Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mike Freer and Scott Benton

Tuesday 16th May 2023 Commons Chamber

[Mike Freer]

As we have said in earlier answers, we are trying to ensure that the outstanding caseload continues to diminish by continuing to increase the judiciary. There will be 1,000 more judges this year and next, we are increasing court capacity—there is now no cap on the number of sitting days—and there are also the 24 Nightingale courts. All this will make a tangible difference to the capacity of the court system, which means that the cases in the hon. Lady’s constituency can be heard more quickly.

[Scott Benton (Blackpool South) (Ind)]

T10.   What plans does my right hon. Friend have to use prisoners to help to fill labour shortages, and what assessment has he made of the extent to which that may drive down reoffending rates and help to improve the employability of prison leavers?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mike Freer and Scott Benton

Thursday 3rd March 2022 Commons Chamber

[Mike Freer]

I am planning to visit our new trade and investment office in Edinburgh and I look forward to a dialogue with my counterpart at the first opportunity.

[Scott Benton (Blackpool South) (Con)]

Can the Secretary of State update the House on the plans for a UK-Israel innovation summit and free trade agreement, following her recent visit?

[Mike Freer]

Israel is one of our strongest allies and largest partners in global trade. We are working closely with our Israeli counterparts to deliver a successful summit in the next few weeks.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mike Freer and Scott Benton

Thursday 2nd December 2021 Commons Chamber

[Scott Benton (Blackpool South) (Con)]

Alongside Blackpool tower and the pleasure beach, Blackpool rock is just one of the things that makes my constituency world famous. Exports of our most famous edible product, produced locally, are growing year on year. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can boost these exports around the world?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Trade (Mike Freer)]

I am more than happy to ensure that my hon. Friend is put in contact with our export support scheme, our international trade advisers, our export champions, and our Export Academy to ensure that the world-famous rock continues to be sold across the world.