Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jonathan Djanogly and Rosie Cooper

Tuesday 13th March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Djanogly]

The efficiency of the courts is being improved because of the closures. We have now closed 130 of the 142 that were on the closure list. In all cases, the closures have gone very well and magistrates have all transferred to local, surrounding courts.

[Rosie Cooper (West Lancashire) (Lab)]

T6. It is clear that the ALS contract is a disaster, but I would like to question the Secretary of State and Ministers about the impact on the deaf community. The resulting poor employment conditions have forced British sign language interpreters into other work, contributing to a trend of recruiting BSL interpreters who may not be fully qualified, which may lead to a miscarriage of justice. What safeguards are in place to ensure that deaf people—a protected group with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010—and their officially recognised language, BSL, are afforded proper regard, enabling them to have fair and proper access to justice?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jonathan Djanogly and Rosie Cooper

Tuesday 17th May 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Djanogly]

The Government’s position is not to start off with the number of legal aid practitioners. Our starting point is the sort of legal aid system that we should have in this country, which will support vulnerable people. The number of practitioners to service that will follow.

[Rosie Cooper]

Does the Minister believe that there is anything to learn from the Secretaries of State who have been dealing with forestry and health when it comes to rushing through proposals that have been rejected by professionals, the public and coalition Members of both Houses?

[Mr Djanogly]

I think that I answered that question previously. I certainly believe that we have listened and engaged fully.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jonathan Djanogly and Rosie Cooper

Tuesday 19th October 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Djanogly]

I thank my hon. Friend for giving me an opportunity to discuss the merits of technology in relation to the courts. As for the court in his constituency, access is important. The Government took the view that an average travelling time of an hour or less would be acceptable.

[Rosie Cooper (West Lancashire) (Lab)]

Does the Secretary of State think that there should be a public acceptability test relating to the time that prisoners spend in purposeful activity?