🗣️ Speeches and Debates

• Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation 23 Mar 2000

  At the risk of losing friends on the Opposition Benches and gaining them on the Labour Benches, I generally welcome what seems to be a balanced and fair Budget, in which the Chancellor has attempted to be both even-handed and, in some spheres, relatively imaginative. That said, I have misgivings about a number of things, and it is on those that I shall concentrate. Although I will naturally...

• Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation 23 Mar 2000

  That is a very fair point, and I hope that the Government pay attention to it. It is essential that that continuity be secured. The air passenger duty is a great bone of contention in Northern Ireland. I welcome the fact that for economy class it has been reduced to £5, and that for travel within the European Union it remains at a level £10. People may consider that the business-class...

• Oral Answers to Questions — Northern Ireland: Lifelong Learning 20 Oct 1999

  Does the Minister agree that, in apprenticeship schemes and, therefore, in lifelong learning, priority should be given to those who take the practical rather than the academic route so that they obtain the skills and qualifications to enable them to succeed in their chosen field?

• Oral Answers to Questions — Northern Ireland: Equality Commission 30 Jun 1999

  The Minister will be aware that there are a number of commissions in Northern Ireland. If there is no agreement on decommissioning and the Assembly is suspended, will all aspects of the agreement be suspended, including the Equality Commission and the early release of prisoners?

• Orders of the Day — Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill: Excessive Pension Contributions Made by Persons Who Have Become Insolvent 17 May 1999

  I seek a little clarification from the Minister following what he said about including Northern Ireland in the Bill. The Bill refers specifically to Northern Ireland in a number of places. In clause 78(4), paragraphs (a) to (j) refer to Northern Ireland. In clause 78(5), paragraphs (a) to (d) do so. At the end of the Bill, where we have items that are to be deleted, a part refers to it. I...

• Orders of the Day — Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill: Excessive Pension Contributions Made by Persons Who Have Become Insolvent 17 May 1999

  I did not hear the Minister mention Northern Ireland. Will he tell the House the position in that regard?

• Oral Answers to Questions — Northern Ireland: Pensioners 28 Apr 1999

  Does the Minister know that one in four pensioners in Northern Ireland are on income support? Although there is parity of benefits in Northern Ireland, unfortunately the price of food and fuel for everyone, including pensioners, is much dearer. In addition, there is no concessionary travel in Northern Ireland. Will the Minister please take notice of the report of the Transport Sub-Committee,...

• Soccer Grounds (Northern Ireland) 17 Mar 1999

  Does my hon. Friend agree that the fact that some clubs are suggesting changes in the Irish league might cause even greater problems in future?

More of Mr Clifford Forsythe's speeches and debates

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