Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Baroness Featherstone and Julian Smith

Monday 24th January 2011 Commons Chamber

[Lynne Featherstone]

That is exactly why the Department for Education’s early intervention grant, worth £2.2 billion in 2011-12, is in place. Early indications of how local areas might make best use of that grant were given in December 2010. It will give them the flexibility to target funding on early interventions, which, as the right hon. Gentleman said, are absolutely vital.

[Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)]

5. What assessment she has made of the challenges faced by police forces required to police large rural areas.

--- Later in debate ---

[Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)]

T9. How concerned is the Minister about the increase in family violence towards young women who adopt values that are contrary to the beliefs of their families?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Lynne Featherstone)]

Obviously the Government are very concerned. Any form of violence is unacceptable, and tackling violence against women and girls is a key priority for us. Work to tackle all forms of honour-based violence is included in the strategic narrative that we launched on 25 November, and further information about our approach to the issue will be provided in the supporting action plan that we will publish in the spring.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Baroness Featherstone and Julian Smith

Thursday 22nd July 2010 Commons Chamber

[Lynne Featherstone]

Hear, hear. I am glad to learn that flexible working has been an enabler in my hon. Friend’s life, as it will be in so many other lives. Flexible working and the right to extend it to all will enable businesses to draw on all the skills and talents in the country, and on a wider pool of skill. It will improve recruitment and retention rates and increase staff morale and productivity, and we will all gain from that.

[Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)]

6. What progress the Government have made on the provision of a system of flexible parental leave.