Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ben Gummer and Lord Hanson of Flint

Wednesday 14th December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Ben Gummer]

My hon. Friend is a far more astute reader of IT journals than I am. We are aware of our responsibilities, which is why we have set up the Cyber Essentials website, but I will relay his comments to those who know more about it than I do so that they can reflect on them.

[Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab)]

T4. For what specific reason are the Government blocking Lord Grocott’s Bill to end the ludicrous elections to hereditary peerages?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ben Gummer and Lord Hanson of Flint

Wednesday 7th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Ben Gummer]

The hon. Gentleman is entirely right that hacking poses a serious threat to our national infrastructure. I will be able to make more announcements in the next few weeks that I hope will colour the detail that he is seeking.

[Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab)]

T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

[The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General (Ben Gummer)]

The Cabinet Office is responsible for delivering a democracy that works for everyone, supporting the design and delivery of Government policy and driving efficiencies and reforms to make government work better.

[Mr Hanson]

At a time when the Government are reducing the number of elected Members of this elected House of Parliament by 50, is it right that we keep 100 hereditary peers in another place when they owe their place in Parliament to patronage in the middle ages?

[Ben Gummer]

It is not for me to revisit the arguments over the House of Lords, and as our manifesto made clear, that is not a first priority of this Government. The right hon. Gentleman will be glad to know that, over the past few years, we have reduced the cost of the House of Lords quite considerably. [Interruption.]

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ben Gummer and Lord Hanson of Flint

Tuesday 5th January 2016 Commons Chamber

[Ben Gummer]

I would be happy to meet them, I will meet them and I congratulate them on eliminating 12-hour trolley waits for the first time this year. They are doing a great job in difficult circumstances, as are many hospitals across the country. I am confident that they, too, will be able to get their deficit under control next year, with the help of the transformation fund, which is available for high-performing trusts.

[Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab)]

4. How many people have diseases classified by his Department as rare.

Finance Bill

Debate between Ben Gummer and Lord Hanson of Flint

Tuesday 28th June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hanson]

No, I think we did. I have been here quite a few years now, and I recall that in 1993 the Conservative Government increased VAT on fuel and had to reduce it because of measures supported by the Labour party in opposition. The hon. Gentleman may not remember that.

[Ben Gummer (Ipswich) (Con)]

Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?

[Mr Hanson]

In a moment. Let me try to return to some of the key points of the debate.