Caste Discrimination

Debate between Baroness Williams of Trafford and Lord Avebury

Wednesday 15th July 2015 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

I agree with my noble friend that the issue is divisive. There is a strong lobby both for and against, and the Government are very concerned not to exacerbate the problem. Therefore, the present position, whereby protection from caste discrimination is developing naturally through case law, is very helpful.

[Lord Avebury (LD)]

Will the Minister tell us how many representations have been made and by which organisations for the repeal of Section 9(5)(a), as demanded by the noble Lord, and why the Government have not agreed to meet persons or organisations that support Section 9(5)(a), which includes the whole of the Dalit community in this country?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

My Lords, I do not have exact figures and names to hand but I am very happy to write to the noble Lord with them.

Domestic Violence

Debate between Baroness Williams of Trafford and Lord Avebury

Tuesday 25th November 2014 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

My Lords, I would say that especially footballers have a duty to reflect good behaviour to young adults.

[Lord Avebury (LD)]

My Lords, in answer to a previous question, the noble Lord, Lord Ahmad, referred to the Government’s Troubled Families programme. Has there been any increase in the disclosure of cases of domestic violence as a result of that scheme?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

My Lords, referrals are up by almost 15,500 to 103,000 in 2013-14. I am very pleased to say that 70% of those have been convicted. Convictions are up by 15% between 2005 and 2014.

Alcohol: Sale to Children

Debate between Baroness Williams of Trafford and Lord Avebury

Wednesday 19th November 2014 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

My Lords, obviously I was not there on the Deregulation Bill, but it is my understanding that this consultation was open to anybody who wished to respond to it. It was widely advertised on the government website and, as I just said to the noble Lord, health bodies did not raise concerns about liqueur chocolates on this theme of restricted goods.

[Lord Avebury (LD)]

My Lords, did the Government take or seek advice from the BMA, Alcohol Concern, the Institute of Alcohol Studies or any other organisation concerned with the huge problem of alcohol harm in children?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

I am sorry, but I did not catch the last bit of my noble friend’s question. As I have said, I understand that those bodies did not raise concerns on this element of deregulation.