Order of Business for 4 December 1997

House of Commons

Session 1997-98
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Order of Business Thursday 4th December 1997

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Notes:
* Indicates a question for oral answer.
[R] indicates that the Member has declared a relevant interest.
Questions for oral answer not reached receive a written answer.
Supplementary questions will also be asked. Other Ministers may also answer.
+ Indicates Government business.
Timings are indicative only.
++ These are ordinary written questions of which no previous notice has been given. For other questions for written answer today see the 'Order Book'.

At 2.30 p.m. Prayers

At 2.35 p.m.

Oral Questions to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

*1 Mrs Joan Humble (Blackpool North and Fleetwood):    When he last held discussions with representatives of the fishing industry.

(17665)

*2 Mr Ben Chapman (Wirral South):    What actions he is taking to ensure that the terms of United Kingdom agreements with the Windward Islands regarding banana imports remain in force.

(17666)

*3 Mr John Greenway (Ryedale):    If he will visit the North Yorkshire Moors National Park to discuss the current state of hill farming.

(17667)

*4 Chris McCafferty (Calder Valley):    What measures he is putting in place to protect and encourage bird life on farms.

(17668)

*5 Mr Andrew Robathan (Blaby):    If he will make statement on progress on reform of the CAP.

(17669)

*6 Mr Nick Ainger (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire):    What progress has been made on lifting the European ban on the export of British beef.

(17670)

*7 Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire):    What steps he is taking to support the dairy farming industry.

(17671)

*8 Mr Andrew Mackinlay (Thurrock):    What is his assessment of the impact of rising water levels on the potential for flooding in the Thames and Medway estuaries.

(17672)

*9 Mr Iain Coleman (Hammersmith and Fulham):    When he last met representatives of the major animal welfare organisations.

(17673)

*10 Mr David Prior (North Norfolk):    What assessment he has made of the impact of the strength of sterling on farm incomes.

(17674)

*11 Mr Martyn Jones (Clwyd South):    What recent representations he has received from farmers in the less favoured areas; and if he will make a statement.

(17675)

*12 Mr Peter Atkinson (Hexham):    When he next proposes to meet hill farmers in Northumberland to discuss farm incomes.

(17676)

*13 Mr Bob Blizzard (Waveney):    What measures he is undertaking to promote environmental initiatives on the Norfolk Broads.

(17677)

*14 Charlotte Atkins (Staffordshire Moorlands):    What progress is being made towards a moratorium on the use of organophosphates in sheep dips.

(17678)

*15 Mr Ian Davidson (Glasgow, Pollok):    What his main objectives are in respect of CAP reform.

(17679)

*16 Mr John Grogan (Selby):    What action he has taken to achieve biodiversity targets.

(17680)

*17 Mr Gordon Prentice (Pendle):    What initiatives he has taken to improve (a) the incomes and (b) the security of hill farmers.

(17681)

*18 Mr Alan Simpson (Nottingham South):    What proportion of United Kingdom food imports could be grown in Britain; and what success the United Kingdom has had in reducing such imports.

(17682)

*19 Mr Colin Pickthall (West Lancashire):    What representations he has received on access to open country.

(17683)

*20 Mr Harry Barnes (North East Derbyshire):    If he will establish a continuing survey of dioxin levels in milk in the north-east Derbyshire area; and if he will make a statement.

(17684)

*21 Mr Hugh Bayley (City of York):    If he will make a statement about the Government's plans for Forest Enterprise in England.

(17685)

*22 Mr David Stewart (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber):    What measures he has taken to encourage environmentally-friendly farming.

(17686)

*23 Ms Sally Keeble (Northampton North):    What steps he is taking to improve food labelling for consumers.

(17687)

*24 Mr Norman Baker (Lewes):    If he will make a statement on the provision of abattoirs.

(17688)

*25 Mr David Lepper (Brighton, Pavilion):    How much his Department spends on (a) food safety and (b) standards surveys; and how much he expects to spend in the current year.

(17689)

*26 Mr Charles Kennedy (Ross, Skye and Inverness West):    If he will make a statement on progress towards the lifting of the beef ban.

(17690)

*27 Dr Howard Stoate (Dartford):    What representations he has received from fruit growers regarding problems experienced with the present year's harvest.

(17692)

*28 Ms Beverley Hughes (Stretford and Urmston):    What is the Government's policy on improving food labelling information for consumers.

(17693)

At 3.15 p.m.

Oral Questions to Mr Attorney General

*29 Mr John Burnett (Torridge and West Devon):    What discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues about the proposals to bring the justice functions of departments which are at present separate under a single ministry.

(17694)

*30 Mr Norman Baker (Lewes):    In what proportion of police investigations into alleged cases of cruelty to animals referred to them, the case was prosecuted by the CPS in the last year for which figures are available.

(17695)

*31 Mr David Lock (Wyre Forest):    What discussions he has had with the legal profession concerning cross-examination of complainants by unrepresented defendants in rape cases; and if he will make a statement.

(17697)

*32 Mr Gordon Prentice (Pendle):    What discussons he has had with the Director of Public Prosecutions in respect of bringing prosecutions for alleged perjury.

(17698)

*33 Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover):    What recent efforts his Department has made to contact Asil Nadir; and if he will make a statement.

(17700)

*34 Mr Andrew Mackinlay (Thurrock):    What consultations his Department holds with victims before deciding whether or not to proceed with prosecutions.

(17702)

At 3.30 p.m. Private Notice Questions (if any)
Ministerial Statements (if any)

Preliminary Business

Notice of Presentation of Bill

+ 1	SCHOOL STANDARDS AND FRAMEWORK *[No debate]*
	Mr Secretary Blunkett Bill to make new provision with respect to school education and the provision of nursery education otherwise than at school; to enable arrangements to be made for the provision of further education for young persons partly at schools and partly at further education institutions; to make provision with respect to the Education Assets Board; and for connected purposes.
*Formal first reading: no debate or decision.*

Main Business
+ 2	ADJOURNMENT *[Until 10.00 p.m.]*
	The Prime Minister That this House do now adjourn. Proposed subject for debate: *European Union.*
	The following documents are relevant:
	Developments in the European Union, January-June 1997 (Cm 3802). The Commission's Work Programme for 1998, the Political Priorities (Com(97)517), the Commission's Work Programme for 1998, new Legislative Initiatives (Sec(97)1852). European Community Document No. 9984/97 "Agenda 2000". Minutes of Evidence taken by the Foreign Affairs Committee on 1st December, HC 387.
*Debate may continue until 10.00 p.m.*

At the end of the sitting:

3	ADJOURNMENT
	Proposed subject: Defence of the United Kingdom against missile attack* (Mr David Davis).* *Debate may continue until 10.30 p.m. or for half an hour, whichever is later (Standing Order No. 9).*

COMMITTEE MEETINGS
STANDING COMMITTEES
1	Standing Committee D	10.30 a.m. 4.30 p.m.	Room 12 (public) (public)
	Further to consider the Bank of England Bill.
2	Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation	10.30 a.m.	Room 10 (public)
	To consider the draft Air Quality Regulations 1997 and the draft Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty) Regulations 1997.
3	Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation	10.30 a.m.	Room 11 (public)
	To consider the draft European Communities (Immunities and Privileges of the European Police Office) Order 1997, the draft European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (European Police Treaties) Order 1997 and the draft Ospar Commission (Immunities and Privileges) Order 1997.
SELECT COMMITTEES
4	Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs: Environment Sub-Committee	9.00 a.m. 9.15 a.m.	Room 17 (private) (public)
	Subject: Sewage Treatment and Disposal.
	Witnesses: Water Services Association; The Director-General of the Office of Water Services.
5	Welsh Affairs	10.00 a.m. 10.30 a.m.	Room 15 (private) (public)
	Subject: The Impact of Devolution on Local Government and Economic Development in Wales.
	Witnesses: David Jenkins, General Secretary, Edwina Hart, Chair, and George Wright, Treasurer, Wales TUC.
6	Home Affairs	10.15 a.m. 10.30 a.m.	Room 6 (private) (public)
	Subject: Police Disciplinary and Complaints Procedures and other policing matters.
	Witness: Sir Paul Condon, QPM, Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.
7	Treasury	10.30 a.m. 10.45 a.m.	Room 5 (private) (public)
	Subject: Resource Accounting and Budgeting.
	Witnesses: Financial Reporting Advisory Body; HM Treasury officials (at 11.15 a.m.).
8	Unopposed Bills	10.30 a.m.	Room 9 (public)
	Tamar Bridge Bill.
9	Culture, Media and Sport	11.00 a.m.	Room 16 (private)
10	Liaison	11.00 a.m.	Room 13 (private)
[The decision of a Committee to sit in public may be rescinded without notice.]

Standing Committee Notices

European Standing Committee B will meet on Tuesday 9th December at 10.30 a.m. to consider European Community Document No. 9984/97 relating to Agenda 2000 as it refers to Structural Cohesion Policy.

European Standing Committee A will meet on Wednesday 10th December at 10.30 a.m. to consider European Community Document No. 9984/97 relating to Agenda 2000 as it refers to Reform of the Common Agriculture Policy.

European Standing Committee B will meet on Wednesday 10th December at 10.30 a.m. to consider European Community Document No. 9984/97 relating to Agenda 2000 as it refers to a New Financial Framework.

The Northern Ireland Grand Committee will meet on Thursday 11th December at 10.30 a.m. to consider the matter of Public Expenditure in Northern Ireland in 1998-99.

The Welsh Grand Committee will meet on Tuesday 16th December at 10.30 a.m. to consider the matter of Public Expenditure in Wales in 1998-99.

The Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation will meet on Tuesday 9th December at 10.30 a.m. to consider the draft Non-Domestic Rating (Chargeable Amount) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1997.

The Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation will meet on Wednesday 10th December at 4.30 p.m. to consider the draft Museums and Galleries (Northern Ireland) Order 1997.

The Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation will meet on Wednesday 10th December at 4.30 p.m. to consider the draft Advice and Assistance (Assistance by Way of Representation) (Scotland) Regulations 1997 and the draft Criminal Legal Aid (Scotland) (Prescribed Proceedings) Regulations 1997.

The Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation will meet on Thursday 11th December at 10.30 a.m. to consider the draft Firearms (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1997 Compensation Scheme.

The Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation will meet on Thursday 11th December at 4.30 p.m. to consider the Mink Keeping Order 1997.

Oral Questions to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
*1	Mrs Joan Humble (Blackpool North and Fleetwood): When he last held discussions with representatives of the fishing industry.
	(17665)
*2	Mr Ben Chapman (Wirral South): What actions he is taking to ensure that the terms of United Kingdom agreements with the Windward Islands regarding banana imports remain in force.
	(17666)
*3	Mr John Greenway (Ryedale): If he will visit the North Yorkshire Moors National Park to discuss the current state of hill farming.
	(17667)
*4	Chris McCafferty (Calder Valley): What measures he is putting in place to protect and encourage bird life on farms.
	(17668)
*5	Mr Andrew Robathan (Blaby): If he will make statement on progress on reform of the CAP.
	(17669)
*6	Mr Nick Ainger (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire): What progress has been made on lifting the European ban on the export of British beef.
	(17670)
*7	Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire): What steps he is taking to support the dairy farming industry.
	(17671)
*8	Mr Andrew Mackinlay (Thurrock): What is his assessment of the impact of rising water levels on the potential for flooding in the Thames and Medway estuaries.
	(17672)
*9	Mr Iain Coleman (Hammersmith and Fulham): When he last met representatives of the major animal welfare organisations.
	(17673)
*10	Mr David Prior (North Norfolk): What assessment he has made of the impact of the strength of sterling on farm incomes.
	(17674)
*11	Mr Martyn Jones (Clwyd South): What recent representations he has received from farmers in the less favoured areas; and if he will make a statement.
	(17675)
*12	Mr Peter Atkinson (Hexham): When he next proposes to meet hill farmers in Northumberland to discuss farm incomes.
	(17676)
*13	Mr Bob Blizzard (Waveney): What measures he is undertaking to promote environmental initiatives on the Norfolk Broads.
	(17677)
*14	Charlotte Atkins (Staffordshire Moorlands): What progress is being made towards a moratorium on the use of organophosphates in sheep dips.
	(17678)
*15	Mr Ian Davidson (Glasgow, Pollok): What his main objectives are in respect of CAP reform.
	(17679)
*16	Mr John Grogan (Selby): What action he has taken to achieve biodiversity targets.
	(17680)
*17	Mr Gordon Prentice (Pendle): What initiatives he has taken to improve (a) the incomes and (b) the security of hill farmers.
	(17681)
*18	Mr Alan Simpson (Nottingham South): What proportion of United Kingdom food imports could be grown in Britain; and what success the United Kingdom has had in reducing such imports.
	(17682)
*19	Mr Colin Pickthall (West Lancashire): What representations he has received on access to open country.
	(17683)
*20	Mr Harry Barnes (North East Derbyshire): If he will establish a continuing survey of dioxin levels in milk in the north-east Derbyshire area; and if he will make a statement.
	(17684)
*21	Mr Hugh Bayley (City of York): If he will make a statement about the Government's plans for Forest Enterprise in England.
	(17685)
*22	Mr David Stewart (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber): What measures he has taken to encourage environmentally-friendly farming.
	(17686)
*23	Ms Sally Keeble (Northampton North): What steps he is taking to improve food labelling for consumers.
	(17687)
*24	Mr Norman Baker (Lewes): If he will make a statement on the provision of abattoirs.
	(17688)
*25	Mr David Lepper (Brighton, Pavilion): How much his Department spends on (a) food safety and (b) standards surveys; and how much he expects to spend in the current year.
	(17689)
*26	Mr Charles Kennedy (Ross, Skye and Inverness West): If he will make a statement on progress towards the lifting of the beef ban.
	(17690)
*27	Dr Howard Stoate (Dartford): What representations he has received from fruit growers regarding problems experienced with the present year's harvest.
	(17692)
*28	Ms Beverley Hughes (Stretford and Urmston): What is the Government's policy on improving food labelling information for consumers.
	(17693)

Oral Questions to Mr Attorney General
*29	Mr John Burnett (Torridge and West Devon): What discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues about the proposals to bring the justice functions of departments which are at present separate under a single ministry.
	(17694)
*30	Mr Norman Baker (Lewes): In what proportion of police investigations into alleged cases of cruelty to animals referred to them, the case was prosecuted by the CPS in the last year for which figures are available.
	(17695)
*31	Mr David Lock (Wyre Forest): What discussions he has had with the legal profession concerning cross-examination of complainants by unrepresented defendants in rape cases; and if he will make a statement.
	(17697)
*32	Mr Gordon Prentice (Pendle): What discussons he has had with the Director of Public Prosecutions in respect of bringing prosecutions for alleged perjury.
	(17698)
*33	Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover): What recent efforts his Department has made to contact Asil Nadir; and if he will make a statement.
	(17700)
*34	Mr Andrew Mackinlay (Thurrock): What consultations his Department holds with victims before deciding whether or not to proceed with prosecutions.
	(17702)



© Parliamentary copyright 1997	Prepared 4 December 1997