Business of the House Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Business of the House

Henry Smith Excerpts
Thursday 4th June 2015

(9 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Grayling Portrait Chris Grayling
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I share the right hon. Gentleman’s concern about what is happening in Yemen. We have every reason to be concerned about events in many parts of the middle east at the moment; it is an area of enormous challenge for the international community. He will, early next week, have an opportunity to raise this issue directly with the Foreign Secretary at Foreign Office questions, and I encourage him to do so.

Henry Smith Portrait Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)
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May we have a debate on education funding? West Sussex is the second-lowest funded area in the country, yet there are many demographic pressures in constituencies such as Crawley.

Lord Grayling Portrait Chris Grayling
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I have every sympathy with my hon. Friend. I represent the county next door, where there are also significant demographic pressures—we are going through a baby boom. These are tough times for the public finances, but I encourage him to talk directly to the Secretary of State, who has proved very thoughtful and very receptive to discussing these issues with colleagues.