"My Lords, I should declare my interest as a governor of an independent school, the Yehudi Menuhin School in Cobham. Like others, I thank my noble friend Lord Lexden for initiating this debate and I share his views, and those of the other speakers so far, on the damage that …..." Lord Blackwell - View Speech
"My Lords, many speakers in this debate, including the noble Viscount, Lord Stansgate, made the arguments against an arbitrary age limit, so I will not repeat them other than to say that I agree with them. As I look, in particular, at some of the long-serving Peers who sit on …..." Lord Blackwell - View Speech
"My Lords, I am more sympathetic to the approach that the Government are taking here. I think that we need to be careful what we ask for when we interpret parliamentary oversight as potentially meaning Parliament being involved in the drafting and redrafting of every detailed regulation. Not only is …..." Lord Blackwell - View Speech
"My Lords, I declare my interests as a significant shareholder in Lloyd’s Banking Group, of which I was formerly chairman.
Although I recognise the concerns raised by my noble friends, it is important that we tackle the confusion caused by the dual roles of the courts and the regulator in …..." Lord Blackwell - View Speech
"My Lords, my purpose in raising this question is to highlight the vital role of MDS, the music and dance scheme, which provides means-tested support to enable exceptionally talented young children from all backgrounds to attend specialist music and dance schools. I should draw attention to my interest as governor …..." Lord Blackwell - View Speech
"To ask His Majesty’s Government whether they are committed to maintaining affordable access to specialist music and dance schools for talented children of all social backgrounds...." Lord Blackwell - View Speech
"My Lords, I oppose the amendment, and I should perhaps declare an interest as one of the many Members of the House who has had the privilege to be in the House for over 20 years, but that is not the reason for opposing the amendment. The reason is that …..." Lord Blackwell - View Speech
"My Lords, I declare an interest as a governor of a specialist music school. As the Minister will be aware, the MDS covers music schools as well as dance schemes. Is she aware of the uncertainty and damage caused to parents trying to decide whether they can send their children …..." Lord Blackwell - View Speech
"My Lords, the noble Lord, Lord Eatwell, is a distinguished economist and I defer to his expertise, but I have to challenge him on the assertion that the measures in this Bill which raise national insurance are job creating. The Budget as a whole does not spend only the money …..." Lord Blackwell - View Speech
"My Lords, I want to add to the comments made by my noble friend Lord Altrincham in introducing these amendments. He spoke of a large number of young people who are not in economic activity, full-time education or training. Labour market statistics are notoriously difficult to interpret, as we know, …..." Lord Blackwell - View Speech