Debates between Shailesh Vara and Geoffrey Clifton-Brown during the 2015-2017 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Shailesh Vara and Geoffrey Clifton-Brown
Monday 11th July 2016

(8 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Shailesh Vara Portrait Mr Vara
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I assure the hon. Lady that, under the coalition Government and the present Government, we have record levels of employment for women, including older women. That is something to bear in mind. We are working extensively with employers to ensure they appreciate the value of older workers, which they do. That is why we have record levels of employment, particularly for women.

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown Portrait Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con)
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I suspect that most hon. Members have been acquainted with difficult cases like the one mentioned by the hon. Lady. Will my hon. Friend the Minister keep an open mind on pension credit arrangements for these people? They are, after all, means-tested and could deal with the worst hardship cases.

Shailesh Vara Portrait Mr Vara
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We do have particular criteria and where people fit that criteria, they will of course qualify for whatever benefit it is they are seeking guidance on.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Shailesh Vara and Geoffrey Clifton-Brown
Tuesday 23rd June 2015

(9 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Geoffrey Clifton-Brown Portrait Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con)
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3. What plans he has for the future of the court estate in Gloucestershire.

Shailesh Vara Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Mr Shailesh Vara)
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The court estate in Gloucestershire, and across England and Wales, is a major asset of Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service. Any new proposals on the future of the courts will be subject to consultation.

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown Portrait Geoffrey Clifton-Brown
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Will my hon. Friend, as part of the Courts and Tribunals Service reform programme, consider establishing one purpose-built building to house all court services?

Shailesh Vara Portrait Mr Vara
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I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his comments. I am very mindful of the state of affairs of Gloucestershire’s court estate. It is important that court buildings provide value for money and meet local demand. I will certainly ensure that his comments are taken on board.