Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen McPartland and David Gauke

Tuesday 24th April 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

On parliamentary time, my understanding is that we are waiting for information from the Labour party. On the substance of the issue, let us remember that reforms to the AGFS were worked out with the Bar Council and the Criminal Bar Association. The reforms are necessary to ensure that legal aid funds are distributed in an appropriate way, and that is why the reforms are being made.

[Stephen McPartland (Stevenage) (Con)]

T3. In the spirit of your advice, Mr Speaker, can the Secretary of State confirm whether or not the Ministry of Justice will object to the Second Reading of the Service Animals (Offences) Bill on Friday?

[Mr Gauke]

As the Under-Secretary of State for Justice, my hon. and learned Friend the Member for South East Cambridgeshire (Lucy Frazer) pointed out, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs leads on this matter. The Government continue to look at this issue.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen McPartland and David Gauke

Tuesday 6th March 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

As the Attorney General has said, disclosure in cases is a question of public authorities performing the roles that they should and doing their jobs properly. Clearly, it is of great concern that there have been cases in which that appears not to have happened.

[Stephen McPartland (Stevenage) (Con)]

13. What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of creating a specific offence of attacking service animals.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen McPartland and David Gauke

Monday 18th December 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

As I think my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said, “Don’t believe everything you read in the newspapers.” The Government are committed to protecting employment rights.

[Stephen McPartland (Stevenage) (Con)]

T8. I thank my right hon. Friend for the flexibility he has shown in the budget in terms of the changes to universal credit. Will he continue with the dialogue and the flexibility as the roll-out continues?

[Mr Gauke]

I can certainly assure my hon. Friend that we will continue to listen to constructive critics and those who want to make sure that universal credit works. In doing so, I thank him for his positive and constructive engagement. It is very clear that Conservative Members are united in ensuring that we deliver universal credit successfully.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen McPartland and David Gauke

Monday 9th October 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

Universal credit was rolled out in 29 job- centres in July. It is important that we continue to make progress in the roll-out. We are doing it gradually and sensibly, but we are moving towards a system that helps more people get into work. Of course we are constantly learning lessons and finding ways to improve things, but it is a system that is helping to deliver more people into work.

[Stephen McPartland (Stevenage) (Con)]

T6. The higher rate of tax is 45% on gross income and the effective rate of tax on universal credit claimants is 63%. How can the Minister justify that?