It is my privilege to bring this most timely debate to a close. This is, of course, the final word from the Government at the Dispatch Box before the British people go to the polls next week to make one of the most important decisions about the future of the...

It is my privilege to bring this most timely debate to a close. This is, of course, the final word from the Government at the Dispatch Box before the British people go to the polls next week to make one of the most important decisions about the future of the...

I do not have the time. I am sorry.

Today, we have seen yet further proof that the UK’s economy is on the road to recovery. We have the highest employment level on record. Unemployment is at its lowest since 2005, the year I first entered Parliament. We can be proud...

I do not have the time. I am sorry.

Today, we have seen yet further proof that the UK’s economy is on the road to recovery. We have the highest employment level on record. Unemployment is at its lowest since 2005, the year I first entered Parliament. We can be proud...

Second opposition day debate. Speaker announced an amendment was tabled but not selected. Question agreed to on division (257 to 0).

Second opposition day debate. Speaker announced an amendment was tabled but not selected. Question agreed to on division (257 to 0).

Westminster Hall adjournment debate on the FCO Strategic Framework.

Westminster Hall adjournment debate on the FCO Strategic Framework.

The United States has had that function for US citizens abroad for at least the past five years. My main point about the website was not whether one is needed, but its extreme cost. How does the Minister justify a cost of almost £20 million for a website?

The United States has had that function for US citizens abroad for at least the past five years. My main point about the website was not whether one is needed, but its extreme cost. How does the Minister justify a cost of almost £20 million for a website?

I am delighted to have secured this debate and to serve under your chairmanship for what I believe is the first time, Mr. Martlew. I do not intend to do the Minister’s job, but I thought it would be helpful to outline exactly what we are talking about, because I...

I am delighted to have secured this debate and to serve under your chairmanship for what I believe is the first time, Mr. Martlew. I do not intend to do the Minister’s job, but I thought it would be helpful to outline exactly what we are talking about, because I...

Can I take the Minister back to the budget for a moment? She lauded what she called a substantial increase in funding for the FCO; I think that she said that its budget would increase from £1.6 billion to £1.7 billion over five years. That is only a 6 per...

Can I take the Minister back to the budget for a moment? She lauded what she called a substantial increase in funding for the FCO; I think that she said that its budget would increase from £1.6 billion to £1.7 billion over five years. That is only a 6 per...

Will the Minister give way on the budget?

Will the Minister give way on the budget?

That is happening because the Supporting People grant allocated by central Government is being cut by 10 per cent. or £1.4 million in the next five years.

That is happening because the Supporting People grant allocated by central Government is being cut by 10 per cent. or £1.4 million in the next five years.

I thank the Secretary of State for giving way, but will she set the record straight in respect of an answer that she gave during the Department for Communities and Local Government Question Time of 16 October? Speaking of services for the elderly, she said that Manchester city council was"““a...

I thank the Secretary of State for giving way, but will she set the record straight in respect of an answer that she gave during the Department for Communities and Local Government Question Time of 16 October? Speaking of services for the elderly, she said that Manchester city council was"““a...

I am delighted to have been selected to introduce this debate, which will contain some complex statistical matter, although I hope not to test your patience too far, Mr. Jones. The part of west London that I have the privilege to represent has an excellent record of harmonious community relationships....

I am delighted to have been selected to introduce this debate, which will contain some complex statistical matter, although I hope not to test your patience too far, Mr. Jones. The part of west London that I have the privilege to represent has an excellent record of harmonious community relationships....

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I am a strong believer in the contribution that the recent migrants have made to our national economy, but an important point to make on top of my hon. Friend’s point is that most of their contribution—in higher tax revenues and national insurance contributions—goes...

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I am a strong believer in the contribution that the recent migrants have made to our national economy, but an important point to make on top of my hon. Friend’s point is that most of their contribution—in higher tax revenues and national insurance contributions—goes...

My hon. Friend is quite right. Others also have the same problem, which is by no means unique to my constituency or local authority. I have spoken with officers in Westminster city council and with London Councils, which used to be known as the Association of London Government. Slough borough...

My hon. Friend is quite right. Others also have the same problem, which is by no means unique to my constituency or local authority. I have spoken with officers in Westminster city council and with London Councils, which used to be known as the Association of London Government. Slough borough...

I realise that time is short, but I want to take the Minister back to a point that he made earlier. He said that funding settlements can be altered only in exceptional circumstances. I appreciate what he is saying about the stability provided by projecting forward, which was certainly welcome...

I realise that time is short, but I want to take the Minister back to a point that he made earlier. He said that funding settlements can be altered only in exceptional circumstances. I appreciate what he is saying about the stability provided by projecting forward, which was certainly welcome...

Westminster Hall adjournment debate on the effects of population growth between censuses on local government finance.

Westminster Hall adjournment debate on the effects of population growth between censuses on local government finance.