Business of the House

Andrew Turner Excerpts

Thursday 28th May 2015 Commons Chamber

[Chris Grayling]

I am proud of what we have done to encourage the growth and development of sciences in this country. It is a matter of record that while we had to take difficult public spending decisions in the previous Parliament, we also managed to protect the science budget and to do all we could, through the development of apprenticeship programmes and of higher standards in schools, to encourage more people to learn sciences, develop science skills and, hopefully, go on into teaching. Teach First offers an opportunity to get smart people into deprived areas to provide high-quality teaching, and we will continue with that policy.

[Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con)]

Yesterday, I was present for Her Majesty’s most Gracious Speech. Had I not been, I would have accepted an invitation from Red Funnel to hear the announcement that its new vessel, Red Jet 6, is to be built on the Isle of Wight. She is the first vessel of her kind to be built in the UK for 15 years, and the contract was won in competition with shipyards around the world. Will the Leader of the House find time to hold a debate on the future of British shipbuilding?

[Chris Grayling]

May I congratulate my hon. Friend’s constituents on winning that contract? The Red Funnel line is vital to them. As he knows, I travelled on it recently when I came over to visit him. I met some of the staff who work on the line, and I was very impressed with the service, which is crucial to the island. I know that my hon. Friend will use the opportunities that are available to Back Benchers to continue to bring forward debates on this and other matters of importance to his constituency in the way he has done since we were both first elected in 2001.