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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 422            1997-1998      Volume 254      

[No. 134.]

Monday 9th March 1998.

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

PRAYERS.

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

Competition Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill, intituled, An Act to make provision about competition and the abuse of a dominant position in the market; to confer powers in relation to investigations conducted in connection with Article 85 or 86 of the Treaty establishing the European Community; to amend the Fair Trading Act 1973 in relation to information which may be required in connection with investigations under that Act; to make provision with respect to the meaning of “supply of services” in the Fair Trading Act 1973; and for connected purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

2Competition Bill [Lords],—The Competition Bill [Lords] was read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 140].

3Home Zones Bill,—Ordered, That the Home Zones Bill be read a second time on Friday 24th April.

4Prohibition of Bull Bars Bill,—Ordered, That the Prohibition of Bull Bars Bill be read a second time on Friday 13th March.

5Voluntary Personal Security Cards Bill,—Ordered, That the Voluntary Personal Security Cards Bill be read a second time on Friday 13th March.

6National Minimum Wage Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the National Minimum Wage Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

A Clause (Voluntary workers)—(Mr Ian McCartney)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Information obtained by officers)—(Mrs Barbara Roche)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Information obtained by agricultural wages officers)—(Mrs Barbara Roche)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

A Clause (Company directors)—(Mr Andrew Lansley)—brought up, and read the first time.

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John M. Taylor, Sir David Madel: 126.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Greg Pope, Mr Jim Dowd: 325.

It being after Ten o'clock, further consideration of the Bill stood adjourned.

7Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business), That, at this day's sitting, the National Minimum Wage Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

8National Minimum Wage Bill,—The House again proceeded to consider the National Minimum Wage Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

Another Clause (Power of Secretary of State to suspend the national minimum wage in the case of national or local economic emergencies)—(Mr Tim Boswell)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time;

Tuesday 10th March 1998

Question put and negatived.

Another Clause (Operation of agricultural wages orders)—(Mr Tim Boswell)—brought up, and read the first time.

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

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Another Clause (Financial Statement and Budget Report)—(Mr Tim Boswell)—brought up, and read the first time.

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

Amendment (No. 43) proposed to the Bill, in page 2, line 22, at the end, to insert the words—

‘except that payment by an employer of pension contributions to a recognised pension fund on behalf of an employee shall be treated as part of a person's remuneration for the purposes of this Act.'.—(Mr Andrew Lansley.)

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

Amendments (Nos. 21 to 23) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 55) proposed to the Bill, in page 3, line 20, after the word ‘regulations', to insert the words ‘(or where it seems appropriate to him any subsequent regulations)'.—(Mr Tim Boswell.)

Question, That the Amendment be made, put and negatived.

Another Amendment (No. 3) proposed to the Bill, in page 7, line 28, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(2) Regulations made under this section shall require employers to keep records in respect of—

(a) full-time workers;

(b) part-time workers;

(c) home workers;

(d) agency workers; and

(e) such other classes of worker as may be prescribed

and may impose different requirements in respect of different classes of worker.'.—(Mr David Chidgey.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 13) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 41) proposed to the Bill, in page 11, line 18, at the end, to insert the words—

‘plus two per cent. above the prevailing Bank of England base rate.'.—(Mr John Bercow.)

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

Other Amendments (Nos. 14 to 19, 5 to 8, 24, 25, 9, 10 and 26) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 45) proposed to the Bill, in page 19, line 1, to leave out the words ‘any question arises' and insert the words ‘an officer acting for the purposes of this Act makes a declaration, acting on the basis of his enquiries', instead thereof.—(Mr Andrew Lansley.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 27) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 66) proposed to the Bill, in page 22, line 39, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(3) The Secretary of State shall take all reasonable steps to ensure parity of treatment between those persons serving as members of the naval, military and air forces of the Crown and their civilian equivalents, and shall lay before both Houses of Parliament a report explaining the reasons for any disparity of treatment with such civilians.'.—(Mr Tim Boswell.)

Question, That the Amendment be made, put and negatived.

Other Amendments (Nos. 20 and 28) made to the Bill.

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Another Amendment (No. 69) proposed to the Bill, in page 34, line 27, at the end, to insert the words—

‘Disqualification by Scottish Parliament and National Assembly for Wales

6. A member of the Commission is disqualified from being—

(a) a member of the Scottish Parliament, or

(b) a member of the National Assembly for Wales.'.—(Mr Tim Boswell.)

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

Other Amendments (Nos. 29, 11, 31, 33, 36, 35, 37, 39, 30, 12, 34, 32 and 38) made to the Bill.

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Kevin Hughes: 214.

Tellers for the Noes, Sir David Madel, Mr Stephen Day: 124.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

9Urban Development,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft London Docklands Development Corporation (Transfer of Functions) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 21st January, be approved—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to.

10Urban Development,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Urban Development Corporations in England (Area and Constitution) Order 1998, dated 19th January 1998, a copy of which was laid before this House on 27th January, be approved—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to.

11Local Government,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Local Authorities (Transport Charges) Regulations 1998, which were laid before this House on 9th February, be approved—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to.

12Road Traffic Reduction (United Kingdom Targets) Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Road Traffic Reduction (United Kingdom Targets) Bill [Money];

A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Road Traffic Reduction (United Kingdom Targets) Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any expenses of the Secretary of State which are attributable to the Act—(Mr David Jamieson);

And it being three quarters of an hour after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Jane Kennedy, Mr Graham Allen: 150.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Eric Forth, Mr Jonathan Sayeed: 11.

So the Question was agreed to.

Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Road Traffic Reduction (United Kingdom Targets) Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any expenses of the Secretary of State which are attributable to the Act.

13Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Kevin Hughes.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till seven minutes to Ten o'clock on Tuesday morning, adjourned till this day.

[Adjourned at 9.53 a.m.


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APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Referendum,—Draft Greater London Authority (Referendum) Order 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

2Social Security,—Draft Social Security Amendment (New Deal) Regulations 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

3Education,—Education (Grants for Education Support and Training) (Wales) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 392), dated 3rd March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Davies].

4Environmental Protection,—Highway Litter Clearance and Cleaning (Transfer of Responsibility) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 467), dated 19th February 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

5Health and Safety,—Control of Lead at Work Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 543), dated 3rd March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

6National Health Service,—National Health Service (Optical Charges and Payments) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 499), dated 3rd March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

7Telecommunications,—(1) Public Telecommunications System Designation (Atlantic Telecommunications Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 511),

(2) Public Telecommunications System Designation (Easynet Group Plc) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 510),

(3) Public Telecommunications System Designation (Esprit Telecom UK Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 512),

(4) Public Telecommunication System Designation (North American Gateway Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 513), and

(5) Public Telecommunication System Designation (TGC UK Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 514),

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

Other Papers:

8Export Credits Guarantee Department,—Return, made under section 6 of the Export and Investment Guarantees Act 1991, of Commitments and Statutory Limits as at 31st March 1997 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

9Gift of Public Property,—Ministry of Defence Minute, dated 9th March 1998, concerning the gifting of vehicles to the HALO Trust [by Command] [Mr Secretary Robertson].

10Law Commission,—Report of the Law Commission on Liability for Psychiatric Illness [by Act]; to be printed [No. 525] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

11National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Water Pensions: Deficit in the Closed Fund [by Act]; to be printed [No. 590] [Clerk of the House].

12National Health Service,—Accounts of the Public Health Laboratory Service Board for 1996–97, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 612] [Clerk of the House].

13National Health Service,—Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 3rd March 1998 on loans proposed to be raised by—

(1) Bassetlaw Hospital and Community Services National Health Service Trust,

(2) Central Nottinghamshire Health Care National Health Service Trust,

(3) Community Health Care Services (North Derbyshire) National Health Service Trust,

(4) Community Health Services (Southern Derbyshire) National Health Service Trust,

(5) Cornwall Healthcare National Health Service Trust,

(6) Derby City General Hospital National Health Service Trust,

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(7) Doncaster Healthcare National Health Service Trust,

(8) Dorset Healthcare National Health Service Trust,

(9) Exeter & District Community National Health Service Trust,

(10) Glenfield Hospital National Health Service Trust,

(11) Hampshire Ambulance Service National Health Service Trust,

(12) Leicester General Hospital National Health Service Trust,

(13) Lincolnshire Ambulance and Health Transport National Health Service Trust,

(14) North Hampshire Loddon Community National Health Service Trust,

(15) Nottingham City Hospital National Health Service Trust,

(16) Pilgrim & Associated Hospitals National Health Service Trust,

(17) Plymouth Community Services National Health Service Trust,

(18) Poole Hospital National Health Service Trust,

(19) Rockingham Forest National Health Service Trust,

(20) Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals National Health Service Trust,

(21) South Devon Healthcare National Health Service Trust,

(22) South Tees Community & Mental Health National Health Service Trust,

(23) The Leicester Royal Infirmary National Health Service Trust, and

(24) The Royal Shrewsbury Hospitals National Health Service Trust

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

14Telecommunications,—Licences granted under section 7 of the Telecommunications Act 1984 by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to—

(1) Atlantic Telecommunications Limited,

(2) Easynet Group Plc,

(3) Esprit Telecom UK Limited,

(4) North American Gateway Limited, and

(5) TGC UK Limited

[by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—The Committee of Selection has discharged from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation Mr Greg Pope (nominated in respect of the Special Grant Report (No. 32): Special Grant for Accommodation for Evacuees from Montserrat (House of Commons Paper No. 549)); and appointed in substitution Mr Clive Betts.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Agriculture,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Agriculture Committee on 9th March [Food safety]; to be printed [No. 331-ix]; and

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

[Mr Peter Luff].

2Public Accounts,—(1) Twenty-fifth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Highlands and Islands Enterprise: Value for Money Review of Performance Measurement]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 325];

(2) Twenty-sixth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Vacant Office Property]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 395]; and

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(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts on 9th March [The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme]; to be printed [No. 613-i]

[Mr David Davis].

3Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee on 9th March [The Present Crisis in the Welsh Livestock Industry]; to be printed [No. 447-v] [Mr Martyn Jones].


[No. 135.]

Tuesday 10th 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 17th March.

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

That, in respect of the proposal for the Deregulation (Methylated Spirits Sale By Retail) (Scotland) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 26th January, a draft Order in the same terms as the proposal should be laid before the House.

3First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Frank Cook reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 1998.

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

4Adoption and Fostering,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require local authorities, when considering adoption or fostering, to make use of married couples unless they can show that no such couples are available who meet the needs of the child; and for connected purposes—(Mr Julian Brazier);

And the Motion being opposed, after a brief explanatory statement from the Member who made the Motion and from a Member who opposed it, the Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Standing Order No. 23 (Motions for leave to bring in bills and nomination of select committees at commencement of public business):—It was agreed to.

Ordered, That Mr Julian Brazier, Sir Peter Lloyd, Mr Lawrence Cunliffe, Mr Andrew Rowe, Mr Tom Cox, Sir Teddy Taylor, Mr Elfyn Llwyd, Mrs Ann Winterton, Mrs Marion Roe, Mr John Burnett, Mr Peter Bottomley and the Reverend Martin Smyth do prepare and bring in the Bill.

5Adoption and Fostering Bill,—Mr Julian Brazier accordingly presented a Bill to require local authorities, when considering adoption or fostering, to make use of married couples unless they can show that no such couples are available who meet the needs of the child; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 27th March and to be printed [Bill 141].

6Opposition Day [9th 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.

Government's Record on Taxation,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House deplores the fact that the Government broke its pledge not to raise taxes by raising 17 taxes in its first Budget; notes that, although the full impact of many of these taxes, such as the Pensions Tax and higher business taxes, was not immediately apparent to the public, these taxes will undermine Britain's economic success and people's retirement incomes in the long term; and urges the Government not to introduce any further hidden taxes in the forthcoming Budget—(Mr Peter Lilley);

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 ‘commends the Government for honouring its election promises not to increase the top or basic rate of income tax, to reduce VAT on domestic fuel to five per cent. and to introduce the levy on the windfall profits of the privatised utilities; approves the Government's determination to put in place a fair tax system, to encourage investment and long-term sustainable growth; believes that

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Britain's interests lie in the pursuit of sound economic policies that will benefit the many and not just the few, and which are in the long-term interests of the whole country; and urges the Government to reject any return to the boom and bust policies of the past which resulted in the 22 tax rises imposed by the previous administration', 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 Stephen Day: 174.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Clelland, Mr John McFall: 298.

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 commends the Government for honouring its election promises not to increase the top or basic rate of income tax, to reduce VAT on domestic fuel to five per cent. and to introduce the levy on the windfall profits of the privatised utilities; approves the Government's determination to put in place a fair tax system, to encourage investment and long-term sustainable growth; believes that Britain's interests lie in the pursuit of sound economic policies that will benefit the many and not just the few, and which are in the long-term interests of the whole country; and urges the Government to reject any return to the boom and bust policies of the past which resulted in the 22 tax rises imposed by the previous administration.

Effects of the Government's Policies on Pensioners' Incomes,—A Motion was made and the Question being proposed, That this House notes with concern the Government's refusal to rule out means testing the basic state pension; believes the Government Actuary's advice to change the National Insurance rebates for those contracting out of SERPS is a direct result of the Chancellor's decision to abolish the ACT dividend tax credit in his July Budget, placing a huge burden on future pensioners, creating turmoil in the pensions market and confusion over pension reform; and calls upon the Government to apologise for devaluing long-term savings and creating fear amongst the most vulnerable members of society—(Mr Iain Duncan Smith);

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 Government's commitment to maintain the basic state pension as the foundation of pension provision and to uprate it at least in line with prices; welcomes the tough action which is being taken to ensure that victims of pension mis-selling are compensated; welcomes the action the Government has already taken in giving a Winter Fuel Payment to all pensioners with fuel bills to pay and fulfilling its promise to Britain's pensioners by cutting VAT on fuel to five per cent.; welcomes the Government's progress in developing pensions policy which will benefit today's and tomorrow's pensioners; welcomes the widespread consultation the Government is undertaking and notes that the Government's Pension Review has received over 2,000 submissions from pension providers, employers, trade unions, pension experts and pensioners' organisations; notes the widespread support for the Government's proposals for Stakeholder Pensions; and deplores the previous administration's policies on pensions, their imposition of VAT on fuel and their attempt to increase VAT on fuel to 17.5 per cent.', instead thereof.—(Secretary Harriet Harman.)

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 Stephen Day, Mr John Whittingdale: 161.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Clive Betts, Mr David Jamieson: 294

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 to maintain the basic state pension as the foundation of pension provision and to uprate it at least in line with prices; welcomes the tough action which is being taken to ensure that victims of

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pension mis-selling are compensated; welcomes the action the Government has already taken in giving a Winter Fuel Payment to all pensioners with fuel bills to pay and fulfilling its promise to Britain's pensioners by cutting VAT on fuel to five per cent.; welcomes the Government's progress in developing pensions policy which will benefit today's and tomorrow's pensioners; welcomes the widespread consultation the Government is undertaking and notes that the Government's Pension Review has received over 2,000 submissions from pension providers, employers, trade unions, pension experts and pensioners' organisations; notes the widespread support for the Government's proposals for Stakeholder Pensions; and deplores the previous administration's policies on pensions, their imposition of VAT on fuel and their attempt to increase VAT on fuel to 17.5 per cent.

7Estimates,—It being after Ten o'clock, the Deputy Speaker put the Questions required to be put by Standing Order No. 55 (Questions on voting of estimates, &c.).

Estimates, 1997–98 (Navy) Vote A

Resolved, That during the year ending on 31st March 1998 an additional number not exceeding 975 all ranks be maintained for Service in the Reserve Naval Forces.

Estimates, 1997–98 (Army) Vote A

Resolved, That during the year ending on 31st March 1998 an additional number not exceeding 460 all ranks be maintained for Army Service.

Estimates, 1998–99 (Navy) Vote A

Resolved, That during the year ending on 31st March 1999 a number not exceeding 49,965 all ranks be maintained for Naval Service, and a number not exceeding 17,755 for Service in the Reserve Naval and Marine Forces.

Estimates, 1998–99 (Army) Vote A

Resolved, That during the year ending on 31st March 1999 a number not exceeding 132,060 all ranks be maintained for Army Service, a number not exceeding 97,800 for Service in the Reserve Land Forces, and a number not exceeding 6,000 for Service as Special Members of the Reserve Land Forces under Part V of the Reserve Forces Act 1996.

Estimates, 1998–99 (Air) Vote A

Resolved, That during the year ending on 31st March 1999 a number not exceeding 58,280 all ranks be maintained for Air Force Service, a number not exceeding 26,050 for Service in the Reserve Air Forces, and a number not exceeding 270 for Service as Special Members of the Reserve Air Forces under Part V of the Reserve Forces Act 1996.

Estimates, Excesses, 1996–97

Resolved, That a sum not exceeding £195,333,507.98 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to make good excesses of certain grants for Defence Services for the year ended on 31st March 1997, as set out in House of Commons Paper No. 554.

Supplementary Estimates, 1997–98

Resolved That a further supplementary sum not exceeding £2,442,361,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to complete or defray the charges for Defence and Civil Services for the year ending on 31st March 1998, as set out in House of Commons Paper No. 511.

Ordered, That a Bill be brought in on the foregoing Resolutions relating to Estimates, Excesses 1996–97 and Supplementary Estimates 1997–98: And that the Chairman of Ways and Means, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Alistair Darling, Mr Geoffrey Robinson, Dawn Primarolo and Mrs Helen Liddell do prepare and bring it in.

8Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Bill,—Dawn Primarolo accordingly presented a Bill to apply certain sums out of the Consolidated Fund to the service of the years ending on 31st March 1997 and 1998: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 139].

9Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business), That, at this day's sitting, the Fossil Fuel Levy Bill [Lords] may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.

10Fossil Fuel Levy Bill [Lords],—The House, according to order, proceeded to consider the Fossil Fuel Levy Bill [Lords], not amended in the Standing Committee.

A Clause (Regulations and Orders under section 33)—(Mr John Redwood)—brought up, and read the first time.

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

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Wednesday 11th March 1998

Question put and negatived.

The Bill was read the third time, and passed, without Amendment.

11Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Clive Betts.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-three minutes to One o'clock on Wednesday morning, adjourned till this day.

[Adjourned at 12.37 a.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Hovercraft,—Draft Hovercraft (Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (Amendment)) Order 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

2Merchant Shipping,—Draft Merchant Shipping (Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims) (Amendment) Order 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

3Referendum,—Draft Greater London Authority (Referendum Arrangements) Order 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

4Education,—Local Government Changes for England (Education) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 614), dated 9th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

5Food,—Beef Labelling (Enforcement) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 616), dated 9th March 1998 [by Act] [Dr John Cunningham].

6Forestry,—Forestry (Exceptions from Restrictions of Felling) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 603), dated 5th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

7Insurance,—Insurance (Fees) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 612), dated 9th March 1998 [by Act] [Mrs Helen Liddell].

8Local Government,—Local Authorities (Capital Finance) (Rate of Discount for 1998/99) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 529), dated 3rd March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

9Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping (Light Dues) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 495), dated 26th February 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

10Museums and Galleries,—Museums and Galleries Act 1992 (Amendment) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 613), dated 8th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

11National Health Service,—(1) Glan Hafren National Health Service Trust (Transfer of Trust Property) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 541),

(2) Glan-y-Mo(r)r National Health Service Trust (Transfer of Trust Property) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 540), and

(3) Rhondda Health Care National Health Service Trust (Transfer of Trust Property) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 539),

dated 6th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Davies].

12National Health Service,—National Health Service (Functions of Health Authorities) (Prescribing Incentive Schemes) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 632), dated 10th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

13National Health Service (Scotland),—(1) National Health Service (Charges for Drugs and Appliances) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 609), dated 6th March 1998, and

(2) National Health Service (Dental Charges) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 610), dated 2nd March 1998

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

14Pensions,—(1) Local Government (Discretionary Payments) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 559), dated 4th March 1998,

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(2) Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 530), dated 4th March 1998, and

(3) Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment) (Environment Agency) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 568), dated 5th March 1998

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

15Pensions,—(1) Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 366), and

(2) Local Government Pension Scheme (Transitional Provisions) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 364),

dated 20th February 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

16Pensions,—Superannuation (Admission to Schedule 1 to the Superannuation Act 1972) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 618), dated 5th March 1998 [by Act] [Dr David Clark].

17Police,—(1) Police (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 493), dated 2nd March 1998, and

(2) Police Pensions (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 577), dated 4th March 1998

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

18Rates,—Rates (Regional Rates) Order (Northern Ireland) 1998 (S.R.(N.I.), 1998, No. 60), dated 2nd March 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

19Registration of Births, Deaths, Marriages, etc.,—Adopted Persons (Contact Register) (Fees) (Amendment) Rules 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 615), dated 9th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

20Road Traffic,—Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 528), dated 3rd March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

21Social Security,—(1) Housing Benefit (Permitted Totals) (Amendment) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 566), dated 5th March 1998,

(2) Income-related Benefits (Subsidy to Authorities) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 562), dated 4th March 1998,

(3) Social Security Benefits Up-rating Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 521), dated 3rd March 1998,

(4) Social Security (Contributions) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 523), dated 3rd March 1998,

(5) Social Security (Contributions) (Re-rating) Consequential Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 524), dated 3rd March 1998,

(6) Social Security (Industrial Injuries) (Dependency) (Permitted Earnings Limits) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 520), dated 3rd March 1998, and

(7) Statutory Maternity Pay (Compensation of Employers) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 522), dated 3rd March 1998

[by Act] [Secretary Harriet Harman].

22Terms and Conditions of Employment,—Suspension from Work on Maternity Grounds (Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 587), dated 9th March 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

23Urban Development,—London Docklands Development Corporation (Transfer of Property, Rights and Liabilities) (Urban Regeneration Agency) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 569), dated 5th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

24Water (Scotland),—Surface Waters (Dangerous Substances) (Classification) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 250), dated 27th January 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

Other Papers:

25British Museum,—Report of the Natural History Museum for 1996–97 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

26Injuries in War Compensation,—Injuries in War (Shore Employments) Compensation (Amendment) Scheme 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 581), dated 6th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Robertson].

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27National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on the Purchase of the Read Codes and the Management of the NHS Centre for Coding and Classification [by Act]; to be printed [No. 607] [Clerk of the House].

28Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions,—Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions (Pay and Allowances) Order 1998, dated 11th February 1998 [by Act] [Mrs Ann Taylor].

Papers withdrawn:

29Referendum,—Draft Greater London Authority (Referendum) Order 1998 [laid 9th March].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committee

Road Traffic Reduction (United Kingdom Targets) Bill,—The Committee of Selection has discharged from Standing Committee E Mrs Anne Campbell and Mr Alan Simpson (nominated in respect of the Bill); and appointed in substitution Mr Tony Clarke and Christine Russell.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Deregulation,—Fourth Report from the Deregulation Committee, [Proposal for the Deregulation (Methylated Spirits Sale By Retail) (Scotland) Order 1998]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 614] [Mr Peter L. Pike].

2Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Employment Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee on 10th March [The New Deal]; to be printed [No. 263–ix] [Mr Derek Foster].

3Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee on 10th March [Alternatives to Prison Sentences and other prisons issues]; to be printed [Nos. 486–v and 615–i] [Mr Chris Mullin].

4Parliamentary Privilege,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on Parliamentary Privilege on 10th March; to be printed [No. 401–ix] [Mr Alan Williams].

5Statutory Instruments,—Twenty-Sixth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 33–xxvi] [Mr William Ross].

6Treasury,—(1) Fourth Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the Second Report from the Committee, on the Barnett Formula]; to be printed [No. 619]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on 10th March [Preparations for Stage Three of Economic and Monetary Union]; to be printed [No. 503–vii]

[Mr Giles Radice].


[No. 136.]

Wednesday 11th 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—(Mr David Clelland);

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

2Public Interest Disclosure Bill,—Mr Roger Gale reported from Standing Committee D, That it had gone through the Public Interest Disclosure Bill, and made Amendments thereunto.

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Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered on Friday 24th April and to be printed [Bill 144].

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 622].

3Fireworks Bill,—Mr Peter Atkinson reported from Standing Committee A, That it had gone through the Fireworks Bill, and made Amendments thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered on Friday 20th March and to be printed [Bill 142].

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 623].

4Weights and Measures (Beer and Cider) Bill,—Mr Bowen Wells reported from Standing Committee C, That it had gone through the Weights and Measures (Beer and Cider) Bill, and directed him to report the same, without Amendment.

Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered on Friday 20th March.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 624].

5Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Peter Atkinson reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning Act 1997 (Amnesty Period) Order 1998.

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

6Door Supervisors (Registration) Bill,—The Order for reading the Door Supervisors (Registration) Bill a second time on Friday 13th March was read and discharged.

Bill to be read a second time on Friday 27th March.

7Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

Teaching and Higher Education Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill, intituled, An Act to make provision for the establishment of General Teaching Councils for England and Wales and with respect to the registration, qualifications and training of teachers and the inspection of such training; to make new provision with respect to grants and loans to students in higher or further education and fees payable by them, and provision with respect to the funding of higher education institutions in respect of expenditure of connected institutions; to enable young persons to have time off work for study or training; and for connected purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

8Teaching and Higher Education Bill [Lords],—The Teaching and Higher Education Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 145].

9Housing Service Charges (Amendment),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the Housing Act 1996 to enable certain county court cases initiated on or before 1st September 1997 to transfer to a leasehold valuation tribunal: And that Mr Barry Gardiner, Miss Anne Begg, Mr David Lepper, Mr Tony Colman, Mr Gordon Prentice, Mr Ivor Caplin, Mr Andrew Dismore, Ms Karen Buck and Kali Mountford do prepare and bring it in.

10Housing Service Charges (Amendment) Bill,—Mr Barry Gardiner accordingly presented a Bill to amend the Housing Act 1996 to enable certain county court cases initiated on or before 1st September 1997 to transfer to a leasehold valuation tribunal: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 20th March and to be printed [Bill 143].

11Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Bill;

And the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 56 (Consolidated Fund Bills), That the Bill be now read a second time:—It was agreed to.

And the Question being put forthwith, That the Bill be now read the third time:—It was agreed to.

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

12School Standards and Framework Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the School Standards and Framework Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

Ordered, That the Bill, as amended, be considered in the following order, namely, New Clauses relating to Part I, amendments relating to Clauses 1 to 19 and Schedule 1, New Clauses relating to Parts II to IV, amendments relating to Clauses 20 to 106 and

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Schedules 2 to 25, New Clauses relating to Parts V to VII, amendments relating to Clauses 107 to 130 and Schedules 26 to 31, Remaining New Clauses, New Schedules.—(Mr Secretary Blunkett.)

A Clause (Infant class sizes)—(Mr Stephen Dorrell)—brought up, and read the first time.

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Sir David Madel, Mr James Cran: 130.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr John McFall, Mr Kevin Hughes: 333.

Another Clause (Education development plan)—(Mrs Angela Browning)—brought up, and read the first time.

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

Another Clause (Additional provision with respect to targets)—(Mr Don Foster)—brought up, and read the first time.

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

Amendments (Nos. 79 and 80) made to the Bill.

Amendment (No. 121) proposed to the Bill, in page 10, line 7, to leave out from the word ‘purpose' to the end of line 9 and insert the words—

‘(a) with the consent of the governing body of every school which it is proposed should be a participating school, and

(b) where the LEA is not making the application, with evidence that it has been consulted by the proposers, with a view to being a partner in the Education action zone.', instead thereof.—(Mr Don Foster.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Donald Gorrie, Mr Phil Willis: 48.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr John McFall, Mr Kevin Hughes: 284.

Another Amendment (No. 85) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 88) proposed to the Bill, in page 11, line 13, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(3A) In discharging any function transferred to it under the provisions of subsection (2) of this section an Education Action Forum may enter a contract for the performance of that function with any party, whether from the public or private sector, who, in the opinion of the Education Action Forum, is a fit and proper party to discharge the function or functions covered by the contract.

(3B) Any party with whom the Education Action Forum enters a contract under the terms of subsection (3A) of this section (hereinafter referred to as “the contractor”) shall be responsible for delivering the service defined in the contract with the Education Action Forum to the standard defined in the said contract and shall be permitted to acquire, employ, and manage, on terms to be determined by the contractor, such equipment, staff and other resources as he believes to be necessary to perform the duties defined in the contract.'.—(Mr Stephen Dorrell.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Sir David Madel, Mr Stephen Day: 128.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr John McFall, Mr Kevin Hughes: 328.

Another Amendment (No. 86) made to the Bill.

A Clause (Arrangements for government of new schools)—(Mr Stephen Byers)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Rating of maintained schools)—(Mr Stephen Byers)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Control of disposals or changing use of school playing fields)—(Mr Secretary Blunkett)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

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Another Clause (Grant maintained schools)—(Mr Stephen Dorrell)—brought up, and read the first time.

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Sir David Madel, Mr James Cran: 129.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Graham Allen, Mr Clive Betts: 327.

It being after Ten o'clock, further consideration of the Bill stood adjourned.

13Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business), That, at this day's sitting, the School Standards and Framework Bill and the Wireless Telegraphy Bill [Lords] may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr Greg Pope):—It was agreed to.

14School Standards and Framework Bill,—The House again proceeded to consider the School Standards and Framework Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

Ordered, That further consideration of the Bill be now adjourned.—(Mr Greg Pope.)

Bill to be further considered to-morrow.

15Wireless Telegraphy Bill [Lords],—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Wireless Telegraphy Bill [Lords], as amended in the Standing Committee.

A Clause (Access to information)—(Mr Tim Boswell)—brought up, and read the first time.

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

Another Clause (Efficient use of the electro-magnetic spectrum)—(Mr Tim Boswell)—brought up, and read the first time.

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

Thursday 12th March 1998

Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Clause (Report of Director General of Telecommunications on use of electro-magnetic spectrum)—(Mr Tim Boswell)—brought up, and read the first time.

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

Another Clause (Differential levels of fees)—(Mr Tim Boswell)—brought up, and read the first time.

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

The Bill was read the third time, and passed, with an Amendment.

16Northern Ireland Grand Committee,—Ordered, That—

(1) the matter of the Northern Ireland economy, being a matter relating exclusively to Northern Ireland, be referred to the Northern Ireland Grand Committee for its consideration; and

(2) at the sitting on Thursday 26th March—

(i) the Committee shall consider, pursuant to Standing Order No. 116(1)(f) (Northern Ireland Grand Committee (sittings)), the matter referred to under paragraph (1) above, and

(ii) at the completion of those proceedings a motion for the adjournment of the committee may be made by a Minister of the Crown, pursuant to Standing Order No. 116 (1)(h) (Northern Ireland Grand Committee (sittings)).— (Mr Clive Betts.)

17Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Clive Betts.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till nineteen minutes past Three o'clock on Thursday morning, adjourned till this day.

[Adjourned at 3.19 a.m.


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APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Building Societies,—Building Societies (General Charge and Fees) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 675), dated 11th March 1998 [by Act] [Mrs Helen Liddell].

2Civil Aviation,—Civil Aviation (Navigation Services Charges) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 532), dated 3rd March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

3Council Tax (Scotland),—Council Tax (Exempt Dwellings) (Scotland) Amendment Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 561), dated 2nd March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

4Education,—(1) Education (Grants for Education Support and Training) (England) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 656), dated 10th March 1998,

(2) Local Education Authority (Behaviour Support Plans) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 644), dated 9th March 1998, and

(3) Nursery Education (England) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 655), dated 9th March 1998

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

5Education,—Education (Grant-maintained and Grant-maintained Special Schools) (Finance) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 391), dated 6th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Davies].

6Environmental Protection,—(1) Controlled Waste (Registration of Carriers and Seizure of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 605), dated 9th March 1998,

(2) Environmental Protection (Controls on Hexachloroethane) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 545), dated 3rd March 1998,

(3) Environmental Protection (Waste Recycling Payments) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 607), dated 9th March 1998, and

(4) Waste Management Licensing (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 606), dated 9th March 1998

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

7Environmental Protection,—Financial Assistance for Environmental Purposes Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 538), dated 8th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Davies].

8Friendly Societies,—Friendly Societies (General Charge and Fees) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 673), dated 11th March 1998 [by Act] [Mrs Helen Liddell].

9Industrial and Provident Societies,—(1) Industrial and Provident Societies (Amendment of Fees) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 676), and

(2) Industrial and Provident Societies (Credit Unions) (Amendment of Fees) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 672),

dated 11th March 1998 [by Act] [Mrs Helen Liddell].

10Legal Aid and Advice,—(1) Civil Legal Aid (Assessment of Resources) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 664),

(2) Legal Advice and Assistance (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 663), and

(3) Legal Aid in Criminal and Care Proceedings (General) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 662),

dated 10th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

11Local Government,—(1) Charter Trustees (Hereford) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 582), dated 5th March 1998,

(2) Local Authorities (Capital Finance) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 602), dated 9th March 1998,

(3) Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Exemption) (Basildon, Derwentside and Salisbury District Councils) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 647), dated 11th March 1998,

(4) Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Exemption) (No. 1) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 579), dated 9th March 1998, and

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(5) Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Exemption) (No. 2) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 580), dated 9th March 1998

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

12London Government,—London Traffic Control System (Transfer) (Amendment) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 654), dated 10th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

13Medical Profession,—National Health Service (Vocational Training for General Medical Practice) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 669), dated 11th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

14Medicines,—Medicines for Human Use and Medical Devices (Fees and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 574), dated 5th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

15Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 531), dated 3rd March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

16National Health Service,—(1) National Health Service (Choice of Medical Practitioner) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 668), dated 11th March 1998,

(2) National Health Service (General Medical Services) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 682), dated 11th March 1998,

(3) National Health Service (Injury Benefits) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 667), dated 10th March 1998,

(4) National Health Service Pension Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 666), dated 10th March 1998,

(5) National Health Service (Pharmaceutical Services) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 681), dated 11th March 1998,

(6) National Health Service (Pilot Schemes: Miscellaneous Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 646), dated 11th March 1998,

(7) National Health Service (Pilot Schemes: Part II Practitioners) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 665), dated 11th March 1998,

(8) National Health Service (Remuneration and Conditions of Service) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 564), dated 5th March 1998, and

(9) National Health Service (Service Committees and Tribunal) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 674), dated 11th March 1998

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

17National Health Service (Scotland),—(1) National Health Service (Choice of Medical Practitioner) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 659), dated 9th March 1998,

(2) National Health Service (Fund-Holding Practices) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 658), dated 9th March 1998,

(3) National Health Service (General Medical Services) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 660), dated 9th March 1998,

(4) National Health Service (Optical Charges and Payments) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 642), dated 5th March 1998, and

(5) National Health Service (Service Committees and Tribunal) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 657), dated 9th March 1998,

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

18Pensions,—Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Levy and Register) (Amendments) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 600), dated 9th March 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Harriet Harman].

19Police,—(1) National Crime Squad (Complaints) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 638),

(2) National Crime Squad (Discipline) (Senior Police Members) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 637),

(3) National Crime Squad (Senior Police Members) (Appeals) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 639),

(4) NCIS (Complaints) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 641),

(5) NCIS (Discipline) (Senior Police Members) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 636),

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(6) NCIS (Senior Police Members) (Appeals) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 640), and

(7) Police Act 1997 (Provisions in relation to the NCIS Service Authority) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 633),

dated 9th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

20Police (Scotland),—Police Grant (Scotland) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 611), dated 11th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

21Public Health (Scotland),—Nursing Homes Registration (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 661), dated 9th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

22Registration of Births, Deaths, Marriages, etc.,—Births, Deaths, Marriages and Divorces (Fees) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 643), dated 9th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

23Road Traffic,—Road Vehicles Registration Fee Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 572), dated 4th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

24Social Security,—Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 563), dated 4th March 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Harriet Harman].

25Water Supply (Scotland),—(1) Domestic Sewerage Charges (Reduction) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 635), and

(2) Water Services Charges (Billing and Collection) (Scotland) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 634),

dated 10th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

Other Papers:

26Dartford-Thurrock Crossing,—Report and Accounts of Dartford River Crossing Limited for the period 1st October 1996 to 30th September 1997 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

27Employment Equality (Northern Ireland),—Paper, entitled Partnership for Equality: The Government's proposals for future legislation and policies on Employment Equality in Northern Ireland [by Command] [Cm. 3890] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

28Parliamentary Ombudsman (Northern Ireland),—Annual Report of the Parliamentary Ombudsman for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints for 1997 [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 597] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Waste Minimisation Bill,—The Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on Standing Committee A in respect of the Bill, viz.: Mr Norman Baker, Mr Ian Cawsey, Mr David Chaytor, Mr David Drew, Julia Drown, Angela Eagle, Mrs Eileen Gordon, Mr Nick Hawkins, Mr Gerald Howarth, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Barry Sheerman, Debra Shipley, Mr Alan Simpson, Angela Smith, Mr Andrew Stunell and Mr Tim Yeo.

2Breeding and Sale of Dogs Bill,—The Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on Standing Committee A in respect of the Bill, viz.: Mr Nick Ainger, Mr Graham Brady, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Cynog Dafis, Caroline Flint, Mr Mike Hall, Mr John Heppell, Mr George Howarth, Helen Jones, Sir Peter Lloyd, Mr David Maclean, Mr Colin Pickthall, Mr Bob Russell, Helen Southworth, Mr Richard Spring and Mr Alan Williams.

3Energy Efficiency Bill,—The Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on Standing Committee C in respect of the Bill, viz.: Charlotte Atkins, Mr John Burnett, Mr David Chaytor, Mr Harry Cohen, Mr Tony Colman, Angela Eagle, Mr Clive Efford, Mrs Linda Gilroy, Mr John Horam, Ms Chris McCafferty, Laura Moffatt, Mr Keith Simpson, Mrs Caroline Spelman, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Robert Syms and Joan Walley.

4Animal Health (Amendment) Bill,—The Committee of Selection has discharged from Standing Committee D Mr Elliot Morley (nominated in respect of the Bill); and has appointed in substitution Mr Jeff Rooker and Mr Richard Burden.

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5Energy Conservation (Housing) Bill,—The Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on Standing Committee E in respect of the Bill, viz.: Mr John Austin, Mr Peter Bottomley, Mr Iain Coleman, Mr John Cryer, Mr Cynog Dafis, Julia Drown, Angela Eagle, Maria Eagle, Mr Clive Efford, Jim Fitzpatrick, Dr Julian Lewis, Mr Tony McNulty, Mr Stephen Pound, Mr Laurence Robertson, Mr Adrian Sanders and Mr Tim Yeo.

6Draft Greater London Authority (Referendum Arrangements) Order 1998:—

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee; viz., Mr Graham Allen, Mr Peter Brooke, Mr Paul Burstow, Sir Sydney Chapman, Jim Fitzpatrick, Mr Barry Gardiner, Mr Keith Hill, Mr Simon Hughes, Ms Oona King, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Mr Martin Linton, Mr Tony McNulty, Mr Richard Ottaway, Ms Linda Perham, Mr Nick Raynsford and Mr Gareth R. Thomas.

7Special Grant Report (No. 33): Community Care Special Grants for 1998–99 (HC 534):—

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Report to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Ms Candy Atherton, Mr Hugh Bayley, Mr Roger Berry, Mr Paul Boateng, Mrs Helen Brinton, Mr Paul Burstow, Mr Hilton Dawson, Mr Howard Flight, Dr Evan Harris, Mr Stephen Hesford, Ms Beverley Hughes, Mr Alan Johnson, Mr Peter Luff, Miss Anne McIntosh, Mr Patrick Nicholls and Bridget Prentice.

8Draft Railways (Rateable Values) (Scotland) Order 1998:—

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mrs Irene Adams, Mr Douglas Alexander, Mr Desmond Browne, Dr Lynda Clark, Mr Brian H. Donohoe, Maria Fyfe, Mr Norman A. Godman, Mr Bernard Jenkin, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Tim Loughton, Mr Calum Macdonald, Mr John McFall, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Alasdair Morgan, Sir Robert Smith and Mr Andrew Tyrie.

European Standing Committees

9European Community Document No. 13035/97, Annexes I, IV and VI, relating to the Energy Framework Programme (1998–2002), has been referred to European Standing Committee B.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee on 11th March [DERA performance and future plans]; to be printed [No. 621-i] [Mr Bruce George].

2Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee on 11th March [Further education]; to be printed [No. 264-xi] [Ms Margaret Hodge].

3Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee on 10th March [Sustainable Waste Management]; to be printed [No. 484-vi] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett];

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee on 11th March [UK Air Traffic Control]; to be printed [No. 360-v] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody]; and

(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee on 11th March [Regional Air Services]; to be printed [No. 589-iii] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

4European Legislation,—Twenty-First Report from the Select Committee on European Legislation; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee [No. 155-xxi] [Mr Jim Marshall].

5Northern Ireland Affairs,—Second Report from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Electoral Malpractice in Northern Ireland], together with Appendices to the Minutes of

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  Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 316] [Mr Peter Brooke].

6Public Accounts,—(1) Twenty-seventh Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Measures to Combat Housing Benefit Fraud]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 366]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts on 11th March [Reliability and Verification of Information on Passenger Train Services]; to be printed [No. 625-i]

[Mr David Davis].


THE SPEAKER'S CERTIFICATE

 The Speaker certified that the Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Bill is a Money Bill within the meaning of the Parliament Act 1911.


[No. 137.]

Thursday 12th March 1998.

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

PRAYERS.

1Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Greater London Authority (Referendum Arrangements) Order 1998.

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

2Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Joe Benton reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Special Grant Report (No. 32): Special Grant for Accommodation for Evacuees from Montserrat (House of Commons Paper No. 549).

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

3Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

The Lords agree without Amendment to the Amendment made by this House to the Wireless Telegraphy Bill [Lords].

4European Parliamentary Elections Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the European Parliamentary Elections Bill, as amended in the Committee.

A Clause (Review of alternative voting systems)—(Mr James Clappison)—brought up, and read the first time.

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Nigel Waterson, Mr James Cran: 103.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Clelland, Mr David Jamieson: 290.

Amendment (No. 5) proposed to the Bill, in page 1, line 15, after ‘(4)', to insert the words ‘Subject to subsection (4A) below,'.—(Mr James Clappison.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 3) proposed to the Bill, in page 3, line 41, after the word ‘state', to insert the words ‘, save that the day appointed by the Secretary of State shall not be a day of the week or a date of special religious significance on which the holding of an election would be incompatible with the historic teaching and practices of any Christian or other principal religious tradition represented in Great Britain'.—(Sir Brian Mawhinney.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

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The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr James Cran, Mr Nigel Waterson: 96.

Tellers for the Noes, Bridget Prentice, Janet Anderson: 222.

Another Amendment (No. 8) proposed, in page 5, line 24, at the end, to insert the words ‘, but no such order shall be made until the Secretary of State has submitted a report to both Houses of Parliament giving details of the calculations carried out in the course of the procedure mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(a) above.'.—(Mr John Greenway.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 7) proposed, in page 9, to leave out lines 15 to 28.—(Mr John Greenway.)

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

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Bridget Prentice, Janet Anderson: 198.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr James Cran, Mr Nigel Waterson: 87.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

5Northern 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 Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning Act 1997 (Amnesty Period) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 2nd March, be approved—(Bridget Prentice):—It was agreed to.

6Terms and Conditions of Employment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 18th February, be approved—(Bridget Prentice):—It was agreed to.

7Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Mrs Shirley Carter and the people of Long Sutton in Lincolnshire to ask the House to introduce legislation to prevent those convicted of serious offences from contacting their victims was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

8Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Bridget Prentice);

And it being Ten o'clock, the Motion for the Adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.

9Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr George Mudie.)

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

[Adjourned at 10.20 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Legal Services,—Draft Institute of Legal Executives Order 1998 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Broadcasting,—Broadcasting Digital Terrestrial Sound (Technical Service) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 685), dated 10th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

3Legal Aid and Advice,—(1) Legal Advice and Assistance (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998 (S.R.(N.I.), 1998, No. 90), dated 10th March 1998,

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(2) Legal Advice and Assistance (Financial Conditions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998 (S.R.(N.I.), 1998, No. 91), dated 4th March 1998,

(3) Legal Aid (Assessment of Resources) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998 (S.R.(N.I.), 1998, No. 89), dated 10th March 1998, and

(4) Legal Aid (Financial Conditions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998 (S.R.(N.I.), 1998, No. 92), dated 4th March 1998

[by Statutory Instrument] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

4Social Security,—Workmen's Compensation (Supplementation) (Amendment) Scheme 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 571), dated 5th March 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Harriet Harman].

Other Papers:

5Coal Authority,—Department of Trade and Industry Minute concerning a contingent liability consequent upon the transfer of British Coal property liabilities to the Coal Authority [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

6Government Executive Agencies,—Paper, entitled Next Steps Report 1997 [by Command] [Cm. 3889] [Dr David Clark].

7National Health Service,—Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 10th March 1998 on loans proposed to be raised by—

(1) Leicester Ambulance & Paramedic Service National Health Service Trust,

(2) Northern General Hospital National Health Service Trust,

(3) Oxford Radcliffe National Health Service Trust,

(4) Queen's Medical Centre Nottingham University Hospitals National Health Service Trust,

(5) St Helier National Health Service Trust,

(6) Trecare National Health Service Trust,

(7) Wiltshire Health Care National Health Service Trust, and

(8) Winchester & Eastleigh Healthcare National Health Service Trust

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Waste Minimisation Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Dr Michael Clark Chairman of Standing Committee A in respect of the Bill.

2Local Authority Tenders Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mrs Ray Michie Chairman of Standing Committee C in respect of the Bill.

3Animal Health (Amendment) Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Nicholas Winterton Chairman of Standing Committee D in respect of the Bill.

4Special Grant Report (No. 33): Community Care Special Grants for 1998–99 (HC 534),—The Speaker has appointed Mr Joe Benton Chairman of the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Report.

5Draft Railways (Rateable Values) (Scotland) Order 1998,—The Speaker has appointed Mrs Marion Roe Chairman of the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order.

6Special Grant Report (No. 32): Special Grant for Accommodation for Evacuees from Montserrat (HC 549),—The Committee of Selection has discharged from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation Mr Andrew Mackinlay (nominated in respect of the Report), and appointed in substitution Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Employment Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee on 12th March [Part-time Working]; to be printed [No. 610-ii] [Mr Derek Foster].

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2Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee on 12th March [Relationship between Health and Social Services]; to be printed [No. 586-iii] [Mr David Hinchliffe].


[No. 138.]

Friday 13th March 1998.

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

PRAYERS.

1Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from

(1) Daventry against building new homes in the countryside or green belt;

(2) Kite's Nest Farm, Broadway, for exemption from the requirement to cull cows;

(3) Colchester for legislation to ban hunting with dogs; and

(4) Haverhill for restoration of the twenty-four hour emergency ambulance service

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

2Wild Mammals (Hunting with Dogs) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed on 6th March, on consideration of the Wild Mammals (Hunting with Dogs) Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, That the Clause (Power to amend) be now read a second time.

And the Question being again proposed, The House resumed the adjourned Debate;

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 Joe Benton: 132.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Owen Paterson: 42.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Owen Paterson: 44.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Heppell, Mr Joe Benton: 136.

Another Clause (Mink)—(Kate Hoey)—brought up, and read the first time.

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Owen Paterson: 42.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Heppell, Mr Joe Benton: 139.

Another Clause (Gun packs)—(Mr Lembit O­pik)—brought up, and read the first time.

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Owen Paterson: 43.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Heppell, Mr Joe Benton: 138.

Another Clause (Hunting beginning in the Republic of Ireland)—(Mr Ken Maginnis)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question 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.

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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 Joe Benton: 150.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Owen Paterson: 40.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Owen Paterson: 31.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr James Gray, Mr Richard Spring: 154.

Another Clause (Circumstances in which shooting is unsafe or impractical)—(Mr Peter Luff)—brought up, and read the first time.

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Edward Leigh, Mr Peter Atkinson: 42.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Heppell, Mr Kevin McNamara: 128.

Another Clause (Local referendums)—(Mr Lembit O­pik)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time;

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

Debate to be resumed on Friday 20th March.

3Water Charges (Amendment) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Water Charges (Amendment) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 20th March.

4Elections (Visually Impaired Voters) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Elections (Visually Impaired Voters) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 20th March.

5Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons (Amendment) Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons (Amendment) Bill [Lords];

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 20th March.

6Welfare of Broiler Chickens Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Welfare of Broiler Chickens Bill;

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

7Companies (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 20th March.

8Representation 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 3rd July.

9Reform 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 20th March.

10Prohibition of Bull Bars Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Prohibition of Bull Bars Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 20th March.

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11Voluntary Personal Security Cards Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Voluntary Personal Security Cards Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 20th March.

12Waste Minimisation Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Waste Minimisation Bill [Money];

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Waste Minimisation Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any increase attributable to the Act in the sums which under any other enactment are payable out of money so provided—(Mr Jim Dowd);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Bridget Prentice: 55.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Edward Leigh, Mr Eric Forth: 3.

So the Question was agreed to.

Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Waste Minimisation Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any increase attributable to the Act in the sums which under any other enactment are payable out of money so provided.

13Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Jim Dowd.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-two minutes to Four o'clock, adjourned till Monday 16th March.

[Adjourned at 3.38 p.m.


APPENDIX

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Betting, Gaming and Lotteries,—Gaming (Variation of Monetary Limits) Order (Northern Ireland) 1998 (S.R. (N.I.), 1998, No. 56), dated 26th February 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

2Local Government,—Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Exemption) (Tunbridge Wells Borough Council) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 573), dated 4th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

3National Health Service,—National Health Service (Fund-holding Practices) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 693), dated 12th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

4Road Traffic,—Road Traffic (Special Parking Areas) (The London Borough of Wandsworth) (Amendment) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 575), dated 5th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers:

5Law Reform (Scotland),—Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board Management Statement [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

6National Health Service,—Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 12th March 1998 on loans proposed to be raised by—

(1) East Berkshire National Health Service Trust, and

(2) Plymouth Hospitals National Health Service Trust

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

7Public Accounts,—Northern Ireland Department of Finance and Personnel Memorandum on the Fifth and Sixth Reports from the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 1997–98 [by Command] [Cm. 3893] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].


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