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House of Commons
Session 1997-1998

Commons Journal 254

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Alphabetical Index - Part II


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Page 194            1997-1998      Volume 254      

[No. 59.]

Monday 3rd November 1997.

The House met at half-past Two o'clock.

PRAYERS.

1Woodford Aerodrome (Control of Land by Directions) Order 1997 (Petition of General Objection),—Ordered, That the Lords Message [30th October] relating to the Joint Committee on the Petition of General Objection to the Woodford Aerodrome (Control of Land by Directions) Order 1997 be now considered.

Lords Message considered accordingly.

Ordered, That the Committee appointed by this House do meet the Lords Committee as proposed by their Lordships.

Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.

2Welsh Affairs,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 107 (Welsh Grand Committee (matters relating exclusively to Wales)), That the matter of North Wales and the Government's proposals for a Welsh Assembly, being a matter relating exclusively to Wales, be referred to the Welsh Grand Committee for its consideration—(Mr Jim Dowd):—It was agreed to.

3Firearms (Amendment) Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Firearms (Amendment) Bill.

Lords Amendment No. 1.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House doth disagree with the Lords in the said Amendment—(Mr Alun Michael);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Clelland, Mr David Jamieson: 291.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr James Cran, Mr Oliver Heald: 155.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 2 was agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges.

Lords Amendment No. 3.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House doth disagree with the Lords in the said Amendment—(Mr Alun Michael);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Kevin Hughes: 292.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Oliver Heald, Mr James Cran: 160.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.

Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendments Nos. 1 and 3.—(Mr Alun Michael.)

Ordered, That Mr James Cran, Mr John Greenway, Jane Kennedy, Mr Alun Michael and Mr Colin Pickthall be members of the Committee.—(Mr Alun Michael.)

Ordered, That three be the Quorum of the Committee.—(Mr Alun Michael.)

Ordered, That the Committee do withdraw immediately.—(Mr Alun Michael.)

4Education (Student Loans) Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Education (Student Loans) Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee.

Amendments (Nos. 1 to 5) made to the Bill.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the Bill be now read the third time;

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The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Jon Owen Jones, Mr Greg Pope: 293*.

Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Margaret Ewing, Mr Elfyn Llwyd: 24.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.

5Welsh Grand Committee,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 108 (Welsh Grand Committee (sittings)), That the Welsh Grand Committee shall meet at Westminster on Tuesday 18th November at half-past Ten o'clock to take questions under Standing Order No. 103 (Welsh Grand Committee (questions for oral answer)), and to consider the matter of North Wales and the Government's proposals for a Welsh Assembly under Standing Order No. 107 (Welsh Grand Committee (matters relating exclusively to Wales))—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to.

6Supreme Court (Offices) Bill,—Ordered, That, in respect of the Supreme Court (Offices) Bill, notices of Amendments, new Clauses and new Schedules to be moved in Committee may be accepted by the Clerks at the Table before the Bill has been read a second time.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

7Firearms (Amendment) Bill,—Mr Alun Michael reported from the Committee appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to certain of their Amendments to the Firearms (Amendment) Bill, That it had drawn up the following Reason, which it had directed him to report to the House:

The Commons disagree to the Amendments made by the Lords after Clause 1 and after Clause 2, for the following Reason:—

Because the Commons do not consider it appropriate for the Bill to provide for any special exemptions to apply to the prohibition of small-calibre pistols.

The Reason was agreed to.

Message to the Lords to communicate the said Reason, with the Bill and Amendments.

8Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-eight minutes to Nine o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 8.32 p.m.


* The number of Ayes has been altered from 283, as reported by the Tellers, to 293 in accordance with the Speaker's direction on 5th November.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented by Her Majesty's Command and delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 31st October 1997 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O. No. 12).

1Treaty Series (No. 67, 1997),—Protocol, done at London on 15th October 1996, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark to Amend the Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital Gains, Signed at Copenhagen on 11th November 1980, as Amended by the Protocol signed at London on 1st July 1991, with Exchange of Notes [Cm. 3784] [Mr Secretary Cook].

Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 31st October 1997 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O. No. 12).

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

2Public Health,—Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Dounreay Nuclear Establishment) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2622), dated 29th October 1997 [Mr Secretary Dewar].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

3Merchant Shipping,—State Immunity (Merchant Shipping) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2591), dated 30th October 1997 [Mrs Ann Taylor].

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4Social Security,— Income Support (General) (Standard Interest Rate Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2604), dated 29th October 1997 [Secretary Harriet Harman].

Other Papers:

5United Nations,—(1) Angola (United Nations Prohibition of Flights) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2571),

(2) Angola (United Nations Prohibition of Flights) (Dependent Territories) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2570),

(3) Angola (United Nations Sanctions) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2572),

(4) Angola (United Nations Sanctions) (Channel Islands) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2594),

(5) Angola (United Nations Sanctions) (Dependent Territories) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2573),

(6) Angola (United Nations Sanctions) (Isle of Man) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2599),

(7) Sierra Leone (United Nations Sanctions) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2592),

(8) Sierra Leone (United Nations Sanctions) (Channel Islands) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2595),

(9) Sierra Leone (United Nations Sanctions) (Dependent Territories) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2593), and

(10) Sierra Leone (United Nations Sanctions) (Isle of Man) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2600),

dated 30th October 1997 [by Act] [Mrs Ann Taylor].

Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 3rd November 1997:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

6Civil Aviation,—Draft Carriage by Air Acts (Application of Provisions) (Fourth Amendment) Order 1997 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

7Local Government,—Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Exemption) (Gloucester City Council and North West Leicestershire District Council) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2540), dated 27th October 1997 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

8Pensions,—Occupational Pension Schemes (Payments to Employers) Amendment Regulations 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2559), dated 27th October 1997 [by Act] [Secretary Harriet Harman].

9Police,—Royal Ulster Constabulary Pensions (Additional Voluntary Contributions) (Amendment) Regulations 1997 (S.R.(N.I.), 1997, No. 464), dated 20th October 1997 [by Statutory Instrument] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

Other Papers:

10Churches Conservation,—Report and Accounts of the Churches Conservation Trust for 1996–97 [by Measure] [Mr Secretary Smith].

11Criminal Procedure and Investigation,—Draft Code of Practice under section 23 of the Criminal Procedure and Investigation Act 1996 [by Act] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

12Local Government,—Report and Accounts of the Residuary Body for Wales for 1996–97 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Davies].

13Members' Interests,—Register of Members' Interests as at 31st October 1997 [pursuant to the Resolutions of 22nd May 1974, 28th June 1993 and 6th November 1995]; to be printed [No. 291] [Clerk of the House].

14National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Exchange of Information on Direct Taxation within the European Union [by Act]; to be printed [No. 276] [Clerk of the House].

15National Lottery,—(1) Report of the Scottish Sports Council Lottery Sports Fund for 1997 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar];

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(2) Report of the Arts Council of Wales Lottery Distribution Activities for 1996–97, and

(3) Report and Summary Financial Statement of the Lottery Sports Fund for Wales for 1996–97, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Davies].

16Statutory Instruments (Notification),—Communication declaring that the undermentioned Statutory Instrument had come into force before copies were laid before Parliament, and explaining why such copies had not been so laid before the Instrument came into operation:

Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Dounreay Nuclear Establishment) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2622)

[by Standing Order] [The Speaker].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—The Committee of Selection have discharged from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation Mr Ian Davidson (nominated in respect of the Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Oil and Chemical Pollution of Fish) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2509) ); and appointed in substitution Mr Calum Macdonald.


[No. 60.]

Tuesday 4th November 1997.

The House met at half-past Two o'clock.

PRAYERS.

1Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

Local Government (Contracts) Bill,—The Lords have agreed to the Local Government (Contracts) Bill, with Amendments; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

2Local Government (Contracts) Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Local Government (Contracts) Bill to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 75].

3Geneva Conventions (Amendment) Bill [Lords],—The Geneva Conventions (Amendment) Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 12th December and to be printed [Bill 74].

4Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons (Amendment) Bill [Lords],—The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons (Amendment) Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 28th November and to be printed [Bill 76].

5Division (Numbers incorrectly reported),—Mr Jon Owen Jones and Mrs Margaret Ewing, being Tellers in the Aye Lobby in the Division on Monday 3rd November arising on the Question, That the Education (Student Loans) Bill be now read a third time, came to the Table and informed the House that the numbers voting Aye had been erroneously reported as 283, instead of 293.

Whereupon the Speaker directed the Clerk to correct the number in the Journal accordingly: Ayes 293, Noes 24.

6Prohibition of Bull Bars,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to prohibit the fitting of bull bars to motor vehicles: And that Mr Richard Spring, Mr John Austin, Mr Alan Duncan, Paul Flynn, Mr Christopher Fraser, Mr Andrew George, Mr Nick Hawkins, Mr John Hutton, Sir Peter Lloyd, Alice Mahon, Mr David Ruffley and Mr Desmond Swayne do prepare and bring it in.

7Prohibition of Bull Bars Bill,—Mr Richard Spring accordingly presented a Bill to prohibit the fitting of bull bars to motor vehicles: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 13th February and to be printed [Bill 73].

8Opposition Day [3rd allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the Leader of the Opposition in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider opposition business.

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Government Proposals for Student Finance,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House welcomes the expansion of higher education which has taken place in recent years; shares the view of the Dearing Committee that a further period of expansion is desirable; believes that part of the cost of this expansion should be met by students themselves, but agrees with the Dearing Committee that means-tested maintenance grants make an important contribution to improving access to higher education for students from low-income backgrounds and deeply regrets the Government's hurried decision to reject this advice; and finds incomprehensible the Government's proposal that students from other EU countries should be able to attend four-year courses at Scottish universities on terms more favourable that those available to home students living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland—(Mr Stephen Dorrell);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘welcomes the decisive response of Her Majesty's Government to the report of the National Committee of Enquiry into Higher Education and to the crisis of funding in higher education bequeathed by the previous administration; notes with approval the new arrangements for supporting students, including fair repayment arrangements and targeted help for the most disadvantaged; and welcomes the commitment to ensuring that more people will have opportunities to participate in high-quality education to their benefit and to the benefit of the country as a whole', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Blunkett.)

And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Sir David Madel, Mr John M. Taylor: 139.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Jon Owen Jones, Bridget Prentice: 373.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Jon Owen Jones, Bridget Prentice: 311.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Don Foster, Mr Phil Willis: 169.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.

Resolved, That this House welcomes the decisive response of Her Majesty's Government to the report of the National Committee of Enquiry into Higher Education and to the crisis of funding in higher education bequeathed by the previous administration; notes with approval the new arrangements for supporting students, including fair repayment arrangements and targeted help for the most disadvantaged; and welcomes the commitment to ensuring that more people will have opportunities to participate in high-quality education to their benefit and to the benefit of the country as a whole.

Threats to Rural Life and the Rural Economy,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House expresses its concern about the economic and environmental pressures currently affecting the rural economy and rural life; calls upon Her Majesty's Government to respond to this situation by protecting farmers from the effects of the appreciation of sterling, withdrawing the Government-imposed ceiling on the weight of cattle entering the BSE over thirty months scheme and undertaking without precondition discussions with farmers and their representatives about the level of payments to be made through the 1997–98 Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances scheme; and condemns the proposals to extend access to the countryside by means of a legal right to roam rather than voluntary agreement, not to introduce policies to protect small village shops and rural post offices, to create urban-based regional development agencies, to weaken planning controls designed to protect the Green Belt and the countryside, and to threaten the pursuit of traditional country sports—(Mr Michael Jack);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘deplores the neglect of the countryside and rural areas over the past eighteen years by the previous administration; congratulates the Government on its commitment to the countryside; welcomes the Government's intention to create the conditions necessary to let the rural economy flourish, to protect and enhance the rural environment and to enable everyone to enjoy the countryside; and further welcomes that start already made, notably on the reform of the CAP, the review of the Organic Aid Scheme, introducing Arable Stewardship, and reviewing the legislation for the protection of hedges and SSSIs', instead thereof.—(Dr John Cunningham.)

And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;

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Mr James Arbuthnot rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put;

And the Question being put, That the Question be now put:—It was agreed to.

And the Question being accordingly put, That the original words stand part of the Question;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John Whittingdale, Mr James Cran: 133.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Jim Dowd: 371.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Jim Dowd, Mr David Jamieson: 319.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Oliver Heald, Mr Patrick McLoughlin: 171.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.

Resolved, That this House deplores the neglect of the countryside and rural areas over the past eighteen years by the previous administration; congratulates the Government on its commitment to the countryside; welcomes the Government's intention to create the conditions necessary to let the rural economy flourish, to protect and enhance the rural environment and to enable everyone to enjoy the countryside; and further welcomes the start already made, notably on the reform of the CAP, the review of the Organic Aid Scheme, introducing Arable Stewardship, and reviewing the legislation for the protection of hedges and SSSIs.

9Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr David Clelland.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till five minutes to Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 10.55 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Northern Ireland,— Health and Personal Social Services (Private Finance) (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2597), dated 30th October 1997 [by Act] [Mrs Ann Taylor].

Other Papers:

2Audit (Northern Ireland),— Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland on Funding of the Council for Positively Belfast [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 268] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

3Mental Health (Scotland),— Report and Accounts of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland for 1996–97 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

4Health,— Government Response to the Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Reports from the Health Committee, Session 1996–97, on Health Services for Children and Young People [by Command] [Cm. 3793] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

5Human Fertilisation and Embryology,— Report and Accounts of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority for 1995–96, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

6National Audit,— Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Prison Catering [by Act]; to be printed [No. 277] [Clerk of the House].

7Sports Councils,— Report of the Scottish Sports Council for 1996–97 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

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APPENDIX II

Reports from Select Committees

1Agriculture,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Agriculture Committee on 4th November [MAFF/Intervention Board Departmental Report 1997]; to be printed [No. 310-i];

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on 4th November [CAP reform: Agenda 2000]; to be printed [No. 311-i]; and

(3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [CAP reform: Agenda 2000; Food safety; MAFF/Intervention Board Departmental Report 1997]

[Mr Peter Luff].

2Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on 4th November [The Royal Opera House]; to be printed [No. 199-iv] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].

3Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Employment Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee on 4th November [The New Deal]; to be printed [No. 263-iv] [Mr Derek Foster].

4Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee on 4th November [Sewage Treatment and Disposal]; to be printed [No. 266-ii] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].

5Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee on 4th November [The Treaty of Amsterdam]; to be printed [No. 305-i] [Mr Donald Anderson].

6Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee on 4th November [Police Disciplinary and Complaints Procedures]; to be printed [No. 258-iv] [Mr Chris Mullin].

7Statutory Instruments,—Eleventh Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 33-xi] [Mr David Tredinnick].

8Trade and Industry,—(1) Third Special Report from the Trade and Industry Committee [Government Observations on the First Report from the Trade and Industry Committee, Session 1996–97, on Energy Regulation]; to be printed [No. 307]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee on 4th November [The work of the Department of Trade and Industry]; to be printed [No. 308]

[Mr Martin O'Neill].


[No. 61.]

Wednesday 5th November 1997.

The House met at half-past Nine o'clock.

PRAYERS.

1Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Graham Allen);

And it being Two o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.

2First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mrs Ray Michie reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Oil and Chemical Pollution of Fish) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2509).

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.

3European Standing Committee B,—Mr John Maxton reported from European Standing Committee B the following Resolution: That the Committee takes note of European Community Documents Nos. 7310/97, on the European Fifth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development, and 10385/97, on the amended proposal for the Fifth Framework Programme; and supports the Government's view that the Commission's proposals would benefit from amendment in key areas to improve focus, targeting and responsiveness to user needs.

Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.

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4Social Security,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Social Security (Lone Parents) (Amendment) Regulations 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 1790) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation—(Mr Jim Dowd):—It was agreed to.

5War Widows and Pensioners (Equal Treatment),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to end the differential treatment of war widows and war disablement pensioners by local authorities; and for connected purposes: And that Mr Andrew Mackinlay, Mr Simon Hughes, Mr John McWilliam, Mr Dafydd Wigley, Mr John Austin, Mr David Tredinnick, Mr David Winnick, Mr Dan Norris, Mr John Burnett, Mr John Cryer and Mr Ivan Henderson do prepare and bring it in.

6War Widows and Pensioners (Equal Treatment) Bill,—Mr Andrew Mackinlay accordingly presented a Bill to end the differential treatment of war widows and war disablement pensioners by local authorities; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 28th November and to be printed [Bill 77].

7Magistrates' Courts (Procedure) Bill [Lords],—The Magistrates' Courts (Procedure) Bill [Lords] was, according to Order, read a second time and stood committed to a Standing Committee.

8Fossil Fuel Levy Bill [Lords],—The Fossil Fuel Levy Bill [Lords] was, according to Order, read a second time and stood committed to a Standing Committee.

9Ministerial and other Salaries Bill,—Resolved, That, in pursuance of the Parliament Act 1911, this House directs that the provisions of section 1(1) of that Act shall not apply to the Ministerial and other Salaries Bill.—(Mrs Ann Taylor.)

Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.

10Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Jane Kennedy.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till nineteen minutes to Eight o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 7.41 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Education (Scotland),—Scottish Examination Board and Scottish Vocational Education Council (Dissolution) (Scotland) Order 1997 (S.I. 1997, No. 2634), dated 3rd November 1997 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

2Housing,—Draft Statutory Guidance given by the Secretary of State for Wales under Section 604A of the Housing Act 1985 on the Relocation Grant introduced by Part IV of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Davies].

3Legal Aid and Advice,—Legal Aid in Criminal and Care Proceedings (General) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2647), dated 3rd November 1997 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

4Securities,—Gilt Strips (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2646), dated 4th November 1997 [by Act] [Mrs Helen Liddell].

5Water Resources,—Surface Waters (Dangerous Substances) (Classification) Regulations 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2560), dated 24th October 1997 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers:

6Forestry,—(1) Accounts of the Forestry Commission for 1996–97, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 250] [Dawn Primarolo];

(2) Accounts of the Forestry Fund for 1996–97, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 312] [Clerk of the House];

(3) Report and Accounts of Forest Enterprise for 1996–97, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 271] [Mr Secretary Dewar]; and

(4) Report and Accounts of the Forestry Commission for 1996–97, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 250] [Dr John Cunningham].

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7International Development,—Paper, entitled Eliminating World Poverty: A Challenge for the 21st Century [by Command] [Cm. 3789] [Secretary Clare Short].

8Law Reform (Scotland),—Report and Accounts of the Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board for 1996–97 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 255] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

9Pensions,—Accounts of the—

(1) Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority for 1996–97, and

(2) Pensions Compensation Board for the period 1st August 1996 to 5th April 1997,

with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 314 and 315] [Clerk of the House].

10Science and Technology,—Report and Summary Financial Statement of the Biotechnology and Biological Services Research Council for 1996–97, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Wireless Telegraphy Bill [Lords]:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee A and appointed Mr John Maxton Chairman; and

(2) The Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz: Mr Clive Betts, Mr Colin Breed, Mr Ian Bruce, Mrs Anne Campbell, Mr David Chidgey, Mr Michael Fallon, Dr Ian Gibson, Mr Andrew Lansley, Dr Nick Palmer, Ms Linda Perham, Mr Kerry Pollard, Mr Lawrie Quinn, Mrs Barbara Roche, Mr John M. Taylor, Mr Stephen Timms and Mr Brian White.

2Special Immigration Appeals Commission Bill [Lords]:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee D and appointed Mr Frank Cook Chairman; and

(2) The Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz: Mr Richard Allan, Mr Ian Bruce, Mr John Burnett, Mr James Cran, Maria Eagle, Mr John Greenway, Jane Kennedy, Mr Piara S. Khabra, Ms Oona King, Mr Tony McNulty, Fiona Mactaggart, Mr Humfrey Malins, Mr Mike O'Brien, Mr Colin Pickthall, Ms Claire Ward and Mr Mike Wood.

3Draft Transport and Works (Description of Works Interfering with Navigation) (Amendment) Order 1997:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and appointed Mr Nicholas Winterton Chairman; and

(2) The Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz: Mr Graham Allen, Mr Christopher Chope, Angela Eagle, Mr Andrew George, Mr Paul Goggins, Mr Stephen Hesford, Mr Phil Hope, Mr Alan Hurst, Ms Jennifer Jones, Mr David Kidney, Fiona Mactaggart, Mr Gordon Prentice, Sir Robert Smith, Mr Anthony Steen, Mr Robert Syms and Mr John Whittingdale.

4Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) Scheme 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 1924):

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Scheme to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and appointed Mr John Butterfill Chairman; and

(2) The Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Ms Candy Atherton, Charlotte Atkins, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Richard Burden, Mr James Cran, Mr David Drew, Mr Andrew George, Mr Paul Marsden, Mr Elliot Morley, Mrs Diana Organ, Mr James Paice, Mr John D. Taylor, Mr John Townend, Dr George Turner, Mr Andrew Tyrie and Mr Alan Williams.

5Value Added Tax (Payments on Account) (Appeals) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2542):

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Order to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and appointed Mr Peter Atkinson Chairman; and

(2) The Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Roger Berry, Mr Tim Boswell, Dr Vincent Cable, Mr Ross Cranston, Mr Edward Davey, Mr Terry Davis, Julia Drown, Mr Michael Foster (Worcester), Mr Neil Gerrard, Mr Nick Gibb, Mr Stephen McCabe, Ms Dawn Primarolo, Mr Nick St. Aubyn, Mr Derek Twigg and Mr John Whittingdale.

6Draft General Lighthouse Authorities (Beacons: Maritime Differential Correction Systems) Order 1997:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and appointed Mr Bowen Wells Chairman; and

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(2) The Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Graham Allen, Mr Andrew F. Bennett, Mr Bob Blizzard, Mrs Helen Brinton, Mr Ian Bruce, Mr Ronnie Campbell, Mr Christopher Chope, Mr Geraint Davies, Mr Andrew George, Jane Griffiths, Mr Patrick Hall, Glenda Jackson, Mr Gordon Prentice, Mrs Marion Roe, Sir Robert Smith and Mr John M. Taylor.

7Draft Shops (Sunday Trading &c.) (Northern Ireland) Order 1997:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Draft Order to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and appointed Mr Donald Anderson Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Iain Coleman, Mr James Cran, Mr Jim Dowd, Mr Mike Gapes, Helen Jackson, Mr David Lock, Mr Malcolm Moss, Mr Chris Ruane, Christine Russell, Mr Dennis Skinner, the Reverend Martin Smyth, Mr Peter Temple-Morris, Mr William Thompson, Mr Andrew Tyrie, Mr David Winnick and Mr Tony Worthington.

8Social Security (Lone Parents) (Amendment) Regulations 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 1790):

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Regulations to the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and appointed Mr Roger Gale Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Keith Bradley, Mr Simon Burns, Maria Eagle, Caroline Flint, Mr Damian Green, Mr Nick Hawkins, Kate Hoey, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Alan Johnson, Siobhain McDonagh, Shona McIsaac, Gillian Merron, Mr David Rendel, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Mr Nigel Waterson and Steve Webb.

9Draft Summer Time Order 1997:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Draft Order to the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and appointed Mrs Marion Roe Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr John Bercow, Mr Gerald Bermingham, Mr Harold Best, Mr Graham Brady, Ms Judith Church, Mr John Greenway, Mr Oliver Heald, Mr George Howarth, Jane Kennedy, Mrs Ray Michie, Mr Colin Pickthall, Joan Ryan, Mr Marsha Singh, Angela Smith, Mr Paul Stinchcombe and Mr William Thompson.

10Financial Services Act 1986 (Extension of Scope of Act) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2543):

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Order to the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and appointed Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Tim Boswell, Dr Vincent Cable, Mr Edward Davey, Lorna Fitzsimons, Mr David Hanson, Mr Ivan Henderson, Ms Sally Keeble, Dr Ashok Kumar, Mr Christopher Leslie, Mrs Helen Liddell, Kali Mountford, Mr Owen Paterson, Mr Alan Simpson, Sir Michael Spicer and Mr John Whittingdale.

11Draft Homeless Persons (Priority Need) (Scotland) Order 1997:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and appointed Mr Andrew Welsh Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee viz.: Mr Malcolm Chisholm, Dr Liam Fox, Mr Donald Gorrie, Mr Oliver Heald, Mr Jimmy Hood, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Calum Macdonald, Mr John McFall, Rosemary McKenna, Mr Michael Moore, Mr Jim Murphy, Mr Martin O'Neill, Mr Ernie Ross, Mr Frank Roy, Mr David Stewart and Mr Andrew Tyrie.

European Standing Committees

12The Speaker has appointed Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody Chairman of European Standing Committee A in respect of European Community Document No. 6692, relating to landfill waste sites.

13European Community Document No. 10510/97, relating to biotechnological inventions, has been referred to European Standing Committee B.

14European Standing Committee A,—The Committee of Selection has added Mr Owen Paterson to the Committee.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee on 5th November [Proposed Strategic Rail Authority and Railway Regulation]; to be printed [No. 286-ii] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

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2European Legislation,—Fifth Report from the Select Committee on European Legislation; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee [No. 155-v] [Mr Jim Marshall].

3Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee on 5th November; to be printed [No. 305-ii] [Mr Donald Anderson].

4Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on 5th November [Electoral Malpractice in Northern Ireland]; to be printed [No. 316-i] [Mr Peter Brooke].

5Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts on 5th November [Child Support Agency]; to be printed [No. 313-i] [Mr David Davis].

6Science and Technology,—(1) First Special Report from the Science and Technology Committee [Government Response to the Fourth Report from the Committee, Session 1996–97 (The Research Council System: Issues for the Future)]; to be printed [No. 302];

(2) Second Special Report from the Science and Technology Committee [Government Response to the Third Report from the Committee, Session 1996–97 (The Natural Environment Research Council and Research into Climate Change)]; to be printed [No. 306]; and

(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee on 5th November [University funding]; to be printed [No. 303-i]

[Dr Michael Clark].

7Social Security,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Social Security Committee on 5th November [Tax and Benefits]; to be printed [No. 283-iii] [Mr Archy Kirkwood].

8Standards and Privileges,—Eighth Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges [Complaints from Mr Mohamed Al Fayed, The Guardian and others against 25 Members and former Members: Second Further Report: Mr Neil Hamilton], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 261] [Mr Robert Sheldon].

9Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [Bank of England Bill]; to be printed [No. 309] [Mr Giles Radice].


[No. 62.]

Thursday 6th November 1997.

The House met at half-past Two o'clock.

PRAYERS.

1Internet (Dissemination of Child Pornography) Bill,—The Order for reading the Internet (Dissemination of Child Pornography) Bill a second time on Friday 28th November was read and discharged.

Bill withdrawn.

2Supreme Court (Offices) Bill,—The Order of the day being read for the second reading of the Supreme Court (Offices) Bill,

A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the Supreme Court (Offices) Bill be now read a second time.

3Royal Assent,—The Deputy Speaker notified the House, in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967, That Her Majesty had signified her Royal Assent to the following Acts, agreed upon by both Houses:

Ministerial and other Salaries Act 1997

Local Government Finance (Supplementary Credit Approvals) Act 1997.

4Supreme Court (Offices) Bill,—The Question being again proposed, That the Supreme Court (Offices) Bill be read a second time;

And the Question being put;

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The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Jane Kennedy, Mr Kevin Hughes: 202.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Eric Forth, Mr Nick Hawkins: 5.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Bill was accordingly read a second time.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 63 (Committal of bills), That the Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House—(Janet Anderson):—It was agreed to.

Motion made and Question proposed, That this House will immediately resolve itself into the said Committee—(Janet Anderson);

Question put and agreed to.

Resolved,—That this House will immediately resolve itself into the said Committee.

(In the Committee)

Clauses Nos. 1 and 2 agreed to.

Bill to be reported.


The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Greg Pope reported that the Committee had gone through the Bill and directed him to report the same, without Amendment.

The Bill was read the third time, and passed.

5Nuclear Explosions (Prohibition and Inspections) Bill [Lords],—The Nuclear Explosions (Prohibition and Inspections) Bill [Lords] was, according to Order, read a second time and stood committed to a Standing Committee.

6Nuclear Explosions (Prohibition and Inspections) Bill [Lords] [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Nuclear Explosions (Prohibition and Inspections) Bill [Lords] [Money];

A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Nuclear Explosions (Prohibition and Inspections) Bill [Lords], it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any expenses of the Secretary of State incurred in consequence of the Act—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.

7Public Health,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation) That the Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Oil and Chemical Pollution of Fish) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2509), dated 21st October 1997, a copy of which was laid before this House on 22nd October, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.

8Northern Ireland Grand Committee,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 116 (Northern Ireland Grand Committee (sittings)), That the Northern Ireland Grand Committee shall meet at Westminster on Thursday 11th December, Thursday 29th January, Thursday 26th February, Thursday 26th March, Thursday 4th June and Thursday 2nd July at half-past Ten o'clock—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.

9Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Jane Kennedy.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till ten minutes past Nine o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 9.10 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Copyright,—Draft Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Education,—Education (Pupil Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2624), dated 6th November 1997 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

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3Pensions,—(1) Judicial Pensions (Requisite Surviving Spouses' Benefits etc.) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2667), dated 4th November 1997 [by Act]; and

(2) Judicial Pensions (Requisite Surviving Spouses' Benefits etc.) Order (Northern Ireland) 1997 (S.R.(N.I.), 1997, No. 479), dated 4th November 1997 [by Statutory Instrument]

[Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

Other Papers:

4Education,—Report and Accounts of the Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales for 1996–97, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Davies].

5Housing,—Report and Accounts of Tower Hamlets Housing Action Trust for 1996–97 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

6Museums and Galleries,—Accounts of the Natural History Museum for 1996–97, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 318] [Clerk of the House].

7National Heritage (Scotland),—Accounts of the—

(1) National Galleries of Scotland,

(2) National Library of Scotland, and

(3) National Museums of Scotland

for 1996–97, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 324, 322 and 323] [Clerk of the House].

8Railways,—Objectives, Instructions and Guidance to the Passenger Rail Franchising Director from the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions pursuant to section 5 of the Railway Act 1993 [by Act] [Dr Gavin Strang].

9Science and Technology,—Accounts of the—

(1) Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, and

(2) Research Councils' Pensions Schemes

for 1996–97, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act], to be printed [Nos. 320 and 321] [Clerk of the House].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Draft Shops (Sunday Trading &c.) (Northern Ireland) Order 1997:

The Speaker has appointed Mr Roger Gale Chairman of the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the said Order, in place of Mr Donald Anderson.

2Social Security (Lone Parents) (Amendment) Regulations 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 1790):

The Speaker has appointed Mrs Ray Michie Chairman of the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the said Regulations, in place of Mr Roger Gale.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee on 6th November [Children Looked After By Local Authorities]; to be printed [No. 319-i] [Mr David Hinchliffe].

2Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Public Administration Committee on 6th November [The Nolan Committee]; to be printed [No. 317] [Mr Rhodri Morgan].


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[No. 63.]

Friday 7th November 1997.

The House met at half-past Nine o'clock.

PRAYERS.

1Adjournment (Innovation and the Role of Small Firms),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Janet Anderson);

The Motion was, with the leave of the House, withdrawn.

2Procedure,—Ordered, That Mr Paul Tyler be discharged from the Select Committee on Procedure and Mr Edward Davey be added to the Committee.—(Bridget Prentice.)

3Adjournment,—A Motion was made and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Bridget Prentice);

And it being half-past Two o'clock, the Motion for the Adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.

4Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Bridget Prentice.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till five minutes to Three o'clock, adjourned till Monday 10th November.

[Adjourned at 2.55 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1County Courts,—County Court Fees (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2670), dated 5th November 1997 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

2Extradition,—European Convention on Extradition Order 1990 (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2596), dated 30th October 1997 [by Act] [Mrs Ann Taylor].

3Supreme Court of England and Wales,—Supreme Court Fees (Amendment) Order 1997 (S.I., 1997, No. 2672), dated 5th November 1997 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

Other Papers:

4Education and Employment Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Employment Service for 1996–97, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 270] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

5National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Cataract Surgery in Scotland [by Act]; to be printed [No. 275] [Clerk of the House].

6Treaty Series (No. 68, 1997),—Convention, done at Accra on 20th January 1993, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Ghana for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and Capital Gains [by Command] [Cm. 3794] [Mr Secretary Cook].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Standing Committee A,—The Committee of Selection have discharged from Standing Committee A Mr Kerry Pollard (nominated in respect of the Wireless Telegraphy Bill [Lords]); and appointed in substitution Mr John Battle.

2Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—The Committee of Selection have discharged from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation Mr Alan Williams (nominated in respect of the Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) Scheme 1997 (S.I., 1997, No.1924)); and appointed in substitution Mr Alan W. Williams.


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