Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Heald and Ian C. Lucas

Tuesday 25th April 2017 Commons Chamber

[Sir Oliver Heald]

I would never take the electorate for granted, but if I am here, I will meet my hon. Friend.

[Ian C. Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab)]

2. If she will review the effectiveness of legislation relating to novel psychoactive substances.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Heald and Ian C. Lucas

Tuesday 7th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Sir Oliver Heald]

Yes, I agree entirely with my right hon. Friend. This is an important area. We are committed to upholding open justice, and local reporting of court proceedings is a key part of that. Under our reforms, we will publish lists of forthcoming criminal cases and their outcomes. We will also allow access to virtual hearings via video screens in local courts, so that reporters can see those proceedings anywhere in the country. We hope that that will make a contribution to the important principle that my right hon. Friend highlights

[Ian C. Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab)]

Does the Minister support the BBC’s proposals to work with local newspapers and local websites such as the excellent Wrexham.com to improve the coverage of court proceedings and local coverage generally?

[Sir Oliver Heald]

In fact, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maldon (Mr Whittingdale) was the initiator of that scheme, which we do support.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Minister for Courts and Justice (Sir Oliver Heald)]

May I pay tribute to the work that my hon. Friend has done on the Transport Committee to highlight this important issue? We hope that every motorist will see a benefit of £40. We are certainly pressing hard on the issue.

[Ian C. Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab)]

T7. Police and voluntary services are being overwhelmed on the streets of Wrexham by incidents of the use of psychoactive substances. Will the Lord Chancellor please ask Her Majesty’s prison Berwyn to share its specialist knowledge of the subject with agencies in Wrexham?