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House of Commons
Session 1997-1998

Commons Journal 254

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Page 405            1997-1998      Volume 254      

[No. 129.]

Monday 2nd March 1998.

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

PRAYERS.

1Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (Code of Conduct) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 23rd February, be approved—(Bridget Prentice):—It was agreed to.

2Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (Procedural Rules) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 23rd February, be approved—(Bridget Prentice):—It was agreed to.

3Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (Guidelines) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 23rd February, be approved—(Bridget Prentice):—It was agreed to.

4Government of Wales Bill (Committee) [7th allotted day],—The House, according to Order, again resolved itself into a Committee on the Government of Wales Bill.

(In the Committee)

A Clause (Forestry Commissioners' finances)—(Mr Secretary Davies)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added.

Another Clause (Sustainable development)—(Mr Secretary Davies)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added.

Another Clause (Abolition of Residuary Body for Wales)—(Mr Secretary Davies)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added.

Another Clause (Documentary evidence)—(Mr Secretary Davies)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added.

A Clause (Private and local legislation)—(Mr Dafydd Wigley)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Clause (Power to conduct referenda)—(Mr Cynog Dafis)—brought up and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Clause (Advice from United Kingdom government staff)—(Mr Dafydd Wigley)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Clause (Consultation with businesses)—(Ms Jackie Lawrence)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Clause (Decisions affecting vital interests of a region)—(Mr Michael Ancram)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.

The Committee divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Oliver Heald, Sir David Madel: 144.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Clelland, Mr David Jamieson: 271.

Another Clause (Equal opportunities (Welsh public bodies))—(Ms Julie Morgan)—brought up, and read the first time.

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Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Clause (Treasury consent (local government expenditure and council tax))—(Mr Bernard Jenkin)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Clause (Assembly to be subject to investigation by Parliamentary Commissioner)—(Mr Bernard Jenkin)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Clause (Candidatures)—(Mr Michael Ancram)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Clause (Rights of Members of the House of Commons representing parliamentary constituencies in Wales)—(Mr Bernard Jenkin)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Clause (Role of Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments)—(Mr Bernard Jenkin)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

A Schedule (Forestry Commissioners)—(Mr Secretary Davies)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added.

Clauses Nos. 141 and 142 agreed to.

Schedule No. 14 (Repeals).

Amendments (Nos. 491, 492 and 515) made.

Schedule, as amended, agreed to.

Clause No. 143 agreed to.

Clause No. 144 (Orders and directions).

Amendment (No. 513) proposed, in page 67, line 6, to leave out from the word ‘applies' to the end of line 27 and insert the words ‘to all orders under this Act', instead thereof.—(Mr Bernard Jenkin.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Amendments (Nos. 542 to 544) made.

Clause, as amended, agreed to.

Clause No. 145 (Interpretation).

Amendment (No. 516) proposed, in page 67, line 41, after the word ‘Treasury', to insert the words—

‘“Secretary of State” means the Secretary of State for Wales.'.—(Mr Michael Ancram.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Clause agreed to.

Clause No. 146 agreed to.

It being Eleven o'clock, the Chairman, pursuant to Order [15th January] and Resolution [25th February], put the Questions necessary to dispose of remaining proceedings in Committee.

Clauses Nos. 147 to 149 agreed to.

Bill, as amended, to be reported.


The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Jon Owen Jones reported, That the Committee had gone through the Bill and made Amendments thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Committee, to be considered to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 129.]

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5Home Affairs,—Ordered, That Mr Douglas Hogg be discharged from the Home Affairs Committee and Mr Nick Hawkins be added to the Committee.—(Mr John McWilliam, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

6Scottish Affairs,—Ordered, That Rosemary McKenna be discharged from the Scottish Affairs Committee and Ms Sandra Osborne be added to the Committee.—(Mr John McWilliam, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

7Treasury,—Ordered, That Mr Tony Colman be discharged from the Treasury Committee and Mr David Kidney be added to the Committee.—(Mr John McWilliam, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

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

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

[Adjourned at 11.31 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Northern Ireland,—Draft Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning Act 1997 (Amnesty Period) Order 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Sugar,—Sugar Beet (Research and Education) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 468), dated 27th February 1998 [by Act] [Dr John Cunningham].

3Telegraphs,—Wireless Telegraphy (Licence Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 460), dated 27th February 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

Other Papers:

4Disabled Persons,—Report on care in Wales for people with a mental illness and people with a mental handicap [by Act]; to be printed [No. 574] [Mr Secretary Davies].

5Law Commission,—Report of the Law Commission on Legislating the Criminal Code: Corruption [by Act]; to be printed [No. 524] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

6Miscellaneous (No. 1, 1998),—European Charter of Local Self-Government, done at Strasbourg on 15th October 1985 [by Command] [Cm. 3884] [Mr Secretary Cook].

7National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on the Monitoring and Control of Tax Exemptions for Charities [by Act]; to be printed [No. 575] [Clerk of the House].

8Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Scotland on the Petition [20th January] from residents of Glenelg and Armadale communities in support of the Glenelg-Kylerhlea ferry service [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Police (Northern Ireland) Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Peter Atkinson an additional Chairman of Standing Committee B in respect of the Bill.

2Road Traffic Reduction (United Kingdom Targets) Bill,—The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee E (transferred from Standing Committee C).

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Modernisation of the House of Commons,—Third Report from the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons [Carry-over of Public Bills], together with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 543] [Mrs Ann Taylor].

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2Public Accounts,—(1) Twenty-fourth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [The Department for Education and Employment; Remploy Limited]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 339]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts on 2nd March [The Sale of the Stationery Office]; to be printed [No. 599-i]

[Mr David Davis].


[No. 130.]

Tuesday 3rd March 1998.

The House met at half-past Two o'clock

PRAYERS.

1Lloyds TSB Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Lloyds TSB Bill [Lords];

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Tuesday 10th March.

2Deregulation Committee,—Mr Peter L. Pike reported from the Deregulation Committee the following Resolution:

That, in respect of the proposal for the Deregulation (Deduction from Pay of Union Subscriptions) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 18th December, the proposal should be amended before a draft Order is laid before the House.

3School Standards and Framework Bill,—Mr Roger Gale reported from Standing Committee A, That it had gone through the School Standards and Framework Bill, and made Amendments thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 135].

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 605].

4Magistrates' Courts (Procedure) Bill [Lords],—Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody reported from Standing Committee D, That it had gone through the Magistrates' Courts (Procedure) Bill [Lords], and made Amendments thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 134].

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 604].

5Nuclear Explosions (Prohibition and Inspections) Bill [Lords],—Mr Nicholas Winterton reported from Standing Committee E, That it had gone through the Nuclear Explosions (Prohibition and Inspections) Bill [Lords], and made an Amendment thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 603].

6Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr George Stevenson reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft London Docklands Development Corporation (Transfer of Functions) Order 1998 and the Urban Development Corporations in England (Area and Constitution) Order 1998.

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

7Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mrs Ann Winterton reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Greater London Authority (Referendum) Order 1998.

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

8Religious Discrimination and Remedies,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to render unlawful religious discrimination in employment and in the provision of certain types of goods, facilities and services and to make provision for appropriate enforcement; to create new offences relating to incitement to religious hatred; and for related purposes: And that Mr John Austin, Mr David Atkinson, Mr Simon Hughes, Fiona Mactaggart, Mr Terry Rooney and Mr Marsha Singh do prepare and bring it in.

9Religious Discrimination and Remedies,—Mr John Austin accordingly presented a Bill to render unlawful religious discrimination in employment and in the provision of certain

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  types of goods, facilities and services and to make provision for appropriate enforcement; to create new offences relating to incitement to religious hatred; and for related purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 3rd July and to be printed [Bill 133].

10Opposition Day [8th 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.

ISAs, TESSAs and PEPs,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House welcomes the success of TESSAs and PEPs in extending popular saving and deplores the Government's proposal to abolish them and replace them with Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs); condemns the retrospective taxation of the most prudent savers who have accumulated more than £50,000; believes that ISAs will involve high administrative costs, especially because of the unnecessary and unfair lifetime limit on tax-free saving; and urges the Government to bring forward new proposals that would not involve retrospective taxation, would build on PEPs and TESSAs, would reduce the costs of administering the schemes and would not involve a lifetime limit on the amount that may be invested—(Mr Peter Lilley);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end and add the words ‘welcomes the Government's commitment, set out in the pre-Budget report, to consult on tax proposals, including the proposed ISA; believes that the ISA will extend the opportunity to save and invest and that the Government's proposals will ensure a stable and fair savings environment; commends the Government for its commitment to long-term economic stability and low inflation which is good for savers; and rejects any return to the boom and bust policies of the past which were so damaging to those on low incomes, savers and investors', instead thereof.—(Mr Alistair Darling.)

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John Whittingdale, Mr John M. Taylor: 142.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Graham Allen, Mr John McFall: 320*.


    * Mr Graham Allen and Mr John M. Taylor, Tellers in the Division, later came to the Table and stated that they had erroneously reported the number of the Noes as 329, instead of 320 which was the correct number.Whereupon the Deputy Speaker directed the Clerk to correct the number in the Journal accordingly, viz.: Ayes 142, Noes 320.


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):—It was agreed to.

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

Resolved, That this House welcomes the Government's commitment, set out in the pre-Budget report, to consult on tax proposals, including the proposed ISA; believes that the ISA will extend the opportunity to save and invest and that the Government's proposals will ensure a stable and fair savings environment; commends the Government for its commitment to long-term economic stability and low inflation which is good for savers; and rejects any return to the boom and bust policies of the past which were so damaging to those on low incomes, savers and investors.

Listening to the Countryside,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House recognises the concern of those marching in London on 1st March that the voice of the countryside should be listened to by all politicians but regrets the attempts by non-attending Agriculture Ministers to undermine the credentials of the march with claims of it being hijacked by political and overseas interests; calls upon Her Majesty's Government, in acknowledging that a viable agricultural industry lies at the heart of a successful rural economy, to recognise properly the fears and concerns of farmers over dramatically falling farm incomes, rising levels of food imports, the continued imposition of the beef ban, the introduction of the Minimum Wage, the Working Time Directive and Agenda 2000, by now making a clear statement of how it proposes to address these concerns; deplores the threat to life in rural Britain resulting from a revenue support grant settlement which has removed resources from rural local authorities; and calls upon the Government not only to strengthen the protection for the countryside while encouraging the renewal of towns and cities, but also to respect the patterns and fabric of rural life by removing the threat to land owners of a statutory right of access—(Mr Michael Jack);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end and add the words ‘condemns the previous administration for its persistent neglect of the countryside over the past eighteen years which resulted in rural unemployment and deprivation and the collapse of the rural transport system; and

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congratulates the Government on its emphatic commitment to comprehensive countryside policies, to reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, to successful, sustainable United Kingdom agriculture, and on its vision for a countryside that is strong, fair and modern, with a programme for social justice, inclusiveness, welfare reform, improving services, the national minimum wage, education and skills which will ensure prosperity for all in rural areas as well as in the towns', instead thereof.—(Dr John Cunningham.)

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

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;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John M. Taylor, Mr John Whittingdale: 131.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Graham Allen: 321.

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 Clive Betts, Mr Graham Allen: 265.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr John M. Taylor, Mr John Whittingdale: 163.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

Resolved, That this House condemns the previous administration for its persistent neglect of the countryside over the past eighteen years which resulted in rural unemployment and deprivation and the collapse of the rural transport system; and congratulates the Government on its emphatic commitment to comprehensive countryside policies, to reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, to successful, sustainable United Kingdom agriculture, and on its vision for a countryside that is strong, fair and modern, with a programme for social justice, inclusiveness, welfare reform, improving services, the national minimum wage, education and skills which will ensure prosperity for all in rural areas as well as in the towns.

11Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 115 (Northern Ireland Grand Committee (delegated legislation)), That the draft Appropriation (Northern Ireland) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 12th February, be approved—(Mr Kevin Hughes):—It was agreed to.

12Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Kevin Hughes.)

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

[Adjourned at 10.54 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Social Security,—Draft Social Security Amendment (New Deal) Regulations 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Pensions,—Pensions Increase (Review) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 503), dated 3rd March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Alistair Darling].

3Rating and Valuation,—Non-Domestic Rating (Rural Settlements) (England) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 393), dated 25th February 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

4Urban Development,—London Docklands Development Corporation (Transfer of Property, Rights and Liabilities) (Lee Valley Regional Park Authority) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 458), dated 25th February 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

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Other Papers:

5BSE Inquiry,—Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minute concerning a contingent liability consequent upon indemnification of Lord Justice Phillips, the members of his Committee, Counsel to the Inquiry and the Inquiry Secretariat [by Command] [Dr John Cunningham].

6National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Privatisation of the Rolling Stock Leasing Companies [by Act]; to be printed [No. 576] [Clerk of the House].

APPENDIX II

Reports from Select Committees

1Agriculture,—(1) First Special Report from the Agriculture Committee [Government Observations on the First Report from the Committee, on the MAFF/Intervention Board Departmental Report 1997]; to be printed [No. 602];

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Agriculture Committee on 3rd March [Food safety]; to be printed [No. 331–viii]; and

(3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Food safety]

[Mr Peter Luff].

2Deregulation,—Third Report from the Deregulation Committee, [Proposal for the Deregulation (Deduction from Pay of Union Subscriptions) Order 1998]; to be printed, together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 601] [Mr Peter L. Pike].

3Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee on 3rd March [Sustainable Waste Management]; to be printed [No. 484-v] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].

4Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee on 3rd March [Alternatives to Prison Sentences]; to be printed [No. 486–iv] [Mr Chris Mullin].

5Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration on 3rd March [Your Right to Know: The Government's proposals for a Freedom of Information Act]; to be printed [No. 398-v] [Mr Rhodri Morgan].

6Statutory Instruments,—(1) Twenty-fifth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; and

(2) Second Report from the Select Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee;

to be printed [Nos. 33-xxv and 34-ii] [Mr William Ross].

7Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee on 3rd March [The Present Crisis in the Welsh Livestock Industry]; to be printed [No. 447-iv] [Mr Martyn Jones].


[No. 131.]

Wednesday 4th March 1998.

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—(Jane Kennedy);

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

2Private Hire Vehicles (London) Bill,—The Order of the House to resolve itself, on Friday 6th March, into a Committee on the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Bill was read and discharged.

Committee on Friday 20th March.

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3Pesticides Bill,—Mrs Marion Roe reported from Standing Committee C, That it had gone through the Pesticides Bill, and directed her to report the same, without Amendment.

Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered on Friday 27th March.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 606].

4Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Peter Atkinson reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Local Authorities (Transport Charges) Regulations 1998.

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

5Welfare of Broiler Chickens,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to protect the health and welfare of broiler chickens kept in indoor husbandry systems: And that Mr Bill Etherington, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Ivor Caplin, Mr Ken Livingstone, Mr Chris Mullin, Dr Nick Palmer, Mr Harry Cohen, Angela Smith, Mr Terry Lewis, Sir Richard Body, Mr Roger Gale and Mr Nigel Jones do prepare and bring it in.

6Welfare of Broiler Chickens Bill,—Mr Bill Etherington accordingly presented a Bill to protect the health and welfare of broiler chickens kept in indoor husbandry systems: And the same was read the first time and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 13th March and to be printed [Bill 136].

7Scotland Bill (Committee) [6th allotted day],—The House, according to Order, again resolved itself into a Committee on the Scotland Bill.

(In the Committee)

Clause No. 81 (Scottish representation at Westminster).

Amendment (No. 258) proposed, in page 37, line 32, to leave out from the word ‘is' to the end of line 33 and insert the words ‘120 per cent. of the electoral quota for England'.

Question again proposed, That the Amendment be made;

And it being half-past Five o'clock, the Chairman, pursuant to Order [13th January] and Resolution [23rd February], put the Questions necessary to dispose of remaining proceedings on Clauses Nos. 81 and 82.

Question, That the Amendment (No. 258) be made, put and negatived.

Clause (No. 81) agreed to.

Clause No. 82 agreed to.

Clause No. 83 (Cross-border public bodies: initial status).

Amendment (No. 96) proposed, in page 38, line 25, after the word ‘enactment' to insert the words ‘or by Royal Charter.'—(Ms Roseanna Cunningham.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made;

And it being Eight o'clock, the Chairman put the Questions necessary to dispose of remaining proceedings on Clause No. 83.

Question put, That the Amendment (No. 96) be made.

The Committee divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Andrew Welsh, Mr John Swinney: 42.

Tellers for the Noes, Bridget Prentice, Mr Kevin Hughes: 287.

Clause (No. 83) agreed to.

Clause No. 84 (Power to adopt cross-border public bodies).

Amendment (No. 461) proposed, in page 38, to leave out lines 32 to 35.—(Dr Liam Fox.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Clause agreed to.

Clause No. 85 agreed to.

Clause No. 86 (Maladministration).

Amendment (No. 410) proposed, in page 39, line 34, to leave out the words ‘to its members.'—(Mr Donald Gorrie.)

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Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Clause agreed to.

Clauses Nos. 87 and 88 agreed to.

Clause No. 89 (Appointment and removal of judges).

Amendment (No. 266) proposed, in page 40, line 35, after ‘(1)', to insert the words ‘Subject to subsection (3).'—(Mr Menzies Campbell.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Clause agreed to.

Clauses Nos. 90 and 91 agreed to.

Schedule No. 6 (Devolution issues).

Amendment (No. 438) proposed, in page 79, line 20, to leave out from the word ‘Committee' to the end of line 21.—(Dr Liam Fox.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made;

And it being a quarter to Ten o'clock, the Chairman put the Questions necessary to dispose of remaining proceedings on Schedule No. 6 and Clauses Nos. 92 and 93.

Question, That the Amendment (No. 438) be made, put and negatived.

Schedule (No. 6) agreed to.

Clauses Nos. 92 and 93 agreed to.

Clauses Nos. 94 to 100 agreed to.

Clause No. 101 (Subordinate legislation: procedure).

Amendment (No. 39) proposed, in page 44, line 23, after ‘29', to insert ‘33,'.— (Mr. A. J. Beith.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made;

And it being Ten o'clock, the Chairman put the Questions necessary to dispose of remaining proceedings on Clauses Nos. 101 to 109.

Question, That the Amendment (No. 39) be made, put and negatived.

Amendments (Nos. 306, 330, 232, 331 and 308) made.

Clause (No. 101), as amended, agreed to.

Clauses (Nos. 102 to 109) agreed to.

And it being after Ten o'clock, the Chairman left the Chair to report progress and to ask leave to sit again.


The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr John McFall reported, That the Committee had made progress in the Bill, and moved, That the Committee may have leave to sit again.

Committee again to-morrow.

8Referendum (London),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Greater London Authority (Referendum) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 23rd February, be approved—(Mr John McFall):—It was agreed to.

9Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from members of the General Synod of the Church of England for classification of churches as public bodies was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

10Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till half-past Ten o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 10.30 p.m.


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APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Legal Aid and Advice (Scotland),—(1) Draft Advice and Assistance (Assistance by Way of Representation) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1998,

(2) draft Advice and Assistance (Financial Conditions) (Scotland) Regulations 1998,

(3) draft Civil Legal Aid (Financial Conditions) (Scotland) Regulations 1998, and

(4) draft Criminal Legal Aid (Scotland) (Prescribed Proceedings) Amendment Regulations 1998

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

2Pensions,—(1) Draft Social Security (Minimum Contributions to Appropriate Personal Pension Schemes) Order 1998, and

(2) draft Social Security (Reduced Rates of Class 1 Contributions, and Rebates) (Money Purchase Contracted-out Schemes) Order 1998

[by Act] [Secretary Harriet Harman].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

3Betting, Gaming and Lotteries,—(1) Gaming Act (Variation of Fees) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 456),

(2) Gaming (Bingo) Act (Fees) (Amendment) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 454), and

(3) Lotteries (Gaming Board Fees) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 455),

dated 24th February 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

4Local Government,—(1) Berkshire County Council (Staff Transfer) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 450),

(2) Cambridgeshire County Council (City of Peterborough) (Staff Transfer) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 443),

(3) Cheshire County Council (Boroughs of Halton and Warrington) (Staff Transfer) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 446),

(4) Devon County Council (City of Plymouth and Borough of Torbay) (Staff Transfer) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 451),

(5) Essex County Council (Boroughs of Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock) (Staff Transfer) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 442),

(6) Hereford and Worcester (Staff Transfer) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 444),

(7) Kent County Council (Borough of Gillingham and City of Rochester upon Medway) (Staff Transfer) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 449),

(8) Lancashire County Council (Boroughs of Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool) (Staff Transfer) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 445),

(9) Nottinghamshire County Council (City of Nottingham) (Staff Transfer) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 447), and

(10) Shropshire County Council (District of The Wrekin) (Staff Transfer) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 448),

dated 25th February 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

5Rating and Valuation,—Non-Domestic Rates (Levying) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 519), dated 27th February 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

6Sea Fisheries,—(1) Draft Devon Sea Fisheries District (Variation) Order 1998,

(2) draft Kent and Essex Sea Fisheries District (Variation) Order 1998, and

(3) draft Sussex Sea Fisheries District (Constitution of Committee and Expenses) (Variation) Order 1998

[by Act] [Dr John Cunningham].

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7Water Resources,—Surface Waters (Dangerous Substances) (Classification) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 389), dated 23rd February 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers:

8Pensions,—Reports by the Government Actuary and the Secretary of State for Social Security in accordance with sections 42B(1) and 45A(1) of the Pensions Schemes Act 1993 on the draft Social Security (Minimum Contributions to Appropriate Personal Pension Schemes) Order 1998, and the draft Social Security (Reduced Rates of Class 1 Contributions, and Rebates) (Money Purchase Contracted-out Schemes) Order 1998 [by Command] [Cm. 3888] [Secretary Harriet Harman].

Paper withdrawn:

9Social Security,—Draft Social Security Amendment (New Deal) Regulations 1998 [laid 3rd March].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Fireworks Bill:

(1) The Speaker has appointed Mr Peter Atkinson Chairman of Standing Committee A in respect of the Bill; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has discharged Dr Evan Harris from the Committee, and appointed in substitution Norman Baker.

2Local Authority Tenders Bill,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Nick Raynsford from Standing Committee C in respect of the Bill, and appointed in substitution Hilary Armstrong.

3Weights and Measures (Beer and Cider) Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Bowen Wells Chairman of Standing Committee C in respect of the Bill.

4Public Interest Disclosure Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Roger Gale Chairman of Standing Committee D in respect of the Bill.

5Road Traffic Reduction (United Kingdom Targets) Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mr George Stevenson Chairman of Standing Committee E in respect of the Bill.

6Draft Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 1998:

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mrs Jackie Ballard, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Tim Boswell, Mr Tony Clarke, Mr Brian Cotter, Mr Frank Doran, Lorna Fitzsimons, Dr Ian Gibson, Mr James Gray, Mr Dominic Grieve, Mr Philip Hammond, Mr John Healey, Lynne Jones, Mr Ian McCartney, Siobhain McDonagh and Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews.

7Draft Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning Act 1997 (Amnesty Period) Order 1998:

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Tony Colman, Mr James Cran, Mr Jim Dowd, Mr John Gunnell, Mr Adam Ingram, Mr Ken Maginnis, Gillian Merron, Mr Malcolm Moss, Mr Archie Norman, Mr William Ross, Joan Ryan, Miss Geraldine Smith, Mr Desmond Swayne, Mr Paul Truswell, Mr Phil Woolas and Mr Anthony D. Wright.

8Special Grant Report (No. 32): Special Grant for Accommodation for Evacuees from Montserrat (HC No. 549):

(1) The Speaker has appointed Mr Joe Benton Chairman of the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Report; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Denzil Davies, Mr David Faber, Mr Andrew George, Mr Fabian Hamilton, Mr Keith Hill, Mr Phil Hope, Mr Andrew Mackinlay, Mr Jim Murphy, Mr Greg Pope, Mr Nick Raynsford, Mr Andrew Robathan, Mr Andrew Rowe, Mr Marsha Singh, Dr Phyllis Starkey, Dr Jenny Tonge and Mr Bowen Wells.

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9Animal Health (Amendment) Bill,—The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee D (transferred from Standing Committee C).

10Waste Minimisation Bill,—The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee A (transferred from Standing Committee C).

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee on 4th March [Further education]; to be printed [No. 264-x] [Ms Margaret Hodge].

2Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) Third Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [The Proposed Strategic Rail Authority and Railway Regulation], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 286] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody];

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee on 4th March 1998 [Housing]; to be printed [No. 495-iv] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett]; and

(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee on 4th March [Regional Air Services]; to be printed [No. 589-ii] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

3European Legislation,—(1) Nineteenth Report from the Select Committee on European Legislation; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 155-xix]; and

(2) Twentieth Report from the Select Committee on European Legislation [Scrutiny of the EC Budget]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 155-xx]

[Mr Jim Marshall].

4Modernisation of the House of Commons,—Fourth Report from the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons [Conduct in the Chamber]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 600] [Mrs Ann Taylor].

5Public Accounts,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts on 4th March [Construction of the Southampton Oceanography Centre]; to be printed [No. 608–i]; and

(2) Memorandum laid before the Committee of Public Accounts [Aid for the Purchase of Helicopters]

[Mr David Davis].

6Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee on 4th March [The Year 2000 and Computer Compliance]; to be printed [No. 342-vi] [Dr Michael Clark].

7Scottish Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Scottish Affairs Committee on 4th March [The Work of the Scottish Arts Council]; to be printed [No. 442-ii] [Mr David Marshall].

8Social Security,—(1) Third Report from the Social Security Committee [Tax and Benefits: Pre-Budget Report], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 423]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Social Security Committee [Tax and Benefits: Pre-Budget Report]

[Mr Archy Kirkwood].


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[No. 132.]

Thursday 5th March 1998.

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

PRAYERS.

1Liaison,—Mr Robert Sheldon reported, pursuant to Standing Order No. 145 (Liaison Committee), That the Liaison Committee had directed him to report that it had chosen the Second to Fifth Reports from the Health Committee, Session 1996–97, relating to Children's Health, and the Third Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee, Session 1997–98, on The Proposed Strategic Rail Authority and Railway Regulation to be debated on Wednesday 25th March, pursuant to Standing Order No. 10 (Wednesday sittings).

2School Absenteeism Bill,—Ordered, That the School Absenteeism Bill be read a second time on Friday 13th March.

3Ports of Entry (Special Status) Bill,—Mr Gwyn Prosser, supported by Mr Andrew Mackinlay, Mr Ivan Henderson, Laura Moffatt, Mr Derek Wyatt, Ms Jackie Lawrence, Dr Stephen Ladyman, Mr Nick Ainger, Mr Robert Syms, Mrs Louise Ellman, Dr Alan Whitehead and Mr Norman Baker, presented a Bill to make provision for special status for ports of entry to the United Kingdom so far as the law affecting local government and policing is concerned; and for related purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 24th April and to be printed [Bill 137].

4Recycled Content of Newsprint Bill,—Mr David Chaytor, supported by Mrs Helen Brinton, John Austin, Mr David Lepper, Mr Stephen Pound, Mr Tom Brake, Mr Norman Baker, Mr Matthew Taylor, Sir Sydney Chapman, Mr Peter Bottomley, Mr Cynog Dafis and the Reverend Martin Smyth, presented a Bill to increase the amount of recycled paper used in newsprint in the United Kingdom; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 24th April and to be printed [Bill 138].

5European Parliamentary Elections Bill (Committee),—The House, according to Order, again resolved itself into a Committee on the European Parliamentary Elections Bill.

(In the Committee)

Clauses Nos. 5 and 6 agreed to.

A Clause (Conduct of elections (training of election staff) )—(Mr James Clappison)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Schedule No. 1 (New Schedule 2 to the European Parliamentary Elections Act 1978).

Amendment (No. 59) proposed, in page 6, line 6, to leave out ‘6' and insert ‘7'.—(Mr John Greenway.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Amendments (Nos. 30 to 32) made.

Schedule, as amended, agreed to.

Schedule No. 2 (Minor and consequential amendments of Schedule 1 to the European Parliamentary Elections Act 1978).

Amendments (Nos. 33 to 35) made.

Amendment (No. 17) proposed, in page 8, line 31, to leave out the word ‘may' and insert the word ‘shall'.—(Mr James Clappison.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Other Amendments (Nos. 40 to 42) made.

Schedule, as amended, agreed to.

Schedule No. 3 (Minor and consequential amendments).

Amendment (No. 43) made.

Schedule, as amended, agreed to.

Schedule No. 4 (Repeals).

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Amendment (No. 44) made.

Schedule, as amended, agreed to.

Bill, as amended, to be reported.


The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair; and Mr Graham Allen reported, That the Committee had gone through the Bill, and made Amendments thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Committee, to be considered to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 130].

6Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism,—Resolved, That the draft Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 (Partial Continuance) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 24th February, be approved.—(Mr Secretary Straw.)

7Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Jane Kennedy.)

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

[Adjourned at 9.31 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Building Societies,—Building Societies (Accounts and Related Provisions) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 504), dated 3rd March 1998 [by Act] [Mrs Helen Liddell].

2Police,—Police Information Technology Organisation (Additional Bodies) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 411), dated 23rd February 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

3Road Traffic and Vehicles,—Courses for Drink-Drive Offenders (Designation of District) Order (Northern Ireland) 1998 (S.R.(N.I.), 1998, No. 68), dated 4th March 1998 [by Statutory Instrument] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

4Telecommunications,—(1) Public Telecommunication System Designation (LCI Telecom UK Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 508),

(2) Public Telecommunication System Designation (Primetec (UK) Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 507),

(3) Public Telecommunication System Designation (Sonic Telecommunications International Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 506),

(4) Public Telecommunication System Designation (Telecom Ireland Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 509), and

(5) Public Telecommunication System Designation (Telegroup UK Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 505),

dated 3rd March 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

5Telegraphs,—Wireless Telegraphy (Television Licence Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 558), dated 3rd March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

6Town and Country Planning,—Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 462), dated 26th February 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers:

7Defence Diversification,—Paper, entitled Defence Diversification: Getting the most out of defence technology [by Command] [Cm. 3861] [Mr Secretary Robertson].

8Greenwich Hospital,—Accounts of the Greenwich Hospital and Travers Foundation for 1996–97, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 609] [Mr Secretary Robertson].

9Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors,—Account of the National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland for 1996–97, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 567] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

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10Telecommunications,—Licences granted under section 7 of the Telecommunications Act 1984 by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to—

(1) LCI Telecom UK Limited,

(2) Primetec (UK) Limited,

(3) Sonic Telecommunications International Limited,

(4) Telecom Ireland Limited, and

(5) Telegroup UK Limited

[by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

Breeding and Sale of Dogs Bill,—The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee A (transferred from Standing Committee C).

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on 5th March [Audio-Visual Communications and the Regulation of Broadcasting]; to be printed [No. 520–vi] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].

2Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee on 4th March [Lessons of the Chinook crash on the Mull of Kintyre]; to be printed [No. 611] [Mr Bruce George].

3Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Employment Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee on 5th March [Part-time Working]; to be printed [No. 610-i] [Mr Derek Foster].

4Environmental Audit,—First Report from the Environmental Audit Committee [The Pre-Budget Report], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 547] [Mr John Horam].

5Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee on 5th March [Relationship Between Health and Social Services]; to be printed [No. 586-ii] [Mr David Hinchliffe].

6Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee on 5th March [Preparations for Stage Three of Economic and Monetary Union]; to be printed [No. 503–vi] [Mr Malcolm Bruce].


[No. 133.]

Friday 6th March 1998.

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

PRAYERS.

1Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from

(1) the ‘Wealden one hundred' for recognition of country-dwellers' concerns; and

(2) residents living in the vicinity of Shooters Hill Fire Station against the closure of that Fire Station

were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

2Wild Mammals (Hunting with Dogs) Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Wild Mammals (Hunting with Dogs) Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

A Clause (Fox control in national parks)—(Mr Dale Campbell-Savours)—brought up, and read the first time.

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And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Clause be read a second time;

Mr Andrew F. Bennett rose in his place, and claimed to move, That the Question be now put; but the Deputy Speaker withheld his assent and declined then to put that Question.

Mr Kevin McNamara rose in his place, and claimed to move, That the Question be now put; but the Deputy Speaker withheld his assent and declined then to put that Question.

Mr Andrew F. Bennett 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;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John Heppell, Mr Neil Gerrard: 186.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 60.

And the Question being accordingly put, That the Clause be read a second time;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 64.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Neil Gerrard, Mr John Heppell: 187.

Another Clause (Power to amend)—(Mr Peter Luff)—brought up, and read the first time.

And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Clause be read a second time;

Mr Andrew F. Bennett rose in his place, and claimed to move, That the Question be now put; but the Deputy Speaker withheld his assent and declined then to put that Question.

And it being half-past Two o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned.

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 13th March.

3Welfare of Pigs Bill,—The Order of the Day being read, for the Second Reading of the Welfare of Pigs Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 3rd July.

4Hare Coursing Bill,—The Order of the Day being read, for the Second Reading of the Hare Coursing Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 3rd July,

5Police Bill,—The Order of the Day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed on 13th February, That the Police Bill be now read a second time;

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 8th May.

6Companies (Millennium Computer Compliance) Bill,—The Order of the Day being read, for the Second Reading of the Companies (Millennium Computer Compliance) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 13th March.

7Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill,—The Order of the Day being read, for the Second Reading of the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 13th March.

8Reform of Quarantine Regulations Bill,—The Order of the Day being read, for the Second Reading of the Reform of Quarantine Regulations Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 13th March.

9Water Industry (Amendment) Bill,—The Order of the Day being read, for the Second Reading of the Water Industry (Amendment) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 24th April.

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10Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Jim Dowd.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till Three o'clock, adjourned till Monday next.

[Adjourned at 3.00 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Coroners,—(1) Berkshire (Coroners) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 466), and

(2) Local Government Reorganisation (Amendment of Coroners Act 1988) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 465),

dated 26th February 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

2Disabled Persons,—Disability Discrimination (Repeal of section 17 of, and Schedule 2 to, the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act, 1944) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 565), dated 3rd March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

3Health and Safety,—Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 494), dated 2nd March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

4Local Government,—Local Authorities (Members' Allowances) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 557), dated 3rd March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

5National Assistance Services,—(1) National Assistance (Assessment of Resources) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 497), and

(2) National Assistance (Sums for Personal Requirements) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 498),

dated 3rd March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

6National Health Service,—(1) National Health Service (Charges for Drugs and Appliances) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 491), dated 26th February 1998,

(2) National Health Service (Dental Charges) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 490), dated 27th February 1998, and

(3) Special Trustees for Westminster and Roehampton Hospitals (Transfer of Trust Property) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 471), dated 2nd March 1998

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

7Secure Training Centres,—(1) Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (Suspension of Custody Officer Certificate) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 474),

(2) Secure Training Centre Rules 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 472), and

(3) Secure Training Centres (Escorts) Rules 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 473),

dated 27th February 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committee

Energy Conservation (Housing) Bill,—The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee E (transferred from Standing Committee C).


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