Order of Business for 16 December 1997

House of Commons

Session 1997-98
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Summary Agendas and Orders of Business

Order of Business Tuesday 16th December 1997

Here you can browse the House of Commons Order of Business for Tuesday 16 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 2.30 p.m. Prayers

At 2.35 p.m.

Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions

*1 Mr Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston):    If he will make a statement on his review of the mechanism of local government finance.

(19393)

*2 Mr Bernard Jenkin (North Essex):    What representations he has received on the need for new housing in rural Essex.

(19394)

*3 Mr John Greenway (Ryedale):    What estimate he has made of the likely levels of council tax bills in shire districts in 1998-99.

(19395)

*4 Mr Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington):    If he will make a statement on the outcome of the climate change conference in Kyoto.

(19396)

*5 Jane Griffiths (Reading East):    What representations he has received in response to the changes in economic and social needs indices announced in the 1998-99 local government settlement.

(19397)

*6 Mr Andrew Lansley (South Cambridgeshire):    When he plans to meet representatives of the Local Government Association to discuss the 1998-99 settlement.

(19400)

*7 Mr Charles Kennedy (Ross, Skye and Inverness West):    If he will make a statement on progress towards decentralisation of government within England.

(19401)

*8 Mr Hugh Bayley (City of York):    If he will make a statement about Government policy on climate change.

(19402)

*9 Mr Andrew Robathan (Blaby):    What estimate he has made of the number of new homes that will need to be built in the Leicestershire countryside to accommodate projections of household growth.

(19403)

*10 Mr Austin Mitchell (Great Grimsby):    What proposals he has for a regional assembly for Yorkshire and Humberside.

(19404)

*11 Mr James Paice (South East Cambridgeshire):    What plans he has for the role of parish councils within regional development agencies.

(19405)

*12 Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire):    What is the Government's policy on new building on Green Belt land.

(19406)

*13 Mr Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge):    What assessment he has made of the contribution of coal-fired power generation to the output of greenhouse gases.

(19407)

*14 Mr Graham Brady (Altrincham and Sale West):    What assessment he has made of the role of the Green Belt in encouraging economic activity in inner city areas.

(19408)

*15 Mr David Stewart (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber):    When the review into the political restrictions affecting local government employees will be completed.

(19409)

*16 Mr John Wilkinson (Ruislip Northwood):    If the proposed Greater London Authority will have powers to invest in London Transport Underground Ltd.

(19410)

*17 Mr David Drew (Stroud):    What representations he has received in response to the changes in SSA announced in the 1998-99 local government settlement.

(19411)

*18 Mr Jeff Ennis (Barnsley East and Mexborough):    If he will make a statement on his review of the mechanisms in respect of local government finance.

(19412)

*19 Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham):    What plans the Government has to introduce schemes to permit the trading of quotas of permitted pollutants.

(19414)

*20 Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury):    When he expects to make a statement on the outcome of his review into the area cost adjustment.

(19415)

*21 Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham and Morden):    What representations he has received in response to the changes in economic and social needs indices announced in the 1998-99 local government settlement.

(19416)

*22 Mr Stephen Timms (East Ham):    Which regional development agency will take the lead responsibility for the Thames Gateway initiative.

(19417)

*23 Ms Beverley Hughes (Stretford and Urmston):    What representations he has received in response to the changes in economic and social needs indices announced in the 1998-99 local government settlement.

(19418)

*24 Mr Colin Breed (South East Cornwall):    What will be the role of the Rural Development Commission following the introduction of regional development agencies.

(19419)

*25 Mr Bob Blizzard (Waveney):    If he will make it his policy to assist the economic regeneration of peripheral areas of the country.

(19420)

*26 Mr Michael Fabricant (Lichfield):    If he will make a statement on the outcome of the Kyoto summit on climate change.

(19421)

*27 Dr Evan Harris (Oxford West and Abingdon):    What assessment he has made of the impact on social service provision of the change in the level of the SSA for personal social services.

(19422)

At 3.05 p.m.

Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions relating to Transport

*28 Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley):    If he will make a statement about the regulation of fare levels for rail passengers.

(19423)

*29 Mr Matthew Taylor (Truro and St. Austell):    If he will make a statement on the contribution of transport policy to the (a) Government's carbon dioxide reduction targets and (b) the Government's commitments made at the Kyoto conference.

(19424)

*30 Dr Evan Harris (Oxford West and Abingdon):    What representations he has received on the noise pollution caused by the surface of the A34 passing by Gosford, Watereaton, Islip and Kidlington; and if he will make a statement.

(19425)

*31 Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury):    What is his Department's policy towards the maintenance of bridges and trunk roads; and if he will make a statement.

(19426)

*32 Mr Alasdair Morgan (Galloway and Upper Nithsdale):    What recent discussions he has had with the Railway Inspectorate of the Health and Safety Executive.

(19427)

*33 Mr Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield):    If he will make a statement on the improvements his Department assesses to be required in the trunk road and motorway infrastructure.

(19428)

*34 Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park):    What progress has been made on plans for re-opening Hammersmith Bridge; and if he will make a statement.

(19429)

*35 Mrs Eleanor Laing (Epping Forest):    What assessment he has made of the effect of the continuing public ownership of London Underground on its ability to attract adequate private capital.

(19430)

*36 Mr Clive Efford (Eltham):    What representations he has received on behalf of Thames Watermen regarding unlicensed individuals employed on the Thames.

(19431)

*37 Sir Robert Smith (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine):    What action he is taking to increase the proportion of freight transported by rail.

(19432)

*38 Mrs Virginia Bottomley (South West Surrey):    What representations he has received about the A3 Hindhead Tunnel.

(19433)

*39 Mr Lembit O�pik (Montgomeryshire):    What plans he has to integrate ticket sales between the rail network and London Underground; and if he will make a statement.

(19434)

*40 Mr Stephen Timms (East Ham):    What steps he will take to encourage the timeous completion of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.

(19435)

*41 Mr Gordon Marsden (Blackpool South):    What plans he has to encourage co-operation between Railtrack and train operating companies over infrastructure projects requiring major financial investment.

(19436)

*42 Bob Russell (Colchester):    What plans the Government has to encourage local councils to introduce traffic calming measures.

(19437)

*43 Mr James Paice (South East Cambridgeshire):    What proposals he has for noise reduction measures on existing roads.

(19438)

*44 Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire):    When he last met London Underground management to discuss the future of London Underground.

(19439)

*45 Mr Anthony Steen (Totnes):    When he plans to meet the European Transport Commissioner to discuss subsidies to European state airlines.

(19440)

*46 Fiona Mactaggart (Slough):    What plans he has to provide assistance to people who are subject to the effects of transport noise.

(19441)

*47 Mr David Prior (North Norfolk):    If he will make a statement on the progress towards an integrated transport strategy in rural areas.

(19442)

*48 Mr Austin Mitchell (Great Grimsby):    What proposals he has to encourage the purchase of new rolling stock in the privatised railway system.

(19443)

*49 Dr Rudi Vis (Finchley and Golders Green):    For what reasons the design of American cars failed the new single vehicle type approval test.

(19444)

*50 Mr Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington):    What plans he has to increase fuel efficiency in road vehicles.

(19445)

*51 Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York):    If he will make a statement on the financing of the National Air Traffic Services.

(19446)

*52 Mr Michael Fallon (Sevenoaks):    If he will make provision in the Highways Agency budget to provide greater soundproofing of existing motorways.

(19447)

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

Preliminary Business

Ten minute rule Motion

SCHOOL CHILDREN'S CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (VALUE ADDED TAX) [Up to 20 minutes]

Mr Tim Loughton

That leave be given to bring in a Bill to provide for the zero-rating of the supply of items of clothing and footwear for use only as part of an approved school uniform.

The Member moving and a Member opposing this Motion may each speak for up to ten minutes (Standing Order No. 23).

Main Business
+ 2	NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE BILL: Second Reading. *[Until 10.00 p.m.]*
*Debate may continue until 10.00 p.m.*
+ 3	NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE BILL [MONEY]: Queen's Recommendation signified. *[No debate]*
	Dawn Primarolo That for the purposes of any Act resulting from the National Minimum Wage Bill it is expedient to authorise-- (1) the payment out of money provided by Parliament of-- (a) any expenditure incurred under the Act by a Minister of the Crown or government department or by a body performing functions on behalf of the Crown; and (b) any increase attributable to the provisions of the Act in the sums payable out of such money under any other Act; and (2) the making of payments into the Consolidated Fund.
*To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 52(1)(a)).*
+ 4	COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS *[No debate after 10.00 p.m.]*
	Mr George Mudie That Mr Dafydd Wigley be discharged from the Committee of Public Accounts.
*If opposed, this item cannot be taken after 10.00 p.m.*

At the end of the sitting:

5	ADJOURNMENT
	Proposed subject: *By-passes for North-East Hertfordshire* (Mr Oliver Heald ). *Debate may continue until 10.30 p.m. or for half an hour, whichever is later (Standing Order No. 9).*

COMMITTEE MEETINGS
STANDING COMMITTEE
1	Welsh Grand Committee	10.30 a.m.	Room 10 (public)
	To take questions for oral answer. To consider the matter of government expenditure in Wales, 1998-99.
SELECT COMMITTEES
2	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.
	Witness: Institute of Wastes Management.
3	Deregulation	10.00 a.m.	Room 5 (private)
4	Public Administration	10.00 a.m. 11.00 a.m.	Room 6 (private) (public)
	Subject: Freedom of Information.
	Witness: Rt Hon Dr David Clark, MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
5	Agriculture	10.15 a.m. 10.30 a.m.	Room 21 (private) (public)
	Subject: Food Safety.
	Witnesses: Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Local Authorities Co-ordinating Body on Food and Trading Standards (LACOTS), Local Government Association, Association of Public Analysts.
6	Foreign Affairs	10.15 a.m. 10.45 a.m.	Room 15 (private) (public)
	Subject: Foreign Policy and Human Rights.
	Witnesses: The Rt Hon Lord Hurd of Westwell, CH, CBE; The Rt Hon Lord Callaghan of Cardiff, KG (at 11.30 a.m.).
7	Home Affairs	10.15 a.m.	Room 20 (private)
8	Environmental Audit	10.30 a.m.	Room 19 (private)
9	International Development	10.30 a.m.	Room 16 (private)
10	Standards and Privileges	10.30 a.m.	Room 13 (private)
11	Education and Employment: Employment Sub-Committee	11.00 a.m. 11.15 a.m.	Room 8 (private) (public)
	Subject: The New Deal.
	Witnesses: Pamela Meadows, Director, and Mr Michael White, Policy Studies Institute.
12	Public Administration	3.30 p.m.	Room 8 (private)
13	Scottish Affairs	3.30 p.m. 4.00 p.m.	Room 6 (private) (public)
	Subject: The Work of the Scottish Arts Council.
	Witnesses: Chairman and Director of the Scottish Arts Council.
14	Education and Employment: Education Sub-Committee	3.45 p.m. 4.00 p.m.	Room 15 (private) (public)
	Subject: Further Education.
	Witnesses: Mr Howard Phelps, Chairman, Mr Roger Ward, CBE, Chief Executive, Association of Colleges.
15	Procedure	4.30 p.m. 4.45 p.m.	Room 21 (private) (public)
	Subject: Resource Accounting and Budgeting.
	Witness: Sir John Bourn, KCB, Comptroller and Auditor General, National Audit Office.
16	Administration	5.00 p.m.	Room 13 (private)
17	Statutory Instruments	Immediately after the meeting of the Joint Committee	Room 7 (private)
JOINT COMMITTEES
18	Parliamentary Privilege	10.30 a.m. 10.35 a.m.	Room 4 (private) (public)
	Subject: Parliamentary Privilege.
	Witnesses: Sir Donald Limon, KCB, Clerk of the House, and Mr W. R. McKay, CB, Clerk Assistant.
19	Statutory Instruments	4.15 p.m.	Room 7 (private)
[The decision of a Committee to sit in public may be rescinded without notice.]



Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions


*1	Mr Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston): If he will make a statement on his review of the mechanism of local government finance.
	(19393)
*2	Mr Bernard Jenkin (North Essex): What representations he has received on the need for new housing in rural Essex.
	(19394)
*3	Mr John Greenway (Ryedale): What estimate he has made of the likely levels of council tax bills in shire districts in 1998-99.
	(19395)
*4	Mr Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington): If he will make a statement on the outcome of the climate change conference in Kyoto.
	(19396)
*5	Jane Griffiths (Reading East): What representations he has received in response to the changes in economic and social needs indices announced in the 1998-99 local government settlement.
	(19397)
*6	Mr Andrew Lansley (South Cambridgeshire): When he plans to meet representatives of the Local Government Association to discuss the 1998-99 settlement.
	(19400)
*7	Mr Charles Kennedy (Ross, Skye and Inverness West): If he will make a statement on progress towards decentralisation of government within England.
	(19401)
*8	Mr Hugh Bayley (City of York): If he will make a statement about Government policy on climate change.
	(19402)
*9	Mr Andrew Robathan (Blaby): What estimate he has made of the number of new homes that will need to be built in the Leicestershire countryside to accommodate projections of household growth.
	(19403)
*10	Mr Austin Mitchell (Great Grimsby): What proposals he has for a regional assembly for Yorkshire and Humberside.
	(19404)
*11	Mr James Paice (South East Cambridgeshire): What plans he has for the role of parish councils within regional development agencies.
	(19405)
*12	Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire): What is the Government's policy on new building on Green Belt land.
	(19406)
*13	Mr Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge): What assessment he has made of the contribution of coal-fired power generation to the output of greenhouse gases.
	(19407)
*14	Mr Graham Brady (Altrincham and Sale West): What assessment he has made of the role of the Green Belt in encouraging economic activity in inner city areas.
	(19408)
*15	Mr David Stewart (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber): When the review into the political restrictions affecting local government employees will be completed.
	(19409)
*16	Mr John Wilkinson (Ruislip Northwood): If the proposed Greater London Authority will have powers to invest in London Transport Underground Ltd.
	(19410)
*17	Mr David Drew (Stroud): What representations he has received in response to the changes in SSA announced in the 1998-99 local government settlement.
	(19411)
*18	Mr Jeff Ennis (Barnsley East and Mexborough): If he will make a statement on his review of the mechanisms in respect of local government finance.
	(19412)
*19	Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham): What plans the Government has to introduce schemes to permit the trading of quotas of permitted pollutants.
	(19414)
*20	Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury): When he expects to make a statement on the outcome of his review into the area cost adjustment.
	(19415)
*21	Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham and Morden): What representations he has received in response to the changes in economic and social needs indices announced in the 1998-99 local government settlement.
	(19416)
*22	Mr Stephen Timms (East Ham): Which regional development agency will take the lead responsibility for the Thames Gateway initiative.
	(19417)
*23	Ms Beverley Hughes (Stretford and Urmston): What representations he has received in response to the changes in economic and social needs indices announced in the 1998-99 local government settlement.
	(19418)
*24	Mr Colin Breed (South East Cornwall): What will be the role of the Rural Development Commission following the introduction of regional development agencies.
	(19419)
*25	Mr Bob Blizzard (Waveney): If he will make it his policy to assist the economic regeneration of peripheral areas of the country.
	(19420)
*26	Mr Michael Fabricant (Lichfield): If he will make a statement on the outcome of the Kyoto summit on climate change.
	(19421)
*27	Dr Evan Harris (Oxford West and Abingdon): What assessment he has made of the impact on social service provision of the change in the level of the SSA for personal social services.
	(19422)



Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions relating to Transport


*28	Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley): If he will make a statement about the regulation of fare levels for rail passengers.
	(19423)
*29	Mr Matthew Taylor (Truro and St. Austell): If he will make a statement on the contribution of transport policy to the (a) Government's carbon dioxide reduction targets and (b) the Government's commitments made at the Kyoto conference.
	(19424)
*30	Dr Evan Harris (Oxford West and Abingdon): What representations he has received on the noise pollution caused by the surface of the A34 passing by Gosford, Watereaton, Islip and Kidlington; and if he will make a statement.
	(19425)
*31	Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury): What is his Department's policy towards the maintenance of bridges and trunk roads; and if he will make a statement.
	(19426)
*32	Mr Alasdair Morgan (Galloway and Upper Nithsdale): What recent discussions he has had with the Railway Inspectorate of the Health and Safety Executive.
	(19427)
*33	Mr Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield): If he will make a statement on the improvements his Department assesses to be required in the trunk road and motorway infrastructure.
	(19428)
*34	Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): What progress has been made on plans for re-opening Hammersmith Bridge; and if he will make a statement.
	(19429)
*35	Mrs Eleanor Laing (Epping Forest): What assessment he has made of the effect of the continuing public ownership of London Underground on its ability to attract adequate private capital.
	(19430)
*36	Mr Clive Efford (Eltham): What representations he has received on behalf of Thames Watermen regarding unlicensed individuals employed on the Thames.
	(19431)
*37	Sir Robert Smith (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine): What action he is taking to increase the proportion of freight transported by rail.
	(19432)
*38	Mrs Virginia Bottomley (South West Surrey): What representations he has received about the A3 Hindhead Tunnel.
	(19433)
*39	Mr Lembit O�pik (Montgomeryshire): What plans he has to integrate ticket sales between the rail network and London Underground; and if he will make a statement.
	(19434)
*40	Mr Stephen Timms (East Ham): What steps he will take to encourage the timeous completion of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.
	(19435)
*41	Mr Gordon Marsden (Blackpool South): What plans he has to encourage co-operation between Railtrack and train operating companies over infrastructure projects requiring major financial investment.
	(19436)
*42	Bob Russell (Colchester): What plans the Government has to encourage local councils to introduce traffic calming measures.
	(19437)
*43	Mr James Paice (South East Cambridgeshire): What proposals he has for noise reduction measures on existing roads.
	(19438)
*44	Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire): When he last met London Underground management to discuss the future of London Underground.
	(19439)
*45	Mr Anthony Steen (Totnes): When he plans to meet the European Transport Commissioner to discuss subsidies to European state airlines.
	(19440)
*46	Fiona Mactaggart (Slough): What plans he has to provide assistance to people who are subject to the effects of transport noise.
	(19441)
*47	Mr David Prior (North Norfolk): If he will make a statement on the progress towards an integrated transport strategy in rural areas.
	(19442)
*48	Mr Austin Mitchell (Great Grimsby): What proposals he has to encourage the purchase of new rolling stock in the privatised railway system.
	(19443)
*49	Dr Rudi Vis (Finchley and Golders Green): For what reasons the design of American cars failed the new single vehicle type approval test.
	(19444)
*50	Mr Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington): What plans he has to increase fuel efficiency in road vehicles.
	(19445)
*51	Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York): If he will make a statement on the financing of the National Air Traffic Services.
	(19446)
*52	Mr Michael Fallon (Sevenoaks): If he will make provision in the Highways Agency budget to provide greater soundproofing of existing motorways.
	(19447)