Speeches by Dixon.

“On 27 January, the Building Safety Regulator became an arm’s length body under the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. This was a major step towards creating a single construction regulator. The BSR continues to make strong progress on overhauling its operating model. Only the most complex legacy new…”

“Performance continues to improve steadily across gateway 2, and decisions are being made increasingly quickly and at higher volumes. We will continue to press the BSR to do better, faster.”

“Today’s debate illustrates clearly how passionate Members are about their local high streets and the businesses in their constituencies, which I completely recognise. I will try to address Members’ comments. The introduction of the permanently lower rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties, paid fo…”

“We do recognise that business rates make up about a quarter of local authorities’ core spending power and they support critical local services, but the revaluations maintain fairness in the system by redistributing business rate liabilities among ratepayers to reflect recent market conditions. Standard features of the …”

“I beg to move, That the Committee has considered the draft Non-Domestic Rating (Chargeable Amounts) (England) Regulations 2026. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship for the first time, Mr Turner. On 1 April 2026, business rates bills will change as a result of the 2026 revaluation of all rateable values. The …”

“All practitioners should be registered, and there should be safety, but I will write to the hon. Member with the specific details to answer his question.”

“The Government take electrical safety very seriously, but the risks with gas and electrical work are different. Circuit breakers can shut down electrical systems in milliseconds, protecting people from shock or fire, whereas the consequence of a faulty gas system could be an explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning. The …”

“The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require people to be competent or under supervision, while building regulations require domestic electrical work to be conducted safely. The Government see no need to establish a statutory national register of electricians, who may be listed on the registered competent person el…”

“I will just finish my sentence. I would be most grateful if the hon. Member for South Leicestershire set out his specific concerns to me in writing, so that I can make sure that a response to every point he has raised is forthcoming. Similarly, I would encourage other Members to write to set out their concerns.”

“Yes.”

“Thank you, Dr Murrison. I know that the issue of increased HGV movements and congestion is important to hon. Members. Although quarry development can often result in additional HGV movements, where necessary, access roads can be constructed and routeing agreements can be made to reduce the impact on local roads, reside…”

“I am not going to take any interventions. The NPPF continues: “and the natural environment, as well as the potential sensitivity of the site or the wider area to impacts that could arise from the development.” That issue was raised by the hon. Member for Hamble Valley (Paul Holmes).”

“If the hon. Gentleman does not mind, I will carry on with my speech. The NPPF further states: “Development should, wherever possible, help to improve local environmental conditions such as air and water quality…Planning policies and decisions should also ensure that new development is appropriate for its location takin…”

“If the hon. Gentleman does not mind, I will carry on. In relation to decision making, the framework requires mineral planning authorities to “ensure that there are no unacceptable adverse impacts on the natural and historic environment, human health or aviation safety”. The cumulative effect of multiple impacts from in…”

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Dr Murrison. I thank the hon. Member for South Leicestershire (Alberto Costa) for securing the debate, his constituents for attending, and all hon. Members who have spoken. A number of hon. Members have raised concerns about the development of quarries and referred to …”

“I will come to that point in due course. Proposals in respect of transport impacts should be supported by a detailed transport assessment, which is considered as part of the decision-making process. Further information to support the implementation of the policies set out in the national planning policy framework is pr…”

“Yes.”

“With your indulgence, Dr Murrison, I would like to continue. As part of the planning application process, applications and supporting information, including statutory environmental assessments where required, are consulted on with stakeholders and the public. Where issues are identified, the imposition of conditions ca…”

“Dr Murrison, it is not my intention to offend anybody. I have previously referred to the concerns raised by the hon. Member for Hamble Valley. If he writes to me, I am sure his concerns can be addressed in the appropriate way. The Government do take these issues seriously, as is reflected in our robust planning framewo…”

“I refer to my earlier comments about the consultation due to be launched on the national planning policy framework, which I hope the CPRE and all local communities will participate in. Restoration also offers the opportunity to enhance the environment. Possible uses of land, once minerals extraction is complete, includ…”