The Future of British Farming (9th November, 2011)
Pierre Elliot, the former Canadian President once said that the essential ingredient in politics is timing. Im with him. We have waited a long time, but the debate over Genetic Modification has come a long way since the dark days of Frankenstein foods and it greatly encourages me that we are finally coming to a political place where we can talk here today openly farmer to farmer about the possibilities of GM without fear of hysteria. Read more here...
Oral Answers to Questions Justice: Payment by Results (8 November 2011)
Mark Spencer: What assessment he has made of the effects on reoffending rates of his policy of payment by results to companies.
Mark Spencer: The Minister may be aware of a case close to my constituency in which a paedophile was allowed out from a secure health unit on unescorted day release, only to commit a crime against a 10-year-old constituent of mine. I support the Ministers plans to make improvements when these companies get things correct, but what plans does he have to deal with such companies when they get it wrong?
Oral Answers to Questions Treasury: Gangs and Youth Violence (1 November 2011)
Mark Spencer: I wonder whether the Home Secretary would recognise that there is a significant role for local authorities and housing associations in taking firm action against families that commit criminal activity or antisocial behaviour. Moving those families on by evicting them not only gives the community around them a respite but gives the family a chance for a fresh start somewhere else.
Opposition Day [Un-allotted Day]: Environmental Protection and Green Growth (26 October 2011)
Mark Spencer: I know that the hon. Lady will acknowledge that these are complicated issues. I want to turn her attention to the food industry. Under her Government, the amount of food that this country imported rose exponentially. The carbon footprint of importing food, for example beef from Brazil or asparagus from water-stressed Mexico, is enormous.
Ministry of Defence (Procurement) [Mr Jim Hood in the Chair] (19 October 2011)
Mark Spencer: I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate. Does he agree that the MODs focus should be on value for money, rather than price? A contractor in my constituency, F.J. Bamkin, made high-quality socks for the MOD, but lost the contract to a company providing a much cheaper but inferior product. If the focus was on value for money, rather than just price, we might be more successful.
Written Answers Energy and Climate Change: Green Deal (19 October 2011)
Mark Spencer: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what training his Department plans to provide to ensure that installers have the skills to meet demand for renewable technologies and energy-efficient products following the introduction of the Green Deal.
Mark Spencer: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what representations he has received from (a) high street retailers and (b) trade bodies regarding the delivery of the Green Deal; and if he will make a statement.
Mark Spencer: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what meetings he has had with (a) manufacturers and (b) retailers to discuss steps to ensure that the supply of Green Deal technologies will meet demand.
Written Answers Energy and Climate Change: Renewable Heat Initiative Scheme (19 October 2011)
Mark Spencer: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the effect that the delay to the introduction of the non-domestic Renewable Heat Initiative scheme will have on the heating industry.
Written Answers Energy and Climate Change: Green Deal (17 October 2011)
Mark Spencer: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department is taking to promote the uptake of the Green Deal; and what information and advice will be provided to customers to encourage them to take up the Green Deal.
Oral Answers to Questions Prime Minister: Engagements (12 October 2011)
Mark Spencer: The Prime Minister inherited a welfare system in which families were able to claim £2,000 a week in housing benefit, and in which some working families were worse off than those who were on benefits. What can he do to help those hard-working families in Sherwood who get out of bed and work hard because of their self-pride and responsibility?
Rural Bus Services (11 October 2011)
Mark Spencer: I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing the debate; it is telling how many Members have turned up to participate. Does he recognise that the deprivation around former coalfields and the challenge of getting people in those areas to and from employment makes Nottinghamshire a special case?
Mark Spencer MP
Sherwood Constituency Office, Room 3, Under One Roof,
3A Vine Terrace, Hucknall, Nottingham, NG15 7HN
Phone: 0115 968 1186
