Business of the House Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Business of the House

Desmond Swayne Excerpts
Thursday 26th January 2017

(7 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Lidington Portrait Mr Lidington
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I would obviously like to see the response that the hon. Gentleman has had from the NAO about this, but I will do my best to provide him with a response.

Desmond Swayne Portrait Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)
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Because the Prime Minister has been so clear, I do hope that the White Paper will not tell us anything that we do not already know.

David Lidington Portrait Mr Lidington
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I cannot promise that all colleagues will have followed the Government’s various statements on our approach to EU exit with the assiduousness that my right hon. Friend has undoubtedly shown. The Prime Minister has been very clear that, while we wish to provide clear statements about our objectives, it would not be in the national interest to set out our negotiating position in detail. That would be the most foolish step for any Government to take.