Thursday 23rd March 2017

(7 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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13:02
Debbie Abrahams Portrait Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) (Lab)
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On a point of order, Mr Speaker. The Leader of the House repeated a claim that other Ministers have made: that more people with mental health problems are supported by personal independence payments than by disability living allowance. Mind, the mental health charity, has made it clear that 55% of people with mental health awards on DLA, when reassessed for PIP, have no or a reduced award. How can I get the record corrected and push the Leader of the House for a date for a debate on the new regulations?

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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The pursuit of a debate has been single-minded and persistent on the part of the hon. Lady, and it shows some sign of bearing fruit. She has made her own point in her own way, and when she asks how she can find a way of putting her concern on the record, she knows perfectly well, as the cheeky grin etched on her face testifies, that she has, in fact, by an abuse of the point of order procedure, found her own salvation.

Bob Blackman Portrait Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)
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On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Oh, very well. The day would not be complete without a point of order from the hon. Gentleman.

Bob Blackman Portrait Bob Blackman
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I seek your guidance, Mr Speaker, as to how I can put on record the fact that my Homelessness Reduction Bill passed its Third Reading in the House of Lords, and how I can pay tribute to Lord Best, who piloted it through.

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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The hon. Gentleman, also, has found his own salvation, and it is a delight to observe that that success has brought further happiness into his life, quite apart from the potential benefits that the Bill will confer upon those whom he has in mind.