Votes and Proceedings

House of Commons

Session 1998-99
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House of Commons Votes and Proceedings
Tuesday 2nd March 1999

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

PRAYERS.

1 Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Andrew Welsh reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999.

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

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

    Financial Services and Markets,—The Lords communicate that they have appointed a Select Committee of eight Lords to join with a Committee appointed by the Commons as the Joint Committee on Financial Services and Markets; that they have ordered that the Committee have power to agree with the Commons in the appointment of a Chairman, that the Committee have leave to report from time to time, that the Committee have power to appoint Specialist Advisers, that the Committee have power to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom, that the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee from time to time shall, if the Committee think fit, be printed and delivered out, and that the Committee shall report by 30th April 1999; and they propose that the Committee do meet with the Committee appointed by the Commons this day at half-past Four o'clock in Committee Room 3A.

3 Financial Services and Markets,—Ordered, That the Lords Message this day relating to the Joint Committee on Financial Services and Markets be now considered.

    Lords Message considered accordingly.

    Ordered, That the Committee appointed by this House meet the Lords Committee as proposed by their Lordships.

    Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.

4 Hare Coursing Bill,—Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas, supported by Mr Colin Pickthall, Mr Michael Foster (Worcester), Maria Eagle, Mr Joe Benton, Mr Gwyn Prosser and Helen Jones, presented a Bill to make hare coursing illegal: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 26th March and to be printed [Bill 53].

5 Use of Antibiotics in Farm Animals,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require Ministers to lay before Parliament proposals for ending the use in farm animals of antibiotics as growth promoters and for restricting the routine use of antibiotics in such animals for prophylactic purposes—(Mr Bill Etherington);

    And the Motion being opposed, after a brief explanatory statement from the Member who made the Motion and from a Member who opposed it, the Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Standing Order No. 23 (Motions for leave to bring in bills and nomination of select committees at commencement of public business):—It was agreed to.

    Ordered, That Mr Bill Etherington, John Austin, Jackie Ballard, Mr Peter Bottomley, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Harry Cohen, Lynne Jones, Mr Nigel Jones, Mr Chris Mullin, Dr Nick Palmer, Mr Gwyn Prosser and Angela Smith do prepare and bring in the Bill.

6 Use of Antibiotics in Farm Animals Bill,—Mr Bill Etherington accordingly presented a Bill to require Ministers to lay before Parliament proposals for ending the use in farm animals of antibiotics as growth promoters and for restricting the routine use of antibiotics in such animals for prophylactic purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 16th April and to be printed [Bill 54].

7 Opposition Day [6th allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the Leader of the Opposition in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider Opposition business.

    Conduct of Ministers and Sierra Leone,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House endorses the criticisms made of Ministers in the Second Report of Session 1998-99 (House of Commons Paper No. 116) of the Foreign Affairs Committee on Sierra Leone and the Report of the Legg Inquiry; deplores the conduct of Ministers which led to such criticism; and calls on the Ministers concerned to accept responsibility for their conduct—(Mr Michael Howard);

    An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word 'House' to the end of the Question and add the words 'welcomes the decision of the Foreign Affairs Committee in its Second Report of Session 1998-99 (House of Commons Paper No. 116) on Sierra Leone to commend the resolute support which the British Government is giving to the restoration of democracy in Sierra Leone and endorses the conclusion of the Legg Inquiry that no Minister had given encouragement or approval to any breach of the arms embargo on Sierra Leone; notes that the inquiry on Sierra Leone of the Foreign Affairs Committee has found no evidence of Ministerial encouragement or approval; and congratulates Her Majesty's Government on accepting all the recommendations of the Report of the Legg Inquiry and on the steps it has since taken to modernise management in the FCO', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Cook.)

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

    The House divided.

    Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Stephen Day, Mrs Caroline Spelman: 171.

    Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr David Clelland: 336.

    So the Question was negatived.

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

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

    Resolved, That this House welcomes the decision of the Foreign Affairs Committee in its Second Report of Session 1998-99 (House of Commons Paper No. 116) on Sierra Leone to commend the resolute support which the British Government is giving to the restoration of democracy in Sierra Leone and endorses the conclusion of the Legg Inquiry that no Minister had given encouragement or approval to any breach of the arms embargo on Sierra Leone; notes that the inquiry on Sierra Leone of the Foreign Affairs Committee has found no evidence of Ministerial encouragement or approval; and congratulates Her Majesty's Government on accepting all the recommendations of the Report of the Legg Inquiry and on the steps it has since taken to modernise management in the FCO.

    Burdens on Schools,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House deplores the bureaucratic burdens placed on schools by the Government which are seriously undermining schools' ability to run their own affairs; condemns the pursuit of uniformity at the expense of diversity; considers the Government's proposals for performance-related pay for teachers to be cumbersome and unworkable; believes the complicated process of bidding for centralised initiatives is fragmenting budgetary responsibility and has caused unacceptable delays in setting indicative budgets; and further believes that the Government's ceaseless flow of directives to schools and LEAs has become a significant obstacle to raising educational standards—(Mr David Willetts);

    An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word 'House' to the end of the Question and add the words 'commends the Government for the introduction of vital measures to improve standards, particularly in literacy and numeracy; applauds the extra flexibility it has introduced in the national curriculum for primary pupils and support for work-related learning for 14-16 year olds; welcomes the Government's support for greater diversity through specialist schools and education action zones; believes that the extra £19 billion for schools will underpin the drive for higher standards and welcomes plans to reward good teachers well; congratulates Ministers for introducing much greater clarity to mailings for schools with a view to keeping paperwork to a minimum; recognises the huge benefits which the National Grid for Learning and voluntary schemes of work bring in reducing unnecessary paperwork; and notes that the Opposition has no proposals to raise standards in schools', instead thereof.—(Estelle Morris.)

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

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

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

    And the Question being accordingly put;

    The House divided.

    Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Caroline Spelman, Mr Stephen Day: 172.

    Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Hanson, Mr David Jamieson: 334.

    So the Question was negatived.

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

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

    Resolved, That this House commends the Government for the introduction of vital measures to improve standards, particularly in literacy and numeracy; applauds the extra flexibility it has introduced in the national curriculum for primary pupils and support for work-related learning for 14-16 year olds; welcomes the Government's support for greater diversity through specialist schools and education action zones; believes that the extra £19 billion for schools will underpin the drive for higher standards and welcomes plans to reward good teachers well; congratulates Ministers for introducting much greater clarity to mailings for schools with a view to keeping paperwork to a minimum; recognises the huge benefits which the National Grid for Learning and voluntary schemes of work bring in reducing unnecessary paperwork; and notes that the Opposition has no proposals to raise standards in schools.

8 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 Trade Union Subscription Deductions (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 22nd February, be approved—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to.

9 Education,—Ordered, That the Education (Aptitude for Particular Subjects) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 258) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

10 Education,—Ordered, That the Education (Determination of Admission Arrangements) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 126) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

11 Education,—Ordered, That the Education (Objections to Admission Arrangements) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 125) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

12 Education,—Ordered, That the Education (Relevant Areas for Consultation on Admission Arrangements) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 124) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

13 Education,—Ordered, That the Education (School Information) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 251) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

14 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

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

[Adjourned at 10.39 p.m.

Betty Boothroyd
Speaker

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

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1 Education,—(1) Education (Amount to Follow Permanently Excluded Pupil) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 495), dated 25th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett];

    (2) Education (Budget Statements and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 486), dated 1st March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett];

    (3) Education (Budget Statements) (Wales) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 451), dated 26th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael]; and

    (4) Education (Grant-maintained Schools) (Capital Grants) (Wales) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 440), dated 24th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].

2 Family Proceedings,—Family Proceedings (Amendment) Rules (Northern Ireland) 1999 (S.R.(N.I.), 1999, No. 88), dated 1st March 1999 [by Statutory Instrument] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

3 Income Tax,—Insurance Companies (Capital Redemption Business) (Modification of the Corporation Tax Acts) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 498), dated 1st March 1999 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

4 Representation of the People,—Scottish Local Elections Amendment (No. 2) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 492), dated 1st March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

Other Papers:

5 Average Earnings Index,—Report, entitled Review of the Revisions to the Average Earnings Index, submitted by Sir Andrew Turnbull and Mervyn King [pursuant to Order 1st March]; to be printed [No. 263] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer].

6 National Health Service,—Treasury Minute, dated 2nd March 1999, concerning the remission of outstanding debt consequent on dissolution and reconfiguration of certain National Health Service Trusts [by Command] [Mr Alan Milburn].

7 Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions,—Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions (Pensions Increase) Order 1999, dated 10th February 1999 [by Act] [Margaret Beckett].

8 Science and Technology,—(1) Accounts of the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils for 1997-98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 155] [Clerk of the House]; and

    (2) Report and Financial Summary of the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils for 1997-98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

9 Social Security (Ionising and Non-Ionising Radiation),—Report by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council in accordance with Section 171 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 reviewing the prescription of diseases induced by ionising and non-ionising radiation [by Command] [Cm. 4280] [Mr Secretary Darling].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Company and Business Names (Chamber of Commerce, Etc.) Bill,—The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee B (transferred from Standing Committee C).

2 National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Establishment and Constitution) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 220), and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 260),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Dennis Canavan and Mr Mike Wood from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Order and Regulations); and nominated in substitution John Austin and Mr Roger Berry.

3 Draft Strategic Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Maria Eagle from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legisation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Alan Campbell.

4 Draft Energy Efficiency (Northern Ireland) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Tony Colman from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Ms Jackie Lawrence.

5 Draft National Minimum Wage Act 1998 (Amendment) Regulations and the draft National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Roger Berry from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Mike Wood.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 Education and Employment,—Memoranda laid before the Education and Employment Committee [Opportunities for Disabled People] [Mr Malcolm Wicks].

2 Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Regional Development Agencies]; to be printed [No. 232-vii] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].

3 Foreign Affairs,—First Special Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee [Premature Disclosure of the Committee's Report on Sierra Leone], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 293] [Mr Donald Anderson].

4 Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [Accountability of the Security Service]; to be printed [No. 291-i] [Mr Chris Mullin].

5 Procedure,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Procedure Committee [Procedural Consequences of Devolution and Financial Procedure]; to be printed [Nos. 185-v and 295-i] [Mr Nicholas Winterton].

6 Scottish Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Scottish Affairs Committee [Inward/outward Investment in Scotland]; to be printed [No. 84-vii] [Mr David Marshall].

7 Standards and Privileges,—Second Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges [Complaints against Mr Geoffrey Robinson], together with an Appendix (Memorandum by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards); to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 292] [Mr Robert Sheldon].

8 Statutory Instruments,—Eleventh Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 50-xi] [Mr David Tredinnick].

9 Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [Electronic Commerce]; to be printed [No. 187-iv] [Mr Martin O'Neill].

10 Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [Outline National Changeover Plan]; to be printed [No. 290-i] [Mr Giles Radice].

The House met at half-past Two o'clock.
PRAYERS.
1	Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Andrew Welsh reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999.
	Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
2	Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:
	Financial Services and Markets,—The Lords communicate that they have appointed a Select Committee of eight Lords to join with a Committee appointed by the Commons as the Joint Committee on Financial Services and Markets; that they have ordered that the Committee have power to agree with the Commons in the appointment of a Chairman, that the Committee have leave to report from time to time, that the Committee have power to appoint Specialist Advisers, that the Committee have power to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom, that the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee from time to time shall, if the Committee think fit, be printed and delivered out, and that the Committee shall report by 30th April 1999; and they propose that the Committee do meet with the Committee appointed by the Commons this day at half-past Four o'clock in Committee Room 3A.
3	Financial Services and Markets,—Ordered, That the Lords Message this day relating to the Joint Committee on Financial Services and Markets be now considered.
	Lords Message considered accordingly.
	Ordered, That the Committee appointed by this House meet the Lords Committee as proposed by their Lordships.
	Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.
4	Hare Coursing Bill,—Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas, supported by Mr Colin Pickthall, Mr Michael Foster (Worcester), Maria Eagle, Mr Joe Benton, Mr Gwyn Prosser and Helen Jones, presented a Bill to make hare coursing illegal: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 26th March and to be printed [Bill 53].
5	Use of Antibiotics in Farm Animals,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require Ministers to lay before Parliament proposals for ending the use in farm animals of antibiotics as growth promoters and for restricting the routine use of antibiotics in such animals for prophylactic purposes—(Mr Bill Etherington);
	And the Motion being opposed, after a brief explanatory statement from the Member who made the Motion and from a Member who opposed it, the Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Standing Order No. 23 (Motions for leave to bring in bills and nomination of select committees at commencement of public business):—It was agreed to.
	Ordered, That Mr Bill Etherington, John Austin, Jackie Ballard, Mr Peter Bottomley, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Harry Cohen, Lynne Jones, Mr Nigel Jones, Mr Chris Mullin, Dr Nick Palmer, Mr Gwyn Prosser and Angela Smith do prepare and bring in the Bill.
6	Use of Antibiotics in Farm Animals Bill,—Mr Bill Etherington accordingly presented a Bill to require Ministers to lay before Parliament proposals for ending the use in farm animals of antibiotics as growth promoters and for restricting the routine use of antibiotics in such animals for prophylactic purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 16th April and to be printed [Bill 54].
7	Opposition Day [6th allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the Leader of the Opposition in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider Opposition business.
	Conduct of Ministers and Sierra Leone,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House endorses the criticisms made of Ministers in the Second Report of Session 1998-99 (House of Commons Paper No. 116) of the Foreign Affairs Committee on Sierra Leone and the Report of the Legg Inquiry; deplores the conduct of Ministers which led to such criticism; and calls on the Ministers concerned to accept responsibility for their conduct—(Mr Michael Howard);
	An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word 'House' to the end of the Question and add the words 'welcomes the decision of the Foreign Affairs Committee in its Second Report of Session 1998-99 (House of Commons Paper No. 116) on Sierra Leone to commend the resolute support which the British Government is giving to the restoration of democracy in Sierra Leone and endorses the conclusion of the Legg Inquiry that no Minister had given encouragement or approval to any breach of the arms embargo on Sierra Leone; notes that the inquiry on Sierra Leone of the Foreign Affairs Committee has found no evidence of Ministerial encouragement or approval; and congratulates Her Majesty's Government on accepting all the recommendations of the Report of the Legg Inquiry and on the steps it has since taken to modernise management in the FCO', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Cook.)
	And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;
	The House divided.
	Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Stephen Day, Mrs Caroline Spelman: 171.
	Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr David Clelland: 336.
	So the Question was negatived.
	And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments):—It was agreed to.
	The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.
	Resolved, That this House welcomes the decision of the Foreign Affairs Committee in its Second Report of Session 1998-99 (House of Commons Paper No. 116) on Sierra Leone to commend the resolute support which the British Government is giving to the restoration of democracy in Sierra Leone and endorses the conclusion of the Legg Inquiry that no Minister had given encouragement or approval to any breach of the arms embargo on Sierra Leone; notes that the inquiry on Sierra Leone of the Foreign Affairs Committee has found no evidence of Ministerial encouragement or approval; and congratulates Her Majesty's Government on accepting all the recommendations of the Report of the Legg Inquiry and on the steps it has since taken to modernise management in the FCO.
	Burdens on Schools,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House deplores the bureaucratic burdens placed on schools by the Government which are seriously undermining schools' ability to run their own affairs; condemns the pursuit of uniformity at the expense of diversity; considers the Government's proposals for performance-related pay for teachers to be cumbersome and unworkable; believes the complicated process of bidding for centralised initiatives is fragmenting budgetary responsibility and has caused unacceptable delays in setting indicative budgets; and further believes that the Government's ceaseless flow of directives to schools and LEAs has become a significant obstacle to raising educational standards—(Mr David Willetts);
	An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word 'House' to the end of the Question and add the words 'commends the Government for the introduction of vital measures to improve standards, particularly in literacy and numeracy; applauds the extra flexibility it has introduced in the national curriculum for primary pupils and support for work-related learning for 14-16 year olds; welcomes the Government's support for greater diversity through specialist schools and education action zones; believes that the extra £19 billion for schools will underpin the drive for higher standards and welcomes plans to reward good teachers well; congratulates Ministers for introducing much greater clarity to mailings for schools with a view to keeping paperwork to a minimum; recognises the huge benefits which the National Grid for Learning and voluntary schemes of work bring in reducing unnecessary paperwork; and notes that the Opposition has no proposals to raise standards in schools', instead thereof.—(Estelle Morris.)
	And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;
	Mr Patrick McLoughlin rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put.
	And the Question being put, That the Question be now put:—It was agreed to.
	And the Question being accordingly put;
	The House divided.
	Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Caroline Spelman, Mr Stephen Day: 172.
	Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Hanson, Mr David Jamieson: 334.
	So the Question was negatived.
	And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments):—It was agreed to.
	The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.
	Resolved, That this House commends the Government for the introduction of vital measures to improve standards, particularly in literacy and numeracy; applauds the extra flexibility it has introduced in the national curriculum for primary pupils and support for work-related learning for 14-16 year olds; welcomes the Government's support for greater diversity through specialist schools and education action zones; believes that the extra £19 billion for schools will underpin the drive for higher standards and welcomes plans to reward good teachers well; congratulates Ministers for introducting much greater clarity to mailings for schools with a view to keeping paperwork to a minimum; recognises the huge benefits which the National Grid for Learning and voluntary schemes of work bring in reducing unnecessary paperwork; and notes that the Opposition has no proposals to raise standards in schools.
8	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 Trade Union Subscription Deductions (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 22nd February, be approved—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to.
9	Education,—Ordered, That the Education (Aptitude for Particular Subjects) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 258) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr David Jamieson.)
10	Education,—Ordered, That the Education (Determination of Admission Arrangements) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 126) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr David Jamieson.)
11	Education,—Ordered, That the Education (Objections to Admission Arrangements) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 125) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr David Jamieson.)
12	Education,—Ordered, That the Education (Relevant Areas for Consultation on Admission Arrangements) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 124) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr David Jamieson.)
13	Education,—Ordered, That the Education (School Information) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 251) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr David Jamieson.)
14	Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr David Jamieson.)
	And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-one minutes to Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.39 p.m.
*Betty Boothroyd* *Speaker*
Madam Speaker will take the Chair at half-past Nine o'clock.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
1	Education,—(1) Education (Amount to Follow Permanently Excluded Pupil) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 495), dated 25th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett];
	(2) Education (Budget Statements and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 486), dated 1st March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett];
	(3) Education (Budget Statements) (Wales) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 451), dated 26th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael]; and
	(4) Education (Grant-maintained Schools) (Capital Grants) (Wales) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 440), dated 24th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].
2	Family Proceedings,—Family Proceedings (Amendment) Rules (Northern Ireland) 1999 (S.R.(N.I.), 1999, No. 88), dated 1st March 1999 [by Statutory Instrument] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].
3	Income Tax,—Insurance Companies (Capital Redemption Business) (Modification of the Corporation Tax Acts) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 498), dated 1st March 1999 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].
4	Representation of the People,—Scottish Local Elections Amendment (No. 2) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 492), dated 1st March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].
Other Papers:
5	Average Earnings Index,—Report, entitled Review of the Revisions to the Average Earnings Index, submitted by Sir Andrew Turnbull and Mervyn King [pursuant to Order 1st March]; to be printed [No. 263] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer].
6	National Health Service,—Treasury Minute, dated 2nd March 1999, concerning the remission of outstanding debt consequent on dissolution and reconfiguration of certain National Health Service Trusts [by Command] [Mr Alan Milburn].
7	Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions,—Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions (Pensions Increase) Order 1999, dated 10th February 1999 [by Act] [Margaret Beckett].
8	Science and Technology,—(1) Accounts of the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils for 1997-98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 155] [Clerk of the House]; and
	(2) Report and Financial Summary of the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils for 1997-98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].
9	Social Security (Ionising and Non-Ionising Radiation),—Report by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council in accordance with Section 171 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 reviewing the prescription of diseases induced by ionising and non-ionising radiation [by Command] [Cm. 4280] [Mr Secretary Darling].
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
1	Company and Business Names (Chamber of Commerce, Etc.) Bill,—The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee B (transferred from Standing Committee C).
2	National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Establishment and Constitution) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 220), and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 260),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Dennis Canavan and Mr Mike Wood from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Order and Regulations); and nominated in substitution John Austin and Mr Roger Berry.
3	Draft Strategic Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Maria Eagle from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legisation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Alan Campbell.
4	Draft Energy Efficiency (Northern Ireland) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Tony Colman from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Ms Jackie Lawrence.
5	Draft National Minimum Wage Act 1998 (Amendment) Regulations and the draft National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Roger Berry from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Mike Wood.
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
1	Education and Employment,—Memoranda laid before the Education and Employment Committee [Opportunities for Disabled People] [Mr Malcolm Wicks].
2	Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Regional Development Agencies]; to be printed [No. 232-vii] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].
3	Foreign Affairs,—First Special Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee [Premature Disclosure of the Committee's Report on Sierra Leone], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 293] [Mr Donald Anderson].
4	Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [Accountability of the Security Service]; to be printed [No. 291-i] [Mr Chris Mullin].
5	Procedure,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Procedure Committee [Procedural Consequences of Devolution and Financial Procedure]; to be printed [Nos. 185-v and 295-i] [Mr Nicholas Winterton].
6	Scottish Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Scottish Affairs Committee [Inward/outward Investment in Scotland]; to be printed [No. 84-vii] [Mr David Marshall].
7	Standards and Privileges,—Second Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges [Complaints against Mr Geoffrey Robinson], together with an Appendix (Memorandum by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards); to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 292] [Mr Robert Sheldon].
8	Statutory Instruments,—Eleventh Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 50-xi] [Mr David Tredinnick].
9	Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [Electronic Commerce]; to be printed [No. 187-iv] [Mr Martin O'Neill].
10	Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [Outline National Changeover Plan]; to be printed [No. 290-i] [Mr Giles Radice].