Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Kevin Hollinrake Excerpts
Tuesday 8th March 2016

(8 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
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I have discussed this issue with the Lord Chief Justice, the Master of the Rolls and other members of the senior judiciary. It is a complex matter. One of the key things that is problematic is the level of costs in the justice system, and we need to bring about reform, particularly to the civil justice system. That is why the report by Michael Briggs, which lays out particular reforms, including more justice being transacted online, is a powerful way forward, but much remains to be done.

Kevin Hollinrake Portrait Kevin Hollinrake (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)
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The Government have given strong support to the idea of creating a new legal form of guardian, to help with the property and affairs of the 3,000 people who go missing every year in the UK. Will the Minister confirm when that might be brought into effect?

Dominic Raab Portrait Mr Raab
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I know that my hon. Friend has a family in his constituency who have been through the ordeal he mentions. We are absolutely committed to helping families of missing people to deal with the administrative problems they face over and above the heartache that is involved. We are working on creating the new legal status of guardian of the property and affairs of a missing person, and we will introduce measures to the House as soon as parliamentary time permits.