It was the first time the new Conservative Member of Parliament for Chippenham had put a question to the Prime Minister in the House of Commons.
At PMQs just before the Chancellor began his Budget speech, Michelle Donelan MP said her constituency covers four market towns: “…but our high streets have declined under years of Labour neglect [Interruption].”
The nature of the interruption is not recorded in Hansard, but perhaps someone was helpfully pointing out that the planning authority for her four market towns is Wiltshire Council and it can hardly be said to be a Labour council.
Ms Donelan continued: “What support can the Prime Minister offer market towns such as Corsham, Chippenham, Melksham and Bradford-on-Avon?”
Mr Cameron replied that the government’s offer of devolution was not limited to cities: “…we are just as open to proposals from towns, counties and districts.” He favoured deregulation to ease development and added:
“I would also argue, in the case of market towns, that we should make parking easier – and, preferably, free.”
