Mr Gregory Campbell (East Londonderry) (DUP)
On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Claimants of pension credit, which gives entitlement to the winter fuel allowance, have to apply by this weekend to qualify for this year’s winter fuel allowance. Has the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions indicated that she will come to the House today or tomorrow to make a statement about the urgent need for those on pension credit to apply—tens of thousands have not yet done so—if they are to avail themselves of what they appear to be denied?
Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)
I thank the hon. Member for giving notice of his point of order, which reiterates a point that came up yesterday in Work and Pensions oral questions—and, indeed, in the Chamber this afternoon. I am sure that all Members will play their part in ensuring that constituents are aware of the benefits, including pension tax credits, to which they are entitled. As far as the point of order goes, I confirm that there has been no request today from Department for Work and Pensions Ministers to make a statement on this issue.
Sir Gavin Williamson (Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge) (Con)
On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I am sorry for not giving you advance notice of this. The ombudsman of this House has been completely ignored, as was demonstrated by the statement. How can this House hold the Government to account and make sure that we hear the voice of every single Member on whether they are happy to see the ombudsman overruled in this callous manner?
Madam Deputy Speaker
I thank the right hon. Member for that point of order. He has put his point on the record, and he will be aware that the Secretary of State specifically responded to that point throughout the statement.
Bill Presented
Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill
Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57)
Secretary Bridget Phillipson, supported by the Prime Minister, Secretary Angela Rayner, Pat McFadden, Secretary Wes Streeting, Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary Liz Kendall, Catherine McKinnell, Jess Phillips and Sir Nicholas Dakin, presented a Bill to make provision about the safeguarding and welfare of children; about support for children in care or leaving care; about regulation of care workers; about regulation of establishments and agencies under Part 2 of the Care Standards Act 2000; about employment of children; about breakfast club provision and school uniform; about attendance of children at school; about regulation of independent educational institutions; about inspections of schools and colleges; about teacher misconduct; about Academies and teachers at Academies; repealing section 128 of the Education Act 2002; about school places and admissions; about establishing new schools; and for connected purposes.
Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time tomorrow and to be printed (Bill 151) with explanatory notes (Bill 151-EN).