Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Norman Lamb and Baroness McIntosh of Pickering

Tuesday 16th April 2013 Commons Chamber

[Norman Lamb]

The meetings are stacking up, but I would love to meet the hon. Lady. She should just get in touch with my office and we will get it arranged.

[Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)]

I will spare my hon. Friend a meeting, but will he tell me what evidence there is to suggest that there was more awareness and earlier diagnosis when spa towns such as Harrogate and Bath provided spa facilities for those most badly affected by rheumatism and arthritis?

[Norman Lamb]

My hon. Friend makes an extremely interesting point. Although I have not agreed to meet her, I would be happy to have an informal discussion with her at some later stage.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Norman Lamb and Baroness McIntosh of Pickering

Thursday 15th March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Norman Lamb]

I can give absolute reassurance to the hon. Gentleman that the Government remain completely committed to implementing the Bill, and that we will do so as soon as parliamentary time allows.

[Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)]

The Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has taken some compelling evidence from growers who have virtually no protection from month to month in their agreements with supermarkets. Will the Minister assure the House that the adjudicator will have powers of investigation and the power to levy fines on those who do not obey the code?

[Norman Lamb]

The adjudicator will have powers of investigation. On the question of fines, there will be a reserve power in the Bill. However, the Government take the view that the other powers, particularly the power to name and shame supermarkets, should be sufficient to have a significant effect on behaviour. If they do not have that effect, there will be the reserve power to introduce fines.