![]() House of Commons |
Session 1997-1998 |
Commons Journal 254
Chronological Index
Page 422 1997-1998 Volume 254 [No. 134.] Monday 9th March 1998. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
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.
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.
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. Page 423 Monday 9th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top 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. Page 424 Monday 9th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top 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.
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.
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. Page 425 Monday 9th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
(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:
(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, Page 426 Monday 9th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top (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].
(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
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Food safety] [Mr Peter Luff].
(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 Page 427 Monday 9th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top (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].
[No. 135.] Tuesday 10th March 1998. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Tuesday 17th March.
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.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
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.
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 Page 428 Tuesday 10th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top 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 Page 429 Tuesday 10th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top 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.
Estimates, 199798 (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, 199798 (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, 199899 (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, 199899 (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, 199899 (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, 199697 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, 199798 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 199697 and Supplementary Estimates 199798: 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.
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. Page 430 Tuesday 10th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top Wednesday 11th March 1998 Question put and negatived. The Bill was read the third time, and passed, without Amendment.
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:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
(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].
(2) National Health Service (Dental Charges) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 610), dated 2nd March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].
Page 431 Tuesday 10th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top (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].
(2) Local Government Pension Scheme (Transitional Provisions) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 364), dated 20th February 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].
(2) Police Pensions (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 577), dated 4th March 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].
(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].
Other Papers:
Page 432 Tuesday 10th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top
Papers withdrawn:
APPENDIX II Standing Committee
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on 10th March [Preparations for Stage Three of Economic and Monetary Union]; to be printed [No. 503vii] [Mr Giles Radice]. [No. 136.] Wednesday 11th March 1998. The House met at half-past Nine o'clock. PRAYERS.
And it being Two o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.
Page 433 Wednesday 11th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top 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].
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].
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].
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 27th March.
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.
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.
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 Page 434 Wednesday 11th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top 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. Page 435 Wednesday 11th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top 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.
Ordered, That further consideration of the Bill be now adjourned.(Mr Greg Pope.) Bill to be further considered to-morrow.
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.
(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.)
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. Page 436 Wednesday 11th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
(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].
(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].
(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].
(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].
(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 Page 437 Wednesday 11th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top (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].
(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].
(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].
(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), Page 438 Wednesday 11th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top (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].
(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:
APPENDIX II Standing Committees
Page 439 Wednesday 11th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top
(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.
(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.
(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
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(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].
Page 440 Wednesday 11th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top
(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
[No. 137.] Thursday 12th March 1998. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
The Lords agree without Amendment to the Amendment made by this House to the Wireless Telegraphy Bill [Lords].
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. Page 441 Thursday 12th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top 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.
And it being Ten o'clock, the Motion for the Adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.
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:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Page 442 Thursday 12th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top (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].
Other Papers:
(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
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
Page 443 Thursday 12th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top
[No. 138.] Friday 13th March 1998. The House met at half-past Nine o'clock. PRAYERS.
(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.
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. Page 444 Friday 13th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top 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.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 20th March.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 20th March.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 20th March.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 3rd July.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 20th March.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 3rd July.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 20th March.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 20th March. Page 445 Friday 13th March 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 20th March.
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.
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:
Other Papers:
(1) East Berkshire National Health Service Trust, and (2) Plymouth Hospitals National Health Service Trust [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].
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