Votes and Proceedings

House of Commons

Session 1999-2000
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House of Commons Votes and Proceedings
Monday 3rd July 2000

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

PRAYERS.

1 Opposition Day [16th allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the Leader of the Opposition in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider Opposition business.

    The Government's early release of prisoners,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House condemns the Government's policy of giving prisoners special early release on the Home Detention Curfew scheme; deplores the fact that more than 20,000 convicted criminals, including thousands of drug dealers and traffickers, robbers, burglars and violent offenders, have been released from prison under the scheme before serving even half the sentences they were given by the courts; regrets that child sex offenders and others have been released on the scheme before serving the minimum period required by law and contrary to the explicit assurances given to the House by Ministers; notes the contradiction between the recent comments of the Home Secretary and the Prime Minister's spokesman that violent criminals should serve longer prison sentences and the Government's policy that has resulted in the special early release of thousands of violent criminals on the scheme; calls on the Home Secretary to act on his word and end the release of robbers and other violent criminals on the scheme immediately; calls for the scheme to be abolished completely; and calls on the Home Secretary urgently to clarify the Government's prisons policy—(Miss Ann Widdecombe);

    An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word 'House' to the end of the Question and to add the words 'notes that the introduction of Home Detention Curfew with electronic tagging as in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 was specifically welcomed in the unanimous Third Report of the Home Affairs Select Committee Session 1997-98 (House of Commons Paper No. 486-I), whose members endorsing the report at that time included the honourable Members for Woking, Surrey Heath and Aldershot; believes that one of the major factors contributing to re-offending is an inadequate transition between custody and life outside prison in the community; applauds the work initiated by HM Government better to manage that transition, through Home Detention Curfew, more effective drug treatment, Welfare to Work and greater emphasis on education, work and offender behaviour programmes; notes that short term prisoners are only released on Home Detention Curfew after a careful risk assessment, that about 94 per cent. of prisoners have completed Home Detention Curfew successfully, and that the latest information indicates that fewer than 2 per cent. have been arrested, prosecuted or convicted for offences committed on Home Detention Curfew; applauds the Government's toughening of the sentencing regime, its practical approach to honesty in sentencing, and its establishment of a comprehensive review of the sentencing framework; and further notes the Opposition's action in opposing strong measures against anti-social behaviour, benefit sanctions for probation offenders and reform of mode of trial, comforting only the miscreant at the expense of the victim and the community', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Straw.)

    And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;

    The House divided.

    Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John Randall, Mr Peter Luff: 137.

    Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Don Touhig: 319.

    So the Question was negatived.

    And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments);

    The House divided.

    Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Don Touhig: 272.

    Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Randall, Mr Peter Luff: 153.

    The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.

    Resolved, That this House notes that the introduction of Home Detention Curfew with electronic tagging as in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 was specifically welcomed in the unanimous Third Report of the Home Affairs Select Committee, Session 1997-98 (House of Commons Paper No. 486-I), whose members endorsing the report at that time included the honourable Members for Woking, Surrey Heath and Aldershot; believes that one of the major factors contributing to re-offending is an inadequate transition between custody and life outside prison in the community; applauds the work initiated by HM Government better to manage that transition, through Home Detention Curfew, more effective drug treatment, Welfare to Work and greater emphasis on education, work and offender behaviour programmes; notes that short term prisoners are only released on Home Detention Curfew after a careful risk assessment, that about 94 per cent. of prisoners have completed Home Detention Curfew successfully, and that the latest information indicates that fewer than 2 per cent. have been arrested, prosecuted or convicted for offences committed on Home Detention Curfew; applauds the Government's toughening of the sentencing regime, its practical approach to honesty in sentencing, and its establishment of a comprehensive review of the sentencing framework; and further notes the Opposition's action in opposing strong measures against anti-social behaviour, benefit sanctions for probation offenders and reform of mode of trial, comforting only the miscreant at the expense of the victim and the community.

    Neill Committee Recommendations relating to Ministers and Special Advisers,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes the recommendations in the Sixth Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, 'Reinforcing Standards', concerning Ministers and Special Advisers; regrets that the Government has failed to respond to that report; notes that the Prime Minister will not accept responsibility for adjudicating on the compliance of Ministers with the Ministerial Code of Conduct; further notes that the number and cost of Special Advisers continue to increase, believes that Ministers should be accountable for conflicts of interest and failures to comply with the spirit as well as the letter of the Ministerial Code of Conduct; further believes that the number, and activities, of Special Advisers is prejudicing the impartiality of the Civil Service and accountability of government; and calls upon the Government to accept in full the recommendations of the Committee on Standards in Public Life in relation to Ministers and Special Advisers—(Mr Andrew Lansley);

    An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word 'House' to the end of the Question and to add the words 'welcomes the statement by Lord Neill that there is now less cause for concern about standards in public life than when the cash for questions affair led to the setting up of the Committee in 1994; restates the Government's commitment to maintaining a non-political permanent civil service; agrees with the Sixth Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life that "special advisers have a valuable role to play"; acknowledges that the Report deals with the serious issues across a wide range of subjects; and notes that the Government plans to respond before the summer recess', instead thereof.—(Mr Paddy Tipping.)

    And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;

    Mr James Arbuthnot rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put.

    And the Question being put, That the Question be now put:—It was agreed to.

    And the Question being accordingly put;

    The House divided.

    Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Peter Luff: 165.

    Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe: 295.

    So the Question was negatived.

    And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments);

    The House divided.

    Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr Tony McNulty: 293.

    Tellers for the Noes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Peter Luff: 163.

    So the Question was agreed to.

    The Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.

    Resolved, That this House welcomes the statement by Lord Neill that there is now less cause for concern about standards in public life than when the cash for questions affair led to the setting up of the Committee in 1994; restates the Government's commitment to maintaining a non-political permanent civil service; agrees with the Sixth Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life that 'special advisers have a valuable role to play'; acknowledges that the Report deals with the serious issues across a wide range of subjects; and notes that the Government plans to respond before the summer recess.

2 Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Designation of Public Authorities) Order 2000, which was laid before this House on 8th June, be approved—(Mr Don Touhig):—It was agreed to.

3 Pensions,—Ordered, That the Stakeholder Pension Scheme Regulations 2000 be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr Don Touhig.)

4 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Don Touhig.)

    And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till four minutes to Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 10.56 p.m.

Betty Boothroyd
Speaker

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

APPENDIX I

Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 30th June 2000 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O., No 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 158 (Presentation of command papers):

1 Social Security,—Government Response to the Third Report from the Social Security Committee, Session 1999-2000, on Medical Services [Cm. 4780] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 30th June 2000 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O., No. 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2 Friendly Societies,—Friendly Societies (Insurance Business) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1700), dated 28th June 2000 [Miss Melanie Johnson].

3 Telecommunications,—(1) Telecommunications (Licence Modifications) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1713),

    (2) Telecommunications (Licence Modification) (Mobile Data Operator Licences) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1714),

    (3) Telecommunications (Licence Modification) (Paging Operator Licences) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1715),

    (4) Telecommunications (Licence Modification) (Regional Public Access Mobile Radio Operator Licences) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1712),

    (5) Telecommunications (Licence Modification) (Satellite Operator Licences) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1711),

dated 28th June 2000 [Mr Secretary Byers].

Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 3rd July 2000:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

4 Consumer Protection,—Draft Consumer Protection Act 1987 (Product Liability) (Modification) Order 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

5 Patents,—Draft Patents Regulations 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

6 Pensions,—Superannuation (Admission to Schedule 1 to the Superannuation Act 1972) (No. 2) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1728), dated 1st July 2000 [by Act] [Majorie Mowlam].

7 Road Traffic,—Road Traffic (Permitted Parking Area and Special Parking Area) (Borough of Reading) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1719), dated 29th June 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers

8 Local Government (Scotland),—Report and Accounts of East of Scotland Water for 1999-2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].

9 National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Ministry of Defence: Major Projects Report 1999 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 613] [Clerk of the House].

10 Trade and Industry,—Department of Trade and Industry Minute, dated 28th June 2000, concerning a contingent liability consequent upon indemnification against an adverse judgement by the courts relating to the auction of licences for Third Generation Mobile Communications [by Command] [Mr Secretary Byers].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Draft National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 (Amendment) Regulations 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Dr Brian Iddon, Mr Gerry Steinberg and Mr Stephen Twigg from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations), and nominated in substitution Mrs Ann Cryer, Mr David Lepper and Dr Gavin Strang.

2 Draft Education (School Government) (Terms of Reference) (England) Regulations 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Doug Henderson from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations), and nominated in substitution Mr Gerry Steinberg,

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 Information,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Information Committee [The Future of the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology]; to be printed [No. 659-i] [Mr Richard Allan].

2 Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [Are We Realising Our Potential?]; to be printed [No. 466-v] [Dr Lynne Jones].

3 Social Security and Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Social Security Committee and the Employment Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committees, meeting concurrently pursuant to paragraph (4) of Standing Order No. 152 (Select Committees related to government departments) [The Creation of a New Agency for People of Working Age]; to be printed [No. 662-i] [Mr Derek Foster].

The House met at half-past Two o'clock.
PRAYERS.
1	Opposition Day [16th allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the Leader of the Opposition in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider Opposition business.
	The Government's early release of prisoners,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House condemns the Government's policy of giving prisoners special early release on the Home Detention Curfew scheme; deplores the fact that more than 20,000 convicted criminals, including thousands of drug dealers and traffickers, robbers, burglars and violent offenders, have been released from prison under the scheme before serving even half the sentences they were given by the courts; regrets that child sex offenders and others have been released on the scheme before serving the minimum period required by law and contrary to the explicit assurances given to the House by Ministers; notes the contradiction between the recent comments of the Home Secretary and the Prime Minister's spokesman that violent criminals should serve longer prison sentences and the Government's policy that has resulted in the special early release of thousands of violent criminals on the scheme; calls on the Home Secretary to act on his word and end the release of robbers and other violent criminals on the scheme immediately; calls for the scheme to be abolished completely; and calls on the Home Secretary urgently to clarify the Government's prisons policy—(Miss Ann Widdecombe);
	An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word 'House' to the end of the Question and to add the words 'notes that the introduction of Home Detention Curfew with electronic tagging as in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 was specifically welcomed in the unanimous Third Report of the Home Affairs Select Committee Session 1997-98 (House of Commons Paper No. 486-I), whose members endorsing the report at that time included the honourable Members for Woking, Surrey Heath and Aldershot; believes that one of the major factors contributing to re-offending is an inadequate transition between custody and life outside prison in the community; applauds the work initiated by HM Government better to manage that transition, through Home Detention Curfew, more effective drug treatment, Welfare to Work and greater emphasis on education, work and offender behaviour programmes; notes that short term prisoners are only released on Home Detention Curfew after a careful risk assessment, that about 94 per cent. of prisoners have completed Home Detention Curfew successfully, and that the latest information indicates that fewer than 2 per cent. have been arrested, prosecuted or convicted for offences committed on Home Detention Curfew; applauds the Government's toughening of the sentencing regime, its practical approach to honesty in sentencing, and its establishment of a comprehensive review of the sentencing framework; and further notes the Opposition's action in opposing strong measures against anti-social behaviour, benefit sanctions for probation offenders and reform of mode of trial, comforting only the miscreant at the expense of the victim and the community', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Straw.)
	And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;
	The House divided.
	Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John Randall, Mr Peter Luff: 137.
	Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Don Touhig: 319.
	So the Question was negatived.
	And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments);
	The House divided.
	Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Don Touhig: 272.
	Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Randall, Mr Peter Luff: 153.
	The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.
	Resolved, That this House notes that the introduction of Home Detention Curfew with electronic tagging as in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 was specifically welcomed in the unanimous Third Report of the Home Affairs Select Committee, Session 1997-98 (House of Commons Paper No. 486-I), whose members endorsing the report at that time included the honourable Members for Woking, Surrey Heath and Aldershot; believes that one of the major factors contributing to re-offending is an inadequate transition between custody and life outside prison in the community; applauds the work initiated by HM Government better to manage that transition, through Home Detention Curfew, more effective drug treatment, Welfare to Work and greater emphasis on education, work and offender behaviour programmes; notes that short term prisoners are only released on Home Detention Curfew after a careful risk assessment, that about 94 per cent. of prisoners have completed Home Detention Curfew successfully, and that the latest information indicates that fewer than 2 per cent. have been arrested, prosecuted or convicted for offences committed on Home Detention Curfew; applauds the Government's toughening of the sentencing regime, its practical approach to honesty in sentencing, and its establishment of a comprehensive review of the sentencing framework; and further notes the Opposition's action in opposing strong measures against anti-social behaviour, benefit sanctions for probation offenders and reform of mode of trial, comforting only the miscreant at the expense of the victim and the community.
	Neill Committee Recommendations relating to Ministers and Special Advisers,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes the recommendations in the Sixth Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, 'Reinforcing Standards', concerning Ministers and Special Advisers; regrets that the Government has failed to respond to that report; notes that the Prime Minister will not accept responsibility for adjudicating on the compliance of Ministers with the Ministerial Code of Conduct; further notes that the number and cost of Special Advisers continue to increase, believes that Ministers should be accountable for conflicts of interest and failures to comply with the spirit as well as the letter of the Ministerial Code of Conduct; further believes that the number, and activities, of Special Advisers is prejudicing the impartiality of the Civil Service and accountability of government; and calls upon the Government to accept in full the recommendations of the Committee on Standards in Public Life in relation to Ministers and Special Advisers—(Mr Andrew Lansley);
	An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word 'House' to the end of the Question and to add the words 'welcomes the statement by Lord Neill that there is now less cause for concern about standards in public life than when the cash for questions affair led to the setting up of the Committee in 1994; restates the Government's commitment to maintaining a non-political permanent civil service; agrees with the Sixth Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life that "special advisers have a valuable role to play"; acknowledges that the Report deals with the serious issues across a wide range of subjects; and notes that the Government plans to respond before the summer recess', instead thereof.—(Mr Paddy Tipping.)
	And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;
	Mr James Arbuthnot rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put.
	And the Question being put, That the Question be now put:—It was agreed to.
	And the Question being accordingly put;
	The House divided.
	Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Peter Luff: 165.
	Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe: 295.
	So the Question was negatived.
	And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments);
	The House divided.
	Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr Tony McNulty: 293.
	Tellers for the Noes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Peter Luff: 163.
	So the Question was agreed to.
	The Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.
	Resolved, That this House welcomes the statement by Lord Neill that there is now less cause for concern about standards in public life than when the cash for questions affair led to the setting up of the Committee in 1994; restates the Government's commitment to maintaining a non-political permanent civil service; agrees with the Sixth Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life that 'special advisers have a valuable role to play'; acknowledges that the Report deals with the serious issues across a wide range of subjects; and notes that the Government plans to respond before the summer recess.
2	Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Designation of Public Authorities) Order 2000, which was laid before this House on 8th June, be approved—(Mr Don Touhig):—It was agreed to.
3	Pensions,—Ordered, That the Stakeholder Pension Scheme Regulations 2000 be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr Don Touhig.)
4	Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Don Touhig.)
	And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till four minutes to Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.56 p.m.
*Betty Boothroyd* *Speaker*
Madam Speaker will take the Chair at half-past Two o'clock.
APPENDIX I
Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 30th June 2000 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O., No 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 158 (Presentation of command papers):
1	Social Security,—Government Response to the Third Report from the Social Security Committee, Session 1999-2000, on Medical Services [Cm. 4780] [Mr Secretary Darling].
Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 30th June 2000 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O., No. 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
2	Friendly Societies,—Friendly Societies (Insurance Business) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1700), dated 28th June 2000 [Miss Melanie Johnson].
3	Telecommunications,—(1) Telecommunications (Licence Modifications) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1713),
	(2) Telecommunications (Licence Modification) (Mobile Data Operator Licences) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1714),
	(3) Telecommunications (Licence Modification) (Paging Operator Licences) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1715),
	(4) Telecommunications (Licence Modification) (Regional Public Access Mobile Radio Operator Licences) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1712),
	(5) Telecommunications (Licence Modification) (Satellite Operator Licences) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1711),
	dated 28th June 2000 [Mr Secretary Byers].
Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 3rd July 2000:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
4	Consumer Protection,—Draft Consumer Protection Act 1987 (Product Liability) (Modification) Order 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].
5	Patents,—Draft Patents Regulations 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
6	Pensions,—Superannuation (Admission to Schedule 1 to the Superannuation Act 1972) (No. 2) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1728), dated 1st July 2000 [by Act] [Majorie Mowlam].
7	Road Traffic,—Road Traffic (Permitted Parking Area and Special Parking Area) (Borough of Reading) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1719), dated 29th June 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
Other Papers
8	Local Government (Scotland),—Report and Accounts of East of Scotland Water for 1999-2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].
9	National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Ministry of Defence: Major Projects Report 1999 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 613] [Clerk of the House].
10	Trade and Industry,—Department of Trade and Industry Minute, dated 28th June 2000, concerning a contingent liability consequent upon indemnification against an adverse judgement by the courts relating to the auction of licences for Third Generation Mobile Communications [by Command] [Mr Secretary Byers].
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
1	Draft National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 (Amendment) Regulations 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Dr Brian Iddon, Mr Gerry Steinberg and Mr Stephen Twigg from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations), and nominated in substitution Mrs Ann Cryer, Mr David Lepper and Dr Gavin Strang.
2	Draft Education (School Government) (Terms of Reference) (England) Regulations 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Doug Henderson from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations), and nominated in substitution Mr Gerry Steinberg,
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
1	Information,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Information Committee [The Future of the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology]; to be printed [No. 659-i] [Mr Richard Allan].
2	Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [Are We Realising Our Potential?]; to be printed [No. 466-v] [Dr Lynne Jones].
3	Social Security and Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Social Security Committee and the Employment Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committees, meeting concurrently pursuant to paragraph (4) of Standing Order No. 152 (Select Committees related to government departments) [The Creation of a New Agency for People of Working Age]; to be printed [No. 662-i] [Mr Derek Foster].