argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Public Libraries — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Education
Michael Alex Burghart (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank the Minister for that answer. There is considerable concern in Shenfield in my constituency that the local library will close, and residents have already put together 1,000 signatures. What steps is the Department taking to ensure the future of local libraries?
Public Libraries — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Education
Michael Tyrone Ellis (Conservative, Centre-right): Local authorities in England have a statutory duty under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 to provide a "comprehensive and efficient" library service. I caution all local authorities that I will challenge them about their proposed library service reductions in each case, before deciding whether a local inquiry is needed, as it may be in some cases.
Public Libraries — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Education
Michael Louis David Fabricant (Conservative, Centre-right): When the library in Lichfield was too costly to maintain, the Tory-controlled Staffordshire County Council sold it and moved the library to a museum in the centre of Lichfield. It will now be bigger and better than before. Will the Minister congratulate t’Tory-controlled Staffordshire Council?
Public Libraries — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Education
Michael Tyrone Ellis (Conservative, Centre-right): I congratulate my hon. Friend and his council. In fact, councils of all political hues around the country are investing in libraries, building new ones and reinvigorating them. I have opened several myself and visited others that have been renovated. Local authorities are doing that across the country.
Public Libraries — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Education
Michael Tyrone Ellis (Conservative, Centre-right): I congratulate the hon. Gentleman and his local authority. I am pleased to say that I have visited Glasgow. The reality is that many libraries need reinvigoration, which needs investment. Local authorities have the resources to do that, and they need to make those choices. We know in this House, across the political divide, that libraries have a high value in our communities and our society, and they should be invested in.
Public Libraries — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Education
Martin John Vickers (Conservative, Centre-right): Mobile libraries are a vital lifeline for rural communities. Will the Minister give an assurance that when he is considering whether to push local authorities further in their provision of services, he will consider that the provision of mobile libraries is essential?
Public Libraries — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Education
Michael Tyrone Ellis (Conservative, Centre-right): Yes. Mobile libraries, particularly in rural areas, can be extremely useful. They can visit different villages on different days of the week and be very productive. Many local authorities use mobile libraries, and they are a good thing.
Public Libraries — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Education
Michael Tyrone Ellis (Conservative, Centre-right): I understand that the DWP made that decision with regard to jobcentres in order to rationalise, with larger jobcentres rather than smaller ones. Libraries are used by our communities for myriad reasons, and that is a positive thing. We want to encourage multiple uses of libraries. They are important community hubs and centres. It is important that they are for the loan of books but are also used for a multiplicity of reasons.
Public Libraries — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Education
Philip Thomas Hollobone (Conservative, Centre-right): Northamptonshire County Council previously planned to close most of its libraries but has now announced ambitious plans to maintain county-wide library provision. Will the Minister welcome that development and offer the county council whatever support his Department can provide?
Public Libraries — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Education
Michael Tyrone Ellis (Conservative, Centre-right): Yes, I will. I welcome the county council’s position. It has an ambition to save all 32 libraries in the county, which I am pleased with. I appreciate that there are challenges, but it is right that the council saves those libraries. I have recused myself from making a decision under the 1964 Act, for obvious reasons—it is my home county—but the reality is that libraries around the country should be supported.
Broadband: Advertising — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Technology
Margot Cathleen James (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government are working with industry and regulators to ensure that consumers receive clear and accurate information to help them make informed choices about their broadband. The Advertising Standards Authority has recently strengthened its rules on broadband advertising to ensure that speed claims in adverts are not misleading. A new Ofcom code of practice on broadband speeds will come into force next March.
Broadband: Advertising — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Technology
Rebecca Faye Clark (Pow) (Conservative, Centre-right): Good broadband services are essential for so many businesses throughout Taunton Deane. Sadly, however, owing to the difficulties with Gigaclear, many are still not getting the services they deserve. While Infracapital has revised the plan for the roll-out, it is going to be much longer and slower. Its success will depend on extending the rate for state aid beyond the March 2020 deadline. If we do not do this, many businesses will be jeopardised and homes affected, so will the Minister meet me to discuss the issue?
Broadband: Advertising — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Technology
Margot Cathleen James (Conservative, Centre-right): We are aware that, no matter how successful our full fibre programme—and we have our target, as my hon. Friend will know, of full fibre coverage across the UK by 2033—there will be premises for which fibre will never be the optimum route of connection. We will of course consider and urge others to consider wireless technologies where full fibre is not effective.
Free Television Licences — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Technology
Jeremy Paul Wright (Conservative, Centre-right): I meet the BBC regularly to discuss a range of issues, including the licence fee concession for the over-75s. The BBC has published a consultation that includes a range of options for the public to consider on the future of that concession, and we expect it to make a decision by June next year. I have made it clear that we expect the BBC to continue the concession after 2020.
Free Television Licences — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Technology
Jeremy Paul Wright (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Lady makes a fair point about means-testing, and whenever means-testing is proposed, that consideration must be accounted for. The right approach is to allow all those who wish to do so to comment on those consultation options, and for the BBC properly to consider them and decide what to do next. That is now its responsibility. The Government’s expectation is clear as, I suspect, is that of many Members across the House.
Free Television Licences — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Technology
Jeremy Paul Wright (Conservative, Centre-right): It will not be my last opportunity to wish you a happy Christmas, Mr Speaker. I will get to that later I am sure the hon. Gentleman is about to tell me the answer to the question he has just asked, which of course supposes a certain outcome to the consultation and the decision-making process at the BBC. I do not think we should make that supposition. It is right for the BBC to consider its options. It is now its responsibility to decide what to do on this matter. It is right for it to consider its options and then propose what it wishes to do. We will all have the opportunity to contribute to that discussion. I know he will do so, and I will too.
Free Television Licences — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Technology
Jeremy Paul Wright (Conservative, Centre-right): No, of course not, because that has not happened. Let me just say again to the right hon. Gentleman that he is positing a hypothetical situation. It has not happened. It is important that the BBC gets the chance to consider the right way forward. All that he says about the importance of television to those who are elderly, particularly those who are lonely, is quite right, but no decision has been made yet. It is right to give the BBC the space in which to make it. That is the right way forward.
Political Coverage: Broadcasting — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Technology
Margot Cathleen James (Conservative, Centre-right): The regulation of broadcasters’ political coverage is a matter for Ofcom, the independent media regulator. Any televised material is subject to the provisions of Ofcom’s broadcasting code and Ofcom has strong rules in place to ensure the impartiality and accuracy of political coverage.
Political Coverage: Broadcasting — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Technology
Margot Cathleen James (Conservative, Centre-right): The debate that the hon. Gentleman referred to did not happen, but it was going to be just between the two main parties—that is true. With regard to Scotland, the BBC will be launching its Scotland channel next year to improve the coverage of Scottish life and Scottish affairs. As regards impartiality, the code will guarantee impartiality across the United Kingdom.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Agriculture
Jeremy Paul Wright (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend raises an important point and a matter of concern to many of us. She will know that in relation to the existing superfast programme, there is further to go, and some of that additional benefit can be delivered in rural areas. She will also know that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has allocated £75 million of grant funding from the rural development programme for England for these purposes. She may also be aware that in relation to further technology, we will seek to test out what can be done in rural areas with a test bed and develop 5G technology, which can deliver further benefits, particularly to agriculture.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Technology
Questions: What importance does the Minister for Digital and Creative Industries attach to ensuring the digital security and integrity of elections by protecting secret ballots from digital or photographic interference?; Team Scotland, the national dance and cheerleading team, will participate in the 2019 international cheerleading world championships in Florida. More than 100 athletes from across Scotland will travel to Orlando—some travel from as far away as Stornoway to participate in training sessions. A future foundation is being built to participate in the Olympic games, in which the sport has been fully recognised. Will the Secretary of State join me in the fundraising attempt to keep costs minimal and be inclusive? Will he also join me in wishing them and other nations well in next year’s championships?; Residents in my constituency who live in Gustard Wood near the village of Wheathampstead have continually complained to me about the lack of mobile and broadband access. What can the Minister say from the Dispatch Box that I can take back to them to let them know that this problem will improve very soon?
Margot Cathleen James (Conservative, Centre-right): I assure my hon. Friend that many measures are being taken. The forthcoming universal service obligation should ensure that households that have a speed below 2 megabits per second have the right to request high-speed broadband of at least 10 megabits per second. That will come into effect in 2020. There is more to be done through Broadband Delivery UK—there are numerous voucher schemes. If my hon. Friend wants further information, I am happy to meet him to discuss the options available to him.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Technology
Questions: What importance does the Minister for Digital and Creative Industries attach to ensuring the digital security and integrity of elections by protecting secret ballots from digital or photographic interference?; Team Scotland, the national dance and cheerleading team, will participate in the 2019 international cheerleading world championships in Florida. More than 100 athletes from across Scotland will travel to Orlando—some travel from as far away as Stornoway to participate in training sessions. A future foundation is being built to participate in the Olympic games, in which the sport has been fully recognised. Will the Secretary of State join me in the fundraising attempt to keep costs minimal and be inclusive? Will he also join me in wishing them and other nations well in next year’s championships?; Residents in my constituency who live in Gustard Wood near the village of Wheathampstead have continually complained to me about the lack of mobile and broadband access. What can the Minister say from the Dispatch Box that I can take back to them to let them know that this problem will improve very soon?; Scotland’s land mass is two thirds the size of England’s, and Scotland clearly has many more islands. What needs analysis was carried out that resulted in Scotland’s receiving a fifth of England’s broadband budget?
Margot Cathleen James (Conservative, Centre-right): I am not aware of the report to which the hon. Gentleman refers, but I am aware that the UK and Scottish Governments are working together to bring about better speeds and access to superfast broadband, which is already at 93.5% in Scotland.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: What importance does the Minister for Digital and Creative Industries attach to ensuring the digital security and integrity of elections by protecting secret ballots from digital or photographic interference?; Team Scotland, the national dance and cheerleading team, will participate in the 2019 international cheerleading world championships in Florida. More than 100 athletes from across Scotland will travel to Orlando—some travel from as far away as Stornoway to participate in training sessions. A future foundation is being built to participate in the Olympic games, in which the sport has been fully recognised. Will the Secretary of State join me in the fundraising attempt to keep costs minimal and be inclusive? Will he also join me in wishing them and other nations well in next year’s championships?; Residents in my constituency who live in Gustard Wood near the village of Wheathampstead have continually complained to me about the lack of mobile and broadband access. What can the Minister say from the Dispatch Box that I can take back to them to let them know that this problem will improve very soon?; Scotland’s land mass is two thirds the size of England’s, and Scotland clearly has many more islands. What needs analysis was carried out that resulted in Scotland’s receiving a fifth of England’s broadband budget?; Soft power is one of the golden assets that this country possesses, but it is not nearly well enough co-ordinated; indeed, it is badly co-ordinated. This should be done better. Will my hon. Friend consider what steps his Department could take to ensure that co-ordination is greatly improved?
Michael Tyrone Ellis (Conservative, Centre-right): Britain is rated No. 1 in the world for soft power, and my right hon. Friend is absolutely right about its importance. Our Department works very closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in this regard. We have a large number of bilateral seasons of culture with other countries, we promote UK culture globally through the GREAT campaign, which is an extremely successful marketing campaign—one of the most successful in the world—and, of course, we visit countries on a cultural basis. For instance, I was in Rome recently, and I have also visited the United Arab Emirates. A great deal goes on.
Contempt of Court — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Law and Crime
Charles Geoffrey Cox (Conservative, Centre-right): The institution of court proceedings for contempt is by me in relation to each case on its own merits. I institute proceedings when there is sufficient evidence, and when I, as guardian of the public interest, decide that it is in the public interest to do so.
Contempt of Court — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Government Operations
Charles Geoffrey Cox (Conservative, Centre-right): It is always a serious matter for any Minister to find himself at odds with the House, particularly over an important question of constitutional principle. On reflection, and the opinion of the House having been tested twice, the Government took the decision to disclose the advice, but I must stress to the hon. Lady that successive Governments have defended that principle robustly. I have a list of very eloquent articulations of it by Opposition Members who have defended it against demands for the disclosure of confidential advice. It is an important principle, and I hope that the House will look again at the procedures relating to the motion for a return.
Contempt of Court — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Law and Crime
Robert James MacGillivray Neill (Conservative, Centre-right): May I perhaps return to the question? [Interruption.] Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that there is a real need to revisit the standard directions that judges give to juries in relation to the use of social media? Generally judges are well alert to the issue, but, as we know, there have been instances in which convictions have had to be set aside because juries have, in effect, researched the case outside the jury room using social media.
Contempt of Court — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Law and Crime
Charles Geoffrey Cox (Conservative, Centre-right): The impact of social media on the integrity and fairness of the trial process is obviously of considerable importance, and we do need to grapple with it. As my hon. Friend knows, we have a call for evidence on social media, and I am currently studying the responses to it.
Legal Advice: Public Disclosure — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Law and Crime
Charles Geoffrey Cox (Conservative, Centre-right): As noted in "Erskine May", it is a long-standing convention observed by successive Governments that neither the fact nor the substance of Law Officers’ advice is disclosed outside the Government without their authority. That authority is very rarely sought or given.
Legal Advice: Public Disclosure — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Government Operations
Charles Geoffrey Cox (Conservative, Centre-right): Of course, the corrosive effect of the disclosure of confidential advice is that in future Attorneys General will not be able, without risking and fearing its publication, to give frank and robust advice to the Cabinet or the Prime Minister when it is needed, with the point and emphasis that might be needed at that particular time. The risk if it is published is that it is taken out of context, parts of it are seized and plucked and dwelt upon, and the particular moment and context of the advice is ignored. I do think we need to look very carefully at the procedures of the House in this regard while paying due respect to the legitimate desire of the House to have all of the information that it requires.
Legal Advice: Public Disclosure — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: International Affairs
Charles Geoffrey Cox (Conservative, Centre-right): As I have just said, I will of course consider what assistance the House might require. Indeed, I shall listen carefully to the House on any changes that are introduced to the withdrawal agreement and on what the Government should do about publishing legal opinion on it.
Article 50: European Court of Justice Decision — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: What implications the decision by the European Court of Justice on the revocability of article 50 has for his legal advice to the Government.; What implications the decision by the European Court of Justice on the revocability of article 50 has for his legal advice to the Government.
Charles Geoffrey Cox (Conservative, Centre-right): The decision of the European Court of Justice clarifies a question of EU law, and it does not in any way change the Government’s policy. The Government’s firm and long-standing policy is that we will not revoke the article 50 notice. The position has not changed and, as is well known, the case will now revert to the Scottish courts for the final decision.
Article 50: European Court of Justice Decision — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: What implications the decision by the European Court of Justice on the revocability of article 50 has for his legal advice to the Government.; What implications the decision by the European Court of Justice on the revocability of article 50 has for his legal advice to the Government.
Charles Geoffrey Cox (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government’s policy is that we do not intend to revoke article 50. We intend to leave the European Union on 29 March, and the fact or otherwise of the irrevocability of article 50 is wholly irrelevant to that question. The truth, however, is that the giving of notice under article 50 would not just be an easy matter of pressing a button and the revocation taking effect.
Article 50: European Court of Justice Decision — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Law and Crime
Questions: What implications the decision by the European Court of Justice on the revocability of article 50 has for his legal advice to the Government.; What implications the decision by the European Court of Justice on the revocability of article 50 has for his legal advice to the Government.
Charles Geoffrey Cox (Conservative, Centre-right): That matter is under review. Let me say clearly that the question of what legal route would be required to trigger the process has not been considered at any length because there is no intention of doing so.
Economic Crime — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Law and Crime
Robert James Buckland (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government are committed to tackling economic crime, and we know that that requires a multi-agency response. That is why both the SFO and the CPS play their parts alongside others, including through their support for the new multi-agency National Economic Crime Centre.
Economic Crime — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Law and Crime
Rebecca Faye Clark (Pow) (Conservative, Centre-right): Nothing annoys the constituents of Taunton Deane more than people getting away with things they should not, so will my hon. and learned Friend outline some further detail on how we are cracking down on money laundering? It is a priority, and the Government have promised to tackle it.
Economic Crime — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Law and Crime
Robert James Buckland (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend will be glad to note the introduction of unexplained wealth orders following the Criminal Finances Act 2017. That is already sending a clear message to those who seek to use the UK to wash their illegal proceeds that we will track them down, ask the right questions and conduct confiscations. Using Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 powers, the Government have recovered more criminal assets than ever before, with £1.6 billion taken from wrongdoers between April 2010 and March 2018.
Crown Prosecution Service: Performance — House of Commons, 2018-12-13
Topic: Law and Crime
Robert James Buckland (Conservative, Centre-right): CPS performance in Northamptonshire is above the national rate in several areas. The latest figures for the first quarter of 2018-19 show that the conviction rate for Northamptonshire magistrates courts was 85.7%, which is above the national rate of 84.8%. Figures also show lower hearing numbers per guilty plea case than the national rate, which reflects the fact that the CPS is putting cases together efficiently.