Local Audit and Accountability Bill [Lords]

Debate between Hilary Benn and Roberta Blackman-Woods

Monday 28th October 2013 Commons Chamber

[Roberta Blackman-Woods (City of Durham) (Lab)]

He doesn’t know his own Bill.

[Hilary Benn]

No, the Secretary of State does not know his own Bill and he does not want to hear what his Conservative colleague, Sir Merrick Cockell, has to say about it.

Members should remember what the code says. Paragraph 15 states that local authorities should

“avoid anything likely to be perceived by readers as…being a commentary on contentious areas of public policy.”

High Speed 2 is contentious, as are hospital closures, the removal of fire engines, and whether Heathrow should expand. Is the Secretary of State really saying that there is something wrong with local councils representing the views of their residents? Sir Merrick’s conclusion is that clause 38 “sets a dangerous precedent”. I could not agree more.

The National Union of Journalists says:

“There is no evidence that extra statutory powers are required”.

The National Association of Local Councils opposes clause 38. Birmingham city council said in its response:

“we do not accept the government’s starting point.”

Exactly!

Business of the House (Thursday)

Debate between Hilary Benn and Roberta Blackman-Woods

Wednesday 8th December 2010 Commons Chamber

[Hilary Benn]

My hon. Friend anticipates the very point that I will come to a little later in my speech.

[Roberta Blackman-Woods (City of Durham) (Lab)]

Does my right hon. Friend agree that these are wide-ranging proposals that will completely restructure our university system and that five hours is simply not enough time to discuss these issues? Does this not also show that the opposition are running scared of a proper debate on this issue?

[Hilary Benn]

My hon. Friend of course refers to those Liberal Democrats who will vote against these proposals—but not enough will vote against them as far as the country is concerned.

--- Later in debate ---

[Hilary Benn]

That is indeed the case. Hon. Members are being denied that opportunity because the Government have chosen to put the cart before the horse.

[Roberta Blackman-Woods]

Does my right hon. Friend share my frustration that the Deputy Prime Minister came to my constituency the day before the election to reinforce his pledge not to raise tuition fees, but that because of the lack of time tomorrow I will not have the opportunity to challenge Liberal Democrat Members on why they are breaking that pledge?