| Commons Journal 254
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II
Page 701 1997-1998 Volume 254
[No. 210.] Monday 20th July 1998.
The House met at half-past Two o‘clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
Statute Law Repeals Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill, intituled, An Act to promote the reform of the statute law by the repeal, in accordance with recommendations of the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission, of certain enactments which (except in so far as their effect is preserved) are no longer of practical utility, and to make other provision in connection with the repeal of those enactments; to which they desire the concurrence of this House.
Sexual Orientation Discrimination Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill, intituled, An Act to render unlawful certain kinds of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation; to which they desire the concurrence of this House.
| 2 | Statute Law Repeals Bill [Lords],—The Statute Law Repeals Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 234]. |
| 3 | Northern Ireland Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Northern Ireland Bill; |
Secretary Marjorie Mowlam acquainted the House, That she had it in Command from the Queen to acquaint the House that Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, has consented to place Her prerogative, so far as it is affected by the Bill, at the disposal of Parliament for the purposes of the Bill.
And a Motion being made and the Question being put, That the Bill be now read a second time;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Clive Betts, Mr David Jamieson: 322.
Tellers for the Noes, The Reverend Ian Paisley, Mr Peter Robinson: 9.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read a second time, and stood committed to a Committee of the whole House, pursuant to Order [17th July].
Committee to-morrow.
| 4 | Northern Ireland Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Northern Ireland Bill [Money]; |
A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Northern Ireland Bill, it is expedient to authorise—
(a) the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any expenditure of the Secretary of State in consequence of the Act;
(b) the charging on, and payment out of, the Consolidated Fund of sums to be paid into the Consolidated Fund of Northern Ireland;
(c) the issue out of the National Loans Fund of sums required by the Secretary of State for the making of advances to the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland;
(d) the payment of sums into the Consolidated Fund or the National Loans Fund—(Mr Jim Dowd):—It was agreed to.
| 5 | Local Government Finance,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Special Grant Report (No. 36) (House of Commons Paper No. 823), which was laid before this House on 17th June, be approved—(Mr Jim Dowd):—It was agreed to. |
| 6 | Local Government,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Houses in Multiple Occupation (Charges for Registration Schemes) Regulations 1998, which were laid before this House on 22nd June, be approved—(Mr Jim Dowd):—It was agreed to. |
| 7 | Local Government Finance (Wales),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put
|
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forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Special Grant Report (No. 3) (Wales) 1998 (House of Commons Paper No. 832), which was laid before this House on 25th June, be approved—(Mr Jim Dowd):—It was agreed to. |
| 8 | Public Health,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Order [17th July], That the Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning) (No. 2) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1582), dated 29th June 1998, a copy of which was laid before this House on 1st July, be approved—(Mr Jim Dowd):—It was agreed to. |
| 9 | Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Ordered, That Mr Howard Flight be discharged from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee and Mr John Randall be added to the Committee.—(Mr George Mudie, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) |
| 10 | Health,—Ordered, That Mr Andrew Lansley be discharged from the Health Committee and Mr David Amess be added to the Committee.—(Mr George Mudie, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) |
| 11 | Social Security,—Ordered, That Mr Nick Gibb be discharged from the Social Security Committee and Mr Howard Flight be added to the Committee.—(Mr George Mudie, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) |
| 12 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Jim Dowd.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till seventeen minutes to Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.43 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Education,—Education (Grants for Education Support and Training) (England) Regulations 1998 (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1741), dated 16th July 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 2 | Financial Services,—Financial Markets and Insolvency Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1748), dated 18th July 1998 [by Act] [Mrs Helen Liddell]. |
| 3 | Merchant Shipping,—(1) Merchant Shipping (Co-operation with Search and Rescue Services) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1692), and |
(2) Merchant Shipping (Distress Messages) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1691),
dated 6th July 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
| 4 | National Assistance Services,—National Assistance (Assessment of Resources) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1730), dated 16th July 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson]. |
| 5 | Protection of Wrecks,—Protection of Wrecks (Designation No. 2) Order 1984 (Amendment) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1746), dated 17th July 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
| 6 | Social Security,—Housing Benefit (General) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1732), dated 16th July 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Harriet Harman]. |
Other Papers:
| 7 | Broadcasting,—Report and Accounts of the Gaelic Broadcasting Committee for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 8 | Criminal Appeal,—Report and Accounts of the Criminal Cases Review Commission for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 9 | Defence Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Ministry of Defence Police Chief Constable for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 948] [Mr Secretary Robertson]. |
| 10 | Education,—Accounts of the Funding Agency for Schools for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1009] [Clerk of the House]. |
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| 11 | Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland),—Report and Accounts of Highlands and Islands Enterprise for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 12 | Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Government Response to the Third Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee, Session 1997–98, on the Proposed Strategic Rail Authority and Railway Regulation: A New Deal for the Railways [by Command] [Cm. 4024] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 13 | Environment, Transport and the Regions,—Paper, entitled A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone—The Government's White Paper on the Future of Transport [by Command] [Cm. 3950] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 14 | Environment, Transport and the Regions Executive Agencies,—Reports and Accounts of— |
(1) Coastguard Agency, and
(2) Marine Safety Agency
for 1997–98, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 800 and 801] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
| 15 | Environmental Protection,—Report and Summary Financial Statement of the Countryside Council for Wales for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Davies]. |
| 16 | Government Trading Funds,—Report and Accounts of the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 954] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 17 | Housing (Scotland),—Accounts of Scottish Homes for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1007] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 18 | Local Government, Planning and Land,—Report and Accounts of Cardiff Bay Development Corporation for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Davies]. |
| 19 | Northern Ireland Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Northern Ireland Health and Social Services Estates Agency for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 900] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam]. |
| 20 | Science and Technology,—Government Response to the Second Report from the Science and Technology Committee, Session 1997–98, on The Year 2000—Computer Compliance [by Command] [Cm. 3944] [Dr David Clark]. |
| 21 | Welsh Language,—Report and Summary Financial Statement of the Welsh Language Board for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Davies]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) (Payment of Claims) Amendment Regulations 1998,—The Committee of Selection has discharged from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation Mr Paul Marsden (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Dr Phyllis Starkey. |
| 2 | Draft Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (Amendment) Regulations 1998,—The Committee of Selection has discharged from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation Mr Chris Mullin (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Phil Sawford. |
| 3 | Draft International Monetary Fund (Increase in Subscription) Order 1998,—The Committee of Selection has discharged from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation Mr Allan Rogers (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Fraser Kemp. |
| 4 | Draft Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Procedure) Rules 1998,—The Committee of Selection has discharged from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation Ms Sally Keeble (nominated in respect of the draft Rules); and nominated in substitution Mr Alan Hurst. |
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APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee on 20th July [Strategic Defence Review]; to be printed [No. 138-xvii] [Mr Bruce George]. |
| 2 | Deregulation,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Deregulation Committee on 20th July [The Proposal for the Deregulation (Weights and Measures) Order 1998]; to be printed [No. 939-ii] [Mr Peter L. Pike]. |
| 3 | Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee on 20th July [Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report and the Comprehensive Spending Review]; to be printed [No. 960-iii] [Mr Giles Radice]. |
[No. 211.] Tuesday 21st July 1998.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | City of Edinburgh (Guided Busways) Order Confirmation Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the City of Edinburgh (Guided Busways) Order Confirmation Bill. |
Bill to be read the third time to-morrow.
| 2 | First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mrs Ray Michie reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Security for Private Road Works (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1998. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr George Stevenson reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Community Drivers' Hours and Recording Equipment (Amendment) Regulations 1998. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
The Lords agree, without Amendment, to the Amendment made by this House to one of their Amendments to the School Standards and Framework Bill; they do not insist on their remaining Amendments, to which this House has disagreed; they agree, without Amendment, to an Amendment made by this House in lieu of certain of their Amendments; and they agree, without Amendment, to the Amendments made by this House to words restored to the Bill.
| 5 | Remission of Third World Debt (Jubilee 2000),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to provide for the remission of debt owed by the poorest developing countries by the year 2000: And that Mr William Cash, Mr Donald Anderson, Mr Frank Cook, Mrs Margaret Ewing, Mr Simon Hughes, Mr Nigel Jones, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Martin O'Neill, Mr Giles Radice, Mr Barry Sheerman, Mr Bowen Wells and Steve Webb do prepare and bring it in. |
| 6 | Remission of Third World Debt (Jubilee 2000) Bill,—Mr William Cash accordingly presented a Bill to provide for the remission of debt owed by the poorest developing countries by the year 2000: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 235]. |
| 7 | Opposition Day [18th allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the second largest opposition party in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider opposition business. |
Relationship of Government to Parliament—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House, reiterating the importance of a strong parliamentary democracy in Britain, deplores the fact that successive governments have increasingly diluted the role of Parliament by making announcements to the media before making them to this House; by undermining the legitimate revising role of the House of Lords; by giving access to lobbyists at a time when the representations of elected Members are dealt with in an increasingly dilatory fashion; by inhibiting the rights of backbenchers to make criticisms of their own side; by encouraging planted supplementary questions which fail to hold the Executive to account; and by responding to questions and arguments with
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meaningless soundbites and partisan rhetoric instead of constructive answers—(Mr A. J. Beith);
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 ‘notes that members of the Government are present daily in both Houses, putting forward the case for the Government's legislative and financial proposals and being held to account for its policies and actions; welcomes the all-party support for the establishment of the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons and the endorsement by the House of key proposals to make Parliament more effective and efficient; notes that more statements have been made by ministers this session than in the equivalent period in 1992-93, and that Cabinet ministers have given oral evidence to select committees on more occasions than the average for the past seven sessions; and believes that the Government has lived up to both its manifesto commitment and the 19th March 1997 resolution on ministerial accountability', instead thereof.—(Mrs Ann Taylor.)
And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Donald Gorrie: 42.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Greg Pope, Mr David Clelland: 310.
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 notes that members of the Government are present daily in both Houses, putting forward the case for the Government's legislative and financial proposals and being held to account for its policies and actions; welcomes the all-party support for the establishment of the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons and the endorsement by the House of key proposals to make Parliament more effective and efficient; notes that more statements have been made by ministers this session than in the equivalent period in 1992–93, and that Cabinet ministers have given oral evidence to select committees on more occasions that the average for the past seven sessions; and believes that the Government has lived up to both its manifesto commitment and the 19th March 1997 resolution on ministerial accountability.
European Single Currency,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House believes that membership of the European Single Currency will be in Britain's long-term economic interests because it will promote trade, increase competitiveness, secure inward investment, reduce interest rates, boost economic stability, consolidate the City of London's pre-eminent financial market position, and promote growth, employment and Britain's influence in Europe; calls on the Government to hold a referendum on the principle of the Single Currency during the current Parliament and to join the Single Currency at the earliest practical opportunity; and in the intervening period to implement a series of policies to prepare for Single Currency membership including: joint six monthly reports by the Treasury and the Bank of England on progress towards interest rate convergence with the Euro zone, steps to secure a stable and fairly valued pound, action to align UK and Euro inflation levels and targets, and discussions with the UK's European partners aimed at promoting an accountable structure for the European Central Bank and maximum possible fiscal subsidiarity—(Mr Malcolm Bruce);
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 conviction to pursue a prudent and balanced policy in respect of United Kingdom membership of the single currency; believes that, in principle, British membership of a successful single currency could bring economic benefits to Britain and to Europe; welcomes the Government's decision to make the national economic interest the key test for British entry; agrees with the Government that, barring some fundamental and unforeseen change in economic circumstances, making a decision to join during the current Parliament is not realistic; commends the actions of the Government to introduce a programme of economic reforms and practical assistance for British business which are both in the national economic interest and will help to create a real option of joining the single currency early in the next Parliament should Government, Parliament and the people so decide; and believes that the Government's policy will bring stability to business and reflects the long-term economic interests of the country', instead thereof.—(Mr Alistair Darling.)
And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;
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The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Edward Davey, Mr Phil Willis: 46.
Tellers for the Noes, Jane Kennedy, Mr Jon Owen Jones: 292.
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 conviction to pursue a prudent and balanced policy in respect of United Kingdom membership of the single currency; believes that, in principle, British membership of a successful single currency could bring economic benefits to Britain and to Europe; welcomes the Government's decision to make the national economic interest the key test for British entry; agrees with the Government that, barring some fundamental and unforeseen change in economic circumstances, making a decision to join during the current Parliament is not realistic; commends the actions of the Government to introduce a programme of economic reforms and practical assistance for British businesses which are both in the national economic interest and will help to create a real option of joining the single currency early in the next Parliament should Government, Parliament and the people so decide; and believes that the Government's policy will bring stability to business and reflects the long-term economic interests of the country.
| 8 | Section 5 of The European Communities (Amendment) Act 1993,—Ordered, That, for the purposes of their approval under section 5 of the European Communities (Amendment) Act 1993, the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report 1998 and the Comprehensive Spending Review shall be treated as if they were instruments subject to the provisions of Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation).—(Mr Jim Dowd.) |
| 9 | Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from— |
(1) residents of Hastings and Rye for an improved transport infrastructure for the area, and
(2) residents and others of the Far Cotton and St. James' areas of Northampton for a comprehensive public inquiry into the floods in the Northampton area in Easter 1998
were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
| 10 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Jim Dowd); |
And the Motion having being made after 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 thirteen minutes to Eleven o'clock, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.47 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Agriculture,—Draft Meat and Livestock Commission Levy (Variation) Scheme (Confirmation) Order 1998 [by Act] [Dr John Cunningham]. |
| 2 | Northern Ireland,—Draft Local Government (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam]. |
Other Papers:
| 3 | Audit (Northern Ireland),—Reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland on: |
(1) National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland: Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, and
(2) Northern Ireland Health and Personal Social Services: Controls to Prevent and Detect Fraud in Family Practitioner Service Payments
[by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [Nos. 916 and 917] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].
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| 4 | Communications,—Paper, entitled Regulating communications: approaching convergence in the Information Age [by Command] [Cm. 4022] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 5 | Culture, Media and Sport,—Government Response to the Fourth Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Session 1997–98, on The Multimedia Revolution [by Command] [Cm. 4020] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
| 6 | Disability Rights Commission,—Paper, entitled Promoting Disabled People's Rights: creating a Disability Rights Commission fit for the 21st century [by Command] [Cm. 3977] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 7 | Duchies of Cornwall and Lancaster,—Revenue and Capital Accounts of the Duchy of Lancaster for 1997–98 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo]. |
| 8 | Government Trading Funds,—Reports and Accounts of: |
(1) Central Office of Information,
(2) Companies House, and
(3) HM Land Registry
for 1997–98, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 978, 824 and 962] [Clerk of the House].
| 9 | Home Office Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the United Kingdom Passport Agency for 1997–8, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 884] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 10 | Hong Kong,—Six-monthly Report on Hong Kong, January-June 1998 [by Command] [Cm. 4019] [Mr Secretary Cook]. |
| 11 | Housing,—Report and Accounts of North Hull Housing Action Trust for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 12 | Local Government,—Financial Statements of the South Bank Centre for 1997-98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
| 13 | National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Benefits Agency: Performance Measurement [by Act]; to be printed [No. 952] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 14 | National Heritage,—Accounts of the National Heritage Memorial Fund for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1013] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 15 | National Lottery,—Accounts of the National Heritage Memorial Fund Lottery Distribution for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1014] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 16 | New Towns,—Accounts of the Commission for the New Towns for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 17 | Northern Ireland Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Social Security Agency for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 911] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam]. |
| 18 | Prisons (Scotland),—Report and Accounts of the Scottish Prison Service for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 808] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 19 | Transport,—Report and Accounts of British Waterways for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 20 | War Pensions,—List of exceptional awards for 1997–98 [by Statutory Instrument] [Secretary Harriet Harman]. |
| 21 | Welsh Language,—Accounts of the Welsh Language Board for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1012] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 22 | Wildlife and Countryside,—Accounts of the Countryside Commission for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1022] [Clerk of the House]. |
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APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) (Payment of Claims) Amendment Regulations 1998,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Malcolm Wicks from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Paul Marsden. |
| 2 | Draft International Monetary Fund (Increase in Subscription) Order 1998,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Paul Marsden and Mr John Whittingdale from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Gary Streeter and Mr Malcolm Wicks. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Agriculture,—Memorandum laid before the Agriculture Committee [Flood and coastal defence] [Mr Peter Luff]. |
| 2 | Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee on 21st July [Strategic Defence Review]; to be printed [Nos. 138-xviii and xix] [Mr Bruce George]. |
| 3 | Education and Employment,—Seventh Report from the Education and Employment Committee [Pathways into Work for Lone Parents], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 646] [Mr Derek Foster]. |
| 4 | Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee on 21st July [Trees; and European Environmental Policy]; to be printed [Nos. 1017 and 1018] [Mr John Horam]. |
| 5 | Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee on 21st July [The Protection of Field Boundaries]; to be printed [No. 969-ii] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett]. |
| 6 | International Development,—Fifth Report from the International Development Committee [Department for International Development: 1998 Departmental Report]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 711] [Mr Bowen Wells]. |
| 7 | Public Administration,—Fourth Special Report from the Select Committee on Public Administration [Government Response to the Third Report from the Committee on Your Right to Know: the Government's proposals for a Freedom of Information Act]; to be printed [No. 1020] [Mr Rhodri Morgan]. |
| 8 | Social Security,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Social Security Committee on 21st July [Child Benefit Fraud]; to be printed [No. 1021-i] [Mr Archy Kirkwood]. |
| 9 | Trade and Industry,—(1) Ninth Report from the Trade and Industry Committee [Georgian Nuclear Material at Dounreay], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 815]; and |
(2) Tenth Report from the Trade and Industry Committee [Developments in the Liberalisation of the Domestic Electricity Market], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 871]
[Mr Martin O'Neill].
| 10 | Statutory Instruments,—Forty-second Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 33-xlii] [Mr David Tredinnick]. |
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[No. 212.] Wednesday 22nd July 1998.
The House met at half-past Nine o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Robert Ainsworth); |
And it being Two o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.
| 2 | City of Edinburgh (Guided Busways) Order Confirmation Bill,—The City of Edinburgh (Guided Busways) Order Confirmation Bill was, according to Order, read the third time, and passed. |
| 3 | Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Joe Benton reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) (Payment of Claims) Amendment Regulations 1998. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Peter Atkinson reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (Amendment) Regulations 1998. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 5 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
The Lords have agreed to the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Bill, with Amendments; to which they desire the concurrence of this House.
| 6 | Northern Ireland (Sentences) Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Bill to be considered to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 238]. |
| 7 | Energy Efficiency Bill,—Ordered, That the Energy Efficiency Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, be considered on Friday 6th November. |
| 8 | Pet Ownership (Residential and Sheltered Accommodation) Bill,—Mr Paul Burstow presented a Bill to require local authorities to formulate policies to enable people in certain types of accommodation to keep pets; 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 236]. |
| 9 | Flood Warnings (Vulnerable Properties),—Ordered, That leave to be given to bring in a Bill to introduce a system of advance warnings whereby people who buy or rent homes, stay in hotels, or rent or pitch caravans or tents in flood plains are informed of the risks; and for connected purposes: And that Ms Sally Keeble, Mr Tony Clarke, Dr Evan Harris, Dr Phyllis Starkey, Mrs Diana Organ, Mr Patrick Hall, Mr John Hayes, Mr Brian White, Paddy Tipping, Mr John Healey, Mr Paul Keetch and Gillian Merron do prepare and bring it in. |
| 10 | Flood Warnings (Vulnerable Properties) Bill,—Ms Sally Keeble accordingly presented a Bill to introduce a system of advance warnings whereby people who buy or rent homes, stay in hotels, or rent or pitch caravans or tents in flood plains are informed of the risks; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 6th November and to be printed [Bill 237]. |
| 11 | Government of Wales Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Government of Wales Bill. |
Ordered, That the Lords Amendments to the Bill be considered in the following order, namely: No. 125; No. 33; Remaining Amendments (other than Nos. 3, 5 to 12, 14 to 16, 18, 20 to 22, 27, 49 and 82); Nos. 49 and 82; Nos. 3, 5 to 12, 14 to 16, 18 and 20 to 22; No. 27.—(Mr Jon Owen Jones.)
Lords Amendment No. 125 was agreed to.
Lords Amendment No. 33.
Question put, That this House agrees with the Lords in their Amendment.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John McFall, Mr David Jamieson: 266.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Ieuan Wyn Jones, Mr Lembit Opik: 46.
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The Lords Amendment was accordingly agreed to.
Lords Amendments Nos. 1, 2, 4, 13, 17, 19, 23 to 26, 28 to 32, 34 to 48, 50 to 81, 83 to 124, 126 to 210, 49 and 82 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendments Nos. 186 and 187.
Lords Amendments Nos. 3, 5 to 12, 14 to 16, 18 and 20 were disagreed to.
Lords Amendment No. 21.
The Lords Amendment was amended, in line 1, by leaving out the words ‘the same list as the last person to occupy the vacant seat' and inserting the words ‘that list', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Davies.)
The Lords Amendment, so amended, was agreed to.
Lords Amendment No. 22 was disagreed to.
Lords Amendment No. 27 was disagreed to.
An Amendment was proposed to the Bill in lieu of Lords Amendment No. 27, disagreed to, in page 28, line 12, at the end, to insert the words—
‘( ) A Minister of the Crown may not—
(a) be elected to be Assembly First Secretary, or
(b) be appointed as an Assembly Secretary.'—(Dr Liam Fox.)
Question put, That the Amendment in lieu be made.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Nigel Waterson: 148.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Kevin Hughes: 265.
The Title was accordingly amended, as follows: A Bill to establish and make provision about the National Assembly for Wales and the offices of Auditor General for Wales and the Welsh Administration Ombudsman; to reform certain Welsh public bodies and abolish certain other Welsh public bodies; and for connected purposes.
Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendments Nos. 3, 5 to 12, 14 to 16, 18, 20, 22 and 27.
Ordered, That Mr Nick Ainger, Mr Secretary Davies, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Nigel Evans and Mr Jon Owen Jones be members of the Committee.
Ordered, That Mr Secretary Davies be the Chairman of the Committee.
Ordered, That three be the quorum of the Committee.
Ordered, That the Committee do withdraw immediately.—(Mr Jon Owen Jones.)
| 12 | Northern Ireland Bill (Committee) [1st allotted day],—The House, according to Order, resolved itself into a Committee on the Northern Ireland Bill. |
(In the Committee)
Clause No.1 (Status of Northern Ireland).
Amendment (No. 60) proposed, in page 1, line 10, at the end, to insert the words—
‘(1A) The Secretary of State shall not make an order under paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 without the Assembly giving its consent by a cross-community vote as defined in section 4(5).'.—(The Reverend Ian Paisley.)
Question put, That the Amendment be made.
The Committee divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, The Reverend Ian Paisley, Mr William Thompson: 10.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Kevin Hughes: 285.
Another Amendment (No. 104) proposed, in page 1, line 11, after the word ‘But', to insert the words ‘subject to subsection (3) below'.—(Mr David Trimble.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Amendment (No. 105) proposed, in page 1, line 15, after the word ‘of', to insert the words ‘the Republic of'.—(Mr David Trimble.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
The Chairman, being of the opinion that the principle of the Clause and any matters arising thereon had been adequately discussed in the course of debate on the Amendments
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proposed thereto, put forthwith the Question, pursuant to Standing Order No. 68 (Debate on clause or schedule standing part), That the Clause stand part of the Bill:— It was agreed to.
Schedule No. 1 (Polls for the purposes of section 1).
Amendment (No. 37) proposed, in page 39, line 18, to leave out the word ‘including' and insert the word ‘except'.—(Mr Malcolm Moss.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Schedule agreed to.
Clause No. 2 (Previous enactments).
Amendment (No. 134) proposed, in page 1, line 16, at the beginning, to insert ‘(1)'.—(Mr Willam Ross.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Question put, That the Clause stand part of the Bill.
The Committee divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Kevin Hughes: 282.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Robinson, Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson: 9.
It being more than three hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Bill this day, the Chairman, pursuant to Order [17th July], put the Questions necesssary for the disposal of business then required to be concluded.
Clauses Nos. 3 and 4, Schedules Nos. 2 and 3, Clauses Nos. 5 and 6, Schedule No. 4 and Clauses Nos. 7 to 13 agreed to.
The Chairman left the Chair to report progress and ask leave to sit again.
The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Jim Dowd reported, That the Committee had made progress in the Bill and moved, That the Committee may have leave to sit again.
Committee again to-morrow.
| 13 | Government of Wales Bill,—Mr Secretary Davies reported from the Committee appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendments Nos 3, 5 to 12, 14 to 16, 18, 20, 22 and 27 to the Government of Wales 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. 3, 5 to 12, 14 to 16, 18, 20 and 22 for the following Reason:—
Because the Amendments would unjustifiably restrict the right of voters to choose the persons who are to be members of the National Assembly for Wales for the electoral regions.
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 27 for the following Reason:
Because it is not appropriate for Ministers of the Crown to be disqualified from being members of the National Assembly for Wales.
The Reasons were agreed to.
Message to the Lords to communicate the said Reasons, with the Bill and Amendments.
| 14 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Jim Dowd); |
And the Motion having being made after 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 twenty-eight minutes to Twelve o'clock till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 11.32 p.m.
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APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Designs,—Registered Designs (Fees) Rules 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1777), dated 16th July 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 2 | Gas,—Gas Act 1986 (Exemption) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1779), dated 20th July 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 3 | Northern Ireland,—(1) Education (Student Support) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1760), and |
(2) Public Interest Disclosure (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1763),
dated 21st July 1998 [by Act] [Mrs Ann Taylor].
| 4 | Patents,—Patents (Fees) Rules 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1778), dated 16th July 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 5 | Trade Marks,—Trade Marks (Fees) Rules 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1776), dated 9th July 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
Other Papers:
| 6 | Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland),—(1) Report of Scottish Enterprise for 1997-98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]; and |
(2) Accounts of Scottish Enterprise for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1028] [Clerk of the House].
| 7 | Further Education (Scotland),—Report by the Secretary of State for Scotland on Further Education in Scotland for 1997 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 8 | Further and Higher Education,—Accounts of the Further and Higher Education Funding Councils for Wales for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1027] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 9 | Housing,—Report and Accounts of Liverpool Housing Action Trust for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 10 | Housing (Scotland),—(1) Accounts, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon, and |
(2) Report
of Scottish Homes for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].
| 11 | Magistrates' Courts,—Report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of the Magistrates' Courts Service for 1997–98 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 866] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon]. |
| 12 | National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on A Case Study of Stores Management in the Ministry of Defence [by Act]; to be printed [No. 951] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 13 | National Lottery,—Accounts of the Scottish Sports Council National Lottery Fund for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1029] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 14 | Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors,—Report and Accounts of the National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson]. |
| 15 | Public Accounts,—Treasury Minute on the Thirty-first to Thirty-seventh Reports from the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 1997–98 [by Command] [Cm. 4004] [Dawn Primarolo]. |
| 16 | Social Security,—Report by the Secretary of State for Social Security on the Social Fund for 1997–98 [by Command] [Cm. 4003] [Secretary Harriet Harman]. |
| 17 | Trade Union and Labour Relations,—Account of the Commissioner for Protection against Unlawful Industrial Action for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1030] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 18 | Transport (Scotland),—Paper, entitled Travel Choices for Scotland: The Scottish Integrated Transport White Paper [by Command] [Cm. 4010] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 19 | United Nations,—(1) Angola (United Nations Sanctions) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1752), |
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(2) Angola (United Nations Sanctions) (Channel Islands) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1756),
(3) Angola (United Nations Sanctions) (Dependent Territories) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1753),
(4) Angola (United Nations Sanctions) (Isle of Man) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1757), and
(5) United Nations (International Tribunals) (Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda) (Amendment) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1755),
dated 21st July 1998 [by Act] [Mrs Ann Taylor].
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | 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: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Undertaking to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and appointed Mr Jimmy Hood Chairman; and
(2) The Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Douglas Alexander, Mr Russell Brown, Mr Dennis Canavan, Mr Malcolm Chisholm, Maria Fyfe, Dr Norman A. Godman, Mr James Gray, Mr Dominic Grieve, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mr John McFall, Mrs Anne McGuire, Rosemary McKenna, Mr Henry McLeish, Sir Robert Smith, Mr Robert Syms and Mr James Wallace.
| 2 | Special Grant Report (Scotland): Grant in aid of expenditure on rural public passenger transport for 1998-99 (House of Commons Paper No. 941): |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Special Grant Report to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and appointed Mr Roger Gale Chairman; and
(2) The Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mrs Irene Adams, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mr John McAllion, Mr John McFall, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Henry McLeish, Mr David Marshall, Dr Lewis Moonie, Mr Michael Moore, Mr Laurence Robertson, Mr Frank Roy, Mr Malcolm Savidge, Mr Richard Shepherd, Sir Robert Smith and Mr David Stewart.
| 3 | Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report 1998 and the Comprehensive Spending Review for the purposes of section 5 of the European Communities (Amendment) Act 1993: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Report and the Review to the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and appointed Mr Andrew Welsh Chairman; and
(2) The Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Dr Vincent Cable, Mr Lawrence Cunliffe, Mr Edward Davey, Mr Clive Efford, Mr Michael Fallon, Mr Barry Gardiner, Mr Nick Gibb, Mr David Hanson, Mr Oliver Heald, Mr Phil Hope, Dr Ashok Kumar, Mrs Helen Liddell, Mr Bill Olner, Mr David Ruffley and Mr Stephen Twigg.
| 4 | Draft Conditional Fee Agreements Order 1998: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and appointed Mr George Stevenson Chairman; and
(2) The Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Ben Bradshaw, Mr John Burnett, Mrs Ann Cryer, Mr Eric Forth, Mr Michael Foster (Worcester), Mr Edward Garnier, Dr Ian Gibson, Mr Dominic Grieve, Mr David Hinchliffe, Mr Geoffrey Hoon, Jane Kennedy, Mr David Lock, Mr Bob Russell, Mr Martin Salter, Mr Barry Sheerman and Mr John M. Taylor.
| 5 | Draft Education (Student Loans) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 and the draft Education (Student Support) Regulations 1998: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and appointed Mr Peter Atkinson Chairman; and
(2) The Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr John Bercow, Christine Butler, Mr Jamie Cann, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Donald Gorrie, Mr Damian Green, Dr Kim Howells, Mr David Jamieson, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mr Tony McNulty, Mr Bill Rammell, Mr Andrew Reed, Mr Phil Willis, Mr Brian Wilson and Mr Anthony D. Wright.
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APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee on 22nd July [Strategic Defence Review] [Nos. 138-xx and -xxi]; to be printed [Mr Bruce George]. |
| 2 | Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee on 22nd July [The Role of Headteachers]; to be printed [No. 725-ix] [Ms Margaret Hodge]. |
| 3 | Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) Tenth Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Housing], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 495-I]; and |
(2) Eleventh Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Implementation of the Best Value Framework], 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. 705-I] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett]; and
(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee on 22nd July [Railway Safety]; to be printed [No. 987-ii] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].
| 4 | European Legislation,—Thirty-fifth Report from the Select Committee on European Legislation; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 15-xxxv] [Mr Jimmy Hood]. |
| 5 | Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee on 22nd July [Public Expenditure 1998]; to be printed [No. 988-ii] [Mr David Hinchliffe]. |
| 6 | Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on 22nd July [Public Expenditure in Northern Ireland: Special Education Needs]; to be printed [No. 1032-i] [Mr Peter Brooke]. |
| 7 | Social Security,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Social Security Committee on 22nd July [Child Support; Pension Sharing on Divorce]; to be printed [No. 1031-i and 869-vi] [Mr Archy Kirkwood]. |
[No. 213.] Thursday 23rd July 1998.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Alliance & 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 30th July.
| 2 | Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Roger Gale reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft International Monetary Fund (Increase in Subscription) Order 1998. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Frank Cook reported from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Procedure) Rules 1998. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
The Lords have agreed to the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill, without Amendment.
The Lords have agreed to the Tamar Bridge Bill, with Amendments, to which they desire the concurrence of this House.
The Lords have agreed to certain of the Amendments made by this House to the Crime and Disorder Bill [Lords] and they have disagreed to the remaining Amendments made by this House, for which disagreement they assign their Reasons.
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| 5 | Crime and Disorder Bill [Lords],—Lords Reasons for disagreeing to certain of the Commons Amendments to the Crime and Disorder Bill [Lords] to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 239]. |
| 6 | Community Reinvestment Disclosure Bill,—Ordered, That the Community Reinvestment Disclosure Bill be read a second time on Friday 6th November. |
| 7 | Northern Ireland Bill (Committee) [2nd allotted day],—The House, according to Order, again resolved itself into a Committee on the Northern Ireland Bill. |
(In the Committee)
Clause No. 23 (Exclusion of Ministers from office).
Amendment (No. 15) proposed, in page 11, to leave out lines 28 and 29 and to insert the words—
‘( ) because he is not committed to the use now and in the future of only democratic and peaceful means;
( ) because he is involved in acts of violence or of preparation for violence;
( ) because he is directing, assisting or promoting acts of violence committed or planned by other people;
( ) because he is not committed to the total disarmament of all paramilitary organisations and the achievement of the decommissioning of all paramilitary arms, by 22nd May 2000;
( ) because he is not co-operating fully with any Commission of the kind referred to in section 7 of the Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning Act 1997 in the implementation of the agreement reached at multi-party talks on Northern Ireland set out in Command Paper 3883;'.—(Mr Andrew MacKay.)
Question put, That the Amendment be made.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Oliver Heald, Mr Tim Collins: 144.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr John McFall, Mr David Jamieson: 272.
It being after Seven o'clock, the Chairman, pursuant to Order [17th July], put the Question necessary for the disposal of business then required to be concluded.
Clause (No. 23) agreed to.
Clause No. 14 (First Minister and deputy First Minister).
Amendment (No. 71) proposed, in page 7, to leave out lines 13 and 14.—(Mr Peter Robinson.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause (No. 14) agreed to.
Schedule No. 5 agreed to.
Clause No. 15 (Northern Ireland Ministers).
Amendment (No. 144) proposed, in page 7, line 41, to leave out from the first ‘the' to the end of line 42 and insert the word ‘Assembly'.—(Mr David Trimble.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Amendment (No. 163) proposed, in page 8, line 31, at the end, to insert the words—
‘(9A) If the number of seats in the Assembly which are held by members of one or more political party, reduce or increase, for any reason to such an extent that it alters the number of Ministerial offices entitled to be held by a party, then the procedure set out in subsections (4) to (9) shall be reapplied.'.—(Mr Peter Robinson.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause (No. 15) agreed to.
Clause No. 16 (The Executive Committee).
Amendment (No. 76) proposed, in page 9, line 16, to leave out the word ‘chairmen' and insert the words ‘chairman and deputy chairman'.—(Mr Peter Robinson.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
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Clause (No. 16) agreed to.
Clauses Nos. 17 to 19 agreed to.
Clause No. 20 (International obligations).
Amendment (No. 148) proposed, in page 10, to leave out lines 12 to 15.—(Mr David Trimble.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause (No. 20) agreed to.
Clause No. 21 (Agency arrangements between UK and NI departments).
Amendment (No. 13) proposed, in page 10, line 31, at the end, to add the words—
‘(5) Arrangements under this section between the Government of the United Kingdom and a Northern Ireland department shall be known as concordats.
(6) The Government of the United Kingdom shall not enter into a concordat unless a draft of the concordat has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.
(7) Northern Ireland departments shall not enter into a concordat unless a draft of the concordat has been approved by the Assembly, by such procedure as standing orders may determine.'.—(Mr Dominic Grieve.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause (No. 21) agreed to.
Clause No. 22 (Statutory Committees).
Amendment (No. 14) proposed, in page 11, line 2, at the end, to insert the words ‘, except that the chairman shall not be a member of the same party as the Northern Ireland Minister being advised and assisted by the statutory committee.'.—(Mr Malcolm Moss.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause (No. 22) agreed to.
To report progress and ask leave to sit again.—(Mr Jim Dowd.)
The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Jim Dowd reported, That the Committee had made progress in the Bill and moved, That the Committee may have leave to sit again.
Committee again to-morrow.
| 8 | Road Traffic,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Community Drivers' Hours and Recording Equipment (Amendment) Regulations 1998, which were laid before this House on 22nd June, be approved—(Mr Jim Dowd):—It was agreed to. |
| 9 | Animals,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (Amendment) Regulations 1998, which were laid before this House on 25th June, be approved—(Mr Jim Dowd):—It was agreed to. |
| 10 | Roads and Bridges (Scotland),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Security for Private Road Works (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1998, which were laid before this House on 30th June, be approved—(Mr Jim Dowd):—It was agreed to. |
| 11 | Social Security,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Pneumoconiosis etc. (Worker's Compensation) (Payment of Claims) Amendment Regulations 1998, which were laid before this House on 2nd July, be approved—(Mr Jim Dowd):—It was agreed to. |
| 12 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Jim Dowd.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till nine minutes to Ten o'clock adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 9.51 p.m.
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APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Northern Ireland,—Draft Health and Safety at Work (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Criminal Law (Scotland),—Restriction of Liberty Order (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1802), dated 17th July 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 3 | Forestry,—Environmental Assessment (Forestry) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1731), dated 21st July 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
Other Papers:
| 4 | British Council,—Report and Accounts of the British Council for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Command] [Mr Secretary Cook]. |
| 5 | Culture, Media and Sport Executive Agencies,—Reports and Accounts of— |
(1) Historic Royal Palaces, and
(2) Royal Parks Agency
for 1997–98, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 955 and 850] [Mr Secretary Smith].
| 6 | Defence,—Ministry of Defence Minute concerning a contingent liability in relation to the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI) [by Command] [Mr Secretary Robertson]. |
| 7 | Defence Executive Agencies,—Reports and Accounts of— |
(1) Pay and Personnel Agency,
(2) Queen Victoria School, and
(3) Royal Air Force Personnel Management Agency
for 1997–98, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 886, 906 and 924] [Mr Secretary Robertson].
| 8 | Development of Tourism,—Accounts of the British Tourist Authority for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1033] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 9 | Education and Employment Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Employment Service for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 970] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 10 | Environmental Protection,—Accounts of the Countryside Council for Wales for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1035] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 11 | European Communities,—Report by the Department of Trade and Industry on the exercise of powers conferred by certain sections of the European Communities Act 1972 and the Customs and Excise (General Reliefs) Act 1979, for 1997–98 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1001] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 12 | Firearms,—Report of the Firearms Consultative Committee for 1997–98 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 977] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 13 | Foreign and Commonwealth Office Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Wilton Park Executive Agency for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1000] [Mr Secretary Cook]. |
| 14 | Government Trading Funds,—Reports and Accounts of— |
(1) Driving Standards Agency,
(2) Medicines Control Agency, and
(3) Vehicle Inspectorate
for 1997–98, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 819, 841 and 891] [Clerk of the House].
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| 15 | Health Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the National Health Service Estates Management and Health Building Agency (NHS Estates) for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 929] [Mr Secretary Dobson]. |
| 16 | Home Office Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Forensic Science Service for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 878] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 17 | Housing,—Annual Review and Accounts of the Housing Corporation for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 18 | Intelligence Services,—Report of the Intelligence Services Commissioner for 1997 [by Command] [Cm. 3975] [The Prime Minister]. |
| 19 | Interception of Communications,—Report of the Interception of Communications Commissioner for 1997 [by Command] [Cm. 4001] [The Prime Minister]. |
| 20 | Local Government, Planning and Land,—Accounts of the Land Authority for Wales for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1034] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 21 | Museums and Galleries,—Report of the National Gallery for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
| 22 | National Lottery,—(1) Accounts of the Scottish Arts Council National Lottery Distribution Fund for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1036] [Clerk of the House]; and |
(2) Report of the Arts Council of England on the National Lottery for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].
| 23 | Northern Ireland Executive Agencies,—Reports and Accounts of— |
(1) Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland,
(2) Industrial Research and Technology Unit, and
(3) Valuation and Lands Agency
for 1997–98, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 881, 912, and 896]; and
(4) Accounts of the Public Record Office 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. 1003] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].
| 24 | Prosecution of Offences,—Report of the Crown Prosecution Service for 1997–98 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 839] [Mr Attorney General]. |
| 25 | Public Health,—Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning) Order 1998 Partial Revocation Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1801), dated 22nd July 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 26 | Scottish Office Executive Agencies,—Reports and Accounts of— |
(1) Scottish Agricultural Science Agency, and
(2) Scottish Office Pensions Agency,
for 1997–98, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 925 and 926] [Mr Secretary Dewar].
| 27 | Security Service,—Report of the Security Service Commissioner for 1997 [by Command] [Cm. 4002] [The Prime Minister]. |
| 28 | Social Security,—Government Response to the Fourth Report from the Social Security Committee, Session 1997–98, on Disability Living Allowance [by Command] [Cm. 4007] [Secretary Harriet Harman]. |
| 29 | Statutory Instruments (Notification),—Communication declaring that the undermentioned Statutory Instrument had come into operation before copies were laid before Parliament, and explaining why such copies had not been so laid before the Instrument came into operation: |
Page 719 Thursday 23rd July 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top
Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning) Order 1998 Partial Revocation Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 1801)
[by Standing Order] [The Speaker].
| 30 | Trade and Industry Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Radiocommunications Agency for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 887] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
Papers withdrawn:
| 31 | Northern Ireland,—Draft Health and Safety at Work (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 [laid 9th July]. |
APPENDIX II
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Culture, Media and Sport,—(1) Sixth Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Not Only the Dome: The Millennium Celebrations in the United Kingdom], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 818]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [The Millennium Celebrations in the United Kingdom]
[Mr Gerald Kaufman].
| 2 | Defence,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee on 23rd July [Strategic Defence Review]; to be printed [No 138–xxii] [Mr Bruce George]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on 23rd July [Strategic Defence Review]; to be printed [No. 138–xxiii] [Mr Michael Colvin].
| 3 | Education and Employment,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Employment Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee on 23rd July [The Performance and Future Role of the Employment Service]; to be printed [No 904–ii]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Sub-Committee [Part-time Working; The Performance and Future Role of the Employment Service]
[Mr Derek Foster].
| 4 | Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee on 23rd July [Energy and the Environment]; to be printed [No. 1038–i] [Mr John Horam]. |
| 5 | Health,—(1) Third Report from the Health Committee [The Welfare of Former British Child Migrants], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 755]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Health Committee [The Welfare of Former British Child Migrants]
[Mr David Hinchliffe].
| 6 | Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee on 23rd July [Investment in Industry in Wales]; to be printed [No. 821–v] [Mr Martyn Jones]. |
[No. 214.] Friday 24th July 1998.
The House met at half-past Nine o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from residents of Killamarsh, Derbyshire, against the siting of the Sarp UK plant near populated areas and for steps to ameliorate the nuisance so caused was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 2 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
The Lords have agreed to the Landmines Bill, without Amendment.
Page 720 Friday 24th July 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top
| 3 | Northern Ireland Bill (Committee) [3rd allotted day],—The House, according to Order, again resolved itself into a Committee on the Northern Ireland Bill. |
(In the Committee)
Clause No. 24 (Dates of elections and dissolutions).
Amendment (No. 150) proposed, in page 13, line 4, to leave out from the word ‘If' to the word ‘by' in line 12 and insert the words ‘three months after either the First Minister or Deputy First Minister ceases to hold office the Assembly has not elected a First Minister or Deputy First Minister Her Majesty shall'.—(Mr David Trimble.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause agreed to.
Clauses Nos. 25 and 26 agreed to.
Clause No. 27 (Vacancies).
Amendment (No. 100) proposed, in page 14, to leave out lines 9 to 11 and insert the words—
‘(2) Subject to subsection (2A) below an order under subsection (1) shall provide that where a seat was last filled by a member of a registered party, any vacancy shall be filled by another member nominated by that party (without a by-election).
(2A) Provided that where the condition mentioned in subsection (2) is not met, a vacancy shall be filled by—
(a) a by-election, or
(b) such other method as the Secretary of State may prescribe in the order.'—(Mr Andrew Mackinlay.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause agreed to.
It being Eleven o'clock, and it being the Speaker's intention to interrupt the proceedings under Standing Order No. 11 (Friday sittings), the Chairman left the Chair, without Question put, to report progress and ask leave to sit again.
The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr Robert Ainsworth reported, That the Committee had made progress in the Bill, and moved, That the Committee may have leave to sit again.
| 4 | Interruption of proceedings,—The Deputy Speaker interrupted the proceedings, pursuant to Standing Order No. 11 (Friday sittings). |
| 5 | Royal Assent,—The Deputy Speaker notified the House, in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967, That Her Majesty had signified her Royal Assent to the following Acts, agreed upon by both Houses: |
Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998
Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998.
| 6 | Northern Ireland Bill (Committee) [3rd allotted day],—The House again resolved itself into a Committee on the Northern Ireland Bill. |
(In the Committee)
Clause No. 28 (Disqualification).
Amendment (No. 93) proposed, in page 14, to leave out lines 32 to 34.—(The Reverend Ian Paisley.)
Question, That the Amendment be made, put and negatived.
Clause agreed to.
Clause No. 29 (Effect of disqualification and provision for relief).
Amendment (No. 22) proposed, in page 15, to leave out lines 6 to 15.—(Mr Malcolm Moss.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
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Clause agreed to.
Clauses Nos. 30 and 31 agreed to.
Clause No. 32 (Commission).
Amendment (No. 187) proposed, in page 16, line 37, at the end, to insert the words—‘Such directions shall not be given without cross-community support.'.—(Mr Eddie McGrady.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause agreed to.
Schedule No. 6 agreed to.
Clause No. 33 agreed to.
Schedule No. 7 agreed to.
Clause No. 34 agreed to.
Clause No. 35 (Members' interests).
Amendment (No. 24) proposed, in page 17, to leave out lines 32 to 36.—(Mr Malcolm Moss.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause agreed to.
Clauses Nos. 36 to 45 agreed to.
Clause No. 46 (Payments into the Fund: Secretary of State).
Amendment (No. 26) proposed, in page 23, line 20, at the end, to add the words—
‘( ) Subject to subsection ( ) below, the Secretary of State shall make such a payment at least once every financial year.
( ) No such payment shall be made unless the Secretary of State has laid before the House of Commons a statement certifying that the payment recognises the needs of Northern Ireland in relation to the needs of the United Kingdom as a whole.'.—(Mr Malcolm Moss.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause agreed to.
Clauses Nos. 47 to 49 agreed to.
Clause No. 50 (Financial acts of the Assembly).
Amendment (No. 28) proposed, in page 24, line 38, at the end, to insert the word ‘or'.—(Mr Malcolm Moss.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause agreed to.
Clauses Nos. 51 to 53 agreed to.
To report progress and ask leave to sit again.—(Mr Jim Dowd.)
The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair, and Mr Jim Dowd reported, That the Committee had made progress in the Bill and moved, That the Committee may have leave to sit again.
Committee again on Monday 27th July.
| 7 | Adjournment (Summer),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 25 (Periodic adjournments), That this House, at its rising on Friday 31st July, do adjourn till Monday 19th October—(Mr Jim Dowd):—It was agreed to. |
| 8 | Sittings of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Friday 31st July, the Speaker shall not adjourn the House until she shall have notified the Royal Assent to Acts agreed upon by both Houses.—(Mr Jim Dowd.) |
| 9 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Jim Dowd.) |
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And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till one minute past Two o'clock, adjourned till Monday 27th July.
[Adjourned at 2.01 p.m.
APPENDIX
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
| 1 | Development of Tourism,—Report and Accounts of the British Tourist Authority for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
| 2 | Government Trading Funds,—Report and Accounts of the Patent Office for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1004] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 3 | Housing,—Report and Accounts of Tower Hamlets Housing Action Trust for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 4 | Local Government (Scotland),—Reports and Accounts of— |
(1) East of Scotland Water,
(2) North of Scotland Water Authority, and
(3) West of Scotland Water
for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].
| 5 | Medicines,—Reports of the Medicines Commission, Committee on Safety of Medicines, Advisory Board on the Registration of Homoeopathic Products, Veterinary Products Committee and the British Pharmacopoeia Commission for 1997 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson]. |
| 6 | National Heritage,—Accounts of the Board of Trustees of the Armouries for 1996–97, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1042] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 7 | National Lottery,—Account of the Arts Council of Wales Lottery Distribution for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1041] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 8 | Public Accounts,—Northern Ireland Department of Finance and Personnel Memorandum on the 38th Report from the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 1998–98 [by Command] [Cm. 4015] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam]. |
| 9 | Public Service,—Government Response to the Report from the House of Lords Select Committee on the Public Service [by Command] [Cm. 4000] [Dr David Clark]. |
| 10 | Treaty Series (No. 29, 1998),—Agreement, done at London on 11th March 1997, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Croatia for the Promotion and Protection of Investments [by Command] [Cm. 4013] [Mr Secretary Cook]. |
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