City Deal Funding (Aberdeen)

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and Lord Wharton of Yarm

Tuesday 30th June 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

Order. Perhaps I can help, because I am frightened that we are going away from Aberdeen. Of course, I am very interested in Manchester myself, but this debate is not about High Speed 2 to Glasgow. I can see the connectivity, but we need to keep the Minister on subject of the debate, which is funding for Aberdeen.

[James Wharton]

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. The hon. Gentleman’s comments have been heard loud and clear. They will be recorded as part of the debate and no doubt properly taken into account. I appreciate that he intends to be a consistent advocate on this matter, and I suspect that this is an issue that we will discuss again.

I very much agree with the hon. Members for Aberdeen North and for Aberdeen South on the important role that Aberdeen plays in supporting the UK economy. We are determined to make the most of that, which is why the Chancellor announced in the Budget in March that we would begin negotiations with both Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire on a potential city deal. Those conversations are ongoing and my officials are continuing to have a constructive dialogue on the potential deal with officials from the two local authorities and with the Scottish Government. As I have set out, a key feature of any potential city deal is that it should be bottom up. This is about places putting forward proposals that will drive their economy forward and about recognising that different places need different things.

Local Development Planning (Nuneaton)

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and Lord Wharton of Yarm

Friday 22nd November 2013 Commons Chamber

[James Wharton (Stockton South) (Con)]

I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this incredibly important debate. In Stockton, the Labour-led council is forcing through huge numbers of houses against the wishes of local residents because it does not understand what sustainable development is supposed to be and allows developments that are not sustainable because of their impact on traffic and local infrastructure. Given that the Labour party has indicated—

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

Order. The debate is about Nuneaton. I am sure the hon. Gentleman will understand the difficulty—the debate is on the tight subject of local development planning in Nuneaton, not outside Nuneaton.

[James Wharton]

Absolutely, Mr Deputy Speaker. May I ask my hon. Friend whether the people of Nuneaton are as concerned as my constituents about the Labour party’s announced policy to build 1 million more homes if it wins the next election, and the impact that would have on the communities that he represents?

European Union (Referendum) Bill

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and Lord Wharton of Yarm

Friday 22nd November 2013 Commons Chamber

[James Wharton]

claimed to move the closure (Standing Order No. 36).

Question put forthwith, That the Question be now put.

The House proceeded to a Division.

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

Will the Serjeant at Arms investigate the delay in the No Lobby? We seem to be suffering some type of blockage.