Business of the House

Debate between Bob Blackman and John Bercow

Thursday 6th November 2014 Commons Chamber

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

What a delicious choice! I call Mr Philip Hollobone.

--- Later in debate ---

[Bob Blackman]

Yesterday I had the honour of captaining the House of Commons bridge team in our annual match against the other place. I am happy to report that we successfully retained the Jack Perry trophy with an outstanding victory. Sadly, I was the only sitting Member participating and I had to enlist a number of ex-MPs— former distinguished Members of this House—to join me. Even more sadly, UK Sport refuses to recognise bridge, chess and other mind sports as sports. May we have an early debate, in Government time, on ensuring that there is recognition of those mind sports, which are important for sporting purposes in schools and for older people, so that we can encourage participation in them?

[Mr Speaker]

I am sure the House is pleased to learn of the hon. Gentleman’s prowess and distinction at the bridge table. It is a prowess and distinction of which I was hitherto unaware, but I am now better informed.

Business of the House

Debate between Bob Blackman and John Bercow

Thursday 26th June 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I remind the House, notwithstanding the number of colleagues interested in catching my eye now, that there is a statement on health to follow and that the debate on the commemoration of the first world war is substantially subscribed. I am keen to try to accommodate everybody now, but if I am to have any chance of doing so, brevity from Back Benchers and Front Benchers alike is essential.

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

Youth unemployment in my constituency in May 2010 stood at the scandalously high figure of 430. Last month, it was reduced to 200, showing that the coalition Government had reduced youth unemployment by half. We cannot be complacent and there is still more to be done, but can we have a debate in Government time on the measures that are being taken to improve apprenticeships to provide new opportunities for work and to encourage young people to understand that opportunities are out there, rather than a life on benefits, as was delivered by the last Government?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bob Blackman and John Bercow

Wednesday 2nd April 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Rosie Cooper. Not here.

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

Given that getting a job is the most important element in alleviating cost of living problems, will my right hon. Friend elucidate the measures that the Northern Ireland Office has taken to promote private sector investment so that new firms come into Northern Ireland?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bob Blackman and John Bercow

Tuesday 26th March 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Bob Blackman. Not here. It looks as if the hon. Gentleman is quickly getting to his seat without further delay. Hurry up. Mr Bob Blackman.

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

T2. Thank you, Mr Speaker. My apologies; I was held up on London transport. With the local elections coming in May, will my right hon. Friend comment on the initiatives he is taking to combat postal vote fraud and impersonation at polling stations?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bob Blackman and John Bercow

Thursday 10th January 2013 Commons Chamber

[Bob Blackman]

Libraries provide a centre for deprived children to be able to study when there are no facilities at home. I highlight a case where Brent council closed six of its libraries last year. Since then, library visitor numbers have fallen by 130,000. The council attempted to save nearly £1 million by closing the branch libraries, but it has had to mothball them, which has cost it £500,000. Equally, £120,000 has been spent on legal fees. At the same time, it is negotiating—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. The hon. Gentleman must resume his seat. The question is simply too long, and it is not clear what it is.

[Bob Blackman]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

No, the hon. Gentleman has taken far too long, and he has enough experience that he ought to be able to be more succinct. Let us have a brief response from the Front Bench.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bob Blackman and John Bercow

Tuesday 11th December 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Last but not least, Mr Bob Blackman.

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

The Government moved swiftly to compensate the victims of the Equitable Life scandal, who were ignored by the Labour Government. The one set of people who were excluded from the legislation were the pre-1992 trapped annuitants. I know that the Minister has been considering this issue. Will he update the House on what consideration will be given to those weak and vulnerable people who just want some safety for the rest of their lives?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bob Blackman and John Bercow

Wednesday 23rd May 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Let us have a bit of order for Mr Bob Blackman.

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

T7. I warmly welcome the dramatic increase in aid to our Commonwealth partners, including the funding for the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust. Will my right hon. Friend inform the House of the type of projects we are funding that are much-needed by our Commonwealth allies?

Business of the House

Debate between Bob Blackman and John Bercow

Thursday 8th March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

Today is the Jewish festival of Purim and the Hindu festival of Holi. Purim commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from an evil King of Persia—there is, of course, a contemporary parallel with the President of Iran, who wishes to wipe Israel off the map. Holi commemorates the deliverance of Prahlad, whom Holika took into a funeral pyre in an attempt to kill him. However, Holika was consumed by the fire and Vishnu delivered Prahlad to safety. Will my right hon. Friend deliver a message to Hindus and Jews everywhere that this demonstrates the victory of good over evil?

[Mr Speaker]

Some people might think that the hon. Gentleman has already done that, but I am sure the Leader of the House will be happy to reply.

Border Control Scheme

Debate between Bob Blackman and John Bercow

Tuesday 15th November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. The hon. Gentleman has put his concerns on the record, but we must stick to the Minister’s responsibility.

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

Will my hon. Friend the Minister remind the House what lessons have been learned as a result of the pilot, and what changes he is making to the system to ensure that our borders are secure?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bob Blackman and John Bercow

Thursday 9th June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

We are all delighted to bring a bit of joy into the Minister’s life.

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

17. What steps he plans to take to target adult learning provision on those who most need support.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bob Blackman and John Bercow

Monday 26th July 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Doubtless the Secretary of State was seeking to be helpful to the House, but in the light of the impromptu statement that he has just made, I will probably allow modest injury time.

[Bob Blackman]

We are all looking forward to the 2012 Olympics. However, this is a very difficult time for football fans—after the World cup and before the season starts—so what lobbying has the Secretary of State been doing and what action has he been taking to bring the World cup back to England?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bob Blackman and John Bercow

Thursday 10th June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Matthew Offord is not here, so I call Bob Blackman.

[Bob Blackman]

In Harrow East, the decision to safeguard gardens will be warmly welcomed, but another problem remains: unscrupulous developers whose planning application is turned down by councillors at local level, but who then appeal. What proposals are there to prevent the overturning of local planning decisions on appeal?