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Parliamentary speeches by Sir Patrick Cormack

Construction Programme 8th June 2009

4. Stephen Pound (Ealing, North) (Lab): What recent progress has been made on the construction programme for the London 2012 Olympics. [278221]

Tessa Jowell rose—

Sir Patrick Cormack (South Staffordshire) (Con): Give him a job!

Tessa Jowell: Any day.

Apprenticeships 8th June 2009

1. Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab): How many (a) apprenticeships and (b) other training opportunities she estimates will be available on the main Olympic site. [278218]

The Minister for the Olympics (Tessa Jowell) rose—

Sir Patrick Cormack (South Staffordshire) (Con): Still here?

Tessa Jowell: I certainly am.

Scientific Research 11th June 2009

Sir Patrick Cormack (South Staffordshire) (Con): May I return to the point made by the hon. Member for Oxford, West and Abingdon (Dr. Harris)? Notwithstanding the Minister's proper defence of the Science Minister's credentials, will he accept that there is very real consternation in the universities in general, and the science community in particular, about the fact that the words "universities" and "science" have both been deleted from the name of this mega-Department? What can he do truly to reassure us?

Mr. McFadden: The hon. Gentleman has been in the House a very long time, and I have to remind him that it is not unknown for science to be a responsibility of this Department. That was the case until a couple of years ago, so I do not see the need for consternation about its return to the Department. That synergy was there before, and it will still be here in the future.

Surface Water Drainage Charges 18th June 2009

Sir Patrick Cormack (South Staffordshire) (Con): I thank the hon. Gentleman for what he has said, but urge him to redouble his efforts. As he may be aware, I have seen and corresponded with the chief executive of Ofwat. Although charming and courteous, he has not delivered as he should have. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that it is extraordinary that the body set up to protect the public is creating this appalling problem? Will he once again approach the chief executive and the appropriate Ministers?

Sir Stuart Bell: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. Among other things, Ofwat is misdirecting itself on these issues. It seems to be suggesting that the new charging regime is an ecologically sound policy. Let me say that the Church takes environmental issues seriously, and that we do not necessarily accept that argument. I refer the hon. Gentleman to my statement in Hansard on 5 February at column 972, in which I asked the Government to intervene robustly on behalf of the churches and other organisations. I will be happy to repeat that request to the Government.

Stourbridge Glass Collection 18th June 2009

Sir Patrick Cormack (South Staffordshire) (Con): As the hon. Lady's next-door neighbour, I do not wish to get involved in a dispute with Dudley council but, as chairman of the all-party arts and heritage group can I say that she is performing a very real service in outlining the problem? It is crucial—

18 Jun 2009 : Column 534
6 pm

Motion lapsed (Standing Order No. 9 (3)).

Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn .— [Mr. Watts . ]

Sir Patrick Cormack: I am sorry, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I did not notice the time. I congratulate the hon. Lady on her speech. She is performing a very real service. It is crucial that this internationally famous collection be kept together and displayed, preferably in the historic setting that it already enjoys. I will do anything I can to help her.

Lynda Waltho: I thank the hon. Gentleman, who is indeed a very good neighbour.

Parliamentary Standards Bodies

Sir Patrick Cormack (South Staffordshire) (Con): Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. May I ask the Leader of the House briefly and unequivocally to confirm that, while the Parliamentary Standards Authority will deal with the financial matters about which she talked—we all accept that—it will not become an appointed quango with jurisdiction over Members of Parliament? That would be intolerable and unacceptable to any right-thinking Member of Parliament.

Ms Harman: I think the answer to that is yes. The jurisdiction will be in respect of considering and paying Members' allowances. Once we have a Parliamentary Standards Authority, if there is a general consensus that we want it to do more we can discuss that, and if there is a consensus we can ensure that it happens. However, that is not a matter for the initial Parliamentary Standards Authority Bill.