Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Hugh Bayley and Helen Grant

Thursday 3rd July 2014 Commons Chamber

[Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab)]

13. What long-term cycling legacy he expects from the Tour de France Grand Départ in Yorkshire.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mrs Helen Grant)]

There has been a strong legacy of cycling from the London 2012 games and I am sure that the Grand Départ in Yorkshire will inspire cycling across the region and the UK as a whole.

[Hugh Bayley]

I sincerely hope so. I know the Minister will join me in congratulating City of York council and the other local authorities involved, along with the cycling organisations, on all the preparations they have made for the race. In terms of public participation, cycling is the third most popular sport in the country. The biggest single disincentive for cyclists is the state of the roads and the danger. Will her Department set up a joint initiative with the Department for Transport to improve road safety and so get more people on their bikes and cycling?

[Mrs Grant]

I think that the Tour de France Grand Départ will be a tremendous success. All plans are on track, and I join the hon. Gentleman in thanking all those involved in the preparations—the teams in Yorkshire, Essex, London and Cambridge. It will be an amazing highlight for the year and one we will never forget. I am happy to have a chat with him about his suggestion. Thank you.

Fixed Odds Betting Terminals

Debate between Hugh Bayley and Helen Grant

Wednesday 8th January 2014 Commons Chamber

[Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab)]

The Minister is arguing that there is a serious problem, and she keeps wagging her finger at Labour Members and saying it is our fault. [Interruption.] Listen for a moment. She seems to acknowledge that there is a serious problem, so will her Government legislate to address the problem before the next general election?

[Mrs Grant]

We believe in doing things properly. We are waiting for the research and have put pressure on the industry to produce the data. Reports will be coming out imminently, and precautionary protections will be put in place by the industry at the end of March. We will do whatever is needed to ensure that people are protected. Although planning is a matter for the Department for Communities and Local Government, my officials are in regular discussion with colleagues from that Department about betting shop clustering.