Order of Business for 4 February 1998

House of Commons

Session 1997-98
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Summary Agendas and Orders of Business

Order of Business Wednesday 4th February 1998

Here you can browse the House of Commons Order of Business for Wednesday 4 February 1998.

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. Mrs Diana Organ Rural poverty.

11.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. Mr Nicholas Soames The Middle East peace process.

12.30 p.m. - 1.00 p.m. Mr Llew Smith Nuclear test veterans.

1.00 p.m. - 1.30 p.m. Mr Oliver Letwin The termination of the employment of Anne Bullen at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

1.30 p.m. - 2.00 p.m. Mr Hilton Dawson Children in local authority care.

    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.

Oral Questions to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

*1 Mr Ian Bruce (South Dorset):    What progress is being made in tackling the millennium computer problem within Government departments.

(25355)

*2 Mr Tony McNulty (Harrow East):    What consultations he has carried out with the general public on issues relating to the delivery of public services.

(25356)

*3 Alice Mahon (Halifax):    What representations he has received from other governments on his proposals for a Freedom of Information Act.

(25358)

*4 Mr Gerry Sutcliffe (Bradford South):    If he will make a statement on the progress being made by Government departments to address the millennium computer compliance problem.

(25359)

*5 Mr Ben Chapman (Wirral South):    Which Government departments are involved in his Better Government programme.

(25360)

*6 Mr Owen Paterson (North Shropshire):    What representations he has received on the freedom of information White Paper.

(25361)

*7 Mr Simon Burns (West Chelmsford):    What guidance he provides to civil servants concerning the time taken to answer correspondence from honourable Members; and what monitoring he carries out.

(25362)

*8 Mr Peter L. Pike (Burnley):    What projects have been identified as priorities for action by the Better Regulation Unit.

(25363)

*9 Mr Howard Flight (Arundel and South Downs):    What representations he has received on the economic circumstances of former members of the Civil Service who took a gratuity on leaving the service in the 1960s and 1970s.

(25365)

*10 Mrs Jacqui Lait (Beckenham):    How many vacancies on public bodies have been filled from the list held by the Public Appointments Unit since 1st May.

(25366)

*11 Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley):    What plans he has to press for the simplification of EU rules and administrative procedures during the UK presidency.

(25367)

*12 Mr Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow):    Pursuant to his oral Answer of 30th July, Official Report, columns 322-3, what representations he has received from broadcasting interests on freedom of information.

(25368)

*13 Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield):    What plans he has to utilise smart cards for the delivery of public services.

(25369)

*14 Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury):    What assessment he has made of the impact of freedom of information legislation on data protection.

(25370)

*15 Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Meirionnydd Nant Conwy):    What plans he has evaluated in respect of increases in the number of citizens' charters; and if he will make a statement.

(25371)

*16 Mr Simon Hughes (North Southwark and Bermondsey):    If he will make a statement on the publishing of work commissioned by government from independent outsiders or outside bodies.

(25372)

*17 Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere):    If he will make a statement on progress on the promotion of freedom of information.

(25374)

*18 Ms Margaret Moran (Luton South):    What assessment he has made of the general public's attitude to the delivery of Government services by electronic means.

(25375)

*19 Mr Bill O'Brien (Normanton):    If he will make a statement on his policy for future of Citizen's Charter awards; and if he will make a statement.

(25377)

*20 Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test):    What steps he has taken to address the millennium computer compliance problem as it affects central Government.

(25379)

*21 Mr David Amess (Southend West):    What recent representations he has received on open government.

(25381)

*22 Mr Humfrey Malins (Woking):    If he will make a statement on progress in improving the effectiveness of central Government services.

(25382)

*23 Dr Phyllis Starkey (Milton Keynes South West):    What pilot projects are currently under way to develop the technology used for delivering Government services.

(25383)

At 3.00 p.m.

Oral Question to the Prime Minister

*Q1 Mr Adrian Sanders (Torbay):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.

(25384)

*Q2 Mr Rhodri Morgan (Cardiff West):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.

(25385)

*Q3 Mr Nick Hawkins (Surrey Heath):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.

(25386)

*Q4 Mr Simon Burns (West Chelmsford):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.

(25387)

*Q5 Mr Bill Rammell (Harlow):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.

(25388)

*Q6 Kate Hoey (Vauxhall):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.

(25389)

*Q7 Sir Robert Smith (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.

(25390)

*Q8 Mr Stephen Hesford (Wirral West):    What plans he has to visit the Wirral West constituency.

(25391)

*Q9 Mr Alan Simpson (Nottingham South):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.

(25392)

*Q10 Mrs Anne McGuire (Stirling):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.

(25393)

*Q11 Mr David Atkinson (Bournemouth East):    What initiatives he is taking in the European Union to encourage action to ensure the millennium compliancy of computer systems.

(25394)

*Q12 Mr Bill O'Brien (Normanton):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.

(25395)

*Q13 Mr Robert Walter (North Dorset):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.

(25396)

*Q14 Ms Claire Ward (Watford):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.

(25397)

*Q15 Paddy Tipping (Sherwood):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.

(25398)

*Q16 Mr Ross Cranston (Dudley North):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.

(25399)

*Q17 Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.

(25400)

*Q18 Mr Anthony Steen (Totnes):    If he will visit the Kingsbridge NFU branch in South Devon.

(25401)

*Q19 The Reverend Martin Smyth (Belfast South):    When he expects next to visit South Belfast.

(25402)

*Q20 Mr Brian H. Donohoe (Cunninghame South):    When he plans next to visit Cunninghame South.

(25403)

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

Preliminary Business

Notice of Presentation of Bill

2	RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES AND NURSING HOMES (MEDICAL RECORDS) *[No debate]*
	Mr Paul Flynn Bill to require persons registered to carry on residential care homes or nursing homes to keep records concerning medicines and their use; to provide for inspection of such records by medical practitioners; and for connected purposes.
*Formal First Reading: no debate or decision.*

Ten minute rule Motion

ELECTRICITY (MAINTENANCE OF SUPPLIES) [Up to 20 minutes]

Mr Dafydd Wigley

That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require electricity supply companies to compensate customers whose supply is interrupted and not restored within specified time periods.

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

Note: Provision has been made for a Business Motion to be moved at 10.00 p.m. (Standing Order No. 15).

Main Business
+ 4	POLICE *[Up to 1.5 hours]*
	Mr Secretary Straw That the Police Grant Report (England and Wales) 1998-99 (HC 492), which was laid before this House on 2nd February, be approved. *The Speaker will put the question not later than one and a half hours after proceedings begin (Standing Order No. 16).*
+ 5	DEFENCE *[No debate]*
	Mr Secretary Robertson That the draft Visiting Forces and International Headquarters (Application of Law) (Amendment) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 13th January, be approved. The Second Report from the Defence Committee of Session 1997-98 on the draft Visiting Forces and International Headquarters (Application of Law) (Amendment) Order 1998 (HC 521) is relevant.
*To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 118(6)).*
+ 6	CONTRACTING OUT *[No debate]*
	Mr Secretary Smith That the draft Contracting Out (Functions in relation to the Management of Crown Lands) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 15th January, be approved.
*To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 118(6)).*
+ 7	SCOTTISH GRAND COMMITTEE *[No debate]*
	Mr Secretary Dewar Mrs Ann Taylor
	That the Scottish Grand Committee shall meet on Monday 2nd March at half past Ten o'clock at New Parliament House, Edinburgh, to take questions for oral answer pursuant to Standing Order No. 94 and to consider a substantive Motion for the adjournment of the Committee pursuant to Standing Order No. 99.
*To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 100).*
+ 8	PUBLIC PROCESSIONS (NORTHERN IRELAND) BILL [LORDS]: As amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered. *[Until any hour]*
For Amendments, see separate Paper.
Remaining stages may also be taken.
	*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
	The Prime Minister That, at this day's sitting, the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords ] may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour. *To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 15).*

At the end of the sitting:

9	ADJOURNMENT
	Proposed subject: Green Belt development in Sutton Coldfield (Sir Norman Fowler). *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 C	10.30 a.m.	Room 10 (public)
	Further to consider the Wild Mammals (Hunting with Dogs) Bill.
2	Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation	4.30 p.m.	Room 11 (public)
	To consider the draft Consumer Credit (Increase of Monetary Limits) (Amendment) Order 1998.
3	Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation	4.30 p.m.	Room 9 (public)
	To consider the draft Industrial Training Levy (Construction Board) Order 1998 and the draft Industrial Training Levy (Engineering Construction Board) Order 1998.
SELECT COMMITTEES
4	Education and Employment: Education Sub-Committee	9.10 a.m.	Room 17 (private)
		9.30 a.m.	(public)
	Subject: Disaffected Children.
	Witnesses: National Youth Agency and National Institute for Adult Continuing Education; Association for Education Welfare Management and the National Association of Social Workers in Education.
5	Catering	9.30 a.m.	Room 13 (private)
6	Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs	9.30 a.m.	Room 15 (private)
		9.45 a.m.	(public)
	Subject: Housing.
	Witnesses: Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions officials; Rowntree Foundation.
7	Modernisation of the House of Commons	9.30 a.m.	Room 19 (private)
8	Defence	10.00 a.m.	Room 16 (private)
9	Public Accounts	10.00 a.m.	Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Northern Ireland (public)
	Subject: The Administration of Disability Living Allowance by the Social Security Agency.
	Witnesses: Mr Chris Thompson, Chief Executive, Mr Gerry Keenan, Director of Operations, Social Security Agency (Northern Ireland).
10	Social Security	10.30 a.m. 10.45 a.m.	Room 21 (private) (public)
	Subject: Tax and Benefits.
	Witness: Mr Martin Taylor, Chairman, Tax and Benefits Task Force.
11	Scottish Affairs	10.30 a.m.	Room 20 (private)
12	Northern Ireland Affairs	3.45 p.m. 4.15 p.m.	Room 8 (private) (public)
	Subject: The Composition, Recruitment and Training of the RUC.
	Witness: Mr Colin Smith, CVO, CBE, QPM, one of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary.
13	Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs: Transport Sub-Committee	3.45 p.m.	Room 20 (private)
14	Science and Technology	3.45 p.m. 4.00 p.m.	Room 15 (private) (public)
	Subject: The Year 2000 and Computer Compliance.
	Witnesses: IBM; The Federation of Small Businesses (at 4.45 p.m.)
15	European Legislation	4.00 p.m.	Room 19 (private)
16	Selection	4.15 p.m.	Room 13 (private)
[The decision of a Committee to sit in public may be rescinded without notice.]

Written Questions tabled on Tuesday 3rd February for answer today++
1	Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he plans to amend the Highways Agency's 1997-98 Key Business Plan Targets.
	(27924)
2	Ms Margaret Moran (Luton South): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when she intends to publish the code of practice governing the silent video recording of police interviews with terrorist suspects.
	(27984)
3	Mr Rhodri Morgan (Cardiff West): To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, when he will publish the factual and background material relevant to the production of the White Paper, 'Your Right to Know', promised in his oral statement of 11th December 1997, Official Report, column 1184.
	(27985)
4	Mr Keith Hill (Streatham): To ask the President of the Board of Trade, if she will make a statement about the operation of the Chemical Weapons Act 1996.
	(27986)

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.	Mrs Diana Organ	Rural poverty.
	11.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.	Mr Nicholas Soames	The Middle East peace process.
	12.30 p.m. - 1.00 p.m.	Mr Llew Smith	Nuclear test veterans.
	1.00 p.m. - 1.30 p.m.	Mr Oliver Letwin	The termination of the employment of Anne Bullen at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
	1.30 p.m. - 2.00 p.m.	Mr Hilton Dawson	Children in local authority care.
	*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).*

Oral Questions to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
*1	Mr Ian Bruce (South Dorset): What progress is being made in tackling the millennium computer problem within Government departments.
	(25355)
*2	Mr Tony McNulty (Harrow East): What consultations he has carried out with the general public on issues relating to the delivery of public services.
	(25356)
*3	Alice Mahon (Halifax): What representations he has received from other governments on his proposals for a Freedom of Information Act.
	(25358)
*4	Mr Gerry Sutcliffe (Bradford South): If he will make a statement on the progress being made by Government departments to address the millennium computer compliance problem.
	(25359)
*5	Mr Ben Chapman (Wirral South): Which Government departments are involved in his Better Government programme.
	(25360)
*6	Mr Owen Paterson (North Shropshire): What representations he has received on the freedom of information White Paper.
	(25361)
*7	Mr Simon Burns (West Chelmsford): What guidance he provides to civil servants concerning the time taken to answer correspondence from honourable Members; and what monitoring he carries out.
	(25362)
*8	Mr Peter L. Pike (Burnley): What projects have been identified as priorities for action by the Better Regulation Unit.
	(25363)
*9	Mr Howard Flight (Arundel and South Downs): What representations he has received on the economic circumstances of former members of the Civil Service who took a gratuity on leaving the service in the 1960s and 1970s.
	(25365)
*10	Mrs Jacqui Lait (Beckenham): How many vacancies on public bodies have been filled from the list held by the Public Appointments Unit since 1st May.
	(25366)
*11	Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley): What plans he has to press for the simplification of EU rules and administrative procedures during the UK presidency.
	(25367)
*12	Mr Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow): Pursuant to his oral Answer of 30th July, Official Report, columns 322-3, what representations he has received from broadcasting interests on freedom of information.
	(25368)
*13	Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield): What plans he has to utilise smart cards for the delivery of public services.
	(25369)
*14	Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury): What assessment he has made of the impact of freedom of information legislation on data protection.
	(25370)
*15	Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Meirionnydd Nant Conwy): What plans he has evaluated in respect of increases in the number of citizens' charters; and if he will make a statement.
	(25371)
*16	Mr Simon Hughes (North Southwark and Bermondsey): If he will make a statement on the publishing of work commissioned by government from independent outsiders or outside bodies.
	(25372)
*17	Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere): If he will make a statement on progress on the promotion of freedom of information.
	(25374)
*18	Ms Margaret Moran (Luton South): What assessment he has made of the general public's attitude to the delivery of Government services by electronic means.
	(25375)
*19	Mr Bill O'Brien (Normanton): If he will make a statement on his policy for future of Citizen's Charter awards; and if he will make a statement.
	(25377)
*20	Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test): What steps he has taken to address the millennium computer compliance problem as it affects central Government.
	(25379)
*21	Mr David Amess (Southend West): What recent representations he has received on open government.
	(25381)
*22	Mr Humfrey Malins (Woking): If he will make a statement on progress in improving the effectiveness of central Government services.
	(25382)
*23	Dr Phyllis Starkey (Milton Keynes South West): What pilot projects are currently under way to develop the technology used for delivering Government services.
	(25383)

*Q1	Mr Adrian Sanders (Torbay): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.
	(25384)
*Q2	Mr Rhodri Morgan (Cardiff West): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.
	(25385)
*Q3	Mr Nick Hawkins (Surrey Heath): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.
	(25386)
*Q4	Mr Simon Burns (West Chelmsford): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.
	(25387)
*Q5	Mr Bill Rammell (Harlow): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.
	(25388)
*Q6	Kate Hoey (Vauxhall): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.
	(25389)
*Q7	Sir Robert Smith (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.
	(25390)
*Q8	Mr Stephen Hesford (Wirral West): What plans he has to visit the Wirral West constituency.
	(25391)
*Q9	Mr Alan Simpson (Nottingham South): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.
	(25392)
*Q10	Mrs Anne McGuire (Stirling): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.
	(25393)
*Q11	Mr David Atkinson (Bournemouth East): What initiatives he is taking in the European Union to encourage action to ensure the millennium compliancy of computer systems.
	(25394)
*Q12	Mr Bill O'Brien (Normanton): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.
	(25395)
*Q13	Mr Robert Walter (North Dorset): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.
	(25396)
*Q14	Ms Claire Ward (Watford): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.
	(25397)
*Q15	Paddy Tipping (Sherwood): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.
	(25398)
*Q16	Mr Ross Cranston (Dudley North): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.
	(25399)
*Q17	Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 4th February.
	(25400)
*Q18	Mr Anthony Steen (Totnes): If he will visit the Kingsbridge NFU branch in South Devon.
	(25401)
*Q19	The Reverend Martin Smyth (Belfast South): When he expects next to visit South Belfast.
	(25402)
*Q20	Mr Brian H. Donohoe (Cunninghame South): When he plans next to visit Cunninghame South.
	(25403)



© Parliamentary copyright 1998	Prepared 4 February 1998