Votes and Proceedings

House of Commons

Session 1998-99
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House of Commons Votes and Proceedings
Monday 8th February 1999

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

PRAYERS.

1 Access to Environmental Information Bill,—Mr Matthew Taylor, supported by Mr Alan Simpson, Mr Peter Bottomley, Mr David Chaytor, Mr Cynog Dafis, Norman Baker, Mrs Helen Brinton, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr David Lepper and Mr Jeremy Corbyn, presented a Bill to extend the right of citizens to information concerning certain activities which may affect the environment; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 26th February and to be printed [Bill 41].

2 Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read for the Second Reading of the Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Bill [Lords];

    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 declines to give the Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Bill [Lords] a Second Reading because the effect of the Bill will be to facilitate the ending of the contributory principle, leading to the wider application of the means test, which will have a detrimental effect on the public and particularly pensioners; and because the major practical difficulties in transferring functions relating to social security contributions to the Treasury have not been overcome', instead thereof.—(Mr Iain Duncan Smith.)

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

    The House divided.

    Tellers for the Ayes, Sir David Madel, Mr Tim Collins: 132.

    Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Clelland, Mr Jim Dowd: 322.

    So the Question was negatived.

    And the Main Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 62 (Amendment on second or third reading):—It was agreed to.

    The Bill was accordingly read a second time and stood committed to a Standing Committee.

3 Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Bill [Lords] [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Bill [Lords] [Money];

    A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Bill [Lords], it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—

    (a) any expenses incurred by a Minister of the Crown or government department under the Act, and

    (b) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums which under any other Act are payable out of money so provided—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to.

4 Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Bill [Lords] [Ways and Means],—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Bill [Lords], it is expedient to authorise a payment out of the National Insurance Fund into the Consolidated Fund in respect of payments made under section 42A(3) of the Pension Schemes Act 1993—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to.

5 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 Departments (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 26th January, be approved—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to.

6 Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on 11th February, notwithstanding Standing Order No. 16 (Proceedings under an Act or on European Union documents), the Speaker shall—

    (i) put the Questions on the Motions in the name of Mr Secretary Michael relating to Local Government Finance (Wales) not later than Four o'clock;

    (ii) put the Questions on the Motions in the name of Mr Secretary Dewar relating to the Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order 1999 and the draft Housing Support Grant (Scotland) Order 1999 not later than one and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the first such Motion; and

    (iii) put the Questions on any Motions in the name of Mr Secretary Dewar relating to the draft Scotland Act 1998 (Transitional and Transitory Provisions) (Finance) Order 1999 and the draft Scotland Act 1998 (Transitional and Transitory Provisions) (Appropriations) Order 1999 not later than Seven o'clock.—(Mr Mike Hall).

7 Food Standards,—Ordered, That a select committee of thirteen Members be appointed to report on the draft bill on the Food Standards Agency (Cm. 4249);

    Ordered, That Mrs Diana Organ, Ms Sally Keeble, Audrey Wise, Dr Howard Stoate, Dr Lewis Moonie, Mr Martyn Jones, Mr Kevin Barron, Dr Stephen Ladyman, Mr Owen Paterson, Mr David Curry, Mr Robert Walter, Dr Peter Brand and the Reverend Martin Smyth be members of the Committee;

    Ordered, That the Committee have power

    (a) to send for persons, paper and records;

    (b) to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House;

    (c) to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom;

    (d) to appoint specialist advisers; and

    (e) to communicate to any select committee of either House their evidence and any other documents relating to matters of common interest; and

    Ordered, That the Committee shall report by 31st March 1999.—(Mr Mike Hall.)

8 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Mike Hall.)

    And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till half-past Eight o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 8.30 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 5th February 1999 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O. No. 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1 Council Tax,—Local Government Changes for England (Council Tax) (Transitional Reduction) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 259), dated 5th February 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

2 Education,—(1) Education (Aptitude for Particular Subjects) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 258), dated 2nd February 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett];

    (2) Education (Determination of Admission Arrangements) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 126), dated 2nd February 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett];

    (3) Education (Objections to Admission Arrangements) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 125), dated 2nd February 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett];

    (4) Education (Registered Inspectors of Schools Appeal Tribunal and Registered Nursery Education Inspectors Appeal Tribunal) (Procedure) Regulations 1999 (S.I, 1999, No. 265), dated 4th February 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett];

    (5) Education (Relevant Areas for Consultation on Admission Arrangements) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 124), dated 2nd February 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett];

    (6) Education (School Information) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 251), dated 30th January 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett];

    (7) Education (School Information) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 127), dated 3rd February 1999 [Mr Secretary Michael];

    (8) Local Education Authority (Post-Compulsory Education Awards) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 229), dated 1st February 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]; and

    (9) York Sixth Form College (Dissolution) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 218), dated 28th January 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

3 Health and Safety,—(1) Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 197), dated 26th January 1999, and

    (2) Transport of Dangerous Goods (Safety Advisers) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 257), dated 4th February 1999

[Mr Secretary Prescott].

4 Local Government,—Local Authorities (Alteration of Requisite Calculations) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 228), dated 4th February 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

5 National Health Service,—National Institute for Clinical Excellence Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 260), dated 4th February 1999 [Mr Secretary Dobson].

6 Road Traffic,—Road Traffic Offenders (Prescribed Devices) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 162), dated 26th January 1999 [Mr Secretary Straw].

Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 8th February 1999:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

7 Education (Scotland),—Draft Education (Student Loans) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

8 European Communities,—Draft European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan) Order 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Cook].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

9 Criminal Law,—Police (Retention and Disposal of Items seized under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 269), dated 5th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

10 Education,—(1) Education Act 1996 (Special Purpose and Capital Grants) (Modification) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 274), dated 8th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett];

    (2) Draft Code of Practice on School Admissions [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]; and

    (3) Welsh Office: Draft Code of Practice on School Admissions [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].

11 Fees and Charges,—European Economic Interest Grouping (Fees) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 268), dated 2nd February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

12 Medicines,—Medicine (Advertising and Monitoring of Advertising) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 267), dated 5th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

13 National Health Service,—National Health Service (Fund-holding Practices) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 261), dated 8th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

14 Rating and Valuation,—Non-Domestic Rate (Scotland) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 254), dated 28th January 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

15 Sea Fisheries,—Draft North Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries District Order 1999 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

16 Social Security,—Child Benefit (Residence and Persons Abroad) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 198), dated 29th January 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Other Papers:

17 Channel Tunnel Rail Link,—Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Departmental Minute concerning a contingent liability consequent upon the guarantee of bonds proposed to be issued by London & Continental Railways and of track access payments [by Command] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

18 Public Lending Right,—Report by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the Public Lending Right Scheme for 1997-98, incorporating the Registrar's Annual Review and Summary Financial Statement of the Public Lending Right Central Fund for 1997-98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

APPENDIX II

Reports from Select Committees

1 Northern Ireland Affairs,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Non-Departmental Public Bodies in Northern Ireland: The Sports Council]; to be printed [No. 226-i]; and

    (2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Northern Ireland Electricity: Christmas and New Year Failure of Supplies]; to be printed [No. 227-i]

[Mr Peter Brooke].

2 Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [The Final Accounts of Chessington Computer Centre, Recruitment and Assessment Services and the Occupational Health and Safety Agency]; to be printed [No. 231-i] [Mr David Davis].

3 Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [Childcare in Wales]; to be printed [No. 156-iii] [Mr Martyn Jones].

The House met at half-past Two o'clock.
PRAYERS.
1	Access to Environmental Information Bill,—Mr Matthew Taylor, supported by Mr Alan Simpson, Mr Peter Bottomley, Mr David Chaytor, Mr Cynog Dafis, Norman Baker, Mrs Helen Brinton, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr David Lepper and Mr Jeremy Corbyn, presented a Bill to extend the right of citizens to information concerning certain activities which may affect the environment; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 26th February and to be printed [Bill 41].
2	Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read for the Second Reading of the Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Bill [Lords];
	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 declines to give the Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Bill [Lords] a Second Reading because the effect of the Bill will be to facilitate the ending of the contributory principle, leading to the wider application of the means test, which will have a detrimental effect on the public and particularly pensioners; and because the major practical difficulties in transferring functions relating to social security contributions to the Treasury have not been overcome', instead thereof.—(Mr Iain Duncan Smith.)
	And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made;
	The House divided.
	Tellers for the Ayes, Sir David Madel, Mr Tim Collins: 132.
	Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Clelland, Mr Jim Dowd: 322.
	So the Question was negatived.
	And the Main Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 62 (Amendment on second or third reading):—It was agreed to.
	The Bill was accordingly read a second time and stood committed to a Standing Committee.
3	Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Bill [Lords] [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Bill [Lords] [Money];
	A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Bill [Lords], it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—
	(a) any expenses incurred by a Minister of the Crown or government department under the Act, and
	(b) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums which under any other Act are payable out of money so provided—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to.
4	Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Bill [Lords] [Ways and Means],—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Bill [Lords], it is expedient to authorise a payment out of the National Insurance Fund into the Consolidated Fund in respect of payments made under section 42A(3) of the Pension Schemes Act 1993—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to.
5	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 Departments (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 26th January, be approved—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to.
6	Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on 11th February, notwithstanding Standing Order No. 16 (Proceedings under an Act or on European Union documents), the Speaker shall—
	(i) put the Questions on the Motions in the name of Mr Secretary Michael relating to Local Government Finance (Wales) not later than Four o'clock;
	(ii) put the Questions on the Motions in the name of Mr Secretary Dewar relating to the Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order 1999 and the draft Housing Support Grant (Scotland) Order 1999 not later than one and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the first such Motion; and
	(iii) put the Questions on any Motions in the name of Mr Secretary Dewar relating to the draft Scotland Act 1998 (Transitional and Transitory Provisions) (Finance) Order 1999 and the draft Scotland Act 1998 (Transitional and Transitory Provisions) (Appropriations) Order 1999 not later than Seven o'clock.—(Mr Mike Hall).
7	Food Standards,—Ordered, That a select committee of thirteen Members be appointed to report on the draft bill on the Food Standards Agency (Cm. 4249);
	Ordered, That Mrs Diana Organ, Ms Sally Keeble, Audrey Wise, Dr Howard Stoate, Dr Lewis Moonie, Mr Martyn Jones, Mr Kevin Barron, Dr Stephen Ladyman, Mr Owen Paterson, Mr David Curry, Mr Robert Walter, Dr Peter Brand and the Reverend Martin Smyth be members of the Committee;
	Ordered, That the Committee have power
	(a) to send for persons, paper and records;
	(b) to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House;
	(c) to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom;
	(d) to appoint specialist advisers; and
	(e) to communicate to any select committee of either House their evidence and any other documents relating to matters of common interest; and
	Ordered, That the Committee shall report by 31st March 1999.—(Mr Mike Hall.)
8	Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Mike Hall.)
	And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till half-past Eight o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 8.30 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 5th February 1999 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O. No.* 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):*
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
1	Council Tax,—Local Government Changes for England (Council Tax) (Transitional Reduction) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 259), dated 5th February 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott].
2	Education,—(1) Education (Aptitude for Particular Subjects) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 258), dated 2nd February 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett];
	(2) Education (Determination of Admission Arrangements) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 126), dated 2nd February 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett];
	(3) Education (Objections to Admission Arrangements) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 125), dated 2nd February 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett];
	(4) Education (Registered Inspectors of Schools Appeal Tribunal and Registered Nursery Education Inspectors Appeal Tribunal) (Procedure) Regulations 1999 (S.I, 1999, No. 265), dated 4th February 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett];
	(5) Education (Relevant Areas for Consultation on Admission Arrangements) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 124), dated 2nd February 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett];
	(6) Education (School Information) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 251), dated 30th January 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett];
	(7) Education (School Information) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 127), dated 3rd February 1999 [Mr Secretary Michael];
	(8) Local Education Authority (Post-Compulsory Education Awards) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 229), dated 1st February 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]; and
	(9) York Sixth Form College (Dissolution) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 218), dated 28th January 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett].
3	Health and Safety,—(1) Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 197), dated 26th January 1999, and
	(2) Transport of Dangerous Goods (Safety Advisers) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 257), dated 4th February 1999
	[Mr Secretary Prescott].
4	Local Government,—Local Authorities (Alteration of Requisite Calculations) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 228), dated 4th February 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott].
5	National Health Service,—National Institute for Clinical Excellence Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 260), dated 4th February 1999 [Mr Secretary Dobson].
6	Road Traffic,—Road Traffic Offenders (Prescribed Devices) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 162), dated 26th January 1999 [Mr Secretary Straw].
Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 8th February 1999:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
7	Education (Scotland),—Draft Education (Student Loans) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].
8	European Communities,—Draft European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan) Order 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Cook].
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
9	Criminal Law,—Police (Retention and Disposal of Items seized under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 269), dated 5th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].
10	Education,—(1) Education Act 1996 (Special Purpose and Capital Grants) (Modification) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 274), dated 8th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett];
	(2) Draft Code of Practice on School Admissions [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]; and
	(3) Welsh Office: Draft Code of Practice on School Admissions [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].
11	Fees and Charges,—European Economic Interest Grouping (Fees) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 268), dated 2nd February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].
12	Medicines,—Medicine (Advertising and Monitoring of Advertising) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 267), dated 5th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].
13	National Health Service,—National Health Service (Fund-holding Practices) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 261), dated 8th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].
14	Rating and Valuation,—Non-Domestic Rate (Scotland) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 254), dated 28th January 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].
15	Sea Fisheries,—Draft North Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries District Order 1999 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].
16	Social Security,—Child Benefit (Residence and Persons Abroad) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 198), dated 29th January 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].
Other Papers:
17	Channel Tunnel Rail Link,—Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Departmental Minute concerning a contingent liability consequent upon the guarantee of bonds proposed to be issued by London & Continental Railways and of track access payments [by Command] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
18	Public Lending Right,—Report by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the Public Lending Right Scheme for 1997-98, incorporating the Registrar's Annual Review and Summary Financial Statement of the Public Lending Right Central Fund for 1997-98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].
APPENDIX II
Reports from Select Committees
1	Northern Ireland Affairs,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Non-Departmental Public Bodies in Northern Ireland: The Sports Council]; to be printed [No. 226-i]; and
	(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Northern Ireland Electricity: Christmas and New Year Failure of Supplies]; to be printed [No. 227-i]
	[Mr Peter Brooke].
2	Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [The Final Accounts of Chessington Computer Centre, Recruitment and Assessment Services and the Occupational Health and Safety Agency]; to be printed [No. 231-i] [Mr David Davis].
3	Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [Childcare in Wales]; to be printed [No. 156-iii] [Mr Martyn Jones].



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