Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Andrew Love (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 14 December 2005 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: Will my right hon. Friend join me in condemning Conservative-controlled Enfield council, which only last week turned down £1 million of economic development assistance because it refused to match-fund that sum? That will affect the most disadvantaged and deprived parts of my community. Is not all this talk about concerned conservatism simply hot air? Sadly, the reality is that it is still the uncaring and nasty party that we all know.

Answer: If it is not out of order in this new era of an end to Punch-and-Judy politics, I suggest to my hon. Friend that it looks to me as though the Conservatives have been a trifle misguided on the issue. Let us put it no higher than that. My hon. Friend has rightly drawn attention to the fact that the only difference between compassionate conservatism and conservatism is that under compassionate conservatism they tell you that they are not going to help you, but they are really sorry about it.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 440 c1297-8
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Disadvantaged Local government finance Regeneration Enfield Enfield Council
Link: View this Prime Minister's question on www.publications.parliament.uk