Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Mary Macleod Excerpts
Wednesday 20th October 2010

(13 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Maude of Horsham Portrait Mr Maude
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Many people felt that that body was not spending taxpayers’ money well. Its function is important and we concluded that it justified the EHRC continuing to exist as an independent body, but given that we are facing a situation in which, as the former Chief Secretary helpfully pointed out, there is no money left, significant savings have to be made. The EHRC will have to play its part in that.

Mary Macleod Portrait Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con)
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4. What recent progress has been made on establishing the national citizen service.

Charlotte Leslie Portrait Charlotte Leslie (Bristol North West) (Con)
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7. What recent progress has been made on establishing the national citizen service.

Nick Hurd Portrait The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr Nick Hurd)
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In July, the Prime Minister announced the start of the bidding process for providers of national citizen service pilots. We have been really pleased with the response, and in the next few weeks we expect to announce the successful bidders. We expect to provide places for about 10,000 young people, with a good geographical spread.

Mary Macleod Portrait Mary Macleod
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The national citizen service is a great example of how young people can make a difference in their local communities. What can I do to persuade people in Brentford and Isleworth to get more involved in the project?

Nick Hurd Portrait Mr Hurd
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I thank my hon. Friend for her interest. As I said, the successful bidders will be announced shortly. They will be responsible for recruiting local young people and communicating the opportunities in their area. If a pilot is run in her area, I urge her to support its provider, as I would urge all MPs to do. The experience of young people in the pilots that have already taken place just down the road from her in Hammersmith has been extremely positive.