Oral Answers to Questions

Gordon Birtwistle Excerpts

Wednesday 14th September 2011 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

We would like to extend these treaties to other countries, and I will certainly look into the case of the Dominican Republic and get back to the hon. Gentleman. While we are at it, perhaps we could have a search for the individual donor to the Labour party—I gather that there was only one and that he was called Alastair Campbell.

[Gordon Birtwistle (Burnley) (LD)]

Will the Prime Minister join me in congratulating Burnley football club, which, in partnership with Buckinghamshire New university, has delivered the first university of football business in the UK, which has generated immense interest among young people in the UK and across Europe?

[The Prime Minister]

I happily join my hon. Friend in praising the work of Burnley football club. I have been very struck in this job by the privilege I have of seeing different football clubs working not only on their own football skills, but on inspiring young people, and not only here, but in other countries, as I saw with the work that Spurs football club is doing in South Africa. I think there is a huge role for football in helping to change people’s lives and I fully support what our clubs do.

Oral Answers to Questions

Gordon Birtwistle Excerpts

Wednesday 21st July 2010 Commons Chamber

[David Mundell]

The future jobs fund creates temporary, short-term posts, and the grants do not include any incentives to move people into permanent jobs. Our investment will move young people into sustainable employment, rather than creating temporary changes to unemployment.

[Gordon Birtwistle (Burnley) (LD)]

Will the Minister advise the House of the cost of each permanent job provided by the future jobs fund?

[David Mundell]

It is clear that the future jobs fund was not an effective use of resources. It was aimed at making temporary changes to unemployment figures, rather than moving people into sustainable, permanent jobs.