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Board index » Frank Zappa » Zappa Albums
Trout Mask Replica - What do you think of it?
grand_wazoo
Post subject: Trout Mask Replica - What do you think of it?
It is definately a very challenging record musically and takes a couple of listenens to really get to like it. You can't just listen to it as a bunch of shitty noise and yelling, though. Beefheart's lyricism on it is at its best on this record.
Favorite Tracks:
Moonlight on Vermont, Orange Claw Hammer, China Pig, Hair Pie: Bake 1 & 2, Duchau Blues, Frownland
"If you wind up with a boring, miserable life because you listened to your mother, your Dad, your priest, to some guy on television, to any of the people telling you how to do your shit, then you DESERVE it."
feetlightup
Location: Closer than I Appear
Loved it, still love it. First heard it in 1986 when I was 16, and it immediately became a favorite. A great complement to my accelerating Zappa habit.
Favorite songs: Bill's Corpse, Ella Guru, Dachau Blues, Old Fart at Play, Veteran's Day Poppy
Let's hear it again for the London Philharmonic Orchestra!
brainpang
Greatest album ever made.
And while we're thinking of Don, why not visit this thread:
THE CLICK HERE SESSIONS
Jakeobs
Last edited by Jakeobs on Sun Mar 30, 2008 1:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
jsz0
It's a good album. I don't listen to it very often though. I prefer Beefheart's mid-70s albums a lot more. Same ideas just more polished and packaged in a slightly more listener friendly way.
Don't care for it.
And yes, I've listened to it more than once.
Trennasol
Love it! I've enjoyed it everytime I've listened to and that's been a lot!
I don't enjoy it all the way through...Pachuco Cadaver rocks!
I call it Roshi when in person.
My Zen Master when it's not around.O/
<breathe>
Vietato l'Ingresso
One of my first two lp's, the other being Uncle Meat.
A classic, I just wish that the sound had been better. Maybe that's why I prefer Lick My Decals Off Baby, but I don't have that one - the only Beefheart album that hasn't been reissued as far as I know, and that's too bad.
As far as I remember the Trout Mask was recorded with the band members in different rooms! Playing that music without visual contact certainly doesn't make it any easier to play. And Beefheart couldn't stand to have earphones on, so he sang to the bit of sound leakage from the control room. That's why he is so often off the beat on this one.
My favorite tracks: The Dust Blows Forward 'N The Dust Blows Back, Dali's Car, When Big Joan Sets Up and Wild Life.
/V
Add water, makes its own sauce
pbuzby
Vietato l'Ingresso wrote:
As far as I remember the Trout Mask was recorded with the band members in different rooms!
FZ's book mentioned that this was FZ's original plan but it was dropped when Beefheart demanded that they do the album at a "real" studio.
As far as Beefheart not being in synch, I like it on Bills Corpse when he sings the same vocal line twice but the music under him has completely changed.
Location: long island ny
I love most of it, especially "Sweet Sweet Bulbs" and " Veteran's Day
Poppy". Great record !
I also love Decals, Baby !
pbuzby wrote:
The original recording was to be at the "trout house," in Woodland Hills. A "field recording" (which one can hear, sans vocals, on the GROW FINS box set out on Revenant). DVV complained, thinking he was being cheated, and so they took it to the studio, where the band played as a group in one studio room. When the time came for the vocals, Don chose to record outside of the mirror, using sound 'leakage' as his guide. Perfect!
Reuben F. Tourettes
Location: Abergavenny
One of my favourite albums; certainly the most challenging album on the first listen (Rivaled only slightly by Mike Patton's "Adult Themes for voice").
Also a great album to sing along too.
Favourite songs: Moonlight On Vermont, Hair Pie Bake I, Ant Man Bee.
I love this album, had it since I was about fourteen or fithteen.
Nothing Is True, Everything Is Permitted-William S. Burroughs
Galoot Co-Log-Nuh
Location: Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Haven't heard it in quite some time. Maybe I'll throw it on this evening.
From what I remember Moonlight on Vermont was particularly memorable.
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
Location: exile
'trout mask' is a great album, but I don't listen to it very often these days. 'moonlight on vermont' is probably my favorite also. and 'the blimp', of course.
"bit of nostalgia for the old folks."
evitageN
I enjoy parts of it, but it can be boring to me at times,
I really think Safe as Milk is my favorite beefheart album, as well as one of my favorites, if not my favorite album of all time.
http://rateyourmusic.com/collection/evitageN/oo
SPACEBROTHER
Location: echoing through the canyons of your mind
Trout Mask is a classic.
I liked it, and for an earlier post, you can get "Lock My Decals Off Baby" on CD. I admire Don's work, but I don't really care for it all that much.
Phlakaton
the mood strikes occasionally. then it is fantastic. if the mood doesnt strike it's sorta bleak in flavor.
Take a penny... give a shit.
pigs03
Location: Various woods
The greatest rock record ever made.
www.freewebs.com/simonking - an unacknowledged literary prodigy
simonking1.blogspot.com - an angry recluse's written outpourings
Foreshortened Cornflakes
Great record, great cover photo.
zombie1210
Its a mess.
One of the most energetic albums I've ever heard. Makes me want to dance. And I don't dance. Usually.
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Local Sports & Recreation
Sports from around the region
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« Of Special Note (10/25/17)... Calendar of Events (10/18/17...»
Zumbathon to offer assistance to victims of recent hurricanes
By MELISSA BILL (news@breezenewspapers.com) , Lehigh Acres Citizen
Lehigh Acres Zumba instructors are hosting a free Zumbathon to raise donations and bring hurricane relief to the needy families of Lehigh Acres and Puerto Rico.
Sofia Gonzalez, along with other instructors, will hold the event on Oct. 21 from noon to 2 p.m. at Tortuga Preserve Elementary School, at 1711 Gunnery Road N. She explained that the aim is to aid in the recovery efforts for individuals and families severely impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
It is a cause that hits close to home for many of those involved.
Article Photos
"I live here in Lehigh Aces and my family is from Puerto Rico," Gonzalez said. "After the hurricane hit, I wanted to find a way I could help."
She explained that for some local families, they have loved ones in Puerto Rico who cannot get the medical attention that they need.
"My grandmother is in Puerto Rico now and she is very sick with cancer. My dad is going there soon to bring her here to receive the proper medical treatment," Gonzalez said.
Article Map
After seeing the destructive impact the hurricanes had on each area, the group of instructors felt compelled to help their neighbors. The community is encouraged to come and participate.
"This is a great workout for an even greater cause, with 100 percent of the proceeds going towards Puerto Rico's hurricane relief fund and families in our community," she said.
The instructors will include Gonzalez, La'Tanya Hamilton, Ivonne Lpez and Veronica Myers.
Zumbathon
Oct. 21 from noon to 2 p.m.
Tortuga Preserve Elementary School, 1711 Gunnery Road N.
Raise donations for Lehigh Acres and Puerto Rico storm victims
"It's for people of all ages, from people in their 60s to those in their teens," Gonzalez said. "We will also have modified versions for those with injuries."
While a free event, participants are asked to bring items to donate or a monetary donation.
Suggested donations include:
- Hygiene products: Toilet paper, paper towels, soap, shampoo, feminine hygiene, diapers, baby wipes and deodorant
- School supplies: Backpacks, binders, pencils, lined paper, hand sanitizer, tissues and printer paper
- Non-perishable food: Canned food and dry goods
- Clothing: New socks and underwear (child and adult sizes), clean elastic-waist pants and shirts
According to Gonzalez, a lot of diseases are being spread in Puerto Rico due to the lack of clean water and access to hygiene products following the storms.
"They really need things such as hand sanitizer, bug spray, water, feminine products, diapers, baby wipes, and even pet supplies," she said.
Several groups and organizations have pitched in to make the event possible.
"There are a lot of great groups involved," Gonzalez said. "Without their help, we couldn't get donations to those who need it."
They are The Hive Community Development Corporation, Effective Growth Management Consultants, I Am Creates You, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Passionista Academy, Next Level Church and Tortuga Preserve Elementary School.
Those unable to attend can still donate by contacting Gonzalez.
For details or to donate, call 239-738-9781 or email sgonza7990@gmail.com.

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Commons: 12 January 2012
Volume 538: debated on Thursday 12 January 2012
Ms Angela Eagle
(Wallasey) (Lab)
Will the Leader of the House please give us the business for next week?
The Leader of the House of Commons
(Sir George Young)
The business for next week is as follows:
Monday 16 January—Opposition day [un-allotted day]. There will be a debate on individual voter registration, followed by a debate on the national health service. These debates will arise on an Opposition motion.
Tuesday 17 January—General debate on the future of town centres and high streets. The subject for this debate has been nominated by the Backbench Business Committee.
Wednesday 18 January—Consideration in Committee of the Local Government Finance Bill (day 1).
Thursday 19 January—Motion to approve European documents relating to integrated EU infrastructures, followed by motion on public bodies—scrutiny of draft orders—followed by continuation of debate on national policy statements relating to ports.
Friday 20 January—Private Members' Bills.
The provisional business for the week commencing 23 January will include:
Monday 23 January—Opposition day [un-allotted day]. There will be a debate on an Opposition motion. Subject to be announced.
Tuesday 24 January—Continuation of consideration in Committee of the Local Government Finance Bill (day 2).
Wednesday 25 January—Motion to approve a European document relating to EU criminal policy, followed by: the Chairman of Ways and Means will name opposed private business for consideration.
Thursday 26 January—Business to be nominated by the Backbench Business Committee.
I should also like to inform the House that the business in Westminster Hall for 19 and 26 January 2012 will be:
Thursday 19 January—Debate to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2012.
Thursday 26 January—Debate on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee report on football governance.
Ms Eagle
I thank the Leader of the House for that explanation of the packed legislative programme that he has brought to the House of Commons for the start of the new year. I notice that he has not announced the date for the Queen's Speech, despite the fact that Paul Waugh of PoliticsHome announced it on his blog last week. We wait to hear some time in the future whether he was accurate.
We learned this week that the Committee stage of the Local Government Finance Bill is being taken on the Floor of the House—virtually the only Government business to be taken on the Floor in the next couple of weeks. The House of Commons Library has confirmed that over the past 30 years, only five local government Bills have been treated in this way: the 1984 and 1985 Bills that abolished the Greater London council; the 1987 Bill on block grants and rate limitation; the 1991 Bill on rate capping; and the 1999 Labour Bill that finally restored democratic government to London. Will the Leader of the House explain what in this local government Bill requires it to have its entire Committee stage on the Floor of the House? The Government are obviously struggling to fill the Commons calendar, so in the spirit of new year bonhomie, and wanting to help the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask him whether he could make time for a debate on the Government's mishandling of their legislative programme?
On fat cat salaries, the Prime Minister, in his new year tour of the TV studios, announced that shareholder votes on executive pay would now be binding. However, in November he announced that his idea to address exorbitant boardroom pay was to appoint more women to boards, and in October he told us that the solution was boards asking themselves, "Is this the right thing to do?" Over the past year we have had plenty of press releases from No. 10, but FTSE 100 bosses have put their own salaries up by a staggering 49%, while average earnings have gone up by just 1.4%. To prevent the Prime Minister from touring the TV studios once a month with the latest wheeze, will the Leader of the House explain to him that if he is serious about dealing with fat cat salaries we need action, not more press releases? When will we get it?
Perhaps the Leader of the House could also have a word with the Chancellor and inquire when we can expect a response from the Treasury to Will Hutton's report on fair pay in the public sector. In June 2010 the Chancellor announced—in yet another press release—that this was an "important review" and that it would play a "crucial role" in developing Government policy. Will the Leader of the House enlighten us as to what has happened since the report was published 10 months ago?
Given the defeat that the Government suffered last night on their shocking plans to deny benefit to cancer sufferers, will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating the tiny band of Liberal Democrats who joined Labour and the "Cross Benchers" in standing up for decency and fairness? Rather than using parliamentary time in this place to reverse the three votes that the Government lost last night, may we instead have a debate on fairness, to remind the Liberal Democrats why they claim they came into politics in the first place?
The Leader of the House will understand the concern over the safety of PIP implants. The Secretary of State for Health announced yesterday a "rapid review" of the safety of people seeking cosmetic interventions. Can the Leader of the House confirm when the review will conclude, and will he assure us that the Health Secretary will make a statement to the House when it does?
The House is growing weary of rapid reviews being announced by press release. Last November, the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, the hon. Member for Forest of Dean (Mr Harper) promised that the Government would publish by the "end of the month" proposals to clamp down on the access that lobbyists have to the Government. Since then we have had Mr Collins of Bell Pottinger boasting of the access to those at the top of Government that he can arrange for his clients, and now Mr O'Shaughnessy, one of the Prime Minister's top aides, has signed up to another lobbying firm. What we have not had is the promised consultation. The last time the Leader of the House was asked about this, at the beginning of December, he told the House that the Government would publish proposals "in a few weeks". Given that the consultation is now long overdue, will the Cabinet Office Minister return to the House to explain what has gone wrong? While he is at it, will he also explain the Government's policy on freedom of information?
Before Christmas the Information Commissioner launched his first ever probe into a Government Department, because the Education Secretary and his advisers were communicating using the Education Secretary's wife's e-mail account. Given that the Secretary of State announced this week—not to the House—a new policy on information technology lessons in schools, perhaps the Leader of the House could arrange for his colleague to have some IT lessons himself, so that if he wants to communicate secretly with his advisers he can set up his own e-mail account, and will not need to use his wife's.
Finally, Mr Speaker, may I wish you and all Members a happy new year? Will the Leader of the House join me in urging all Ministers to adopt a new year's resolution to make announcements to this House first? After all, the ministerial code requires them to do so.
Sir George Young
I begin by echoing the hon. Lady's good wishes to you, Mr Speaker, and to the House, for a happy new year. She began in a traditional way by asking about the Queen's Speech. I am delighted that she is looking forward to the next one, which will be packed with legislative reform from the coalition Government, and I hope that she will warmly welcome it when it arrives. She will have to contain herself for a little longer, however. The date of the Queen's Speech will be announced in due course in the usual way. In the meantime, I have given hon. Members some certainty about the House's sittings: I have announced them up to October this year. By contrast, my predecessor gave the House two weeks' notice of the Easter recess in March 2010. The House now has a degree of certainty about when we shall meet, and hon. Members can plan their work-life balance accordingly.
On Parliament's work programme, I hope that the hon. Lady is not going to denigrate the work that the House is doing. This week we had two statements on Tuesday, on the referendum in Scotland and on High Speed 2. We had a statement yesterday on breast implants, as well as two Opposition day debates; I hope that she is not going to say that those were not worth having. Later today we shall have two important debates arranged by the Backbench Business Committee. As I have said before, this place is not a legislative factory. We are not going to make the mistake that the previous Government made of introducing too much ill-considered legislation.
The hon. Lady asked why we were having the Committee stage of the Local Government Finance Bill on the Floor of the House. I have in front of me a list of 18 non-constitutional Bills that went to a Committee of the whole House between 1997 and 2010, so let us not have any nonsense about this being unprecedented.
Let me give just one example of what the previous Government did. The Digital Economy Act 2010—50 clauses and three schedules—was rushed through the House during wash-up, without consensus, on the Floor of the House. Here we have a 10-clause Bill with three schedules and we are allowing three days for Committee. I hope the House will support what we are doing, as more than 600 experts on local government will be at hand here and able to take part in the Bill's proceedings.
On executive pay, let me remind the Opposition that they did nothing about it for 13 years. By contrast, we consulted and we will set out in our response the action we will take to tackle irresponsible directors—something Labour did not do—and we are going to require greater transparency for directors' pay and salary. We shall give shareholders a greater say through binding votes, and allow them to block unjustified pay-offs for failure. An announcement will be made in due course by the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills. I will, of course, pursue the matter of fair pay and the Government's response with the Chancellor, and find out the date of the response for which the hon. Lady asked.
There will, of course, be an opportunity for the Government to consider in this House yesterday's votes on the Welfare Reform Bill in the other place. I make the simple point that if we do not reverse those amendments we will need to make savings from other areas. Of course the Government will look carefully at what has happened in the other place. It is worth making the point that the amendments that were carried would not have affected the position of those in the support group—the most vulnerable—whose entitlement to benefit would remain unaffected. Nor would the Government's proposals have affected those on means-tested benefits. It is a question of getting the balance right on the extent to which applicants draw on their own resources or on the resources of taxpayers. Let me remind the hon. Lady of what the Leader of the Opposition said in his speech of 10 January:
"in these times, with less money, spending more on one thing means finding the money from somewhere else. When someone wins, someone else loses."
She might like to remember that when we come to debate those amendments.
On yesterday's statements by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health, he announced three reviews in connection with what went wrong with the breast implants, and I know he will want to keep the House informed as those reviews make progress.
I am surprised that the hon. Lady raised the issue of lobbying. For 13 years the Labour Government did nothing about lobbying, yet she now criticises us for taking time to come up with the paper on our proposals. The consultation document will be published shortly, and there was no breach of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments rules by Mr James O'Shaughnessy.
Finally, I have announced an Opposition day on Monday, and I wonder whether the Opposition are going to compound the confusion they caused with their last one. On Tuesday their leader talked about responsibility regarding the deficit, but just hours later the Opposition voted against our modest measures for sorting out the mess in local government finance. On the very next day they tabled two motions that, far from reducing the deficit, would have increased it. They opposed every cut and promised to spend an extra £87 billion that we do not have, and they were in denial about the mess they created when they were in government. I wonder whether the time has not now come for another relaunch by the Opposition.
Mr Speaker
Order. A large number of colleagues are seeking to catch my eye, and I am keen to accommodate them. I remind the House, however, that two important debates are to take place under the auspices of the Backbench Business Committee, so it is imperative to have brief questions and characteristically brief answers from the Leader of the House. I am sure that a Member who has served for 28 years will set us a good example: I call Mr David Amess.
Mr David Amess
(Southend West) (Con)
Paul Gilson, a local fisherman, was recently fined £400,000 for bureaucratic mistakes in relation to his catch. Will the Leader of the House allow us a debate on the issues surrounding quotas for small fishing vessels?
I understand my hon. Friend's constituent's concern about what happened. As my hon. Friend will understand, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on a particular case. I imagine that, as with all decisions of a court, this man will have an opportunity to appeal against what happened. As I understand it, the confiscation orders are simply designed to put anyone who has profited from an illegal catch back into the position in which he or she would otherwise have been; they are not intended to be a punishment. I hope my hon. Friend will understand the constraints on Ministers when it comes to commenting on individual cases.
Mr David Winnick
(Walsall North) (Lab)
Would it not be more appropriate for Ministers to give serious consideration to the amendments that were carried yesterday in the House of Lords? Perhaps we could have a statement before the normal parliamentary procedure becomes involved. Does the Leader of the House not agree that to take action against cancer, bone and stroke patients is totally unacceptable? Indeed, it is sick. I heard the Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions, the right hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling) on the radio today trying to justify what has occurred, but I hope that the Cabinet will give further consideration to the matter. What has been agreed to by the House of Lords should be agreed to by the Government.
As I said to the hon. Member for Wallasey (Ms Eagle), the Government will give serious consideration to the votes that took place in the other place yesterday. We have asked Professor Harrington to work with Macmillan to ensure that the work-related assessments are appropriate, although it should be borne in mind that the worst cancer cases would be in support groups and would therefore not be affected. Government amendments tabled to the Bill yesterday would have protected those whose condition subsequently deteriorated. Of course we will consider the matter seriously, but as I have said, if we do not make savings by means of that part of the Bill, we may have to seek compensatory savings elsewhere.
Mr Edward Leigh
(Gainsborough) (Con)
Although it is good that there is less legislation pouring through the House of Commons, we still do not have enough time to debate issues on great occasions. For instance, before the Prime Minister went off to the last European summit, all that we had was a little debate in Westminster Hall—which, admittedly, served its purpose in a way. Can the Leader of the House confirm that before the next European summit there will be a proper debate on the Floor of the House, as happens in other Parliaments, so that the Prime Minister can gauge opinion in the Chamber about his negotiating tactics?
I understand my hon. Friend's concern, but he will know that as a result of the recommendations of the Wright Committee, the time that the Government had in which to arrange such debates has been transferred to the Backbench Business Committee, as has responsibility for finding time for them, and the other debates for which the Government used to find time. It is to that Committee that my hon. Friend and others should apply, because it now has the time that the Government used to have.
Meg Hillier
(Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/Co-op)
Is the Leader of the House aware of a growing tendency for Departments to give insubstantial answers to parliamentary questions in order to conform with the time scale? For instance, between 27 May 2010 and 9 March 2011, 53% of answers given by the Department for Transport were non-substantive, as were 41% of those given by the Ministry of Defence and 67% of those given by the Home Office. The failure to give real answers is a continuing problem, and I hope that the Leader of the House will take it up with Departments in order to ensure that Members receive proper responses to their questions.
The hon. Lady is right: the House is entitled to prompt and informative answers from Ministers in response to written questions. I do not know whether she had an opportunity to raise the issue during the Transport questions session that has just ended, but, as Leader of the House, I do take steps to ensure that my colleagues answer questions promptly. I believe I am right in saying that we publish statistics each year on the performance of Departments, and I am always prepared to take up specific cases on behalf of Members.
Miss Anne McIntosh
(Thirsk and Malton) (Con)
The Leader of the House has just announced that the first draft orders resulting from the Public Bodies Act 2011 will be considered next week. You will recall, Mr Speaker, the exchange that we had on a point of order relating to this matter before the House rose for the Christmas recess. Is the Leader of the House now able to confirm that the Select Committees concerned will be given notice before the orders are laid on the Floor of the House, and that a full 60 days will be allowed for consideration of each order by each Select Committee? Will he also make good the promise of a draft water Bill before prorogation?
I will pass on the last question, because I am not conscious of having personally given such a commitment. As for the serious issues raised by my hon. Friend in connection with the Public Bodies Act, I hope that the Deputy Leader of the House—who, I believe, will be handling the debate next Thursday—will be able to respond to them, and to inform her of the progress that we are making in moving to a new regime for consideration of the draft orders that follow from the legislation.
Mark Durkan
(Foyle) (SDLP)
The Leader of the House may not want the Chamber to be seen as a "legislative factory", but nor should it be seen as just a political wii game in which many points are scored but nothing substantial is achieved. Once the session of keepy-uppy in which the Chamber is currently engaged has ended, will it be able to give commensurate consideration to the important issues in the Welfare Reform Bill that are being subjected to serious deliberation and amendment in the other place?
I hope the hon. Gentleman will accept that the coalition Government have sought to be more generous than the last Government in allocating time for their programme to be dealt with on the Floor of the House. We have allowed two, and in one case three, days for the Report stages of important Bills, and we intend to maintain our good record of giving the House adequate time in which to consider legislation. That commitment also extends to important amendments that have been passed in another place.
Sir Roger Gale
(North Thanet) (Con)
I personally welcome the fact that, unlike their predecessor, the present Government are providing the House with adequate time in which to scrutinise legislation properly. More is not necessarily better.
No doubt my right hon. Friend, as an early riser, listens to "Farming Today", and will therefore know that a significant number of Europe-wide farm animal welfare issues are the responsibility of Ministers in the House of Commons. Will he find Government time for a general debate on those issues in the Chamber, so that they too can be considered properly?
My hon. Friend will have heard me announce two debates on Europe-related matters on the Floor of the House arising from consideration by the European Scrutiny Committee. I will take his suggestion on board, but he may wish to ask the Backbench Business Committee for a more general debate.
Luciana Berger
(Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op)
At the beginning of this month the Government's new web application system for the blue badge came on line. Ministers said that it would save money and lead to easier renewals, but it has been riddled with technical problems. Applications have been delayed or sent to the wrong place, which has caused chaos and backlogs, and councils have been unable to deal with the problem because the system is under the auspices of an IT contractor for which the Department for Transport is responsible. May we have a urgent statement from the Government on what they are doing to sort out this mess—which has been caused by their own mismanagement—so that those who need blue badges can secure them as soon as possible?
The hon. Lady may have had an opportunity to raise precisely that issue with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport during Transport questions earlier. [Interruption.] As she was unable to do so, however, I will raise it with my right hon. Friend, and will ensure that I obtain a response. It is in everyone's interest for those who are entitled to blue badges to be able to gain access to them without too much hassle.
Mr Peter Bone
(Wellingborough) (Con)
A seven-year-old boy in my constituency called Zac has a very rare cancer called neuroblastoma. As a result of help from the former Labour Health Minister Ann Keen and my local primary care trust, treatment became available in Germany and was paid for by the NHS. Recently Zac needed another life-saving operation. It was decided that the operation should be carried out by the NHS in this country, but unfortunately it was cancelled twice. In desperation, Zac's mother took him to Germany, where he had the operation yesterday. May we have a statement from the Secretary of State for Health next week, telling us what went wrong in this country and whether the parents' costs will be reimbursed?
I am sure the whole House hopes that Zac makes a good recovery from the operation that took place yesterday, and I will raise the matter with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health. As my hon. Friend knows, we have made more resources available to the NHS year on year, and responsibility for funding the costs of transport from this country to Germany would normally lie with the local primary care trust. However, I will try to establish whether my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State can play a role in ensuring that the parents can maintain suitable contact with their son.
Michael Connarty
(Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab)
I wish to ask the Leader of the House a question about his own remit. When Labour was in power and I was chairing the European Scrutiny Committee, he seemed to support the idea of reinstating permanent membership of the General Committees that debate EU issues sent to them by the European Scrutiny Committee. I have asked him several times—and the hon. Member for Stone (Mr Cash) has supported my request through the Committee—for the matter to be brought before the House. He has had plenty of time to arrange it, and there is plenty of room in the timetable. When will permanent membership be reinstated, so that people can learn properly about European business in General Committees?
I commend the hon. Gentleman's work on that issue. I would like to pursue the discussion through the usual channels, and then come back to him.
Lorely Burt
(Solihull) (LD)
Given the increasing number of schools offering A-levels, there is an increasing anomaly with VAT, in that schools do not pay it but sixth-form colleges do. The Treasury has rejected requests from the Sixth Form Colleges Forum and others to rectify that. With VAT standing at 20%, may we have a debate to explore ways to equalise the situation and be fairer to sixth-form colleges?
I understand my hon. Friend's concern. There will be an opportunity on Monday to raise this issue with the Secretary of State for Education. For now, I think the appropriate answer to my hon. Friend is that the Chancellor of the Exchequer is in the process of drawing up his Budget, the date of which has been announced, and I will take her request as a bid for him to consider that matter as part of his broader Budget considerations.
Mr Barry Sheerman
(Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op)
May I remind the Leader of the House that in this year of the jubilee and the Olympics there are diverse regions in our country, and many people in Yorkshire and Humber and the north-east and north-west get the feeling that everything is happening either in London and the south-east or in Scotland? Is it not about time that we looked at the Cinderella regions that get less investment, less focus and, now, less leadership?
Many parts of the country are benefiting from the construction work on the Olympic stadium in London; the benefits go far wider than just the south-east. I also hope the hon. Gentleman will recognise that we have introduced measures to help the regions, such as the regional economic growth fund and concessions on national insurance to certain parts of the country, as well as measures to help those parts of the country that are worst hit by unemployment. I do not agree that the leadership in our country is entirely confined to London and the south-east as there are many parts of the country with first-class leadership, and it is up to Members of Parliament who represent the regions to do what the hon. Gentleman has done: stand up in this House and fight for the areas they represent.
Gavin Williamson
(South Staffordshire) (Con)
Last year, all in South Staffordshire celebrated the fantastic news that Jaguar Land Rover was going to build a new engine plant in my constituency, in one of the Government's new enterprise zones. May we have a debate on how we might promote more manufacturing in the west midlands, so we can build on that success?
I am delighted to hear of the good news in my hon. Friend's constituency, and he reminds the House that the 24 new enterprise zones will come on stream in April. They will bring a range of benefits, including access to capital allowances, business rate relief and new superfast broadband. That is a part of our strategy of rebalancing the economy by encouraging manufacturing and thereby getting a more sustainable foundation for the growth in employment that we all want.
Barry Gardiner
(Brent North) (Lab)
At a recent meeting of the Sustainable Business Forum, it became clear that UK Trade & Investment had no strategy for green economic development under the local enterprise partnerships. Indeed, UKTI was not even aware that eight of the partnerships have been designated specifically for green economic development, and its website is still showing Vestas as one of the key British flagship companies in green economic development. May we have a debate in Government time about the Government's strategy for green economic growth in this country?
The Government are indeed committed to green economic growth, and a number of the measures taken by the Department of Energy and Climate Change have been designed precisely to ensure that. I will take up the specific issue the hon. Gentleman raises about UKTI to see if anything needs to be done there, and I shall draw his point to the attention of my ministerial colleagues at both DECC and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Mrs Anne Main
(St Albans) (Con)
May we have an urgent debate on the number of roads that are not brought up to adoptable standard by developers? This is a nationwide problem. There are roads in my constituency that have been awaiting adoption for 10 years, and Taylor Wimpey is refusing to engage with the local authority. We must debate this issue, especially if we are going to increase housing development in this country.
I suspect that many other Members have also encountered precisely that problem, where residents living in recently developed estates find that the roads are still in the ownership of the developer, that they are not up to a standard that the local authority will take over, and that the developer will not bring them up to the appropriate standard. I will contact my colleagues at the Department for Communities and Local Government to see if there are any steps that the Government need to take to ensure private developers honour their obligations, often under section 106, so that the residents on such estates have roads of a quality to which they are entitled.
Fiona O'Donnell
(East Lothian) (Lab)
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs initially promised to publish in 2010 a report on the humaneness and effective use of snaring and then, in response to a written parliamentary question, said she would release the report by the end of last year. We have still not had the report, however, which is preventing debate on this issue not only in this place, but in the Public Petitions Committee of the Scottish Parliament. While the Government are in an enabling mood in respect of Scotland, please will the Leader of the House press for the report to be published?
I understand the hon. Lady's concern. There will be an opportunity next Thursday to ask the Secretary of State about that report. I will make sure that Ministers in that Department are aware of the hon. Lady's concern and let them know that there is a strong likelihood that they will be asked about that issue in a week's time.
(The Wrekin) (Con)
May we have a debate on abortion term limits? Does the Leader of the House believe it is right that babies in this country are still being aborted because they have cleft palates or club feet?
I understand my hon. Friend's concern, but I have to be frank with him: the Government do not have plans to introduce legislation to reform the law on abortion. The issue was debated at some length in the previous Parliament. However, if he wants a debate on it, he may like to approach the Backbench Business Committee, because I appreciate that strong views are held on both sides of the argument.
Kevin Brennan
(Cardiff West) (Lab)
As the Leader of the House is having so much trouble filling parliamentary time, why has he not been able to allow the Prime Minister to fulfil his promise of having a debate and a vote on fox hunting? Might that be because the Leader of the House is not looking very hard for that time?
I suspect that if the first thing that the coalition Government had done was have a debate on fox hunting, the hon. Gentleman would have questioned our priorities. The Government have a legislative programme which is before the House, and we believe that is the appropriate priority for the House. There are three and a half years to go in this Parliament, and in due course that section of the coalition agreement will be honoured.
(North West Leicestershire) (Con)
At Health questions this week, I asked about reports that advertisements for personal injury lawyers had started appearing in hospital accident and emergency departments. The Minister who answered rightly said that it was not appropriate for such material to appear in NHS hospitals. However, the Compensation Act 2006, introduced by the previous Labour Government, states that hospitals are authorised to deal with companies under agreement, so may we have an urgent debate about the unwelcome consequences of that Act, which I believe has added to the compensation culture in this country?
I am disturbed to hear that such advertisements are going up in hospitals in our country. As my hon. Friend says, unauthorised marketing by claims management companies is already prohibited without the approval of the management of the facility or the building, and that ban has forced a number of claims companies to modify how they advertise their services. To answer my hon. Friend's specific question, a Command Paper on post-legislative scrutiny of the Act he mentions has been laid in Parliament today, and there is a related written ministerial statement, which he may like to look at.
Ian Lavery
(Wansbeck) (Lab)
Another dire statistic revealed this week that there are 210,000 households in the north-east in which no one is working. That, coupled with the highest unemployment, fuel poverty and child poverty rates in the country, does not bode well for the people of the north-east. Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate to discuss the future for the people of the north-east and the north-east economy?
Of course the Government are concerned about the high level of unemployment in the hon. Gentleman's constituency and the north-east in general. To put this in context, the Office for Budget Responsibility expects that between 2011 and 2017 total employment will increase by about 1 million, with a 1.7 million rise in private sector employment offsetting a total reduction in general government employment of about 710,000. As the hon. Gentleman will know, we have introduced the Work programme, the UK's biggest ever single employment support programme. We are also introducing universal credit, which will improve the incentives to get back into work, and there is extra funding on apprenticeships and other such activities. I hope that will help reduce unemployment in the hon. Gentleman's constituency.
Andrew Selous
(South West Bedfordshire) (Con)
Could we have a debate on value for money and effectiveness in local policing, so that other police forces can learn from the example of Bedfordshire police, which has just cut crime by 67%? We could learn about the police station exclusion policy of inspectors such as Frank Donnelly, who has made sure that officers are out catching criminals and not inside police stations.
I commend the work of Inspector Frank Donnelly, who has shown that, within the challenging financial settlement that police authorities have had to live with, it is possible to reduce crime by getting officers out of the station and on to the streets. I was delighted to hear of the reduction in crime in my hon. Friend's constituency, and I hope the example of Frank Donnelly will be copied elsewhere.
(Rhondda) (Lab)
The business that the Leader of the House announced was pretty threadbare, and although I agree with him that we do not necessarily want to be a legislation factory, I have a solution for him. There are 101 private Members' Bills waiting for time and only two days when they could possibly be debated before Prorogation, when they all lapse. Some of them are on really important things such as adoption, firearms, daylight saving, metal theft, the registration of lobbyists—that would solve the problem there. Why does the Leader of the House therefore not give up some of the days he is using on footling business and allocate them to private Members' Bills, which lots of Members on the Government Back Benches would love? [Hon. Members: "Hear, hear."]
That is a very populist demand which I know finds a lot of support on the Back Benches. I gently remind the hon. Gentleman that there are two Houses of Parliament and legislation has to pass through both. There is no point in stacking up more and more Bills in this House if the other House has not got the time to process them. He will know that the Welfare Reform Bill, the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill, the Health and Social Care Bill and the Scotland Bill are all awaiting consideration in another place, and they have to complete their passage through the House before the end of the Session. There is no merit at all in adding to the queue in the way the hon. Gentleman has suggested.
Martin Vickers
(Cleethorpes) (Con)
Can the Leader of the House find time for a statement that could give an answer to the North Lincolnshire question? The question relates, of course, to the Scottish referendum and why a Scot working in North Lincolnshire for a few years will be denied a vote on the future of his country, whereas someone from North Lincolnshire working for a few years in Scotland will have the opportunity of a vote.
I suspect that the North Lincolnshire question could be posed for almost any part of the country. My hon. Friend will know that the provisional decision is to use the franchise for the Scottish Parliament as the basis for any referendum, but there will be adequate opportunities in the debate that was launched on Tuesday by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland to discuss the broader issues surrounding the referendum. It would make sense for the House to reflect at some point on the announcement made on Tuesday, and that may provide an opportunity for my hon. Friend to pose his question; and—who knows?—he may get an answer to it at the end of that debate.
David Wright
(Telford) (Lab)
Could we have a statement from a Health Minister about the introduction of the 111 service? There is real concern in Telford that the introduction of the 111 service might severely damage our excellent out-of-hours GP service, specifically consultations and out-of-hours cover.
There was an opportunity to ask Health Ministers questions on Tuesday, but I will draw my right hon. Friend the Health Secretary's attention to the concern that the hon. Gentleman has expressed about the 111 scheme's impact on services and ask him to write to the hon. Gentleman.
Karen Bradley
(Staffordshire Moorlands) (Con)
Over 80% of people in employment in my constituency are employed in the private sector, many of them in small businesses. Those businesses should be given the support they need to enable them to grow and to create more jobs, so that we can get more people working in the private sector. Could the Leader of the House find time for a debate on that matter and the support the Government could give?
My hon. Friend is right—we do look to the small and medium-sized enterprises to be part of the dynamo for growth and reducing unemployment. She will know that we have doubled small business rate relief for two and a half years. Originally, we announced a doubling of that relief for one year, and that was extended in the 2011 Budget, and again in the autumn statement for a further six months from October 2012. There are also other initiatives, such as cutting red tape and the loan guarantee scheme. I hope that all those will be of assistance to SMEs. We all have a role to play in drawing to the attention of SMEs in our constituencies the various schemes the Government have made available to assist them.
Mr Iain Wright
(Hartlepool) (Lab)
The Leader of the House mentioned rebalancing the economy. Data from the US suggest that its manufacturing sector is expanding strongly and unemployment is at a three-year low. By way of contrast, British manufacturing has suffered the sharpest fall in activity since 2009, unemployment here is at an 18-year high, and yesterday's trade figures showed that exports to countries outside the EU have declined. Given that next month marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens, can we have a debate on a tale of two economies, so that this House can debate with Dickensian eloquence why the US seems to be pulling out of the mess but Britain seems to be going ever further into it?
I point out to the hon. Gentleman that the decline in the manufacturing industry did not begin in 2009; there had already been a fairly substantial reduction in employment in manufacturing. One of the things we are seeking to do is to rebalance the economy, and the intervention a few moments ago from my hon. Friend the Member for South Staffordshire (Gavin Williamson) showed the success we are having in promoting, for example, car manufacturing. Also, other sectors of the economy have been doing better, such as pharmaceuticals. However, the hon. Gentleman is right: we want to emphasise growth. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor will be drawing up his Budget, and I hope it will be possible to take further measures to address what the hon. Gentleman calls the tale of two countries. However, the US has not been without its problems: I think I am right in saying that growth in the last quarter in this country was higher than in the US.
Mr Matthew Offord
(Hendon) (Con)
Can we have a debate on the Government's energy policy in light of the Which? report stating that more than 4 million consumers were dissatisfied with their energy company, and in light of the Centre for Policy Studies report arguing that the introduction of the carbon floor price in 2013 will damage efforts to decarbonise the UK's electricity supply?
I understand my hon. Friend's concern. Some of the issues he raises are a matter for Ofgem, with which the Government are working, for example, to have greater transparency on tariffs and to make it easier for consumers to switch from one to another. We have taken some steps already—we plan more—to give Ofgem more teeth in its transactions with electricity suppliers. I hope my hon. Friend will welcome yesterday's and today's announcements by two major companies of tariff reductions, and that that will take some of the pressure off the consumers he referred to.
Mr Dave Watts
(St Helens North) (Lab)
Given that the Prime Minister guaranteed that rail fares would not increase by more than 1% above inflation, and that many are in fact increasing by up to 11%, can we have a statement or debate on the Government's failure to control rail prices—and on the Prime Minister's ability not to keep his promises?
I am not sure where the hon. Gentleman was yesterday, but I think we had a debate on rail fares. We have already had half a day's debate, and I remind him that in 2009, under the regime of the previous Government, rail fares were allowed to go up by 11%.
(Enfield North) (Con)
The Mary Portas review, which has been endorsed by the Government and the Opposition, highlighted the burden that parking charges place on our high streets. Will the Leader of the House grant a debate on why Enfield's Labour council has persisted with massive increases in parking charges, including the introduction of Sunday charges, against the wishes of shopkeepers and churchgoers and despite vociferous opposition from the Enfield Independent and The Enfield Advertiser?
I welcome my hon. Friend's role as a champion of businesses in his constituency, particularly of the retail sector. He will know that I announced a debate next week on the Mary Portas review, chosen by the Backbench Business Committee. I hope that will be an opportunity for him to intervene at slightly greater length than he was able to today.
Gloria De Piero
(Ashfield) (Lab)
Could we have a debate on hospital parking charges? The hospital in my constituency has introduced big rises and has recently started charging for disabled parking. Sadly, it is not alone in doing so.
I understand the hon. Lady's concern. That is primarily a matter for the trust that runs the hospital she referred to. Often, the income from car parking helps to sustain a higher level of service than would otherwise be the case. However, the Government have devolved this matter to local trusts, and I am sure she will want to pursue the issue with the chief executive of her local trust.
Kris Hopkins
(Keighley) (Con)
The Leader of the House will doubtless be as alarmed as I am to read reports about the continued widening of the division between the civilian Government and the military in the nuclear-armed state of Pakistan. May we have an urgent statement from the Foreign Secretary outlining the potential implications for our country of that country's continued instability?
I understand my hon. Friend's concern. The Foreign Secretary will be at this Dispatch Box on Tuesday, when my hon. Friend will have an opportunity to question him. A strong, stable constitutional democracy is in Pakistan's interests, but I take on board the point that my hon. Friend has just made.
Derek Twigg
(Halton) (Lab)
May I ask the Leader of the House for an urgent statement to clarify the Government's plans for increasing the number of private patients in NHS foundation trust hospitals? On Tuesday, the Minister of State, Department of Health, the right hon. Member for Chelmsford (Mr Burns) said that
"we are not changing the situation"—[Official Report, 10 January 2012; Vol. 538, c. 14.]
but of course the Health and Social Care Bill removes the private patient cap and the Government's impact assessment assumes the inclusion of
"additional…overseas private patients… and patients who would have otherwise been treated on the NHS",
so how can that statement be true?
As the hon. Gentleman knows, the Health and Social Care Bill is being considered in another place; we have just had the completion of 15 days in Committee and a number of days have been allocated for Report. I have no doubt that the specific issue he mentions will be raised during the remaining stages of that Bill, and if the Bill comes back, there will be an opportunity for him to raise the matter again in this House. In the meantime, I will draw his question to the attention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.
(East Hampshire) (Con)
From this week, credit unions enjoy important new freedoms to help them develop and grow. May we have a debate on financial inclusion, affordable credit and the important role that credit unions play?
My hon. Friend's suggestion is very timely in view of the reports over the Christmas holidays of the less scrupulous operators in that field, and he reminds the House of the role of credit unions. I cannot promise such a debate, but I know that Members on both sides of the House have expressed an interest in the subject, and the Backbench Business Committee may wish to add it to its list of requests.
Mrs Jenny Chapman
(Darlington) (Lab)
Darlington football club is 128 years old and, as the Leader of the House knows, it is the club that gave the world's first black professional footballer, Arthur Wharton, his big break. Sadly, despite the best efforts of local businesses, The Northern Echo and the local council, the club is in administration and has days, if not hours, before liquidation. When can we have a debate on the support that is available to help historic clubs such as Darlington?
I am sorry to hear of the problems that confront the hon. Lady's local football club. The statue of the footballer to whom she refers was made by a sculptor in my constituency, which is why I am aware of the case. I do not wish to raise her hopes, but I will draw her concern to the attention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport to see whether there is any role for the Government to play in enabling the club to continue.
Dr Andrew Murrison
(South West Wiltshire) (Con)
May we have a debate on the likely effectiveness of the ban on sow stalls in the European Union from 1 January 2013, given that there is every indication that several countries will not be compliant? The UK rightly implemented the ban from 1999, but it has halved the sow herd. Clearly, more needs to be done in Europe to promote animal welfare and in Britain to ensure that our industry is protected.
This country has always set high standards in animal welfare. I understand my hon. Friend's concern that some of our competitor countries may not be implementing the new measures as quickly as they should, and I can tell him that we will be taking action to drive compliance by the slower implementers. As he says, the EU has banned sow stalls, but farmers in other member states are not implementing the measures as fast as farmers in this country, and I will draw his concern to the attention of the relevant Minister.
Diana Johnson
(Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab)
Following the votes in the other place on the Welfare Reform Bill, may we have a debate in this House about the effect that the benefit changes will have on people who received contaminated blood products through treatment in the NHS and the fact that they will lose the very limited benefits that they are entitled to with the changes that the Government are introducing?
The Welfare Reform Bill will of course be returning to this House when it has completed its consideration in another place. Depending on any changes made to that Bill, hon. Members may have an opportunity to raise that matter. The hon. Lady attended a meeting with the relevant Minister, along with myself and others. I will ask the Under-Secretary of State for Health, my hon. Friend the Member for Guildford (Anne Milton) to refresh us both on the steps being taken as a result of that meeting, at which we met those who have suffered as a result of contaminated blood and believe that they are getting a raw deal.
Mr Philip Hollobone
(Kettering) (Con)
Given the difficulties that the Leader of the House has in filling parliamentary time, given that the Backbench Business Committee always arranges interesting, entertaining and well attended debates on topical issues that Members and the country want discussed, and given the large number of requests that he has referred to that Committee today, has he given any consideration to having a Backbench Business week, when all the business of that week can be determined by that Committee?
My hon. Friend puts forward an interesting proposition. What we have tried to do is step up the number of days that we have made available to the Backbench Business Committee; it has a debate later today and one next Tuesday, and I announced another debate for the following week. I am not quite sure that it would make sense to block out a whole week and allocate all of it to the Backbench Business Committee.
Tom Blenkinsop
(Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland) (Lab)
Next Thursday, a by-election will be held in Redcar and Cleveland borough council's Newcomen ward. The Liberal Democrat candidate has made openly Islamophobic statements on his Facebook site, yet he remains the candidate, despite Liberal Democrat "zero tolerance" to such instances of prejudice and discrimination. The Muslim Council of Britain is concerned about this, as are the Coexistence Trust and HOPE not hate. Does the Leader of the House believe there is any place in a mainstream democratic political party, especially one that is in government, for someone, such as Newcomen's Lib Dem candidate, who holds such clearly expressed Islamophobic views?
I am reluctant to get drawn into a by-election spat. If any criminal offence has been committed, it would be appropriate to refer it to the police. My only comment is that if a Conservative candidate is standing, I hope that everyone will support him or her.
Christopher Pincher
(Tamworth) (Con)
There has been a great deal of debate recently about public sector pensions, but may we have a debate about the state pension, so that we can discuss the actions that the Government are taking to improve the lot of state pensioners and ensure that they never again suffer the indignity of the miserly 75p rise they got from Labour?
We would welcome such a debate. This year, pensioners will see the biggest cash rise they have ever seen, and under our triple lock the state pension will always be increased, year on year, in line with average earnings, prices or 2.5%, whichever is the highest. This year's increase of more than £5 a week contrasts, as my hon. Friend has just reminded us, with the 75p that the Labour Government gave pensioners in 1999.
(Dudley North) (Lab)
The west midlands was hit hardest during the downturn and is taking longest to recover, so it beggars belief that £185 million of European regional development fund money—designed to boost the economy, attract investment and create employment—that has been earmarked for the west midlands is lying idle, along with £1.1 billion nationally. Will the Leader of the House get the Minister responsible for this shambles to come to the House of Commons to explain to us why this money is not being spent in the regions where it is needed?
I assume that that is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills. If that is the case, I will draw the matter to his attention and see whether there is a role to play in making sure that any funds that could be used for investment in the west midlands are unlocked.
(Montgomeryshire) (Con)
Two of the greatest challenges facing us are energy costs, both to households and to business, and the need to reduce the impact of climate change. May we have an early debate about the progress being made towards the introduction of the green deal?
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I cannot promise an early debate on the introduction of the green deal. I believe that just before Christmas my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change made a statement to give us an update on the progress that we were making towards our targets. I imagine that such statements will be repeated at 12 month intervals. My hon. Friend might wish to approach the Backbench Business Committee to see whether it can find time for such a debate, so that we can outline the progress we are making on tackling climate change.
(West Worcestershire) (Con)
As we rebalance the economy towards business growth and entrepreneurship, may we have a debate on employer-supported child care vouchers, because at the moment the only people who cannot access such support are the self-employed?
The vouchers are of great help; they help nearly 500,000 people balance their commitments to their family with their work. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor will be considering his Budget and I will pass on my hon. Friend's suggestion that the scheme should be extended to include the self-employed.
Chris White
(Warwick and Leamington) (Con)
Earlier this week, I was fortunate enough to meet young people in my constituency at our local youth forum. Their engagement in and passion about improving our community were excellent to see and showed their great potential to make a difference. Will the Leader of the House give Government time for a debate on how to get more young people involved in politics and make our institutions as relevant to them as possible?
I commend my hon. Friend for what he has done. It is up to every Member of Parliament to engage with young people in their constituencies and to encourage them to take part in the political process in the way he has suggested. I was encouraged, as I know were you, Mr Speaker, and the hon. Member for Wallasey (Ms Eagle), by the quality of the debate when the Youth Parliament met here a few weeks ago and by the representatives' commitment to the political process. I hope that some of them will in due course sit on these green Benches.
Order. There is extreme pressure on time, as I mentioned earlier, and the level of interest in the first of the two Backbench Business Committee debates has necessitated the imposition of a very tight time limit. I am happy to take remaining colleagues on the explicit condition that we have single-sentence questions, led by Mr Julian Smith.
Julian Smith
(Skipton and Ripon) (Con)
May we have a debate to support Ofcom's excellent decision this morning to extend the coverage obligations on the spectrum auction for 4G from 95% to 98%, which will make a massive difference to rural areas in Britain?
I would like to promise such a debate, but I would be misleading my hon. Friend if I said yes. I hope that he will go along at 1 o'clock on Tuesday to the salon chaired by the hon. Member for North East Derbyshire (Natascha Engel) and put in a bid for a debate on this important issue.
Henry Smith
(Crawley) (Con)
Towards the end of last year, I was pleased to be able to help launch the Royal College of Midwives' "State of Maternity Services" report. There has been an increase in the number of midwives, but there has also been an increase in the number of births, so I would therefore be grateful if consideration could be given to holding a debate on the future of maternity services.
That delivery took a little longer than Mr Speaker implied. My hon. Friend is a patron of the Royal College of Midwives and I commend him on his interest. The Government are committed to high-quality perinatal and antenatal care: hundreds more midwives are in service now than in 2010 and a record number are in training. I hope that my hon. Friend is reassured by that basic information.
Andrew Stephenson
(Pendle) (Con)
Many businesses in Pendle have welcomed the reduction in the rate of corporation tax, but many are still struggling with an overtly complex tax system. May we therefore have a debate on tax simplification?
I very much hope that the Chancellor will take on board what my hon. Friend has said. We are consulting on integrating the operation of income tax and national insurance contributions, but I am sure that that would be a step in the right direction.
Stephen Metcalfe
(South Basildon and East Thurrock) (Con)
For many years, my constituents in south Essex have suffered intolerable delays at the Dartford crossing. My hon. Friend the roads Minister has an innovative solution; it requires legislation, however, so, will the Leader of the House tell me and my constituents when that legislation will be brought forward?
Hon. Members
Four sentences!
They were commas.
We have just had Transport questions, when my hon. Friend might have had an opportunity to raise that matter. It would be up to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport to propose such a piece of legislation and it would have to take its place in what, I have to tell my hon. Friend, is a rather long queue.
Colleagues have quirky ideas about commas and semi-colons; that is immediately apparent.
Sarah Newton
(Truro and Falmouth) (Con)
Men, too, are victims of domestic violence, so may we have a debate about the Government's recent announcement of new money that is available to help voluntary sector organisations that provide vital support to those victims?
I commend my hon. Friend for drawing attention to the fact that not just women are victims of domestic violence. I cannot promise such a debate, but I refer her to the hon. Member for North East Derbyshire and the Backbench Business Committee.
Bob Blackman
(Harrow East) (Con)
Harrow clinical commissioning group has been informed by NHS London that it is not economically viable as a unit under the Government's reforms, and that it must be replaced and join Brent, Harrow, Ealing, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster and Hammersmith and Fulham. May we have a debate on the implementation of the Government's NHS reforms?
The Government are encouraging group practices to band together to form clinical commissioning groups, but there is no central direction about how they should be configured. In the first instance, I suggest that my hon. Friend contacts NHS North West London and shares his concern to see whether there could be a better configuration of local practices that perhaps covered a slightly smaller area than the one that is envisaged.


What is lacking from both the Labour and Conservative Party is how the huge deficit would be cut. Lots of rhetoric and wait until after the election, but it's not being very straight with the electorate who are expecting some kind of action.
The Liberal Democrats have identified £15bn of cuts already, which doesn't go all the way, but shows we at least have a plan and we're telling the electorate up front. This will come from ending government contributions to Child Trust Funds to removing the top 20% of claimants from the tax credit system, cancelling the ID card programme, no like for like Trident replacement and abolishing the Government Offices for the Regions.
The other notable absence in the Budget was any plans to deal with the banks, which are fundamentally still operating in the same environment as pre-credit crunch. The Liberal Democrats would split every day retail banking from casino investment banking and protect the voters savings and investments. Yes retail banking will be very boring, low margins and pretty risk averse, but it's important that people can trust where they put their hard earned money.
This entry was tagged Alastair Darling, Budget Chancellor of the Exchequer, Channel 4, Conservative, George Osborne, IPSOS Mori, Labour, Vince Cable. Bookmark the permalink.


Bright Examples is the second album by husband and wife duo Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion. That name you recognize is legit; Sarah Lee is the daughter of Arlo, granddaughter of Woody. A busy couple, in the last five years they have recorded a children's album and a solo album by Johnny, released a live DVD, toured with her famous father and moved across the country while parenting their two youngsters! It is clear none of that took away from the delicate care the couple put into creating Bright Examples, a more than worthy addition to the Guthrie lineage.
Bright Examples has plaintive, patient arrangements, elegiac singing, and lap steel guitar vs. Hammond organ duels. Musicianship and production are of pristine quality across the board – it is clear this music pulses through the blood of these artists and their band. A great deal of the album was recorded live as a group and the dynamics of face-to-face interplay shines brightly. "Speed of Light", the album's third track is a bouncy, soul-country nugget that packs all the right hooks into 2:48. With a little Stevie Nicks in the melody and arrangement it's a winner. "Hurry Up", has just enough friendly, hip swaying groove to match potent lyrics – "Take a moment now to find you, all the beauty surrounding/No matter how dark it gets don't pull those blinds down friend".
Guthrie's combination of a husky, full vocal tone and knack for writing and then hitting very pretty, high melodies is powerful and on "Seven Sisters" husband and wife take a cue from Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons. By channeling that treasured harmonic style and syncing up with passion it becomes abundantly clear this is not an ordinary country rock album. "Butterflies" is another notable track where the band and Guthrie slooowly wind their way into a dreamy slice of psych pop as they create a new "rustic baroque" genre. In other places, Bright Examples recalls Neil Young's early style of mournful, sparse balladry where the instrumentation complements and supports instead of disturbs. Album closer "Cry Quieter" again nails divine harmonies to engagingly fresh melodies.
A laid back precision may be Bright Examples hallmark. That place where music surges gracefully like a passing river in a crystal moonlit night. This music is simultaneously hushed and vibrant, pulsing and meticulous, lucid and a little scruffy. Pretty cool parents for those kids.
Chris Calarco lives, writes and teaches yoga in Portland, Oregon. He is drawn to music's multi-layered universe and thanks Poison for showing him the way into the heart.


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Virginia Bill Advances for Tax Credit to Restaurants Supporting Oyster Restoration
Restaurants and other businesses that recycle oyster shells to restore oyster populations would receive a tax credit under legislation that passed a Virginia Senate committee today. Businesses would receive a $4 tax credit for each bushel of oyster shells recycled, up to $1,500, under bills introduced by Sen. Monty Mason (S.B. 997) and Del. Tim Anderson (H.B. 1438). This afternoon, the Senate version of the bill was approved by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources.
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) urges legislators to support these proposals in order to boost the tight supply of oyster shells, which challenges large-scale oyster restoration work. While a growing number of restaurants recycle oyster shells, far too many shells still end up in landfills.
"Oyster shells are a limited resource that are key to increasing the Chesapeake's oyster population, supporting the wild oyster fishery, and assisting aquaculture operations," said CBF Virginia Oyster Restoration Specialist Julie Luecke. "Many dedicated Virginia restaurants and businesses are already recycling shells and donating them to restoration programs. A tax credit would benefit these restaurants for their hard work and provide an important incentive to new businesses to increase the supply of oyster shells."
Baby oysters, called spat, must attach to a hard surface such as empty oyster shells. One shell can become home to 10 or more oysters. In oyster restoration work, these spat-on-shell oysters are planted on sanctuary oyster reefs to increase oyster populations. Oyster shells are also used to construct the base of oyster reefs.
Recycled oyster shell is also extremely important to Virginia's oyster replenishment program, which supports the wild oyster fishery by placing shell in state-managed public waters for oysters to grow and eventually be harvested. Additionally, recycled shells are used by the Commonwealth's growing oyster aquaculture industry.
While oyster populations are rebounding, the limited supply of oyster shell has driven up the cost of this important resource. To help increase the supply, several volunteer-based shell recycling programs pick up empty oyster shells from restaurants, oyster roasts, and other businesses. These shells are then cleaned, cured, and prepared for planting on oyster reefs. Oyster reefs filter water and provide habitat for fish, crabs, and other species vital to the fishing and seafood industries.
Under the legislation, entities such as the Virginia Marine Resources Commission and nonprofits engaged in oyster restoration activities would receive the oyster shells and use them for restoration purposes. Businesses that are paid for shell would not be eligible for the tax credit.
This tax credit would provide an important benefit to restaurants and other businesses doing their part to increase the local oyster population.
Todd Jurich's Bistro in Norfolk recycles the restaurant's oyster shells for restoration work.
"Recycling oyster shells costs us some money due to the time, space, and labor involved. But we've always been proponents of taking care of the Chesapeake Bay," said restaurant owner Todd Jurich. "The oyster shell tax credit proposal couldn't have come at a better time. It has really been tough for restaurant businesses recently due to COVID, inflation, and labor shortages. This would help the restaurant community and encourage new businesses to recycle shells."
Several Virginia organizations conduct oyster shell recycling programs. CBF's Virginia shell recycling program includes nearly 40 restaurants across Virginia. People with oyster shells left over from meals at home and oyster roasts can also drop them off at one of CBF's 17 shell recycling bins across Tidewater and Central Virginia.
Restaurants participating in CBF's program qualify to become part of the Chesapeake Oyster Alliance's Reef Builders network, supporting efforts to add 10 billion oysters to the Bay by 2025. A robust supply of recycled oyster shell is key to meeting that goal.


Gripping chronicle covering 150 years of misadventure on the Presidential Range.
Memoir of 75 years of involvement with the Appalachian Mountain Club.
Fascinating White Mountains hiking journals of 1900-era couple, with many vintage photos.
Fascinating White Mountains hiking journal of 1900-era couple, with many vintage photos.
More journals and photos from avid early 1900s White Mountain hikers.
Interesting narrative of early Mt. Washington explorations.
Thoroughly researched and well-written history of the Randolph Mountain Club and the trails and camps of the Northern Presidentials and Crescent Range.
An intriguing and entertaining collection of true White Mountain tales, including many classic stories.
Fascinating story of the World War II German prisoner of war camp in the northern New Hampshire town of Stark.
Collection of vintage stereo-type photos of railroads, hotels, natural attractions and country scenes.
Excellent new anthology of historical stories from the White Mountains by local author, hiker and historian Mike Dickerman.


What a super exciting time! Your magical vacation is right around the corner!
There are actually 2 places to play a round or two of miniature golf at the Walt Disney World Resort. One is Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf and is located just across from the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel. You can take a bus to the Swan from any of the Theme Parks or from Downtown Disney.
The other location, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf, is located at Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park. You can take a bus there from any of the Theme Parks or from Downtown Disney as well.
My family really loves playing miniature golf! It's fun to try different experiences when you're on a Disney vacation!
Thanks for stopping by the Moms Panel, Jana, and please let us know if we can help with any questions you have.


Vancouver VA Loans and FHA Home Mortgage Loans - VanDyk Mortgage - Washington VA Lender & FHA Lender.
VanDyk Mortgage is your source for VA Loans and FHA Loans in Vancouver. We have been making FHA, VA, Conforming, and Jumbo loans since 1987. VanDyk Mortgage is a Direct Lender. We offer many loan programs for Vancouver Homebuyers and Vancouver Homeowners to Purchase and refinance homes..
Vancouver FHA Loans are available up to $448,500 with just 3.5% down payment. The FHA 2018 Loan Limit for Vancouver and Clark County is $448,500.
Vancouver VA Loans are available up to $453,100 with zero down payment. The Vancouver VA Loan Limit in 2018 is $453,100. However, Veterans are not limited to the Clark County VA Loan limit of $453,100 for our VA Jumbo Loans. We also offer VA Jumbo Loans up to $1.5 Million with the appropriate down payment or equity to reach the VA Guarantee requirements of 25%. Here is one of our posts on how you can get a VanDyk Mortgage VA Loan over your county limit.
Vancouver Conforming Loans are available up to $453,100. Vancouver Conforming Loans up to $417K require just a 3% down payment.
VanDyk Mortgage has been maClark FHA loans since 1987. We are a HUD recognized Full Eagle FHA DE underwriter and FHA Direct Lender. We are also a VA Lender and VA Jumbo Lender.


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Increasing Diversity: PaRD Joined by Four New Members
The International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD) welcomes four new members, including the Indonesian government, represented by its Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA).
The International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD) keeps growing. The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) of Indonesia, the ojcos-stiftung, the Society for Peace and Conflict Management (SPACM) and Unity Earth are the latest additions to this global alliance. The PaRD Steering Group and members are looking forward to a fruitful and successful collaboration with all new members.
Overview of new PaRD Members
Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA)
The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) is an Indonesian government agency responsible for religious affairs in Indonesia. It reports to the president and is headed by a minister. MoRA's responsibilities include formulating, determining and implementing policies in the area of guidance to Islamic, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist and Confucianist communities as well as religious and faith-based education. The development objectives of the Ministry of Religious Affairs include improving the understanding and practice of religious teachings, and improving access to education for all sections of society at various levels of education.
ojcos-stiftung
The ojcos-stiftung (engl. ojcos-foundation) derives its name from the Greek word oikos. It means house or building and is the language root for economy, ecology and ecumenism. In the Bible it means "House of God in the Spirit" and refers to the living and lived community in Christ. The foundation sees such community as merciful, sustainable and innovative. It aims at passing this on through its work.
Society for Peace and Conflict Management (SPACM)
Society for Peace and Conflict Management (SPACM) is a non-political, non-religious, non-governmental and non-profit national society established in 2015 and based in the University of Haripur with working bodies in leading Universities of Pakistan. It is a society with the mission to eliminate all forms of racial, ethnic, linguistic, political and religious bigotry through peace, love, respect, tolerance and through culture.
Unity Earth
Unity Earth is a global network on a mission to accelerate the realisation of unity and peace on earth. Inspired by the world's wisdom traditions and born out of the desire to meet global-sized challenges with global-sized solutions, the network is built to amplify the reach and impact of peace-aligned organisations and individuals. Unity Earth places collective values and universal principles at the heart of its initiative, reaching across lines that used to divide by inviting people of all ages, races and beliefs to unite in the quest to make the world a safer and more inclusive place.
Join PaRD!
PaRD invites governmental and multilateral entities as well as religious and other civil society and non-governmental organisations and academic/research institutions to join as members. We are looking for members that want to actively shape our global partnership. Membership is free of cost. If you would like to apply for membership, please contact the PaRD Secretariat (info@pard.international).
Indonesia First Government from the Global South to Become PaRD Member
https://www.partner-religion-development.org/service/news-archive/article/pards-annual-forum-2022-more-diverse-bigger-than-ever
PaRD Becomes Even More Diverse and Welcomes Nine New Members
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The present study examined whether volunteers who had recently had common colds showed impairments in mood and performance in the weeks following the illness. All volunteers (n = 24) were tested when healthy to provide baseline data for simple and choice reaction time tasks, attention and memory tasks and ratings of mood. When participants developed a cold (n = 13) they returned to the laboratory so that the illness could be verified. When they were symptom free they returned to the laboratory and repeated the procedure. They then completed the study with a final session 1 week later. Volunteers (n = 11) who remained healthy over 10 weeks were recalled as controls and also repeated the procedures. The results showed that those who had recently had colds showed few impairments in mental performance and mood. Taken together with the results of previous studies, this suggests that after-effects of viral infection are largely restricted to severe illnesses such as infectious mononucleosis and influenza. After-effects of colds may occur but these probably reflect poor learning at the time of the illness.


Hello folks, this photo is about Instructables (charming Carton Bird Feeder #5). It is a image/jpeg and the resolution of this attachment is 996 x 664. It's file size is just 83 KB. Wether You ought to download It to Your computer, you have to Click here. You also too see more attachments by clicking the image below or see more at here: Carton Bird Feeder.
Carton Bird Feeder framed provide and mirror by paint is actually a contemporary societal pretty ornaments. While an easy form, towel stand made of bamboo, such as for instance inside the photo above doesn't search old fashioned, actually. Its humble layout, fused using a contemporary minimalism that is interior. As we recognize, the bamboo-phase with its ends closed. Sealed ends may be used as planting channel that was organic. Merely need dexterity and skill, then be potted plant of bamboo.
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text:
const yaml = require('js-yaml');
const Radar = require('./lib/radar');

// Check if we need to create a radar issue every 8 hrs
const CHECK_INTERVAL = 60 * 60 * 1000 * 8;

module.exports = (robot) => {
  check()

  // Schedule check interval
  setInterval(check, CHECK_INTERVAL);

  async function check() {
    robot.log.info('Checking for open issues');

    const github = await robot.integration.asIntegration();
    // TODO: Pagination
    const installations = await github.integrations.getInstallations({});
    return installations.map(i => checkInstallation(i));
  }

  async function checkInstallation(installation) {
     const github = await robot.auth(installation.id);
     let config;
     let radarOpen;
     const data = await github.integrations.getInstallationRepositories({});

     var coll_issues = [];
     coll_issues = await Promise.all(data.repositories.map(async repo => {
       var radar = await getRadarObj(github, repo);
       radarOpen = await radar.isRadarIssueOpen();
       if(radarOpen){
         return;
       }

       if(!config){
         config = await radar.getConfig();
       }
       const issues_for_repo = await radar.getIssuesWithLabel();
       return issues_for_repo;
     }));

     if(radarOpen){
       return 'Issue not created';
     }
     var mergedIssues = await mergeIssueData(coll_issues);
     robot.log.info(config);
     //HACK to get this to create a radar issue. Loses any yml set configs
     var radar2 = new Radar(github, config);

     var body = await radar2.generateRadarIssueBody(mergedIssues);
     var issue_created = await radar2.createRadarIssue(body);
     return issue_created.status;
   }

  async function mergeIssueData(data){
    var ret = {};
    data.forEach(item =>{
      Object.keys(item).map(async (label) => {
        if(!ret[label]){
          ret[label] = item[label];
        }else{
          ret[label] = ret[label].concat(item[label]);
        }
      });
    });
    return ret;
  }

  async function getRadarObj(github, repository) {
    const owner = repository.owner.login;
    const repo = repository.name;
    const path = '.github/radar.yml';
    let config;

    try {
      const data = await github.repos.getContent({owner, repo, path});
      config = yaml.load(new Buffer(data.content, 'base64').toString());
    } catch (err) {
      config = {};
    }
    config = Object.assign(config, {owner, repo, logger: robot.log});
    return new Radar(github, config);
  }
};

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


On 14-16 February, leading representatives of the electrical industry will gather to discuss, among other things, how to provide innovative energy solutions. Nynas is organising a specialist seminar in connection with this gathering.
Middle East Electricity (MEE) is the biggest power and energy exhibition in the region, hosted by the UAE Ministry of Energy. Over three days, representatives of more than one thousand companies, both transformer manufacturers and power generation companies, will meet at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre to take part in a programme covering the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, the renewable and nuclear energy sectors and the lighting industry.
Nynas has been taking part in MEE since 2004. We will be there this year too with a stand – number 5A29 – at which visitors can meet our technical experts and sales executives for individual in-depth discussions.
"MEE is an important meeting place for us. As well as meeting a lot of existing and potential customers under one roof, we can learn about new projects and understand their needs. This gives us a better awareness of the challenges the industry is facing and how we can work towards a possible solution," says Karuna Sadasivam, General Manager Nynas Middle East.
In view of the importance of MEE to the industry, Nynas will also be organising a seminar in connection with the exhibition. The seminar is aimed at electrical engineers, buyers and asset managers who are involved in power transformer management within the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA).
"Among other things, we'll be highlighting the history of Nynas and the background to the use of mineral oil in transformers, as well as touching on the context in which mineral oil is used in transformers in the first place. Subjects that will be covered are requirements surrounding insulating oils, specifications, maintenance, interpretation and transformer condition monitoring," says Carl Wolmarans, who will be taking part in the seminar on Nynas' behalf together with Dr Bruce Pahlavanpour and Karuna Sadasivam.


Epic Family Care provides the care you and your family need to help maintain a healthy lifestyle. Our board-certified physicians give you comprehensive primary care.
As of August 2, 2016, we are proud members of Privia Medical Group!
Epic Family Care is a proud member of Privia Medical Group. The best doctors in our community have joined together to form Privia Medical Group (PMG), a multi-specialty, high-performance medical group that puts patients first. Our physicians are united by the mission of providing better, more coordinated care for their patients.
Great people and services. Would definitely recommend it to everyone!