Contributions
728 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDDivorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill (First sitting)Q One final question from me: is there something we could do that would be more significant in removing the pressure or burden on children, other than removing the fault element?…02 Jul 2019HANSARDDivorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill (First sitting)Q Do we have any idea in percentage terms of how many people start proceedings but do not conclude them? David Hodson: Can I deal with that? That is a real concern for the Law…02 Jul 2019HANSARDDivorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill (First sitting)Q Or, occasionally, identifying them if they actually do exist. David Hodson: We do not now have to. If I may say this, with respect, we changed the law a few years ago so that…02 Jul 2019HANSARDDivorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill (First sitting)Q Sorry; you were referring to one element of it, saying, “This is easier.” David Hodson: It makes it a far more respectful process. Our existing law is harder, because we make…02 Jul 2019HANSARDDivorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill (First sitting)You definitely used the word “easier”—and the transcript, I am sure, will tell us that. Aidan Jones: The quotation from our senior practitioner used the word healthier—it is…02 Jul 2019HANSARDDivorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill (First sitting)Sorry. Thank you, Chair. Aidan Jones: As the non-legal person, I think I used the word “healthier”.02 Jul 2019HANSARDDivorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill (First sitting)Q I started with the word “easier”—you were trying to avoid the opposite of it.02 Jul 2019HANSARDDivorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill (First sitting)Q Does it make it less hard? That would be helpful. Nigel Shepherd: It makes it less conflicted, and if by hard you mean conflicted and unconstructive, yes, this Bill makes it…02 Jul 2019HANSARDDivorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill (First sitting)Q So, relatively—I am sorry about the semantics, but I think they are important—if the current process makes it harder, surely, by implication, this makes it easier? You cannot…02 Jul 2019HANSARDDivorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill (First sitting)Q Sorry, Aidan used the word “easier” during his evidence, so I thought that was kind of implied. Nigel, if you could explain. Nigel Shepherd: Yes. I do not think it makes it…02 Jul 2019HANSARDDivorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill (First sitting)Q Does this Bill make divorce easier? David Hodson: No, in a word. I think it makes it kinder.02 Jul 2019HANSARDDivorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill (First sitting)Q You said that the reasons they state do not represent a fair reflection of the actual reasons. On what is that based? I thought I had read a report that said that 91% of…02 Jul 2019HANSARDDivorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill (Second sitting)May I begin, semi-light-heartedly, by declaring my interest as a Catholic, which informs my position? At the national parliamentary prayer breakfast in Westminster Hall this…02 Jul 2019HANSARDTopical QuestionsT8. Will the Minister provide an update on the Department’s work to help people who are out of employment back into work, particularly in the Black Country and, more specifically,…01 Jul 2019HANSARDPensioners’ Incomes9. What steps the Government are taking to increase pensioners’ incomes.01 Jul 2019HANSARDPensioners’ IncomesI thank the Minister for that answer, but 3,440 households in my constituency will lose their free TV licence as a result of the BBC’s recent decision. Can he assure my…01 Jul 2019HANSARDTopical QuestionsT4. In Walsall North we like to be prepared for every eventuality, so can the Minister please offer my constituents some reassurance by listing some specific actions that have…27 Jun 2019HANSARD Divorce, Dissolution and Separation BillDoes the hon. Gentleman think this change will in any way lessen the seriousness of the marriage contract? Will people entering into it feel that they can do so more lightly…25 Jun 2019HANSARD Ground Rents (Leasehold Properties)I beg to move, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to regulate ground rents charged on leasehold properties; to make provision for a cap on ground rents; to make property…25 Jun 2019HANSARD Divorce, Dissolution and Separation BillWhen I got married, as a Catholic I did not think the option of divorce was open to us. I genuinely thought that under all circumstances our marriage would be forever; my wife…25 Jun 2019