John Bercow
Main Page: John Bercow (Speaker - Buckingham)(9 years, 11 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
Penny Mordaunt
If I can answer that question and remain in order—[Interruption.] We are obviously debating this matter later on today. I point out to the hon. Gentleman that the regulations that have been laid are an improvement on the 2006 scheme that his party brought in. A recent serious fire in Staffordshire highlighted a really good business liaison programme between fire and rescue services. Even businesses that were not directly affected by the fire were able to call on those services to enable them to continue trading. That model should be rolled out elsewhere.
Mr Speaker
Order. The hon. Gentleman was characteristically ingenious in the construction of his question, and we are grateful to him—I say that in all sincerity—but I advise the House that it was in any case my intention to get to Question 19, and I remain cautiously optimistic that we shall do so.
Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con)
14. What assessment he has made of the rate of change in the number of empty homes since May 2010.
Mr Speaker
Order. I am sorry, but as usual demand has exceeded supply. We must now press on.