Business of the House

David Linden Excerpts

Thursday 21st March 2019 Commons Chamber

[Andrea Leadsom]

I am very sympathetic to the right hon. Gentleman’s request. If he wants to write to me after the business question, I can ask the Department on his behalf. He will be aware that we have Home Office questions on 1 April, and he could equally raise it then, should he wish to do so.

[David Linden (Glasgow East) (SNP)]

Can we have a statement from the Government on what “in due course” means? Since January, the Government have been supposed to conclude their review into the provision of parental leave for parents of premature and sick babies. I have lodged numerous written questions, including pursuant questions, and the Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the hon. Member for Rochester and Strood (Kelly Tolhurst), just keeps saying “in due course”. Is that “in due course” as in, “I’ll go and cut the grass in due course”, or as in, “We’ll have a meaningful vote in due course”? This is a serious point. Today, babies will be born prematurely, and parents are still not getting the support they need. Can the Leader of the House arrange for a statement on what “in due course” means and ensure that we support the parents of premature and sick babies?

[Andrea Leadsom]

I know that the hon. Gentleman has a deep personal interest in this matter. I completely understand that he would like a specific date. I can say to him, from the heart, that these things can be quite complicated. When we are seeking to change a law or give a different dispensation, there are often quite a lot of consequential impacts that require consultation, further research and so on. When Ministers say “in due course”, they genuinely mean as soon as all the various aspects can be finalised. Often it is impossible to give a specific date, but if he wants to write to me, I can certainly chase the Department on his behalf.