Oral Answers to Questions

John Bercow Excerpts

Monday 14th December 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call Mr Stephen Phillips. Not here. Oh dear. Where is the fellow?

[Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough) (Lab)]

3. What recent assessment he has made of the effect of changes to the level of funding for fire and rescue services on the effectiveness of those services.

--- Later in debate ---

[Greg Clark]

I know that this is a prickly issue for my hon. Friend, so let me come straight to the point. I will not be issuing guidance on the protection of hedgehogs, but I draw Members’ attention to the excellent publications of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. I recommend its guide to looking after hedgehogs to any hon. Member who wishes to curl up this Christmas and read it.

[Mr Speaker]

The words “hedgehog superhighway” did not trip off the Secretary of State’s tongue, but I feel sure that he is preserving them for another occasion.

[Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab)]

T3. Will the Secretary of State explain why the very same councils that have the highest numbers of vulnerable children are also those that have seen the highest budget cuts under his Government?