Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Robert Buckland and Henry Smith

Tuesday 13th May 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con)]

6. What steps he is taking to raise awareness of the law relating to contempt of court.

[Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)]

8. What steps he is taking to raise awareness of the law relating to contempt of court.

[The Attorney-General (Mr Dominic Grieve)]

Since taking office, I have been active in ensuring that the public are better informed of the law of contempt and, in particular, the dangers of online commentary. I have done that in a variety of ways including education, delivering speeches, attending symposia on contempt, and review by asking the Law Commission to look at the law of contempt and legislation. New criminal offences of juror misconduct and amendments to the law of contempt are being introduced in the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill. Finally, where necessary, I institute contempt proceedings against contemnors.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Robert Buckland and Henry Smith

Monday 18th June 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con)]

8. What steps he is taking to improve provision for children and young people with special educational needs.

[Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)]

10. What steps he is taking to improve provision for children and young people with special educational needs.

[The Minister of State, Department for Education (Sarah Teather)]

In a written ministerial statement issued on 15 May, I published our plans to reform the current system for identifying, assessing and supporting children and young people who are disabled or have special educational needs from birth into adulthood, independent living and the world of work. We are testing our plans with 20 pathfinders across 31 local authorities and their primary care trust partners in readiness for introducing changes from 2014.