Oral Answers to Questions

John Bercow Excerpts

Monday 25th October 2010 Commons Chamber

[Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab)]

The last Government committed themselves to 2 megabit broadband for everyone by the end of 2012. You have committed yourself to vague promises to improve the broadband network. Can you say precisely when everyone in the country will have 2 megabit broadband?

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I have committed myself to nothing on this matter and I can say nothing on this matter, but I hope that the Secretary of State can.

[Mr Hunt]

We have not said that we will not honour that commitment. We have delayed it from 2012 to 2015, for the simple reason that, as the hon. Lady will understand, there was not enough money in the pot.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Minister for Sport and the Olympics (Hugh Robertson)]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met Francis Maude on 8 July to discuss the public bodies Bill—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I am sure that the Minister is referring to the right hon. Member for Horsham (Mr Maude); alternatively, he should refer to him as a Minister.

[Hugh Robertson]

My apologies, Mr Speaker. They discussed bringing together UK Sport and Sport England, and that was also discussed at an inter-ministerial meeting on 13 September. I also met my devolved counterparts to discuss the issue when I was in Delhi and I have, of course, discussed it with many others in sport and inside the two bodies.

--- Later in debate ---

[Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

I call Mr Angus Robertson.

[Angus Robertson (Moray) (SNP)]

indicated dissent.

[Mr Speaker]

No, the hon. Gentleman is not standing. He was poised, perched like a panther. I call Mr Pete Wishart.

[Pete Wishart]

Will the hon. Gentleman assure me that the House business committee will be a Committee of the whole of the House, not just the Government parties and the Labour Opposition? What is he and the Leader of the House doing personally to ensure that smaller parties are properly represented on the new Committee?