Votes and Proceedings

House of Commons

Session 1997-98
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House of Commons Votes and Proceedings
Wednesday 18th November 1998

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

PRAYERS.

1 Adjournment,—A Motion was made and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Kevin Hughes);

    And it being Two o'clock, the Motion for the Adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.

2 Private Bills [Lords] (Suspension),—Ordered, That so much of the Lords Message [17th November] as relates to the London Local Authorities Bill [Lords] be now considered.

    The House accordingly proceeded to consider so much of the said Message.

    Resolved, That this House doth concur with the Lords in their Resolution.—(The First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means.)

    Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.

3 First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Roger Gale reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Disability Discrimination (Exemption for Small Employers) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2618).

    Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.

4 Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bowen Wells reported from the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Education (Infant Class Sizes) (England) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1973).

    Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.

5 Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Peter Atkinson reported from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Environmental Assessment (Forestry) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1731).

    Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.

6 Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Joe Benton reported from the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Cattle Database Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1796).

    Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.

7 European Standing Committee A,—Mr Peter Atkinson reported from European Standing Committee A the following Resolution:

    That the Committee takes note of European Community Document No. 9597/98, two draft Council Regulations establishing agrimonetary arrangements and the transitional arrangements to be applied under the Common Agricultural Policy with a view to the introduction of the euro; and supports the Government's intention to support the proposals which simplify the current agrimonetary arrangements by moving to a system which more closely reflects market realities, reducing the costs to taxpayers, consumers and businesses, and also the scope for distortions of competition whilst respecting UK international obligations without discriminating against those Member States not participating in the euro.

    Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.

8 European Standing Committee B,—Mr John Butterfill reported from European Standing Committee B the following Resolution:

    That the Committee takes note of European Community Document No. 9690/98, the European Court of Auditors Special Report No. 7/98 on the European Development Aid Programme for South Africa (1986-1996) and its recommendations to the Commission; and supports the Government's position that these recommendations are practical and sensible and that the Government will work with Member States and other partners in all European Community development assistance programmes, and particularly in detailed arrangements to succeed the present EPRD in South Africa, after 1999, to ensure that these recommendations are fully implemented.

    Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.

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

    The Lords have agreed to the Registration of Political Parties Bill, with Amendments; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

    City of Westminster Bill [Lords],—The Lords communicate that they have considered the Message from the Commons [yesterday] relating to the City of Westminster Bill [Lords]; and they have come to the following Resolutions in respect of the Bill, viz.:

    That the promoters of the Bill have leave to suspend any further proceedings thereon in this Session in order to proceed with the Bill in the next Session of Parliament, notice of their intention to do so having been deposited in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than 12 noon tomorrow;

    That the Bill be deposited in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than noon on the second sitting day in the next Session with a declaration annexed, signed by the agent, stating that the Bill is the same in every respect as the Bill at the last stage of the proceedings thereon in this House in the present Session;

    That the proceedings on the Bill in the next Session of Parliament be pro forma in regard to every stage through which the Bill has passed in the present Session, and that no new fees be charged to such stages;

    That the Private Business Standing Orders apply to the Bill in the next Session only in regard to any stage through which the Bill has not passed during the present Session.

10 Registration of Political Parties Bill,—Lords Amendments to be printed [Bill 266].

11 Accommodation and Works,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Accommodation and Works Committee be printed [No. 1154].

12 Administration,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Administration Committee be printed [No. 1155].

13 Agriculture,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Agriculture Committee be printed [No. 1156].

14 Broadcasting,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Broadcasting Committee be printed [No. 1157].

15 Catering,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Catering Committee be printed [No. 1158].

16 Culture, Media and Sport,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee be printed [No. 1159].

17 Defence,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Defence Committee be printed [No. 1160].

18 Education and Employment,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Education and Employment Committee be printed, together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Education Sub-Committee and the Minutes of Proceedings of the Employment Sub-Committee [No. 1161].

19 Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee be printed, together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Environment Sub-Committee and the Minutes of Proceedings of the Transport Sub-Committee [No. 1162].

20 Environmental Audit,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Environmental Audit Committee be printed [No. 1163].

21 Finance and Services,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Finance and Services Committee be printed [No. 1164].

22 Foreign Affairs,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Foreign Affairs Committee be printed, together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Entry Clearance Sub-Committee [No. 1165].

23 Health,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Health Committee be printed [No. 1166].

24 Home Affairs,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Home Affairs Committee be printed [No. 1167].

25 Information,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Information Committee be printed [No. 1168].

26 International Development,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the International Development Committee be printed [No. 1169].

27 Modernisation,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons be printed [No. 1170].

28 Northern Ireland Affairs,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee be printed [No. 1171].

29 Procedure,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Procedure Committee be printed [No. 1172].

30 Public Accounts,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee of Public Accounts be printed [No. 1173].

31 Public Administration,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Select Committee on Public Administration be printed [No. 1174].

32 Science and Technology,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Science and Technology Committee be printed [No. 1175].

33 Scottish Affairs,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Scottish Affairs Committee be printed [No. 1176].

34 Social Security,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Social Security Committee be printed [No. 1177].

35 Standards and Privileges,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee on Standards and Privileges be printed [No. 1178].

36 Statutory Instruments,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Select Committee appointed to join with a Committee of the House of Lords on Statutory Instruments be printed [No. 1179].

37 Statutory Instruments,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Select Committee on Statutory Instruments be printed [No. 1180].

38 Trade and Industry,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Trade and Industry Committee be printed [No. 1181].

39 Treasury,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Treasury Committee be printed, together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Treasury Sub-Committee [No. 1182].

40 Welsh Affairs,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Welsh Affairs Committee be printed [No. 1183].

41 European Standing Committee A,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of European Standing Committee A be printed [No. 1185].

42 European Standing Committee B,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the European Standing Committee B be printed [No. 1196].

43 Scottish Grand Committee,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Scottish Grand Committee be printed [No. 1197].

44 Financial Services (Ethical, &c. Considerations) Bill,—Mr Tony Colman presented a Bill to require the Financial Services Authority to issue guidance to persons authorised to provide financial services regarding advice to be given to clients: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 264].

45 Freedom of Information,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to extend the right of access to information held by public authorities; and for connected purposes: And that Mr Andrew Mackinlay, Dr David Clark, Mr Mark Fisher, Mr Chris Mullin, Mr Rhodri Morgan, Mr Richard Shepherd, Mr Archy Kirkwood, Ms Roseanna Cunningham, Mr Elfyn Llwyd, Mr Martin Bell, Dr Tony Wright and Mr Ronnie Campbell do prepare and bring it in.

46 Freedom of Information Bill,—Mr Andrew Mackinlay accordingly presented a Bill to extend the right of access to information held by public authorities; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 265].

47 Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at this day's sitting, the Speaker shall not adjourn the House until any Messages from the Lords shall have been received.—(Mr David Hanson.)

48 European Parliamentary Elections Bill (Lords Amendments),—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Reason for insisting on their Amendments to which the Commons have disagreed and for disagreeing to the further Commons Amendment in lieu.

    The Lords Reason for insisting on their Amendments in page 2, line 1, page 2, line 2, page 2, line 15, and page 2, line 18, and for disagreeing to the Commons Amendment in lieu, was read, as follows:

    Because the review proposed by the Commons is not an adequate substitute for an electoral system that allows electors to vote for the individual party candidate of their choice.

    A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House insists on its disagreement with the Lords in their Amendments but does not insist on its Amendment in lieu—(Mr Secretary Straw);

    The House divided.

    Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Keith Hill, Jane Kennedy: 326.

    Tellers for the Noes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Nigel Waterson: 133.

    So the Question was agreed to.

    An Amendment was made to the Bill, in lieu of the Lords Amendments, in page 3, line 46, at the end, to insert—

'Review of electoral system

    —(1) The Secretary of State shall appoint one or more persons—

      (a) to review , in accordance with subsection 2, the operation of the system of election provided for by section 3 of the European Parliamentary Elections Act 1978 as substituted by section 1 of this Act, and

      (b) to make a report to the Secretary of State within six months from the day of appointment.

    (2) The review shall consider, in particular, how the ability of voters to vote for particular persons on a party's list of candidates might affect the results of an election.

    3) The Secretary of State shall carry out his duty under subsection (1) within one month from the date of the first general election to the European Parliament which takes place after the coming into force of section 1.

    (4) Before making an appointment under subsection (1) the Secretary of State shall consult such persons appearing to him to be interested as he thinks appropriate.

    (5) The Secretary of State shall lay a copy of any report received under subsection (1)(b) before each House of Parliament.'.—(Mr Mike Hall.)

49 Northern Ireland Bill (Programme) (No. 2),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the Order [17th July] relating to the Northern Ireland Bill (Programme) be supplemented as follows—

Lords Amendments

    1. Proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments shall be completed at this day's sitting and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion four hours after the commencement of the proceedings.

    2.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 1.

    (2) The Speaker shall first put forthwith any Question already proposed from the Chair and not yet decided.

    (3) If that Question is for the amendment of a Lords Amendment the Speaker shall then put forthwith—

    (a) the Question on any further amendment to the Lord Amendment moved by a Minister of the Crown, and

    (b) the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House agrees or disagrees with the Lords in the Amendment or (as the case may be) in the Amendment as amended.

    (4) The Speaker shall then designate such of the remaining Lords Amendments as appear to the Speaker to involve questions of Privilege.

    (5) The Speaker shall then put forthwith—

    (a) the Question on any Amendment moved by a Minister of the Crown to a Lords Amendment, and

    (b) the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House agrees or disagrees with the Lords in the Amendment or (as the case may be) in the Amendment as amended.

    (6) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House disagrees with the Lords in a Lords Amendment.

    (7) The Speaker shall then put forthwith with respect to the Lords Amendments designated by the Speaker which have not been disposed of the Question, That this House agrees with the Lords in those Amendments.

    (8) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question, That this House agrees with the Lords in all the remaining Lords Amendments.

    (9) As soon as the House has agreed or disagreed with the Lords in any of their Amendments, or disposed of an Amendment relevant to a Lords Amendment which has been disagreed to, the Speaker shall put forthwith a separate Question on any other Amendment which is moved by a Minister of the Crown and relevant to the Lords Amendments.

    (10) The Speaker shall put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for the appointment, nomination and quorum of a Committee to draw up Reasons and the appointment of its Chairman.

    (11) Proceedings under this paragraph shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House.

Supplemental

    3. A Committee appointed to draw up Reasons shall report before the conclusion of the sitting.

    4. Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) shall apply to proceedings on Consideration of the Lords Amendments for any part of the period of four hours after the commencement of the proceedings which falls after Ten o'clock.—(Mr Paul Murphy.)

    And it being three quarters of an hour after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [17th July].

    The House divided.

    Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Hanson, Mr David Clelland: 290.

    Tellers for the Noes, The Reverend Ian Paisley, Mr William Ross: 6.

    So the Question was agreed to.

50 Northern Ireland Bill [Money] (No. 2),—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Northern Ireland Bill [Money] (No. 2):

     Resolved, That for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Northern Ireland Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any expenditure incurred by the Lord Chancellor under the Act.—(Mr Adam Ingram.)

51 Northern Ireland Bill (Lords Amendments),—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Northern Ireland Bill.

    Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 82 were agreed to.

    And it being Ten o'clock, further consideration of the Lords Amendments stood adjourned.

52 Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business), That, at this day's sitting, the consideration of any Lords Messages and Amendments that may be received may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.

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

    The Lords insist on their Amendments to the European Parliamentary Elections Bill to which the Commons have disagreed, and disagree to the further Amendment proposed by the Commons in lieu thereof, for which insistence and disagreement they assign their Reason.

54 Northern Ireland Bill (Lords Amendments),—The House again proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Northern Ireland Bill.

    Lords Amendments Nos. 83 to 192 were agreed to.

Thursday 19th November 1998

    Lords Amendments Nos. 193 to 417 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendments Nos. 194, 277, 278, 347 and 348.

55 Registration of Political Parties Bill,—Ordered, That the Lords Amendments to the Registration of Political Parties Bill be considered forthwith.—(Mr Clive Betts.)

    The House proceeded to consider the said Amendments.

    Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 8 were agreed to.

56 Education,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Education (Grammar School Ballots) Regulations 1998, which were laid before this House on 21st October, be approved—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to.

57 Social Security,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Social Security (New Deal Pilot) Regulations 1998, which were laid before this House on 29th October, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

58 Representation of the People,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Parliamentary Constituencies (England) (Miscellaneous Changes) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 4th November, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

59 Social Security,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Jobseeker's Allowance Amendment (New Deal) Regulation 1998, which were laid before this House on 4th November, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

60 Supreme Court of England and Wales,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Civil Procedures (Modification of Enactments) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 5th November, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

61 Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Clive Betts);

    And the Motion having been made after Ten o'clock on Wednesday evening and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then eight minutes to One o'clock on Thursday morning, till this day.

[Adjourned at 12.52 a.m.

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 Education,—School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (Home-School Agreements) (Modification) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2834), dated 12th November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

Other Papers:

2 Education (Northern Ireland),—Statements and Summary of the Accounts of the Education and Library Boards for 1996-97, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland thereon [by Command] [Cm. 4094] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

3 Monopolies and Mergers,—Report by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on the merger situation between ARRIVA plc and Lutonian Buses Ltd [by Command] [Cm. 4074] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

4 Museums and Galleries,—Account of the Imperial War Museum for 1997-98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1199] [Clerk of the House].

5 Police,—Draft Code of Practice on Intrusive Surveillance [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

6 Voluntary Sector (Wales),—Paper, entitled Compact, a shared vision: Compact between the Government and the Voluntary Sector in Wales [by Command] [Cm. 4107] [Mr Secretary Michael].

7 Welfare,—Paper, entitled A new contract for welfare: support in bereavement [by Command] [Cm. 4104] [Mr Secretary Darling].

APPENDIX II

Reports from Select Committees

1 Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on 18th November [The Heritage Lottery Fund]; to be printed [No. 968-v] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].

2 Defence,—(1) Sixth Special Report from the Defence Committee [Government Observations on the Eighth Report from the Committee, Session 1997-98, on the Strategic Defence Review]; to be printed [No. 1198]; and

    (2) Memorandum laid before the Defence Committee [Operation Resilient]

[Mr Bruce George].

3 Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee on 18th November [The work of OFSTED]; to be printed [No. 1127-iii] [Mr Malcolm Wicks].

4 Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Integrated Transport White Paper]; to be printed [No. 1141-ii] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

5 European Scrutiny,—First Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 1200] [Mr Jimmy Hood].

6 Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on 18th November [Non-Departmental Public Bodies in Northern Ireland]; to be printed [No. 1201] [Mr Peter Brooke].

7 Public Accounts,—(1) Sixty-eighth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [The Distribution of Lottery Funds by the English Sports Council]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 873];

    (2) Seventieth Report from the Committee [The Performance of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme in England], together with an Appendix to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 757]; and

    (3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on Wednesday 18th November [The Sale of British Energy]; to be printed [No. 1202-i]

[Mr David Davis].

8 Science and Technology,—(1) Sixth Report from the Science and Technology Committee [Science and the Comprehensive Spending Review]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 1040]; and

    (2) Fourth Special Report from the Science and Technology Committee [Government Response to the Fifth Report from the Committee, Session 1997-98 (British Biotech)]; to be printed [No. 1185]

[Dr Michael Clark].

9 Scottish Affairs,—Second Report from the Scottish Affairs Committee [The Operation of Multi-layer Democracy], together with the 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 [No. 460] [Mr David Marshall].

The House met at half-past Nine o'clock.
PRAYERS.
1	Adjournment,—A Motion was made and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Kevin Hughes);
	And it being Two o'clock, the Motion for the Adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.
2	Private Bills [Lords] (Suspension),—Ordered, That so much of the Lords Message [17th November] as relates to the London Local Authorities Bill [Lords] be now considered.
	The House accordingly proceeded to consider so much of the said Message.
	Resolved, That this House doth concur with the Lords in their Resolution.—(The First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means.)
	Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.
3	First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Roger Gale reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Disability Discrimination (Exemption for Small Employers) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2618).
	Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
4	Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bowen Wells reported from the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Education (Infant Class Sizes) (England) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1973).
	Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
5	Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Peter Atkinson reported from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Environmental Assessment (Forestry) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1731).
	Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
6	Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Joe Benton reported from the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Cattle Database Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1796).
	Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
7	European Standing Committee A,—Mr Peter Atkinson reported from European Standing Committee A the following Resolution:
	That the Committee takes note of European Community Document No. 9597/98, two draft Council Regulations establishing agrimonetary arrangements and the transitional arrangements to be applied under the Common Agricultural Policy with a view to the introduction of the euro; and supports the Government's intention to support the proposals which simplify the current agrimonetary arrangements by moving to a system which more closely reflects market realities, reducing the costs to taxpayers, consumers and businesses, and also the scope for distortions of competition whilst respecting UK international obligations without discriminating against those Member States not participating in the euro.
	Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
8	European Standing Committee B,—Mr John Butterfill reported from European Standing Committee B the following Resolution:
	That the Committee takes note of European Community Document No. 9690/98, the European Court of Auditors Special Report No. 7/98 on the European Development Aid Programme for South Africa (1986-1996) and its recommendations to the Commission; and supports the Government's position that these recommendations are practical and sensible and that the Government will work with Member States and other partners in all European Community development assistance programmes, and particularly in detailed arrangements to succeed the present EPRD in South Africa, after 1999, to ensure that these recommendations are fully implemented.
	Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
9	Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:
	The Lords have agreed to the Registration of Political Parties Bill, with Amendments; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
	City of Westminster Bill [Lords],—The Lords communicate that they have considered the Message from the Commons [yesterday] relating to the City of Westminster Bill [Lords]; and they have come to the following Resolutions in respect of the Bill, viz.:
	That the promoters of the Bill have leave to suspend any further proceedings thereon in this Session in order to proceed with the Bill in the next Session of Parliament, notice of their intention to do so having been deposited in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than 12 noon tomorrow;
	That the Bill be deposited in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than noon on the second sitting day in the next Session with a declaration annexed, signed by the agent, stating that the Bill is the same in every respect as the Bill at the last stage of the proceedings thereon in this House in the present Session;
	That the proceedings on the Bill in the next Session of Parliament be pro forma in regard to every stage through which the Bill has passed in the present Session, and that no new fees be charged to such stages;
	That the Private Business Standing Orders apply to the Bill in the next Session only in regard to any stage through which the Bill has not passed during the present Session.
10	Registration of Political Parties Bill,—Lords Amendments to be printed [Bill 266].
11	Accommodation and Works,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Accommodation and Works Committee be printed [No. 1154].
12	Administration,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Administration Committee be printed [No. 1155].
13	Agriculture,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Agriculture Committee be printed [No. 1156].
14	Broadcasting,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Broadcasting Committee be printed [No. 1157].
15	Catering,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Catering Committee be printed [No. 1158].
16	Culture, Media and Sport,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee be printed [No. 1159].
17	Defence,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Defence Committee be printed [No. 1160].
18	Education and Employment,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Education and Employment Committee be printed, together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Education Sub-Committee and the Minutes of Proceedings of the Employment Sub-Committee [No. 1161].
19	Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee be printed, together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Environment Sub-Committee and the Minutes of Proceedings of the Transport Sub-Committee [No. 1162].
20	Environmental Audit,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Environmental Audit Committee be printed [No. 1163].
21	Finance and Services,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Finance and Services Committee be printed [No. 1164].
22	Foreign Affairs,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Foreign Affairs Committee be printed, together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Entry Clearance Sub-Committee [No. 1165].
23	Health,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Health Committee be printed [No. 1166].
24	Home Affairs,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Home Affairs Committee be printed [No. 1167].
25	Information,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Information Committee be printed [No. 1168].
26	International Development,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the International Development Committee be printed [No. 1169].
27	Modernisation,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons be printed [No. 1170].
28	Northern Ireland Affairs,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee be printed [No. 1171].
29	Procedure,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Procedure Committee be printed [No. 1172].
30	Public Accounts,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee of Public Accounts be printed [No. 1173].
31	Public Administration,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Select Committee on Public Administration be printed [No. 1174].
32	Science and Technology,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Science and Technology Committee be printed [No. 1175].
33	Scottish Affairs,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Scottish Affairs Committee be printed [No. 1176].
34	Social Security,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Social Security Committee be printed [No. 1177].
35	Standards and Privileges,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee on Standards and Privileges be printed [No. 1178].
36	Statutory Instruments,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Select Committee appointed to join with a Committee of the House of Lords on Statutory Instruments be printed [No. 1179].
37	Statutory Instruments,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Select Committee on Statutory Instruments be printed [No. 1180].
38	Trade and Industry,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Trade and Industry Committee be printed [No. 1181].
39	Treasury,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Treasury Committee be printed, together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Treasury Sub-Committee [No. 1182].
40	Welsh Affairs,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Welsh Affairs Committee be printed [No. 1183].
41	European Standing Committee A,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of European Standing Committee A be printed [No. 1185].
42	European Standing Committee B,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the European Standing Committee B be printed [No. 1196].
43	Scottish Grand Committee,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Scottish Grand Committee be printed [No. 1197].
44	Financial Services (Ethical, &c. Considerations) Bill,—Mr Tony Colman presented a Bill to require the Financial Services Authority to issue guidance to persons authorised to provide financial services regarding advice to be given to clients: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 264].
45	Freedom of Information,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to extend the right of access to information held by public authorities; and for connected purposes: And that Mr Andrew Mackinlay, Dr David Clark, Mr Mark Fisher, Mr Chris Mullin, Mr Rhodri Morgan, Mr Richard Shepherd, Mr Archy Kirkwood, Ms Roseanna Cunningham, Mr Elfyn Llwyd, Mr Martin Bell, Dr Tony Wright and Mr Ronnie Campbell do prepare and bring it in.
46	Freedom of Information Bill,—Mr Andrew Mackinlay accordingly presented a Bill to extend the right of access to information held by public authorities; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 265].
47	Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at this day's sitting, the Speaker shall not adjourn the House until any Messages from the Lords shall have been received.—(Mr David Hanson.)
48	European Parliamentary Elections Bill (Lords Amendments),—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Reason for insisting on their Amendments to which the Commons have disagreed and for disagreeing to the further Commons Amendment in lieu.
	The Lords Reason for insisting on their Amendments in page 2, line 1, page 2, line 2, page 2, line 15, and page 2, line 18, and for disagreeing to the Commons Amendment in lieu, was read, as follows:
	Because the review proposed by the Commons is not an adequate substitute for an electoral system that allows electors to vote for the individual party candidate of their choice.
	A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House insists on its disagreement with the Lords in their Amendments but does not insist on its Amendment in lieu—(Mr Secretary Straw);
	The House divided.
	Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Keith Hill, Jane Kennedy: 326.
	Tellers for the Noes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Nigel Waterson: 133.
	So the Question was agreed to.
	An Amendment was made to the Bill, in lieu of the Lords Amendments, in page 3, line 46, at the end, to insert—

'Review of electoral system
	—(1) The Secretary of State shall appoint one or more persons—
	(a) to review , in accordance with subsection 2, the operation of the system of election provided for by section 3 of the European Parliamentary Elections Act 1978 as substituted by section 1 of this Act, and
	(b) to make a report to the Secretary of State within six months from the day of appointment.
	(2) The review shall consider, in particular, how the ability of voters to vote for particular persons on a party's list of candidates might affect the results of an election.
	3) The Secretary of State shall carry out his duty under subsection (1) within one month from the date of the first general election to the European Parliament which takes place after the coming into force of section 1.
	(4) Before making an appointment under subsection (1) the Secretary of State shall consult such persons appearing to him to be interested as he thinks appropriate.
	(5) The Secretary of State shall lay a copy of any report received under subsection (1)(b) before each House of Parliament.'.—(Mr Mike Hall.)

49	Northern Ireland Bill (Programme) (No. 2),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the Order [17th July] relating to the Northern Ireland Bill (Programme) be supplemented as follows—
Lords Amendments
	1. Proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments shall be completed at this day's sitting and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion four hours after the commencement of the proceedings.
	2.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 1.
	(2) The Speaker shall first put forthwith any Question already proposed from the Chair and not yet decided.
	(3) If that Question is for the amendment of a Lords Amendment the Speaker shall then put forthwith—
	(a) the Question on any further amendment to the Lord Amendment moved by a Minister of the Crown, and
	(b) the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House agrees or disagrees with the Lords in the Amendment or (as the case may be) in the Amendment as amended.
	(4) The Speaker shall then designate such of the remaining Lords Amendments as appear to the Speaker to involve questions of Privilege.
	(5) The Speaker shall then put forthwith—
	(a) the Question on any Amendment moved by a Minister of the Crown to a Lords Amendment, and
	(b) the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House agrees or disagrees with the Lords in the Amendment or (as the case may be) in the Amendment as amended.
	(6) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House disagrees with the Lords in a Lords Amendment.
	(7) The Speaker shall then put forthwith with respect to the Lords Amendments designated by the Speaker which have not been disposed of the Question, That this House agrees with the Lords in those Amendments.
	(8) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question, That this House agrees with the Lords in all the remaining Lords Amendments.
	(9) As soon as the House has agreed or disagreed with the Lords in any of their Amendments, or disposed of an Amendment relevant to a Lords Amendment which has been disagreed to, the Speaker shall put forthwith a separate Question on any other Amendment which is moved by a Minister of the Crown and relevant to the Lords Amendments.
	(10) The Speaker shall put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for the appointment, nomination and quorum of a Committee to draw up Reasons and the appointment of its Chairman.
	(11) Proceedings under this paragraph shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House.
Supplemental
	3. A Committee appointed to draw up Reasons shall report before the conclusion of the sitting.
	4. Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) shall apply to proceedings on Consideration of the Lords Amendments for any part of the period of four hours after the commencement of the proceedings which falls after Ten o'clock.—(Mr Paul Murphy.)
	And it being three quarters of an hour after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [17th July].
	The House divided.
	Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Hanson, Mr David Clelland: 290.
	Tellers for the Noes, The Reverend Ian Paisley, Mr William Ross: 6.
	So the Question was agreed to.
50	Northern Ireland Bill [Money] (No. 2),—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Northern Ireland Bill [Money] (No. 2):
	Resolved, That for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Northern Ireland Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any expenditure incurred by the Lord Chancellor under the Act.—(Mr Adam Ingram.)
51	Northern Ireland Bill (Lords Amendments),—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Northern Ireland Bill.
	Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 82 were agreed to.
	And it being Ten o'clock, further consideration of the Lords Amendments stood adjourned.
52	Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business), That, at this day's sitting, the consideration of any Lords Messages and Amendments that may be received may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.
53	Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords as follows:
	The Lords insist on their Amendments to the European Parliamentary Elections Bill to which the Commons have disagreed, and disagree to the further Amendment proposed by the Commons in lieu thereof, for which insistence and disagreement they assign their Reason.
54	Northern Ireland Bill (Lords Amendments),—The House again proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Northern Ireland Bill.
	Lords Amendments Nos. 83 to 192 were agreed to.
Thursday 19th November 1998
	Lords Amendments Nos. 193 to 417 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendments Nos. 194, 277, 278, 347 and 348.
55	Registration of Political Parties Bill,—Ordered, That the Lords Amendments to the Registration of Political Parties Bill be considered forthwith.—(Mr Clive Betts.)
	The House proceeded to consider the said Amendments.
	Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 8 were agreed to.
56	Education,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Education (Grammar School Ballots) Regulations 1998, which were laid before this House on 21st October, be approved—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to.
57	Social Security,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Social Security (New Deal Pilot) Regulations 1998, which were laid before this House on 29th October, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.
58	Representation of the People,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Parliamentary Constituencies (England) (Miscellaneous Changes) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 4th November, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.
59	Social Security,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Jobseeker's Allowance Amendment (New Deal) Regulation 1998, which were laid before this House on 4th November, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.
60	Supreme Court of England and Wales,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Civil Procedures (Modification of Enactments) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 5th November, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.
61	Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Clive Betts);
	And the Motion having been made after Ten o'clock on Wednesday evening and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then eight minutes to One o'clock on Thursday morning, till this day.
[Adjourned at 12.52 a.m.
*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	Education,—School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (Home-School Agreements) (Modification) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2834), dated 12th November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].
Other Papers:
2	Education (Northern Ireland),—Statements and Summary of the Accounts of the Education and Library Boards for 1996-97, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland thereon [by Command] [Cm. 4094] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].
3	Monopolies and Mergers,—Report by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on the merger situation between ARRIVA plc and Lutonian Buses Ltd [by Command] [Cm. 4074] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].
4	Museums and Galleries,—Account of the Imperial War Museum for 1997-98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1199] [Clerk of the House].
5	Police,—Draft Code of Practice on Intrusive Surveillance [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].
6	Voluntary Sector (Wales),—Paper, entitled Compact, a shared vision: Compact between the Government and the Voluntary Sector in Wales [by Command] [Cm. 4107] [Mr Secretary Michael].
7	Welfare,—Paper, entitled A new contract for welfare: support in bereavement [by Command] [Cm. 4104] [Mr Secretary Darling].
APPENDIX II
Reports from Select Committees
1	Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on 18th November [The Heritage Lottery Fund]; to be printed [No. 968-v] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].
2	Defence,—(1) Sixth Special Report from the Defence Committee [Government Observations on the Eighth Report from the Committee, Session 1997-98, on the Strategic Defence Review]; to be printed [No. 1198]; and
	(2) Memorandum laid before the Defence Committee [Operation Resilient]
	[Mr Bruce George].
3	Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee on 18th November [The work of OFSTED]; to be printed [No. 1127-iii] [Mr Malcolm Wicks].
4	Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Integrated Transport White Paper]; to be printed [No. 1141-ii] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].
5	European Scrutiny,—First Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 1200] [Mr Jimmy Hood].
6	Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on 18th November [Non-Departmental Public Bodies in Northern Ireland]; to be printed [No. 1201] [Mr Peter Brooke].
7	Public Accounts,—(1) Sixty-eighth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [The Distribution of Lottery Funds by the English Sports Council]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 873];
	(2) Seventieth Report from the Committee [The Performance of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme in England], together with an Appendix to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 757]; and
	(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on Wednesday 18th November [The Sale of British Energy]; to be printed [No. 1202-i]
	[Mr David Davis].
8	Science and Technology,—(1) Sixth Report from the Science and Technology Committee [Science and the Comprehensive Spending Review]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 1040]; and
	(2) Fourth Special Report from the Science and Technology Committee [Government Response to the Fifth Report from the Committee, Session 1997-98 (British Biotech)]; to be printed [No. 1185]
	[Dr Michael Clark].
9	Scottish Affairs,—Second Report from the Scottish Affairs Committee [The Operation of Multi-layer Democracy], together with the 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 [No. 460] [Mr David Marshall].