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Business of the House

Last week, when I asked the Leader of the House about the Government’s Arbuthnott report, an expression of utter vacuity crossed his face, so this week I shall try to ask about subjects that he has at least heard of. Will the Leader of the House set aside two hours for statements—one from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on why stringent controls on industry as regards carbon emissions are necessary, followed by another from the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on why they are not? From that, we may be able to assess some form of coherent climate change strategy. May we have a debate or a statement on the Child Support Agency? We were told eight years ago that it was in urgent need of reform, and two months ago the Prime Minister himself said that it was not fit for purpose. We are still waiting for an announcement on the fundamental reform of the CSA that is clearly necessary. I understand the Leader of the House’s difficulties with half-term coinciding with a week of business but does he believe that it is wise, given Tuesday’s events, to schedule three controversial Bills for that week? Would it not be better to leave a little extra time for the Chief Whip to understand what is happening in the party and for the Prime Minister to plan his diary engagements?