Order of Business for 17 November 1998

House of Commons

Session 1997-98
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Summary Agendas and Orders of Business

Order of Business Tuesday 17th November 1998

Here you can browse the House of Commons Order of Business for Tuesday 17 November 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.

At 2.30 p.m. Prayers

Afterwards

Private Business

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

NOTICE OF MOTION AT THE TIME OF PRIVATE BUSINESS

The Chairman of Ways and Means

    City of Westminster Bill [LORDS]: That the promoters of the City of Westminster Bill [Lords] shall have leave to suspend proceedings thereon in order to proceed with the Bill, if they think fit, in the next Session of Parliament, provided that the Agents for the Bill give notice to the Clerks in the Private Bill Office not later than the day before the close of the present Session of their intention to suspend further proceedings and that all Fees due on the Bill up to that date be paid;

    That, if the Bill is brought from the Lords in the next Session, the Agent for the Bill shall deposit in the Private Bill Office a declaration signed by him, stating that the Bill is the same, in every respect, as the Bill which was brought from the Lords in the present Session;

    That, as soon as a certificate by one of the Clerks in the Private Bill Office, that such a declaration has been so deposited, has been laid upon the Table of the House, the Bill shall be read the first and second time and committed (and shall be recorded in the Journal of this House as having been so read and committed);

    That the Petition relating to the Bill presented in the present Session which stands referred to the Committee on the Bill shall stand referred to the Committee on the Bill in the next Session;

    That no Petitioners shall be heard before the Committee on the Bill, unless their Petition has been presented within the time limited within the present Session or deposited pursuant to paragraph (b) of Standing Order 126 relating to Private Business;

    That, in relation to the Bill, Standing Order 127 relating to Private Business shall have effect as if the words under Standing Order 126 (Reference to committee of petitions against Bill)" were omitted;

    That no further Fees shall be charged in respect of any proceedings on the Bill in respect of which Fees have already been incurred during the present Session;

    That these Orders be Standing Orders of the House.

Afterwards

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

*1 Mr Simon Hughes (North Southwark and Bermondsey):    What plans he has to revise right-to-buy legislation.

(58604)

*2 Mr Dale Campbell-Savours (Workington):    What proposals he has for environmental improvements in the Lake District.

(58605)

*3 Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire):    What representations he has received from the Local Government Association regarding the local government finance settlement for 1999-2000.

(58606)

*4 Mr Colin Pickthall (West Lancashire):    What monitoring is undertaken by his Department on the siting of proposed (a) animal incinerators and (b) household waste incinerators.

(58607)

*5 Ms Claire Ward (Watford):    What discussions he has had with local authorities about the effect of travellers on local communities.

(58608)

*6 Mrs Janet Dean (Burton):    Which parts of the country will be involved in the Children's Parliament.

(58609)

*7 Mr David Chaytor (Bury North):    What action his Department is proposing to take to curb the activities of freeholders who demand retrospective payment from leaseholders for alterations made to their homes.

(58610)

*8 Sir Sydney Chapman (Chipping Barnet):    If he will make a statement about his policy on green belt land.

(58611)

*9 Dr Tony Wright (Cannock Chase):    What progress he can report on implementing the recommendations of the Coalfields Task Force.

(58612)

*10 Bob Russell (Colchester):    What plans he has to introduce legislation relating to Leylandii and other fast-growing trees.

(58613)

*11 Mr Andrew George (St Ives):    What assessment he has made of the need to review council tax rates for (a) second and (b) mobile homes.

(58614)

*12 Caroline Flint (Don Valley):    What assessment he has made of the impact of the capital receipts programme on housing to date.

(58615)

*13 Mrs Caroline Spelman (Meriden):    What representations he has had from the business community regarding his proposals for new business taxes.

(58616)

*14 Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury):    If he will make a statement on his plans to reform the structure of local government.

(58617)

*15 Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter):    If he will make a statement on the Government's actions to meet the carbon dioxide reductions agreed at Kyoto.

(58618)

*16 Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham):    What steps he is taking to ensure a more equal level of funding for local authorities in England.

(58619)

*17 Mr Jeff Ennis (Barnsley East and Mexborough):    What response he has had to the announcement of new planning guidance governing open-cast coal mining.

(58620)

*18 Mrs Sylvia Heal (Halesowen and Rowley Regis):    If he will make a statement on the purpose of the Children's Parliament.

(58621)

*19 Mr Austin Mitchell (Great Grimsby):    What estimate he has made of the total amount paid from housing revenue account surpluses in housing benefits to council house tenants in the last financial year.

(58622)

*20 Ms Karen Buck (Regent's Park and Kensington North):    What assessment he has made of the impact of the Capital Receipts Programme in the London region to date.

(58623)

*21 Mr Donald Gorrie (Edinburgh West):    What representations he has received concerning the capital allocation system.

(58624)

*22 Mr John Wilkinson (Ruislip-Northwood):    If he will review the formula for the computation of standard spending assessments for London borough councils.

(58625)

*23 Mr Bill Olner (Nuneaton):    What recent representations he has received on access to the countryside for walkers.

(58626)

*24 Lynne Jones (Birmingham, Selly Oak):    If he will make a statement about the recent Environment Agency proposed decision concerning the MOX plant at Sellafield.

(58627)

*25 Mr Peter Viggers (Gosport):    What proposals he has to promote the public accountability of the Government's regional bodies in the South East.

(58628)

*26 Mr Martin Linton (Battersea):    What assessment he has made of the impact of the capital receipts programme in the London region to date.

(58630)

*27 Mr Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield):    If he will make a statement on his plans to increase the supply of affordable housing.

(58631)

*28 Mr Colin Breed (South East Cornwall):    What representations he has received on the current arrangements for levying council tax on second homes.

(58633)

At 3.05 p.m.

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

*29 Mr Eric Forth (Bromley and Chislehurst):    If he will make a statement on the impact of the level of fuel duties on pollution.

(58634)

*30 Mr David Heath (Somerton and Frome):    If he will make a statement on his policy in respect of the A303.

(58636)

*31 Sir Sydney Chapman (Chipping Barnet):    When the new rolling stock will come fully into service on the London Underground Northern Line; and what has caused the delays.

(58637)

*32 Mr Andrew Mackinlay (Thurrock):    What representations he has received on the publication of the Strategic Roads Reviews.

(58638)

*33 Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Meirionnydd Nant Conwy):    What incentives his Department is offering to transfer freight from road to rail; and if he will make a statement.

(58639)

*34 Mr Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston):    What steps he will take to encourage the increased use of the railways for freight transport.

(58640)

*35 Mr Tom Levitt (High Peak):    What measures he is taking to encourage the transport of freight by rail.

(58641)

*36 Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test):    What reponse the Government has made to the EU Transport Commissioner's EU Green Paper on Ports Policy.

(58642)

*37 Mr Stephen Day (Cheadle):    If he will visit Heald Green, Bramhall, Hazel Grove and Woodford to study the effects of cancelling the completion of the Manchester Airport Eastern Link Road.

(58643)

*38 Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter):    What progress the Government is making towards its target in respect of cycling by 2002.

(58644)

*39 Mr Tim Boswell (Daventry):    What part parkway stations play in his integrated transport strategy.

(58645)

*40 Mr Lawrie Quinn (Scarborough and Whitby):    If he will make a statement on the impact of the Government's policy on safety checks on the road-worthiness of vehicles.

(58646)

*41 Dr Evan Harris (Oxford West and Abingdon):    If he will make a statement regarding the permitted development rights of Railtrack.

(58647)

*42 Mr Gareth R. Thomas (Harrow West):    What further action his Department is taking to improve the performance of the rail industry.

(58648)

*43 Jacqui Smith (Redditch):    What remit the shadow Strategic Rail Authority will have.

(58649)

*44 Maria Eagle (Liverpool, Garston):    What proposals he has to ensure that the North West region benefits from the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.

(58650)

*45 Christine Russell (City of Chester):    If he will take action to prevent reductions in services by North West Trains.

(58651)

*46 Mrs Ann Winterton (Congleton):    If he will introduce measures to encourage the purchase of more fuel-efficient, less polluting cars.

(58652)

*47 Mr Alan Johnson (Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle):    What future role he envisages for regional airports.

(58653)

*48 Mr Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam):    What steps he is taking to improve commuter services on lines operated by Connex South Central.

(58654)

*49 Mr Desmond Swayne (New Forest West):    What representations he has received from road freight hauliers regarding the impact of the proposals in the White Paper on Integrated Transport Strategy on their industry.

(58655)

*50 Mr Nick Ainger (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire):    If he will make a statement on the impact the new Marine Safety Agency will have on leisure craft.

(58656)

*51 Steve Webb (Northavon):    What research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the costs of implementing a comprehensive nationwide network of community transport schemes.

(58657)

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

Preliminary Business
*Ten minute rule Motion*
1	STAKEHOLDER PENSION *[Up to 20 minutes]*
	Mr Frank Field That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require persons to contribute to a personal retirement pension scheme administered by an approved welfare supplier; to make provision with respect to contributions into and payments out of such schemes; to establish arrangements for the strategic direction and monitoring of pensions; 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   BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE    [Until 10.00 p.m.]

Margaret Beckett
    That, at this day's sitting, the Speaker shall not adjourn the House until any Messages from the Lords shall have been received.

Debate may continue until 10.00 p.m.

+  3   SCRUTINY OF EUROPEAN BUSINESS (No. 1)    [Up to 1.5 hours]

Margaret Beckett
    That this House approves the Seventh Report from the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons on the Scrutiny of European Business (HC 791) and takes note of the White Paper on the Scrutiny of European Business (Cm. 4095).

    The Speaker will put the questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the eight Motions relating to Scrutiny of European Business not later than 1.5 hours after proceedings begin on the first such Motion (Order of 12th November).

+  4   SCRUTINY OF EUROPEAN BUSINESS (No. 2)
Margaret Beckett
    That the Resolution of the House of 24th October 1990 relating to European Community Legislation be rescinded and the following Resolution be made:

    That,

    (1) No Minister of the Crown should give agreement in the Council or in the European Council to any proposal for European Community legislation or for a common position or joint action under Title V or a joint position, joint action or convention under Title VI of the Treaty on European Union--

    (a) which is still subject to scrutiny (that is, on which the European Scrutiny Committee has not completed its scrutiny) or

    (b) which is awaiting consideration by the House (that is, which has been recommended by the European Scrutiny Committee for consideration pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees) but in respect of which the House has not come to a Resolution).

    (2) In this Resolution, any reference to agreement to a proposal includes--

    (a) agreement to a programme, plan or recommendation for European Community legislation;

    (b) political agreement;

    (c) in the case of a proposal on which the Council acts in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 189b of the Treaty of Rome (co-decision), agreement to a common position, to a joint text, and to confirmation of the common position (with or without amendments proposed by the European Parliament); and

    (d) in the case of a proposal on which the Council acts in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 189c of the Treaty of Rome (co-operation), agreement to a common position.

    (3) The Minister concerned may, however, give agreement--

    (a) to a proposal which is still subject to scrutiny if he considers that it is confidential, routine or trivial or is substantially the same as a proposal on which scrutiny has been completed;

    (b) to a proposal which is awaiting consideration by the House if the European Scrutiny Committee has indicated that agreement need not be withheld pending consideration.

    (4) The Minister concerned may also give agreement to a proposal which is still subject to scrutiny or awaiting consideration by the House if he decides that for special reasons agreement should be given; but he should explain his reasons--

    (a) in every such case, to the European Scrutiny Committee at the first opportunity after reaching his decision; and

    (b) in the case of a proposal awaiting consideration by the House, to the House at the first opportunity after giving agreement.

    (5) In relation to any proposal which requires adoption by unanimity, abstention shall, for the purposes of paragraph (4), be treated as giving agreement.

+  5   SCRUTINY OF EUROPEAN BUSINESS (No. 3)
Margaret Beckett
    That, upon the entering into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam, the Resolution on Scrutiny of European Business (No. 2) shall have effect with the following modifications:

    In paragraph (1) the words "a common position or joint action under Title V or a joint position, joint action or convention under Title VI of the Treaty on European Union" are replaced by the words "a common strategy, joint action or common position under Title V or a common position, framework decision, decision or convention under Title VI of the Treaty on European Union"; and

    in paragraph (2)(c) the words "a common position, to a joint text, and to confirmation of the common position (with or without amendments proposed by the European Parliament)" are replaced by the words "a common position, to an act in the form of a common position incorporating amendments proposed by the European Parliament, and to a joint text".

+  6   SCRUTINY OF EUROPEAN BUSINESS (No. 4)
Margaret Beckett
    That, with effect from the beginning of the next Session, Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees) be replaced by the following Standing Order (European Standing Committees):

    ".--(1) There shall be three standing committees, called European Standing Committees, to which shall stand referred for consideration on motion, unless the House otherwise orders, such European Union documents as defined in Standing Order No. 143 (European Scrutiny Committee) as may be recommended by the European Scrutiny Committee for further consideration.

    (2) If a motion that specified European Union documents as aforesaid shall not stand referred to a European Standing Committee is made by a Minister of the Crown at the commencement of public business, the question thereon shall be put forthwith.

    (3) Each European Standing Committee shall consist of thirteen Members nominated for the duration of a Parliament by the Committee of Selection; and in nominating such Members, the Committee of Selection shall--

    (a) have regard to the qualifications of the Members nominated and to the composition of the House; and

    (b) have power to discharge Members from time to time, and to appoint others in substitution.

    (4) The quorum of a European Standing Committee shall be three, excluding the chairman.

    (5) Any Member, though not nominated to a European Standing Committee, may take part in the committee's proceedings and may move amendments to any motion made as provided in paragraphs (7) and (8) below, but such Member shall not make any motion, vote or be counted in the quorum; provided that a Minister of the Crown who is a Member of this House but not nominated to the committee may make a motion as provided in paragraphs (7) and (8) below; and the Government may appoint the precedence of notices of motion to be considered in each committee.

    (6) The European Standing Committees, and the principal subject matter of the European Union documents to be referred to each, shall be as set out below; and in making recommendations for further consideration, the European Scrutiny Committee shall specify the committee to which in its opinion the documents ought to be referred; and subject to paragraph (2) of this order, the documents shall be referred to that committee accordingly

European Standing Committees Principal subject matter

Matters within the responsibility of the following Departments:

A Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; Environment, Transport and the Regions; Forestry Commission; (and analogous responsibilities of Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Offices)

B HM Treasury (including HM Customs and Excise); Social Security; Foreign and Commonwealth Office; International Development; Home Office; Lord Chancellor's Department; together with any matters not otherwise allocated by this Order

C Trade and Industry; Employment and Education; Culture, Media and Sport; Health

    (7) The chairman may permit Ministers of the Crown to make statements and to answer questions thereon put by Members, in respect of each motion relative to a European Union document or documents referred to a European Standing Committee of which a Minister shall have given notice; but no question shall be taken after the expiry of a period of one hour from the commencement of the first such statement:

    Provided that the chairman may, if he sees fit, allow questions to be taken for a further period of not more than half an hour after the expiry of that period.

    (8) Following the conclusion of the proceedings under the previous paragraph, the motion referred to therein may be made, to which amendments may be moved; and, if proceedings thereon have not been previously concluded, the chairman shall interrupt the consideration of such motion and amendments when the committee shall have sat for a period of two and a half hours, and shall then put forthwith successively:

    (a) the question on any amendment already proposed from the chair; and

    (b) the main question (or the main question, as amended).

    The chairman shall thereupon report to the House any resolution to which the committee has come, or that it has come to no resolution, without any further question being put.

    (9) If any motion is made in the House in relation to any European Union document in respect of which a report has been made to the House in accordance with paragraph (8) of this order, the Speaker shall forthwith put successively--

    (a) the question on any amendment selected by her which may be moved;

    (b) the main question (or the main question, as amended);

    and proceedings in pursuance of this paragraph, though opposed, may be decided after the expiration of the time for opposed business.

    (10) With the modifications provided in this order, the following Standing Orders shall apply to European Standing Committees:

    No. 85 (Chairmen of standing committees);

    No. 88 (Meetings of standing committees); and

    No. 89 (Procedure in standing committees)."

+  7   SCRUTINY OF EUROPEAN BUSINESS (No. 5)
Margaret Beckett
    That Standing Order No. 143 (Select Committee on European Legislation) be replaced by the following Standing Order (European Scrutiny Committee):

    (1) There shall be a select committee, to be called the European Scrutiny Committee, to examine European Union documents and--

    (a) to report its opinion on the legal and political importance of each such document and, where it considers appropriate, to report also on the reasons for its opinion and on any matters of principle, policy or law which may be affected;

    (b) to make recommendations for the further consideration of any such document pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees); and

    (c) to consider any issue arising upon any such document or group of documents, or related matters.

    The expression `European Union document' in this order and in Standing Orders No. 16 (Proceedings under an Act or on European Union documents), No. 89 (Procedure in standing committees) and No. 119 (European Standing Committees) means--

    (i) any proposal under the Community Treaties for legislation by the Council or the Council acting jointly with the European Parliament;

    (ii) any document which is published for submission to the European Council, the Council or the European Central Bank;

    (iii) any proposal to define a common position or for joint action under Title V of the Treaty on European Union which is prepared for submission to the Council;

    (iv) any proposal for a joint position, joint action or a convention under Title VI of the Treaty on European Union which is prepared for submission to the Council;

    (v) any document (not falling within (ii), (iii) or (iv) above) which is published by one Union institution for or with a view to submission to another Union institution and which does not relate exclusively to consideration of any proposal for legislation;

    (vi) any other document relating to European Union matters deposited in the House by a Minister of the Crown.

    (2) The committee shall consist of sixteen Members.

    (3) The committee and any sub-committee appointed by it shall have the assistance of the Counsel to the Speaker.

    (4) The committee shall have power to appoint specialist advisers either to supply information which is not readily available or to elucidate matters of complexity within the committee's order of reference.

    (5) The committee shall have power to send for persons, papers and records, to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House, to adjourn from place to place, and to report from time to time.

    (6) The quorum of the committee shall be five.

    (7) The committee shall have power to appoint sub-committees and to refer to such sub-committees any of the matters referred to the committee.

    (8) Every such sub-committee shall have power to send for persons, papers and records, to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House, to adjourn from place to place, and to report to the committee from time to time.

    (9) The committee shall have power to report from time to time the minutes of evidence taken before such sub-committees.

    (10) The quorum of every such sub-committee shall be two.

    (11) The committee shall have power to seek from any committee specified in paragraph (14) of this order its opinion on any European Union document, and to require a reply to such a request within such time as it may specify.

    (12) The committee or any sub-committee appointed by it shall have leave to meet concurrently with any committee specified in paragraph (14) of this order or with any committee of the Lords on the European Communities, or any sub-committee of that committee, for the purposes of deliberating or examining witnesses.

    (13) The committee shall have power to communicate to any committee specified in paragraph (14) of this order its evidence or any other document relating to matters of common interest.

    (14) The committees specified for the purposes of this order are those appointed under Standing Order No. 152 (Select committees related to government departments) including any sub-committees of such committees, the Select Committee on Public Administration, the Committee of Public Accounts, and the Environmental Audit Committee.

    (15) Unless the House otherwise orders, each member nominated to the committee shall continue to be a Member of it for the remainder of the Parliament.

+  8   SCRUTINY OF EUROPEAN BUSINESS (No. 6)
Margaret Beckett
    That the following consequential Amendments to Standing Orders be made:

    In Standing Order No. 16 (Proceedings under an Act or on European Community Documents), line 3, leave out "Community documents" and insert "Union documents (as defined in Standing Order No. 143 (European Scrutiny Committee))".

    In Standing Order No. 89 (Procedure in Standing Committees), line 18, leave out "Community" and insert "Union".

    In Standing Order No. 146 (Select Committee on Public Administration), line 20, at the end insert:

    "(c) to communicate to the European Scrutiny Committee its evidence and any other document relating to matters of common interest; and

    (d) to meet concurrently with the European Scrutiny Committee, or any sub-committee thereof, for the purposes of deliberating or taking evidence.";

    In Standing Order No. 148 (Committee of Public Accounts),

    line 17, after "departments)" insert "and to the European Scrutiny Committee",

    line 21, at end add:

    "(4) The committee shall have power to meet concurrently with the European Scrutiny Committee, or any sub-committee thereof, for the purposes of deliberating or taking evidence."

    In Standing Order No. 152 (Select committees related to government departments)

    line 31, after "and" insert "to the European Scrutiny Committee,"

    line 39, at end insert "or with the European Scrutiny Committee or any sub-committee thereof for the purposes of deliberating or taking evidence;"

    line 46, after "thereof" insert ", or with the European Scrutiny Committee or any sub-committee thereof,"

    In Standing Order No. 152A (Environmental Audit Committee), in line 30, after "thereof" insert ", or with the European Scrutiny Committee or any sub-committee thereof,".

+  9   SCRUTINY OF EUROPEAN BUSINESS (No. 7)
Margaret Beckett
    That, with effect from the coming into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam, Standing Order No. 143 (European Scrutiny Committee) shall have effect with the following Amendments:

    line 21, leave out "to define a common position or for joint action" and insert "for a common strategy, a joint action or a common position";

    line 23, after "Council" insert "or to the European Council"; and

    line 24, leave out "joint position, joint action" and insert "common position, framework decision, decision".

+  10   SCRUTINY OF EUROPEAN BUSINESS (No. 8)
Margaret Beckett
    That Mr Ben Bradshaw, Mr Colin Breed, Mr Russell Brown, Mr Roger Casale, Mr William Cash, Mr Quentin Davies, Mr Jim Dobbin, Mrs Margaret Ewing, Mrs Linda Gilroy, Mr Jimmy Hood, Ms Jennifer Jones, Mrs Rosemary McKenna, Mr Jim Marshall, Mr Bill Rammell, Mr Anthony Steen and Mr Shaun Woodward be members of the European Scrutiny Committee.

11   PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR STANDARDS    [Until 10.00 p.m.]

Mr Archy Kirkwood
    That Ms Elizabeth Filkin be appointed Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards on the retirement of Sir Gordon Downey, KCB, on the terms of the Report of the House of Commons Commission (HC 1143), dated 9th November 1998.

Debate may continue until 10.00 p.m.

+  12   PRISONS    [Up to 1.5 hours]

Secretary Marjorie Mowlam
    That the draft Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 (Specified Organisations) (No. 2) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 16th November, be approved.

    The Instrument has not yet been considered by the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments.

    The Speaker will put the question not later than 1.5 hours after proceedings begin (Standing Order No. 16).

At 10.00 p.m.

+     BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE    [No debate]

The Prime Minister
    That, at this day's sitting, the consideration of any Lords Messages and Amendments that may be received may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour.

To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 15).�

+  13   COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS    [No debate after 10.00 p.m.]

Mr Keith Bradley
    That Mr Stephen Twigg be discharged from the Committee of Public Accounts and Mr Derek Twigg be added.

    If opposed, this item cannot be taken after 10.00 p.m.

    Consideration of any Lords Messages and Amendments that may be received.

At the end of the sitting:

14   ADJOURNMENT

    Proposed subject: Clothing, textile, carpet and footwear industry (Mr Phil Woolas).

    Debate may continue until 10.30 p.m. or for half an hour, whichever is later (Standing Order No. 9).

COMMITTEES

STANDING COMMITTEES

1   Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation 10.30 a.m. Room 11 (public)

    To consider the draft Social Security (New Deal Pilot) Regulations 1998 and the draft Jobseeker's Allowance Amendment (New Deal) Regulations 1998.

2   Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation 10.30 a.m. Room 10 (public)

    To consider the draft Civil Procedure (Modification of Enactments) Order 1998.

3   Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation 10.30 a.m. Room 9 (public)

    To consider the Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2211).

4   Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation 4.30 p.m. Room 10 (public)

    To consider the draft Education (Grammar School Ballots) Regulations 1998.

5   Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation 4.30 p.m. Room 11 (public)

    To consider the draft Parliamentary Constituencies (England) (Miscellaneous Changes) Order 1998.

6   Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation 4.30 p.m. Room 9 (public)

    To consider the Social Security (Welfare to Work) Regulations 1998�jy(S.I., 1998, No. 2231).

SELECT COMMITTEES

7   Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs: Environment Sub-Committee 9.45 a.m.
10.00 a.m. Room 8 (private)
(public)

    Subject: Local Government Finance.

    Witnesses: Gerry Stoker and Geoffrey Filkin, New Local Government Network; Manchester City Council, Manchester Chamber of Commerce, British Chambers of Commerce (at 10.30 a.m.); Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities, Association of London Government (at 11.20 a.m.).

8   Foreign Affairs 10.00 a.m.
10.30 a.m. Room 15 (private)
(public)

    Subject: Sierra Leone.

    Witness: Sir John Kerr, KCMG, Permanent Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

9   International Development 10.00 a.m.
10.30 a.m. Room 17 (private)
(public)

    Subject: The Future of the EC Development Budget.

    Witnesses: Mr Mark Lowcock, Head of European Union Department, Mr Richard Manning, Director-General, Resources, Department for International Development and Mr Nigel Sheinwald, Director, European Union, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

10   Public Administration 10.00 a.m.
10.30 a.m. Room 16 (private)
(public)

    Subject: The Report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration for 1997-98.

    Witnesses: The Independent Case Examiner; Department of Social Security and Child Support Agency (at 11.30 a.m.).

11   Trade and Industry 10.00 a.m. Room 5 (public)

    Subject: Multilateral Agreement on Investment.

    Witnesses: Consumers International; International Chamber of Commerce (UK); Local Government Association.

12   Agriculture 10.15 a.m.
10.30 a.m. Room 21 (private)
(public)

    Subject: Sea Fishing.

    Witnesses: Officials from Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Scottish Office and Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science.

13   Home Affairs 10.15 a.m.
10.45 a.m. Room 6 (private)
(public)

    Subject: Police Training and Recruitment.

    Witnesses: Association of Chief Police Officers.

14   Standards and Privileges 10.30 a.m. Room 13 (private)

15   Treasury 10.30 a.m. Room 7 (private)

16   Foreign Affairs 2.00 p.m. Room 15 (public)

    Subject: Sierra Leone.

    Witness: Sir John Kerr, KCMG, Permanent Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

17   Education and Employment 3.45 p.m.
4.00 p.m. Room 18 (private)
(public)

    Subject: Opportunities for Disabled People.

    Witnesses: Further Education Funding Council and Further Education Development Agency.

18   Trade and Industry 4.00 p.m. Room 6 (public)

    Subject: Multilateral Agreement on Investment.

    Witness: Mr Brian Wilson, MP, Minister for Trade, Department of Trade and Industry.

19   Environmental Audit 5.00 p.m.
5.30 p.m. Room 8 (private)
(public)

    Subject: Multilateral Agreement on Investment.

    Witness: Mr Brian Wilson, MP, Minister for Trade, Department of Trade and Industry.

20   Health 5.00 p.m. Room 16 (private)

21   Procedure 5.00 p.m. Room 5 (private)

22   Statutory Instruments Immediately after the meeting of the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments Room 7 (private)

JOINT COMMITTEES

23   Parliamentary Privilege 10.30 a.m. Room 4 (private)

24   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 16th November for answer today++

1
   Barbara Follett (Stevenage):    To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, when the final version of the Sustainable Development Plan for Montserrat will be published.

(60359)

2
   Ms Jackie Lawrence (Preseli Pembrokeshire):    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what is the latest progress in the review of personal pensions mis-selling.

(60382)

3
   Mr Derek Twigg (Halton):    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what changes he plans to make to petroleum revenue tax legislation for pipelines in the North Sea.

(60383)

4
   Mr Tony McNulty (Harrow East):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when he intends to issue detailed proposals on the next night restrictions regime for Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted; and what his plans are for consulting on the introduction of runway alternation at night at Heathrow and the continuance of westerly preference at night.

(60384)

5
   Mr Ben Chapman (Wirral South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the outcome was of the General Affairs Council in Brussels on 9th and 10th November.

(60385)

6
   Mr Martin Salter (Reading West):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what responses he has received to the consultation document Improving Parole Decision Making; and how he intends to proceed with the proposal to delegate authority in parole cases involving prisoners with determinate sentences of between four and 15 years.

(60440)

7
   Mr David Stewart (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what is the purpose and scope of the reservation of intellectual property in the Scotland Bill.

(60441)

8
   Mr Nick Ainger (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire):    To ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee, when the decision was taken to relocate parts of the Cabinet Office to Admiralty Arch, Ripley Block and Kirkland House; and if he will make a statement.

(60470)

9
   Ms Dari Taylor (Stockton South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement about the outcome of the EC Health Council meeting on 12th November.

(60471)

10
   Miss Melanie Johnson (Welwyn Hatfield):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what resources he will make available to the Training Support Programme (TSP, Specific Grant) for local authorities in the next three years.

(60472)

11
   Mr Colin Burgon (Elmet):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will announce the results of the consultation exercise held earlier this year on water charging in England and Wales.

(60595)

© Parliamentary copyright 1998
Prepared 17 November 1998

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Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions relating to the Environment and the Regions
*1	Mr Simon Hughes (North Southwark and Bermondsey): What plans he has to revise right-to-buy legislation.
	(58604)
*2	Mr Dale Campbell-Savours (Workington): What proposals he has for environmental improvements in the Lake District.
	(58605)
*3	Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire): What representations he has received from the Local Government Association regarding the local government finance settlement for 1999-2000.
	(58606)
*4	Mr Colin Pickthall (West Lancashire): What monitoring is undertaken by his Department on the siting of proposed (a) animal incinerators and (b) household waste incinerators.
	(58607)
*5	Ms Claire Ward (Watford): What discussions he has had with local authorities about the effect of travellers on local communities.
	(58608)
*6	Mrs Janet Dean (Burton): Which parts of the country will be involved in the Children's Parliament.
	(58609)
*7	Mr David Chaytor (Bury North): What action his Department is proposing to take to curb the activities of freeholders who demand retrospective payment from leaseholders for alterations made to their homes.
	(58610)
*8	Sir Sydney Chapman (Chipping Barnet): If he will make a statement about his policy on green belt land.
	(58611)
*9	Dr Tony Wright (Cannock Chase): What progress he can report on implementing the recommendations of the Coalfields Task Force.
	(58612)
*10	Bob Russell (Colchester): What plans he has to introduce legislation relating to Leylandii and other fast-growing trees.
	(58613)
*11	Mr Andrew George (St Ives): What assessment he has made of the need to review council tax rates for (a) second and (b) mobile homes.
	(58614)
*12	Caroline Flint (Don Valley): What assessment he has made of the impact of the capital receipts programme on housing to date.
	(58615)
*13	Mrs Caroline Spelman (Meriden): What representations he has had from the business community regarding his proposals for new business taxes.
	(58616)
*14	Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury): If he will make a statement on his plans to reform the structure of local government.
	(58617)
*15	Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter): If he will make a statement on the Government's actions to meet the carbon dioxide reductions agreed at Kyoto.
	(58618)
*16	Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham): What steps he is taking to ensure a more equal level of funding for local authorities in England.
	(58619)
*17	Mr Jeff Ennis (Barnsley East and Mexborough): What response he has had to the announcement of new planning guidance governing open-cast coal mining.
	(58620)
*18	Mrs Sylvia Heal (Halesowen and Rowley Regis): If he will make a statement on the purpose of the Children's Parliament.
	(58621)
*19	Mr Austin Mitchell (Great Grimsby): What estimate he has made of the total amount paid from housing revenue account surpluses in housing benefits to council house tenants in the last financial year.
	(58622)
*20	Ms Karen Buck (Regent's Park and Kensington North): What assessment he has made of the impact of the Capital Receipts Programme in the London region to date.
	(58623)
*21	Mr Donald Gorrie (Edinburgh West): What representations he has received concerning the capital allocation system.
	(58624)
*22	Mr John Wilkinson (Ruislip-Northwood): If he will review the formula for the computation of standard spending assessments for London borough councils.
	(58625)
*23	Mr Bill Olner (Nuneaton): What recent representations he has received on access to the countryside for walkers.
	(58626)
*24	Lynne Jones (Birmingham, Selly Oak): If he will make a statement about the recent Environment Agency proposed decision concerning the MOX plant at Sellafield.
	(58627)
*25	Mr Peter Viggers (Gosport): What proposals he has to promote the public accountability of the Government's regional bodies in the South East.
	(58628)
*26	Mr Martin Linton (Battersea): What assessment he has made of the impact of the capital receipts programme in the London region to date.
	(58630)
*27	Mr Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield): If he will make a statement on his plans to increase the supply of affordable housing.
	(58631)
*28	Mr Colin Breed (South East Cornwall): What representations he has received on the current arrangements for levying council tax on second homes.
	(58633)

Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions relating to Transport
*29	Mr Eric Forth (Bromley and Chislehurst): If he will make a statement on the impact of the level of fuel duties on pollution.
	(58634)
*30	Mr David Heath (Somerton and Frome): If he will make a statement on his policy in respect of the A303.
	(58636)
*31	Sir Sydney Chapman (Chipping Barnet): When the new rolling stock will come fully into service on the London Underground Northern Line; and what has caused the delays.
	(58637)
*32	Mr Andrew Mackinlay (Thurrock): What representations he has received on the publication of the Strategic Roads Reviews.
	(58638)
*33	Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Meirionnydd Nant Conwy): What incentives his Department is offering to transfer freight from road to rail; and if he will make a statement.
	(58639)
*34	Mr Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston): What steps he will take to encourage the increased use of the railways for freight transport.
	(58640)
*35	Mr Tom Levitt (High Peak): What measures he is taking to encourage the transport of freight by rail.
	(58641)
*36	Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test): What reponse the Government has made to the EU Transport Commissioner's EU Green Paper on Ports Policy.
	(58642)
*37	Mr Stephen Day (Cheadle): If he will visit Heald Green, Bramhall, Hazel Grove and Woodford to study the effects of cancelling the completion of the Manchester Airport Eastern Link Road.
	(58643)
*38	Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter): What progress the Government is making towards its target in respect of cycling by 2002.
	(58644)
*39	Mr Tim Boswell (Daventry): What part parkway stations play in his integrated transport strategy.
	(58645)
*40	Mr Lawrie Quinn (Scarborough and Whitby): If he will make a statement on the impact of the Government's policy on safety checks on the road-worthiness of vehicles.
	(58646)
*41	Dr Evan Harris (Oxford West and Abingdon): If he will make a statement regarding the permitted development rights of Railtrack.
	(58647)
*42	Mr Gareth R. Thomas (Harrow West): What further action his Department is taking to improve the performance of the rail industry.
	(58648)
*43	Jacqui Smith (Redditch): What remit the shadow Strategic Rail Authority will have.
	(58649)
*44	Maria Eagle (Liverpool, Garston): What proposals he has to ensure that the North West region benefits from the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.
	(58650)
*45	Christine Russell (City of Chester): If he will take action to prevent reductions in services by North West Trains.
	(58651)
*46	Mrs Ann Winterton (Congleton): If he will introduce measures to encourage the purchase of more fuel-efficient, less polluting cars.
	(58652)
*47	Mr Alan Johnson (Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle): What future role he envisages for regional airports.
	(58653)
*48	Mr Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam): What steps he is taking to improve commuter services on lines operated by Connex South Central.
	(58654)
*49	Mr Desmond Swayne (New Forest West): What representations he has received from road freight hauliers regarding the impact of the proposals in the White Paper on Integrated Transport Strategy on their industry.
	(58655)
*50	Mr Nick Ainger (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire): If he will make a statement on the impact the new Marine Safety Agency will have on leisure craft.
	(58656)
*51	Steve Webb (Northavon): What research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the costs of implementing a comprehensive nationwide network of community transport schemes.
	(58657)

+	BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE *[No debate]*
	The Prime Minister That, at this day's sitting, the consideration of any Lords Messages and Amendments that may be received may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour.
*To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 15).�*

14	ADJOURNMENT
	Proposed subject: Clothing, textile, carpet and footwear industry* (Mr Phil Woolas).* *Debate may continue until 10.30 p.m. or for half an hour, whichever is later (Standing Order No. 9).*

COMMITTEES
STANDING COMMITTEES
1	Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation	10.30 a.m.	Room 11 (public)
	To consider the draft Social Security (New Deal Pilot) Regulations 1998 and the draft Jobseeker's Allowance Amendment (New Deal) Regulations 1998.
2	Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation	10.30 a.m.	Room 10 (public)
	To consider the draft Civil Procedure (Modification of Enactments) Order 1998.
3	Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation	10.30 a.m.	Room 9 (public)
	To consider the Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2211).
4	Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation	4.30 p.m.	Room 10 (public)
	To consider the draft Education (Grammar School Ballots) Regulations 1998.
5	Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation	4.30 p.m.	Room 11 (public)
	To consider the draft Parliamentary Constituencies (England) (Miscellaneous Changes) Order 1998.
6	Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation	4.30 p.m.	Room 9 (public)
	To consider the Social Security (Welfare to Work) Regulations 1998�jy(S.I., 1998, No. 2231).
SELECT COMMITTEES
7	Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs: Environment Sub-Committee	9.45 a.m. 10.00 a.m.	Room 8 (private) (public)
	Subject: Local Government Finance.
	Witnesses: Gerry Stoker and Geoffrey Filkin, New Local Government Network; Manchester City Council, Manchester Chamber of Commerce, British Chambers of Commerce (at 10.30 a.m.); Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities, Association of London Government (at 11.20 a.m.).
8	Foreign Affairs	10.00 a.m. 10.30 a.m.	Room 15 (private) (public)
	Subject: Sierra Leone.
	Witness: Sir John Kerr, KCMG, Permanent Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
9	International Development	10.00 a.m. 10.30 a.m.	Room 17 (private) (public)
	Subject: The Future of the EC Development Budget.
	Witnesses: Mr Mark Lowcock, Head of European Union Department, Mr Richard Manning, Director-General, Resources, Department for International Development and Mr Nigel Sheinwald, Director, European Union, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
10	Public Administration	10.00 a.m. 10.30 a.m.	Room 16 (private) (public)
	Subject: The Report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration for 1997-98.
	Witnesses: The Independent Case Examiner; Department of Social Security and Child Support Agency (at 11.30 a.m.).
11	Trade and Industry	10.00 a.m.	Room 5 (public)
	Subject: Multilateral Agreement on Investment.
	Witnesses: Consumers International; International Chamber of Commerce (UK); Local Government Association.
12	Agriculture	10.15 a.m. 10.30 a.m.	Room 21 (private) (public)
	Subject: Sea Fishing.
	Witnesses: Officials from Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Scottish Office and Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science.
13	Home Affairs	10.15 a.m. 10.45 a.m.	Room 6 (private) (public)
	Subject: Police Training and Recruitment.
	Witnesses: Association of Chief Police Officers.
14	Standards and Privileges	10.30 a.m.	Room 13 (private)
15	Treasury	10.30 a.m.	Room 7 (private)
16	Foreign Affairs	2.00 p.m.	Room 15 (public)
	Subject: Sierra Leone.
	Witness: Sir John Kerr, KCMG, Permanent Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
17	Education and Employment	3.45 p.m. 4.00 p.m.	Room 18 (private) (public)
	Subject: Opportunities for Disabled People.
	Witnesses: Further Education Funding Council and Further Education Development Agency.
18	Trade and Industry	4.00 p.m.	Room 6 (public)
	Subject: Multilateral Agreement on Investment.
	Witness: Mr Brian Wilson, MP, Minister for Trade, Department of Trade and Industry.
19	Environmental Audit	5.00 p.m. 5.30 p.m.	Room 8 (private) (public)
	Subject: Multilateral Agreement on Investment.
	Witness: Mr Brian Wilson, MP, Minister for Trade, Department of Trade and Industry.
20	Health	5.00 p.m.	Room 16 (private)
21	Procedure	5.00 p.m.	Room 5 (private)
22	Statutory Instruments	Immediately after the meeting of the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments	Room 7 (private)
JOINT COMMITTEES
23	Parliamentary Privilege	10.30 a.m.	Room 4 (private)
24	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 16th November for answer today++
1	Barbara Follett (Stevenage): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, when the final version of the Sustainable Development Plan for Montserrat will be published.
	(60359)
2	Ms Jackie Lawrence (Preseli Pembrokeshire): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what is the latest progress in the review of personal pensions mis-selling.
	(60382)
3	Mr Derek Twigg (Halton): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what changes he plans to make to petroleum revenue tax legislation for pipelines in the North Sea.
	(60383)
4	Mr Tony McNulty (Harrow East): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when he intends to issue detailed proposals on the next night restrictions regime for Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted; and what his plans are for consulting on the introduction of runway alternation at night at Heathrow and the continuance of westerly preference at night.
	(60384)
5	Mr Ben Chapman (Wirral South): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the outcome was of the General Affairs Council in Brussels on 9th and 10th November.
	(60385)
6	Mr Martin Salter (Reading West): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what responses he has received to the consultation document Improving Parole Decision Making; and how he intends to proceed with the proposal to delegate authority in parole cases involving prisoners with determinate sentences of between four and 15 years.
	(60440)
7	Mr David Stewart (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber): To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what is the purpose and scope of the reservation of intellectual property in the Scotland Bill.
	(60441)
8	Mr Nick Ainger (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire): To ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee, when the decision was taken to relocate parts of the Cabinet Office to Admiralty Arch, Ripley Block and Kirkland House; and if he will make a statement.
	(60470)
9	Ms Dari Taylor (Stockton South): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement about the outcome of the EC Health Council meeting on 12th November.
	(60471)
10	Miss Melanie Johnson (Welwyn Hatfield): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what resources he will make available to the Training Support Programme (TSP, Specific Grant) for local authorities in the next three years.
	(60472)
11	Mr Colin Burgon (Elmet): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will announce the results of the consultation exercise held earlier this year on water charging in England and Wales.
	(60595)