Business of the House Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Business of the House

Phil Wilson Excerpts
Thursday 17th February 2011

(13 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Young of Cookham Portrait Sir George Young
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I hope that the rest of local government will note what the Mayor of London has been able to do. At a time of fiscal stringency, he has put more resources into front-line policing, and if that can be done in London, it can be done elsewhere.

Phil Wilson Portrait Phil Wilson (Sedgefield) (Lab)
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May we have a debate on the inability of Ministers to make decisions? The north-east of England has been waiting since July last year for a decision on the intercity express programme, which, if it goes ahead, will create 800 jobs in my constituency and 1,000 jobs in the supply chain. In November, the Secretary of State for Transport stated that we would have a decision in the new year. When the House returns, it will be the beginning of March. When can we expect a decision?

Lord Young of Cookham Portrait Sir George Young
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There will be an opportunity on 10 March for the hon. Gentleman to put that question to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport. In the meantime, I will raise the issue with him, and see whether we can get an answer before that.