Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Mark Francois and Jessica Lee(11 years, 12 months ago)
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Jessica Lee (Erewash) (Con)
16. what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of cadet forces in the UK.
The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Mr Mark Francois)
As announced by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister on Armed Forces day, the Department for Education and the Ministry of Defence are working together to enable 100 more state-funded schools to have cadet units by 2015. The extra cadet units will be formed through partnerships with existing units, or by self-standing new units, both using third-party sponsorship funding. The departments have identified £10.85 million to meet the programme’s training and equipment costs. More than 50 schools have already registered their interest, and the joint departmental team, supported by the reserve forces and cadets associations, will work with schools to develop the most appropriate cadet option for them.
Mr Francois
I commend my hon. Friend for supporting the cadet movement in his constituency, which I am sure will be genuinely grateful for his support. Sea Cadets receives financial assistance from the Ministry of Defence, and as part of the memorandum of understanding it received £8 million as grant in aid from the Royal Navy. It also raises money from trusts and legacies and through fund raising events locally and more widely. We wish it every success in its endeavours.
Jessica Lee
In my constituency of Erewash we are lucky enough to have fine cadets across all the armed forces, learning skills and providing exemplary services to the community. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the best way of promoting cadets is to support the community work they undertake across the country?
Mr Francois
I am happy to agree with my hon. Friend’s assertion. Activities such as those offered by the cadets and inviting armed service leaders into the classroom help to instil qualities such as confidence, self-discipline and responsibility, while developing team work and leadership skills. Experience from the military and education sectors has demonstrated how those core values can help pupils reach their academic potential and become well rounded and accomplished adults, fully prepared for life beyond school. The Government very much encourage the movement, and I am grateful that my hon. Friend gives it her personal support.
petitions
Debate between Mark Francois and Jessica Lee(14 years, 5 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
Jessica Lee
I shall do so. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Turning to the prayer, the petition states:
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to bring forward proposals to make St George's Day a public holiday in England.
Following is the full text of the petition:
[The Petition of residents of the Erewash constituency and others,
Declares that England is one of very few countries in the world that does not have a public holiday to celebrate its national day; notes that St Patrick's Day is bank holiday in Northern Ireland, and that St Andrew's Day is a voluntary public holiday in Scotland; and further declares that everyone who is part of England should be able to celebrate its traditions, its history, its heritage and the English way of life with a public holiday on St George's Day.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to bring forward proposals to make St George's Day a public holiday in England.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.]
[P000839]
The Vice-Chamberlain of Her Majesty's Household (Mr Mark Francois)
On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. On a technical matter, we should like to request that the order for resuming debate on the Budget refer to “tomorrow” and not “Monday next”. I hope that, with the approval of the Chair, that can be accepted.
St George’s Day (Public Holiday)
Debate between Mark Francois and Jessica Lee(14 years, 5 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
Jessica Lee
I shall do so. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Turning to the prayer, the petition states:
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to bring forward proposals to make St George's Day a public holiday in England.
Following is the full text of the petition:
[The Petition of residents of the Erewash constituency and others,
Declares that England is one of very few countries in the world that does not have a public holiday to celebrate its national day; notes that St Patrick's Day is bank holiday in Northern Ireland, and that St Andrew's Day is a voluntary public holiday in Scotland; and further declares that everyone who is part of England should be able to celebrate its traditions, its history, its heritage and the English way of life with a public holiday on St George's Day.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to bring forward proposals to make St George's Day a public holiday in England.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.]
[P000839]
The Vice-Chamberlain of Her Majesty's Household (Mr Mark Francois)
On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. On a technical matter, we should like to request that the order for resuming debate on the Budget refer to “tomorrow” and not “Monday next”. I hope that, with the approval of the Chair, that can be accepted.