The post you are reporting:
The Commons held a debate on the economy today but the Chancellor Alistair Darling did not attend.
Given the fast moving economic situation and the terrible state we are in, this is simply extraordinary behaviour. He is showing contempt for the Commons.
Here is a part of what George Osborne said:
""""We have not had a debate on the economy in government since December and the government have known about this debate for two weeks. When we suggested it, we were told there was no pressing international summit or unbreakable commitment that would require the Chancellor's absence. There is only one conclusion. The Chancellor is running away from the debate because he knows he is losing the debate. A confident Government, and a Prime Minister who meant what he said about restoring the primacy of Parliament, would have relished the chance for the Chancellor to appear before us today.""""
Pity, if he went to the Commons he might have thrown some light on things, under pressure, such as
The unemployment figures at 2m, the IMF once again pointing out that we are the worse hit country by the recession and are likely to be the last out it. The FSA playing nanny state and bringing restrictive rules that will further hit the housing market. Government initiatives meant to help businesses, a whole ream of them announced with a fanfare, simply not actioned.
Darling just hides away, Chancellor of a say anything but do nothing Government.
