Westminster Hall debates: 23 March 2011

Debates held in Westminster Hall provide MPs with an opportunity to debate local or national issues and to receive a direct response from a government Minister

Five debates were held in Westminster Hall on 23 March 2011.

Watch and read the views expressed by MPs during the debates via the links to Parliament TV and Commons Hansard.

Also, find more information about current parliamentary material in the Topics section on the Parliament website.

9.30-11.00 am - Public sector funding

Barbara Keeley, Labour MP for Worsley and Eccles South, moved a debate on the effects on the voluntary sector of reductions in public sector funding which received an answer from Nick Hurd, the Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office.

11.00-11.30 am - Steel industry (carbon floor pricing)

Jessica Morden, Labour MP for Newport East, moved a debate on the effects of carbon floor pricing on the steel industry which received an answer from Mark Prisk, the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

14.30-16.00 pm - Pig farming

Richard Bacon, Conservative MP for South Norfolk, moved a debate on pig farming which received an answer from James Paice, Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

16.00-16.30 pm - Rural broadband

Rory Stewart, Conservative MP for Penrith and The Border, moved a debate on rural broadband which received an answer from Edward Vaizey, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport.

16.30-17.00 pm - Disability living allowance

John Robertson, Labour MP for Glasgow North West, moved a debate on Government proposals for the disability living allowance which received an answer from Maria Miller, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.