Oral Answers to Questions

John Bercow Excerpts

Monday 3rd March 2014 Commons Chamber

[Kris Hopkins]

The Government remain absolutely committed to ensuring that tenants are aware of, and understand, right to buy. We have sent more than 1 million leaflets to social landlords, and our website had 100,000 visitors in the past month alone. We are continuing to campaign with tenants to ensure that they know their rights on how they can secure their own home.

[Mr Speaker]

Excellent. We got through the lot. I am most grateful to colleagues for their succinctness. [Interruption.] It is well done to the House.

We come to topical questions. I call Mr Dave Watts.

[Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab)]

Can the Minister explain why hard-pressed—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. The hon. Gentleman is a figure of such distinction that he is ahead of himself. Question No. 1: that is all he has to say at this stage.

[Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab)]

T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Kris Hopkins)]

Rough sleeping in the country overall has increased by 5%, and it has fallen by 3% in London.

[Mr Speaker]

Sheryll Murray is not here. I call Neil Carmichael.

[Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con)]

There are neighbourhood plans in Chalford, Dursley, Eastington and nearly a dozen other areas in my constituency. Does the Minister agree that a good neighbourhood plan is an appropriate protector against inappropriate developments?

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Pickles]

As the hon. Gentleman suggests, I will write to him, if figures are available. Diligent Members of Parliament can certainly take actions to save valuable swimming pools if they get cracking.

[Mr Speaker]

It has to be said that the hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant) is hiding his light under a bushel, because I am advised that he is a most accomplished swimmer. As he has chosen not to inform the House of that fact, I am generously doing so on his behalf.

[Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con)]

Residents in the village of Eastry in my constituency are concerned about an unauthorised Travellers’ development that has just appeared. What actions can councils take on the matter, and can their powers be strengthened?