Blacklisting Debate

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Bill Esterson

Main Page: Bill Esterson (Labour - Sefton Central)

Blacklisting

Bill Esterson Excerpts
Wednesday 23rd January 2013

(11 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Chuka Umunna Portrait Mr Umunna
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It is fair to say that until 2009 hard evidence on the scale we saw unveiled by the Information Commissioner had not come to light. I accept that different Governments of different hues should perhaps have done more since the Consulting Association was set up in 1993, but I am not really interested in attributing blame. I am interested in ensuring that we right the wrongs and that should be our focus.

Bill Esterson Portrait Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab)
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I thank my hon. Friend on behalf of my constituents who have raised the issue with me. Some were on the blacklist held by the Consulting Association and others fear they might have been or are concerned for other people. Mick Chalmers raised the issue with me because of his concern for others, for example. Does my hon. Friend think that the investigation needs to go further than the 3,000 people named on the blacklist? Many other people have suggested that that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Chuka Umunna Portrait Mr Umunna
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I agree with my hon. Friend and will expand on that further.