Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lucy Frazer and Andrew Lewer

Thursday 27th April 2023 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Frazer]

I am pleased that the hon. Gentleman highlights that the DCMS has some heft, because we are responsible for some world-leading departments. We are absolutely committed to supporting the creative sector to adapt to requirements for touring in the EU, and actually the vast majority of member states, including the UK’s biggest touring markets, offer visa and work permit-free routes for musicians and creative performers. Of course, there is more we can do, and my Department is looking closely at this. I spoke to the Foreign Secretary about it yesterday, and I know that he raised the challenges faced by touring artists at the Partnership Council at the end of March.

[Andrew Lewer (Northampton South) (Con)]

T2. The Advertising Standards Authority, despite its misleading name, is a self-regulating body. Nevertheless, it has considerable powers within DCMS’s areas of responsibility. If those were used for social engineering rather than factual accuracy purposes, would that cause Ministers some concern?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lucy Frazer and Andrew Lewer

Tuesday 14th July 2020 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Frazer]

As the right hon. shadow Secretary of State has mentioned, these matters have been looked at. I am happy to take on board any further points that he would like to make.

[Andrew Lewer (Northampton South) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to increase the length of prison sentences for terror offences.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lucy Frazer and Andrew Lewer

Tuesday 23rd January 2018 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Lewer (Northampton South) (Con)]

14. What steps his Department is taking to improve the court experience for people who work in the justice system.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Lucy Frazer)]

The Ministry of Justice has plans for a £1 billion modernisation programme for the courts. This will streamline and simplify processes using technology, helping those who work in the courts and those who use them.

[Andrew Lewer]

Will the Minister give an assessment of the Department’s recent work in improving the performance of the alternative dispute resolution scheme, which is intended to help consumers resolve disputes with traders but also to ease the volume of work in the courtroom?

[Lucy Frazer]

My hon. Friend is right to highlight the importance and value of alternative dispute resolutions. Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service already runs a small claims mediation service to help parties resolve claims worth under £10,000 before a hearing. We are also working to offer an online mediation service for those who begin their claims online.