Autism and Neurodiversity Research Funding

Debate between Baroness Laing of Elderslie and Greg Clark

Tuesday 16th November 2021 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing)]

Order. I did not correct the right hon. Gentleman the first time, but it is essential that he faces the Chair rather than the right hon. and learned Member for South Swindon (Robert Buckland), because he cannot be heard if he is speaking to the back of the Chamber. I never understand why, when there is all this space, people want to sit where the occupant of the Chair cannot see them. There must be a reason for it.

[Greg Clark]

I will address you directly, Madam Deputy Speaker. I accept your ruling on that.

One problem people with autism sometimes face is that, when they come to an age where they are looking for jobs, work experience is increasingly important and some employers are reluctant, based on lack of familiarity and nervousness, to give work experience opportunities to young people with autism and other conditions. Work experience is an essential gateway to employment. Will my right hon. and learned Friend join me in encouraging employers to open up and give work experience opportunities to a wider range of young people?

Covid-19 Update

Debate between Baroness Laing of Elderslie and Greg Clark

Wednesday 27th January 2021 Commons Chamber

[Greg Clark (Tunbridge Wells) (Con) [V]]

[Inaudible.]

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing)]

Do we have the sound working for Mr Clark? [Interruption.] I apologise to the right hon. Gentleman. We appear to be hearing the sound engineers. Perhaps we will leave that for a moment and come back to the right hon. Gentleman. Meanwhile, we will go to York, hopefully, to Rachael Maskell.