Votes and Proceedings

House of Commons

Session 1998-99
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House of Commons Votes and Proceedings
Monday 14th December 1998

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

PRAYERS.

1 Greater London Authority Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Greater London Authority Bill;

    And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read a second time;

    An Amendment was proposed to the Question, to leave out from the word 'That' to the end of the Question and add the words 'this House, while welcoming the proposal for a directly elected mayor for Greater London, declines to give a second reading to the Greater London Authority Bill because, instead of creating an Assembly consisting of representatives nominated by each London borough and the Corporation of London, which would best serve London's interests, it provides for the establishment of a directly elected assembly which would diminish the status of the London boroughs and would be likely to lead to conflict between the boroughs and the Greater London Authority; and because, in failing to provide for the transfer of London Underground to the private sector so as to boost investment and in proposing the imposition of new taxes on motorists in London to pay for cuts in central government spending, the Bill offers an inadequate response to the problems of transport in London', instead thereof.—(Mrs Gillian Shephard.)

    And the Question being proposed, That the Amendment be made;

    Ordered, That the Debate be now adjourned.—(Mr Keith Hill.)

    Debate to be resumed to-morrow.

2 Fisheries,—Ordered, That the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum submitted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 7th December 1998 relating to Fisheries: TACs and quotas for 1999 shall not stand referred to European Standing Committee A.—(Mr Keith Hill.)

3 Housing,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Government of Wales Act 1998 (Housing) (Amendments) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 26th November, be approved—(Mr Keith Hill):—It was agreed to.

4 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 Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 30th November, be approved—(Mr Keith Hill):—It was agreed to.

5 Social Security,—Ordered, That the Income Support (General) (Standard Interest Rate Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2878), dated 23rd November 1998, a copy of which was laid before this House on 27th November, be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr Keith Hill.)

6 Catering,—Ordered, That Helen Jones be discharged from the Catering Committee and Mr Gerry Steinberg be added to the Committee.—(Ms Karen Buck, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

7 Information,—Ordered, That Mr Jon Owen Jones be discharged from the Information Committee and Mr Ian Stewart be added to the Committee.—(Ms Karen Buck, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

8 Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Keith Hill);

Tuesday 15th December 1998

    And the Question being put;

    Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.

    And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-three minutes past Twelve o'clock on Tuesday morning, adjourned till this day.

[Adjourned at 12.23 a.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 11th December 1998 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O. No. 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1 Civil Aviation,—(1) Civil Aviation (Joint Financing) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3000), dated 2nd December 1998, and

    (2) Civil Aviation (Route Charges for Navigation Services) (Second Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2999), dated 1st December 1998

[Mr Secretary Prescott].

2 Criminal Law,—Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (Service of Prosecution Evidence) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3115), dated 11th December 1998 [Mr Secretary Straw].

3 Education,—(1) Afan College (Dissolution) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2967), dated 29th November 1998 [Mr Secretary Michael]; and

    (2) Birmingham (Aston and Nechells) Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3066), dated 3rd December 1998,

    (3) Birmingham (Kitts Green and Shard End) Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3062), dated 3rd December 1998,

    (4) East Basildon Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3065), dated 3rd December 1998,

    (5) East Brighton Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3054), dated 3rd December 1998,

    (6) Education (Government of New Schools on Transition to New Framework) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3097), dated 8th December 1998,

    (7) Halifax Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3064), dated 3rd December 1998,

    (8) Kingston upon Hull (Bransholme Area) Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3063), dated 3rd December 1998,

    (9) Leigh Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3056), dated 3rd December 1998,

    (10) North East Sheffield Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3059), dated 3rd December 1998,

    (11) North Southwark Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3057), dated 3rd December 1998,

    (12) Nottingham (Bulwell) Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3061), dated 3rd December 1998,

    (13) Plymouth Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3060), dated 3rd December 1998,

    (14) South Tyneside Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3058), dated 3rd December 1998, and

    (15) Thetford Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3055), dated 3rd December 1998

[Mr Secretary Blunkett].

4 Friendly Societies,—Friendly Societies (Insurance Business) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3034), dated 11th December 1998 [Ms Patricia Hewitt].

5 Land Registration (Scotland),—Land Registration (Scotland) Amendment Rules 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3100), dated 4th December 1998 [Mr Secretary Dewar].

6 Local Government,—Revenue Support Grant (Specified Bodies) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2995), dated 3rd December 1998 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

7 Local Government (Scotland),—Local Government Officers (Political Restrictions) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3116), dated 9th December 1998 [Mr Secretary Dewar].

8 Medicines,—(1) Medicines for Human Use (Marketing Authorisations Etc.) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3105), dated 10th December 1998, and

    (2) Medicines (Pharmacies) (Application for Registration and Fees) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3085), dated 9th December 1998

[Mr Secretary Dobson].

9 Opticians,—General Optical Council (Membership) Order of Council 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3117), dated 11th December 1998 [Margaret Beckett].

10 Registers and Records (Scotland),—Register of Sasines (Registers Direct) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3099), dated 4th December 1998 [Mr Secretary Dewar].

11 Road Traffic,—(1) Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3113),

    (2) Road Vehicles (Authorised Weight) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3111), and

    (3) Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) (No. 7) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3112),

dated 11th December 1998 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 14th December 1998:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

12 Deregulation,—Draft Deregulation (Weights and Measures) Order 1999, together with a statement by the Department of Trade and Industry [by Act] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

13 Criminal Law,—Prosecution of Offences (Custody of Time Limits) (Modification) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3037), dated 2nd December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

14 Magistrates' Courts,—Magistrates' Courts Committees (Avon and Somerset) Amalgamation Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3133), dated 10th December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

15 Rating and Valuation,—Non-Domestic Rating (Collection and Enforcement) (Local Lists) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3089), dated 7th December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

16 Social Security,—Social Security (Claims and Payments) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3039), dated 7th December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Other Papers:

17 Health,—Government Response to the Third Report from the Health Committee, Session 1997-98, on The Welfare of Former British Child Migrants [by Command] [Cm. 4182] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

18 National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on the BBC World Service: New Financial Arrangements [by Act]; to be printed [No. 26] [Clerk of the House].

19 Trade and Industry,—Department of Trade and Industry Minute concerning a contingent liability consequent upon an agreement between the Company Law and Investigations Directorate of the Department of Trade and Industry and British Telecommunications PLC concerning access to an automated information service [by Command] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

20 Voluntary Sector (Northern Ireland),—Paper, entitled Building Real Partnership: Compact between Government and the Voluntary and Community Sector in Northern Ireland [by Command] [Cm. 4167] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Draft Financing of Maintained Schools Regulations 1998,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Jim Marshall from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Dr Phyllis Starkey.

2 Draft Criminal Legal Aid (Scotland) (Prescribed Proceedings) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1998 and the draft Advice and Assistance (Assistance by Way of Representation) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1998,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Dennis Canavan and Mr Douglas Alexander from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Eric Clarke and Ms Sandra Osborne.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

Public Accounts,—(1) First Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Ministry of Defence: Major Projects Report 1997]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 101];

    (2) Second Report from the Committee [NHS (Scotland) Summarised Accounts 1996-97]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 102];

    (3) Third Report from the Committee [Obtaining a Benefit for Electricity Customers from the Flotation of the National Grid]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 103]; and

    (4) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee MOD: [Identifying and Selling Surplus Property]; to be printed [No. 104-i]

[Mr David Davis]

The House met at half-past Two o'clock.
PRAYERS.
1	Greater London Authority Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Greater London Authority Bill;
	And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read a second time;
	An Amendment was proposed to the Question, to leave out from the word 'That' to the end of the Question and add the words 'this House, while welcoming the proposal for a directly elected mayor for Greater London, declines to give a second reading to the Greater London Authority Bill because, instead of creating an Assembly consisting of representatives nominated by each London borough and the Corporation of London, which would best serve London's interests, it provides for the establishment of a directly elected assembly which would diminish the status of the London boroughs and would be likely to lead to conflict between the boroughs and the Greater London Authority; and because, in failing to provide for the transfer of London Underground to the private sector so as to boost investment and in proposing the imposition of new taxes on motorists in London to pay for cuts in central government spending, the Bill offers an inadequate response to the problems of transport in London', instead thereof.—(Mrs Gillian Shephard.)
	And the Question being proposed, That the Amendment be made;
	Ordered, That the Debate be now adjourned.—(Mr Keith Hill.)
	Debate to be resumed to-morrow.
2	Fisheries,—Ordered, That the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum submitted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 7th December 1998 relating to Fisheries: TACs and quotas for 1999 shall not stand referred to European Standing Committee A.—(Mr Keith Hill.)
3	Housing,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Government of Wales Act 1998 (Housing) (Amendments) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 26th November, be approved—(Mr Keith Hill):—It was agreed to.
4	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 Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 30th November, be approved—(Mr Keith Hill):—It was agreed to.
5	Social Security,—Ordered, That the Income Support (General) (Standard Interest Rate Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2878), dated 23rd November 1998, a copy of which was laid before this House on 27th November, be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr Keith Hill.)
6	Catering,—Ordered, That Helen Jones be discharged from the Catering Committee and Mr Gerry Steinberg be added to the Committee.—(Ms Karen Buck, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)
7	Information,—Ordered, That Mr Jon Owen Jones be discharged from the Information Committee and Mr Ian Stewart be added to the Committee.—(Ms Karen Buck, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)
8	Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Keith Hill);
Tuesday 15th December 1998
	And the Question being put;
	Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.
	And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-three minutes past Twelve o'clock on Tuesday morning, adjourned till this day.
[Adjourned at 12.23 a.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 11th December 1998 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O. No. 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
1	Civil Aviation,—(1) Civil Aviation (Joint Financing) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3000), dated 2nd December 1998, and
	(2) Civil Aviation (Route Charges for Navigation Services) (Second Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2999), dated 1st December 1998
	[Mr Secretary Prescott].
2	Criminal Law,—Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (Service of Prosecution Evidence) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3115), dated 11th December 1998 [Mr Secretary Straw].
3	Education,—(1) Afan College (Dissolution) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2967), dated 29th November 1998 [Mr Secretary Michael]; and
	(2) Birmingham (Aston and Nechells) Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3066), dated 3rd December 1998,
	(3) Birmingham (Kitts Green and Shard End) Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3062), dated 3rd December 1998,
	(4) East Basildon Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3065), dated 3rd December 1998,
	(5) East Brighton Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3054), dated 3rd December 1998,
	(6) Education (Government of New Schools on Transition to New Framework) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3097), dated 8th December 1998,
	(7) Halifax Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3064), dated 3rd December 1998,
	(8) Kingston upon Hull (Bransholme Area) Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3063), dated 3rd December 1998,
	(9) Leigh Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3056), dated 3rd December 1998,
	(10) North East Sheffield Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3059), dated 3rd December 1998,
	(11) North Southwark Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3057), dated 3rd December 1998,
	(12) Nottingham (Bulwell) Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3061), dated 3rd December 1998,
	(13) Plymouth Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3060), dated 3rd December 1998,
	(14) South Tyneside Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3058), dated 3rd December 1998, and
	(15) Thetford Education Action Zone Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3055), dated 3rd December 1998
	[Mr Secretary Blunkett].
4	Friendly Societies,—Friendly Societies (Insurance Business) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3034), dated 11th December 1998 [Ms Patricia Hewitt].
5	Land Registration (Scotland),—Land Registration (Scotland) Amendment Rules 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3100), dated 4th December 1998 [Mr Secretary Dewar].
6	Local Government,—Revenue Support Grant (Specified Bodies) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2995), dated 3rd December 1998 [Mr Secretary Prescott].
7	Local Government (Scotland),—Local Government Officers (Political Restrictions) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3116), dated 9th December 1998 [Mr Secretary Dewar].
8	Medicines,—(1) Medicines for Human Use (Marketing Authorisations Etc.) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3105), dated 10th December 1998, and
	(2) Medicines (Pharmacies) (Application for Registration and Fees) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3085), dated 9th December 1998
	[Mr Secretary Dobson].
9	Opticians,—General Optical Council (Membership) Order of Council 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3117), dated 11th December 1998 [Margaret Beckett].
10	Registers and Records (Scotland),—Register of Sasines (Registers Direct) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3099), dated 4th December 1998 [Mr Secretary Dewar].
11	Road Traffic,—(1) Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3113),
	(2) Road Vehicles (Authorised Weight) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3111), and
	(3) Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) (No. 7) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3112),
	dated 11th December 1998 [Mr Secretary Prescott].
Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 14th December 1998:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
12	Deregulation,—Draft Deregulation (Weights and Measures) Order 1999, together with a statement by the Department of Trade and Industry [by Act] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
13	Criminal Law,—Prosecution of Offences (Custody of Time Limits) (Modification) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3037), dated 2nd December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].
14	Magistrates' Courts,—Magistrates' Courts Committees (Avon and Somerset) Amalgamation Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3133), dated 10th December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].
15	Rating and Valuation,—Non-Domestic Rating (Collection and Enforcement) (Local Lists) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3089), dated 7th December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
16	Social Security,—Social Security (Claims and Payments) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3039), dated 7th December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].
Other Papers:
17	Health,—Government Response to the Third Report from the Health Committee, Session 1997-98, on The Welfare of Former British Child Migrants [by Command] [Cm. 4182] [Mr Secretary Dobson].
18	National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on the BBC World Service: New Financial Arrangements [by Act]; to be printed [No. 26] [Clerk of the House].
19	Trade and Industry,—Department of Trade and Industry Minute concerning a contingent liability consequent upon an agreement between the Company Law and Investigations Directorate of the Department of Trade and Industry and British Telecommunications PLC concerning access to an automated information service [by Command] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].
20	Voluntary Sector (Northern Ireland),—Paper, entitled Building Real Partnership: Compact between Government and the Voluntary and Community Sector in Northern Ireland [by Command] [Cm. 4167] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
1	Draft Financing of Maintained Schools Regulations 1998,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Jim Marshall from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Dr Phyllis Starkey.
2	Draft Criminal Legal Aid (Scotland) (Prescribed Proceedings) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1998 and the draft Advice and Assistance (Assistance by Way of Representation) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1998,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Dennis Canavan and Mr Douglas Alexander from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Eric Clarke and Ms Sandra Osborne.
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
	Public Accounts,—(1) First Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Ministry of Defence: Major Projects Report 1997]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 101];
	(2) Second Report from the Committee [NHS (Scotland) Summarised Accounts 1996-97]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 102];
	(3) Third Report from the Committee [Obtaining a Benefit for Electricity Customers from the Flotation of the National Grid]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 103]; and
	(4) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee MOD: [Identifying and Selling Surplus Property]; to be printed [No. 104-i]
	[Mr David Davis]



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