Five short debates in the Lords

On Thursday 10 May there were five short debates. These took place in the Moses Room, a room outside the Lords chamber used to host extra work. Any member could attend and participate, as with debates in the Lords chamber.

The debates covered a range of subjects, including the welfare of domestic animals, scrap metal dealers, developments in Myanmar, the Equality and Human Rights Commission and eradicating health inequalities.

Each debate lasted for approximately one hour.

Welfare of domestic animals

This debate was proposed by Lord Black of Brentwood (Conservative), vice-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Cats.

The debate asked the government what action is being taken to promote and improve the welfare of domestic animals.

Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Conservative), parliamentary under-secretary in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, responded on behalf of the government.

Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013

This debate was proposed by Lord Faulkner of Worcester (Labour), former public relations officer for the Construction Industry Training Board.

The debate looked at outcomes of the government's review of Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2003.

Baroness Williams of Trafford (Conservative), minister of state in the Home Office, responded on behalf of the government.

Developments in Myanmar

This debate was proposed by Baroness Anelay of St Johns (Conservative), former minister of state in the Department for International Development.

This debate considered the government's assessment of recent developments in Myanmar.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative), minister of state in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, responded on behalf of the government.

Equality and Human Rights Commission

This debate was proposed by Lord Shinkwin (Conservative), former commissioner of the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

This debate discussed the case for appointing a disability commissioner to the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Baroness Williams of Trafford (Conservative), minister of state in the Home Office, responded on behalf of the government.

Eradicating health inequalities

This debate was proposed by Lord Touhig (Labour), vice-president of the National Autistic Society.

The debate looked at what steps the government is taking to eradicate health inequalities for autistic people and people with learning disabilities.

Lord O'Shaughnessy (Conservative), parliamentary under-secretary in the Department for Health and Social Care, responded on behalf of the government.

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