Business of the House

Henry Smith Excerpts

Thursday 13th February 2020 Commons Chamber

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

The hon. Gentleman raises a point of great significance. The Commonwealth is of fundamental importance. It is a powerful organisation, and it is a matter of concern that a number of countries, including New Zealand and Australia, have cut their funding because of concerns over the auditing of the headquarters of the Commonwealth. We must ensure that the auditing is put right and that people can have confidence in the way in which such a valued organisation is run.

[Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)]

Since July 2018, junctions 8 to 10 of the M23 have been reconstructed into a so-called smart motorway. The closures continue. Both north and south sections will be completely closed every weekend next month while the work is taking place. The absurdity of this situation is that smart motorways are now under review, so it could be that one is built at great inconvenience to travellers and will then need to be undone, probably causing more years of work. Can we please have a statement from the Transport Secretary?

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton)]

Order. If we are going to get everybody in, questions and answers will need to be brief.