Session 2013-14
House of Commons
27th January 2014
Notices of Motions for which no days have been fixed
('Early Day Motions')
The figure following this symbol is the number of Members who have added their names in support of the Motion, including the Member in charge of the Motion.
After an Early Day Motion (EDM) has been printed for the first time, it is only reprinted when names are added or amendments tabled; only the first six names and any names added since the last printing are included. After the week in which a Motion is first printed and the following week, added names and amendments appear only in a separate paper, Mature EDMs, distributed the next Thursday. In the meantime, they are available for inspection by Members in the Table Office and the Library or on the EDM database at edmi.parliament.uk
968 BETTER ENERGY CHARGES FOR NOT PAYING BY DIRECT DEBIT 21:1:14
19That this House condemns Better Energy for charging consumers 10 pence more per day for not paying their gas and electric bills by direct debit; notes that 45 per cent of households do not pay their electricity bills by direct debit; further notes that one million British adults do not have a bank account, so paying by direct debit is impossible; recognises that this hits the poorest and most vulnerable people in society the hardest; and calls for the Government and the regulator to review this issue.
969 ATLANTIC CHARGES FOR NOT PAYING BY DIRECT DEBIT 21:1:14
18That this House condemns Atlantic for charging consumers up to £40 per annum per fuel type for not paying their gas and electric bills by direct debit; notes that 45 per cent of households do not pay their electricity bills by direct debit; further notes that one million British adults do not have a bank account, so paying by direct debit is impossible; recognises that this hits the poorest and most vulnerable people in society the hardest; and calls for the Government and the regulator to review this issue.
970 BRITISH GAS CHARGES FOR NOT PAYING BY DIRECT DEBIT 21:1:14
19That this House condemns British Gas for charging consumers an average of £73 extra per annum for not paying their gas and electric bills by direct debit; notes that 45 per cent of households do not pay their electricity bills by direct debit; further notes that one million British adults do not have a bank account, so paying by direct debit is impossible; recognises that this hits the poorest and most vulnerable people in society the hardest; and calls for the Government and the regulator to review this issue.
971 SOCIAL ECONOMY ALLIANCE 21:1:14
15That this House welcomes the Social Economy Alliance, a new voice on the economy, made up of more than 20 respected social and co-operative enterprises, universities, think tanks, social finance and housing associations; recognises that social and economic policy must be mutually reinforcing and that the UK can foster bottom-up economic growth and take advantage of the many innovations the social sector has created; further recognises that social enterprises and co-operatives are outperforming mainstream businesses and that alternative banks have better returns on assets as well as lower volatility and higher growth, and that these organisations are economically successful while having a positive impact on society and the environment; and calls on the Government to ensure much greater alignment between social and economic policy-making to meet the needs of communities around the UK.
975 ADULT AUTISM STRATEGY 22:1:14
15That this House is aware of the forthcoming publication of the revised Adult Autism Strategy; notes that, since the passing of the Autism Act 2009, the implementation of that Act has so far been patchy, with some areas taking the correct steps to reform services, whilst others are significantly lagging behind with the necessary changes; is further aware that the National Autistic Society has highlighted areas of concern yet to be addressed by the relevant Government departments, which includes the introduction of an innovation fund to encourage the development of new and innovative models of provision for people with autism which can be shared by different authorities, and the introduction of a community-based awareness-raising scheme; and calls on the Government to listen to such sound advice that will undoubtedly help the delivery of an autism strategy which is fit for purpose.
976 CONDUCT OF MORTGAGE LENDERS 22:1:14
15That this House condemns mortgage lenders breaching tracker rate mortgage contracts by unilaterally increasing the margin they charge over the Bank of England base rate in order to increase their profit margins and deliberately targeting borrowers where consumer protection law is ambiguous; and calls on the Government to investigate the alleged associated recent activities of the Bank of Ireland and West Bromwich Building Society.
978 GENDER SELECTION ABORTION 22:1:14
12That this House notes the issue of gender selection abortions, particularly in countries where there has traditionally been a male culture; and calls on the Government to ensure that, given the numbers of people in the UK who are either from those countries or have family ties there, that the practice is totally unacceptable, and every step will be taken to ensure that it is not carried out in the UK.
980 WOMEN AND CHILDREN SUFFERING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND THE BENEFIT CAP 22:1:14
8That this House welcomes the petition by Women Against Rape calling on the Government to put the safety of women and children first by lifting the benefit cap so they are not trapped in violent relationships where they risk injury, trauma and even death; deplores that mothers and children fleeing domestic violence are impoverished by the cap after rent is paid, including in social housing, and are sometimes left with nil income; further deplores that even Child Benefit and many refuges and hostels for vulnerable women are not exempted from the cap; notes that many such families are forced to rely on discretionary housing payments from their local council which are temporary and uncertain; considers it unacceptable that local councils be expected to make up for cuts in national social security benefits; further notes that many victims of violence are unable to find a job immediately or to move to a cheaper area, and need time to recover and reassure distressed children, close to supportive friends and relatives; and calls on the Government to lift the cap to protect current and future potential victims of domestic violence.
983 BROWNIES 100th ANNIVERSARY 22:1:14
6That this House congratulates the Brownies on their 100th anniversary year which has just commenced; notes that a quarter of all eight-year-old girls in the UK are in Brownie packs, the section of the Guide movement for those aged eight to 10; recognises that the evolution of the programme of activities enjoyed by Brownies over the decades has kept pace with the needs and aspirations of this age group within what is now known as Girlguiding UK; pays tribute to Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts in 1907 and Girl Guides in 1910, for establishing the Rosebuds in 1914 with the name changed to Brownies the following year; places on record its appreciation to all the uniformed leaders and helpers who have contributed to the success of the Brownies over the last 100 years; and wishes the Brownies continuing success in the years ahead.
985 E.ON ENERGY CHARGES FOR NOT PAYING BY DIRECT DEBIT 22:1:14
7That this House condemns E.ON for charging consumers up to £70 per year for not paying their gas and electricity bills by direct debit; notes that 45 per cent of households do not pay their electricity bills by direct debit; further notes that one million British adults do not have a bank account so paying by direct debit is impossible; recognises that this hits the poorest and most vulnerable people in society the hardest; and calls on the Government and the regulator to review this issue.
986 EDF ENERGY CHARGES FOR NOT PAYING BY DIRECT DEBIT 22:1:14
7That this House condemns EDF Energy for charging consumers up to £74 per year for not paying their gas and electricity bills by direct debt; notes that 45 per cent of households do not pay their electricity bills by direct debit; further notes that one million British adults do not have a bank account so paying by direct debit is impossible; recognises that this hits the poorest and most vulnerable people in society the hardest; and calls on the Government and the regulator to review this issue.
991 NPOWER CHARGES FOR NOT PAYING BY DIRECT DEBIT 24:1:14
6That this House condemns NPower for charging consumers up to £90 extra per annum for not paying their gas and electricity bills by direct debit; notes that 45 per cent of households do not pay their electricity bills by direct debit; further notes that one million British adults do not have a bank account so paying by direct debit is impossible; recognises that this hits the poorest and most vulnerable people in society the hardest; and calls for the Government and the regulator to review this issue.
992 FIRST UTILITY CHARGES FOR NOT PAYING BY DIRECT DEBIT 24:1:14
7That this House condemns First Utility for charging consumers up to £96 extra per annum for not paying their gas and electricity bills by direct debit; notes that 45 per cent of households do not pay their electricity bills by direct debit; further notes that one million British adults do not have a bank account so paying by direct debit is impossible; recognises that this hits the poorest and most vulnerable people in society the hardest; and calls for the Government and the regulator to review this issue.
993 M&S ENERGY CHARGES FOR NOT PAYING BY DIRECT DEBIT 24:1:14
7That this House condemns M&S Energy for charging consumers up to £80 extra per annum for not paying their gas and electricity bills by direct debit; notes that 45 per cent of households do not pay their electricity bills by direct debit; further notes that one million British adults do not have a bank account so paying by direct debit is impossible; recognises that this hits the poorest and most vulnerable people in society the hardest; and calls for the Government and the regulator to review this issue.
994 ALPHA-1 ANTITRYPSIN DEFICIENCY 24:1:14
4That this House is aware that Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) is a rare genetic disorder that most commonly results in lung and liver disease leading to significant disability and early mortality; understands that extensive expertise in Alpha-1 exists within the NHS but that there is considerable variation across the country in patient access to specialists and Alpha-1 therapy; notes that there is currently no care model within the NHS that provides integrated multi-disciplinary management for the unique needs of patients with this complex disease; and believes that this can be best addressed with the establishment of a nationally commissioned highly specialised service for Alpha-1.
995 MESOTHELIOMA 24:1:14
9That this House notes with concern that mesothelioma is an invasive form of lung cancer caused primarily by prior exposure to asbestos; recognises that there is currently no cure for this devastating disease and that mesothelioma patients frequently have a very short life expectancy and experience complex debilitating symptoms; further notes that the UK has the highest rate of the disease in the world and that over the next 30 years more than 50,000 people will die of mesothelioma in the UK unless new treatments are found; believes that investment in research into the causes and potential cures for mesothelioma is desperately needed; pays tribute to the great work of the former hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe and Sale East, the late Paul Goggins, to raise the profile of the need for long-term investment into mesothelioma research; and calls on the Government to facilitate the establishment of a long-term sustainable mesothelioma research scheme funded by the insurance industry.
996 WITHHOLDING OF PUBLIC RECORDS 27:1:14
2That this House demands that more than a million files retained by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at the Hanslope Park communications centre be released to the National Archives; points out that these papers date back 150 years and take in, among other crucial historical events, British involvement in the slave trade, the Crimean War, the Kenya Mau Mau emergency and the Cold War; believes that these papers are crucial to any impartial examination of UK foreign and colonial policy; and urges the Government to agree with the requests of prominent UK scholars to declassify these records and make them available to historians and archivists.
997 US MILITARY BASES IN THE UK 27:1:14
1That this House believes that all foreign military bases in this country should be closed; points out that there are an estimated 10,000 US military personnel stationed in notional RAF bases but effectively under American control; recalls that US forces arrived in Britain in 1942 to help fight Nazi Germany but did not leave on the conclusion of the Second World War in 1945; notes that instead they remained for more than 40 years supposedly to repel invasion from the Soviet Union; further points out that UK troops stationed in Germany as part of a defence force against the USSR are finally being withdrawn; and concludes that there is no case for maintaining foreign military bases to defend this country against a non-existent enemy and that this year's planned renewal of the US-UK defence agreement offers the chance to end this occupation so that the UK can start to have an independent relationship with the rest of the world.
998 BRADFORD'S DYNAMO 27:1:14
1That this House is equally baffled and in awe of the Bradford-born magician and illusionist Steven Frayne, aka Dynamo; notes that he grew up on the Delph Hill estate in the city, born to single mother Nicky Shoesmith, then 16; understands that he was taught the rudiments of magic by his late grandfather Ken; approves of his lifelong support for Bradford City football team; congratulates him on his astounding feats of magic and illusion, including walking on the water across the Thames in front of the Palace of Westminster, something many here may have aspired to but are unlikely to copy; and believes that in his studying of his art, his hard won expertise and self-deprecating manner he has become not only the world's finest illusionist and an inspiration to countless thousands of children but a blazing ambassador for the city which nurtured him.
999 SALE OF PATIENT RECORDS 27:1:14
1That this House condemns plans to sell patient information from the NHS database; points out that the previous attempt to put all records on line failed lamentably; believes that the plan to create a central data bank is designed purely as a resource to sell to researchers and will have no direct contribution to patient care; is deeply concerned that under this proposal researchers can have access to personal identities under certain conditions; demands that if the Government proceeds with this flawed sell-off then patients will have to opt-in rather than opt-out; and concludes yet again that this is yet another example of the betrayal by the Government of NHS values and standards.
1000 CITIZEN ADVICE SCOTLAND'S BIG ENERGY SAVINGS WEEK 27:1:14
3That this House welcomes the third annual Big Energy Savings Week to be held between 27 and 31 January 2014, which will encourage consumers to cut their fuel bills, get the financial support to which they are entitled and to check, switch, insulate; notes that the week is being run in collaboration between Citizens Advice Scotland, Citizens Advice (England and Wales) and citizens advice bureaux across the country; congratulates Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB) across the country for running innovative and outreaching events in their communities, such as North Ayrshire Citizens Advice Service (NACAS), who are providing roadshow events across North Ayrshire to reach out to the public with energy saving tips and ideas; is appalled by the 37 per cent increase in energy prices between October 2010 and November 2013, and believes that this week will provide a valuable opportunity for consumers to find the best deal possible for their individual circumstances; understands the scale of this issue in constituents' lives, with Citizens Advice Scotland research reporting a four per cent increase in clients coming to CAB with energy issues between 2011-12 and 2012-13; encourages consumers to visit www.bigenergysavingsweek.org.uk or their local citizens advice bureau to seek help and advice on energy supply; and supports the effort of the citizen advice service in Scotland to alleviate the scandal of fuel poverty.
1001 MAKE SPECIAL OFFERS SPECIAL 27:1:14
19That this House backs consumer charity Which?'s Make Special Offers Special campaign which draws attention to inaccurate discounts and misleading multibuys in the UK's grocery industry; expresses concern at inaccurate was/now pricing where products are on discount for substantially longer periods than at the higher price; believes it is unacceptable that some grocers increase the price of products when they put them on multibuy offer therefore costing customers more during the multibuy period; further expresses disappointment that Which? has identified poor practice from each of the big four supermarkets; and urges the Government to make its Pricing Practices Guide simpler, clearer and stricter in line with Which?'s recommendations.
1002 130th ANNIVERSARY OF CCHF ALL ABOUT THE KIDS 27:1:14
1That this House congratulates CCHF All About Kids, formerly the Children's Country Holiday Fund, on its 130th anniversary and commends the work of all its volunteers, supporters and donors who provide disadvantaged children with residential activity and respite breaks; notes that the charity has helped over two million children since it was founded; welcomes the contribution it makes to improving the quality of children's lives and in helping them to recognise their potential; and recognises and supports the role of the charity in helping to transform the lives of vulnerable young children by helping them to become more confident, positive and self-sufficient.
1003 10th ANNIVERSARY OF MORECAMBE BAY COCKLE PICKER TRAGEDY 27:1:14
21That this House commemorates the 10th anniversary of the death of 23 Chinese cockle pickers at Morecambe Bay; recognises that their death was a dominant factor in the creation of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority; but is disappointed that the opportunity to extend the remit of the Authority into other sectors has to date been rejected.
As an Amendment to Jim Sheridan's proposed Motion (10th Anniversary Of Morecambe Bay Cockle Picker Tragedy):
1Line4, at end add 'that the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is currently working with the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) to ensure that the GLA bears down on abuse to protect vulnerable workers while working effectively in a business-friendly manner to reduce the burden of red tape for bona fide businesses; notes that in 2012 a byelaw came into force in Morecambe Bay which states that no person shall gather cockles or mussels without possession of a full gathering permit; and further notes that the Government is currently working with the North West Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority in drafting a hybrid order under the Shellfish Act 1968 which will regulate access to specific portions of Morecambe Bay.'. 27:1:14(a1)
1004 DOLPHIN HUNTING IN JAPAN 27:1:14
1That this House condemns the recent slaughter of over 40 wild dolphins in Taiji, on Japan's Pacific coast; notes with concern the capture of a further 52 dolphins for sale to aquariums and other customers including a rare albino dolphin calf, separated from its mother and now kept in captivity in Taiji Whale Museum; further notes with alarm the Japanese government's continued support for the practice by issuing quotas for the killing of over 20,000 dolphins, whales and porpoises in its coastal waters every year, despite the International Whaling Commission's moratorium on commercial whaling; deplores the inhumane slaughtering method of severing the dolphin's spinal cord with a metal spike; is further concerned that the practice of dolphin hunting may be driving some populations to extinction; is alarmed by the high levels of mercury and other toxins found in dolphin, whale and propoise food products, with reports suggesting dolphin meat is up to 5,000 times more toxic than levels allowed by the World Health Organisation; welcomes the statements made by the US Ambassador to Japan and the British Ambassador to Japan, Timothy Hitchens, opposing all forms of dolphin and porpoise drives; calls on the Taiji Whale Museum to release the albino dolphin calf from captivity; and calls on the Government to continue to raise the issue with the Japanese government at the highest level.
1005 SAINSBURY'S ENERGY CHARGES FOR NOT PAYING BY DIRECT DEBIT 27:1:14
1That this House condemns Sainsbury's Energy for charging consumers an average of £73 per annum for not paying their gas and electricity bills by direct debit; notes that 45 per cent of households do not pay their electricity bills by direct debit; further notes that one million British adults do not have a bank account, so paying by direct debit is impossible; recognises that this hits the poorest and most vulnerable people in society the hardest; and calls for the Government and the Regulator to review this issue.
1006 SCOTTISH HYDRO CHARGES FOR NOT PAYING BY DIRECT DEBIT 27:1:14
1That this House condemns Scottish Hydro for charging consumers up to £80 per annum for not paying their gas and electricity bills by direct debit; notes that 45 per cent of households do not pay their electricity bills by direct debit; further notes that one million British adults do not have a bank account so paying by direct debit is impossible; recognises that this hits the poorest and most vulnerable people in society the hardest; and calls for the Government and the Regulator to review this issue.
1007 POWER NI CHARGES FOR NOT PAYING BY DIRECT DEBIT 27:1:14
2That this House condemns Power NI for charging consumers up to £40 per annum for not paying their gas and electricity bills by direct debit; notes that 45 per cent of households do not pay their electricity bills by direct debit; further notes that one million British adults do not have a bank account so paying by direct debit is impossible; recognises that this hits the poorest and most vulnerable people in society the hardest; and calls for the Government and the Regulator to review this issue.