New shadow environment spokesman and Knutsford director Archie Norman made his commons debut in his new front bench role by apologising for his “real-world experience” in planning, environment and transport.
He said it meant that he had some practical grasp of the subject, something that had not often afflicted deputy prime minister John Prescott.
Prescott harried Norman accusing him of spending most of his business life building on greenfield land. Other MPs attacked supermarket chains for ruining local high streets.
The Times 09/02/00 page 12
The Independent 09/02/00 page 8
