Probate: Delays

Debate between Lord Keen of Elie and Lord Tomlinson

Wednesday 12th June 2019 Lords Chamber

[Lord Keen of Elie]

My Lords, I have already explained the reasons for the delays in March of this year with regard to the processing of probate applications, which were not related to the fees or the proposed new fees in respect of probate. In so far as there is any cost plus fee being charged for probate, that cost would be attributed to other court services provided by this department.

[Lord Tomlinson (Lab)]

My Lords, as the noble and learned Lord does not appear to like the word profit, can he tell us how much of the surplus was made available for distribution to other aspects of the justice system?

[Lord Keen of Elie]

My Lords, I am very content with the word profit, but it should be used in the proper context—that was the point I was seeking to make. As we have not yet applied the fee increases, there is no issue of a surplus at the present time.

Probation: Voluntary Sector

Debate between Lord Keen of Elie and Lord Tomlinson

Wednesday 5th June 2019 Lords Chamber

[Lord Keen of Elie]

My Lords, our plans regarding this matter are more developed in respect of Wales, where the model was originally considered. We are looking to transfer offender management functions from the community rehabilitation companies to the National Probation Service before the end of 2019 in Wales. Beyond that, it will go into 2020. That is the sort of timescale we will have in mind when it comes to the position of further probation reports.

[Lord Tomlinson (Lab)]

My Lords, a few minutes ago, the Minister referred to the great successes of this mixed-market model. Can he help people such as me by giving a couple of examples of these great successes? Can he then explain why it has been so necessary to introduce such proposals for major reform?

Brexit: Powers of EU-UK Joint Committee

Debate between Lord Keen of Elie and Lord Tomlinson

Wednesday 20th March 2019 Lords Chamber

[Lord Keen of Elie]

My Lords, the Government as an entity do not read—and do not read the Daily Telegraph.

[Lord Tomlinson (Lab)]

My Lords, the noble and learned Lord said earlier that the Government always seek to follow the mandate from Parliament. Can he explain what the Prime Minister meant in her letter to Donald Tusk when she said:

“However, it remains my intention to bring the deal back to the House”?

[Lord Keen of Elie]

It means that her intention is to bring the deal back to the other place.

Refugees: Unaccompanied Children

Debate between Lord Keen of Elie and Lord Tomlinson

Tuesday 10th May 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Keen of Elie]

I thank the noble Lord. What he says complements the Government’s efforts to develop community sponsorship schemes for children arriving in this country.

[Lord Tomlinson (Lab)]

Could the Minister give a clear and unequivocal statement that the children who are coming into this country will have no pressure or requirement placed on them at 18 to leave these shores?

[Lord Keen of Elie]

I can give no such assurance. The position of these children when they reach the age of 18 will be assessed and their right to remain will be determined by reference to the country from which they arrived and also by reference to whether it is fair, reasonable and safe for them to return.

Investor Visas: Money Laundering

Debate between Lord Keen of Elie and Lord Tomlinson

Monday 9th May 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Keen of Elie]

The Government have no plans to abolish the tier 1 route.

[Lord Tomlinson (Lab)]

Could the Minister remind Members of the House who have short memories who was in government with the Conservatives at the time we are talking about?

[Lord Keen of Elie]

Well, in fact the relevant tier 1 form of application goes back to 1994.