Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Vincent Cable (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Wednesday, 29 November 2006 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Injured Soldiers

Question: I have the benefit of the Prime Minister’s comments, as well as of the pithy summary by the Daily Mirror—““Blair Raps Northern Moaners””. I think that he was trying to make the more subtle point that it is the differences within regions that really matter, rather than the differences between them. On that measure, can the Deputy Prime Minister explain how income and wealth inequalities have become worse under a Labour Government than they were after 17 years of Tory Government?

Answer: I can tell the hon. Gentleman that there are 2.5 million more people in work now, that the differential has been reduced, and that everyone is enjoying a considerably better standard of living than was the case when we came to power in 1997. The hon. Gentleman has expressed different views about these matters at different times. I have been doing some research into his record, and have discovered that both his arguments and his politics have moved about a bit. He stood for Labour in Glasgow in 1970, for the Social Democratic party in York in 1983, and for the Liberal Democrats in Twickenham in 1992. With such nimble feet, it is no wonder that he lists ballroom dancing as a hobby.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 453 c1078
Session: 2006-07
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Economic situation North of England Armed forces Army Iraq Prime Minister Peacekeeping operations Afghanistan Visits
Link: View this Prime Minister's question on www.publications.parliament.uk