Debates between Paul Maynard and Diana Johnson during the 2010-2015 Parliament

Savings Accounts and Health in Pregnancy Grant Bill

Debate between Paul Maynard and Diana Johnson
Tuesday 26th October 2010

(13 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Paul Maynard Portrait Paul Maynard
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No, I am sorry, but I am not giving way to you, madam, so kindly take notice of that.

Having a piggy bank—[Interruption.] I am going to make the point that having a piggy bank in one’s bedroom is a much greater spur to saving and learning about the culture of savings than any attempt to lock away money until the age of 18.

The right hon. Member for Wythenshawe and Sale East (Paul Goggins), and the hon. Member for Kilmarnock and Loudoun (Cathy Jamieson) in her Westminster Hall debate, have raised the issue of looked-after children and how we deal with them. It is a very important issue, but the Opposition should hang their head in shame at the outcomes that looked-after children obtain after 13 years of Labour rule. The points that those Members made were an example of what I call the rhododendron test. By focusing on the tiny issue of whether such children should continue to receive child trust fund payments, they overlook the much wider public policy issues. There are many other ways in which we can and do help looked-after children.

Diana Johnson Portrait Diana R. Johnson
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What? By cutting the child trust fund?

Paul Maynard Portrait Paul Maynard
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Sorry, but if you are going to make interventions, madam, please stand up.

Diana Johnson Portrait Diana R. Johnson
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I should like to make two points. First, before the election in May, the Tories voted against introducing personal, social and health education—including economic and financial education—and making it a statutory subject in all schools. So, the Tory party should hang its head in shame. Secondly, on looked-after children, what are they doing as a Government—