A report on a debate held late last year on the growing need for food banks demonstrated that IDS and the Conservatives are in the habit of responding to serious matters with jeers and smirks:
"Barry Gardiner, Labour MP for Brent, said it was “extraordinary” to see Mr Duncan Smith smirking as it was pointed out that half a million people are now using food banks - and the minister refused to answer any questions directly, instead leaving them to be fielded by his deputy, Esther McVey."
"The Trussell Trust, the nation's largest provider of food banks, with almost 400 branches said it was “disappointed” by the attitude of those who jeered."
"As Mr Duncan Smith and his colleagues left, the speaker John Bercow said he had no power to stop them, but said the view that it was a disgrace there was no minister there ”may be widely shared"."
IDS's customary smirks are either an involuntary response to discomfort at being unable to deal with a probing question or they demonstrate that he really thinks matters of poverty and injustice are amusing. Either way, it is worrying that such a person has ministerial responsibility.