Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 16 July 2020 · 10 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 10 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Rachel Reeves (Airedale) (Lab) requested the National Audit Office to review the Government's 3 billion outsourced contracts.
  • The decision to withdraw the Whip from Dr Lewis for chairing the Intelligence and Security Committee is an internal party matter.
  • Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) (Con) inquired about measures to prepare businesses and citizens for the post-transition period relationship with the rest of the world.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rachel Reeves Lab Airedale
Democracy & Elections Standards & Ethics
Context

Questions raised about the Electoral Commission's operations and a request for the NAO to review public procurement during the pandemic.

Question

The right hon. Gentleman agreed that Government needs rigorous evaluation of policy and projects, and acknowledged the need to ensure value for money in outsourced contracts worth £3 billion with likely higher figures. Today I wrote to the National Audit Office asking it to review the Government's approach to public procurement during this pandemic. Will he join me in seeking an NAO review?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (Michael Gove)

Absolutely.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q2 Rachel Reeves Lab Airedale
Standards & Ethics
Context

Concerns about the Electoral Commission's operations, an independent inquiry into the Home Secretary's conduct, and whip withdrawal from a former Royal Navy reservist and Chair of the Defence Committee.

Question

Regarding the report into the Home Secretary's conduct following the resignation of the permanent secretary due to a culture of bullying. Can he explain or justify the decision of his party to withdraw the Whip from Dr Lewis for being elected Chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee, indicating that whip withdrawal used to be reserved for serious misdemeanours?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (Michael Gove)

On the first matter, inquiry is independent with oversight by the deputy Cabinet Secretary and Director General for Propriety and Ethics. I know no more to say. On whip withdrawal, membership chosen by this House but whipping matters are internal to parties.

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Q3 Stephen Metcalfe Con South Basildon and East Thurrock
Brexit
Context

Over 73% of constituents voted to leave the EU, now four years later with control over own destiny. Businesses need to be ready for changes at end of transition period.

Question

What can my right hon. Friend do to ensure businesses and citizens are not only ready for the end of the transition period but also embrace new relationship with rest of world optimistically?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (Michael Gove)

My hon. Friend makes an important point. Throughout the week I have been discussing with businesses about the post-transition period changes, challenges and opportunities. Government's information campaign will provide necessary details.

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Q4 Stephanie Peacock Lab Wantage
NHS
Context

Clear and consistent messages during pandemic for shoppers to wear face masks. The question is about promoting the requirement and reasons behind it.

Question

How will the Cabinet Office promote to the public not only the need to wear face masks while shopping but also the underlying good reasons, to ensure compliance with legislation?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (Michael Gove)

The hon. Lady makes an important point. With legislation coming into effect on 24 July, I hope everyone complies with it because having this law gives people confidence to shop while prioritizing public health.

Answered

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Q5 Lilian Greenwood Lab Nottingham South
Economy Business & Trade Local Government
Context

The East Midlands, specifically Nottingham, has been severely impacted by the pandemic.

Question

With Nottingham having an outstanding university and being home to world-leading companies such as Boots, what other additional support will the Government offer our region?

Answer from Michael Gove (The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)

Nottingham has an outstanding university, great MPs, a superb location, and much to offer. We need to ensure that we provide financial support and the regulatory environment for business to thrive. The Government have a role to play, and I look forward to discussing with the hon. Lady the many opportunities for relocating parts of the civil service to Nottingham.

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Q6 Geraint Davies Lab Cynon
Democracy & Elections Standards & Ethics
Context

The Secretary of State is planning to announce constitutional changes that will roll back devolution, decided in a referendum.

Question

Will the Government ensure that before those debates occur, a hybrid online democracy and equal rights for MPs are restored?

Answer from Michael Gove (The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)

If the hon. Gentleman is referring to the UK internal market White Paper, there is a consultation that starts today. Arrangements in the House on how Members participate and vote are decided by the Leader of the House through the usual channels.

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Q7 Neil Gray SNP Airdrie and Shotts
Standards & Ethics
Context

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster allowed a political messaging contract worth over £800,000 to be awarded without competitive tender.

Question

Why did this contract not go through a proper tender process?

Answer from Michael Gove (The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)

It is difficult to know where to begin in that concatenation of invention, innuendo and mistake. I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman has completely the wrong end of the stick.

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Q8 Steve Double Con St Austell and Newquay
Economy Housing Local Government
Context

Cornwall has been seen as the poorest part of England and is set to face a very severe impact from the current crisis.

Question

Can my right hon. Friend confirm that Cornwall will be a major part of this Government's levelling-up agenda?

Answer from Michael Gove (The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)

Cornwall has many attractions but the reliance on tourism makes parts of it uniquely vulnerable. The Chancellor took steps to support hospitality but more needs to be done.

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Q9 Jessica Morden Lab Montgomeryshire
Scotland Wales
Context

The White Paper will have far-reaching consequences for each of the UK's nations.

Question

Why did the Government not discuss the White Paper with the Welsh Government?

Answer from Michael Gove (The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)

The paper has been shared with the Welsh Government and other Labour colleagues. However, some discussions were frustrated by the withdrawal of the Scottish Government.

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Q10 Ian Levy Con Blyth Valley
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Blyth Valley has been largely left alone by boundary changes for 40 years.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend recognise that maintaining community identity is an important part of the boundary review?

Answer from Michael Gove (The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)

Absolutely. Northumberland is a fantastic county with communities like Blyth and Cramlington showing admirable solidarity. We must do everything possible to protect the community spirit in future.

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