Oral Answers to Questions

Jeremy Lefroy Excerpts

Thursday 8th May 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr McLoughlin]

It will be either one of those.

[Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con)]

T10. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the welcome news about the heavy goods vehicle levy shows that this was a long overdue reform that will create a level playing field for UK hauliers?

[Mr McLoughlin]

The levy has made a remarkable difference. It sends a positive message to foreign hauliers that if they come to this country they have to make a contribution to the cost of maintaining the road network. I am very pleased that we have been able to do this. It has been warmly welcomed by the freight industry in this country.

--- Later in debate ---

The hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, was asked—

[Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con)]

4. What discussions the Commission has had on the provision of support for the Speaker’s Commission on Digital Democracy.

[Mr Frank Doran (Aberdeen North) (Lab)]

The Commission discussed the work of the Speaker’s Commission on Digital Democracy, including the provision of support, at its meeting on 20 January.

[Jeremy Lefroy]

When you announced your Commission, Mr Speaker, you said that it would be

“unpredictable, potentially anarchic, and even quite fun.”

I welcome the news about the support that will be given, but will the hon. Gentleman assure me that it will not in any way restrain the unpredictability, anarchy and fun that are essential for a readable report?

[Mr Doran]

I must tell the hon. Gentleman that I am not part of the process, so I am not sure what fun is to be had. The project is certainly important. It is moving forward and will make a substantial improvement to the way in which this place works.