Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Geoffrey Clifton-Brown and Norman Baker(10 years, 3 months ago)
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Norman Baker
I have some sympathy for the point made by the hon. Gentleman, but I must point out that we went from 2001 to 2010 under the previous Government without any increase in firearms fees at all. He will understand that these matters have to be agreed across government, and other Departments have perspectives that have to be taken into account, but I am determined to make progress on this matter.
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con)
May I draw attention to my declaration in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests? I am the chairman of the all-party group on shooting and conservation, which has been studying the matter in considerable detail. Is not the important the fact that there should be uniform treatment across all 42 constabularies and that the police should adopt best practice to drive down costs so that each applicant, wherever they come from, can be sure that they are getting the very best value for money?
Norman Baker
I certainly agree with my hon. Friend that the police should adopt best practice, and they are developing an e-commerce system, as he knows, which will reduce the average costs from £196 to £169, but it will still leave a significant shortfall.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Geoffrey Clifton-Brown and Norman Baker(12 years, 11 months ago)
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Norman Baker
I assure the hon. Gentleman that that element is an important part of the forward programme that is occurring.
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con)
When the First Great Western franchise is retendered, would the Minister consider allowing a provision to allow sufficient capital investment to improve the car parking at Kemble, which is already at capacity?
Norman Baker
We are reviewing the full franchise process, led by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State. As part of the franchise consideration, we are looking at longer franchises that may include that sort of issue in due course.