Oral Answers to Questions

Jesse Norman Excerpts

Thursday 21st January 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Whittingdale]

I am very conscious of the challenge to ensure that we get the message out that Yorkshire and other parts of the country affected by flooding are open for business. We will be looking closely at what we can do to support those businesses affected by flooding. I hope we will be able to say more about that quite soon.

[Jesse Norman (Hereford and South Herefordshire) (Con)]

Did I just hear the Minister confirm that there would be a triennial review this year, and will she comment on exactly when and what that will be?

[Tracey Crouch]

My hon. Friend is right—he did hear me say that. The triennial review is expected to be in 2016. It will be in 2016. Precise timings are to be confirmed.

--- Later in debate ---

[Tom Brake]

The hon. Gentleman makes a very good point. Clearly, a project on this scale will require the participation of small, medium and large businesses from all over the country. When the project comes forward, I hope that the initiatives used to promote opportunities for businesses in the run-up to the Olympics will be deployed for the restoration of the Palace.

[Jesse Norman (Hereford and South Herefordshire) (Con)]

Could the House of Commons Commission and the Joint Committee consider the idea of an historic trust into which the estate could be placed in order to separate the politics of renewal from the restoration of a national asset?

[Tom Brake]

Again, I cannot speak for the Joint Committee, but the Leader of the House, who is one of its big players, will have heard the hon. Gentleman’s point and I am sure will want to give it due consideration.