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Proceeding contribution from John Bercow (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Friday, 19 June 2009. It occurred during Debate on bill on Autism Bill.


Autism Bill

I am extremely grateful to my hon. Friend and I would have greatly enjoyed hearing her speech. I have never doubted her commitment to work on a cross-party basis—after all, she was the one offering to do so. However, there are always cynics who do not necessarily think that it is a good idea. It makes sense and we have benefited from it. As far as the media are concerned, and perhaps I can conclude on this point, I think it was the late Enoch Powell who said that politicians complaining about the media are like sailors complaining about the sea—it is a completely pointless and fruitless activity. Doubtless that is the case, but it is sad that when we work together in a concerted, principled and effective fashion it gets no attention or coverage. The media are just not interested. What a shame. They ought to be. We have done the right thing—


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
494 c559 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Disclosure of information Autism Employment Health services Learning disability Training Social services
Legislation
Autism Bill 2008-09
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk