Order of Business for 10 March 1998

House of Commons

Session 1997-98
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Summary Agendas and Orders of Business

Order of Business Tuesday 10th March 1998

Here you can browse the House of Commons Order of Business for Tuesday 10 March 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 2.30 p.m. Prayers

At 2.35 p.m.

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

Second Reading

Lloyds TSB Bill [Lords].
Mr Howard Flight
Mr Gerald Howarth
Mr Jim Cousins

    On Second Reading of the Lloyds TSB Bill [Lords], to move, That the Bill be read a second time upon this day six months.

At 2.35 p.m.

Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

*1 Mr Ross Cranston (Dudley North):    What assessment his Department has made of the role of the BBC World Service in raising the UK's profile in British export markets.

(31794)

*2 Mr Fabian Hamilton (Leeds North East):    If he will make a statement on Britain's role in the Middle East peace process.

(31796)

*3 Mr Bob Laxton (Derby North):    What representations he has made to the former Republic of Yugoslavia about forthcoming elections in Montenegro.

(31797)

*4 Mr Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East):    What representations he has made about the state of emergency in Zambia.

(31798)

*5 Mrs Anne McGuire (Stirling):    If he will make a statement on the UK's relations with South Korea.

(31799)

*6 Mr Mike Gapes (Ilford South):    If he will make a statement on the prospects for a comprehensive peace settlement between Israel and its neighbours.

(31800)

*7 Helen Jones (Warrington North):    What representations he has made to the Government of Mexico about human rights in Mexico.

(31801)

*8 Mr Ian Taylor (Esher and Walton):    If he will make a statement on the role played by the EU Presidency in the negotiations over the situation in Iraq.

(31802)

*9 Mr Eric Pickles (Brentwood and Ongar):    Which countries will be represented at the EU enlargement summit on 12th March.

(31803)

*10 Sir Sydney Chapman (Chipping Barnet):    If he will make a statement on progress with the Middle East peace process.

(31805)

*11 Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough):    If he will make a statement on Iraq.

(31806)

*12 Mr Alan W. Williams (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr):    If he will make a statement on progress towards removal of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

(31808)

*13 Mr Tim Boswell (Daventry):    What activities in relation to Agenda 2000 have been initiated under the British Presidency.

(31809)

*14 Mr Lawrie Quinn (Scarborough and Whitby):    What plans he has to visit the Middle East to discuss the peace process.

(31811)

*15 Ms Jenny Jones (Wolverhampton South West):    If he will make a statement on his Department's commercial sections' priorities for 1998-99.

(31812)

*16 Helen Southworth (Warrington South):    When he next intends to visit Bosnia.

(31813)

*17 Chris McCafferty (Calder Valley):    If he will make a statement on the future role of the British Council in assisting UK exports.

(31814)

*18 Mr Nigel Waterson (Eastbourne):    What assessment he has made of the human rights situation in Algeria following the recent EU troika mission.

(31815)

*19 Mr Tony McNulty (Harrow East):    What progress he has made towards achieving enlargement of the European Union; and if he will make a statement.

(31816)

*20 Mr Howard Flight (Arundel and South Downs):    What discussions he has had with other G7 countries relating to the political and financial problems in Indonesia.

(31817)

*21 Mr Huw Edwards (Monmouth):    If he will make a statement on Britain's relations with Kuwait.

(31818)

*22 Mr Jim Murphy (Eastwood):    If he will make a statement on Britain's role in the Middle East Peace Process.

(31820)

*23 Shona McIsaac (Cleethorpes):    What recent discussions he has had with Albanian political parties about the maintenance of constitutional government in Albania.

(31821)

*24 Mr Gerald Howarth (Aldershot):    If he will make a statement on the Government's policy regarding a common European foreign policy.

(31822)

*25 Ms Rosie Winterton (Doncaster Central):    If he will make a statement on commercial sections' priorities for 1998-99.

(31823)

*26 Mr John Randall (Uxbridge):    What discussions he has had with the US State Department regarding US policy towards Northern Ireland.

(31824)

*27 Mr Lindsay Hoyle (Chorley):    If he will make a statement on the progress being made on EU enlargement.

(31825)

*28 Mr Richard Spring (West Suffolk):    If he will make a statement about relations between the UK and the Gulf States.

(31826)

*29 Mr Bernard Jenkin (North Essex):    What measures he will pursue to promote common EU foreign policies.

(31827)

*30 Mr William Cash (Stone):    Which of the member states of the European Union expressed support for the United Kingdom in its policy regarding preparations for military action against Iraq.

(31828)

*31 Mr Ivor Caplin (Hove):    What initiatives the European Union is taking with regard to the Middle East Peace Process.

(31829)

*32 Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East):    What reports he has received from British embassies and high commissions regarding the quality, value and effectiveness of BBC World Service broadcasts.

(31830)

*33 Sir Teddy Taylor (Rochford and Southend East):    If he will make a statement on relations with Libya.

(31831)

*34 Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South):    If he will make a statement on Britain's relations with Israel.

(31832)

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

Preliminary Business

Ten minute rule Motion

ADOPTION AND FOSTERING [Up to 20 minutes]

Mr Julian Brazier

That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require local authorities, when considering adoption or fostering, to make use of married couples unless they can show that no such couples are available who meet the needs of the child; 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: Provision has been made for a Business Motion to be moved at 10.00 p.m. (Standing Order No. 15).


Main Business

2	OPPOSITION DAY [9th allotted day] *[Until 10.00 p.m.]*
	GOVERNMENT'S RECORD ON TAXATION
	Mr William Hague Mr Peter Lilley Mr Michael Howard Mr David Heathcoat-Amory Mr Michael Fallon Mr James Arbuthnot
	That this House deplores the fact that the Government broke its pledge not to raise taxes by raising 17 taxes in its first Budget; notes that, although the full impact of many of these taxes, such as the Pensions Tax and higher business taxes, was not immediately apparent to the public, these taxes will undermine Britain's economic success and people's retirement incomes in the long term; and urges the Government not to introduce any further hidden taxes in the forthcoming Budget. As Amendments to Mr William Hague's proposed Motion (Government's Record on Taxation):
	The Prime Minister Mr Secretary Prescott Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Secretary Cook Mr Secretary Straw Mr Secretary Blunkett
	Line 1, leave out from `House' to end and add `commends the Government for honouring its election promises not to increase the top or basic rate of income tax, to reduce VAT on domestic fuel to five per cent. and to introduce the levy on the windfall profits of the privatised utilities; approves the Government's determination to put in place a fair tax system, to encourage investment and long-term sustainable growth; believes that Britain's interests lie in the pursuit of sound economic policies that will benefit the many and not just the few, and which are in the long-term interests of the whole country; and urges the Government to reject any return to the boom and bust policies of the past which resulted in the 22 tax rises imposed by the previous administration.'.
	Mr Paddy Ashdown Mr A. J. Beith Mr Malcolm Bruce Mr Edward Davey Dr Vincent Cable Mr Paul Tyler
	Line 1, leave out from `House' to end and add `reminds Her Majesty's Opposition of the promises made by the previous Conservative Government on taxation; notes with surprise that Her Majesty's Opposition has proposed a Motion on broken tax promises despite the record of the last Conservative Government; nevertheless condemns the present Government for its lack of candour about taxation and the fiscal position; and calls on the Government to introduce a Budget on 17th March which sets out a long-term strategy to raise standards in health and education.'.
	EFFECTS OF THE GOVERNMENT'S POLICIES ON PENSIONERS' INCOMES
	Mr William Hague Mr Peter Lilley Mr Michael Howard Mr Iain Duncan Smith Mr Quentin Davies Mr James Arbuthnot
	That this House notes with concern the Government's refusal to rule out means testing the basic state pension; believes the Government Actuary's advice to change the National Insurance rebates for those contracting out of SERPS is a direct result of the Chancellor's decision to abolish the ACT dividend tax credit in his July Budget, placing a huge burden on future pensioners, creating turmoil in the pensions market and confusion over pension reform; and calls upon the Government to apologise for devaluing long-term savings and creating fear amongst the most vulnerable members of society. As Amendments to Mr William Hague's proposed Motion (Effects of the Government's Policies on Pensioners' Incomes):
	Mr Paddy Ashdown Mr A. J. Beith Mr David Rendel Steve Webb Mr Mark Oaten Mr Paul Tyler
	Line 1, leave out from `House' to end and add `believes that all pensioners deserve dignity and security in retirement; notes that around one million pensioners are failing to take up Income Support to which they are entitled and calls on the Government to tackle this problem with greater urgency; notes that the policies of the previous Government led to substantial cuts in the future value of state earnings-related pensions; welcomes the attempts by the present Government to clear up the problems created by Conservative attempts to encourage personal pensions; but calls on the Government to remove anxiety among today's pensioners by ruling out means-testing the basic state pension.'.
	The Prime Minister Mr Secretary Prescott Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Secretary Cook Mr Secretary Straw Secretary Harriet Harman
	Line 1, leave out from `House' to end and add `welcomes the Government's commitment to maintain the basic state pension as the foundation of pension provision and to uprate it at least in line with prices; welcomes the tough action which is being taken to ensure that victims of pension mis-selling are compensated; welcomes the action the Government has already taken in giving a Winter Fuel Payment to all pensioners with fuel bills to pay and fulfilling its promise to Britain's pensioners by cutting VAT on fuel to five per cent.; welcomes the Government's progress in developing pensions policy which will benefit today's and tomorrow's pensioners; welcomes the widespread consultation the Government is undertaking and notes that the Government's Pension Review has received over 2,000 submissions from pension providers, employers, trade unions, pension experts and pensioners' organisations; notes the widespread support for the Government's proposals for Stakeholder Pensions; and deplores the previous administration's policies on pensions, their imposition of VAT on fuel and their attempt to increase VAT on fuel to 17.5 per cent.'. The selection of the matters to be debated this day has been made by the Leader of the Opposition (Standing Order No. 14(2)).
*Debate may continue until 10.00 p.m.*
+ 3	ESTIMATES, 1997-98 (NAVY) VOTE A *[No debate after 10.00 p.m.]*
	Mr Secretary Robertson That during the year ending on 31st March 1998 an additional number not exceeding 975 all ranks be maintained for Service in the Reserve Naval Forces. *The Speaker will put the Question at 10.00 p.m. (Standing Order No. 55 (1) and (3)).*
+ 4	ESTIMATES, 1997-98 (ARMY) VOTE A *[No debate after 10.00 p.m.]*
	Mr Secretary Robertson That during the year ending on 31st March 1998 an additional number not exceeding 460 all ranks be maintained for Army Service. *The Speaker will put the Question at 10.00 p.m. (Standing Order No. 55 (1) and (3)).*
+ 5	ESTIMATES, 1998-99 (NAVY) VOTE A *[No debate after 10.00 p.m.]*
	Mr Secretary Robertson That during the year ending on 31st March 1999 a number not exceeding 49,965 all ranks be maintained for Naval Service, and a number not exceeding 17,755 for Service in the Reserve Naval and Marine Forces. *The Speaker will put the Question at 10.00 p.m. (Standing Order No. 55 (1) and (3)).*
+ 6	ESTIMATES, 1998-99 (ARMY) VOTE A *[No debate after 10.00 p.m.]*
	Mr Secretary Robertson That during the year ending on 31st March 1999 a number not exceeding 132,060 all ranks be maintained for Army Service, a number not exceeding 97,800 for Service in the Reserve Land Forces, and a number not exceeding 6,000 for Service as Special Members of the Reserve Land Forces under Part V of the Reserve Forces Act 1996. *The Speaker will put the Question at 10.00 p.m. (Standing Order No. 55 (1) and (3)).*
+ 7	ESTIMATES, 1998-99 (AIR) VOTE A *[No debate after 10.00 p.m.]*
	Mr Secretary Robertson That during the year ending on 31st March 1999 a number not exceeding 58,280 all ranks be maintained for Air Force Service, a number not exceeding 26,050 for Service in the Reserve Air Forces, and a number not exceeding 270 for Service as Special Members of the Reserve Air Forces under Part V of the Reserve Forces Act 1996. *The Speaker will put the Question at 10.00 p.m. (Standing Order No. 55 (1) and (3)).*
+ 8	ESTIMATES, EXCESSES 1996-97 *[No debate after 10.00 p.m.]*
	Dawn Primarolo That a sum not exceeding £195,333,507.98 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to make good excesses of certain grants for Defence Services for the year ended on 31st March 1997, as set out in House of Commons Paper No. 554. *The Speaker will put the Question at 10.00 p.m. (Standing Order No. 55 (1) and (3)).*
+ 9	SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES, 1997-98 *[No debate after 10.00 p.m.]*
	Dawn Primarolo That a further supplementary sum not exceeding £2,442,361,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to complete or defray the charges for Defence and Civil Services for the year ending on 31st March 1998, as set out in House of Commons Paper No. 511. *The Speaker will put the Question at 10.00 p.m. (Standing Order No. 55 (1) and (3)).* A Bill is to be brought in upon the two Motions in the name of Dawn Primarolo relating to Estimates, Excesses and Supplementary Estimates, if they are agreed to by the House.

At 10.00 p.m.

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

+ 10	FOSSIL FUEL LEVY BILL [LORDS]: Not 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 the end of the sitting:

11	ADJOURNMENT
	Proposed subject: *Her Majesty's Government's policy towards Sudan* (The Reverend Martin Smyth). *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 B	10.30 a.m. 4.30 p.m.	Room 10 (public) (public)
	Subject: Further to consider the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill.
2	First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation	10.30 a.m.	Room 9 (public)
	Subject: To consider the draft Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 1998.
SELECT COMMITTEES
3	Deregulation	10.00 a.m.	Room 20 (private)
4	Public Administration	10.00 a.m.	Room 6 (private)
5	Home Affairs	10.15 a.m. 10.30 a.m.	Room 21 (private) (public)
	Subjects: (i) Alternatives to Prison Sentences; (ii) Prisons Issues.
	Witness: Sir David Ramsbotham, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons.
6	Treasury	10.30 a.m. 10.45 a.m.	Room 15 (private) (public)
	Subject: Preparations for Stage Three of Economic and Monetary Union.
	Witnesses: Dr Richard Sykes, Vice President, IT, ICI, Mr Robert Colvill, Finance Director, Marks and Spencer plc, Mr Hamish Elvidge, Director, Group Finance, J Sainsbury plc, Mr Bernd Euler, Director of Finance, Siemens Group Services Ltd.; Sir Stanley Kalms, Chairman, Dixons plc, Mr Hugh Morgan Williams, Chairman, Canford Group (at 12 noon).
7	Welsh Affairs	11.00 a.m.	Room 18 (private)
8	Education and Employment: Employment Sub-Committee	2.00 p.m. 2.15 p.m.	Room 16 (private) (public)
	Subject: The New Deal: Evaluation Methods.
	Witnesses: Department of Education and Employment officials, and Employment Service officials.
9	Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs: Environment Sub-Committee	3.00 p.m.	Manchester Town Hall (public)
	Subject: Sustainable Waste Management.
	Witnesses: Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority, UK Waste Management Group, Onyx Environmental Group, Environmental Services Association.
10	Finance and Services	4.30 p.m.	Room 13 (private)
11	Administration	6.00 p.m.	Room 15 (private)
12	Statutory Instruments	Immediately after the meeting of the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments	Room 7 (private)
JOINT COMMITTEES
13	Parliamentary Privilege	10.30 a.m.	Room 8 (public)
	Subject: Parliamentary Privilege.
	Witness: Rt Hon Lord Weatherill.
14	Statutory Instruments	4.15 p.m.	Room 7 (private)
[The decision of a Committee to sit in public may be rescinded without notice.]

Written Questions tabled on Monday 9th March for answer today++
1	Mr Austin Mitchell (Great Grimsby): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will make a statement on light dues.
	(34005)
2	Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Canning Town): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when she proposes to respond to the report from the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights, Employment Equality: Building for the Future.
	(34006)
3	Mr Stephen Timms (East Ham): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress has been made towards resolving cases of personal pensions misselling; and what further action will be taken to see that all those missold a personal pension receive redress.
	(34007)
4	Mr Tony McNulty (Harrow East): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what plans she has to review the civil law on the preliminaries to and the celebration of marriage.
	(34008)
5	Angela Smith (Basildon): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has to set up a public telephone number on which members of the public will be able to offer information to the Security Service (MI5).
	(34081)
6	Mr Stephen Twigg (Enfield, Southgate): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make a statement on the German Government's request for Roisin McAliskey's extradition.
	(34108)
7	Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland): To ask the President of the Board of Trade, what arrangements she will make for the appointment of new lay members to the industrial tribunals.
	(34109)
8	Mr Christopher Leslie (Shipley): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what his plans are regarding the future administration of the EC Eco-Management and Audit Scheme.
	(34126)

Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
*1	Mr Ross Cranston (Dudley North): What assessment his Department has made of the role of the BBC World Service in raising the UK's profile in British export markets.
	(31794)
*2	Mr Fabian Hamilton (Leeds North East): If he will make a statement on Britain's role in the Middle East peace process.
	(31796)
*3	Mr Bob Laxton (Derby North): What representations he has made to the former Republic of Yugoslavia about forthcoming elections in Montenegro.
	(31797)
*4	Mr Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East): What representations he has made about the state of emergency in Zambia.
	(31798)
*5	Mrs Anne McGuire (Stirling): If he will make a statement on the UK's relations with South Korea.
	(31799)
*6	Mr Mike Gapes (Ilford South): If he will make a statement on the prospects for a comprehensive peace settlement between Israel and its neighbours.
	(31800)
*7	Helen Jones (Warrington North): What representations he has made to the Government of Mexico about human rights in Mexico.
	(31801)
*8	Mr Ian Taylor (Esher and Walton): If he will make a statement on the role played by the EU Presidency in the negotiations over the situation in Iraq.
	(31802)
*9	Mr Eric Pickles (Brentwood and Ongar): Which countries will be represented at the EU enlargement summit on 12th March.
	(31803)
*10	Sir Sydney Chapman (Chipping Barnet): If he will make a statement on progress with the Middle East peace process.
	(31805)
*11	Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough): If he will make a statement on Iraq.
	(31806)
*12	Mr Alan W. Williams (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr): If he will make a statement on progress towards removal of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
	(31808)
*13	Mr Tim Boswell (Daventry): What activities in relation to Agenda 2000 have been initiated under the British Presidency.
	(31809)
*14	Mr Lawrie Quinn (Scarborough and Whitby): What plans he has to visit the Middle East to discuss the peace process.
	(31811)
*15	Ms Jenny Jones (Wolverhampton South West): If he will make a statement on his Department's commercial sections' priorities for 1998-99.
	(31812)
*16	Helen Southworth (Warrington South): When he next intends to visit Bosnia.
	(31813)
*17	Chris McCafferty (Calder Valley): If he will make a statement on the future role of the British Council in assisting UK exports.
	(31814)
*18	Mr Nigel Waterson (Eastbourne): What assessment he has made of the human rights situation in Algeria following the recent EU troika mission.
	(31815)
*19	Mr Tony McNulty (Harrow East): What progress he has made towards achieving enlargement of the European Union; and if he will make a statement.
	(31816)
*20	Mr Howard Flight (Arundel and South Downs): What discussions he has had with other G7 countries relating to the political and financial problems in Indonesia.
	(31817)
*21	Mr Huw Edwards (Monmouth): If he will make a statement on Britain's relations with Kuwait.
	(31818)
*22	Mr Jim Murphy (Eastwood): If he will make a statement on Britain's role in the Middle East Peace Process.
	(31820)
*23	Shona McIsaac (Cleethorpes): What recent discussions he has had with Albanian political parties about the maintenance of constitutional government in Albania.
	(31821)
*24	Mr Gerald Howarth (Aldershot): If he will make a statement on the Government's policy regarding a common European foreign policy.
	(31822)
*25	Ms Rosie Winterton (Doncaster Central): If he will make a statement on commercial sections' priorities for 1998-99.
	(31823)
*26	Mr John Randall (Uxbridge): What discussions he has had with the US State Department regarding US policy towards Northern Ireland.
	(31824)
*27	Mr Lindsay Hoyle (Chorley): If he will make a statement on the progress being made on EU enlargement.
	(31825)
*28	Mr Richard Spring (West Suffolk): If he will make a statement about relations between the UK and the Gulf States.
	(31826)
*29	Mr Bernard Jenkin (North Essex): What measures he will pursue to promote common EU foreign policies.
	(31827)
*30	Mr William Cash (Stone): Which of the member states of the European Union expressed support for the United Kingdom in its policy regarding preparations for military action against Iraq.
	(31828)
*31	Mr Ivor Caplin (Hove): What initiatives the European Union is taking with regard to the Middle East Peace Process.
	(31829)
*32	Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East): What reports he has received from British embassies and high commissions regarding the quality, value and effectiveness of BBC World Service broadcasts.
	(31830)
*33	Sir Teddy Taylor (Rochford and Southend East): If he will make a statement on relations with Libya.
	(31831)
*34	Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South): If he will make a statement on Britain's relations with Israel.
	(31832)