Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Baroness McIntosh of Pickering and Jonathan Djanogly

Tuesday 15th May 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Djanogly]

The Government realise the emotional and practical difficulties faced by the families and friends of missing people who are thought to be dead. We will respond shortly to the Justice Committee’s report.

[Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)]

I welcome the investment that the Government have made in rape centres. Can the Minister tell me when the sexual assault and rape centre is going to open in North Yorkshire and whether all the partners are signed up to it?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Baroness McIntosh of Pickering and Jonathan Djanogly

Tuesday 31st January 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Djanogly]

There is no shortage of court time or judge time. I simply do not accept what the hon. Gentleman says.

[Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)]

I understand why my hon. Friend is bringing forward the changes, but is he aware of the perverse consequences on new entrants to the Bar, particularly women, given the opportunities in relation to being mobile and entering a legal profession in which one or one’s family have not been involved? Doors are being slammed in women’s faces.

[Mr Djanogly]

Certainly, as far as solicitors are concerned, the number of entries to the profession by women is now greater than by men. I believe the same is the case for barristers, but I will check and come back to my hon. Friend.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Baroness McIntosh of Pickering and Jonathan Djanogly

Tuesday 13th December 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Djanogly]

I believe that some 50% of respondents are currently not represented through legal aid. As a consequence, the circumstances that the hon. Lady describes are common in our courts, and our judiciary are expert and accustomed to dealing with them when they arise.

[Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)]

Most women, in particular, depend on legal aid cases when starting out in practice. As a non-practising advocate, may I ask my hon. Friend whether the changes will affect the number of women entering the profession, and whether it is likely that the early stages of legal aid cases will be replaced by mediation?

[Mr Djanogly]

We are certainly promoting mediation as an alternative to court. That is always to be recommended when it is appropriate, which I admit is not always the case. The impact on providers in terms of their sex varies according to the nature of the organisations involved and the nature of the work being undertaken, but there is no real difference between the impacts on male and female solicitor providers of either civil or criminal legal aid services.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Baroness McIntosh of Pickering and Jonathan Djanogly

Tuesday 11th January 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Djanogly]

In most cases, individuals will be able to appeal to the first-tier social security and child support tribunal without formal legal assistance. Legal aid is not currently available for legal representation as the appellant is required only to provide reasons for disagreeing with the decision in plain language. For those who need assistance on welfare benefits matters, which I think was the point the hon. Gentleman went on to make, advice and assistance is available from, for example, Jobcentre Plus, the benefits inquiry line and the tribunal itself.

[Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)]

5. What his most recent estimate is of the incidence of repeat offending for shoplifting offences; and if he will make a statement.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Baroness McIntosh of Pickering and Jonathan Djanogly

Tuesday 23rd November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)]

On a less controversial subject, what scope is there for mediation in family law cases, and will such cases continue to qualify for legal aid?

[Mr Djanogly]

We have taken the view that mediation should be retained within the scope of legal aid, and we think that it should be thoroughly encouraged. Too often, people take the course of court when they should look towards sorting out issues between themselves, and mediation will play a big part in enabling them to do that.