Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gavin Williamson and Peter Heaton-Jones

Monday 9th September 2019 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

The hon. Lady is absolutely right. No child should ever be expected to pay for water, and no school should ever deny a child access to fresh water. It is a legal requirement for all schools to make water available. If she would be kind enough to forward details of where water is not available, we will be sure to follow it up.

[Peter Heaton-Jones (North Devon) (Con)]

May I thank the Minister for listening to all our lobbying about the need for North Devon schools to have their funding equalised fairly? That investment will make a huge difference. Will he now come back to North Devon to see what a difference it will make, and to thank staff and students for all their hard work?

[Gavin Williamson]

My hon. Friend is always campaigning for his constituents, whether to save Royal Marine bases or to get more money for his schools. I would be delighted to join him in visiting the schools in his constituency that will receive the extra money that he has campaigned for and delivered.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gavin Williamson and Peter Heaton-Jones

Monday 26th November 2018 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence, my hon. Friend the Member for Pudsey (Stuart Andrew), has met workers there. We had a very productive meeting with BAE Systems and the Qataris regarding the roll-out of the Hawk orders. I will write to the hon. Lady to update her.

[Peter Heaton-Jones (North Devon) (Con)]

My right hon. Friend will know that two years ago this month the MOD announced plans to close Royal Marines Barracks Chivenor. Will he come to the base with me to see for himself why it should remain open?

[Gavin Williamson]

My hon. Friend has been lobbying on behalf of RMB Chivenor over the last year. I will meet him to discuss this further, as he has been fighting a particularly strong campaign on the matter.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gavin Williamson and Peter Heaton-Jones

Monday 22nd October 2018 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

The Department for International Development is leading this process, and the Ministry of Defence will continue to give it as much support as possible. We recognise the important role that must be played in respect of reconstruction following such a devastating conflict.

[Peter Heaton-Jones (North Devon) (Con)]

10. What assessment he has made of the effect on NATO capabilities of the NATO commitment to allocate 20% of defence expenditure to major equipment.

--- Later in debate ---

[Gavin Williamson]

We all welcome the increase in service personnel pay. When I meet service personnel, whether in the UK or abroad, they particularly point out that this is the largest pay increase they have experienced since 2010.

[Peter Heaton-Jones (North Devon) (Con)]

T6. My right hon. Friend is well aware of the strength of feeling in North Devon on securing the future of Royal Marines base Chivenor. When will we receive a decision?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gavin Williamson and Peter Heaton-Jones

Monday 27th November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

I should be more than happy to review the case and meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss it in greater detail.

[Peter Heaton-Jones (North Devon) (Con)]

T7. Last year it was announced that Royal Marines Base Chivenor, in my constituency, would be closing. The previous Secretary of State visited it subsequently, at my invitation, and announced a review of the decision. Will the Minister please update me on the progress of the review, and indicate when a final decision might be made?