Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Roger Gale and Lindsay Hoyle(1 day, 6 hours ago)
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Sir Roger Gale (Herne Bay and Sandwich) (Con)
Mr Speaker, The Times has told the world how old you are today.
Sir Roger Gale
I do not propose to write it into the record, but I note that you are catching up on me. [Laughter.] Happy birthday.
Sir Roger Gale
Yesterday, a Minister said from the Dispatch Box that only 1% of farmland was being damaged by development, yet solar panels are smothering east Kent’s best farmland. It must stop. Given what the Secretary of State has said, what further steps will he take to protect our farmland and really do move solar panels on to rooftops, car parks and public buildings?
Government Announcements
Debate between Roger Gale and Lindsay Hoyle(1 week, 2 days ago)
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Mr Speaker
Order. May I thank the Leader of the House for reminding me of the mistakes of the previous Government in not coming to the Floor of the House? I would have hoped that this Government had learned from the mistakes that have just been highlighted. To try to defend what you criticise is not a way forward.
I am trying to ensure that Members on both sides of the House are allowed to question Ministers first, rather than watching announcements on Sky News. It is interesting that the SDR has been offered to journalists but that the Members here have not had the chance to see it. I agree with the Leader of the House, and I thank her again for reminding me, but let us now see the Government treat this House in the way that I expect.
Sir Roger Gale (Herne Bay and Sandwich) (Con)
Will you take a point of order now, Mr Speaker?
Mr Speaker
No, I will not, because we have to wait till the end, as you well know, Sir Roger, as one of the most senior Members.
Point of Order
Debate between Roger Gale and Lindsay Hoyle
Mr Speaker
Points of order should come after statements, as you well know, Sir Roger, unless this is specifically about this point.
Mr Speaker
Well, in that case—I knew you knew better than me.
Sir Roger Gale
Were you given any indication as to why the Secretary of State was not here to answer the urgent question, Mr Speaker?
Mr Speaker
Absolutely not. I granted the urgent question because I know how important the issue is, including to my good farmers in Chorley.