Oral Answers to Questions

Lindsay Hoyle Excerpts

Monday 2nd March 2020 Commons Chamber

[Several hon. Members rose—]

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I hope that we can now get through the Order Paper a little more quickly. This applies to Members on both sides.

[Mark Fletcher (Bolsover) (Con)]

3. What steps he is taking to ensure further education colleges are able to deliver skills required for the future.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

I think you can answer about Bradford.

[Michelle Donelan]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. We are excited about all the opportunities that are developing around the country. The NHS people plan, which has considered options for growing the medical workforce, will be published later this year.

[Mr Speaker]

Especially in Bradford, don’t worry.

[Nadia Whittome (Nottingham East) (Lab)]

6. What steps he is taking to increase the provision of free school holiday (a) activities and (b) meals for children living in poverty.

--- Later in debate ---

[Vicky Ford]

As I have just said, there has been an increase of £780 million in additional high-needs funding next year, which is a 12% increase. Performance does vary, but we know that only because of the joint Oftsted-CQC inspections that this Government introduced. The reports do not give a pass-fail judgment, and many of them show strength. Furthermore, when they have been re-inspected following the work of the Government, six of the 17 councils have made sufficient progress in every area.

[Mr Speaker]

Order. The Opposition are getting upset because Government Front Benchers are taking too long. They should speed up in future.

[Kate Osborne (Jarrow) (Lab)]

T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

--- Later in debate ---

[Several hon. Members rose—]

[Mr Speaker]

Adam Afriyie, come on in!

[Adam Afriyie (Windsor) (Con)]

In the UK, we have an ample supply of creative and talented people working for our video and online gaming companies. Those companies have mastered the art of creating addictive games such as “Grand Theft Auto”, where young people are driven to the next level. Would it not be great if, in education, our children were refusing to leave their games consoles because they were driven to the next grade for their GCSEs? What is the Department doing to incentivise the industry to create addictive educational games that will help our children improve their scores?