Business of the House Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Business of the House

Christopher Chope Excerpts
Thursday 16th March 2017

(7 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Lidington Portrait Mr Lidington
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It is right that we have a committee that is not part of the Government and not a Committee of this House or the other place to make rulings on individual cases. It is important that former Ministers stick to the proper procedures in seeking clearance before taking on any new external appointment.

Christopher Chope Portrait Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con)
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Now that the Government have expressed their determination to honour both the letter and the spirit of manifesto commitments, may we have an urgent debate on how the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government can be persuaded to honour the letter and the spirit of the Government’s commitment to Parliament and to my constituents on 7 December 2015, as reported in column 822 of Hansard, that they would not force structural change on any local authority against its will?

David Lidington Portrait Mr Lidington
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As he has done previously, my hon. Friend speaks strongly about the continued existence of Christchurch Borough Council. He will continue to press the matter strongly with Ministers, and I am sure that his opportunity will arise in an Adjournment debate at some point.