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Yesterday in Parliament - 14 October 2008

Counter-Terrorism Bill

Bob Spink (Castle Point) (UKIP): My constituents are in the front line of the terrorist threat in this country, and they will welcome this Bill. Will the Home Secretary continue to press forward to find sensible and proportionate measures that will increase the protection of my constituents and other people in this country from these inhumane terrorists who are threatening and targeting this country right now?

The Home Secretary (Jacqui Smith): There have been many ways in the past year or so in which the hon. Gentleman has been brave. He has certainly been brave in speaking up for the best interests of the security of his constituents, in the face of opposition, and I thank him for his continued support.

Financial Markets

Bob Spink (Castle Point) (UKIP): I welcome the Chancellor's statement on the accelerated payouts to depositors in Icelandic banks. Will he try to put some kind of time scale on when British citizens might be able to get access to their individual savings in those banks?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Alistair Darling):  There are two issues here. In relation to the financial services compensation scheme: yes, we have said that we will stand in the place of the Icelandic authorities for the retail depositors who will be covered by the scheme, and I would like to ensure that those payouts take place as quickly as possible. In relation to a broader resolution with the Icelandic Government: yes, I would like that to be resolved quickly too, but that will also involve the Icelandic Government addressing some of the fundamental problems that Iceland now faces.

Petition: Planning and Development (Essex)

Bob Spink (Castle Point) (UKIP): Over development is the most demanding specific local issue in my constituency. It is destroying our green belt and open spaces and causing harm to the quality of life of all residents. It is putting intolerable pressure on public services and infrastructure.

The blame lies jointly with the Government's building targets, local councillors and a strange acquiescence with developers. We need more transparency on planning in Castle Point, and we need councillors to start to listen to residents.

I congratulate Robert Kimmel and all those who by signing this excellent petition show that they care about their local community.

The petition states:

To the House of Commons.

The Petition of Robert J Kimmel, residents of Castle Point and others, declares that Castle Point is already overdeveloped for the infrastructure that exists and further development should be very carefully controlled and restricted and that the proposed development of 234 Benfleet Road in Castle Point is very much against the community's interests, and offends against material planning considerations including the over development of the site, an unacceptable imposition on the established street scene, inadequate garden and parking facilities and that it will impose an unacceptable burden on the general infrastructure and public facilities such as dentists and schools. We further record that this decision is the direct responsibility of the individual councillors who should decide this matter, rather than seeking to hide behind their officers.

Therefore, your Petitioners request that the House of Commons urges the Government to make Castle Point Borough Councillors aware of this Petition and of the very deeply and widely held view of residents that Councillors should vote against this proposal.

And the Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, etc.

EDM: Date-Rape Drug, GBL     
Dr Bob Spink MP (Castle Point)(UKIP)

That this House is concerned about the growing use of gamma-butyrolactone, GBL, as a date rape drug, that the drug increases libido, euphoria, passivity and amnesia and renders the victim susceptible to non-consensual sexual activity, mugging and rape; notes that this drug is supplied legally in the UK, often without checks or controls and frequently by post; that the drug can be given to an unsuspecting person and that it is increasingly used as a date-rape drug, particularly in clubs where young girls are particularly at risk; therefore calls on the Home Secretary to immediately ban the drug.

Named Day Written question to: Home Office for answer on 23 Oct 2008 12:00 AM
if she will set out the effects of gamma-butyrolactone, GBL, when it is given to an unsuspecting victim as a date rape drug and if she will make a statement.

Named Day Written question to: Home Office for answer on 22 Oct 2008 12:00 AM
What representation has she received from the Council on the Misuse of Drugs on the use of gamma-butyrolactone, GBL, as a date rape drug and if she will make a statement.

Ordinary Written question to: Home Office for answer on 16 Oct 2008 12:00 AM
If she will commission research into the i) identities of people buying gamma-butyrolactone, GBL, and ii) the purposes for which they obtained that drug and if she will make a statement.

Ordinary Written question to: Home Office for answer on 16 Oct 2008 12:00 AM
how many reports have been made on the possible use of gamma-butyrolactone, GBL, as a date rape drug.

Ordinary Written question to: Home Office for answer on 16 Oct 2008 12:00 AM
What research she has commissioned into the use of gamma-butyrolactone, GBL, as a date rape drug.