Oral Answers to Questions

John Bercow Excerpts

Tuesday 18th March 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Vara]

My hon. Friend will appreciate that that is the legacy of the previous Government and that the backlog is being dealt with—[Interruption.] I appreciate that this is difficult for the Opposition, but the truth often hurts—[Interruption.]

[Mr Speaker]

Order. There is a lot of very raucous noise from those on the Opposition Benches. The Minister is a very courteous fellow and he is trying to address—[Interruption.] Order. He is trying to address the House. Let us hear him.

[Mr Vara]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I can assure my hon. Friend we are dealing with the backlog, which is going down.

--- Later in debate ---

[Jeremy Wright]

I understand my hon. Friend’s concern; he has an enviable track record in campaigning on these matters. It is important, however, that we all recognise that it is difficult to make an appropriate judgment on the adequacy of a sentence unless we have heard all the evidence and mitigation in the case; few of us have that advantage. The existence of the right of the Attorney-General to refer matters to the Court of Appeal where he believes there to be unduly lenient sentences is the right mechanism. As my hon. Friend knows, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is considering the matter at the moment.

[Mr Speaker]

Robert Flello—not here.

[Lindsay Roy (Glenrothes) (Lab)]

23. What plans he has to bring forward legislative proposals to expand the scope of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.