Oral Answers to Questions

Liz Twist Excerpts

Wednesday 28th March 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I am sure that we all agree that the Speaker’s Chaplain is an example of love, compassion and empathy from which we can all benefit.

[Liz Twist (Blaydon) (Lab)]

Shortly, I will be meeting workers from De La Rue in my constituency who are visiting the House today. Will the Prime Minister give the House an assurance that no decision or announcement will be made on the passport contract until after the recess, so that the House may discuss the issue?

[The Prime Minister]

This House did, of course, discuss the issue earlier this week during an urgent question to my right hon. Friend the Immigration Minister. I understand that the final decision has not been taken but that a preferred bidder has been announced. There is then a proper process that gives a length of time, as I understand it, for challenges to be brought forward by others in the process. The Home Office is following exactly the right process to ensure that we have secure passports produced on a basis that gives good value to the taxpayer.