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House of Commons
Session 1997-1998

Commons Journal 254

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Page 680            1997-1998      Volume 254      

[No. 205.]

Monday 13th July 1998.

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

PRAYERS.

1Welsh Grand Committee,—Mr Barry Jones reported from the Welsh Grand Committee, That it had considered the matter of the New Economic Agenda for Wales, referred to it on 22nd June, and had directed him to report accordingly to the House.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 96].

2Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

The Lords have agreed to the School Standards and Framework Bill, with Amendments; to which they desire the concurrence of this House.

3School Standards and Framework Bill,—Lords Amendments to the School Standards and Framework Bill to be considered to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 225].

4Opposition Day [17th 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.

Manufacturing and Industrial Relations,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House views with alarm the Government's creation of a boom and bust economy in the UK, with industry being badly damaged by high sterling and rising interest rates whilst wage and price inflation accelerates; expresses concern at the growth of industrial unrest in several sectors of the economy; and urges the Government to rethink its approach both to manufacturing and employee relations before more damage is done—(Mr John Redwood);

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 measures the Government has taken to build an economy which is healthy and sustainable in the long term, including placing the control of interest rates with the independent Bank of England; notes that over the last 12 months investment has grown by 7 per cent., 14,000 manufacturing jobs have been created and the public finances have been put in order; welcomes the new culture of partnership in industrial relations which is developing within the framework of measures and proposals the Government is taking forward; urges the Government to continue its own productive partnership with both business and employees; and condemns the Opposition for its own record in government of allowing manufacturing to decline within a boom and bust economy of unprecedented proportions and actively and sustainedly destroying partnership and democracy in the workplace', instead thereof.—(Secretary Margaret Beckett.)

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John M. Taylor, Mr Tim Collins: 134.

Tellers for the Noes, Bridget Prentice, Mr Jim Dowd: 313.

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 measures the Government has taken to build an economy which is healthy and sustainable in the long term, including placing the control of interest rates with the independent Bank of England; notes that over the last 12 months investment has grown by 7 per cent., 14,000 manufacturing jobs have been created and the public finances have been put in order; welcomes the new culture of partnership in industrial relations which is developing within the framework of measures and proposals the Government is taking forward; urges the Government to continue its own productive partnership with both business and employees; and condemns the Opposition for its own record in government of allowing manufacturing to decline within a boom and bust economy of unprecedented proportions and actively and sustainedly destroying partnership and democracy in the workplace.

Department of Social Security,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House deeply regrets the Government's failure to meet their election pledges to reduce social security costs; believes that this is a direct result of incompetent

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leadership at the Department of Social Security which has created confusion, contradictory policies and delays and has wasted their first year in Government—(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 ‘congratulates the Government for their outstanding record in pursuing their efforts to provide opportunities for those who can work and security for those who cannot, to cut expenditure on economic and social failure and to modernise the welfare system', 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 John M. Taylor, Mr Tim Collins: 128.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr John McFall, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 360.

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

Resolved, That this House congratulates the Government for their outstanding record in pursuing their efforts to provide opportunities for those who can work and security for those who cannot, to cut expenditure on economic and social failure and to modernise the welfare system.

5Business 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 Lords proposals relating to the Teaching and Higher Education Bill [Lords] may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

6Teaching and Higher Education Bill [Lords],—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendment in lieu of the words left out of the Teaching and Higher Education Bill [Lords] in page 22, lines 31 to 39.

A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House disagrees to the Amendment proposed by the Lords in lieu of the words left out of the Bill in page 22, lines 31 to 39—(Mr Secretary Blunkett);

Tuesday 14th July 1998

Question put.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Janet Anderson, Mr Clive Betts: 300.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr John M. Taylor, Mr Edward Davey: 168.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.

Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to draw up a Reason to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to the Amendment proposed by the Lords in lieu of the words left out of the Bill in page 22, lines 31 to 39.

Ordered, That Mr Damian Green, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Tony McNulty, Mr Phil Willis and Mr Brian Wilson be members of the Committee.

Ordered, That Mr Brian Wilson be the Chairman of the Committee.

Ordered, That three be the quorum of the Committee.

Ordered, That the Committee do withdraw immediately.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

7EC Preliminary Draft Budget for 1999,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees), That this House takes note of European Community Documents Nos. COM(98)300, the Preliminary Draft Budget of the European Communities for 1999, and SEC(98)800, the Commission's Overview of the Preliminary Draft Budget; and supports the Government's efforts to maintain budget discipline in the Community—(Mr Greg Pope):—It was agreed to.

8Income Tax,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to

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  Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Oman) Order 1998 be made in the form of the draft laid before this House on 2nd June—(Mr Greg Pope):—It was agreed to.

Address to be presented to Her Majesty by such Members of this House as are of Her Majesty's most honourable Privy Council or of Her Majesty's Household.

9Income Tax,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Double Taxation Relief (Air Transport) (Hong Kong) Order 1998 be made in the form of the draft laid before this House on 2nd June—(Mr Greg Pope):—It was agreed to.

Address to be presented to Her Majesty by such Members of this House as are of Her Majesty's most honourable Privy Council or of Her Majesty's Household.

10Income Tax,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That an Humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Kazakhstan) Order 1998 be made in the form of the draft laid before this House on 2nd June—(Mr Greg Pope):—It was agreed to.

Address to be presented to Her Majesty by such Members of this House as are of Her Majesty's most honourable Privy Council or of Her Majesty's Household.

11Teaching and Higher Education Bill [Lords],—Mr Brian Wilson reported from the Committee appointed to draw up a Reason to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to the Amendment proposed by the Lords in lieu of the words left out of the Bill in page 22, lines 31 to 39, That it had drawn up the following Reason, which it had directed him to report to the House.

Because the said Lords Amendment involves charges on public funds, and the Commons do not offer any further Reason, trusting that this Reason may be deemed sufficient.

The Reason was agreed to.

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

12Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from citizens of the United Kingdom against snaring was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

13Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Greg Pope.)

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

[Adjourned at 12.58 a.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping (Small Workboats and Pilot Boats) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1609), dated 2nd July 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

2Police,—Royal Ulster Constabulary Pensions (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.R.(N.I.), 1998, No. 240), dated 1st July 1998 [by Statutory Instrument] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

Other Papers:

3Data Protection,—Account of the Data Protection Registrar for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 958] [Clerk of the House].

4Deregulation,—Proposal under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 by the Secretary of State for the Home Department for the Deregulation (Occasional Licences) Order 1998, with an explanatory memorandum [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

5Housing,—(1) Accounts, and

(2) Report and Summary Financial Statement

of Tai Cymru Housing for Wales for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Davies].

6Human Fertilisation and Embryology,—Account of the Human Fertilisation and

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  Embryology Authority for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 963] [Clerk of the House].

7National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on HM Customs and Excise: The Prevention of Drug Smuggling [by Act]; to be printed [No. 854] [Clerk of the House].

8National Heritage (Scotland),—Report of National Museums of Scotland for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

9Science and Technology,—Science, Engineering and Technology Statistics for 1998 [by Command] [Cm. 4006] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

10Social Security,—Paper, entitled Beating Fraud is Everyone's Business: Securing the Future [by Command] [Cm. 4012] [Secretary Harriet Harman].

APPENDIX II

Reports from Select Committees

1Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee on 13th July [Strategic Defence Review]; to be printed [No. 138-xiii] [Mr Bruce George].

2Health,—Memorandum laid before the Health Committee [Public Expenditure on Health and Personal Social Services]; to be printed [No. 959] [Mr David Hinchliffe].


[No. 206.]

Tuesday 14th July 1998.

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

PRAYERS.

1Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council Bill [Lords],—The Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council Bill [Lords] was read the third time, and passed, without Amendment.

2Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

The Lords do not insist on their Amendment in lieu of the words left out of the Teaching and Higher Education Bill [Lords] by an Amendment made by the Commons, to which Amendment in lieu the Commons have disagreed, but propose an Amendment in lieu thereof, to which they desire the concurrence of this House.

3Teaching and Higher Education Bill [Lords],—Lords Amendment to the Teaching and Higher Education Bill [Lords] in lieu of an Amendment to which the Commons have disagreed to be considered to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 230].

4Parliamentary Reform Bill,—Mr Tony Benn, supported by Ms Diane Abbott, Mr Jeremy Corbyn, Mr John Cryer, Mr Cynog Dafis, Alice Mahon, Mr John McAllion, Mr John McDonnell, Mr Andrew Mackinlay, Mr Richard Shepherd and Mr Alan Simpson presented a Bill to provide for the election of a Council of State to replace the House of Lords; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 226].

5Education (Schools Parenting Role),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to recognise the in loco parentis role of schools through amendment of the Ofsted inspection procedures; and for connected purposes: And that Mr Michael Fabricant, Sir Sydney Chapman, Mrs Ann Winterton, Mrs Llin Golding, Mr David Amess, Mr Alan Keen, Mr Eric Pickles, Mr Christopher Fraser, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Ronnie Fearn and Mr Peter Luff do prepare and bring it in.

6Education (Schools Parenting Role) Bill,—Mr Michael Fabricant accordingly presented a Bill to recognise the in loco parentis role of schools through amendment of the Ofsted inspection procedures; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 31st July and to be printed [Bill 227].

7Estimates [2nd allotted day],—The House proceeded, pursuant to Resolution [1st July], to consider the estimates appointed for consideration under Standing Order No. 54 (Consideration of estimates).

Estimates, 1998–99 (Class IV, Vote I),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, that a further sum not exceeding £142,691,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to complete or defray the charges which will come in course of

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payment during the year ending on 31st March 1999 for expenditure by the Intervention Board—Executive Agency in giving effect in the United Kingdom to the agricultural support provisions of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union; other services including BSE emergency measures; and administration—(Mr Jeff Rooker);

And it being three hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion, the Deputy Speaker interrupted the Debate, pursuant to Resolution [1st July], and the Question necessary to dispose of the proceedings was deferred, pursuant to paragraph (4) of Standing Order No. 54 (Consideration of estimates).

Estimates, 1998–99 (Class V, Vote 2),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, that a further sum not exceeding £719,838,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to complete or defray the charges which will come in course of payment during the year ending on 31st March 1999 for expenditure by the Department of Trade and Industry on payments to the Science Research Councils, the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering; OST initiatives; fees payable under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; and Research Council Pensions—(Mr John Battle);

And it being Ten o'clock the Deputy Speaker interrupted the proceedings, and the Question necessary to dispose of the proceedings was deferred, pursuant to paragraph (4) of Standing Order No. 54 (Consideration of estimates).

The Deputy Speaker, pursuant to paragraphs (4) and (5) of Standing Order No. 54 (Consideration of estimates), put the deferred Questions on estimates and the Question necessary to dispose of proceedings on the other estimate appointed for consideration this day.

Class IV Vote 1

Resolved, That a further sum not exceeding £142,691,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to complete or defray the charges which will come in course of payment during the year ending on 31st March 1999 for expenditure by the Intervention Board–Executive Agency in giving effect in the United Kingdom to the agricultural support provisions of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union; other services including BSE emergency measures; and administration.

Class IV Vote 2

Resolved, That a further sum not exceeding £389,128,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to complete or defray the charges which will come in course of payment during the year ending 31st March 1999 for expenditure by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on operational expenditure, agencies and departmental administration including BSE related measures; promote food safety; take action against diseases with implications for human health; safeguard essential supplies in an emergency; promote action to alleviate flooding and coastal erosion; to protect the rural economy particularly in Less Favoured Areas; encourage action to reduce water and other pollution and by other measures to safeguard the aquatic environment including its fauna and flora; improve the attractiveness and bio-diversity of the rural environment; implement MAFF's CAP obligations efficiently and seek a more economically rational CAP while avoiding discrimination against UK businesses; create the conditions in which efficient and sustainable agriculture, fishing, and food industries can flourish; take action against animal and plant diseases and pests; encourage high animal welfare standards; provide specialist support services; allocate resources where they are most needed; manage and develop staff; undertake research and development; and provide for the expenditure of the Ministry's executive agencies.

Class V Vote 2

Resolved, That a further sum not exceeding £719,838,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to complete or defray the charges which will come in course of payment during the year ending on 31st March 1999 for expenditure by the Department of Trade and Industry on payments to the Science Research Councils, the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering; OST initiatives; fees payable under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; and Research Council Pensions.

8Estimates and Supplementary Estimates, 1998–99,—The Deputy Speaker then put the Question required to be put pursuant to paragraph (1) of Standing Order No. 55 (Questions on voting of estimates, &c.).

Resolved, That a further sum not exceeding £110,476,127,000 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 31st March 1999, as set out in House of Commons Papers Nos. 635, 636, 637 and 783.

Ordered, That a Bill be brought in upon the four foregoing Resolutions and the two Resolutions of 6th July relating to Estimates: 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.

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9Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) (No. 2) Bill,—Dawn Primarolo accordingly presented a Bill to apply a sum out of the Consolidated Fund to the service of the year ending on 31st March 1999; to appropriate the supplies granted in this Session of Parliament; and to repeal certain Consolidated Fund and Appropriation Acts: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 224].

10Business 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 Registration of Political Parties Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr Jim Dowd):—It was agreed to.

11Registration of Political Parties Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Registration of Political Parties Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

Amendment (No. 1) proposed to the Bill, in page 4, line 11, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(1A) A party whose application under sections 3, 5, 6 or 18 is refused may appeal to the committee against the registrar's decision and the committee's determination of the appeal shall be final.'.—(Mr A. J. Beith.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 4) proposed to the Bill, in page 6, line 6, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(1A) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), it is an offence to attempt to secure the registration of a party which irrespective of the party's proposed registered name, is substantially the same as a registered party, having regard to the applicant party's objectives, membership, officers or geographical base.'.—(Mr Oliver Letwin.)

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

The Bill was read the third time, and passed.

12Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Janet Anderson);

Wednesday 15th July 1998

And the Question being put;

Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till Twelve o'clock on Wednesday morning, adjourned till this day.

[Adjourned at 12.00 midnight


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Children and Young Persons,—Children (Performances) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1678), dated 10th July 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

2Road Traffic,—Road Traffic (Permitted Parking Area and Special Parking Area) (City of Edinburgh) Designation Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1539), dated 22nd June 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

3Social Security,—Jobseeker's Allowance (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1698), dated 13th July 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

4Telegraphs,—Wireless Telegraphy (Licence Charges) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1703), dated 13th July 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

Other Papers:

5Betting, Gaming and Lotteries,—Reports and Financial Statements of the Horserace Betting Levy Board and the Horserace Totalisator Board for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

6Broadcasting,—Report and Accounts of the British Broadcasting Corporation for 1997–98 [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith].

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7Civil Aviation,—Report and Accounts of Highlands and Islands Airports Limited for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

8Comprehensive Spending Review,—Paper, entitled Modern Public Services for Britain, Investing in Reform: New Public Spending Plans 1999–2002 [by Command] [Cm. 4011] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer].

9Crown Estate,—Accounts of the Crown Estate Commissioners for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 972] [Clerk of the House].

10Data Protection,—Report and Financial Statements of the Data Protection Registrar for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 910] [Mr Secretary Straw].

11Defence Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Defence Postal and Courier Services Agency for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 806] [Mr Secretary Robertson].

12Development of Tourism,—Accounts of the Scottish Tourist Board for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 979] [Clerk of the House].

13Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland),—Accounts of Highlands and Islands Enterprise for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 973] [Clerk of the House].

14Government Trading Funds,—Report and Accounts of the Meteorological Office for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 913] [Clerk of the House].

15Registration Service,—Marriage, divorce and adoption statistics: Review of the Registrar General on marriages, divorces and adoptions in England and Wales, 1995 [by Act] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer].

16Social Security Executive Agencies,—Reports and Accounts of—

(1) Benefits Agency,

(2) Child Support Agency,

(3) Contributions Agency,

(4) Information Technology Services Agency, and

(5) War Pensions Agency

for 1997–98, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 901, 864, 870, 846 and 915] [Secretary Harriet Harman].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Draft Houses in Multiple Occupation (Charges for Registration Schemes) Regulations 1998,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mrs Ann Cryer and Mr Gerry Steinberg from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr David Crausby and Mr Bill Michie.

2Special Grant Report (No. 36) (House of Commons Paper No. 823) and Special Grant Report (No. 3) (Wales) 1998 (House of Commons Paper No. 832),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Nick Ainger from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Reports); and nominated in substitution Dr Stephen Ladyman.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Agriculture,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Agriculture Committee on 14th July [CAP reform: rural development]; to be printed [No. 890–ii]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Flood and coastal defence; CAP reform: rural development]

[Mr Peter Luff].

2Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport

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  Committee on 14th July [The Heritage Lottery Fund]; to be printed [No. 968–i] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].

3Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee on 14th July [Strategic Defence Review]; to be printed [No. 138–xiv] [Mr Bruce George].

4Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee on 14th July [The Role of Headteachers]; to be printed [No. 725–viii] [Ms Margaret Hodge].

5Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee on 14th July [The Protection of Field Boundaries]; to be printed [No. 969–i] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].

6International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee on 14th July [Conflict Prevention and Post-Conflict Reconstruction]; to be printed [No. 787–vi] [Mr Bowen Wells].

7Social Security,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Social Security Committee on 14th July [Pension Sharing on Divorce]; to be printed [No. 869–iv] [Mr Archy Kirkwood].

8Standards and Privileges,—Eighteenth Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges [Complaints against Mr Geoffrey Robinson (No. 2)], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 975] [Mr Robert Sheldon].

9Statutory Instruments,—Forty-first Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 33–xli] [Mr David Tredinnick].

10Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee on 14th July [Fairness at Work]; to be printed [No. 980–i] [Mr Martin O'Neill].

11Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Treasury Committee on 14th July [The Office for National Statistics]; to be printed [No. 976–i] [Mr Giles Radice].

12Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee on 14th July [Investment in Industry in Wales]; to be printed [No. 821–iv] [Mr Martyn Jones].


[No. 207.]

Wednesday 15th July 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 Jamieson);

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

2City of Edinburgh (Guided Busways) Order Confirmation Bill,—Mr Secretary Dewar presented a Bill to confirm a Provisional Order under section 7 of the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1936, relating to City of Edinburgh (Guided Busways): And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be considered on Tuesday 21st July and to be printed [Bill 228].

3Licensing (Amendment) Bill,—Mr Edward O'Hara reported from Standing Committee C, That it had gone through the Licensing (Amendment) Bill, and directed him to report the same, without Amendment.

Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered on Friday 24th July.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 983].

4First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Roger Gale reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Special Grant Report (No. 36) (HC No. 823) and the Special Grant Report (No. 3) (Wales) 1998 (HC No. 832).

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

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5Liaison,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Liaison Committee on 22nd January, 26th February and 4th and 25th June be printed [No. 986].

6Northern Ireland Bill,—Secretary Marjorie Mowlam, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Secretary Prescott, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Secretary Cook, Mr Secretary Straw, Mr Secretary Dewar, Mr Secretary Robertson, Mr Secretary Davies and Mr Paul Murphy, presented a Bill to make new provision for the government of Northern Ireland for the purpose of implementing the agreement reached at multi-party talks on Northern Ireland set out in Command Paper 3883: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 229].

7Participants in Sporting Events (Assaults, Etc.) Bill,—Mr Paul Flynn presented a Bill to make provision with respect to offences involving the intentional striking of blows to the head by participants in sporting events: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 9th October and to be printed [Bill 232].

8Community Reinvestment Disclosure,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require financial institutions to maintain and to publish details of their lending and financial services to individuals, businesses and organisations by postcode; to ensure that redlining of neighbourhoods does not take place; and to ensure that regeneration objectives are met through a public-private partnership of the financial institutions together with central and local government: And that Mr Tony Colman, Mr Giles Radice, Mr Malcolm Bruce, Sir Peter Lloyd, Sir Michael Spicer, Mr Charles Clarke, Ms Ruth Kelly, Ms Hazel Blears, Dr Alan Whitehead and Mr Chris Mullin do prepare and bring it in.

9Community Reinvestment Disclosure Bill,—Mr Tony Colman accordingly presented a Bill to require financial institutions to maintain and to publish details of their lending and financial services to individuals, businesses and organisations by postcode; to ensure that redlining of neighbourhoods does not take place; and to ensure that regeneration objectives are met through a public-private partnership of the financial institutions together with central and local government: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 231].

10Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) (No. 2) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) (No. 2) Bill;

A Motion was made, 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.

The Bill was accordingly read a second time.

The Question being put forthwith, pursuant to the said Standing Order, That the Bill be now read the third time:— It was agreed to.

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

11School Standards and Framework Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the School Standards and Framework Bill.

Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 33 were agreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 34.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Estelle Morris);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Jim Dowd, Mr David Jamieson: 306.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Donald Gorrie, Mr Paul Keetch: 184.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 35 was disagreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 36 to 41 were agreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 42.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Stephen Byers);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Jim Dowd: 305.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Nigel Waterson, Mr Stephen Day: 167.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.

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Lords Amendments Nos. 43 to 49 were disagreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 50.

An Amendment was made to the Lords Amendment, in line 2, by leaving out from the word ‘school' to the end and inserting the words—

‘(d) how the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils is to be promoted at the school;

(e) how pupils are to be prepared for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life and citizenship;

(f) the standards of educational achievement of pupils; and

(g) how the governing body are to promote the good behaviour, discipline and well-being of pupils', instead thereof.—(Estelle Morris.)

The Lords Amendment, so amended, was agreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 51 was agreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 52 was disagreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 53 to 138 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendment Nos. 92, 122 and 137.

Lords Amendment No. 139.

A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Secretary Blunkett);

And it being Ten o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned.

12Business 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 Teaching and Higher Education Bill [Lords] may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr Jim Dowd):—It was agreed to.

13School Standards and Framework Bill,—The House again proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the School Standards and Framework Bill.

Question again proposed, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment (No. 139).

Question put.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Kevin Hughes: 294.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Nigel Waterson: 137.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 140 was disagreed to.

Lords Amendment Nos. 141 to 197 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendment No. 141.

Lords Amendment No. 198 was disagreed to.

The words so restored to the Bill were amended—

(a) in page 117, line 11, by inserting, at the end, the words ‘of those voting';

(b) in page 117, line 11, by inserting, at the end, the words—

‘(3) Regulations under this paragraph must, however, include provision—

(a) for the members within each category of members of a committee to have collectively a single vote in relation to any decision to which this sub-paragraph applies;

(b) requiring any such decision which is taken by a committee to be a unanimous decision of those voting.

(4) Sub-paragraph (3) applies to any decision of a committee as to whether or not—

(a) to give any approval under section 25(4) or to prepare such a plan as is mentioned in section 25(5)(d)(ii);

(b) to give any approval under paragraph 3 of Schedule 6 or to—

(i) modify any proposals,

(ii) specify any date, or

(iii) make any determination,

under paragraph 5(2)(a) or (b) or (3) of that Schedule;

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(c) to make, vary or revoke a transitional exemption order under paragraph 21 of that Schedule or paragraph 16 of Schedule 7;

(d) to give any approval under paragraph 8 of Schedule 7;

(e) to make any decision authorised by or by virtue of paragraph 6 of Schedule 23.

(5) Where regulations under paragraph 2(2) of Schedule 8 provide for either of the following provisions, namely paragraph 3 or 5(2)(a) of Schedule 6, to have effect in relation to proposals published under paragraph 2 or 2A of Schedule 8, the reference to that provision in sub-paragraph (4) above shall include a reference to it as it so has effect.'; and

(c) in page 117, line 15, by inserting, at the end, the words—

‘When taking any decision a committee shall have regard (so far as relevant) to the obligations which, by virtue of—

(a) Part III of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, or

(b) Part III of the Race Relations Act 1976,

are owed by any local education authority or governing body which will be affected by the decision.'.

Lords Amendment No. 199 was disagreed to.

The words so restored to the Bill were amended, in page 118, line 32, at the end, by inserting the words—

‘When taking any decision an adjudicator shall have regard (so far as relevant) to the obligations which, by virtue of—

(a) Part III of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, or

(b) Part III of the Race Relations Act 1976,

are owed by any local education authority or governing body which will be affected by the decision.'.

Lords Amendments Nos. 200 to 236 were agreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 237.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Stephen Byers);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 275.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Nigel Waterson: 130.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 238 to 240 were disagreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 241 to 243 were agreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 244 was disagreed to.

An Amendment was made to the Bill in lieu of Lords Amendments Nos. 237 to 240 and 244, disagreed to, in page 143, line 25, at the end, by inserting the words—

(3) The instrument of government for any community or voluntary school which—

(a) is a primary school, and

(b) serves an area for which there are one or more minor authorities,

shall provide for the governing body to include (in addition to the governors required by virtue of paragraph 9, 13 or 14, as the case may be, and any required by virtue of sub-paragraph (1)) one co-opted governor nominated by the minor authority or (as the case may be) one of the minor authorities in question.

(4) Where any such school serves an area for which there are two or more minor authorities, the relevant governors shall, for the purposes of the appointment of any such co-opted governor, seek nominations from such one or more of those authorities as the governors think fit.

(5) In sub-paragraph (4) “the relevant governors” means those members of the school's governing body who are not co-opted governors.'

Lords Amendments Nos. 245 to 411 were agreed to.

Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendments Nos. 34, 35, 42 to 49, 52, 139 and 140.

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Ordered, That Mr Stephen Byers, Mr Stephen Day, Mr David Jamieson, Mrs Theresa May and Rachel Squire be members of the Committee.

Ordered, That Mr Stephen Byers be the Chairman of the Committee.

Ordered, That three be the quorum of the Committee.

Ordered, That the Committee do withdraw immediately.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

14Teaching and Higher Education Bill [Lords],—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendment in lieu of a Lords Amendment in lieu of words left out of the Teaching and Higher Education Bill [Lords] disagreed to by the Commons.

Question proposed, That this House agrees with the Lords in their Amendment;

Thursday 16th July 1998

Question put.

The Lords Amendment in lieu was agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges.

15Northern Ireland Bill,—Ordered, That, in respect of the Northern Ireland Bill, notices of Amendments, new Clauses and new Schedules to be moved in Committee may be accepted by the Clerks at the Table before the Bill has been read a second time.—(Bridget Prentice.)

16School Standards and Framework Bill,—Mr Stephen Byers reported from the Committee appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendments Nos. 34, 35, 42 to 49, 52, 139 and 140 to the School Standards and Framework Bill, That it had drawn up the following Reasons, which it had directed him to report to the House:

The Commons disagree to Lords Amendments Nos. 34 and 35 for the following Reason:

Because the Amendments are inconsistent with securing local decision-making on school organisation and a mechanism for resolving conflicts between the interests of admission authorities and wider community interests.

The Commons disagree to Lords Amendments Nos. 42 to 49 for the following Reason:

Because each of the schools concerned should have its own dedicated governing body to oversee standards at the school.

The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 52 for the following Reason:

Because the Amendment would create an undesirable additional burden for schools.

The Commons disagree to Lords Amendments Nos. 139 and 140 for the following Reason:

Because the Amendments would alter the financial arrangements made by the Commons, and the Commons do not offer any further Reason, trusting that this Reason may be deemed sufficient.

The Reasons were agreed to.

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

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17Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Mr John Arthur Dawes for investigation of extremely low frequency radio waves was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

18Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Bridget Prentice.)

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

[Adjourned at 12.39 a.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Ecclesiastical Law,—(1) Ecclesiastical Judges and Legal Officers (Fees) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1711), dated 4th July 1998,

(2) Faculty Jurisdiction (Appeals) Rules 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1713), dated 4th July 1998,

(3) Legal Officers (Annual Fees) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1712), dated 6th July 1998,

(4) National Institutions of the Church of England (Transfer of Functions) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1715), dated 5th July 1998, and

(5) Parochial Fees Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1714), dated 7th July 1998

[by Measure] [Clerk of the House].

2Local Government,—Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Exemption) (Bournemouth Borough Council and North West Leicestershire District Council) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1661), dated 8th July 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers:

3Coal Industry,—Accounts of the Coal Authority for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 982] [Clerk of the House].

4Courts and Legal Services,—Report of the Court Service for 1997–98 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 837] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

5Development of Tourism,—(1) Report and Accounts of the English Tourist Board for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]; and

(2) Report and Accounts of the Scottish Tourist Board for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

6Government Trading Funds,—Report and Accounts of the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 802] [Clerk of the House].

7Legal Aid and Advice,—Report and Accounts of the Legal Aid Board for 1997–98 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 943] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

8Legal Aid and Advice (Scotland),—Report and Accounts of the Scottish Legal Aid Board for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

9Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions,—Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions (Hong Kong Locally Engaged Ratings' Service Gratuities and Attributable Disablement and Death Awards) Order 1998, dated 24th June 1998 [by Act] [Mrs Ann Taylor].

10Opticians,—Accounts of the General Optical Council for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mrs Ann Taylor].

11Pensions,—Report of the Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority for 1997–98 [by Act] [Secretary Harriet Harman].

12Post Office,—Report and Accounts of the Post Office for 1997–98 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

13Welsh Development Agency,—(1) Accounts of the Welsh Development Agency for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 989] [Clerk of the House]; and

(2) Report and Summary Financial Statement of the Welsh Development Agency for

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1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Davies].

APPENDIX II

Grand Committees

1The Speaker has appointed Mr John Maxton and Mr Jimmy Hood Chairmen of the Scottish Grand Committee in respect of the meeting of the Committee in Westminster on Tuesday 21st July.

Standing Committees

2Draft Security for Private Road Works (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1998:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mrs Ray Michie Chairman; and

(2) The Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Miss Anne Begg, Mr Desmond Browne, Mr Tam Dalyell, Mr Ian Davidson, Mr James Gray, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mr John McFall, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Henry McLeish, Mr Michael Moore, Mr Jim Murphy, Mr Martin O'Neill, Mr Laurence Robertson, Mr Ernie Ross, Sir Robert Smith and Mr Robert Syms.

3Draft Pneumoconiosis etc. (Worker's Compensation) (Payment of Claims) Amendment Regulations 1998:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Joe Benton Chairman; and

(2) The Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Graham Allen, Mr David Amess, Mrs Liz Blackman, Angela Eagle, Mr Derek Foster, Mr Fabian Hamilton, Dr Evan Harris, Mr John Healey, Miss Julie Kirkbride, Siobhain McDonagh, Mr Paul Marsden, Mr Mark Oaten, Mr Eric Pickles, Mr Terry Rooney, Mrs Caroline Spelman and Mr Malcolm Wicks.

4Draft Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (Amendment) Regulations 1998:

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

(2) The Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Ms Candy Atherton, Mr Norman Baker, Mr Gerald Bermingham, Mr Harry Cohen, Mr Christopher Fraser, Mr Patrick Hall, Mr Mike Hancock, Mr Nick Hawkins, Mr George Howarth, Jane Kennedy, Mr Terry Lewis, Mr Humfrey Malins, Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews, Mr Chris Mullin, Mr Colin Pickthall and Mr Nigel Waterson.

5Draft International Monetary Fund (Increase in Subscription) Order 1998:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Roger Gale Chairman; and

(2) The Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Dr Vincent Cable, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mrs Louise Ellman, Mr David Hanson, Mr Oliver Heald, Dr Brian Iddon, Mr Tom Levitt, Mrs Helen Liddell, Mr Paul Marsden, Mr Denis Murphy, Mr Allan Rogers, Mr Gerry Steinberg, Dr Jenny Tonge, Mr Andrew Tyrie and Mr John Whittingdale.

6Draft Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Procedure) Rules 1998:

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

(2) The Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Richard Allan, Mr John Bercow, Tom Cox, Maria Eagle, Mr Edward Garnier, Mr Dominic Grieve, Mr Geoffrey Hoon, Mr Robert Jackson, Ms Sally Keeble, Ann Keen, Jane Kennedy, Ms Oona King, Mr David Lock, Ms Linda Perham, Mr Bob Russell and Mr Jonathan R. Shaw.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Broadcasting,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Broadcasting Committee on 15th July [The Development of Parliamentary Broadcasting]; to be printed [No. 984-i] [Mr Roger Gale].

2Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee on 15th July [Strategic Defence Review]; to be printed [No. 138-xv] [Mr Bruce George].

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3Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee on 15th July [New appointment hearing: the OFSTED Complaints Adjudicator]; to be printed [No. 981-i] [Ms Margaret Hodge].

4Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) Eighth Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Regional Air Services], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 589-I];

(2) Ninth Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [English Nature], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 790-I]; and

(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee on 15th July [Railway Safety]; to be printed [No. 987-i]

[Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

5Environmental Audit,—Third Report from the Environmental Audit Committee [The Pre-Budget Report: Government Response and Follow-up], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 985] [Mr John Horam].

6European Legislation,—(1) Thirty-fourth Report from the Select Committee on European Legislation; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 155-xxxiv]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on European Legislation on 15th July [Community Statistics]; to be printed [No. 991]

[Mr Jimmy Hood].

7Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee on 15th July [Public Expenditure 1998]; to be printed [No. 988-i] [Mr David Hinchliffe].

8Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on 15th July [The Prison Service in Northern Ireland]; to be printed [No. 716-v] [Mr Peter Brooke].

9Procedure,—(1) Third Report from the Procedure Committee [Objections to Questions in Select Committees], together with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 990]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Procedure Committee on 15th July [Financial Procedure]; to be printed [No. 848-ii]

[Mr Andrew Stunell].

10Public Accounts,—(1) Fifty-seventh Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [The PFI Contracts for Bridgend and Fazakerley Prisons], together with an Appendix to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 499];

(2) Fifty-eighth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Benefits Agency: Class XII, Vote 1, Appropriation Account 1996–97 (Central Government Administered Social Security Benefits and Other Payments)]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 570];

(3) Fifty-ninth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions: HM Coastguard (Civil Maritime Search and Rescue)]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 741];

(4) Sixtieth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [The Sale of AEA Technology]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 749]; and

(5) Sixty-first Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Getting Value for Money in Privatisations]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 992].

[Mr David Davis].

11Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee on 15th July [British Biotech plc]; to be printed [No. 888–ii] [Dr Michael Clark].

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12Social Security,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Social Security Committee on 15th July [Pension Sharing on Divorce]; to be printed [No. 869–v] [Mr Archy Kirkwood].

13Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee on 15th July [Fairness at Work]; to be printed [No. 980–ii] [Mr Martin O'Neill].

14Treasury,—(1) Seventh Report from the Treasury Committee [Bank of England: Operation of Accountability—One Year On]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 993]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee on 9th and 15th July [Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report and the Comprehensive Spending Review]; to be printed [Nos. 960–i and –ii].

[Mr Giles Radice].


THE SPEAKER'S CERTIFICATE

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


[No. 208.]

Thursday 16th July 1998.

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

PRAYERS.

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

Ordered, That the Bill be read the third time on Tuesday 28th July at Seven o'clock.

2Alliance & Leicester plc (Group Reorganisation) Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Alliance & Leicester plc (Group Reorganisation) Bill [Lords];

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday 23rd July.

3Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Jimmy Hood reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Houses in Multiple Occupation (Charges for Registration Schemes) Regulations 1998.

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

4Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

The Lords have agreed to the Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) (No. 2) Bill, without Amendment.

The Lords have agreed to the Government of Wales Bill, with Amendments; to which they desire the concurrence of this House.

5Government of Wales Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Government of Wales Bill to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 233].

6Royal Assent,—The Speaker notified the House, in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967, that Her Majesty had signified Her Royal Assent to the following Acts, agreed upon by both Houses:

Appropriation Act 1998

Data Protection Act 1998

Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998

Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council Act 1998.

7Adjournment (Public Expenditure),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Greg Pope);

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

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

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And the Motion having been made at Ten o'clock, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then half-past Ten o'clock, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 10.30 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Highlands and Islands Shipping Services,—Draft Undertaking by the Secretary of State for Scotland with the consent of Her Majesty's Treasury and P&O Scottish Ferries Limited and the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company for the Provision of Passenger Ferry Services to Orkney and Shetland [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

2Legal Services,—Draft Conditional Fee Agreements Order 1998 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

3Consumer Protection,—Cosmetic Products (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1727), dated 15th July 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

4Education,—Education (Assisted Places) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1726), dated 15th July 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

5Food,—Eggs (Marketing Standards) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1665), dated 3rd July 1998 [by Act] [Dr John Cunningham].

6Road Traffic,—M4 Motorway (Hillingdon and Hounslow) (Speed Limits) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1708), dated 10th July 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

7Social Security,—Social Security (Categorisation of Earners) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1728), dated 15th July 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Harriet Harman].

Other Papers:

8Criminal Justice,—Report of the Serious Fraud Office for 1997–98 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 838] [Mr Attorney General].

9Crown Estate,—Report and Accounts of the Crown Estate Commissioners for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Clerk of the House].

10Defence Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Duke of York's Royal Military School for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 810] [Clerk of the House].

11Development of Tourism,—Accounts of the Wales Tourist Board for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 997] [Clerk of the House].

12Environment, Transport and the Regions Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of Ordnance Survey for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 813] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

13Government Trading Funds,—Report and Accounts of the Royal Mint Trading Fund for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 789] [Clerk of the House].

14Local Government,—Report and Accounts of the London Pensions Fund Authority for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

15Local Government, Planning and Land,—(1) Financial Statements of the following Development Corporations for the period 1st April to 30th June 1998—

(i) Birmingham Heartlands,

(ii) Black Country,

(iii) London Docklands,

(iv) Merseyside,

(v) Plymouth,

(vi) Teesside,

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(vii) Trafford Park, and

(viii) Tyne and Wear; and

(2) Report and Accounts of the following Development Corporations for 1997–98—

(i) Teesside, and

(ii) Tyne and Wear

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

16Merchant Shipping,—Report and Accounts of the General Lighthouse Fund for 1996–97, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 922] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

17Museums and Galleries,—Accounts of—

(1) Imperial War Museum for 1996–97, and

(2) Museums and Galleries Commissioners for 1997–98

with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 996 and 995] [Clerk of the House].

18Northern Ireland,—Report of the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights for 1997–98 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 863] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

19Post Office,—Report of the Post Office Users' Council for Scotland for 1997–98 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

20Prisons (Scotland),—Report of the Parole Board for Scotland for 1997 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 829] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

21Trade and Industry Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Insolvency Service for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 828] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

APPENDIX II

Reports from Select Committees

1Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on 16th July [The Eyre Review]; to be printed [No. 994] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].

2Defence,—(1) Seventh Report from the Defence Committee [Aspects of Defence Procurement and Industrial Policy], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence and Trade and Industry Committees meeting concurrently pursuant to paragraph (4)(e) of Standing Order No. 152 (Select committees related to government departments); to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 675];

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on 16th July [Strategic Defence Review]; to be printed [No. 138–xvi]; and

(3) Memorandum laid before the Committee [The Landmines Bill]

[Mr Bruce George].

3Foreign Affairs,—Part of the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee on 16th July [The Public Expenditure Plans of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, 1998–99]; to be printed [No. 745–v] [Mr Donald Anderson].

4Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee on 16th July [Welfare of former British child migrants]; to be printed [No. 755–iv] [Mr David Hinchliffe].

5International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee on 16th July [Sudan]; to be printed [No. 872–ii] [Mr Bowen Wells].

6Trade and Industry,—Eighth Report from the Trade and Industry Committee [Aspects of Defence Procurement and Industrial Policy], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence and Trade and Industry Committees meeting concurrently pursuant to paragraph (4)(e) of Standing Order No. 152 (Select committees related to government departments); to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 675] [Mr Martin O'Neill].


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[No. 209.]

Friday 17th July 1998.

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

PRAYERS.

1Adjournment (NATO Enlargement),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Jim Dowd);

And it being Eleven o'clock, the Deputy Speaker interrupted the proceedings, pursuant to Standing Order No. 11 (Friday sittings).

And the Question being again proposed, That this House do now adjourn;

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

2Northern Ireland Bill (Programme),—Ordered, That the following provisions shall apply to proceedings on the Northern Ireland Bill:

Second Reading

1. Proceedings on Second Reading shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at Ten o'clock on Monday 20th July; and when the Bill has been read a second time it shall, notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order No. 63 (Committal of bills), stand committed to a Committee of the whole House without any question being put.

Committee stage

2. Proceedings in Committee shall be taken in the following order, namely, Clause 1, Schedule 1, Clauses 2 to 4, Schedules 2 and 3, Clauses 5 and 6, Schedule 4, Clauses 7 to 13, Clause 23, Clause 14, Schedule 5, Clauses 15 to 22, Clauses 24 to 32, Schedule 6, Clause 33, Schedule 7, Clauses 34 to 54, Schedule 8, Clauses 55 to 59, Schedule 9, Clauses 60 and 61, Schedule 10, Clauses 62 to 69, Schedule 11, Clauses 70 to 76, Schedule 12, Clauses 77 to 80, Schedule 13, Clause 81, Schedules 14 and 15, Clause 82 and new Clauses and new Schedules.

3. Proceedings in Committee of the whole House shall be completed at the four sittings specified in the following table, and each part of the proceedings shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at the end of the allotted period (calculated from the commencement of proceedings on the Bill on that day) or at the time specified in the following table—

SittingProceedingsAllotted period or time
Wednesday 22nd JulyClauses 1 to 13, Schedules 1 to 4three hours
Thursday 23rd JulyClause 23three hours or Seven o'clock (whichever is the earlier)
Clauses 14 to 22, Schedule 5six hours
Friday 24th JulyClauses 24 to 53, Schedules 6 and 7six hours
Monday 27th JulyClauses 54 to 82, remaining Schedules, new Clauses and new Schedules six hours

Remaining stages

4. Proceedings on Consideration and Third Reading shall be completed at the two sittings on Thursday 30th and Friday 31st July and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at half-past Two o'clock on Friday 31st July.

Conclusion of proceedings

5. (1) For the purpose of concluding any proceedings which are to be brought to a conclusion at a time appointed by this Order, the Chairman or Speaker shall forthwith put the following Questions (but no others):—

(a) any Question already proposed from the Chair;

(b) any Question necessary to bring to a decision a Question so proposed;

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(c) the Question on any Amendment moved or Motion made by a Minister of the Crown; and

(d) any other Question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded.

(2) On a Motion made for a new Clause or a new Schedule, the Chairman or Speaker shall put only the Question that the Clause or Schedule be added to the Bill.

(3) Proceedings under sub-paragraph (1) shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to sittings of the House and may be decided, though opposed, at any hour.

(4) If two or more Questions would fall to be put under sub-paragraph (1) (c) on Amendments moved or Motions made by a Minister of the Crown, or under sub-paragraph (1) (d) in relation to successive provisions of the Bill, the Chairman or Speaker shall instead put a single question in relation to those Amendments, Motions or provisions.

Miscellaneous

6. Standing Order No. 82 (Business Committee) shall not apply to proceedings on the Bill.

7. No Motion shall be made, except by a Minister of the Crown, to alter the order in which proceedings on the Bill are taken.

8. Standing Order No. 15 (1) (Exempted business) shall apply to proceedings on the bill at the sittings on any of the days specified in paragraph 3 above for any part of the allotted periods which falls after Ten o'clock or (where Standing Order No. 11 (Friday sittings) applies) after half-past Two o'clock.

9. (1) If a day specified in this Order is one to which a Motion for the adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 (Adjournment on specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration) would, apart from this Order, stand over to Seven o'clock—

(a) that Motion shall stand over until the conclusion of any proceedings on the Bill which, under this Order, are to be brought to a conclusion at or before that time;

(b) the bringing to a conclusion of any proceedings on the Bill which under this Order are to be brought to a conclusion after that time shall be postponed for a period equal to the duration of the proceedings on the Motion; and

(c) paragraph (1) of Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business) shall apply to the proceedings on the Bill for the period after Ten o'clock for which sub-paragraph (b) permits them to continue.

(2) If a day specified in this Order is one to which a Motion for the adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 stands over from an earlier day

(a) the bringing to a conclusion of any proceedings on the Bill which under this Order are to be brought to a conclusion on that day shall be postponed for a period equal to the duration of the proceedings on the Motion; and

(b) paragraph (1) of Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business) shall apply to the proceedings on the Bill for the period after Ten o'clock for which sub-paragraph (a) permits them to continue.

Supplementary

10. (1) If a Motion is made by a Minister of the Crown to amend this Order and if an effect of the Motion would be to provide a greater amount of time for proceedings on the Bill, the Question on the Motion shall be put forthwith and may be decided, though opposed, at any hour.

(2) If a Motion is made by a Minister of the Crown to supplement the provisions of this Order in respect of further proceedings on the Bill, the Motion may be proceeded with, though opposed, at any hour and the proceedings, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion three-quarters of an hour after they have been commenced.—(Bridget Prentice.)

3Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Monday 20th July, the provisions of paragraph 1 of Standing Order No. 16 (Proceedings under an Act or on European Community documents) shall not apply to the Motion in the name of Mr Secretary Dewar relating to the Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning) (No. 2) Order 1998 and the Question thereon shall be put forthwith.—(Bridget Prentice.)

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

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And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till Three o'clock, adjourned till Monday 20th July.

[Adjourned at 3.00 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution

1Education,—Draft Education (Student Support) Regulations 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

2Education (Scotland),—Draft Education (Student Loans) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

3Animals,—Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act (Amendment to Schedule 2) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1674), dated 3rd July 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

Other Papers:

4Development of Rural Wales,—Report and Accounts of the Development Board for Rural Wales for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Davies].

5European Communities (No. 3, 1998),—Euro-Mediterranean Agreement, done at Brussels on 24th November 1997, establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, of the other part, including Protocols, with Exchange of Letters, Declarations and Final Act [by Command] [Cm. 3946] [Mr Secretary Cook].

6Human Fertilisation and Embryology,—Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority Code of Practice: Fourth Edition [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

7Local Government,—Report and Accounts of the Local Government Commission for England for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

8Local Government, Planning and Land,—Report and Accounts of the Land Authority for Wales for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Davies].

9National Health Service,—Summarised Accounts of Health Authorities and NHS Trusts in England, the Dental Practice Board and Special Health Authorities providing central services in England, and of Funds held on Trust by Health Authorities, NHS Trusts, Special Health Authorities and Special Trustees in England, for 1996–97, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 923] [Clerk of the House].

10Northern Ireland Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 867] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

11Treaty Series (No. 28, 1998),—First Supplementary List of Ratifications, Accessions, Withdrawals, etc. for 1998 [by Command] [Cm. 4005] [Mr Secretary Cook].


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