Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and Elizabeth Truss

Thursday 7th July 2016 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

T7. The excellent annual Trawden show takes place on Sunday 14 August. Will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating Trawden and District Agricultural Society on organising the event, and does she agree that agriculture shows in communities play a key role in promoting agriculture to a wider audience?

[Elizabeth Truss]

Agriculture shows are fantastic. I have been to a large number this year, culminating in the fantastic Norfolk show last week. I want to give my compliments to the Trawden show and wish it all the best for 14 August.

Flooding

Debate between Andrew Stephenson and Elizabeth Truss

Tuesday 5th January 2016 Commons Chamber

[Elizabeth Truss]

The hon. Gentleman is right about the importance of involving local communities, and I should be very interested in looking at that scheme myself. Similar schemes are being delivered in areas such as Pickering, and by the Cumbrian Floods Partnership and the Somerset Rivers Authority. I think that we should give local communities more power over decisions and involve them more in building up resilience, as well as paying attention to our national risk.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

Throughout Pendle, most rivers rose to record levels. The town of Ireby, on the Lancashire-Yorkshire border, was worst hit. A number of homes and businesses were flooded, and I shall be holding a special advice surgery with councils this weekend to meet affected residents and business owners. Although a number of parts of Pendle have benefited from flood defences in the recent past, Ireby suffered once again. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss what more can be done to help the town?

[Elizabeth Truss]

Either the Floods Minister or I should be happy to meet my hon. Friend.