Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Oral Answers to Questions

David Winnick Excerpts
Thursday 13th September 2012

(12 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Viscount Thurso Portrait John Thurso
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I am delighted to reassure the hon. Lady that at this stage, with the Commission not yet having received the report, all options can be placed on the table. However, the option that is ultimately chosen will follow best practice, best value and the best advice that we receive.

David Winnick Portrait Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab)
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It would be totally unacceptable for the House not to sit for three months, so I hope we will continue with September sittings. Does the hon. Gentleman accept that if the patching-up work is going to be very costly and possibly carry on for years, it would be far better to reach a brave decision and do the job properly from the start?

Viscount Thurso Portrait John Thurso
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The hon. Gentleman makes a very good point. As I said, from my experience in another life, I have found that it is usually better to take two or more years and get the job done than to be inconvenienced and unable to work properly for 10 years. I stress, however, that we are at a very early stage; it is for the professional advice to be given first, and then for the Commission to make a decision in the light of that advice.