September 2011
This is the fifteenth monthly report from Elizabeth Truss MP updating residents on her activities.
Parliamentary activities: In Treasury questions Elizabeth asked about steps to reduce bureaucracy and the tax burden on businesses. In the debate on the future of careers advice Elizabeth called for the sciences, a foreign language and history to be studied until 16 and praised apprenticeships. She met Universities Minister, David Willetts, about the impact of the Government’s university reforms on the number of students studying maths and science at A Level.
Local issues: Elizabeth met Queen Elizabeth Hospital Chairman, Kate Gordon, and Acting Chief Executive, Mark Henry, with Henry Bellingham MP to discuss improved parking for patients and visitors. She hosted a meeting for constituents to discuss their concerns about the Health and Social Care Bill. She also met Localism Minister, Greg Clark, with Henry Bellingham MP to discuss the planning process for the proposed Waste to Energy Plant at Saddlebow and represent the views expressed via the referendum. Elizabeth visited Welney residents to discuss their concerns about road vibrations which may have been caused by excavation work.
Justice: In Justice questions Elizabeth asked Justice Secretary, Ken Clarke, about increasing transparency in prisons. She questioned Attorney General, Dominic Grieve, about the cost and effectiveness of the Crown Prosecution Service as part of the Justice Select Committee. Elizabeth scrutinised the Government’s Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill as a member of the Bill Committee.
The Economy: Elizabeth co-authored a book ‘After the Coalition’ with four new MPs which argues for a more entrepreneurial and meritocratic culture. She took part in a roundtable debate on the future of western economies with economist Dambisa Moyo. Elizabeth also chaired a meeting of the Free Enterprise Group of Conservative MPs.
Meetings and Events: Elizabeth met the following people and organisations: Chief Executive of Ofqual, Glenys Stacey, Station Commander RAF Marham, Group Captain Rochelle, Downham by Design, Richard Johnston Ltd, AJAG, AXA, the Transition to Adulthood Alliance, Norfolk Water, Agri Energy and Thompson Parish Council. Elizabeth attended the St Edmund’s Church Heritage Open Day, Downham Market, the Sacred Heart Convent Hog Roast, Swaffham, and the Michelle Sherwood Cancer Fund President’s Reception. Elizabeth and MasterChef finalist Tim Kinnaird opened the first Brecks Food Festival. She spoke at the Thetford Grammar School Prize Giving, the Redcastle Family School and to the Thetford Society.
Media: Elizabeth was interviewed for Anglia TV, KL.FM, Heart FM and BBC Radio Norfolk on issues including RAF Marham and the future of the Downham Market Station Ticket Office. She has written columns for the Telegraph, the Guardian, the Downham Market News, the Thetford and Brandon Times, the Swaffham and Watton Times, the Eagre News, the Welney News and the Signpost Magazine. Elizabeth has appeared in articles in the Telegraph, the Guardian, the Sunday Times, the Daily Mail, the Observer, the New Statesman, the Times Educational Supplement, the EDP, the Bury Free Press, the Lynn News, the Downham Market News, the Swaffham and Watton Times, and the Thetford and Brandon Times on issues ranging from A Level results to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Upcoming Surgeries:
· 28 September (Outwell) 4-5.30pm Drop-in surgery
· 7 October (Downham Market) 4-6pm Surgery
· 11 November (Swaffham) 4-6pm Surgery
Please contact Fiona Walker on elizabeth.truss.mp@parliament.uk or 01842 757345 to arrange an appointment.
If you would like to contact Elizabeth, please write to her at:
The Limes
Thetford
Norfolk
IP24 3AG