Oral Answers to Questions

John Bercow Excerpts

Wednesday 14th May 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jones]

As I have just made clear to the right hon. Member for Delyn (Mr Hanson), I believe that membership of a free trade area is extremely important for Britain, but what the people of this country want is a say on whether they should remain part of the sort of Europe we have at the moment. It is interesting that the Labour party is not anxious to deliver a voice to the people of Wales.

[Mr Speaker]

I call Huw Irranca-Davies.

[Huw Irranca-Davies]

No. 4, Mr Speaker.

[Mr Speaker]

No, the hon. Gentleman misses the point. His question has been grouped and his moment is now.

[Huw Irranca-Davies]

I apologise, Mr Speaker. I misunderstood.

[Mr Speaker]

He was too busy looking at his iPhone. Let us hear his question.

[Huw Irranca-Davies]

I am rightly reprimanded, Mr Speaker. I must pay attention.

On the basis that the head of European operations has made it clear that to threaten exit from the EU would be cutting off our nose to spite our face, and that 14,000 jobs in Ford Bridgend and in Dagenham would rely on our not leaving the EU, will the right hon. Gentleman say that he, as the Secretary of State for Wales responsible for protecting those jobs, is personally committed to keeping Wales within the UK and the European Union?

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Jones]

These matters will of course have to form part of the negotiation that we propose. We believe that by and large our membership of the EU has been beneficial for Britain, but clearly the form that we have at the moment needs renegotiation.

[Mr Speaker]

I call Mr Elfyn Llwyd.

[Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC)]

No. 5, Mr. Speaker, and I do not have an iPhone. [Interruption.]

[Mr Speaker]

Because of chuntering from the hon. Member for Lichfield (Michael Fabricant) from a sedentary position, the intervention was of no value—[Interruption.] Order. [Interruption.] Order. Be quiet. Silly man. I call Mr Llwyd.

[Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC)]

5. When he last met representatives of farming unions in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

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[Hon. Members]

More!

[Mr Speaker]

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman is delighted to be greeted by such acclamation.

[Stephen Gilbert]

The sun is shining, and people are wisely preparing to come to Cornwall for their holiday. When they arrive, however, they will see that some of the recent storm damage still has not been put right. Cornwall does not just need a long-term economic plan; we also need help today. Will the Prime Minister meet me to see what more can be done?

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[Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con)]

rose—[Interruption.]

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Let us have a respectful silence for Mr William Cash.

[Mr Cash]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. My right hon. Friend will know that my International Development (Gender Equality) Act 2014 came into force last night. Will he note that it will protect women and girls throughout the world and that, furthermore, in places such as Nigeria and Syria, it provides us with an opportunity to do whatever we can to relieve their tragedy? Will he be good enough to have a word with the excellent Secretary of State for International Development and ensure that we will do whatever we can to use the Act to help people who have been so severely afflicted?

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[Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con)]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

[Mr Speaker]

Points of order will follow the statement by the Secretary of State for International Development. If colleagues wish to wait, they can come in later. May I just appeal to colleagues to leave the Chamber quickly and quietly, so the House can hear the statement by the Secretary of State?

[Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab)]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

[Mr Speaker]

Exceptionally, I will allow this point of order because I think it is time-sensitive.

[Hazel Blears]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am very grateful. Perhaps I should declare an interest, having nominated the hon. Member for New Forest East Dr Lewis (Dr Lewis) for the post of Chair of the Defence Select Committee. There is a range of excellent candidates and I am very concerned that the window for the election is extremely short—just two hours—and closes at 1 pm. I am worried that if Members turn out in great numbers, as I am sure they will between now and 1 pm, they will not be able to get in to vote. I encourage Members to go and vote for what is a very important position for the future of the Defence Committee.

[Mr Speaker]

I am extremely grateful to the right hon. Lady for that point of order, the answer to which I hope will satisfy the House. If hon. and right hon. Members are visibly queuing to vote, they will be able to vote. I should imagine that that would be what the House wants to hear and that is what is right, so I am grateful to the right hon. Lady. [Interruption.] I think Mr Hollobone was chancing his arm, but he is not now doing so and we are grateful to him for his forbearance.