Microsoft for Schools

The Parliamentary campaign to reduce licence fees on software supplied to schools by Microsoft was convened by Waveney MP Bob Blizzard and strongly supported by Lawrie Quinn, MP for Scarborough and Whitby.

The issue was first raised in July 2002 when Microsoft were publicly criticised for levying licence fees to schools at a higher level than those charged to universities and colleges.

Lawrie Quinn welcomed the announcement stating,

"I'm delighted that all schools throughout the country will be the beneficiaries of this huge £46 million saving, but I'm especially pleased that our local schools will gain from this marvellous news since schools in Scarborough and Whitby helped to bring this problem to the attention of the government."

9 Dec 2003

Lawrie Quinn MP welcomes Pension Credit figures for Scarborough & Whitby

Mr Quinn said,

"I am very pleased that almost 4,000 pensioner households across my constituency are now receiving Pension Credit. On average these local pensioners have seen an increase in their weekly incomes of £43.28."

"In just under two months an extra total of over £9 million is now available, each year, to help our most vulnerable and respected senior citizen households in Scarborough & Whitby, that's why I encourage the take up of unclaimed millions each year which could make such a difference to the daily lives so many in our local community. "

"I was pleased to highlight the details of this scheme in my annual report which was distributed to over 40,000 homes across Scarborough & Whitby. The Minister's figures suggest that there are many pensioners who have not realised they could be significantly better off every week, so I would encourage these seniors to contact either the local Age Concern offices on 01723 379058 or Citizens Advice on 01723 368710 or my offices on 01723 507000 or 01947 821733, to make sure they are not missing out."

Notes: For further information contact Lawrie Quinn on pager number 076 4400 6857 or Clare Billing on 020 7219 5937.
The Pension Credit became payable from 6 October. There is plenty of time for pensioners to apply for Pension Credit. To ensure that pensioners do not lose out, there is a twelve month backdating provision until October 2004. This will allow applications to be backdated to October 2003, where entitlement exists, or to the date entitlement begins if this is later.

8 Dec 2003

Staithes & Hinderwell Community Meeting

Staithes & Hinderwell Community Meeting at Staithes Village Memorial Hall on Saturday 6th December at 10.30 am

At a meeting with local constituents, in October, the local community's increased concerns about traffic management and visitor parking were raised. It was agreed that a public meeting should be arranged with key local service providers to discuss and facilitate improvements to how traffic and vehicles move around the local neighbourhoods.

There will also be an opportunity to raise any other concerns about the community's future development. Cleveland Potash, who were instrumental in part funding the extension of gas pipelines in the area, will provide a buffet lunch for local residents.

Lawrie Quinn MP said, " I understand this is the first time in 8 years that such a community meeting has been arranged in Staithes and Hinderwell. I look forward to helping the community to work out sustainable solutions to many problems that local people feel they have.

"I believe that the Spirit of Staithes project has helped start a process of revitalisation in the community and I am very pleased to help kick start the process to improve the daily lives of People in Staithes and Hinderwell."

Notes: For further information contact the Project Officer, Liz Dowson, on 01947 825658 or email liz.dowson@hinderwellpact.freeserve.co.uk or contact Lawrie Quinn

27 Nov 2003

Action on Breast Cancer

Around 9,500 causes of breast cancer are detected through screening each year and almost half of these are too small to be felt by hand. If it were not for screening, these cancers may not have been detected until a much later stage. The biggest known risk factor in developing breast cancer is age, with around 80 percent of cases occurring in post-menopausal women, aged 50 or over. But while routine screening invitations are sent to all women aged between 50 and 64 every three years, evidence suggests that not all women take advantage of this potentially life saving service.

Lawrie Quinn MP for Scarborough and Whitby says,

"It's a sobering thought that one in nine of women in Scarborough and Whitby will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. The good news is that more women than ever are surviving breast cancer and this in part is down to the NHS Breast Screening Programme."

"The earlier breast cancer is detected the better your chances of survival. The NHS Breast Screening Programme is a vital and effective part of the UK's efforts to reduce the death toll from this devastating disease, but it's essential that women in Scarborough and Whitby take advantage of this by attending the screening when invited."

Breakthrough Breast Cancer campaigned vigorously for the extension of the screening programme which by 2004 will include women up to the age of 70.

For more information about Breakthrough Breast Cancer visit www.breakthrough.org.uk.

28 Oct 2003

Lawrie welcomes Network Rail decision

"That this House welcomes the Network Rail's decision to bring all infrastructure maintenance contracts in-house, ending the practice of contracting this work to outside parties; believes bringing railway maintenance in-house will help control costs, improve safety standards and performance; notes that for the first time since privatisation, the railway network will have an integrated, national maintenance programme; and offers its support to the staff and management of Network Rail in their continuing efforts to improve the safety, punctuality and efficiency of Britain's railways."

"The weekend has allowed me to speak to many parliamentary colleagues and the decision by Network Rail has received the widest geographic and cross-party welcome for anything since the decision to establish Network Rail itself. I thought it was a reasonable and sensible EDM to table and I'm very pleased that the All Party Group and other parliamentary colleagues will be able to meet with senior representatives of the company this evening to ensure the fullest appreciation of this important decision for the nation's railways."

27 Oct 2003

7,200 Families in Scarborough & Whitby benefiting from new Tax Credits

Lawrie said:

"These new figures show that Labour is on the side of ordinary hard-working families here in Scarborough & Whitby.

"After only five months since the tax credits were introduced, 7,200 families across Scarborough & Whitby are getting the extra help they are entitled to.

"Labour promised to give more support to families with children through the new tax credits. Today's figures show we are keeping that promise with 5.8 million families benefiting from the new tax credits in the UK.

"I want all families to get the money they are entitled to and I urge any families that think they might be eligible to contact the Inland Revenue."

• More families that ever before are benefiting from the tax credits and extra help for families - 5.8 million families across the UK including 9.8 million children.
• More families can get extra help including student nurses and families earning up to £58,000 are included.
• The most help is going to those that need it most with one third of families benefiting in the lowest income bracket receiving the maximum credit.
• More people are getting help with childcare costs - 264,000 across the UK, almost 50% higher than under Working Families Tax Credit.
• Over 85% of Child Tax Credit awards are being paid to the woman - almost always the main carer in the family.

• A two-earner couple working full time on the national minimum wage with 2 children receive £25 a week more than under the previous system.
• A single-earner couple, aged 25 or over, working full-time with income of £10,000 per year, gains around £30 a week more than under the previous system.
• A family with two children on half average earnings (14,3000) receives over £40 a week in financial support - tax credits plus child benefit, less tax and NICs, compared with making a net contribution of nearly £25 per week in 1997/98.
• A student/student nurse with one child and no taxable income will be better off by up to £38 a week.

19 Sep 2003

Lawrie Quinn MP backs Shopworkers' Freedom from Fear Campaign

Lawrie said,

"I am appalled by the number of incidents of violence and abuse that shopworkers have to deal with on practically a daily basis. It is outrageous that shop staff should have to put up with such behaviour from customers.

"I am also concerned that over half of violent attacks are linked to drugs and alcohol. Criminals shoplifting to feed a habit. Often shoplifting is seen a victimless crime, but the real victims are shopworkers. "I support USDAW's campaign and I am urging the Government to make retail crime a key performance indicator for the police, to help ensure that it is given a higher priority. I also urge local retailers, the police and Scarborough Borough Council to work in partnership to help make our shopping areas safer."

"I am delighted to have the support of Lawrie Quinn MP for USDAW's campaign to protect shopworkers from violence and abuse.

"This is a huge issue for our members and all shopworkers. I have not yet met a shopworker that hasn't had some experience of violence or abuse at work. For some it is a daily experience.

"USDAW is running the Freedom from Fear campaign to highlight this widespread problem and promote measures that will make our shopping areas safer for shopworkers and the general public."

17 Sep 2003

Notes: For the last 10 years the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has been surveying retail employers and publishing the results in the Annual Retail Crime Survey. Their latest survey, covering 2002, indicated an alarming increase in the following areas:

• Violence against staff - up by 50% on 1999.
• Threats of Violence - 86 shopworkers for every 100 retail outlets.

• 47% reported physical attacks or assaults on staff.
• 72% reported staff being threatened with violence.
• 86% reported incidents of verbal abuse.

MP Demands Fair Fares for Older People

In the same way as advocated by the Help the Aged campaign, Fair Fares, the Bill will allow pensioners and disabled persons in England to benefit from free travel on busses to match concessions available in Scotland and Wales.

Lawrie Quinn said,

"Currently, the level of concessionary fares across England is a postcode lottery. While people over the age of 60 in Scotland and Wales have free bus passes, in England just 20 per cent of older people enjoy free travel: for the remainder it depends on where you live. For example, in Basildon, Essex, one has to pay £100 for a travel pass while in Plymouth one has to be over 80 years of age to qualify for a full free travel pass."

"This patchwork of schemes across England often leads to additional charges when crossing administrative boundaries, thereby further devaluing the concessions. An example of this is found in Christchurch, Dorset, where older people find their half fare bus passes invalid if they want to go shopping just a few miles away in neighbouring Bournemouth. They have to pay full fare."

"In practical terms we need more buses, extra routes and better reliability, as well as a concerted effort from local authorities and central government to make public transport a viable and more accessible option for older people".

16 Sep 2003

Notes: The least likely age group to use a travel pass are people over 75, those living in rural areas or people from ethnic minority communities. A recent survey in the West Midlands found that many Asian elders were not even aware of their entitlement and regularly paid to travel.
Free travel is available to people over 60 in London, West Midlands, Merseyside, Nottingham, Reading, East Staffordshire and Crawley.
Ninety-four per cent of local authorities offer a half fare concessionary scheme. The remainder have flat fare schemes or free travel.

Castleton and Westerdale Children back on their school train to Whitby on Monday

County Councillor John Fort, NYCC's Executive Member for Transport said : " I am delighted with the assurances given by Arriva Trains Northern today. It was a very positive meeting which has paved the way for improved communications leading to a long term future for the Esk Valley Railway."

Lawrie Quinn MP for Scarborough & Whitby added "I'm glad that the travel needs of my constituents in the Esk Valley are being resolved and that a sustainable solution is now on the table for the Esk Valley Railway."

Local County Councillor Herbert Tindell said " I want to thank Lawrie and all those attending the meeting in York which has produced an immediate solution and a basis for positive negotiations on behalf of the local community in Danby, Castleton and the rest of this Moors community"

11 Sep 2003

Lawrie backs bus into Falsgrave

Since May 1997 I am proud to support the government which has delivered many changes for pensioners. When I first became elected I helped secure the legislation which gave all our pensioners the right to a bus pass for half price bus travel.

I want all pensioners to have a decent and secure income in retirement, and along with my parliamentary colleagues, am committed to tackling pensioner poverty and ensuring pensioners share in the country's rising prosperity.

Other support for pensioners which this government has introduced includes:

• The basic state pension is £5 higher for single pensioners and £8 higher for couples. We have promised that the basic state pension will increase by 2.5% (or the level of inflation, whichever is higher) for the rest of this parliament.
• The Minimum Income Guarantee targets help at those that need it.
• Free TV licences for over 75s.
• We have introduced Winter Fuel Payments of £200 and in addition those over 80 will receive an extra £100.
• Free eye tests for all pensioners have been restored.
• We have extended to 52 weeks the period over which hospital inpatients receive full state pension and most of their benefits.
• We have created The Pension Service - a new organisation dedicated to the needs of pensioners.

For further information about the Pension Credit call freephone 0800 991234.

9 Sep 2003

Proposed Gambling Bill

Lawrie points out that changes in technology, in particular the internet, threaten the good reputation of British gambling.

The letter reads:

Lawrie Quinn MP 53 Westborough Scarborough North Yorkshire Y012 4QT Tel 01723 507000 Fax 01723 507008 www.lawrie-quinn.org.uk 30 July 2003 Dear Tessa Gambling Bill You may be aware that the British Casino Association and Leisure Parcs has written to a number of colleagues who have shown an interest in an overhaul of British gambling laws. I believe that the basis of the current legislation established in 1968 has earned this country a world-wide reputation for probity, integrity and honesty based upon rigorous criteria, which regulates participation in the market. However, evolving technological changes like the Internet have made large parts of the existing regulatory regime redundant. I also believe that further technological advances will further frustrate and exasperate key players in the current market and deter potential new entrants. I therefore urge you to give priority to the proposed gambling Bill early in the next parliamentary session. Thank you I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely Lawrie Quinn MP Scarborough & Whitby

30 Jul 2003

Lawrie leads lobby of Schools' Minister

Lawrie is leading a delegation consisting of David Evans and David Bradley, two Scarborough & Whitby headteachers, along with Cynthia Welbourne and George Bateman of North Yorkshire County Council to meet the Minister for Schools, David Miliband MP, on Monday 14 July at the DfES Offices in Westminster.

Lawrie said:

"I hope we will be able to explain to the Minister the concerns of the people of Scarborough & Whitby over the funding of schools in the area".

"I recognise that there have been real difficulties in some schools this year. Although there are more teachers, who are better paid, and more support staff in schools, there have been major changes in the funding system. The strong pressure on costs, combined with particular issues in individual LEAs, have made the situation difficult for some individual schools.

"Central Government has a shared responsibility with LEAs to get money to the front line, central Government distributes money to LEAs; LEAs distribute money to schools. Both central Government and LEAs have taken steps to assist schools through this difficult year.

"I believe that the Government is committed to sustain the improvements made to teacher's salaries, however, the problems experienced this year in some schools in Scarborough & Whitby need to be avoided in 2004 05 and I'm confident that the Minister will be able to reassure the delegation I'll lead from the Yorkshire Coast".

9 Jul 2003

MPs back save mail on rail campaign

On June 6 Allan Leighton shocked the rail industry with the announcement which ends the 170 year partnership between the mail and rail. Kevin Hughes MP, whose Doncaster constituency is at the heart of the network and stands to lose up to a quarter of the 500 expected job loses, persuaded Leighton to face the disbelieving group of rail town politicians.

Defending the decision Allan Leighton stressed throughout the meeting, that he believed the proposal made best commercial sense and was the right thing for Royal Mail.

Challenging the basic principals of the decision, Kevin Hughes MP said:

"It is difficult to accept that this idea stacks up. It appears to cut across government policy on shifting goods on to the rail network from the roads and on environmental policy. It will cost about 500 jobs, a quarter of which are likely to be in Doncaster".

"I am grateful that Allan Leighton has been able to give Parliamentarians an opportunity to view and analyse the rationale behind the Royal Mail proposal."

"It is deeply regretful that Allan Leighton was unable to give Parliament the time to fully consider the social, economic and potential anti competitive consequences of this policy. I believe that the Royal Mail should at least give parliament until early autumn to consider this decision fully. Otherwise the public interest will be badly served." "Colleagues in both the Lords and the Commons see this as the tail wagging the dog and Mr Leighton should be prepared for the dog to bite back."

"I am deeply concerned that Parliament hasn't been given any opportunity to properly consider Royal Mail's decision. They are acting only in commercial interests but also should be concerned about the wider public interest particularly the effect on rail services, the environment and whether they really can improve postal services by this decision. I strongly urge them to give Parliament the time it deserves to scrutinise their proposals before they go ahead with what could be a catastrophically expensive mistake."

8 Jul 2003

Trade Justice

"I agree with the views of the Trade Justice Movement - the umbrella group co-ordinating this demonstration - that trade rules must be reformed to benefit the poor. I am in no doubt that the current system does not work for many developing countries. In particular we need to do more to help all developing countries secure better access to rich country's markets.

"The current levels of protectionism are scandalous. EU citizens provide 45bn euro of taxes to fund the Common Agricultural Policy and a further 50bn euro from their pockets to buy the more expensive products that are on sale as a result. The CAP is equivalent to paying $2 a day for every cow in Europe, when 1.2 billion people in the world live on half that amount.

"If tariffs in the developed and developing world were halved, developing countries would gain £150 billion per year - three times what they get in aid. And the number of people living in poverty would reduce by over 300 million by 2015. A substantial prize that will make trade fair as well as free if we can achieve it.

"I believe, as a Labour Government we must use our power to create the global institutions that are needed to address global inequities. We are, and always have been, an internationalist party. Our calling - to ensure that power, wealth and opportunity are in the hands of the many not the few - applies to Tanzania as much as it applies to Tyneside or to Tottenham.

"Our next task - our 21st century mission - must be to reform the World Trade system based on the same Labour principle of equality - that we all have an equal right to prosperity.

"We are entering a new era in trade policy in the UK. For too long richer countries have dictated the terms of trade and this must change. In the ongoing trade talks we will push the WTO as hard as we can to get an agreement that works for developing countries."

27 June 2003

Welcome for "showpiece rural railway"

The aim is to make it mainland Britain's first microfranchise - a locally managed community railway, bringing railway jobs back to Whitby and providing improved levels of service - in terms of train frequency and comfort, and improved station facilities.

Lawrie Quinn said, "The Parliamentary Group will be visiting the Esk Valley in early September to investigate this important test bed for the future of the UK's social and rural railways".

The project, backed by the Strategic Rail Authority, Network Rail and train operator Arriva will aim to transform the fortunes of the line, which currently has four trains a day in each direction, using twenty-year old 'Pacer' trains.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge of making real improvements to the service and the way it is operated," said Tony, whose previous jobs included managing the re-building of the narrow-gauge Welsh Highland Railway in a multi-million pound Millennium Fund project.

The pilot scheme, backed by the Association of Community-Rail Partnerships (ACoRP), involves addressing infrastructure issues as well as the train services.

"We want to look at ways of bringing a stronger local focus to track, line-side and station maintenance, as well as establishing a local base in Whitby from which to operate the train service," said Neil Buxton, development officer for ACoRP and secretary of the EVRDC. "We also need trains which are appropriate for a line which carries substantial numbers of tourists in the summer and the large numbers of school children to and from Whitby during term time."

The Esk Valley Line is operated by Arriva Trains Northern as part of its franchise with the Strategic Rail Authority. Next year, the line will become part of a new North of England franchise which covers a much bigger area.

"The Esk Valley Railway Development Co. will work with the new franchisee to develop the line as a locally-managed railway under the Northern franchise umbrella," said Neil. "Tony will be the key person in managing a complex matrix of relationships necessary to achieve our vision of a genuine community railway."

The Development Company includes North Yorkshire County Council, the Tees Valley Joint Strategy Unit, North Yorkshire Moors National Park, the North York Moors Railway, Arriva and Whitby Town Council.

It is likely that Tony will be based at Whitby Station, in the innovative 'One Stop Travel Centre', which promotes travel by rail, bus and heritage steam trains on the North York Moors Railway. Funding for his post has come from the Countryside Agency and Yorkshire Forward, through its Market Towns Initiative.

"We're delighted that Tony is joining the company," said company chairman Bill Breakell, transport officer for the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. "He will bring substantial experience to the Esk Valley through his work with West Yorkshire PTE and more recently the Welsh Highland Railway. However, suggestions that Tony plans to convert the Esk Valley Line to 2' gauge are without foundation!"

Notes: For further information contact Lawrie Quinn on pager number 076 4400 6857 Clare Billing on 020 7219 5937. Tony Smare on 0113 235 2150, Neil Buxton on 01947 811800.

22 June 2003

"Cross-cutting" on seaside issues.

Lawrie said,

"Along with Gordon Marsden, MP for Blackpool, I have been instrumental in persuading the Treasury of the importance of this discussion on key aspects of the economy in Coastal Town like Scarborough & Whitby."

"We are expecting representation form the Treasury, The Department of Culture, Media and Sport and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister at the session and we hope to lobby Ministers highlighting the importance of seaside issues and the need for them to be higher up on the Government's Agenda."

19 Jun 2003

Lawrie Quinn MP Welcomes Policy to unite Britain around a Pro-European consensus

Labour puts economic stability and the national economic interest first

Lawrie Quinn MP today welcomed Gordon Brown's announcement on the single currency as a position around which the country could unite.

He said the chancellor's decision showed the government was continuing to put the national economic interest first, making decisions on the basis of what was best for people's jobs and livelihoods in Scarborough & Whitby.

Lawrie said,

"Gordon's announcement puts stability and the national economic interest first ensuring that we do not put at risk our economy or our public services. It is a position around which the country can unite.

"What people here on the East Coast want to know is that major economic decisions like this are being taken in the national economic interest, on the basis of what is best for their jobs, mortgages, prosperity and livelihoods.

"Gordon Brown has said we still have to meet the two tests of sustainable convergence and flexibility. He has announced major reforms, right for Britain's economic interest and right to help meet the five economic tests, a reform agenda on which he believes there is a realistic prospect of making significant progress over the next year."

"Gordon Brown and the treasury have done the most thorough economic analysis that any government has ever undertaken. Cabinet ministers have had a series of meetings with the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to weigh up all the issues. Our government has listened to all of the views and taken into account all of the evidence.

"By contrast, both the other parties have decided their policy on the single currency on dogmatic grounds. The Liberal Democrats would go in tomorrow regardless of the potential benefits and the Conservatives would stay out forever regardless of the potential costs. Only the Labour Party can be trusted to take a long hard look at all of the issues and do what is best for Britain."

"The Government has set out Labour's commitment to and support for the principle of joining the Euro - showing the real benefits to Britain of membership of the single currency.

"I believe that central to Labour's goals of stability, growth and full employment is our membership of the European Union. Just as we benefit from being part of Europe so too will we benefit from an enlarged Europe more integrated into the global economy.

"Since 1997, every economic decision of the Labour Government has been designed to build economic stability and high and sustainable levels of employment and growth. Our decisions - to make the Bank of England independent and cut debt - has meant low inflation, low interest rates and low unemployment. I welcome the fact that this commitment to Britain's economic stability is the foundation of the Labour Government's announcement ."

10 June 2003

Fishery Limits Amendment Bill

On June 4th 2003, Austin Mitchell, MP for Great Grimsby, will ask leave to introduce this Fishery Limits Amendment Bill. This will allow the British Government to manage and control British Fishing waters to the 200 mile limit, or the median line.

Lawrie Quinn, MP for Scarborough & Whitby, says "

I am delighted to have been asked to sponsor this Bill, it is a simple measure to ensure that the European Communities Act of 1972 which makes EU law superior to British, will not apply to the Fishery Limits Act of 1976, which extended British waters to the 200 mile limit"

"Other countries have used this extension of limits to build up their own fishing industries in their own waters, and to provide effective conservation, management and stock rebuilding. Only the national state can do this because it alone has the interest in protecting its fish stocks, to pass them on to future generations of its own fishermen.

Alone amongst the major fishing nations, Britain cannot do this. Sir Edward Heath accepted a Common Fisheries Policy (C.F.P.), cobbled together in anticipation of Britain's Common Market entry, to give the rest of Europe full access to our rich fishing grounds on the principle of "equal access to a common resource". Hardly legal under the treaty, this was nevertheless accepted by Heath in his desperation to get into the Market.

I want Parliament to do justice to the British fishing Industry and compensate it for the years of neglect, by saving Britain's fish and Britain's fishing."

4 June 2003

School Budgets

On 6 May I wrote to every head teacher at every school in Scarborough and Whitby asking them to let me know if they had concerns about budgetary shortfalls or potential job losses.

Yesterday I wrote to the Charles Clarke [copy of letter enclosed], outlining difficulties locally and asking for a meeting with the minister to discuss these issues further.

23 May 2003

Lawrie to speak on sea wall

The New Civil Engineer 20th February, reported,

"a bitter technical dispute over the need for a controversial new wave wall on a Yorkshire promenade continued to rage despite attempts at mediation by the local MP."

Before Lawrie entered Parliament in May 1997 he worked as a Chartered Civil Engineer specialising in bridge structures and geotechnical on the British Rail/ Railtrack system.

Lawrie Quinn says,

" There is a lot of local affection for the Victorian promenade and I am not convinced that local opinion was fully considered before the design was finalised."

13 Mar 2003

MP welcomes new tourism body

Lawrie said

"My work in Parliament as vice chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Tourism Group has convinced me that the need for this new organisation is self evident".

"I know from my contacts with local stakeholders in Scarborough and Whitby who work, day in day out, in the tourism industry that they will be delighted to endorse the Parliamentary Committee's report and principal findings found in the attached briefing".

12 Feb 2003

Fylingdales Meeting

Lawrie said:

"As part of a wider consultation with local people I am attempting to facilitate I am forwarding these notes regarding the concerns of the local community to Parliament's Defence Select Committee as evidence for them to consider in addition to the visit they are making to North Yorkshire today."

"I hope the Committee will make every effort to listen to the voices of local opinion about the future use of the RAF base in Fylingdales. Any Inquiry should allow for the people of Whitby and the Esk Valley, whether they are in favour or against the proposals currently under consideration, to be heard and I was glad to have persuaded Geoff Hoon to visit my constituency to discuss the issues with those local people invited, and able to attend last week"

13 Jan 2003

Litter and Fouling of Land by Dogs Bill

Lawrie Quinn said,

"Many constituents contact me about litter and dog mess in the streets of Scarborough and Whitby, they are sick and tired of this anti social problem and want some thing done to make sure offenders are properly punished for messing up the streets. It is not very pleasant when children arrive at school with dirty shoes and this bill will strengthen the existing law by ensuring local authorities have the incentive and money to prosecute. I am delighted to be asked to sponsor Bob's Bill and work with him to press the government to bring forward this much needed reform as part of it's modernisation of Local Government agenda. "

10 Jan 2003

Safety Laws at top of Parliamentary Agenda for 2003 for Scarborough and Whitby MP.

Lawrie Quinn MP says :

"As a trainee Civil Engineer over 30 years ago I quickly recognised the importance of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to the workplace which employed me before entering Parliament in 1997. This legislation has served working people and the community well over these three decades. I hope to use this early opportunity in Parliament in 2003 to celebrate the Act's achievements by bringing key sections up to date to reflect the realities of today's workplaces through strengthening the penalties against the persons responsible for taking a risk on safety at work."

"My proposed bill will remove the cap on the level of fines for breaches of health and safety laws, currently f20,000 for a range of less 'serious' offences; extend the possible punishment of prison to all breaches of health and safety law currently only breaches of a few sections of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act are punishable by imprisonment; and significantly increase the fine for not having a valid employer liability insurance policy, as required by the 1969 Act."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

How will the Bill improve health and safety?

These measures the proposed Bill were first proposed in the Revitalising health and safety strategy launched in June 2000 by the Deputy P rime Minister and the Health and Safety Commission.

The reason for proposing these changes is the prevailing concern, shared by the TUC and the Insurance Industry, that health and safety offences are treated less seriously than they ought to be by employers and the courts (and ultimately by the wider public). This means that the disincentive to ignore the law is not strong enough, and that contributes to the levelling off of two decades of health and safety improvements in British workplaces.

The measures on imprisonment would bring health and safety law into line with more modem legislation, such as environment and food safety laws. The 1974 Act was introduced well before the development of current thinking on corporate accountability, and was based on the supposition (initially correct) that employers would improve their health and safety standards because of the new law, and would not need high fines to spur them on.

What needs to be done about employer liability insurance?

There is also now an increasing body of evidence that recent increases in employer liability insurance have persuaded some small firms that they would be better off not insuring at all. In my own Constituency work I have been very concerned that small companies have been refused insurance cover or faced excessive increased premium demands from their insurance brokers despite their excellent safety records in several decades of profitable trading.

If such high quality companies break the law in such a fashion then this would have a catastrophic impact on their employees if there is a serious accident- there will be no insurance to pay compensation, and if the damages are large, the victim will be left with nothing. The 1969 Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act was introduced to deal with uninsured employers by making it a criminal offence not to have an employers liability policy, but the penalties (which can be lower than £2,500) have not kept pace with the level of premiums, and some small firms are now in a position where a costs less to be fined than to pay their premiums.

The level of fines needs to be increased so that they represent a real deterrent, I feel it is important for Parliament to act and this debate will inevitably focus on more effective enforcement of the law through more inspectors.

Corporate accountability and real corporate social responsibility

I believe that Parliament also wants to make sure that good employers are supported and helped (and not undercut) and that bad employers are punished. I know from my own workplace experiences that most employers, if the conditions are right, would have good health and safety practices. But the legal framework at present does not do enough to support and encourage good behaviour by punishing bad behaviour effectively.

I hope my ten minute rule bill would be an important contribution to improving that framework.

02 Jan 2003