Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Paul Howell Excerpts
Wednesday 5th July 2023

(1 year, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Oliver Dowden Portrait The Deputy Prime Minister
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I am very happy to give that commitment, I think probably best on behalf of Health Ministers. One of my colleagues in Downing Street who was a Prime Minister’s principal private secretary sadly died of that disease, so I have a great awareness of it and it is important that we continue to raise its profile.

Paul Howell Portrait Paul Howell (Sedgefield) (Con)
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Last week, as an alumni of Durham University, I had the pleasure of going to the installation of Dr Fiona Hill as its new chancellor. Dr Hill started in Bishop Auckland and could not afford a school uniform to go to the high school where she had a scholarship. She finished up working in the White House and is an example of social mobility. That is what she will be championing as the new chancellor. Will the Deputy Prime Minister encourage the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove) to work with me and the all-party parliamentary group for left behind neighbourhoods to do everything we can to support her?

Oliver Dowden Portrait The Deputy Prime Minister
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I join my hon. Friend in relaying the Government’s congratulations to her. I will ensure the Secretary of State hears the representations he makes.