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Proceeding contribution from Phil Woolas (Labour) in the House of Commons on Thursday, 20 October 2005. It occurred during Adjournment debate on Social Exclusion Unit.


Social Exclusion Unit

: It seems that we cannot win in that regard. The hon. Member for North-East Bedfordshire concluded his thoughtful speech by making some suggestions for the future. I shall certainly respond to his requests. I am particularly interested in his third point, because he said something important. It is clear to us all, and from the evidence and analysis provided by the social exclusion unit, that stability in a child's life is a key driver. I wish to share with hon. Members the early findings of the asset inequality report. The most important point is the understanding that the accumulation of an asset—whether financial or personal, or an examination—is a key driver in establishing acceptable and stabilising behaviour. I do not wish to sound patronising, but every parent and schoolteacher knows that. Let us examine the hon. Gentleman's point about the importance of the male role model in particular. Government policy is, of course, not intended to discriminate against marriage or family. Sometimes, I have to acknowledge that, unintentionally, it may seem to do so and, on occasion, probably does. The policy is for a stable and normal environment for children and young people with difficult lives. I thank you, Mr. Bercow, for your chairmanship, as well as hon. Gentlemen for taking part in the debate and taking the work of the social exclusion unit so seriously. I give a commitment to do my best to promote its work and recommendations across government and the public services.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
437 c333-4WH 
Session
2005-06
Chamber / Committee
Westminster Hall
Subjects
Disadvantaged Employment Housing Education Poverty Social Exclusion Unit
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk