Contributions
882 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDRule of LawMy Lords, we absolutely are not. It would not be possible for us to unilaterally rewrite either the withdrawal agreement or the terms of the Northern Ireland protocol. We…10 Sept 2020HANSARDRule of LawMy Lords, I think the noble and learned Lord broke up slightly when he was asking his second question, but I certainly understood the drift of his remarks.10 Sept 2020HANSARDRule of LawI am not familiar with the precise sums that have been expended, as explained by the noble Lord. On Article 4 of the Northern Ireland protocol, it is expressly agreed by everyone…10 Sept 2020HANSARDRule of LawMy Lords, that is because we will require consideration of not only the absence of a post-transition agreement, but the absence of clear determinations by the Joint Committee,…10 Sept 2020HANSARDPolice Act 1997 (Criminal Record Certificates: Relevant Matters) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020That the draft Order laid before the House on 9 July be approved.10 Sept 2020HANSARDRehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020That the draft Order laid before the House on 9 July be approved.10 Sept 2020HANSARDRehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020My Lords, I beg to move that the House considers the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and the Police Act…10 Sept 2020HANSARDRehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020My Lords, I am grateful for the contributions to this debate. I will touch briefly on a few points. First, regarding the points made by the noble Lord, Lord Ponsonby, he is quite…10 Sept 2020HANSARDHuman Rights Act 1998 (Remedial) Order 2019That the Grand Committee do consider the Human Rights Act 1998 (Remedial) Order 2019. Relevant document: 2nd Report from the Joint Committee on Human Rights03 Sept 2020HANSARDFatal Accidents Act 1976 (Remedial) Order 2020That the Grand Committee do consider the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 (Remedial) Order 2020. Relevant document: 4th Report from the Joint Committee on Human Rights03 Sept 2020HANSARDProbate ServiceMy Lords, in late 2019 we saw a very clear and discernible improvement in the turnaround of probate applications and probate grants. As I indicated, in January to March this year…27 Jul 2020HANSARDProbate ServiceMy Lords, I very much regret the personal experience that the noble Baroness, Lady Ludford, suffered. However, particularly during the present crisis, the probate service is…27 Jul 2020HANSARDProbate ServiceMy Lords, current waiting times in the probate service are within expected timeframes, but we expect that to come under pressure as case receipts rise. The service has continued…27 Jul 2020HANSARDProbate ServiceMy Lords, I emphasise the improvement that took place in the grant of probate during 2019 and into 2020, even in the face of the increased demand on the probate service as a…27 Jul 2020HANSARDProbate ServiceMy Lords, in fact, we have taken steps to simplify the probate process. We are replacing affidavits with a statement of truth, accepting electronic-type signatures on probate…27 Jul 2020HANSARDProbate ServiceMy Lords, we have undertaken the training of an additional 34 staff in the probate service. In addition, as district probate registries close in the light of the development of…27 Jul 2020HANSARDProbate ServiceMy Lords, the introduction of a digital scheme is proving effective. Because of that, it was possible for probate staff to deal more effectively with applications during the Covid…27 Jul 2020HANSARDProbate ServiceMy Lords, I do not accept that the performance of the probate service should be characterised as poor. No guarantee can be given regarding fees.27 Jul 2020HANSARDProbate ServiceI thank the noble Baroness for her question. We appreciate that the service will come under increased pressure in July and August, because of the increased death rate in the…27 Jul 2020HANSARDProbate ServiceCertainly, it is intended that permanently replacing affidavits with statements of truth will be considered, as will electronic signatures on probate forms—albeit that the whole…27 Jul 2020