Business of the House

James Sunderland Excerpts

Thursday 3rd September 2020 Commons Chamber

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

I note what the hon. Gentleman says about there being 30 debates on the waiting list. We certainly intend to try to facilitate Backbench Business debates. We in this House are, in every sense, getting back to normal. It is really noticeable that more people are around the Houses of Parliament, with people having their staff coming back. We are getting back—as is the country at large—to a more normal way of working. Westminster Hall Chamber will reopen, I hope, in October; there are certainly plans to do that. I am very conscious of the need to work through this list of 30.

As regards the question of testing in Gateshead, I will take that up with the Secretary of State for Health on behalf of the hon. Gentleman. I am sorry that I am not personally an expert in that particular field.

[James Sunderland (Bracknell) (Con)]

This country must return to normality, and it is incumbent upon us in this place to take the lead. Does the Leader of the House agree that we now need proactively to mitigate the risks of operating in a covid-secure environment and get this Chamber functioning normally?

[Mr Speaker]

Leader of the House, who should answer it—me or you?

Business of the House

James Sunderland Excerpts

Thursday 27th February 2020 Commons Chamber

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

This is an important issue, which is often raised in this House. I urge the hon. Lady to seek an Adjournment debate on the specific issues affecting contractors in her constituency. However, the Government have codes of conduct, and as the Government ourselves, we try to ensure that we pay contractors promptly.

[James Sunderland (Bracknell) (Con)]

Given the current focus on the imminent strategic defence and security review, will the Leader of the House agree to a much-needed debate on defence?

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for that question. The Backbench Business Committee, when it was set up, was given four or possibly five days in its total allocation that were meant to be for defence, so that should be raised with the Backbench Business Committee in about a week’s time.