Oral Answers to Questions

John Bercow Excerpts

Wednesday 24th April 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Brian H. Donohoe (Central Ayrshire) (Lab)]

I presume that Dr Livingstone was a great educationalist, who believed in education. What has the Minister’s right hon. Friend the Secretary of State done to set up the school-industry liaison committees that he promised me some months ago?

[Mr Speaker]

Order. That is very tangentially related to the 200th anniversary of the birth of David Livingstone. The hon. Gentleman should not speculate about what Dr Livingstone would have said, because the fact is that he did not—he was not in a position to do so and he cannot do so now. I think we had better move on. I call Iain Stewart.

[Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con)]

2. What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the future of the Caledonian sleeper train.

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[Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

I trust the hon. Gentleman is inquiring about visits to Corby.

[Ian Murray]

When the Minister visits Corby, will he get the train to Peterborough on the east coast main line? What discussions is the Secretary of State having with his Cabinet colleagues to keep that line in public ownership?

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[David Mundell]

The hon. Gentleman will know that in his constituency, as in my own constituency, there is a strong view that we should grow more of our own food. I encourage local farmers to do so.

[Mr Speaker]

What a timely reply from the Minister that was.

The Prime Minister was asked—

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[Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD)]

Today sees the publication of the all-party cycling group’s report “Get Britain Cycling”, which calls for leadership from the very top on this issue. Will the Prime Minister look at the report, make sure that he produces a cross-departmental action plan and give his personal commitment and leadership to get Britain cycling? [Interruption.]

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Members on both sides are very discourteous to the good doctor. I cannot for the life of me fathom why there are groans whenever I call the good doctor, but it is very unsatisfactory.

[The Prime Minister]

I do not always agree with what the hon. Gentleman says, but on this occasion he is absolutely right and the House should heed what he says: we should be doing much more to encourage cycling. The report has many good points. I commend what the Mayor of London has done in London to promote cycling, and I hope local authorities can follow his lead in making sure that we do more.