Votes and Proceedings

House of Commons

Session 1998-99
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House of Commons Votes and Proceedings
Tuesday 30th March 1999

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

PRAYERS.

1 University College London Bill,—The University College London Bill was read the third time, and passed.

2 Greater London Authority Bill,—Mr Nicholas Winterton reported from Standing Committee A, That it had gone through the Greater London Authority Bill, and made Amendments thereunto.

    Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 79].

    Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 364].

3 Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Jimmy Hood reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Criminal Legal Aid (Fixed Payments) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 491).

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

4 Football (Offences and Disorder) Bill,—Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Football (Offences and Disorder) Bill be printed [Bill 17-EN].

5 Sexual Offences (Anonymity of Defendants),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to provide for the anonymity of teachers, etc. accused of sexual offences against children in relation to whom they are in a position of trust; and for connected purposes: And that Mr Crispin Blunt, Mr Robin Corbett, Mr Ian Bruce, Mr Ian Cawsey, Mr Graham Brady, Mr Nick St. Aubyn, Mr Gerry Steinberg, Mr Edward Leigh, Mr John Bercow, Dr Phyllis Starkey and Mr Tim Loughton do prepare and bring it in.

6 Sexual Offences (Anonymity of Defendants) Bill,—Mr Crispin Blunt accordingly presented a Bill to provide for the anonymity of teachers, etc. accused of sexual offences against children in relation to whom they are in a position of trust; and for connected 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 78].

7 Terms and Conditions of Employment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft National Minimum Wage (Offshore Employment) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 10th March, be approved—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to.

8 Deliberate Release into the Environment of Genetically Modified Organisms,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees), That this House takes note of the European Union Document No. 6378/98, relating to a draft Directive amending Directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms; and endorses the Government's approach in the negotiations—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to.

9 Employment Relations Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Employment Relations Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

    A Clause (Compensatory award etc: removal of limit in certain cases)—(Mr Secretary Byers)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

    A Clause (Small employers' exemption)—(Mr John Redwood)—brought up and read the first time.

    Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.

    The House divided.

    Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Stephen Day: 131.

    Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr David Clelland: 348.

    Another Clause (Codes of good employment practice)—(Mr Tim Boswell)—brought up, and read the first time.

    Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

    Another Clause (Discrimination in the work-place on grounds of age)—(Mr David Chidgey)—brought up and read the first time.

    Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.

    The House divided.

    Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Brian Cotter, Sir Robert Smith: 29.

    Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Hanson, Mrs Anne McGuire: 318.

    And it being after Ten o'clock, further consideration of the Bill stood adjourned.

10 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 Employment Relations Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to.

11 Employment Relations Bill,—The House again proceeded to consider the Employment Relations Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

    Another Clause (Discrimination in the work-place on grounds of sexual orientation)—(Mr David Chidgey)—brought up and read the first time.

    Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.

    The House divided.

    Tellers for the Ayes, Dr Evan Harris, Sir Robert Smith: 28.

    Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Hanson, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 313.

    Another Clause (Strikes to achieve collective bargaining rights not protected from legal action)—(Mr Tim Boswell)—brought up and read the first time.

    Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave withdrawn.

    Another Clause (Assessment of working days lost as a result of Act)—(Mr Tim Boswell)—brought up and read the first time.

    Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.

    The House divided.

    Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Tim Collins, Mrs Eleanor Laing: 123.

    Tellers for the Noes: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr David Hanson: 320.

    Another Clause (Duty to avoid conflicts of interest in employment)—(Mr Graham Brady)—brought up and read the first time.

    Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

    Amendment (No. 11) proposed to the Bill, in page 1, line 19, to leave out the word 'compilation' and insert the word 'use' instead thereof.—(Mr Tim Boswell.)

    Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Wednesday 31st March 1999

    Amendment (No. 51) made to the Bill.

    Another Amendment (No. 40) proposed to the Bill, in page 5, line 38, at the end, to insert the words—

    '(1A) This section shall not apply to an employer who shows that to comply with it would conflict with his religious beliefs'.—(Mr Graham Brady.)

    Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

    Another Amendment (No. 44) proposed to the Bill, in page 6, line 6, at the end, to insert the words—

    '(d) is to be permitted to speak only on matters which are directly relevant to the subject of the hearing'.—(Mr Graham Brady.)

    Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

    Other Amendments (Nos. 166, 53 to 55, 57 and 58) made to the Bill.

    Ordered, That further consideration of the Bill be now adjourned.—(Mr Greg Pope.)

    Bill to be further considered this day.

12 Local Government Finance (Scotland),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Special Grant Report (Scotland): Grant in aid of expenditure on rural public passenger transport for 1999-2000 (House of Commons Paper No. 283), which was laid before this House on 3rd March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.

13 Local Government Finance,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 45) (Metropolitan Railway Passenger Services Grant 1999-2000) (House of Commons Paper No. 305), which was laid before this House on 10th March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.

14 Local Government Finance (Scotland),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Special Grant Report (Scotland): Grant in aid of expenditure on rail services in the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Area (House of Commons Paper No. 329), which was laid before this House on 18th March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.

15 Broadcasting,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Limit in Relation to Licences to Provide Radio Multiplex Services Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 8th March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.

16 Road Traffic,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Traffic Areas (Reorganisation) (Wales) Order 1999, dated 9th March 1999, a copy of which was laid before this House on 10th March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.

17 Prisons,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 (Specified Organisations) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 3rd March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.

18 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 Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996 (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 525), dated 3rd March 1999, a copy of which was laid before this House on 3rd March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.

19 Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996 (Code of Practice) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 8th March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.

20 Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from residents of the constituencies of—

    (1) East Berkshire,

    (2) Eddisbury, and

    (3) Teignbridge

against hunting with dogs were presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

21 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Jane Kennedy.)

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

[Adjourned at 12.54 a.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 Affirmative Resolution:

1 Companies,—Draft Local Authority (Stocks and Bonds) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 [by Act] [Ms Patricia Hewitt].

2 Public Health,—Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1005), dated 25th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

3 Road Traffic,—Draft Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (Amendment) Order 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

4 County Courts,—(1) Contracting Out of Functions (Court Staff) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1013), dated 30th March 1999,

    (2) High Court and County Courts (Allocation of Arbitration Proceedings) (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1010), dated 25th March 1999, and

    (3) High Court and County Courts Jurisdiction (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1014), dated 30th March 1999

[by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

5 Education,—Education (Inspection of Vocational Training) (Prescribed Persons and Bodies Awarding or Authenticating Vocational Qualifications) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 963), dated 24th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].

6 Environmental Protection,—Highway Litter Clearance and Cleaning (Transfer of Responsibility) (North West Leicestershire and South Derbyshire) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1007), dated 26th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

7 Fair Employment,—Fair Employment (Monitoring) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 (S.R.(N.I.), 1999, No. 148), dated 25th March 1999 [by Act] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

8 Family Proceedings,—Family Proceedings (Miscellaneous Amendments) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1012), dated 25th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

9 Food,—Sweeteners in Food (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 982), dated 24th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

10 Highways,—(1) Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1025), and

    (2) Highways (Traffic Calming) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1026)

dated 30th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

11 Income Tax,—Personal Portfolio Bonds (Tax) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1029), dated 30th March 1999 [by Act] [Ms Patricia Hewitt].

12 National Health Service,—Health Authorities (England) Establishment Order 1996 Amendment and the Cambridgeshire and Norfolk Health Authorities (Establishment etc.) (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1024), dated 30th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

13 Roads and Bridges (Scotland),—Road Humps and Traffic Calming (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1000), dated 16th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

14 Social Security,—(1) Social Security (Contributions) Amendment (No. 3) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 975), dated 25th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]; and

    (2) Social Security Contributions (Decisions and Appeals) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1027), dated 30th March 1999 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

15 Supreme Court of England and Wales,—(1) Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1008), dated 25th March 1999,

    (2) Court Funds (Amendment) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1021), dated 29th March 1999, and

    (3) Non-Contentious Probate (Amendment) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1015), dated 25th March 1999

[by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

16 Water Resources,—Anti-Pollution Works Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1006), dated 30th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers:

17 Criminal Procedure (Scotland),—Paper, entitled Costs, Sentencing Profiles and the Scottish Criminal Justice System, 1997 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

18 Financial Reporting to Parliament,—Departmental Reports for 1999: the Government's expenditure plans 1999-2000 to 2001-02:—

    (1) Department for International Development [by Command] [Cm. 4210] [Secretary Clare Short];

    (2) Departments of the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Forestry Commission [by Command] [Cm. 4215] [Mr Secretary Dewar];

    (3) Department of Social Security [by Command] [Cm. 4214] [Mr Secretary Darling];

    (4) Department of Trade and Industry, Export Credits Guarantee Department, Office of Fair Trading, Office of Telecommunications, Office of Gas Supply and Office of Electricity Regulation [by Command] [Cm. 4211] [Mr Secretary Byers];

    (5) HM Customs and Excise [by Command] [Cm. 4219] [Dawn Primarolo];

    (6) Inland Revenue [by Command] [Cm. 4220] [Dawn Primarolo];

    (7) Lord Chancellor's Departments: Lord Chancellor's Department, Northern Ireland Court Service, Public Record Office and HM Land Registry [by Command] [Cm. 4206] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon];

    (8) Northern Ireland [by Command] [Cm. 4217] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam]; and

    (9) Welsh Office and the Office of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools in Wales [by Command] [Cm. 4216] [Mr Secretary Michael].

19 Library and Information Commission,—Report and Financial Statements of the Library and Information Commission for 1997-98: Year 3 [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith].

20 Modernising Government,—Paper, entitled Modernising Government [by Command] [Cm. 4310] [Dr Jack Cunningham].

21 Public Accounts,—Treasury Minute on the Fourth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 1998-99 [by Command] [Cm. 4312] [Mrs Barbara Roche].

22 Race Relations,—Account of the Commission for Racial Equality for 1997-98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 361] [Clerk of the House].

23 Representation of the People,—European Parliamentary Elections (Day of Poll) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 949), dated 23rd March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

24 Social Security,—Government Response to the Third Report from the Social Security Committee, Session 1998-99, on Disability Living Allowance [by Command] [Cm. 4307] [Mr Secretary Darling].

APPENDIX II

Reports from Select Committees

1 Agriculture,—(1) Fourth Report from the Agriculture Committee [The UK Pig Industry: The Government's Response], together with an Appendix [Government Observations on the Third Report from the Committee, on The UK Pig Industry]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 367]; and

    (2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Sea Fishing; Badgers and Bovine Tuberculosis]

[Mr Peter Luff].

2 Deregulation,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Deregulation Committee [Reform of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994]; to be printed [No. 324-ii] [Mr Peter L. Pike]

3 Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee on 29th and 30th March [Energy Efficiency]; to be printed [Nos. 159-vi and -vii] [Mr John Horam].

4 Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [International Environmental Agreements]; to be printed [No. 307-ii] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].

5 European Scrutiny,—Fifteenth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee, together with Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 34-xv] [Mr Jimmy Hood].

6 Financial Services and Markets,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on Financial Services and Markets; to be printed [No. 328-v] [Mr Barry Sheerman].

7 Foreign Affairs,—(1) Second Special Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee [Premature Disclosure of First and Third Reports of Session 1998-99]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 365]; and

    (2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Gibraltar]; to be printed [No. 366-i]

[Mr Donald Anderson].

8 Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [The Work of the UK Anti-Drugs Coordinator/Drugs and Prisons]; to be printed [No. 363-i] [Mr Chris Mullin].

9 International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [Women and Development]; to be printed [No. 160-vi] [Mr Bowen Wells].

10 Parliamentary Privilege,—Report from the Joint Committee on Parliamentary Privilege; together with the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee in Session 1997-98 and Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee [Nos. 214-I, II and III] [Mrs Ann Taylor].

11 Procedure,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Procedure Committee [Procedural Consequences of Devolution]; to be printed [No. 185-vi] [Mr Nicholas Winterton].

12 Standards and Privileges,—Fifth Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges [Complaint against Mr Geoffrey Robinson (No. 2)], 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. 362] [Mr Robert Sheldon].

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

14 Treasury,—(1) Fourth Report from the Treasury Committee [The 1999 Budget], together with 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. 325]; and

    (2) Memorandum laid before the Committee [The 1999 Budget]

[Mr Giles Radice].

15 Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [Health Issues in Wales]; to be printed [No. 343-ii] [Mr Martyn Jones].

The House met at half-past Two o'clock.
PRAYERS.
1	University College London Bill,—The University College London Bill was read the third time, and passed.
2	Greater London Authority Bill,—Mr Nicholas Winterton reported from Standing Committee A, That it had gone through the Greater London Authority Bill, and made Amendments thereunto.
	Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 79].
	Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 364].
3	Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Jimmy Hood reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Criminal Legal Aid (Fixed Payments) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 491).
	Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
4	Football (Offences and Disorder) Bill,—Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Football (Offences and Disorder) Bill be printed [Bill 17-EN].
5	Sexual Offences (Anonymity of Defendants),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to provide for the anonymity of teachers, etc. accused of sexual offences against children in relation to whom they are in a position of trust; and for connected purposes: And that Mr Crispin Blunt, Mr Robin Corbett, Mr Ian Bruce, Mr Ian Cawsey, Mr Graham Brady, Mr Nick St. Aubyn, Mr Gerry Steinberg, Mr Edward Leigh, Mr John Bercow, Dr Phyllis Starkey and Mr Tim Loughton do prepare and bring it in.
6	Sexual Offences (Anonymity of Defendants) Bill,—Mr Crispin Blunt accordingly presented a Bill to provide for the anonymity of teachers, etc. accused of sexual offences against children in relation to whom they are in a position of trust; and for connected 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 78].
7	Terms and Conditions of Employment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft National Minimum Wage (Offshore Employment) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 10th March, be approved—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to.
8	Deliberate Release into the Environment of Genetically Modified Organisms,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees), That this House takes note of the European Union Document No. 6378/98, relating to a draft Directive amending Directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms; and endorses the Government's approach in the negotiations—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to.
9	Employment Relations Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Employment Relations Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.
	A Clause (Compensatory award etc: removal of limit in certain cases)—(Mr Secretary Byers)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.
	A Clause (Small employers' exemption)—(Mr John Redwood)—brought up and read the first time.
	Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.
	The House divided.
	Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Stephen Day: 131.
	Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr David Clelland: 348.
	Another Clause (Codes of good employment practice)—(Mr Tim Boswell)—brought up, and read the first time.
	Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
	Another Clause (Discrimination in the work-place on grounds of age)—(Mr David Chidgey)—brought up and read the first time.
	Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.
	The House divided.
	Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Brian Cotter, Sir Robert Smith: 29.
	Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Hanson, Mrs Anne McGuire: 318.
	And it being after Ten o'clock, further consideration of the Bill stood adjourned.
10	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 Employment Relations Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to.
11	Employment Relations Bill,—The House again proceeded to consider the Employment Relations Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.
	Another Clause (Discrimination in the work-place on grounds of sexual orientation)—(Mr David Chidgey)—brought up and read the first time.
	Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.
	The House divided.
	Tellers for the Ayes, Dr Evan Harris, Sir Robert Smith: 28.
	Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Hanson, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 313.
	Another Clause (Strikes to achieve collective bargaining rights not protected from legal action)—(Mr Tim Boswell)—brought up and read the first time.
	Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave withdrawn.
	Another Clause (Assessment of working days lost as a result of Act)—(Mr Tim Boswell)—brought up and read the first time.
	Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.
	The House divided.
	Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Tim Collins, Mrs Eleanor Laing: 123.
	Tellers for the Noes: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr David Hanson: 320.
	Another Clause (Duty to avoid conflicts of interest in employment)—(Mr Graham Brady)—brought up and read the first time.
	Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
	Amendment (No. 11) proposed to the Bill, in page 1, line 19, to leave out the word 'compilation' and insert the word 'use' instead thereof.—(Mr Tim Boswell.)
	Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
	Wednesday 31st March 1999
	Amendment (No. 51) made to the Bill.
	Another Amendment (No. 40) proposed to the Bill, in page 5, line 38, at the end, to insert the words—
	'(1A) This section shall not apply to an employer who shows that to comply with it would conflict with his religious beliefs'.—(Mr Graham Brady.)
	Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
	Another Amendment (No. 44) proposed to the Bill, in page 6, line 6, at the end, to insert the words—
	'(d) is to be permitted to speak only on matters which are directly relevant to the subject of the hearing'.—(Mr Graham Brady.)
	Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
	Other Amendments (Nos. 166, 53 to 55, 57 and 58) made to the Bill.
	Ordered, That further consideration of the Bill be now adjourned.—(Mr Greg Pope.)
	Bill to be further considered this day.
12	Local Government Finance (Scotland),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Special Grant Report (Scotland): Grant in aid of expenditure on rural public passenger transport for 1999-2000 (House of Commons Paper No. 283), which was laid before this House on 3rd March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.
13	Local Government Finance,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 45) (Metropolitan Railway Passenger Services Grant 1999-2000) (House of Commons Paper No. 305), which was laid before this House on 10th March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.
14	Local Government Finance (Scotland),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Special Grant Report (Scotland): Grant in aid of expenditure on rail services in the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Area (House of Commons Paper No. 329), which was laid before this House on 18th March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.
15	Broadcasting,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Limit in Relation to Licences to Provide Radio Multiplex Services Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 8th March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.
16	Road Traffic,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Traffic Areas (Reorganisation) (Wales) Order 1999, dated 9th March 1999, a copy of which was laid before this House on 10th March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.
17	Prisons,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 (Specified Organisations) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 3rd March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.
18	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 Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996 (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 525), dated 3rd March 1999, a copy of which was laid before this House on 3rd March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.
19	Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996 (Code of Practice) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 8th March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.
20	Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from residents of the constituencies of—
	(1) East Berkshire,
	(2) Eddisbury, and
	(3) Teignbridge
	against hunting with dogs were presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
21	Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Jane Kennedy.)
	And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till six minutes to One o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 12.54 a.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 Affirmative Resolution:
1	Companies,—Draft Local Authority (Stocks and Bonds) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 [by Act] [Ms Patricia Hewitt].
2	Public Health,—Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1005), dated 25th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].
3	Road Traffic,—Draft Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (Amendment) Order 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
4	County Courts,—(1) Contracting Out of Functions (Court Staff) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1013), dated 30th March 1999,
	(2) High Court and County Courts (Allocation of Arbitration Proceedings) (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1010), dated 25th March 1999, and
	(3) High Court and County Courts Jurisdiction (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1014), dated 30th March 1999
	[by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].
5	Education,—Education (Inspection of Vocational Training) (Prescribed Persons and Bodies Awarding or Authenticating Vocational Qualifications) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 963), dated 24th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].
6	Environmental Protection,—Highway Litter Clearance and Cleaning (Transfer of Responsibility) (North West Leicestershire and South Derbyshire) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1007), dated 26th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
7	Fair Employment,—Fair Employment (Monitoring) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 (S.R.(N.I.), 1999, No. 148), dated 25th March 1999 [by Act] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].
8	Family Proceedings,—Family Proceedings (Miscellaneous Amendments) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1012), dated 25th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].
9	Food,—Sweeteners in Food (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 982), dated 24th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].
10	Highways,—(1) Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1025), and
	(2) Highways (Traffic Calming) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1026)
	dated 30th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
11	Income Tax,—Personal Portfolio Bonds (Tax) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1029), dated 30th March 1999 [by Act] [Ms Patricia Hewitt].
12	National Health Service,—Health Authorities (England) Establishment Order 1996 Amendment and the Cambridgeshire and Norfolk Health Authorities (Establishment etc.) (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1024), dated 30th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].
13	Roads and Bridges (Scotland),—Road Humps and Traffic Calming (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1000), dated 16th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].
14	Social Security,—(1) Social Security (Contributions) Amendment (No. 3) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 975), dated 25th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]; and
	(2) Social Security Contributions (Decisions and Appeals) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1027), dated 30th March 1999 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].
15	Supreme Court of England and Wales,—(1) Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1008), dated 25th March 1999,
	(2) Court Funds (Amendment) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1021), dated 29th March 1999, and
	(3) Non-Contentious Probate (Amendment) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1015), dated 25th March 1999
	[by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].
16	Water Resources,—Anti-Pollution Works Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1006), dated 30th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
Other Papers:
17	Criminal Procedure (Scotland),—Paper, entitled Costs, Sentencing Profiles and the Scottish Criminal Justice System, 1997 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].
18	Financial Reporting to Parliament,—Departmental Reports for 1999: the Government's expenditure plans 1999-2000 to 2001-02:—
	(1) Department for International Development [by Command] [Cm. 4210] [Secretary Clare Short];
	(2) Departments of the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Forestry Commission [by Command] [Cm. 4215] [Mr Secretary Dewar];
	(3) Department of Social Security [by Command] [Cm. 4214] [Mr Secretary Darling];
	(4) Department of Trade and Industry, Export Credits Guarantee Department, Office of Fair Trading, Office of Telecommunications, Office of Gas Supply and Office of Electricity Regulation [by Command] [Cm. 4211] [Mr Secretary Byers];
	(5) HM Customs and Excise [by Command] [Cm. 4219] [Dawn Primarolo];
	(6) Inland Revenue [by Command] [Cm. 4220] [Dawn Primarolo];
	(7) Lord Chancellor's Departments: Lord Chancellor's Department, Northern Ireland Court Service, Public Record Office and HM Land Registry [by Command] [Cm. 4206] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon];
	(8) Northern Ireland [by Command] [Cm. 4217] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam]; and
	(9) Welsh Office and the Office of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools in Wales [by Command] [Cm. 4216] [Mr Secretary Michael].
19	Library and Information Commission,—Report and Financial Statements of the Library and Information Commission for 1997-98: Year 3 [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith].
20	Modernising Government,—Paper, entitled Modernising Government [by Command] [Cm. 4310] [Dr Jack Cunningham].
21	Public Accounts,—Treasury Minute on the Fourth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 1998-99 [by Command] [Cm. 4312] [Mrs Barbara Roche].
22	Race Relations,—Account of the Commission for Racial Equality for 1997-98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 361] [Clerk of the House].
23	Representation of the People,—European Parliamentary Elections (Day of Poll) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 949), dated 23rd March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].
24	Social Security,—Government Response to the Third Report from the Social Security Committee, Session 1998-99, on Disability Living Allowance [by Command] [Cm. 4307] [Mr Secretary Darling].
APPENDIX II
Reports from Select Committees
1	Agriculture,—(1) Fourth Report from the Agriculture Committee [The UK Pig Industry: The Government's Response], together with an Appendix [Government Observations on the Third Report from the Committee, on The UK Pig Industry]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 367]; and
	(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Sea Fishing; Badgers and Bovine Tuberculosis]
	[Mr Peter Luff].
2	Deregulation,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Deregulation Committee [Reform of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994]; to be printed [No. 324-ii] [Mr Peter L. Pike]
3	Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee on 29th and 30th March [Energy Efficiency]; to be printed [Nos. 159-vi and -vii] [Mr John Horam].
4	Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [International Environmental Agreements]; to be printed [No. 307-ii] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].
5	European Scrutiny,—Fifteenth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee, together with Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 34-xv] [Mr Jimmy Hood].
6	Financial Services and Markets,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on Financial Services and Markets; to be printed [No. 328-v] [Mr Barry Sheerman].
7	Foreign Affairs,—(1) Second Special Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee [Premature Disclosure of First and Third Reports of Session 1998-99]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 365]; and
	(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Gibraltar]; to be printed [No. 366-i]
	[Mr Donald Anderson].
8	Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [The Work of the UK Anti-Drugs Coordinator/Drugs and Prisons]; to be printed [No. 363-i] [Mr Chris Mullin].
9	International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [Women and Development]; to be printed [No. 160-vi] [Mr Bowen Wells].
10	Parliamentary Privilege,—Report from the Joint Committee on Parliamentary Privilege; together with the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee in Session 1997-98 and Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee [Nos. 214-I, II and III] [Mrs Ann Taylor].
11	Procedure,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Procedure Committee [Procedural Consequences of Devolution]; to be printed [No. 185-vi] [Mr Nicholas Winterton].
12	Standards and Privileges,—Fifth Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges [Complaint against Mr Geoffrey Robinson (No. 2)], 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. 362] [Mr Robert Sheldon].
13	Statutory Instruments,—Fourteenth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 50-xiv] [Mr David Tredinnick].
14	Treasury,—(1) Fourth Report from the Treasury Committee [The 1999 Budget], together with 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. 325]; and
	(2) Memorandum laid before the Committee [The 1999 Budget]
	[Mr Giles Radice].
15	Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [Health Issues in Wales]; to be printed [No. 343-ii] [Mr Martyn Jones].