MP Goes Beavering

12.18.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 27th Sep 2004

Vincent Cable MP with local Beavers

MP Vincent Cable was the guest of one of Twickenham's Beaver, and also Scout, groups, 8th Twickenham, last week for a grilling on his work in parliament.

Vincent Cable has been a strong supporter of the Scout Movement and emphasises concern that "scouting is one of the most valuable outlets for young people. But it is facing difficulty, locally and nationally, not because of lack of interest but because adults are reluctant to take on the volunteering responsibility. There is a major commitment of time and also increasingly demanding regulation for health and safety, child protection and so on. People with busy lives and children of their own find it quite a challenge.

"But my impression is that the movement is flourishing locally and I try to do what I can to give support.

"On this occasion I was asked penetrating questions from 'How would I deal with the Iraq hostage crisis?' to 'How much are you paid?'"