Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Oral Answers to Questions

Nigel Mills Excerpts
Monday 9th November 2015

(8 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Greg Clark Portrait Greg Clark
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I certainly will, and I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s attendance to this issue; it is very important. No two places are identical, which is the very insight we are having—we are having bespoke deals in each place—but it is important for his and other Members’ constituents to feel they have enough say in the election of people who are going to provide leadership for them.

Nigel Mills Portrait Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con)
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Will the Secretary of State say how flexible he is prepared to be on redrawing the boundaries of certain cities to allow, perhaps, certain districts that may currently be in one area and that might prefer to be in a different area to choose to be in that new area?

Greg Clark Portrait Greg Clark
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As my hon. Friend knows, the principle that runs throughout the devolution Bill that we have been debating is one of consensus, so the Bill gives me powers to give effect to what local people put forward but not to impose something against their will. It is an enabling piece of legislation, and what it does mean is that Members such as my hon. Friend have the chance to shape the debate locally.