Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

David Burrowes Excerpts
Thursday 10th January 2013

(11 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Maria Miller Portrait Maria Miller
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The hon. Gentleman needs to understand that not all Churches have the same governance structures in place. Therefore, the legislation we introduce needs to recognise the different position of the Church of England and the Church in Wales. I am sure that when he looks at the legislation he will see that we are amply dealing with the question of the important protections each of those individual religious organisations require.

David Burrowes Portrait Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con)
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This question of religious safeguards is an issue of conscience that will rightly be determined by free votes across the House. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the proper way to address such an issue of conscience is through a Committee of the whole House, as has happened in the past?

Maria Miller Portrait Maria Miller
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My hon. Friend is right to say that from the start our party has wanted to listen to all views on this issue. Questions to do with the proceedings of the House are matters for the Chief Whip and the Leader of the House, and I am sure they will have heard his comments.