Business of the House Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Business of the House

Bob Russell Excerpts
Thursday 3rd November 2011

(12 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Bob Russell Portrait Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD)
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Mr Speaker, I am sure that you and the whole House will rejoice at the announcement that today a contract will be signed to build an airport on the island of St Helena, and I would like to extend the House’s thanks to all involved. This will bring to an end five centuries of isolation for British people who are proud to live on this overseas territory. With that in mind, will the Leader of the House find time for a debate so that we can discuss how the overseas territories are an important part of this country?

Lord Young of Cookham Portrait Sir George Young
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I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that. It is indeed the case that, after protracted negotiations, the Department for International Development has now agreed to fund the airport in St Helena. I would welcome such a debate, and he might like to put in for a debate on the Adjournment so that we can discuss this issue at more length.