Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Sheila Gilmore Excerpts
Thursday 18th April 2013

(11 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Maria Miller Portrait Maria Miller
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My hon. Friend is right to say that every community—and, indeed, every individual—in this country can find their story with regards to the first world war. My officials have been talking to the BBC and other institutions that are already well developed in the ways they will be supporting this important event, which was probably one of the most defining in this nation’s history.

Sheila Gilmore Portrait Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab)
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A huge contribution was made by Dr Elsie Inglis and the medical teams of women who helped not just as nurses, but as doctors. They felt that their contribution was to the whole of the UK, not merely to Scotland. Is the Secretary of State prepared to meet me and other Edinburgh MPs to discuss how that contribution could be commemorated in London? I understand that some difficulty has been placed in the way of an exhibition on that.

Maria Miller Portrait Maria Miller
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The hon. Lady raises the important issue of the role of women and the way in which the first world war had an immeasurable impact on that. I would, of course, be delighted to hear more about the point she raises, particularly the role of women in medicine. The lottery will make available funding for local community projects, and I am already working closely with Scotland and Scottish officials to ensure that we correctly mark this event in Scotland too.