Business of the House

Debate between Jacob Rees-Mogg and Alex Norris

Thursday 3rd October 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

Once again, I am fortunate that the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is sitting at my side. He reminds me that we have had endless debates on this matter. He very wisely put controls on 24 drugs that, in the ordinary course of events, were in short supply—19 of them were for hormone replacement therapy—because the supply of drugs is always a complex issue. Fortunately, the Government have procedures in place in all circumstances to ensure drugs are available, so I can give the hon. Lady the reassurance she requires.

[Alex Norris (Nottingham North) (Lab/Co-op)]

In Bulwell in my constituency, we are developing a “pots, pits and people” project with the National Lottery Heritage Fund to celebrate our local heritage, and a successful bid would help to connect our community with our proud past. May we have a debate in Government time about the value of celebrating our local history?

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

I would be tempted to fill all this House’s time with debates on local and national history. We could spend hours debating the glories of our wonderful nation, but such a specific example may be more suited to a request for an Adjournment debate.

Business of the House

Debate between Jacob Rees-Mogg and Alex Norris

Thursday 5th September 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

I will certainly pass on that question to the Secretary of State.

[Alex Norris (Nottingham North) (Lab/Co-op)]

All summer, the hunger in communities such as mine across the country was tangible. Voluntary sector organisations are stepping in to feed our children. Why are the Government not doing more? May we have a debate on feeding our children in the holidays?

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising that point. The Government carried out a pilot scheme that fed 50,000 children over the summer. The scheme is being evaluated to consider whether it should be rolled out more widely.