Votes and Proceedings

House of Commons

Session 1999-2000
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House of Commons Votes and Proceedings
Tuesday 14th March 2000

The House met at half-past Two o'clock.

PRAYERS.

1 City of Newcastle upon Tyne Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Third Reading of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne Bill [Lords];

    Ordered, That the Bill be read the third time on Tuesday 21st March.

2 Greenham and Crookham Commons Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Greenham and Crookham Commons Bill;

    Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Tuesday 21st March.

3 Deregulation Committee,—Mr Peter L. Pike reported from the Deregulation Committee the following Resolution:

    That, in respect of the proposal for the Deregulation (Sunday Dancing and Licensing) Order 2000, which was laid before this House on 17th January, the proposal should be amended before a draft Order is laid before the House.

4 Armed Forces Discipline Bill [Lords],—Mr Joe Benton reported from Standing Committee D, That it had gone through the Armed Forces Discipline Bill [Lords], and made an Amendment thereunto.

    Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 89].

    Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 343].

5 Sea Fishing Grants (Charges) Bill,—Mr Mike Hancock reported from Standing Committee G, That it had gone through the Sea Fishing Grants (Charges) Bill, and directed him to report the same, without Amendment.

    Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow.

    Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 340].

6 Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

    Census (Amendment) Bill [Lords]—The Lords have passed a Bill to amend the Census Act 1920 to enable particulars to be required in respect of religion: to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

7 Dangerous People with Severe Personality Disorder,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the law with respect to the assessment and detention of dangerous people with severe personality disorder: And that Mr John Heppell, Mr Vernon Coaker, Jane Griffiths, Mr Nigel Griffiths, Mr Stephen McCabe, Siobhain McDonagh, Mr Ian Pearson, Bridget Prentice, Mr Terry Rooney, David Taylor, Mr Dave Watts and Mr Phil Woolas do prepare and bring it in.

8 Dangerous People with Severe Personality Disorder Bill,—Mr John Heppell accordingly presented a Bill to amend the law with respect to the assessment and detention of dangerous people with severe personality disorder: And the same was read the first time and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 21st July; and to be printed [Bill 88].

9 Supplementary Vote on Account 2000-01,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That, at this day's sitting, Standing Order No. 55 (Questions on voting of estimates, &c.) shall apply as if the words '(aa) supplementary votes on account for the coming financial year;' were inserted after line 21—(Mr Tony McNulty);

    The House divided.

    Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Kevin Hughes: 320.

    Tellers for the Noes, Mr Eric Forth, Mr David Wilshire: 16.

    So the Question was agreed to.

    Ordered, That, at this day's sitting, Standing Order No. 55 (Questions on voting of estimates, &c.) shall apply as if the words '(aa) supplementary votes on account for the coming financial year;' were inserted after line 21.

10 Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded further to consider the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill, as amended in the Committee and in the Standing Committee.

    Another Amendment (No. 152) proposed to the Bill, in page 40, line 15, to leave out Clause 63.—(Mr Robert Walter.)

    Question put, That the Amendment be made.

    The House divided.

    Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Stephen Day: 177.

    Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Clelland, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe: 295.

    Other Amendments (Nos. 24, 97 to 104 and 137) made to the Bill.

    Another Amendment (No. 147) proposed to the Bill, in page 120, line 30, at the end, to add the words—

    '(f) any legal or other professional expenses incurred in respect of, or in connection with, any requirement in this Act.'.—(Mr Dominic Grieve.)

    Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

    Other Amendments (Nos. 25 to 36, 135, 37 to 45, 45A, 46 to 48, 105 to 108, 49 to 63, 109, 64, 110 and 65 to 68) made to the Bill.

    Another Amendment (No. 182) proposed to the Bill, in page 69, line 11, to leave out Clause 111.—(Sir George Young.)

    Question put, That the Amendment be made.

    The House divided.

    Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Stephen Day: 139.

    Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Jamieson, Jim Dowd: 315.

    Other Amendments (Nos. 111 to 113, 69 and 70) made to the Bill.

    Another Amendment (No. 154) proposed to the Bill, in page 72, line 41, to leave out the word 'relevant' and to insert the word 'referendum'.—(Mr Nigel Evans.)

    Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave withdrawn.

    Another Amendment (No. 146) proposed to the Bill, in page 75, line 17, to leave out Clause 122.—(Sir Patrick Cormack.)

    Question put, That the Amendment be made.

    The House divided.

    Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Peter Atkinson: 164.

    Tellers for the Noes, Jim Dowd, Mr David Jamieson: 290.

    Other Amendments (Nos. 114 to 117, 71, 118 to 123) made to the Bill.

    Another Amendment (No. 1) proposed to the Bill, in page 160, line 30, at the end, to insert the words—

    '7A.—(1) Section 106 (false statements as to candidates) shall be amended as follows.

    (2) In subsection (1) after the words "character or conduct" there shall be inserted the words "or fails to take reasonable steps to withdraw from circulation and public availability a false statement previously made or published".

    (3) After subsection (1) there shall be inserted—

    "(1A) For the avoidance of doubt, a person who makes or publishes a statement on the Internet or by other electronic means, or who causes a statement to be so made or published, makes or publishes a statement for purposes of this subsection; and a person who fails to remove or cause the removal of a statement from the Internet shall be regarded as having failed, for the purposes of this subsection, to take reasonable steps to withdraw that statement from circulation and public availability.".'—(Dr Julian Lewis.)

    Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

    Another Amendment (No. 145) proposed to the Bill, in page 82, line 5, at the end, to insert the words 'and in the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986'.—(Mr Robert Walter.)

    Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

    Other Amendments (Nos. 72 to 79, 124, 80 to 83, and 125 to 134) made to the Bill.

    The Bill was read the third time, and passed.

11 Estimates,—It being Ten o'clock, the Deputy Speaker put the Questions required to be put by Standing Order No. 55 (Questions on voting of estimates, &c.) and Order (this day).

Estimates, 2000-01 (Navy) Vote A

    Resolved, That during the year ending on 31st March 2001 a number not exceeding 47,345 all ranks be maintained for Naval Service, a number not exceeding 17,148 for Service in the Reserve Naval and Marine Forces, and a number not exceeding 200 for Service as Special Members of the Reserve Naval Forces under Part V of the Reserve Forces Act 1996.

Estimates, 2000-01 (Army) Vote A

    Resolved, That during the year ending on 31st March 2001 a number not exceeding 128,235 all ranks be maintained for Army Service, a number not exceeding 84,295 for Service in the Reserve Land Forces, and a number not exceeding 6,000 for Service as Special Members of the Reserve Land Forces under Part V of the Reserve Forces Act 1996.

Estimates, 2000-01 (Air) Vote A

    Resolved, That during the year ending on 31st March 2001 a number not exceeding 57,450 all ranks be maintained for the Air Force Service, a number not exceeding 26,000 for Service in the Reserve Air Forces, and a number not exceeding 430 for Service as Special Members of the Reserve Air Forces under Part V of the Reserve Forces Act 1996.

Estimates, Excesses, 1998-99

    Resolved, That a sum not exceeding £37,847,584.45 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to make good excesses of certain grants for Defence and Civil Services for the year ended on 31st March 1999, as set out in House of Commons Paper No. 276.

Supplementary Estimates, 1999-2000

    Resolved, That a further supplementary sum not exceeding £2,510,712,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to complete or defray the charges for Defence and Civil Services for the year ending on 31st March 2000, as set out in House of Commons Papers Nos. 242, 243 and 275.

Estimates, 2000-01 (Vote on Account)

    Resolved, That a further sum, not exceeding £1,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund, on account, for or towards defraying the charges for Civil and Defence Services for the year ending on 31st March 2001, as set out in House of Commons Paper No. 244.

    Ordered, That a Bill be brought in upon the foregoing Resolutions relating to Estimates, Excesses, Supplementary Estimates and Estimates (Vote on Account): And that the Chairman of Ways and Means, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Andrew Smith, Dawn Primarolo, Mr Stephen Timms and Miss Melanie Johnson do prepare and bring it in.

12 Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Bill,—Mr Stephen Timms accordingly presented a Bill to apply certain sums out of the Consolidated Fund to the service of the years ending on 31st March 1999, 2000 and 2001.

    And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 86].

13 London Government,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Greater London Authority Elections (Expenses) Order 2000, which was laid before this House on 28th February, be approved—(Mr Don Touhig):—It was agreed to.

14 Constitutional Law,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Scotland Act 1998 (Cross-Border Public Authorities) (Forestry Commissioners) Order 2000, which was laid before this House on 22nd February, be approved—(Mr Don Touhig):—It was agreed to.

15 Public Petitions,—A Public Petition for residents of Shropshire against the closure of the Lloyds TSB bank in Pontesbury was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

16 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Greg Pope.)

    And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-eight minutes past Ten o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 10.28 pm.

Betty Boothroyd
Speaker

Madam Speaker will take the Chair at half-past Two o'clock.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1 Legal Aid and Advice,—(1) Legal Advice and Assistance (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (S.R. (N.I.), 2000, No. 81),

    (2) Legal Advice and Assistance (Financial Conditions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (S.R. (N.I.), 2000, No. 80), and

    (3) Legal Aid (Financial Conditions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (S.R. (N.I.), 2000, No. 79),

dated 14th March 2000 [by Statutory Instrument] [Mr David Lock].

2 Social Security,—Social Security Contributions (Notional Payment of Primary Class 1 Contribution) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 747), dated 13th March 2000 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

3 Social Security (Northern Ireland),—Social Security Contributions (Notional Payment of Primary Class 1 Contribution) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 748), dated 14th March 2000 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

Other Papers:

4 Audit (Northern Ireland),—Reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland on University of Ulster: Senior Officers' Expenses; Energy Efficiency in the Education Sector; and Management of Richmond Chambers [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 288] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

5 Defence,—Ministry of Defence Minute, dated 14th March 2000, concerning a contingent liability consequent upon the proposed granting of indemnities to AWE Management Limited [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hoon].

6 Industrial Organisation and Development,—Report and Accounts of the Apple and Pear Research Council for 1998-99 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

7 National Health Service,—(1) Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 3rd March 2000 on loans proposed to be raised by—

    (i) Addenbrokes National Health Service Trust,

    (ii) Bassetlaw Hospital and Community Services National Health Service Trust,

    (iii) Central Nottinghamshire Healthcare National Health Service Trust,

    (iv) Dorset Healthcare National Health Service Trust,

    (v) East Gloucestershire National Health Service Trust,

    (vi) Epsom and St. Helier National Health Service Trust,

    (vii) Hastings and Rother National Health Service Trust,

    (viii) Leeds Community and Mental Health Services National Health Service Trust,

    (ix) Loddon National Health Service Trust,

    (x) Portsmouth Healthcare National Health Service Trust,

    (xi) Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals National Health Service Trust,

    (xii) Southampton Community Health Services National Health Service Trust, and

    (xiii) Weston Area National Health Service Trust

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn];

    (2) Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 6th March 2000 on loans proposed to be raised by—

    (i) Community Health Care Services North Derbyshire National Health Service Trust,

    (ii) Harrogate Healthcare National Health Service Trust,

    (iii) Leicestershire & Rutland Healthcare National Health Service Trust,

    (iv) Northern General Hospital National Health Service Trust, and

    (v) Tees and North East Yorkshire National Health Service Trust

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn]; and

    (3) Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 7th March 2000 on loans proposed to be raised by—

    (i) Plymouth Hospitals National Health Service Trust,

    (ii) Poole Hospital National Health Service Trust,

    (iii) Southampton University Hospitals National Health Service Trust,

    (iv) South Buckinghamshire National Health Service Trust, and

    (v) South Devon Healthcare National Health Service Trust

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn].

8 Reserve Forces,—Report under section 56(7) of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 on the making of a call-out order under section 56(1) of that Act [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Draft Community Legal Service (Cost Protection) Regulations 2000, the draft Community Legal Service (Scope) Regulations 2000 and the Funding Code prepared by the Legal Services Commission in accordance with section 8 of the Access to Justice Act 1999 and as first approved by the Lord Chancellor in accordance with section 9(4) of that Act,—The Speaker has appointed Mr George Stevenson an additional Chairman of the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Regulations and Code.

2 Draft Official Listing of Securities (Change of Competent Authority) Regulations 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Robert N. Wareing from the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution of Mr Barry Gardiner.

3 Draft Contracting Out (Functions relating to Social Security) Order 2000, and the draft Social Security (Work-focused Interviews) Regulations 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Tony Banks and Mr Barry Gardiner from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order and draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Tessa Jowell and Mr Robert N. Wareing.

4 Draft Water Undertakers (Rateable Value) (England) Order 2000, the draft Railways (Rateable Values) (England) Order 2000, the draft Non-Domestic Rating (Chargeable Amounts) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2000, the draft Gas Industry (Rateable Values) (England) Order 2000, the draft Energy from Waste Plants (Rateable Values) (England) Order 2000, the draft Docks and Harbours (Rateable Values) (England) Order 2000, and the draft Electricity Supply Industry (Rateable Values) (England) Order 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ms Sally Keeble and Mr Gerry Sutcliffe from the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Orders and draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Jim Dowd and Mr Terry Rooney.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Libraries]; to be printed [No. 241-iii] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].

2 Deregulation,—First Report from the Deregulation Committee [Proposal for the Deregulation (Sunday Dancing and Licensing) Order 2000]; to be printed with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 334] [Mr Peter L. Pike].

3 Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Town and Country Parks]; to be printed [No. 333-i] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].

4 Environmental Audit,—Fifth Report from the Environmental Audit Committee [The Greening Government Initiative: First Annual Report from the Green Ministers' Committee], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 341] [Mr John Horam].

5 International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [Mozambique]; to be printed [No. 326-i] [Mr Bowen Wells].

6 Standards and Privileges,—Seventh Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges [Complaint against Mr Ken Livingstone], with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 342] [Mr Alan Williams].

7 Statutory Instruments,—Thirteenth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 47-xiii] [Mr David Tredinnick].

8 Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [UK Space Policy]; to be printed [No. 335-i] [Mr Martin O'Neill].

9 Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [The Financial Services Authority]; to be printed [No. 336-i] [Mr Giles Radice].

CORRIGENDUM

In the Votes and Proceedings of 13th March 2000, the following should have appeared as an item in Appendix III:

Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Fifth Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [The UK Climate Change Programme], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [Nos. 194-I and -II] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].

Supplement to the Votes and Proceedings
Minutes of Proceedings of the Sitting in Westminster Hall
[pursuant to the Order of 24th May 2999]

The sitting commenced at Ten o'clock.

1 Adjournment,—Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Jim Dowd);

    And it being One o'clock, the sitting was adjourned without Question put, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 1.00 p.m.

Sir Alan Haselhurst
Deputy Speaker

The House met at half-past Two o'clock.
PRAYERS.
1	City of Newcastle upon Tyne Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Third Reading of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne Bill [Lords];
	Ordered, That the Bill be read the third time on Tuesday 21st March.
2	Greenham and Crookham Commons Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Greenham and Crookham Commons Bill;
	Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Tuesday 21st March.
3	Deregulation Committee,—Mr Peter L. Pike reported from the Deregulation Committee the following Resolution:
	That, in respect of the proposal for the Deregulation (Sunday Dancing and Licensing) Order 2000, which was laid before this House on 17th January, the proposal should be amended before a draft Order is laid before the House.
4	Armed Forces Discipline Bill [Lords],—Mr Joe Benton reported from Standing Committee D, That it had gone through the Armed Forces Discipline Bill [Lords], and made an Amendment thereunto.
	Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 89].
	Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 343].
5	Sea Fishing Grants (Charges) Bill,—Mr Mike Hancock reported from Standing Committee G, That it had gone through the Sea Fishing Grants (Charges) Bill, and directed him to report the same, without Amendment.
	Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow.
	Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 340].
6	Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:
	Census (Amendment) Bill [Lords]—The Lords have passed a Bill to amend the Census Act 1920 to enable particulars to be required in respect of religion: to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
7	Dangerous People with Severe Personality Disorder,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the law with respect to the assessment and detention of dangerous people with severe personality disorder: And that Mr John Heppell, Mr Vernon Coaker, Jane Griffiths, Mr Nigel Griffiths, Mr Stephen McCabe, Siobhain McDonagh, Mr Ian Pearson, Bridget Prentice, Mr Terry Rooney, David Taylor, Mr Dave Watts and Mr Phil Woolas do prepare and bring it in.
8	Dangerous People with Severe Personality Disorder Bill,—Mr John Heppell accordingly presented a Bill to amend the law with respect to the assessment and detention of dangerous people with severe personality disorder: And the same was read the first time and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 21st July; and to be printed [Bill 88].
9	Supplementary Vote on Account 2000-01,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That, at this day's sitting, Standing Order No. 55 (Questions on voting of estimates, &c.) shall apply as if the words '(aa) supplementary votes on account for the coming financial year;' were inserted after line 21—(Mr Tony McNulty);
	The House divided.
	Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Kevin Hughes: 320.
	Tellers for the Noes, Mr Eric Forth, Mr David Wilshire: 16.
	So the Question was agreed to.
	Ordered, That, at this day's sitting, Standing Order No. 55 (Questions on voting of estimates, &c.) shall apply as if the words '(aa) supplementary votes on account for the coming financial year;' were inserted after line 21.
10	Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded further to consider the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill, as amended in the Committee and in the Standing Committee.
	Another Amendment (No. 152) proposed to the Bill, in page 40, line 15, to leave out Clause 63.—(Mr Robert Walter.)
	Question put, That the Amendment be made.
	The House divided.
	Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Stephen Day: 177.
	Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Clelland, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe: 295.
	Other Amendments (Nos. 24, 97 to 104 and 137) made to the Bill.
	Another Amendment (No. 147) proposed to the Bill, in page 120, line 30, at the end, to add the words—
	'(f) any legal or other professional expenses incurred in respect of, or in connection with, any requirement in this Act.'.—(Mr Dominic Grieve.)
	Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
	Other Amendments (Nos. 25 to 36, 135, 37 to 45, 45A, 46 to 48, 105 to 108, 49 to 63, 109, 64, 110 and 65 to 68) made to the Bill.
	Another Amendment (No. 182) proposed to the Bill, in page 69, line 11, to leave out Clause 111.—(Sir George Young.)
	Question put, That the Amendment be made.
	The House divided.
	Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Stephen Day: 139.
	Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Jamieson, Jim Dowd: 315.
	Other Amendments (Nos. 111 to 113, 69 and 70) made to the Bill.
	Another Amendment (No. 154) proposed to the Bill, in page 72, line 41, to leave out the word 'relevant' and to insert the word 'referendum'.—(Mr Nigel Evans.)
	Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave withdrawn.
	Another Amendment (No. 146) proposed to the Bill, in page 75, line 17, to leave out Clause 122.—(Sir Patrick Cormack.)
	Question put, That the Amendment be made.
	The House divided.
	Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Peter Atkinson: 164.
	Tellers for the Noes, Jim Dowd, Mr David Jamieson: 290.
	Other Amendments (Nos. 114 to 117, 71, 118 to 123) made to the Bill.
	Another Amendment (No. 1) proposed to the Bill, in page 160, line 30, at the end, to insert the words—
	'7A.—(1) Section 106 (false statements as to candidates) shall be amended as follows.
	(2) In subsection (1) after the words "character or conduct" there shall be inserted the words "or fails to take reasonable steps to withdraw from circulation and public availability a false statement previously made or published".
	(3) After subsection (1) there shall be inserted—
	"(1A) For the avoidance of doubt, a person who makes or publishes a statement on the Internet or by other electronic means, or who causes a statement to be so made or published, makes or publishes a statement for purposes of this subsection; and a person who fails to remove or cause the removal of a statement from the Internet shall be regarded as having failed, for the purposes of this subsection, to take reasonable steps to withdraw that statement from circulation and public availability.".'—(Dr Julian Lewis.)
	Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
	Another Amendment (No. 145) proposed to the Bill, in page 82, line 5, at the end, to insert the words 'and in the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986'.—(Mr Robert Walter.)
	Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
	Other Amendments (Nos. 72 to 79, 124, 80 to 83, and 125 to 134) made to the Bill.
	The Bill was read the third time, and passed.
11	Estimates,—It being Ten o'clock, the Deputy Speaker put the Questions required to be put by Standing Order No. 55 (Questions on voting of estimates, &c.) and Order (this day).
Estimates, 2000-01 (Navy) Vote A
	Resolved, That during the year ending on 31st March 2001 a number not exceeding 47,345 all ranks be maintained for Naval Service, a number not exceeding 17,148 for Service in the Reserve Naval and Marine Forces, and a number not exceeding 200 for Service as Special Members of the Reserve Naval Forces under Part V of the Reserve Forces Act 1996.
Estimates, 2000-01 (Army) Vote A
	Resolved, That during the year ending on 31st March 2001 a number not exceeding 128,235 all ranks be maintained for Army Service, a number not exceeding 84,295 for Service in the Reserve Land Forces, and a number not exceeding 6,000 for Service as Special Members of the Reserve Land Forces under Part V of the Reserve Forces Act 1996.
Estimates, 2000-01 (Air) Vote A
	Resolved, That during the year ending on 31st March 2001 a number not exceeding 57,450 all ranks be maintained for the Air Force Service, a number not exceeding 26,000 for Service in the Reserve Air Forces, and a number not exceeding 430 for Service as Special Members of the Reserve Air Forces under Part V of the Reserve Forces Act 1996.
Estimates, Excesses, 1998-99
	Resolved, That a sum not exceeding £37,847,584.45 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to make good excesses of certain grants for Defence and Civil Services for the year ended on 31st March 1999, as set out in House of Commons Paper No. 276.
Supplementary Estimates, 1999-2000
	Resolved, That a further supplementary sum not exceeding £2,510,712,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to complete or defray the charges for Defence and Civil Services for the year ending on 31st March 2000, as set out in House of Commons Papers Nos. 242, 243 and 275.
Estimates, 2000-01 (Vote on Account)
	Resolved, That a further sum, not exceeding £1,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund, on account, for or towards defraying the charges for Civil and Defence Services for the year ending on 31st March 2001, as set out in House of Commons Paper No. 244.
	Ordered, That a Bill be brought in upon the foregoing Resolutions relating to Estimates, Excesses, Supplementary Estimates and Estimates (Vote on Account): And that the Chairman of Ways and Means, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Andrew Smith, Dawn Primarolo, Mr Stephen Timms and Miss Melanie Johnson do prepare and bring it in.
12	Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Bill,—Mr Stephen Timms accordingly presented a Bill to apply certain sums out of the Consolidated Fund to the service of the years ending on 31st March 1999, 2000 and 2001.
	And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 86].
13	London Government,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Greater London Authority Elections (Expenses) Order 2000, which was laid before this House on 28th February, be approved—(Mr Don Touhig):—It was agreed to.
14	Constitutional Law,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Scotland Act 1998 (Cross-Border Public Authorities) (Forestry Commissioners) Order 2000, which was laid before this House on 22nd February, be approved—(Mr Don Touhig):—It was agreed to.
15	Public Petitions,—A Public Petition for residents of Shropshire against the closure of the Lloyds TSB bank in Pontesbury was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
16	Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Greg Pope.)
	And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-eight minutes past Ten o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.28 pm.
*Betty Boothroyd* *Speaker*
Madam Speaker will take the Chair at half-past Two o'clock.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
1	Legal Aid and Advice,—(1) Legal Advice and Assistance (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (S.R. (N.I.), 2000, No. 81),
	(2) Legal Advice and Assistance (Financial Conditions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (S.R. (N.I.), 2000, No. 80), and
	(3) Legal Aid (Financial Conditions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (S.R. (N.I.), 2000, No. 79),
	dated 14th March 2000 [by Statutory Instrument] [Mr David Lock].
2	Social Security,—Social Security Contributions (Notional Payment of Primary Class 1 Contribution) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 747), dated 13th March 2000 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].
3	Social Security (Northern Ireland),—Social Security Contributions (Notional Payment of Primary Class 1 Contribution) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 748), dated 14th March 2000 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].
Other Papers:
4	Audit (Northern Ireland),—Reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland on University of Ulster: Senior Officers' Expenses; Energy Efficiency in the Education Sector; and Management of Richmond Chambers [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 288] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].
5	Defence,—Ministry of Defence Minute, dated 14th March 2000, concerning a contingent liability consequent upon the proposed granting of indemnities to AWE Management Limited [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hoon].
6	Industrial Organisation and Development,—Report and Accounts of the Apple and Pear Research Council for 1998-99 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].
7	National Health Service,—(1) Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 3rd March 2000 on loans proposed to be raised by—
	(i) Addenbrokes National Health Service Trust,
	(ii) Bassetlaw Hospital and Community Services National Health Service Trust,
	(iii) Central Nottinghamshire Healthcare National Health Service Trust,
	(iv) Dorset Healthcare National Health Service Trust,
	(v) East Gloucestershire National Health Service Trust,
	(vi) Epsom and St. Helier National Health Service Trust,
	(vii) Hastings and Rother National Health Service Trust,
	(viii) Leeds Community and Mental Health Services National Health Service Trust,
	(ix) Loddon National Health Service Trust,
	(x) Portsmouth Healthcare National Health Service Trust,
	(xi) Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals National Health Service Trust,
	(xii) Southampton Community Health Services National Health Service Trust, and
	(xiii) Weston Area National Health Service Trust
	[by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn];
	(2) Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 6th March 2000 on loans proposed to be raised by—
	(i) Community Health Care Services North Derbyshire National Health Service Trust,
	(ii) Harrogate Healthcare National Health Service Trust,
	(iii) Leicestershire & Rutland Healthcare National Health Service Trust,
	(iv) Northern General Hospital National Health Service Trust, and
	(v) Tees and North East Yorkshire National Health Service Trust
	[by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn]; and
	(3) Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 7th March 2000 on loans proposed to be raised by—
	(i) Plymouth Hospitals National Health Service Trust,
	(ii) Poole Hospital National Health Service Trust,
	(iii) Southampton University Hospitals National Health Service Trust,
	(iv) South Buckinghamshire National Health Service Trust, and
	(v) South Devon Healthcare National Health Service Trust
	[by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn].
8	Reserve Forces,—Report under section 56(7) of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 on the making of a call-out order under section 56(1) of that Act [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon].
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
1	Draft Community Legal Service (Cost Protection) Regulations 2000, the draft Community Legal Service (Scope) Regulations 2000 and the Funding Code prepared by the Legal Services Commission in accordance with section 8 of the Access to Justice Act 1999 and as first approved by the Lord Chancellor in accordance with section 9(4) of that Act,—The Speaker has appointed Mr George Stevenson an additional Chairman of the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Regulations and Code.
2	Draft Official Listing of Securities (Change of Competent Authority) Regulations 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Robert N. Wareing from the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution of Mr Barry Gardiner.
3	Draft Contracting Out (Functions relating to Social Security) Order 2000, and the draft Social Security (Work-focused Interviews) Regulations 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Tony Banks and Mr Barry Gardiner from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order and draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Tessa Jowell and Mr Robert N. Wareing.
4	Draft Water Undertakers (Rateable Value) (England) Order 2000, the draft Railways (Rateable Values) (England) Order 2000, the draft Non-Domestic Rating (Chargeable Amounts) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2000, the draft Gas Industry (Rateable Values) (England) Order 2000, the draft Energy from Waste Plants (Rateable Values) (England) Order 2000, the draft Docks and Harbours (Rateable Values) (England) Order 2000, and the draft Electricity Supply Industry (Rateable Values) (England) Order 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ms Sally Keeble and Mr Gerry Sutcliffe from the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Orders and draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Jim Dowd and Mr Terry Rooney.
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
1	Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Libraries]; to be printed [No. 241-iii] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].
2	Deregulation,—First Report from the Deregulation Committee [Proposal for the Deregulation (Sunday Dancing and Licensing) Order 2000]; to be printed with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 334] [Mr Peter L. Pike].
3	Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Town and Country Parks]; to be printed [No. 333-i] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].
4	Environmental Audit,—Fifth Report from the Environmental Audit Committee [The Greening Government Initiative: First Annual Report from the Green Ministers' Committee], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 341] [Mr John Horam].
5	International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [Mozambique]; to be printed [No. 326-i] [Mr Bowen Wells].
6	Standards and Privileges,—Seventh Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges [Complaint against Mr Ken Livingstone], with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 342] [Mr Alan Williams].
7	Statutory Instruments,—Thirteenth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 47-xiii] [Mr David Tredinnick].
8	Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [UK Space Policy]; to be printed [No. 335-i] [Mr Martin O'Neill].
9	Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [The Financial Services Authority]; to be printed [No. 336-i] [Mr Giles Radice].

CORRIGENDUM
	In the Votes and Proceedings of 13th March 2000, the following should have appeared as an item in Appendix III:
	Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Fifth Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [The UK Climate Change Programme], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [Nos. 194-I and -II] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].

The sitting commenced at Ten o'clock.
1	Adjournment,—Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Jim Dowd);
	And it being One o'clock, the sitting was adjourned without Question put, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 1.00 p.m.
*Sir Alan Haselhurst* *Deputy Speaker*



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