Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Thursday 18th July 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I must say, having listened to the Minister I do not think I can take any more such excitement. It is almost too much.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

7. What steps his Department is taking to support the provision of training on transporting vulnerable children and adults for people who drive (a) taxis and (b) private hire vehicles.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Let us hear Mr Pursglove. Blurt it out, man.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

T9. Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is very welcome news that the Leyland bridge is to be rebuilt, but will the Minister put pressure on Network Rail to give a concrete finish date and to get the works on site started as quickly as possible?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Monday 15th July 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Ah yes, you’re a very fine sportsman—I call Mr Tom Pursglove.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

You are far too kind, Mr Speaker.

What difference does the Home Secretary believe putting 20,000 more police officers out on the beat, catching criminals and deterring crime, will make in practical terms?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Thursday 27th June 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

That is usually a polite way of saying, “I hear what you say and will look at it in the round.” If the hon. Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) is encouraged by that, he is very easily encouraged.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

16. What the Government’s policy is on extending the Article 50 process.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Thursday 9th May 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I must say to the hon. Member for Stroud (Dr Drew) that I have received two approaches about him this week. First, I received a letter earlier this week in my office telling me what I already knew—namely, that he was a splendid fellow—and then I was at a book launch last night, when somebody beetled up to me to tell me that she was a constituent of his and that he was a splendid fellow. I do not know whether this is an orchestrated campaign, but I require no persuasion on this matter.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

4. What steps his Department is taking to promote awareness of the environment and food production among young people.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Monday 29th April 2019 Commons Chamber

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

I congratulate the hon. Member for Corby (Tom Pursglove) on running in the marathon yesterday, while also expressing some surprise that he is nevertheless still leaping to his feet with notable alacrity.

[Tom Pursglove]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. That is very kind. All the pain is worth it for two great causes.

Corby is the fastest growing town in the country, and it is essential for school places to keep up with that housing growth. What reassurance can the Minister give parents in my constituency that both the policy and the resources are in place to achieve exactly that?

--- Later in debate ---

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

We have run out of time, but in admiration of the marathon man—or one of the marathon people—in the Chamber, and his persistence in springing to his feet despite his athletic endeavours yesterday, I call Mr Tom Pursglove.

[Tom Pursglove]

Thank you, Mr Speaker; that is very generous. As it is highly topical, may I ask how my right hon. Friend is getting on with encouraging schools to roll out the Daily Mile initiative, particularly given that I have visited the Hazel Leys Academy in Corby to open the new running track? The school is embracing the initiative, and that is great—fantastic. Will the Minister congratulate it?

Article 50 Extension Procedure

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Monday 18th March 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

The hon. Member for Corby (Tom Pursglove) wanted to ask a question, but he is now feverishly writing with his pen. I know that he will know in his head exactly what he wants to ask.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. If this agreement is not passed by 29 March, what does the Minister think will be any different on 29 April, 29 May or 29 June? If it cannot be agreed, should we not just simply leave on 29 March?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Wednesday 27th February 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

The question was a rhetorical one; it requires no answer, and indeed it would be inappropriate, as the Secretary of State knows.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

4. What recent discussions he has had with businesses in Wales on preparations for the UK leaving the EU.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Wednesday 5th December 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. There is a hell of a lot of noise in the Chamber. The House must hear Tom Pursglove.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

6. What steps his Department is taking to support the growth of businesses in Wales.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Thursday 18th October 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Mike Wood? Not here. Well, we cannot conclude these proceedings without hearing from Mr Tom Pursglove.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

12. What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the provisions of the 125-year leases for developments between Forest Holidays and the Forestry Commission to protect the environment surrounding those developments.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Wednesday 5th September 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

The hon. Member for Ealing North (Stephen Pound) is personal testimony to the survival of rare breeds. The whole House is grateful for that important fact.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

3. What recent steps she has taken to attract inward investment into Northern Ireland.

Petitions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Tuesday 24th July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

This petition declares that residents of East Northamptonshire and the surrounding area want litter to be cleared, particularly by the side of the A14. A similar petition has received 50 signatures.

Following is the full text of the petition:

[The petition of residents of the United Kingdom,

Declares that litter should be cleared from the East Northamptonshire area.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to compel local councils to help clear the East Northamptonshire area of litter.

And the petitioners remain, etc.]

[P002248]

[Mr Speaker]

In case people attending to our proceedings wonder what is going on, the hon. Gentleman has not one petition but, to be precise, four, so I encourage him to give us the flavour of each of the other three petitions before troubling himself to walk in this direction again.

[Tom Pursglove]

I present this petition on behalf of the people of Oundle and the surrounding area who rely on Oundle North bridge, which provides vital access in and out of the town. A similar petition has received 1,474 signatures.

Following is the full text of the petition:

[The petition of residents of the United Kingdom,

Declares that a timely and satisfactory repair of Oundle North Bridge must be agreed between local residents and Northamptonshire County Council and East Northamptonshire Council.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to compel Northamptonshire County Council and East Northamptonshire Council to agree on a plan to make sure repairs are implemented as soon as possible, and with as little impact as possible on the lifestyle of the local residents and the local economy.

And the petitioners remain, etc.]

[P002250]

Northern Ireland: Recent Violence

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Wednesday 18th July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call Tom Pursglove.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

Thank you, Mr Speaker, but my question has already been covered.

[Mr Speaker]

That is an extraordinary and almost a novel development in the House of Commons—a Member who deliberately eschews repetition.

June European Council

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Monday 2nd July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

Ah, the Northamptonshire rivalry—Socrates and his follower. Who is to be? I call Mr Philip Hollobone.

Airports National Policy Statement

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Tuesday 5th June 2018 Commons Chamber

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

I call Huw Merriman.

Voter ID Pilots

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Monday 23rd April 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I note the alacrity with which the hon. Member for Corby (Tom Pursglove) springs to his feet, which is all the more remarkable in light of his achievement in running the marathon yesterday. I take this opportunity to congratulate all right hon. and hon. Members on both sides of the House who undertook that mission so successfully for their respective charities. I call the hon. Gentleman.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

I have to say that it is a bit of a struggle today.

Most voters would think that these pilots are fair and reasonable, and want confidence in the result. Does the Electoral Commission think the same?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Wednesday 21st March 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Another time. Let us keep it for the long summer evenings that lie ahead. I call Tom Pursglove.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

How do you follow that, Mr Speaker?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Tuesday 12th September 2017 Commons Chamber

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

The hon. Gentleman is not called “pithy Pursglove” for nothing; I am sure we will have a very succinct question from him.

[Tom Pursglove]

One way that this Government have very effectively supported SMEs is through the establishment of new enterprise zones. Are Ministers keeping under review the possibility of another round of them becoming available?

Adult Social Care Funding

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Thursday 6th July 2017 Commons Chamber

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

I call Paula Sherriff.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

There is somebody after the hon. Lady and so she need not develop a complex about the matter. Somebody has to be last, and on this occasion, nevertheless with a cheery disposition, it is Mr Tom Pursglove.

[Tom Pursglove]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Some local authority areas are undoubtedly better than others at joining up social care departments with the NHS. Does my hon. Friend therefore agree that we need to see a greater focus on sharing best practice where it exists?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Wednesday 22nd March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. There is far too much noise. The voice of Corby must be heard. I call Tom Pursglove.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

T8. What steps is the Minister’s Department taking to maximise opportunities for UK industry through cross-Government procurement? Does he have any early sense of how the new procurement guidelines are bedding down?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Thursday 2nd March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

In welcoming again the hon. Member for Houghton and Sunderland South (Bridget Phillipson) to her new responsibilities, I hope that I can, on behalf of the whole House, very warmly thank the hon. Member for South West Devon (Mr Streeter), who undertook these important responsibilities for several years, and who in fact served on the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission from October 2006 onwards. He has discharged his obligations extremely competently and efficiently in the interests of the House, and we know that the hon. Lady will certainly follow in his footsteps by doing so as well.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

As part of this assessment, what consideration is being given to international best practice from around the world?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Tuesday 7th February 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Demand dramatically exceeds supply, as usual, but we will have one last question. I call Tom Pursglove.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Corby and east Northamptonshire is taking thousands and thousands of new homes. What reassurance can Ministers give to my constituents that GP services will keep up with housing growth?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Thursday 1st December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Preserving the habits of a lifetime, I feel sure.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

The agricultural and food sectors are incredibly significant in the Corby and east Northamptonshire economy, employing thousands of local people. What steps are Ministers taking to engage fully with these sectors to make sure that their needs are totally understood?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Monday 21st November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I was hoping there would be time for the remaining two questioners. There is not, but it will have to be found anyway.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

On Saturday evening, I met one of my constituents, who came to see me about PIP reassessments for those with deafness-related conditions. The question he wanted me to put to Ministers was whether, as part of the ongoing review of the reassessment process, they will look carefully at the situation relating to this group of individuals.

Air Quality

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Thursday 3rd November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

It is a very good headline: “Minister wants more questions”. The hon. Lady is setting a splendid precedent.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

I am very happy to oblige the Minister on that. Does she agree that supporting British industries wherever possible, rather than importing cheap, poorly produced products from elsewhere, is good not only for jobs, but for air quality in this country?

Business of the House

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Thursday 27th October 2016 Commons Chamber

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

Last Thursday I thoroughly enjoyed attending the Corby sports awards, an annual event when we all come together and celebrate sporting achievement in our town. May we have a debate next week on grassroots sport and the vital role that volunteering plays in it, not just in my constituency but across the country?

[Mr Speaker]

Especially the hon. Gentleman, who is grassroots sports parliamentarian of the year, which he is too modest to mention, although I can do so on his behalf.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Tuesday 18th October 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I have not heard the right hon. Gentleman sing, but I feel sure that it would be melodic and that it is only a matter of time.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

In the light of the EU referendum, we have heard that there is lots of international interest in signing trade deals with the United Kingdom. What practical steps is my right hon. Friend’s Department taking to contribute to the effort to ensure that we get those deals signed, sealed and delivered?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Thursday 15th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call Parliament’s grassroots sports champion of the year, Mr Tom Pursglove.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. People in Corby would like to see a greater number of rail services, both northbound and southbound. Will Ministers commit to factoring that into any future discussions that they have on this?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Thursday 8th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

The earnestness of the Minister cannot be surpassed.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

T10. I recently had an opportunity to visit the Corby Smash Table Tennis Centre and see those excellent new facilities, and also to meet the staff and volunteers who work there. What steps are the Government taking to promote the sport, and does the Minister fancy coming along for a game when she is next in the area?

New Grammar Schools

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Thursday 8th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

What a choice! Mr Peter Bone.

Shipbuilding on the Clyde

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Monday 25th April 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Some people need to calm down. Mr Blackford, you are an extraordinary individual; you do become very excitable. I prefer your cerebral side. If you feel you can find it before the afternoon is out, the House would be greatly obliged to you. I call Tom Pursglove.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

Following on from the question from the hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr Wright)—

[Carol Monaghan (Glasgow North West) (SNP)]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. We can come to points of order later. I say to Carol Monaghan that I do not know what has exercised her, but we cannot deal with the matter now. We will have points of order afterwards, when I will happily hear her. [Interruption.] There is a certain amount of gesticulation going on. Members on the Labour Benches and the SNP Benches should calm down. I will come to the point of order at the appropriate time if it is still germane. Now, we must all unite in hearing Mr Tom Pursglove.

[Tom Pursglove]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Following on from the question from the hon. Member for Hartlepool, has any specific assessment been made of the impact of any delays in the programme, particularly on the British steel industry?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Monday 6th July 2015 Commons Chamber

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

We are focused on Lincolnshire rather than Hampshire or Northamptonshire on this occasion, but we will hear from the hon. Members ere long in a different context, I feel sure.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Pursglove and John Bercow

Wednesday 17th June 2015 Commons Chamber

[Tom Pursglove]

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the spectacular U-turn by the Labour party demonstrates just how out of touch it is with business and local opinion in Wales?

[Mr Speaker]

The Secretary of State will focus his reply on the Government’s position. A brief sentence will suffice.