Order of Business Tuesday 26 June 2012

+ indicates Government business.
Timings are indicative only.

House of Commons

Order of Business

At 2.30 pm Prayers

Afterwards

Private Business

Note: Private Business is not debated at this time, and may not be proceeded with if opposed.

The Chairman of Ways and Means

London Local Authorities and Transport for London (No. 2) Bill [Lords]: That the promoters of the London Local Authorities and Transport for London (No. 2) Bill [Lords], which was originally introduced in the House of Lords in Session 2007–08 on 22 January 2008, may have leave to proceed with the Bill in the current Session according to the provisions of Standing Order 188B (Revival of bills).

The Chairman of Ways and Means

Canterbury City Council Bill: That so much of the Lords Message [21 May] as relates to the Canterbury City Council Bill be now considered.

That the promoters of the Canterbury City Council Bill, which was originally introduced in this House in Session 2007–08 on 22 January 2008, should have leave to proceed with the Bill in the current Session according to the provisions of Standing Order 188B (Revival of bills).

The Chairman of Ways and Means

Leeds City Council Bill: That so much of the Lords Message [21 May] as relates to the Leeds City Council Bill be now considered.

That the promoters of the Leeds City Council Bill, which was originally introduced in this House in Session 2007–08 on 22 January 2008, should have leave to proceed with the Bill in the current Session according to the provisions of Standing Order 188B (Revival of bills).

The Chairman of Ways and Means

Nottingham City Council Bill: That so much of the Lords Message [21 May] as relates to the Nottingham City Council Bill be now considered.

That the promoters of the Nottingham City Council Bill, which was originally introduced in this House in Session 2007–08 on 22 January 2008, should have leave to proceed with the Bill in the current Session according to the provisions of Standing Order 188B (Revival of bills).

The Chairman of Ways and Means

Reading Borough Council Bill: That so much of the Lords Message [21 May] as relates to the Reading Borough Council Bill be now considered.

That the promoters of the Reading Borough Council Bill, which was originally introduced in this House in Session 2007–08 on 22 January 2008, should have leave to proceed with the Bill in the current Session according to the provisions of Standing Order 188B (Revival of bills).

The Chairman of Ways and Means

City of London (Various Powers) Bill [Lords]: That so much of the Lords Message [21 May] as relates to the City of London (Various Powers) Bill [Lords] be now considered.

That this House concurs with the Lords in their Resolution.

The Chairman of Ways and Means

Transport for London Bill [Lords]: That so much of the Lords Message [21 May] as relates to the Transport for London Bill [Lords] be now considered.

That this House concurs with the Lords in their Resolution.

Afterwards

Notes:   indicates a question for oral answer.

[R] indicates that the Member has declared a relevant interest.

Questions for oral answer not reached receive a written answer

Supplementary questions will also be asked. Other Ministers may also answer.

Oral Questions to Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer

 1 Teresa Pearce (Erith and Thamesmead): When he expects to publish the consultation document on tackling excessive card surcharges. (113577)

 2 Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire): What estimate he has made of the proportion of the money issued through quantitative easing which has been used by banks to pay off their debts. (113578)

 3 Stephen Timms (East Ham): What recent estimate he has made of the level of economic growth in 2012. (113579)

 4 Jessica Morden (Newport East): What progress he has made on his consultation on regional pay for public sector workers; and if he will make a statement. (113580)

 5 Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth): What recent steps he has taken to reduce the cost of living. (113581)

 6 Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish): What assessment he has made of the performance of the economy in the last 18 months. (113582)

 7 Mr David Nuttall (Bury North): What recent assessment he has made of the effect of EU regulations on economic growth. (113583)

 8 Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton): When he expects to publish the consultation document on tackling excessive card surcharges. (113584)

 9 Damian Collins (Folkestone and Hythe): What recent steps he has taken to encourage economic growth. (113585)

 10 Roberta Blackman-Woods (City of Durham): If he will discuss with his Ministerial colleagues bringing forward the timing of public infrastructure investment in order to encourage economic growth. (113586)

 11 Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East): What recent steps he has taken to increase bank lending to small businesses. (113587)

 12 Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway): What assessment he has made of the effect of the Government's fiscal policies on the level of child poverty. (113588)

 13 Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering): What assessment he has made of the effect on economic growth of increases to fuel duty. (113589)

 14 Chris Evans (Islwyn): What the average waiting time for calls to HM Revenue and Customs helplines was in (a) the last 12 months and (b) the previous 12 months. (113590)

 15 Chi Onwurah (Newcastle Upon Tyne Central): What representations he has received on the treatment of different savoury products for the purposes of levying VAT. (113591)

 16 Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West): What recent estimate he has made of the effects of his fiscal policies on the rate of growth in output. (113594)

 17 Guy Opperman (Hexham): What steps he is taking to make it easier to set up local community banks. (113595)

 18 Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark): What steps he is taking to reduce tax avoidance and tax evasion. (113596)

 19 Chris Williamson (Derby North): What recent estimate he has made of the level of economic growth in 2012. (113597)

 20 David Rutley (Macclesfield): What steps the Government is taking to limit the effect on the UK of the financial crisis in the Eurozone. (113598)

 21 Matthew Hancock (West Suffolk): What recent steps hehas taken to increase bank lending to small businesses. (113599)

 22 Damian Hinds (East Hampshire): What recent steps he has taken to encourage economic growth. (113600)

 23 Michael Fallon (Sevenoaks): What recent progress he has made in reducing the public sector deficit. (113601)

At 3.15 pm

Topical Questions to Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer

The Members listed below have been selected by ballot to ask a Topical Question.

 T1 David Morris (Morecambe and Lunesdale): If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. (113602)

 T2 Jim McGovern (Dundee West):  (113603)

 T3 Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover):  (113604)

 T4 Jessica Lee (Erewash):  (113605)

 T5 Mr David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford):  (113606)

 T6 Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay):  (113607)

 T7 Andrew George (St Ives):  (113608)

 T8 Sir Tony Baldry (Banbury):  (113609)

 T9 Mr Dominic Raab (Esher and Walton):  (113610)

 T10 Gemma Doyle (West Dunbartonshire):  (113611)

At 3.30 pm Urgent Questions (if any)

Ministerial Statements (if any)

Main Business

1 OPPOSITION DAY (3rd allotted day) [Until 10.00 pm]

GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED CHANGES TO GCSES

Edward Miliband

Stephen Twigg

Mr Chuka Umunna

Ms Angela Eagle

Kevin Brennan

Ms Rosie Winterton

That this House notes the forthcoming consultation on the restructuring of the secondary education system; further notes the proposals reported in the press on Thursday 21 June of Government plans for replacing GCSEs with an O-Level and CSE system; believes that these proposals could, in the words of the Deputy Prime Minister, ‘lead to a two tier system where children at quite a young age are somehow cast on a scrap heap’; and calls on the Government to ensure any proposal for changes to the secondary education system are subject to approval by the House.

As an Amendment to Edward Miliband’s proposed Motion (Government’s proposed changes to GCSEs):

The Prime Minister

The Deputy Prime Minister

Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer

Secretary Michael Gove

Secretary Vince Cable

Mr Nick Gibb

(a)

Line 1, leave out from ‘House’ to end and add ‘notes the forthcoming consultation on the secondary school qualifications and curriculum framework; welcomes the opportunity to address the weaknesses of the system introduced by the previous Administration, which undermined confidence in standards, increased inequality and led to a reduction in the take-up of core subjects such as modern languages, history, geography and the sciences; and calls for proposals which are approved by Parliament and which are based on the principles of high standards for all, greater curriculum freedom, and a qualifications and curriculum framework which supports and stretches every child and which boosts social mobility’.

DEFENCE REFORM

Edward Miliband

Mr Kevan Jones

Mr Douglas Alexander

Mr Chuka Umunna

Gemma Doyle

Ms Rosie Winterton

That this House recognises the need for defence reform; notes with concern the speed and depth of redundancies and the threat to historic regiments and battalions; supports the armed forces covenant but is anxious about the implications of changes to Service pensions and allowances and the effect of these and other measures on morale; further recognises the necessity of an advanced equipment programme but is worried about capability gaps, notably carrier strike; calls on the Government to end disadvantage and discrimination against the Service community in order to strengthen the covenant; and further calls on the Government to reassess the assumptions on which the Strategic Defence and Security Review was based.

The selection of the matters to be debated this day has been made by the Leader of the Opposition (Standing Order No. 14(2)).

Debate may continue until 10.00 pm.

† indicates Government Business

† 2 COMPANIES [No debate]

Secretary Vince Cable

That the draft Statutory Auditors (Amendment of Companies Act 2006 and Delegation of Functions etc) Order 2012, which was laid before this House on 15 May, be approved.

To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 118(6)).

† 3 EUROPEAN SEMESTER IN THE UK [No debate]

Mr Mark Hoban

That the Committee takes note of European Union Documents No. 10834/12, relating to the Commission Communication: Action for stability, growth and jobs; No. 10557/12 and Addendum, relating to the draft Council Recommendation on the United Kingdom’s 2012 national reform programme and delivering a Council opinion on the United Kingdom’s convergence programme for 2012–2017; and No. 10846/12, relating to a Commission Staff Working Document: In depth review for the United Kingdom in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No. 1176/2011 on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances; welcomes the Commission’s support for the Government’s efforts to reduce the deficit and set the public finances on a sustainable path, which is consistent with the conclusions reached by the IMF and the OECD in their recent reviews of the UK economy; takes note of the Commission’s efforts to address timing difficulties with the European Semester; welcomes the Government’s approach to promoting growth domestically and at EU level; and welcomes the Government’s policy of securing assurances that the UK cannot be subject to sanctions in respect of the Stability and Growth Pact or the new Macroeconomic Imbalances Procedure [4th Report of Session 2012-13, HC 86-iv, Chapter 3].

To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 119(11)).

† 4 WELSH GRAND COMMITTEE [No debate after 10.00 pm]

Sir George Young

Secretary Cheryl Gillan

Mr David Jones

That-

(1) the Green Paper on future electoral arrangements for the National Assembly for Wales be referred to the Welsh Grand Committee for its consideration;

(2) the Committee shall meet at Westminster on Monday 2 July at 11.30 am and 4.00 pm to consider-

(a) a Ministerial statement by the Secretary of State for Wales, proceeded with under Standing Order No. 105 (Welsh Grand Committee (ministerial statements));

(b) the matter referred to it under paragraph (1) above; and

(3) the Chair shall interrupt proceedings at the afternoon sitting not later than two hours after their commencement at that sitting.

If opposed, this item cannot be taken after 10.00 pm.

At the end of the sitting:

5 PRESENTATION OF PUBLIC PETITION [No debate]

Housing benefit (York) (Hugh Bayley)

Presentation of petitions: no debate or decision (Standing Order No. 153).

6 ADJOURNMENT

Proposed subject: Decent homes programme in Nottingham (Lilian Greenwood).

Debate may continue until 10.30 pm or for half an hour, whichever is later (Standing Order No. 9).

COMMITTEES

PUBLIC BILL COMMITTEES

Further to consider the Bill.

To consider the Bill.

Further to consider the Bill

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE

To consider a proposed draft Directive, deposited on 6 December 2011 by the Ministry of Justice, establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and repealing Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA.

DELEGATED LEGISLATION COMMITTEES

To consider the draft British Waterways Board (Transfer of Functions) Order 2012 and the draft Inland Waterways Advisory Council (Abolition) Order 2012.

To consider the draft Police and Crime Commissioner Elections (Functions of Returning Officers) Regulations 2012 and the draft Police and Crime Commissioner Elections Order 2012.

SELECT COMMITTEES

Subject: Student visas: follow-up.

Witnesses: Institute of Directors and Universities UK; Damian Green MP, Minister for Immigration, Home Office (at 10.30 am).

Subject: Bank of England May 2012 Quarterly Inflation Report.

Witnesses: Sir Mervyn King, Governor, Spencer Dale, Chief Economist, and Professor David Miles and Dr Ben Broadbent, members of the Monetary Policy Committee, Bank of England.

Subject: Draft Energy Bill.

Witnesses: Nick Winser, Executive Director UK, and Mark Ripley, Project Director, Electricity Market Reform, National Grid.

Subject: (i) Role and future of the Commonwealth; (ii) Future of the European Union: UK Government policy.

Witnesses: (i) Rt Hon Sir Malcolm Rifkind QC MP, Member, Eminent Persons Group; (ii) Sir Howard Davies, Professor of Practice, Paris Institute of Political Studies (at 11.30 am).

Subject: Social care.

Witnesses: Dr Peter Melton, Accountable Officer, and Geoff Lake, Adult Social Care Strategic Advisor, North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus; Geoff Alltimes CBE, Chair, Local Government Health Transition Task Group, and Andrew Cozens CBE, Associate, Local Government Association (at 11.45 am).

Subject: Work of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact.

Witnesses: Graham Ward, Chief Commissioner, and Mark Foster, Commissioner, Independent Commission for Aid Impact; Mark Lowcock, Permanent Secretary, Joy Hutcheon, Director General, Country Programmes, and Mark Bowman, Director General, Humanitarian, Security and Conflict, Department for International Development (at 11.45 am).

Subject: Role of the head of the Civil Service: six months on.

Witness: Sir Bob Kerslake, Head of the Civil Service.

Subject: Rail 2020.

Witnesses: Christian Wolmar, railway author and broadcaster, Nigel Harris, Managing Editor, Rail Magazine, and John Nelson, Chairman, First Class Partnerships Limited; Tom Smith, Chairman, Association of Train Operating Companies, James Colman, Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Gatwick Airport, and Ian Yeowart, Managing Director, Alliance Rail Holdings (at 10.45 am); Tim Shoveller, Managing Director, South West Trains, Network Rail, and Peter Anderson, Managing Director, Balfour Beatty Rail (at 11.30 am).

Subject: Pre-appointment Hearing for HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary.

Witnesses: Nick Herbert MP, Minister of State for Police and Criminal Justice, Home Office; Tom Winsor, Government’s preferred candidate for Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary (at 11.45 am).

Subject: Proposals for backbench business.

Witness: Members of Parliament.

Subject: Securing the future of Afghanistan.

Witnesses: Robert Fox, Defence Correspondent, Evening Standard, and Francis Tusa, defence journalist.

Subject: Draft Energy Bill.

Witnesses: Rt Hon Edward Davey MP, Secretary of State, Charles Hendry MP, Minister of State, Jonathan Brearley, Director, Energy Markets and Infrastructure, Simon Virley, Director General, Energy Markets and Infrastructure, and Kathryn Wood, Bill Team Manager, Department of Energy and Climate Change.

JOINT COMMITTEE

Subject: The Justice and Security Bill.

Witnesses: Martin Chamberlain, Special Advocate, Angus McCullough QC, Special Advocate, and Ben Jaffey, Barrister, Blackstone Chambers.

[The decision of a Committee to sit in public may be rescinded without notice.]

PUBLICATION OF SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS

The Armed Forces Covenant in Action? Part 2: Accommodation (Second Report).

(Third Report).

Annual Report 2011-12.

The Responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Education.

Written Ministerial Statements to be made today

1Deputy Prime Minister: McKay Commission–Resignation of a Commissioner.

2Secretary of State for Health: Concordat and moratorium on genetics and insurance.

3Secretary of State for the Home Department: National Fraud Authority Annual Report and Accounts 2011-12.

4Secretary of State for Transport: Aviation security.

5Secretary of State for Transport: Further boost for cycle safety.