Covid-19 Update

Debate between Baroness Laing of Elderslie and Mark Harper

Monday 12th July 2021 Commons Chamber

[Mr Mark Harper]

Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. In intending to be helpful to those on the Treasury Bench, I have noticed, looking at the said regulations, that they do not actually come into force until 16 weeks after they are approved by the House. It seems to me that in four months there is plenty of time for the Government to produce the relevant information for the House and for the House to take a decision, with no detriment at all to the health and safety of anyone in our care homes.

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing)]

I thank both hon. and right hon. Gentlemen for their points of order. I am sure the House is well aware that it is not a matter for the Chair. I will not spring it on the Secretary of State for him to give an answer on this operational matter, but Mr Speaker usually observes that it is helpful to the House for Members to have as much information as possible before them when a matter of importance is to be considered.

Covid-19: Education Settings

Debate between Baroness Laing of Elderslie and Mark Harper

Tuesday 6th July 2021 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing)]

We now go by video link, or rather audio link, to Mark Harper.

[Mr Mark Harper (Forest of Dean) (Con) [V]]

When schools return in September, every adult will have had the chance to be—[Inaudible.]

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

We will try to come back to the right hon. Member as soon as we can.

--- Later in debate ---

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing)]

In the hope that communications have improved in the Forest of Dean, we will try to go back to Mark Harper.

[Mr Harper]

I am grateful, Madam Deputy Speaker. When schools return in September, every adult will have had the chance to be vaccinated at least once, which provides the bulk of protection, so why is regular testing still going to continue, perhaps forever? Last week, the Secretary of State said he wanted to see it end. What has changed?