by the Government. I'm sure that is not the
0:22:50 > 0:22:52case I'm not sure that is not the case.
0:22:52 > 0:22:58LAUGHTER With the Leader of the House arrange
0:22:58 > 0:23:05for an urgent statement next week so this can be discussed?Earlier, his
0:23:05 > 0:23:07right honourable friend asked question about migratory species and
0:23:07 > 0:23:11in the course of the delivery of the question, number members on the
0:23:11 > 0:23:15opposition benches noted that the honourable member had migrated from
0:23:15 > 0:23:19his heat usual seat to his new seat, I don't think any particular
0:23:19 > 0:23:22significance may be read into that, but I assure the house that even if
0:23:22 > 0:23:26it is unusual it doesn't mean the honourable gentleman is suddenly
0:23:26 > 0:23:29pro-the European Union. If the honourable gentleman said that
0:23:29 > 0:23:33outside the chamber, imagine the member would be consulting with
0:23:33 > 0:23:44learner friends! His behaviour is -- perfectly orderly.My friend is a
0:23:44 > 0:23:47bit suspicious, how could he possibly think that my? Particularly
0:23:47 > 0:23:51of me, we are very honourable friends. What I would say, as I did
0:23:51 > 0:23:56to our other honourable friend, the Government has expressed support for
0:23:56 > 0:23:59a number Private members bills so far at this session and indeed the
0:23:59 > 0:24:04Government does support the bill that my honourable friend is
0:24:04 > 0:24:07bringing through as a private members Bill. We will be bringing
0:24:07 > 0:24:13forward money resolutions on a case-by-case basis in the usual way.
0:24:13 > 0:24:18I really appreciated the comments the honourable lady made about
0:24:18 > 0:24:22President Trump's announcements on steel tariffs, but I'm deeply
0:24:22 > 0:24:24concerned and I think we need the Secretary of State for International
0:24:24 > 0:24:28Development to make a statement next week. 10% of UK steel is exported to
0:24:28 > 0:24:35the US and 15% of our automotive industry goes there, so it has huge
0:24:35 > 0:24:38imprecations plus Brexit, I would appreciate the opportunity to debate
0:24:38 > 0:24:47it.The honourable lady raises a very important issue. The Prime
0:24:47 > 0:24:50Minister has spoken with President Trump and raised our grave concern
0:24:50 > 0:24:54at his proposals. I can tell the operable lady that my friend the
0:24:54 > 0:25:00Secretary of State for International 's trade is speaking with the US
0:25:00 > 0:25:04commerce Secretary about this matter and she may be aware that there has
0:25:04 > 0:25:12been an overnight briefing that tariffs may not apply to allies and
0:25:12 > 0:25:16so on. This is a moving issue and we will continue to take every step to
0:25:16 > 0:25:22protect the UK's steel and aluminium sectors.On Monday, my right
0:25:22 > 0:25:26honourable friend the Secretary of State for housing, communities and
0:25:26 > 0:25:29local government made a statement on housing and planning on this
0:25:29 > 0:25:35country. Sadly, this common side with the select committee meeting at
0:25:35 > 0:25:39the same time, so those of us that has a degree of expertise on this
0:25:39 > 0:25:42side of the house were unable to question him on the new policies. --
0:25:42 > 0:25:48this coincided with the select committee. And a debate we had on
0:25:48 > 0:25:51homelessness was heavily oversubscribed, which meant
0:25:51 > 0:25:56colleagues could only make very short species on -- speeches and
0:25:56 > 0:25:59contribute since. Could we make time for a general debate on housing and
0:25:59 > 0:26:03planning so that members on all sides can express their views and
0:26:03 > 0:26:06tease out some of these policies for the Government is proposing? -- that
0:26:06 > 0:26:11the Government is proposing?My honourable friend will be aware that
0:26:11 > 0:26:14the prime Minster has been very clear that sorted out our broken
0:26:14 > 0:26:18housing market is one of her top record his fourth premiership. She
0:26:18 > 0:26:21is determined to see young people able to aspire to a home of their
0:26:21 > 0:26:28own. -- top priorities for her premiership. That means planning,
0:26:28 > 0:26:33protecting tenants, and sorting out things like leases on new homes and
0:26:33 > 0:26:37so on, and all those are part of my right honourable friend the
0:26:37 > 0:26:41Secretary of State's new policies. And I would like to pay tribute to
0:26:41 > 0:26:45my honourable friend for his Homelessness Reduction Act, which
0:26:45 > 0:26:50the Government has incremented and as part of our determination to deal
0:26:50 > 0:26:55with the problem homelessness and rough sleeping in this country.
0:26:55 > 0:27:00Cancer Research UK say obesity is the second most preventable cause of
0:27:00 > 0:27:03cancer. The Government is reviewing its childhood obesity strategy, so
0:27:03 > 0:27:08may we have a debate on stopping junk food adverts before the nine
0:27:08 > 0:27:15o'clock watershed to help reduce childhood obesity?I completely sure
0:27:15 > 0:27:19the honourable gentleman's concern at childhood abuse and BCC, it does
0:27:19 > 0:27:24appear we have a massively growing problem in this country. --
0:27:24 > 0:27:28childhood obesity. He may want to seek an adjournment debate so he can
0:27:28 > 0:27:34speak darkly to ministers about his own ideas. -- directly to ministers.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38As we are aware, we have just approved more housing to be built in
0:27:38 > 0:27:43this country, we can all say that is good. But I can also name, I would
0:27:43 > 0:27:49name at this time, councils who have used Private company 's and estate
0:27:49 > 0:27:51agents to further their aims. -- I will not name at this time. Please
0:27:51 > 0:27:58can we have a debate on making sure that there's a clear understanding
0:27:58 > 0:28:01between developers, estate agents, planners, and companies? Because if
0:28:01 > 0:28:04we don't, we can see situations arising which are not going to help
0:28:04 > 0:28:11any of us in future deliberations. My honourable friend is absolutely
0:28:11 > 0:28:15right to raise the importance of keeping good boundaries. Ultimately,
0:28:15 > 0:28:19the aim is to produce more homes so that more people can aspire to a
0:28:19 > 0:28:24home of their own. He may want to raise these specific concerns and
0:28:24 > 0:28:32questions to the department, which happen on Monday 12 March.One of my
0:28:32 > 0:28:37very favourite feminists, can I wish you and everyone else here are happy
0:28:37 > 0:28:40International Women's Day today. With the Leader of the House
0:28:40 > 0:28:44consider a debate great statement from the Government on gender
0:28:44 > 0:28:49pricing? We know consumers have to pay an average 31% more to pay for
0:28:49 > 0:28:53goods which are marketed or aimed specifically at women, and this is
0:28:53 > 0:28:57not just limited to toiletries, it can be toys, stationery, clothes, et
0:28:57 > 0:29:01al host of things. We need to put pressure on those retailers and
0:29:01 > 0:29:07manufacturers to stop this pink tax. I think the honourable lady raises
0:29:07 > 0:29:13an issue that many of us would be equally concerned about and it is
0:29:13 > 0:29:17very obvious in the case of, for example, toiletries that men get
0:29:17 > 0:29:22their face care product much cheaper than we do, don't they? I would
0:29:22 > 0:29:25support the honourable lady in seeking an adjournment debate so she
0:29:25 > 0:29:31can raise this issue directly with ministers.Following the recent
0:29:31 > 0:29:36bonus storms, we have seen another significant cliff fall onto one of
0:29:36 > 0:29:41our beaches in NUT. This is a site that has recently been granted
0:29:41 > 0:29:44planning permission for the development of houses. This is
0:29:44 > 0:29:47causing great concern but local residents, could the Leader of the
0:29:47 > 0:29:51House arrange for a ministerial statement to make clear to local
0:29:51 > 0:29:54authorities and the planning Inspectorate the position on coastal
0:29:54 > 0:29:59development, and Italy in areas prone to coastal erosion? --
0:29:59 > 0:30:03particularly in areas prone to coastal erosion?I'm sorry to hear
0:30:03 > 0:30:06of the incident in his constituency and he's right to raise it, a real
0:30:06 > 0:30:12local champion. I can tell him local plans determine the allocation of
0:30:12 > 0:30:14land for development and panning permission should always take
0:30:14 > 0:30:18account of the risk of erosion and the National planning policy
0:30:18 > 0:30:23framework sets the expectation of local planning authorities
0:30:23 > 0:30:25establishing coastal change management areas that encourage
0:30:25 > 0:30:29development that is suited to the area is changing coastline, so I
0:30:29 > 0:30:33think the panning rules are probably there, but he might well want to
0:30:33 > 0:30:35seek an adjournment debate to discuss the particular concerned he
0:30:35 > 0:30:42has.What the leader says with a facial products and differential
0:30:42 > 0:30:45costs, I'm not experiencing these matters could because I included
0:30:45 > 0:30:49long ago that I am on beyond redemption and that there might fit
0:30:49 > 0:30:53with as much fortitude as I can muster. Yellow on this International
0:30:53 > 0:30:58Women's Day, can I remind the Leader of the House that worldwide, there
0:30:58 > 0:31:03will be 1.5 million knocks on the doors of families is dead, your
0:31:03 > 0:31:08daughter, your son, the family will be totally destroyed. There is a
0:31:08 > 0:31:13Commonwealth Parliamentary meeting in the next few days in London,
0:31:13 > 0:31:17could we have a debate in this chamber focusing on this scourge,
0:31:17 > 0:31:22the greatest epidemic of our time and not enough concentration on
0:31:22 > 0:31:30these avoidable deathsI think the honourable gentleman is speaking
0:31:30 > 0:31:40about violent deaths, deaths on the road. He raises an incredibly
0:31:40 > 0:31:47important point and right across the world, we see everyday tragic and
0:31:47 > 0:31:52avoidable deaths. In the United Kingdom our track record is good and
0:31:52 > 0:31:57improving and are seeing reduced numbers of road deaths here is an
0:31:57 > 0:32:00important point that he might like to seek a backbench debate to talk
0:32:00 > 0:32:03about road safety and an adjournment debate that he wants to cover an
0:32:03 > 0:32:11issue. My right honourable friend knows well of the series consent of
0:32:11 > 0:32:13the people of Redditch at the centralisation of paediatric
0:32:13 > 0:32:18emergency services from Worcester because I have raised its my
0:32:18 > 0:32:22tenderness house. We'll see please join me in calling on the CCG and
0:32:22 > 0:32:28the trust to speed up their plans to ring the GP urgent care centre and
0:32:28 > 0:32:30can we have a debate about the future of our health services in
0:32:30 > 0:32:33Worcestershire?
0:32:34 > 0:32:37My honourable friend is a strong voice for her constituency and I
0:32:37 > 0:32:40commend her parading this matter in the chamber was a local
0:32:40 > 0:32:42commissioners are currently reviewing the national guidance that
0:32:42 > 0:32:48has been issued with regard to urgent care centres prior to
0:32:48 > 0:32:50commissioning a revised model for the Alexandrov hospital, I
0:32:50 > 0:32:53understand they are expected to implement the new service in the
0:32:53 > 0:32:57next 12 months as planned and she might like to seek an opportunity to
0:32:57 > 0:33:05raise this matter directly with health ministers.We had read
0:33:05 > 0:33:09weather warnings in the first domestic and I welcome the fact that
0:33:09 > 0:33:13Renfrewshire Council and the local McDonald's franchise and Glasgow
0:33:13 > 0:33:17airport are paying their employees who are unable to travel to work.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21Can we have a debate on employers responsibilities to the city of
0:33:21 > 0:33:24Leicester and ensuring that no worker is left out of pocket Julian
0:33:24 > 0:33:31Savea weather warnings?First, can I join him in congratulating all those
0:33:31 > 0:33:35who put an extra effort to try to keep people safe and to keep
0:33:35 > 0:33:40transport open and so on. What I can say is that there are, I'll keep
0:33:40 > 0:33:47transport operators, Network Rail, they all have winter contingency
0:33:47 > 0:33:52plans as I am sure do their equivalents in Scotland. Whilst we
0:33:52 > 0:33:59pay tribute to all those who have put in that extra work at the same
0:33:59 > 0:34:02time, it's for their employers to ensure they take the right decisions
0:34:02 > 0:34:06to have the right balance of keeping services open and protecting their
0:34:06 > 0:34:16employees at all times. July I still hear way too many stories from
0:34:16 > 0:34:19constituents who are in arguments with landlords about their homes.
0:34:19 > 0:34:29Can we have a review of the housing complaints system? When I am
0:34:29 > 0:34:31grateful for the honourable question and its vital consumers have served
0:34:31 > 0:34:34effective routes through which to complain when things go wrong,
0:34:34 > 0:34:38people need to know where to go and to be clear about what they can
0:34:38 > 0:34:43expect and he is right that existing can be confusing, he will be pleased
0:34:43 > 0:34:48that on the naked Afobe we published a consultation on strengthening
0:34:48 > 0:34:52consumer redress in the housing market. We are looking at the
0:34:52 > 0:34:57options on how Jewish people, whether tenants or owners and have
0:34:57 > 0:35:00access to quick, easy and effective redress including looking at whether
0:35:00 > 0:35:08a single Housing ombudsman could actually simplify access.The issue
0:35:08 > 0:35:13for me is drivers who receive reimbursement for patient transport.
0:35:13 > 0:35:21The UK taxation rules had mileage is very hard, clearly by definition in
0:35:21 > 0:35:24my constituency, people have to travel huge distances to get the
0:35:24 > 0:35:28patient to hospital and back. With the Leader of the House agree that
0:35:28 > 0:35:34we have a debate on this issue in this house. But many honourable
0:35:34 > 0:35:38death and raises are very particular issue which I can well understand
0:35:38 > 0:35:41there's a real concern to his constituents and others when there
0:35:41 > 0:35:47are long distances to travel. I suggest he raises the subject at an
0:35:47 > 0:35:49adjournment debate so he can hear directly from ministers what they
0:35:49 > 0:36:00can do for those who have to travel long distances. Can we have a debate
0:36:00 > 0:36:04on local businesses who are also global brands that would allow me to
0:36:04 > 0:36:09highlight the fantastic Walkers shortbread from my constituency vote
0:36:09 > 0:36:12a company that has been subjected to unacceptable and despicable abuse
0:36:12 > 0:36:17this week from naturalists in Scotland because just one of their
0:36:17 > 0:36:25many products featured a union Jack. We should condemn these attacks and
0:36:25 > 0:36:30celebrate the success Walkers shortbread they have employed
0:36:30 > 0:36:40hundreds of local people and our great credit to our area.My
0:36:40 > 0:36:43honourable friend raises a very significant issue for his
0:36:43 > 0:36:49constituency, he's a great champion for Murray and I would agree with
0:36:49 > 0:36:54them Walkers shortbread is both delicious and are vital UK brand,
0:36:54 > 0:37:01it's a fabulous Scottish brand and many of their sins are marked with,
0:37:01 > 0:37:03I love Scotland and others are marked with the union Jack and very
0:37:03 > 0:37:08often for export, so they are a fabulous export, they are delicious,
0:37:08 > 0:37:13only to be eaten in some modesty. We don't want to encourage overeating
0:37:13 > 0:37:18shortbread or any other sugary product but nevertheless, we love
0:37:18 > 0:37:26Walkers, it's a great UK and Scottish product.The leader of the
0:37:26 > 0:37:29houses quite right in to my honourable friend and the shadow
0:37:29 > 0:37:32Leader of the House to say that these dead by the US administration
0:37:32 > 0:37:36to put huge tariffs on steel is unmoving issue but the very fact
0:37:36 > 0:37:41it's a moving issue underlines the need for a statement in this house
0:37:41 > 0:37:47as to what the government is doing. When will we have a statement on as
0:37:47 > 0:37:54and one will the official opposition get an opposition day debate.I
0:37:54 > 0:38:00think I said as much as I can about the poor Mr's determination to
0:38:00 > 0:38:03protect UK interests and she has made her views very clear to
0:38:03 > 0:38:08President Trump. As I have mentioned, my right honourable
0:38:08 > 0:38:11friend, the Secretary of State for International Development has raised
0:38:11 > 0:38:16the matter with the US commerce Secretary and as I also have said,
0:38:16 > 0:38:18all right, the White House has indicated that there may be
0:38:18 > 0:38:23exemptions from tariffs were allies of the United States, very important
0:38:23 > 0:38:27that we continue to work to look after global trade, it is something
0:38:27 > 0:38:30that the United Kingdom, as we leave the EU, which is to be a world
0:38:30 > 0:38:34leader in promoting free trade around the globe, so that's what we
0:38:34 > 0:38:38will be doing. In terms of opposition days, as I mentioned to
0:38:38 > 0:38:43his honourable friend, the shadow Leader of the House, they will be
0:38:43 > 0:38:45brought forward in the usual way.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53The European Union structural and social fans have benefited local
0:38:53 > 0:38:56authorities across the United Kingdom, can I request a leader we
0:38:56 > 0:38:59have some parliamentary time to the debate what will replace these funds
0:38:59 > 0:39:07after Brexit.My honourable friend is quite right to raise this matter
0:39:07 > 0:39:10and he will be pleased and we have committed to the placing European
0:39:10 > 0:39:17structural funds with the UK Shared Prosperity Fund after we leave the
0:39:17 > 0:39:22European Union, the fund will be designed to raise productivity and
0:39:22 > 0:39:24reduce inequalities between communities across all four nations
0:39:24 > 0:39:31of the union and we will consult on this later in the year.20,000
0:39:31 > 0:39:38elephants are slaughtered every year simply for their ivory. With the
0:39:38 > 0:39:41Leader of the House in from us when we could have a debate about the
0:39:41 > 0:39:44results of the consultation and finished a couple of months ago
0:39:44 > 0:39:47about the governmenthe plans to ban the sale of ivory as soon as
0:39:47 > 0:39:52possible.I'm so glad the honourable gentleman has raised this issue
0:39:52 > 0:39:57because it is absolutely vital that the UK continues to be at the
0:39:57 > 0:40:00forefront of clamping down on the illegal wildlife trade and in
0:40:00 > 0:40:04particular on the poaching of ivory. When I was secretary I was very
0:40:04 > 0:40:10proud to be progressing that consultation which is now completed.
0:40:10 > 0:40:14They'd received over 70,000 consultation responses which is one
0:40:14 > 0:40:17of the largest responses we have had an history of better and it's clear
0:40:17 > 0:40:23the overwhelming majority support the ban and we have a conference on
0:40:23 > 0:40:29the trade and we can assure him that be doing everything we can to bring
0:40:29 > 0:40:35forward legislation as soon as possible. Yesterday Babcock
0:40:35 > 0:40:42announced 500 defence jobs will be lost at the dog with a cost to the
0:40:42 > 0:40:46Royal Marines and the sale of HMS Ocean. Can the other statement up
0:40:46 > 0:40:51from ministers about was aboard the government can offer to the Babcock
0:40:51 > 0:40:57workers losing their jobs in Plymouth. I am sorry to hear about
0:40:57 > 0:41:02those prospective job losses. As he points out, but got the
0:41:02 > 0:41:08international have announced 500 job losses. 100 of those posts are
0:41:08 > 0:41:13unfilled making the reduction to headcount potentially 400. Whilst
0:41:13 > 0:41:18the restructure as a commercial matter for the company. Nevertheless
0:41:18 > 0:41:23there is a consultation period with staff and trade unions under way
0:41:23 > 0:41:26which is expected to conclude in mid-April. In the meantime
0:41:26 > 0:41:30government is closely monitoring the situation and DWP are on stand-by to
0:41:30 > 0:41:34provide support for those affected by Jobcentre plus rapid response
0:41:34 > 0:41:44service. May I also wish a happy birthday to the honourable member
0:41:44 > 0:41:47for Perth and North Perthshire and say that he shares that with
0:41:47 > 0:41:53somebody who has every intention of continuing to be 21 again. Mr
0:41:53 > 0:41:59Speaker, on Friday second March, several busy South Eastern trains
0:41:59 > 0:42:03were stranded for hours outside Lewisham station due to severe
0:42:03 > 0:42:09weather conditions. Many passages self evacuated from these trains and
0:42:09 > 0:42:13we are extremely lucky that nobody died and we have a debate on
0:42:13 > 0:42:17updating guidance for stranded commuter trains to keep our
0:42:17 > 0:42:26passengers safe. She raises a very important and topical matter and I
0:42:26 > 0:42:29encourage her to seek an adjournment debate so she can discuss this
0:42:29 > 0:42:36directly with ministers they are inserted at the risks to their cells
0:42:36 > 0:42:39and the train system people decided to evacuate themselves from players
0:42:39 > 0:42:43and we have to a stop to that. She will be aware there are safety plans
0:42:43 > 0:42:48in place and its vital people abide by those for their own safety. Reid
0:42:48 > 0:43:05I wish to join a leading wishing the lady a happy birthday.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14Following on from a question and the serious travel disruption that
0:43:14 > 0:43:20happened last week, can we have a debate about cutting -- putting
0:43:20 > 0:43:24passengers fascists. When fit services are cancelled, there should
0:43:24 > 0:43:27be an automatic the Dead Man passengers can use other train
0:43:27 > 0:43:31services, and how we have had severe disruption to services and it's come
0:43:31 > 0:43:35to my attention that the Isco 's mainline has not been the
0:43:35 > 0:43:40automatically allowed train passengers who cannot go all the way
0:43:40 > 0:43:44to London to use their service. I think that has to be looked at in
0:43:44 > 0:43:51terms of putting the passenger first agony lady readers a very important
0:43:51 > 0:43:54point and she will be aware that train operating companies are moving
0:43:54 > 0:44:01towards an automatic reimburse for people who have experienced train
0:44:01 > 0:44:04delays but she would like to raise the issue of whether the
0:44:04 > 0:44:09automatically allowed passengers to use other transport we now intend to
0:44:09 > 0:44:13announce it at some point but when you have often turned up for a train
0:44:13 > 0:44:18that is not the end you have to move stations. I sympathise with her
0:44:18 > 0:44:22point entirely and reckon Matt and she seems an adjournment debate. I
0:44:22 > 0:44:29wish my honourable friend the happy birthday.
0:44:29 > 0:44:34I'm sure he will be celebrating with a slice of shortbread! Can we have a
0:44:34 > 0:44:38debate on the relationship between the motor Bility scheme and pep
0:44:38 > 0:44:46reviews. I have -- mobility schemes. I have a constituent who is having
0:44:46 > 0:44:50her car removed for the second time. Even before her appeal has been
0:44:50 > 0:44:57heard.The honourable gentleman raises a very important and
0:44:57 > 0:45:01concerning constituency issue, and as I've always said, if he wants to
0:45:01 > 0:45:05raise this with me in writing I can take it up with the Department on
0:45:05 > 0:45:11his behalf. In a more general policy sense, we do spend over £50 billion
0:45:11 > 0:45:14per year on benefits to support disabled people and people with
0:45:14 > 0:45:18health conditions. We are seeking to enable more disabled people into
0:45:18 > 0:45:21work, and we are seeing a significant increase in the number
0:45:21 > 0:45:28of people who were able to get away from their disability and getting to
0:45:28 > 0:45:31work, which is a great way into a more productive and enjoyable life.
0:45:31 > 0:45:34And that is the policy that the Government is trying to pursue. If
0:45:34 > 0:45:36he has particular concerns, I'm happy to take them up on his behalf.
0:45:36 > 0:45:38Thank you.