Independent Debt Advice

Linda Riordan Excerpts

Tuesday 8th February 2011 Westminster Hall

[Lorely Burt]

I was deeply disappointed by last week’s debate. In her last sentence, the hon. Member for Walthamstow (Stella Creasy) accused the coalition Government of being in the pocket of loan sharks. If any hon. Members imagine that we will vote for being castigated in that way, I am afraid that they have another thing coming. [Interruption.]

[Mrs Linda Riordan (in the Chair)]

Order.

[Lorely Burt]

I am seeking to be helpful, and am not facing two ways at once.

[Lorely Burt]

I am extremely grateful to my hon. Friend. [Interruption.]

[Mrs Linda Riordan (in the Chair)]

Order. Can we listen to the hon. Lady and let her speak?

[Lorely Burt]

Thank you, Mrs Riordan, I am grateful.

I am disappointed with Opposition Members. I am sure that there must have been moments, in the 13 years during which they built up the biggest structural deficit in the G8, when it occurred to them that perhaps their Government were not going in exactly the right direction. We are a united coalition Government—[Laughter.] Opposition Members may laugh, but we are seeking to work together to help people in bad financial situations, situations that have been hugely exacerbated by the actions over 13 years of Members who are now in opposition.

In conclusion, I very much welcome the national money advice service. I ask the Minister: how will it help, and how will the Government help CABs to manage the shortfall caused by local authority cuts, and the cut in the financial inclusion fund?

--- Later in debate ---

[Several hon. Members]

rose—

[Mrs Linda Riordan (in the Chair)]

Order. There are two more Members who wish to speak. If they both keep their comments to five or six minutes, I shall be able to call them both.