Poverty: Developing Countries

Debate between Baroness Gardner of Parkes and Lord Strathclyde

Wednesday 27th June 2012 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Gardner of Parkes]

We have not had a question from the Conservative Benches.

[The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Lord Strathclyde)]

My Lords, I think that it is the turn of my noble friend Lady Gardner.

[Baroness Gardner of Parkes]

Returning to my point, I was for many years the chairman of the UK branch of PLAN International, which has a programme of helping to educate children and also provides great help to widows in many countries. I am glad that the Minister mentioned that the Government are doing what they can but one very big problem arises in countries where all inheritance goes to a male relative. Women find that they suddenly have nothing because their husband’s brother or one of their husband’s brother’s sons has inherited everything. I hope that she will press the Governments of the world on this matter. I think that Uganda has changed this law and that has made a dramatic difference to women. Will she press Commonwealth countries and other countries in general to look into this further?

Multiple Sclerosis

Debate between Baroness Gardner of Parkes and Lord Strathclyde

Thursday 13th October 2011 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Gardner of Parkes]

My Lords—

[The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Lord Strathclyde)]

I know that my noble friend has been trying to get in and I think that we should let her.

[Baroness Gardner of Parkes]

My Lords, I declare an interest in that I have a daughter who has had MS for 30 years. Recent research announced in Russia indicated that they believe they are developing an answer to rebuilding the myelin sheath, which would be great progress in multiple sclerosis treatment. Can the Minister assure us that when that research is available we will follow it here and introduce it at the earliest possible time?