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House of Commons

Session 1997-98 Publications on the internet Summary Agendas and Orders of Business

Order of Business Wednesday 10th December 1997 Here you can browse the House of Commons Order of Business for Wednesday 10 December 1997.

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 9.30 a.m.

Prayers

At 9.35 a.m.
Adjournment Debates

1	ADJOURNMENT    [Until 2.00 p.m.]
	The Prime Minister
	That this House do now adjourn.
	Subjects proposed to be raised on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House:
	9.35 a.m. - 11.00 a.m.	Sir Robert Smith	The rural economy.
	11.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.	Mr Charles Clarke	Cycling in an integrated transport system.
	12.30 p.m. - 1.00 p.m.	Mr Martin Bell	The case of Major Milos Stankovic.
	1.00 p.m. - 1.30 p.m.	Dr George Turner	Digital television (North West Norfolk).
	1.30 p.m. - 2.00 p.m.	Dr Jenny Tonge	Future of town centres.
	The Motion for the Adjournment of the House will lapse at 2.00 p.m. and the sitting will be suspended until 2.30 p.m. (Standing Order No. 10).

At 2.30 p.m.

Private Business

Note: Private business is not debated at this time, and may not be proceeded with if opposed.

PROVISIONAL ORDER BILL

Third Reading

Scottish Agricultural College Order Confirmation Bill.

At 2.30 p.m.

Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for International Development
*1	Jacqui Smith (Redditch):    What initiatives she has taken to promote greater reproductive and sexual health in developing countries.
	(18421)
*2	Mr Christopher Fraser (Mid Dorset and North Poole):    What is her Department's policy on reducing the debt burden of developing countries.
	(18422)
*3	Mr Howard Flight (Arundel and South Downs):    When the change in status of the Commonwealth Development Corporation to a public-private partnership will take place.
	(18423)
*4	Mr John McAllion (Dundee East):    What is her assessment of the impact of the proposed Multilateral Agreement on Investment on measures to reduce inequalities between rich and poor countries.
	(18424)
*5	Mr Tim Boswell (Daventry):    What assistance she is offering for the adoption of intermediate technology by developing countries.
	(18425)
*6	Dr John Marek (Wrexham):    What plans she has to visit St. Helena.
	(18426)
*7	Mr Stephen Timms (East Ham):    What steps she is taking to encourage implementation of the Machel recommendations on children in war zones.
	(18427)
*8	Mr David Chaytor (Bury North):    What steps she will take to ensure that the Multilateral Agreement on Investment includes mandatory safeguards against unsustainable economic development in the poorest countries.
	(18428)
*9	Mr Andrew Rowe (Faversham and Mid Kent):    What plans she has for the Chevening Scholarship programme.
	(18429)
*10	Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield):    What steps she is taking to work with the government of Brazil to ensure that its continued economic development does not result in further destruction of its rain forests.
	(18430)
*11	Mr Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley):    What plans she has to assist the poorest countries in the world.
	(18431)
*12	Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Cotswold):    What recent representations she has received on the population issues raised by the Commonwealth Heads of Government Final Declaration.
	(18432)
*13	Mr Simon Hughes (North Southwark and Bermondsey):    If she will make a statement on her priorities for assistance in the field of education and training to Bangladesh.
	(18433)
*14	Mrs Jackie Ballard (Taunton):    If she will make a statement on the United Kingdom's contribution in 1996-97 to the World Bank.
	(18434)
*15	Mr David Willetts (Havant):    What plans she has to set a timetable for reaching the UN target of aid as a percentage of GDP.
	(18435)
*16	Mr Andrew Tyrie (Chichester):    If she will make a statement on the World Bank's World Development Report 1997: The State in a Changing World.
	(18436)
*17	Mr Tony McNulty (Harrow East):    What are her Department's priorities for co-ordinating European contributions to international aid programmes during the United Kingdom Presidency of the European Union; and if she will make a statement.
	(18437)
*18	Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East):    If she will make a statement on the future of the Know How Fund.
	(18438)
*19	Mr Neil Gerrard (Walthamstow):    If she will make a statement on the contribution which her Department has made to the Global Climate Change discussions.
	(18439)
*20	Rachel Squire (Dunfermline West):    If she will make a statement on progress on the elimination of land mines.
	(18440)
*21	Mr Ian Bruce (South Dorset):    What plans she has to support NGOs working with street children in South America.
	(18441)
*22	Mr Graham Brady (Altrincham and Sale West):    What representations she has received regarding the UN target for overseas aid as a percentage of GDP.
	(18443)
*23	Mr Malcolm Savidge (Aberdeen North):    What additional steps her Department proposes to take to support small banana farmers in the Caribbean.
	(18444)
*24	Mr Peter Viggers (Gosport):    If she will make a statement on co-operation with Japan in the field of international aid and development.
	(18445)
*25	Mrs Virginia Bottomley (South West Surrey):    What targets her Department has set for sustainable development.
	(18447)
*26	Mr Peter Bottomley (Worthing West):    When United Kingdom official aid will exceed 0.35 per cent. of national income.
	(18448)
*27	Lynne Jones (Birmingham, Selly Oak):    What progress she expects to be made by 2000 towards cancelling the unpayable debts of the poorest countries.
	(18449)
*28	Mr Damian Green (Ashford):    If she will make a statement on the cost of UNESCO membership in the last year for which figures are available.
	(18450)

At 3.00 p.m.

Oral Questions to the Prime Minister
*Q1	Mr Michael Clapham (Barnsley West and Penistone):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10th December.
	(18451)
*Q2	Mr John Townend (East Yorkshire):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10th December.
	(18452)
*Q3	Mr Phil Willis (Harrogate and Knaresborough):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10th December.
	(18453)
*Q4	Mr Crispin Blunt (Reigate):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10th December.
	(18454)
*Q5	Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10th December.
	(18455)
*Q6	Mr Paul Keetch (Hereford):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10th December.
	(18456)
*Q7	Mr Bowen Wells (Hertford and Stortford):    If he will review the measures to protect the Green Belt contained in the proposed Hertfordshire County Structure plan revision.
	(18457)
*Q8	Mr David Davis (Haltemprice and Howden):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10th December.
	(18458)
*Q9	David Taylor (North West Leicestershire):    When he next intends to visit North West Leicestershire.
	(18460)
*Q10	Mrs Jacqui Lait (Beckenham):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10th December.
	(18461)
*Q11	Mr Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10th December.
	(18462)
*Q12	Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Meirionnydd Nant Conwy):    When he plans to visit the constituency of Meirionnydd Nant Conwy.
	(18463)
*Q13	Mr Tony McNulty (Harrow East):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10th December.
	(18464)
*Q14	Mr Fraser Kemp (Houghton and Washington East):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10th December.
	(18465)
*Q15	Mr Patrick Nicholls (Teignbridge):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10th December.
	(18466)
*Q16	Dr Liam Fox (Woodspring):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10th December.
	(18467)
*Q17	Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10th December.
	(18468)
*Q18	Dr George Turner (North West Norfolk):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10th December.
	(18469)
*Q19	Mr Chris Mullin (Sunderland South):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10th December.
	(18470)

At 3.30 p.m.

Private Notice Questions (if any) Ministerial Statements (if any)

---

Preliminary Business

Notice of Presentation of Bill

+  2	REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES    [No debate]
	Mr Secretary Prescott     Bill to make provision for regional development agencies in England; to make provision about the Development Commission and the Urban Regeneration Agency; and for connected purposes.     Formal first reading: no debate or decision.
Notice of Motion
+  3	DELEGATED LEGISLATION    [No debate]
	Mrs Ann Taylor     That the Council Tax Benefit (General) (Amendment) Regulations 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 1841) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.     To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 118(4)).
Ten minute rule Motion

4	DOCTOR ASSISTED DYING    [Up to 20 minutes]
	Mr Joe Ashton     That leave be given to bring in a Bill to enable a person who is suffering distress as a result of his terminal illness or incurable physical condition to obtain assistance from a doctor to end his life; and for connected purposes.     The Member moving and a Member opposing this Motion may each speak for up to ten minutes (Standing Order No. 23).

---

Note: It is proposed that a Business Motion will be moved at 10.00 p.m. (Standing Order No. 15).

---

Main Business
+  5	SOCIAL SECURITY BILL: As amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered.    [Until any hour]
	Secretary Harriet Harman     That the Bill, as amended, be considered in the following order, namely, new Clauses; new Schedules; Clauses 1 to 3; Clauses 9 to 12; Clauses 18 and 19; Clauses 4 to 8; Schedule 1; Clause 13; Clause 77; Schedules 2 and 3; Clauses 14 and 15; Schedule 4; Clauses 16 and 17; Schedule 5; Clauses 20 to 22; Clause 35; Clause 23; Clause 59; Clauses 24 to 34; Clauses 36 and 37; Clauses 39 to 58; Clauses 60 to 69; Clause 38; Clause 73; Clauses 70 to 72; Clauses 74 to 76; Clauses 78 to 80; Schedules 6 and 7; Clause 81.
For Amendments, see separate Paper.
Remaining stages may also be taken.
	Lynne Jones
	Audrey Wise
	Maria Fyfe
	Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody
	The Rev. Martin Smyth
	Mr John Swinney

Ms Roseanna Cunningham        Mr Hilton Dawson        Mr John Austin        Mr Dennis Skinner        Paul Flynn        Mr Harry Barnes        Mr Roger Berry        Mr Robert N. Wareing

Mr Norman A. Goodman Mr Dennis Canavan Mr Terry Lewis Ann Clwyd Mr Ken Livingstone Frank Cook Mr Alan Simpson Mr Tony Benn

Mrs Ann Cryer Mr John McDonnell Mr John Cryer Mr Bill Michie Mr Llew Smith Ms Diane Abbott Mr Jeremy Corbyn

	That this House declines to give a Third Reading to the Social Security Bill due to the inclusion of Clause 70, the effect of which would be to further impoverish some of the poorest children in the land as well as deepening the poverty trap.
	Mr Paddy Ashdown
	Mr A. J. Beith
	Mr David Rendel
	Steve Webb
	Mr John Swinney
	Mr Alasdair Morgan     That this House declines to give a Third Reading to the Social Security Bill because it unfairly penalises those who, with good cause, need to backdate their claim for benefit, because it undermines the independence of the appeals system, because it will damage the incentive for lone parents to move from sole dependence on benefits into paid employment, and because it will increase poverty among lone parents and their children.      Debate may continue until any hour if the 10.00 p.m. Business Motion is agreed to.

---

At 10.00 p.m.

+	BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE    [No debate]
	The Prime Minister     That, at this day's sitting, the Social Security Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour.     To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 15).

---

+  6	BROADCASTING    [No debate]
	Mr Secretary Smith     That the draft Channel 4 (Application of Excess Revenues) Order 1997, which was laid before this House on 20th November, be approved.
To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 118(6)).
+  7	LOCAL GOVERNMENT    [No debate]
	Mr Secretary Dobson     That the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) (National Health Service Trusts) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2763), dated 20th November 1997, a copy of which was laid before this House on 20th November, be approved.     The Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments has drawn the special attention of the House to the Instrument in its Fifteenth Report, HC33-xv.
To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 118(6)).
+  8	COPYRIGHT    [No debate]
	Secretary Margaret Beckett     That the draft Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, which were laid before this House on 6th November, be approved.
To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 118(6)).
+  9	EMPLOYMENT LAW    [No debate]
	The Prime Minister
	Mr Secretary Prescott
	Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer
	Mr Secretary Cook
	Mr Secretary Straw
	Secretary Margaret Beckett     That this House takes note of European Community Document No. 10230/97, on a proposal for a directive on part-time work, and European Community Document No. 10975/97, Parts A and B, on proposals for directives extending the European Works Councils Directive and the Parental Leave Directive to the United Kingdom; and supports the Government's view that these proposals will contribute to a flexible labour market based on partnership between employers and employees and decent minimum standards at work.
To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 119(9)).
+  10	AGENDA 2000: STRUCTURAL AND COHESION FUNDS    [No debate]
	The Prime Minister
	Mr Secretary Prescott
	Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer
	Mr Secretary Cook
	Mr Secretary Straw
	Secretary Margaret Beckett     That this House takes note of European Community Document No. 9984/97, Agenda 2000, as it relates to structural and cohesion policy; and supports the Government's aim that the reformed Funds should take account of the United Kingdom's regional interests and be fair to the United Kingdom in relation to other Member States, and that the reforms should make the Funds simpler, more efficient, affordable and durable.
To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 119(9)).

At the end of the sitting:

11	ADJOURNMENT
	Proposed subject: Local government grant settlement for Dorset (Mr Christopher Chope).     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	European Standing Committee A	10.30 a.m.	Room 9 (public)
	To consider European Community Document No. 9984/97: Agenda 2000: as it refers to Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy.
2	European Standing Committee B	10.30 a.m.	Room 11 (public)
	To consider European Community Document No. 9984/97: Agenda 2000: as it refers to a New Financial Framework.
3	Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation	4.30 p.m.	Room 9 (public)
	To consider the draft Museums and Galleries (Northern Ireland) Order 1997.
4	Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation	4.30 p.m.	Room 11 (public)
	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.
SELECT COMMITTEES
5	Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs	9.30 a.m. 9.45 a.m.	Room 21 (private) (public)
	Subject: Regional Development Agencies.
	Witnesses: Yorkshire and Humberside TEC; Graham Meadows, European Commission - DGXVI [Regional Policy]; British Chambers of Commerce; Confederation of British Industry.
6	Modernisation of the House of Commons	9.30 a.m.	Room 20 (private)
7	Defence	10.00 a.m. 10.30 a.m.	Room 15 (private) (public)
	Subject: The Strategic Defence Review.
	Witnesses: Air Chief Marshal Sir Patrick Hine, General Sir John Wilsey, Vice Admiral Sir Jonathan Tod.
8	Scottish Affairs	10.00 a.m. 10.30 a.m.	Room 8 (private) (public)
	Subject: Welfare to Work.
	Witnesses: Mr Iain McMillan, Director, and Mr Ron Gow, Assistant Director, Scottish CBI.
9	Social Security	10.30 a.m. 10.45 a.m.	Room 6 (private) (public)
	Subject: Tax and Benefits.
	Witnesses: HM Treasury officials.
10	Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs: Transport Sub-Committee	3.45 p.m. 4.00 p.m.	Room 6 (private) (public)
	Subject: UK Air Traffic Control.
	Witnesses: Aviation Study Group; British Air Transport Association and the Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (at 4.45 p.m.).
11	Northern Ireland Affairs	3.45 p.m. 4.00 p.m.	Room 5 (private) (public)
	Subjects: (i) Composition, Recruitment and Training of the RUC; (ii) Electoral Malpractice in Northern Ireland.
	Witnesses: (i) Mr Kievan McEvoy, Chairman, Professor Brice Dickson, Mary O'Rawe and Dr Linda Moore, Committee on the Administration of Justice; (ii) Mr Patterson, Electoral Officer (at 5.45 p.m.).
12	Science and Technology	3.45 p.m. 4.15 p.m.	Room 21 (private) (public)
	Subject: The Year 2000 and Computer Compliance.
	Witnesses: Confederation of British Industry; Mrs Barbara Roche, MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Small Firms, Trade and Industry, Department of Trade and Industry (at 5.00 p.m.).
13	Broadcasting	4.00 p.m.	Room 7 (private)
	To choose Chairman and consider course of proceeding
14	European Legislation	4.00 p.m. 4.10 p.m.	Room 8 (private) (public)
	Subject: Tobacco Advertising.
	Witness: Tessa Jowell, MP, Minister for Public Health, Department of Health.
15	Selection	4.15 p.m.	Room 13 (private)
16	Trade and Industry	4.15 p.m. 5.00 p.m.	Room 15 (private) (public)
	Subject: Coal.
	Witness: Arthur Scargill, President of the National Union of Mineworkers.
17	Public Accounts	4.30 p.m.	Room 16 (public)
	Subjects: (i) Privatisation of Belfast International Airport; (ii) The Industrial Research and Technology Unit.
	Witnesses: Mr Ronnie Spence, Permanent Secretary, Department of the Environment, Northern Ireland, Mr Gerry McConnell, Chief Executive, Mr Gerry Loughran, Permanent Secretary, Department of Economic Development (Northern Ireland).
[The decision of a Committee to sit in public may be rescinded without notice.]

© Parliamentary copyright 1997	Prepared 10 December 1997

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