I was delighted that we secured the feasibility study as that is the starting point for any future investment. I am actually very hopeful that it will come to fruition because we need to improve connectivity between Carlisle and the north east. IN fact we need to see investment in the A595 as well. Given the huge investment that will come from a nuclear new-build there is a strong argument for Govt to invest in our road system which is why I am encouraged to believe that it can happen.
I don;t think the banner is ghastly it is part of appropriate election campaigning. With regard to the specific issue it is a mater being dealt with my my agent in correspondence with the council, which is still ongoing.
I was actually referring to the fact that the minimum wage will be £6.70 as recommended by the Low Pay Commission.
Funnily enough, no! Don't think I have ever visited Chipping Norton!
At times I certainly do. IN fact they are halfway to London from Carlisle. However, I am a very pleased that my Government has started to talk about the north of the country, its importance and how it is vital that through economics success i n the north we can rebalance the country. Nevertheless it is also important that the remainder of the northern part of the country is not in any way forgotten. That includes the north east and of course Cumbria. Given the proposed developments by my party and the willingness to devolve powers to Manchester, there is every opportunity for us to ensure that power is also devolved down to Cumbria as well. This is certainly something I will be campaigning for in the next parliament.
I have in fact put a bet on myself to win. As you well know and bookies well know, the favourite rarely wins.
I think it extremely important that both GPs and the hospital provides an efficient system whereby patients can be seen in a timely manner. I have to say from personal experience my GP practice has been extremely good and I can usually get an appointment in a reasonable time frame and the same applies to the hospital. However, this is very much an issue for the management of the hospital and GP practice and clearly any Government must do their utmost to ensure that everyone gets an appointment in a timely manner.
I appreciate this has been an emotive issue. Nevertheless many people accept that the hunting ban has not really achieved all that it was theoretically intended to do. I actually believe there are wider issues with regards to animal welfare and it is important that we have the proper legislative framework in place. On the specific issue I would vote to repeal the present hunting act as I am not convinced that it has been that successful.
No I actually think canine entries can bring some entertainment to the show. Indeed there is a great deal of talent demonstrated by the relationship between the dog owner and the dog. I just wish my dog was as talented as some of those who participate in this show!
Ian, News & Star - Okay, that is the end of the session. Sorry that we were unable to get through every question. There were a number outstanding and we simply ran out of time. We tried to cover as many areas as possible.
Ian, News & Star - Many thanks to those who submitted questions and to John for taking part.