Oral Answers to Questions

Fiona Bruce Excerpts

Tuesday 15th May 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Djanogly]

It is very important to maintain justice at the core of summary justice and in the localities. I should say that neighbourhood justice panels are not about recreating magistrates courts, because, as panels, they reach restorative outcomes by consensus; magistrates would not be exercising any judicial powers in this capacity.

[Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con)]

16. When he expects the commission on a Bill of Rights to publish its report.

[Mr Shailesh Vara (North West Cambridgeshire) (Con)]

In accordance with its published terms of reference, the commission should aim to report no later than by the end of 2012.

[Fiona Bruce]

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Will he update us on the work being undertaken by the commission?

[Mr Vara]

Last year, the Government received advice from the commission on reform of the European Court of Human Rights, which was taken into account in negotiations to agree the Brighton declaration. The commission’s website contains minutes of its meetings and details of seminars, as well as information regarding the public consultation held last year. The topics considered so far include: reform of the Strasbourg Court; possible options for a UK Bill of Rights; parliamentary sovereignty; and issues relating to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Government look forward to receiving the commission’s final report by the end of this year.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Blunt]

Of course, drug treatment programmes are the responsibility of the Department of Health. As one would expect from a mature Department, I will—[Interruption.] No, I do not know the precise answer to the question, so I will write to the hon. Lady with a precise answer.

[Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con)]

T3. What action are the Government taking to help rape victims?

[Mr Blunt]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that question. We have invested £10.5 million in moving from 65 to 80 rape support centres across the country, examining the areas where there are gaps in provision to make sure we get the best possible national coverage so there is access to advice and support for victims of rape across the country.