Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation

Debate between Gavin Williamson and John Bercow

Wednesday 20th March 2013 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We need to be more imaginative in how we get finance to the small businesses that want to grow.

A little less than a year ago, I had an Adjournment debate on the need to get rid of the beer duty escalator. I am incredibly pleased that the Chancellor has reduced beer duty by 1p. It might not sound much, but it will make a real difference to the 83 pubs in my constituency and to the three small breweries in Kinver, Enville and Essington that are employing people in my constituency. I hope that this will act as a stimulus not only to the brewing industry but to the pub industry right across South Staffordshire, across the west midlands, and across the country. It is my firm belief that this Budget has not only been good for brewers, manufacturers and business, but good for Britain.

[Mr Speaker]

It is a pleasure to welcome the return of the Chairman of the Committee of Selection; I thank him for coming back to the Chamber so quickly. I call Alison McGovern.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gavin Williamson and John Bercow

Thursday 25th October 2012 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

Halfpenny Green vineyard in my constituency has over the past 30 years been producing some of the finest quality English wines. It has become an important local employer and is a perfect example of the importance of farm diversification. Indeed, Mr Speaker, the wine is so good that I am sure I would even be able to provide you with a bottle—if I was able to get called earlier in statements. [Interruption.] Maybe even two bottles. Can my right hon. Friend explain what steps he is taking to encourage rural diversification for farmers?

[Mr Speaker]

The hon. Gentleman may wish to develop his thoughts at greater length in an Adjournment debate.

Leveson Inquiry

Debate between Gavin Williamson and John Bercow

Wednesday 25th April 2012 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson (South Staffordshire) (Con)]

Will my right hon. Friend tell the House whether he is a godfather to any of Mr Murdoch’s children and whether he agrees that the Labour party is showing a fair amount of brass neck?

[Mr Speaker]

Order. For the benefit of the hon. Gentleman and as a reminder to the Secretary of State, I point out that the statement the Secretary of State has offered the House is on the Leveson inquiry, not godparents. I think that we are clear on that.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gavin Williamson and John Bercow

Thursday 14th July 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I remind the Minister that I was not responsible for any such contract at all. I am entirely innocent in the matter.

[Gavin Williamson (South Staffordshire) (Con)]

In South Staffordshire in the past year we have had considerable success in attracting engineering manufacturing jobs, but I am constantly being told that we do not have enough engineering graduates coming out of colleges and universities after 13 years of Labour government. What are we doing to rectify that?

Business of the House

Debate between Gavin Williamson and John Bercow

Thursday 16th June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson (South Staffordshire) (Con)]

Will my right hon. Friend support me in getting Ministers to answer questions on the dreadful treatment of my constituent, Julie Roberts? She has worked for Royal Mail for 21 years in the villages of Seisdon and Trysull. She recently had her mail van stolen. She immediately jumped on to its bonnet and held on for a mile while the thief tried to make a getaway. She was able to get the van stopped, and regain control of the vehicle. How does Royal Mail treat this lady? It suspends her, and she is under threat of losing her job. People in South Staffordshire want her back in work and Royal Mail to show some common sense and common decency.

[Mr Speaker]

I am unsure whether that is a request for a statement or a debate.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gavin Williamson and John Bercow

Wednesday 16th March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call Gavin Williamson. [Interruption.] Order. Be quiet, Mr Simpson; such behaviour is bad for your health.

[Gavin Williamson (South Staffordshire) (Con)]

Q2. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Has the Prime Minister seen the recent comments of the Labour Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee? She said that over the last 10 years productivity in NHS hospitals had been in continuous decline, and that the taxpayer was getting less for each pound spent. Will the Prime Minister assure the House that that trend will be reversed?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gavin Williamson and John Bercow

Wednesday 24th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson (South Staffordshire) (Con)]

Q7. The issue of workplace bullying is highlighted in an article in the New Statesman this week. It states: “Ed Miliband’s team are terrified of Ed Balls and Yvette. They think they’re going to…kill him…because they”—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. The hon. Gentleman will resume his seat immediately. That question has got nothing whatsoever to do with Government policy.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gavin Williamson and John Bercow

Wednesday 10th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

He did; he is happy. He is sanguine about it.

[Gavin Williamson (South Staffordshire) (Con)]

2. What recent progress has been made on locating the disappeared.