Business of the House

John Bercow Excerpts

Thursday 20th December 2012 Commons Chamber

[John Glen (Salisbury) (Con)]

Last week, Mr Levesconte, the landlord of the Royal Oak pub in Shrewton, left the country with £29,000 that had been saved in the local thrift fund by 60 families. This week, due to the generosity of the people of Shrewton, south Wiltshire and beyond, the full sum has been acquired through donations. Will the Leader of the House comment on the vibrancy of the big society in south Wiltshire and make a statement on the safety of investing and saving in banks, building societies and credit unions, as opposed to thrift funds?

[Mr Speaker]

I think that what the hon. Gentleman wants is not so much a comment but, in conformity with House procedures, a full statement.

[John Glen]

I did ask for that in the second part of my question.

[Mr Speaker]

Ah! I neglected to follow the hon. Gentleman’s logic right through. We are all deeply indebted to him.

[Mr Lansley]

I cannot offer a statement at this time, but I can say that I share my hon. Friend’s concern that people recognise the intrinsic merits of saving in institutions, not least guaranteed institutions such as banks, building societies and credit unions. On a positive note, those in Wiltshire are, as my hon. Friend has said, clearly a generous community who care for each other. That is a central part of not only the big society, but the kind of society that we all want to live in. I was equally touched by the way in which so many people have responded, in like fashion, after the wickedness of thefts from Great Ormond Street hospital by recognising that they want to contribute to look after others.

[Mr Speaker]

I thank the Leader of the House and colleagues, and wish him and all hon. and right hon. Members a merry Christmas.