Broadcasting (Radio Multiplex Services) Bill

Debate between Oliver Colvile and David Morris

2nd reading: House of Commons
Friday 13th January 2017 Commons Chamber

[David Morris (Morecambe and Lunesdale) (Con)]

It is a pleasure to follow my hon. Friend the Member for South Ribble (Seema Kennedy) and I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Torbay (Kevin Foster) on securing this spot in the Chamber. I have to declare an interest: I used to write songs in the 1980s, which always cheers up my hon. Friends.

[Oliver Colvile]

Does my hon. Friend still get royalties?

[David Morris]

That would be telling.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Colvile and David Morris

Tuesday 16th June 2015 Commons Chamber

[Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) (Con)]

3. What recent steps he has taken to rebalance the economy and create a northern powerhouse.

[David Morris (Morecambe and Lunesdale) (Con)]

4. What recent steps he has taken to rebalance the economy and create a northern powerhouse.

Paid Directorships and Consultancies (MPs)

Debate between Oliver Colvile and David Morris

Wednesday 17th July 2013 Commons Chamber

[David Morris (Morecambe and Lunesdale) (Con)]

It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Newport West (Paul Flynn). I wanted to ask him what he thinks constitute an MP’s hours of salary. He made his case eloquently, but he did not say whether he, when writing his books—I have read some and really enjoyed them—was actually working as an MP. However, that is for another day.

This is another example of how the Opposition suddenly noticed in June 2010 that we have to make lots of changes in this country. Their argument today follows 13 years in which they could have done what they are trying to do today. In fact, in 2009 they backed plans to have greater openness but not a ban on second jobs. As someone who does not have a second job, I suggest that more flexibility is a good thing. I believe strongly in being flexible in our approach but also transparent about it. I think that we have enough transparency. We have the excellent Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, with which we are all acquainted, and the Register of Members’ Financial Interests, in which every Member must list their interests.

[Oliver Colvile]

I have shares in the company I set up. I do no work for it, but I put that in my entry in the register. Should that also be prohibited?

[David Morris]

That makes the point that the whole motion is very badly written. My hon. Friend should be remunerated if he works. My hon. Friend the Member for Montgomeryshire (Glyn Davies), who was here earlier, is a farmer, and he made a good point. If he earned money from his farm but had to give it away, how would his farm stay open and profitable? He is a Member of Parliament but he has to be a farmer as well.