Business of the House Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Business of the House

Jim Shannon Excerpts
Thursday 9th June 2011

(13 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Young of Cookham Portrait Sir George Young
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If my right hon. Friend said that he would write to the hon. Lady with an answer, I am sure that that is exactly what he will do. I think that the pause for the listening exercise has been widely welcomed. If it enables us to improve the provisions of the Health and Social Care Bill, I am sure that the whole House will welcome that outcome.

Jim Shannon Portrait Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
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Will the Leader of the House agree to a debate on awarding a posthumous Victoria cross to Blair Mayne, the legendary member and officer of the Special Air Service, for his courageous and heroic endeavours in the desert campaign of the second world war? He was a native of Newtownards in my constituency. To use an Ulster Scots colloquialism, he was yin o’ oor ain folk. Ards borough council and the Northern Ireland Assembly support the campaign. In the last Parliament, a number of Members signed an early-day motion asking for him to be recognised with the VC. How better to ensure that their war hero is recognised? A debate in this House would allow public opinion to be reflected and enable hon. Members to indicate their support for—

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Order. I apologise, but the hon. Gentleman’s question is very long. He must try to make his questions shorter in future.