Assisted Dying Bill [HL]

Debate between Lord Swinfen and Lord Faulks

Friday 7th November 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Faulks]

My Lords, I am reluctant to interrupt the noble Lord, but the noble Lord will see the time.

[Lord Swinfen]

I am sorry; I did not hear what the noble Lord said.

[Lord Faulks]

I suggested that he look at the Clock.

[Lord Swinfen]

I have only a very short while to go.

I have no problem with codes of practice and I would expect that, if the amendment in the name of the noble Baroness, Lady Hollins, or a similar amendment is accepted, there will be a need for detailed procedures to be included in codes of practice to give effect to it. We cannot in this House agree to legalise assistance with suicide simply on the basis that others will decide what safeguards there should be. We need to see and to approve at least the outlines of those safeguards before we can responsibly take decisions on changing the law.

Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002

Debate between Lord Swinfen and Lord Faulks

Wednesday 7th May 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Faulks]

As the noble Baroness will know, the question goes across departments—that for housing and the Ministry of Justice. I do not have the details available but I will certainly ask for inquiries to be made along the lines of the question.

[Lord Swinfen (Con)]

My Lords, do the Government have any plans to control residential rents?

[Lord Faulks]

My Lords, the Government have no plans whatever to control rents. It appears that the party opposite is unsure as to whether this is a good idea. In fact, rental increases are below the rate of inflation. Last time, a rent freeze, which is partially proposed by the party opposite, caused the sector to shrink from over half to just 8%. Our intention is to improve the rental housing market, not to destroy it.