Oral Answers to Questions

David Crausby Excerpts

Thursday 22nd October 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Whittingdale]

As I said to the hon. Member for Barnsley East (Michael Dugher), at a time when local newspapers are finding it very difficult in the current economic climate, the BBC can play a role in supporting them. I was concerned by the suggestion that the BBC would directly employ journalists, as that would add to the pressure on local newspapers rather than reduce it. However, I understand that the News Media Association and the BBC working group are making very good progress in achieving an agreement that will be of real benefit to the local newspaper industry.

[Mr David Crausby (Bolton North East) (Lab)]

T3. Will the Secretary of State and his team put heavy pressure on the Premier League to support grassroots football through the TV rights deal, instead of squandering it on already very rich footballers while our children get changed in the winter besides a muddy, often unplayable pitch?

[Tracey Crouch]

I read the hon. Gentleman’s recent piece in The Huffington Post and agreed with not necessarily the tone but the principle of what he wrote. The Premier League is incredibly wealthy and we should celebrate that success, but it should contribute more to grassroots football. The Prime Minister announced recently that he wishes the Premier League to double the amount of money it puts into grassroots football. I will continue to have strong conversations with the Premier League over the forthcoming weeks.

English Votes for English Laws and North Wales

David Crausby Excerpts

Wednesday 1st July 2015 Westminster Hall

[Several hon. Members]

rose—

[Mr David Crausby (in the Chair)]

Order. I intend to call the first of the three Front-Bench speakers at 10.30 am, which gives us about 40 minutes. Ten Members have risen to speak, so if they can keep their contributions to around four minutes, everyone will have an opportunity to speak.

--- Later in debate ---

[Several hon. Members]

rose—

[Mr David Crausby (in the Chair)]

Order. Two Members are indicating that they still wish to speak, and there is not much time left, so I hope they will keep their remarks short.

--- Later in debate ---

[Ian C. Lucas]

I do not have time to give way, as the hon. Gentleman well knows.

Not only has the Secretary of State not consulted the people of Wales, but he has not consulted Members of Parliament. There has been no discussion whatever with MPs on the issue. That is a crucial point. Mr Speaker will need to have the wisdom of Solomon to determine what is an English-only law. The first thing he should do is visit North Wales and Cheshire. Our region is unique in the United Kingdom and exemplifies why this question is so difficult.

I expect nationalists to divide, separate and try to have a culture of blame between each part of our country. I do not expect those of us who believe in the United Kingdom to argue in favour of division or separateness. Whatever our political background, we should stand together to work out a proper way of doing this, with consultation. That is what we need.

I will make a proposal. There are Members from North Wales who take a sensible approach to the matter. Representatives of the Mersey Dee Alliance are here in Parliament today. We need an all-party group for the Mersey-Dee region, to put the case in Parliament for a cross-border economic and cultural environment. We have that opportunity within the context of this debate. We need the Government to start to listen. Their ignorance is palpable, and they have closed their ears.

[Mr David Crausby (in the Chair)]

I ask for a very short contribution from Paul Flynn.

--- Later in debate ---

[Pete Wishart]

Can the hon. Gentleman not hear? Is he incapable of hearing, Mr Crausby? [Interruption.]

[Mr David Crausby (in the Chair)]

Order. The hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire (Pete Wishart) is clearly not giving way.

[Pete Wishart]

I will finish with what has happened over the past few days. I am sure that Members from Wales, and certainly Members from Scotland, are carefully watching.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr David Crausby (in the Chair)]

I call the Minister.

Wright Committee

David Crausby Excerpts

Tuesday 2nd July 2013 Westminster Hall

[Mr Hollobone]

rose—

[Mr David Crausby (in the Chair)]

Order. I want to call the first Front Bencher at 10.40 am, so I call Mr Hollobone to make a very short speech.