Author: parliamentaryunit

Bishop of Ripon & Leeds welcomes work of metal theft task force

On 23rd January, 2014, Lord Faulkner of Worcester asked Her Majesty’s Government whether they will continue to support the metal theft task force.

R_LThe Bishop of Ripon and Leeds asked a supplementary question:

The Lord Bishop of Ripon and Leeds: My Lords, the metal theft task force has been of inestimable value in checking the epidemic of lead theft from churches. Stripping of lead from church roofs has caused extensive rain damage to historic interiors. Will the Minister consult English Heritage, the Churches Conservation Trust and the cathedrals and church buildings division of the Archbishops’ Council as to how the destruction of our heritage can be combated and the work of the task force maintained? Continue reading “Bishop of Ripon & Leeds welcomes work of metal theft task force”

Bishop of Ripon and Leeds speaks about affordable housing in rural communities

R_LOn 22nd January, 2014, the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds took part in a short debate, led by Baroness Ford, on increasing the supply of affordable housing, focusing his remarks on delivering housing in rural areas. Continue reading “Bishop of Ripon and Leeds speaks about affordable housing in rural communities”

Bishop of Ripon and Leeds urges action to end use of slave labour in supply chains

R_LOn 22nd January, 2014, the Baroness Cox asked Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to combat human trafficking and other forms of contemporary slavery.

The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds asked a supplementary question:

The Lord Bishop of Ripon and Leeds: My Lords, there remains a serious issue of slavery in the business supply chain that affects much of what we buy. Will the Minister pursue a business-friendly model to eradicate that slavery, perhaps on the basis of the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act 2010, because a few simple reporting requirements may be more effective than simply extending the powers of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority? Continue reading “Bishop of Ripon and Leeds urges action to end use of slave labour in supply chains”

Votes – Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill

House of Lords Division Lobby
House of Lords Division Lobby

On 8th, 14th, 20th and 22nd January 2014, seven bishops took part in votes on amendments to the Government’s Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill, during its Report Stage.

Continue reading “Votes – Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill”

BISHOP’S PALACE IN WELLS: CHURCH COMMISSIONERS’ WRITTEN ANSWERS

Second Church Estates Commissioner, Rt Hon Sir Tony Baldry MP, answered five written questions from Tessa Munt MP on the Church Commissioners plans for the Palace at Wells.

The Palace at Bath and Wells (picture courtesy of bishopspalace.org.uk)
The Palace at Bath and Wells (picture courtesy of bishopspalace.org.uk)

Tessa Munt: To ask the right hon. Member for Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners, pursuant to the answer of 14 January, Official Report, column 502W, on Bishop of Bath and Wells, what the cost is of the property which the Church Commissioners have purchased or propose to purchase for the purpose of accommodating the new Bishop of Bath and Wells.  Continue reading “BISHOP’S PALACE IN WELLS: CHURCH COMMISSIONERS’ WRITTEN ANSWERS”

Vote – Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill

House of Lords Division Lobby
House of Lords Division Lobby

On 21st January 2014, four bishops took part in a vote on the Government’s Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill, during its Third Reading.

Continue reading “Vote – Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill”

Bishop of Ripon and Leeds speaks in favour of amendment to reduce noise disturbance around Westminster Abbey

Westminster-abbeyOn 20th January 2014, the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds spoke in favour of an amendment to the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill, during the Bill’s Report Stage. The amendment, proposed by Lord Deben and co-sponsored by the Bishop of Newcastle, related to the use of amplified noise equipment in vicinity of the Palace of Westminster, and the Bishop spoke of the impact that such equipment has on worship in Westminster Abbey and St Margaret’s Church. 

Continue reading “Bishop of Ripon and Leeds speaks in favour of amendment to reduce noise disturbance around Westminster Abbey”

Bishop of Chester takes part in debate on Pensions Bill

14.03 Bishop of ChesterThe Bishop of Chester spoke in favour of two amendments during the Committee Stage of the Pensions Bill, both proposed by Labour Peer Lord Browne of Ladyton. 

Amendmednt 62G

The Lord Bishop of Chester: My Lords, I warmly support both these approaches. Although they are contrasting—the noble Lord, Lord Lawson, emphasises transparency while the other approach offers appropriate consumer protection through some degree of regulation—I do not think that they are incompatible with each other.

Continue reading “Bishop of Chester takes part in debate on Pensions Bill”

Bishop of Ripon and Leeds calls for flexibility in administration of underoccupancy charge

On 20th January 2014, Baroness Hollis of Heigham asked Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to revise their underoccupancy charge so that, as in the private rented sector from 2008, it applies only to new tenants.

R_LThe Bishop of Ripon and Leeds asked a supplementary question:

The Lord Bishop of Ripon and Leeds: My Lords, what flexibility is there for housing authorities in the implementation of the underoccupancy charge in circumstances such as when a child dies and the house thereby becomes underoccupied?

Continue reading “Bishop of Ripon and Leeds calls for flexibility in administration of underoccupancy charge”

Bishop of Derby asks Government for figures on human trafficking offences (Written Question)

On 17th December 2013, the Bishop of Derby received an answer to a written question on human trafficking.

Bishop of DerbyThe Lord Bishop of Derby: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many people were arrested, prosecuted and convicted for human trafficking-related offences in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

The Advocate-General for Scotland (Lord Wallace of Tankerness): Information on the number of arrests made by the police for human trafficking offences is not held centrally and could only be obtained at a disproportionate cost.

Continue reading “Bishop of Derby asks Government for figures on human trafficking offences (Written Question)”