Business of the House

John Bercow Excerpts

Thursday 4th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Laura Sandys (South Thanet) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I assume that the hon. Lady was here at the start of the business statement?

[Laura Sandys]

indicated dissent.

[Mr Speaker]

No. Okay, we move on.

[Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab)]

I wish to return to the education maintenance allowance, which my right hon. Friend the Member for Leeds Central (Hilary Benn) mentioned. As recently as June, the Minister with responsibility for schools reiterated the coalition Government’s commitment to the EMA, but we now see that that commitment was as hollow as a Liberal Democrat pledge. Will the Leader of the House arrange for a statement on the equalities impact assessment of the withdrawal of the EMA?

--- Later in debate ---

[Several hon. Members]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I was expecting to move on to the main business. [Interruption.] I emphasise that I had been expecting to move on to the main business. Suddenly, there are points of order. We will observe just how genuine they are. I feel sure that they will be.