Speeches by Malthouse.

“So in theory, we should have the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in front of us at some point to talk about the pricing mechanism, why he is not making an offer that the industry can accept, and whether he is willing to see the industry decline.”

“Final two questions from me. Was there agreement between the Departments about the level of the offer or did the Department of Health and Social Care overrule your Department, Patrick? Secondly, what was the explanation for the offer not being voted on?”

“Either of you.”

“The events of yesterday come as no surprise to those of us in the Chamber who have raised the issue of the Israeli Government’s crimes, committed with an air of complete impunity. It should now be crystal clear to the Minister, as it is to so many across the world, that the Israeli Government are not interested in the …”

“I am not being facetious.”

“You were talking about the commercial incentive. Do you think one of the things we could promote is either a selectively or generally extended intellectual property life, in life sciences? As you know, at the moment it is 20 years, of which six, eight or 12 years might be eaten up with the development phase. It is 20 y…”

“I certainly agree with you; the OBR could make an assumption about our general brilliance, and something will show up.”

“You are forecasting a black swan industry, right? Suddenly things appear that revolutionise. Weight loss jabs weren’t around three years ago, or they were in development; now, suddenly, they are here and taking over. It is quite hard to forecast or predict scientific discovery.”

“I wish. I once heard an interview with Guy Chambers on the radio—sorry, this is an aside—where he was asked, “Do you get bored with hearing that song, ‘Angels’, which plays all the time?” He said, “No, because I know that one song means that neither I, my children nor my children’s children will ever have to work again…”

“Fine. That would be an easy and simple start.”

“There is a machine you can get already. If you are sat in a GP’s waiting room, it will tell you immediately whether it is paracetamol or antibiotics. At the moment, there are doctors saying, “Your kid is very hot. Bung them something,” without actually knowing whether it is an infection or not.”

“I am sorry that I was late. I was on a bit of legislation next door that I am afraid I could not avoid, to do with data protection. I completely agree with you. One of the great tragedies of the period is the decline in attention given to dementia. David Cameron decided that dementia was going to be the big thing that …”

“The Minister said that these notices will be published; will these bodies be general powers or specific powers? Will the Government say, “We’re going to grant a notice on this for six months for a specific purpose,” or will it be just, “We’re going to let the Army share it with whoever, in perpetuity”? So, are the powe…”

“It is a pleasure to see your wisdom in the Chair, Sir Jeremy. Although I understand the impetus behind the change, I want to ask the Minister one or two questions about it. She and I have traded blows over this agenda in the past. She was my shadow for two years, so I congratulate her on her new position. I am sure she…”

“The Minister has said that no one is above the law and that violence is never the answer. I agree with him and I know that he believes that the law should be wielded with integrity, so when are we going to see the proscription of violent settler groups in the west bank, many of whom are perpetrating a reign of terror o…”

“On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. On 22 April, I wrote to the Foreign Secretary and the Attorney General raising a number of matters to do with domestic legal issues and our international obligations with regard to this conflict, but 132 days later, I have yet to receive a reply. What steps can I take to elici…”

“I am afraid that this is another profoundly disappointing statement from the Foreign Secretary that is devoid of anything that is likely to bring a swift end to this conflict. While at home the police have been arresting vicars and grannies, and the Government have been hiring American spy planes to fly over Gaza, the …”

“Why don’t you feel it?”

“Like others in this House, I am frankly astonished at the statement of the Foreign Secretary. At a time when we have got daily lynchings and expulsions on the west bank, and dozens being murdered as they beg for aid, I am just beyond words at his inaction—and, frankly, complicity by inaction. He said himself that there…”

“I am very grateful to the Minister. I have just a couple of points to make, if I may. He is quite right that timetables are agreed and there can be case management reviews, but there is nothing the court can do to restore someone’s citizenship even if the Government do drag their heels. If he could explain to us, perha…”