Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Maria Miller and Andrew Bridgen

Thursday 20th June 2013 Commons Chamber

[Maria Miller]

As I have said, Lord Justice Leveson dealt with that issue in his report—albeit not in a detailed manner—and we have agreed that some issues need to be considered further, in particular the lack of clarity in regard to how plurality should be measured and what constitutes a sufficient level of plurality. I hope that the hon. Lady will join me in seeking answers to questions of that kind in the coming months.

[Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)]

Does my right hon. Friend agree that any media ownership regime must strike the right balance between allowing plurality and allowing growth in the industry?

[Maria Miller]

Absolutely. We do not want companies to become unwilling to invest in the United Kingdom for fear of running into an unnecessary cap on their expansion.

Equal Marriage Consultation

Debate between Maria Miller and Andrew Bridgen

Tuesday 11th December 2012 Commons Chamber

[Maria Miller]

That is a detail I am happy to look at. It is not part of our proposals today, but, in the spirit of collaboration, I will be happy to talk to my hon. Friend about it.

[Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)]

I have listened to the Minister’s remarks on the legal robustness of this possible change in legislation and redefinition of marriage, but I am somewhat sceptical. Why has she not made public the Attorney-General’s specific advice on this matter?

[Maria Miller]

As I am sure my hon. Friend knows, any advice the Government receive is privileged information. I have set out the Government’s legal position, which is straightforward and clear, and I hope it will provide my hon. Friend with the reassurance he seeks.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Maria Miller and Andrew Bridgen

Monday 13th June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Maria Miller]

I think what I said in Committee was that there would be some savings but that they were modest. The principle of a six-month qualifying period was not intended to deny disabled people help in the short term. That help currently comes mainly but not exclusively from means-tested support, with the personal independence payment starting when costs become a burden to people, regardless of their income. That is why it is not means-tested.

[Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)]

Will the six-month qualifying period allow for special cases, such as people with a terminal illness, who might not survive six months?

[Maria Miller]

I can absolutely assure my hon. Friend that that will be the case and that we will carry forward that provision from disability living allowance.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Maria Miller and Andrew Bridgen

Monday 10th January 2011 Commons Chamber

[Maria Miller]

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the decision maker will have access to all the medical records of any individual involved in that sort of process.

[Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)]

5. What recent progress he has made on the introduction of the enterprise allowance.