| Commons Journal 254
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II
Page 783 1997-1998 Volume 254
[No. 230.] Monday 2nd November 1998.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Private Bills [Lords] (No Standing Order not previously inquired into applicable),—The Speaker laid upon the Table a Report from one of the Examiners of Petitions for Private Bills, That, in the case of the following Bill, originating in the Lords and referred after the First Reading thereof, no Standing Order not previously inquired into is applicable thereto, viz: |
City of Westminster Bill [Lords].
Bill to be read a second time.
| 2 | Adjournment (Security and Intelligence Agencies),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Jim Dowd); |
The Motion was, with the leave of the House, withdrawn.
| 3 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Mike Hall); |
And it being Ten o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.
| 4 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Jim Dowd.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-nine minutes past Ten o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.29 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 30th October 1998 (Non-sitting Friday, pursuant to Order [22nd October]) pursuant to Standing Order No. 158 (Presentation of command papers):
| 1 | Export of Works of Art,—Report of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art for the period 1st July 1997 to 30th June 1998 [Cm. 4056] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
| 2 | Inland Revenue,—Report and Financial Statements of the Commissioners of Her Majesty's Inland Revenue for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [Cm. 4079] [Dawn Primarolo]. |
Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 30th October 1998 (Non-sitting Friday, pursuant to Order [22nd October]) pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 3 | Education,—School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (Modification) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2670), dated 30th October 1998 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 4 | Sheriff Court (Scotland),—Act of Sederunt (Fees of Sheriff Officers) 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2669), dated 22nd October 1998 [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 2nd November 1998:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 5 | Magistrates' Courts,—Magistrates' Courts (Sex Offender and Anti-social Behaviour Orders) Rules 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2682), dated 30th October 1998 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon]. |
| 6 | Sheriff Court (Scotland),—Act of Sederunt (Fees of Solicitors in the Sheriff Court) (Amendment) 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2675), dated 28th October 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
Other Papers:
| 7 | National Lottery,—Report of the Scottish Sports Council Lottery Sports Fund for 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 8 | Sports Councils,—Report and Summary Financial Statement of the Sports Council for Wales for 1997–98, and Corporate Plan Summary for 1999–2000 to 2001–02, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Command] [Mr Secretary Michael]. |
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APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Meat and Livestock Commission Levy (Variation) Scheme (Confirmation) Order 1998,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Michael Foster (Hastings and Rye) from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Neil Gerrard. |
| 2 | Draft Health and Safety at Work (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Brian Sedgemore. |
[No. 231.] Tuesday 3rd November 1998.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr George Stevenson reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Meat and Livestock Commission Levy (Variation) Scheme (Confirmation) Order 1998. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Wildlife Bill,—Mr David Lepper, supported by Mr David Chaytor, Mr Cynog Dafis, Mrs Helen Brinton, Julia Drown, Jane Griffiths, Mr Roy Beggs, Mr Matthew Taylor and Mr Tom Brake presented a Bill to provide for conservation purposes to be furthered by any person discharging a function under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; to make new provision for the protection of certain species and sites; and for related purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Thursday 19th November and to be printed [Bill 252]. |
| 3 | Conduct of Referendums,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to set up an election commission with powers over the conduct and financing of referendums: And that Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Martin Bell, Mr Simon Burns, Mr Nigel Evans, Mr Michael Fabricant, Mr Christopher Fraser, Mr Bernard Jenkin, Miss Julie Kirkbride, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mr John MacGregor, Mr Desmond Swayne and Mr Shaun Woodward do prepare and bring it in. |
| 4 | Conduct of Referendums Bill,— Mrs Eleanor Laing accordingly presented a Bill to set up an election commission with powers over the conduct and financing of referendums: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Wednesday 18th November and to be printed [Bill 253]. |
| 5 | Adjournment (Personal Pensions Mis-selling),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Keith Hill); |
The Motion was, with the leave of the House, withdrawn.
| 6 | Liaison,—Ordered, That Mr Eric Clarke be added to the Liaison Committee.—(Mr Robert Ainsworth.) |
| 7 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Robert Ainsworth.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-nine minutes past Ten o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.29 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Pre-Budget Report,—Pre-Budget Report, entitled The Code for Fiscal Stability [by Act] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Education,—Education (Grants for Education Support and Training) (England) Regulations 1998 (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2698), dated 2nd November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
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| 3 | Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Nautical Publications) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2647), dated 26th October 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
Other Papers:
| 4 | Pre-Budget Report,—Pre-Budget Report, entitled Steering a Stable Course for Lasting Prosperity [by Command] [Cm. 4076] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer]. |
| 5 | National Lottery,—Report and Summary Financial Statement of the English Sports Council for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
| 6 | Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on the Petition [30th July] from Christopher Leonard Brown and others for the safeguarding of Ladydale II and Ashenhurst Way from development plans [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House]. |
| 7 | Transport,—Report and Accounts of the Scottish Transport Group for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
APPENDIX II
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Agriculture,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Agriculture Committee on 3rd November [CAP reform: rural development]; to be printed [No. 890–iv]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [CAP reform: rural development; sea fishing]
[Mr Peter Luff].
| 2 | Culture, Media and Sport,—(1) Eighth Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Report and Accounts of the BBC for 1997–98]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 1090]; |
(2) Ninth Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [The Future of News at Ten], 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. 1110]; and
(3) Memorandum laid before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Report and Accounts of the BBC for 1997–98]
[Mr Gerald Kaufman].
| 3 | Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) Thirteenth Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [The Protection of Field Boundaries], 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. 969–I]; |
(2) Fourth Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the Ninth Report from the Committee, English Nature]; to be printed [No. 1137]; and
(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee on 3rd November [Local Government Finance]; to be printed [No. 1126–i]
[Mr Andrew F. Bennett].
| 4 | Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee on 3rd November [Sierra Leone]; to be printed [No. 1057–ii] [Mr Donald Anderson]. |
| 5 | Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee on 3rd November [Police Training and Recruitment]; to be printed [No. 1121–ii] [Mr Chris Mullin]. |
| 6 | Information,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Information Committee on 2nd November [Central Procurement of Members' IT Equipment and Services]; to be printed [No. 856–i] [Mr Richard Allan]. |
| 7 | Statutory Instruments,—Forty-sixth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 33–xlvi] [Mr David Tredinnick]. |
| 8 | Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Treasury Committee on 3rd November [Office for National Statistics]; to be printed [No. 976–iii] [Mr Giles Radice]. |
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[No. 232.] Wednesday 4th November 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 | European Standing Committee B,—Dr Michael Clark reported from European Standing Committee B the following Resolution: That the Committee takes note of European Community Document No. 8328/98, a Commission Communication on its proposed Social Action Programme for 1998–2000; supports the Government's view that the Programme rightly places jobs at the heart of its framework for action; and also supports the Government's intention to give due consideration to specific Commission proposals as they come forward. |
Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Peter Atkinson reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Local Government (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 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 insist on their Amendments to the European Parliamentary Elections Bill, to which this House has disagreed, for which insistence they assign their Reasons.
| 5 | European Parliamentary Elections Bill,—Lords Reasons for insisting on their Amendments to the European Parliamentary Elections Bill to which this House has disagreed to be considered to-morrow, and to be printed [Bill 255]. |
| 6 | Housing (Home Repossessions),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to enable and require the Housing Corporation to be joined in all possession proceedings by mortgagees against mortgagors in respect of the principal home of the mortgagor and his family: And that Mr Adrian Sanders, Mr A. J. Beith, Mr Chris Pond, Steve Webb, Mr Martin Bell, Jackie Ballard, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Nigel Jones, Mr Stephen Twigg, Mr Mike Hancock, Mr Barry Gardiner and Mr Paul Burstow do prepare and bring it in. |
| 7 | Housing (Home Repossessions) Bill,—Mr Adrian Sanders accordingly presented a Bill to enable and require the Housing Corporation to be joined in all possession proceedings by mortgagees against mortgagors in respect of the principal home of the mortgagor and his family: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 254]. |
| 8 | Opposition Day [20th 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. |
The Economy,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes that there is now a black hole in the public finances; that the increased burdens on business since the General Election now account for £1,500 more per employee; that the UK will be the first major European economy to suffer a serious downturn and the worst affected; further notes that the Government is squandering the last Government's golden economic legacy by its four basic blunders of increased taxes, attacks on savings, particularly pensions, excessive regulation of business and irresponsible public spending; and deplores the Government's complacent attitude to the handling of the economy and public finances—(Mr Francis Maude);
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 the Government inherited an economy set to repeat the same cycle of boom and bust seen over the past 20 years, that inflation was heading way above target because of the previous Government's failure to accept the Bank of England's advice and the public finances were in large structural deficit; recalls that under the previous Government inflation rose to 10 per cent, interest rates remained in double figures for four years and one million manufacturing jobs were lost, while net borrowing increased to £50 billion and the national debt doubled in just four years; notes that the previous Government's policies increased inequality and failed to tackle the structural weaknesses in the economy; commends this Government for its decisive action to build a stable economy, introducing a new framework for
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monetary policy under which inflation is now at target and set to remain there and interest rates are less than half their previous peak, reducing government borrowing by £20 billion last year and, because of prudent management of the public finances, remaining on track to meet its tough fiscal rules and invest an additional £40 billion in education and health, with an extra £250 million for the National Health Service this year, addressing structural weaknesses by tackling unemployment and poverty with the New Deals and tax and benefit reform, supporting British business by cutting corporation tax, doubling public investment to improve Britain's infrastructure and addressing Britain's productivity gap; and notes that there are now 400,000 more people in employment than at the General Election and that Britain is better placed to steer a course of stability in an uncertain and unstable world', instead thereof.—(Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer.)
And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Nigel Waterson: 135.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Keith Hill: 303.
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 the Government inherited an economy set to repeat the same cycle of boom and bust seen over the past 20 years, that inflation was heading way above target because of the previous Government's failure to accept the Bank of England's advice and the public finances were in large structural deficit; recalls that under the previous Government inflation rose to 10 per cent, interest rates remained in double figures for four years and one million manufacturing jobs were lost, while net borrowing increased to £50 billion and the national debt doubled in just four years; notes that the previous Government's policies increased inequality and failed to tackle the structural weaknesses in the economy; commends this Government for its decisive action to build a stable economy, introducing a new framework for monetary policy under which inflation is now at target and set to remain there and interest rates are less than half their previous peak, reducing government borrowing by £20 billion last year, and, because of prudent management of the public finances, remaining on track to meet its tough fiscal rules and invest an additional £40 billion in education and health, with an extra £250 million for the National Health Service this year, addressing structural weaknesses by tackling unemployment and poverty with the New Deals and tax and benefit reform, supporting British business by cutting corporation tax, doubling public investment to improve Britain's infrastructure and addressing Britain's productivity gap; and notes that there are now 400,000 more people in employment than at the General Election and that Britain is better placed to steer a course of stability in an uncertain and unstable world.
Agriculture,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House deplores the failure of the Government to respond to the deepening crisis in agriculture and to secure an end to the beef export ban; applauds the achievements of British farmers in raising animal welfare and environmental standards; recognises that a thriving rural economy depends on a viable agricultural industry and that this can be achieved by giving farmers a chance to compete on equal terms as summarised in the Opposition's call for a Fair Deal for Farmers; calls on the Government to renew or replace the Calf Processing Scheme, restore HLCAs to 1993 levels and take up agri-monetary compensation for the livestock sector financed by the underspends on the agriculture budget; urges action to establish honesty in labelling to help consumers make better informed choices, to encourage the purchase of home grown food by all public sector bodies and cut the burden of excessive regulation; calls for an immediate ban on the sale of food not produced to standards required in Britain; and condemns the hostility consistently displayed by Ministers to the country people in local government finance, transport and planning policy—(Mr Tim Yeo);
An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 1, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘welcomes the Government's strong commitment to the United Kingdom farming industry and to the wider rural economy; recognises that the lifting of the beef export ban in Northern Ireland represents the first crucial step towards lifting the ban from all parts of the United Kingdom; welcomes the steps which the Government has taken since May 1997 to support the beef and sheep industry via EU agri-monetary compensation and relief from charges; acknowledges the steps taken specifically to help the sheep, pig and cereal sectors with targeted EU measures; and endorses the Government's intention to bring about a secure and viable future for United Kingdom farming by seeking a reformed Common Agricultural Policy, which is more economically rational, which reduces the bureaucratic burden on farmers, which enhances targeted support for the rural economy, which serves the consumer well and which contains fair and common rules to ensure that the United Kingdom's farming
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and food industries can exploit their competitive advantages in European and world markets', instead thereof.—(Mr Nicholas Brown.)
And the Question being put, that the original words stand part of the Question;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Nigel Waterson: 129.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Hanson, Mr Kevin Hughes: 325.
So the Question was negatived.
And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Hanson, Mr Kevin Hughes: 248.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Edward Davey: 132.
So the Question 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 strong commitment to the United Kingdom farming industry and to the wider rural economy; recognises that the lifting of the beef export ban in Northern Ireland represents the first crucial step towards lifting the ban from all parts of the United Kingdom; welcomes the steps which the Government has taken since May 1997 to support the beef and sheep industry via EU agri-monetary compensation and relief from charges; acknowledges the steps taken specifically to help the sheep, pig and cereal sectors with targeted EU measures; and endorses the Government's intention to bring about a secure and viable future for United Kingdom farming by seeking a reformed Common Agricultural Policy, which is more economically rational, which reduces the bureaucratic burden on farmers, which enhances targeted support for the rural economy, which serves the consumer well and which contains fair and common rules to ensure that the United Kingdom's farming and food industries can exploit their competitive advantages in European and world markets.
| 9 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Mrs Diane Roberts and others relating to benefits for disabled women aged between sixty and sixty-five was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 10 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr David Clelland.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till ten minutes to Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.50 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Representation of the People,—Draft Parliamentary Constituencies (England) (Miscellaneous Changes) Order 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 2 | Social Security,—Draft Jobseeker's Allowance Amendment (New Deal) Regulations 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 3 | Magistrates' Courts,—Magistrates' Courts Committees (Northumbria) Amalgamation Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2707), dated 3rd November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon]. |
| 4 | Open Spaces,—Draft The Hyde Park and The Regent's Park (Vehicle Parking) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
Other Papers:
| 5 | Fire Services,—Report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Fire Services for Scotland for 1997–98 [by Command] [Cm. 4086] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 6 | Parliamentary Constituencies,—Report of the Boundary Commission for England [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1087] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 7 | Public Accounts,—Treasury Minute on the Sixty-first Report from the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 1997–98 [by Command] [Cm. 4075] [Dawn Primarolo]. |
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Paper withdrawn:
| 8 | Deregulation,—Proposal for the Deregulation (Occasional Licences) Order 1998 [laid 13th July]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Local Elections (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 1998 and the draft Representation of the People (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 1998: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order and draft Regulations to the Second 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.: Mr Harold Best, Mr James Cran, Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas, Mr Jim Dowd, Mr Michael Fabricant, Jim Fitzpatrick, Lorna Fitzsimons, Mr Mike Gapes, Mr David Hinchliffe, Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews, Mr Malcolm Moss, Mr Paul Murphy, Mr William Ross, Mr Desmond Swayne, Mr William Thompson and Mr James Wray.
| 2 | Draft Legal Advice and Assistance (Scope) (Amendment) Regulations 1998: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Andrew Welsh Chairman; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr John Burnett, Mr Christopher Chope, Mr Michael Clapham, Dr Lynda Clark, Mr Edward Garnier, Mr Dominic Grieve, Mr Fabian Hamilton, Mr Keith Hill, Mr Geoffrey Hoon, Ms Jackie Lawrence, Mr David Lock, Mrs Diana Organ, Mr Gwyn Prosser, Mr Bob Russell, Mr Paul Stinchcombe and Mr John M. Taylor.
| 3 | Draft Contracting Out (Functions in Relation to Insurance) Order 1998: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Fifth 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.: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Colin Burgon, Dr Vincent Cable, Mr Edward Davey, Mr Oliver Heald, Mr John Healey, Mr David Heathcoat-Amory, Ms Patricia Hewitt, Mr Piara S. Khabra, Mr Bob Laxton, Mr Lawrie Quinn, Mr Marsha Singh, Mr Ian Stewart, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Sir Teddy Taylor and Mr Andrew Tyrie.
| 4 | Draft Channel 4 (Application of Excess Revenues) Order 1998: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr John Butterfill Chairman; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Janet Anderson, Mr Dale Campbell-Savours, Mr Brian Cotter, Mr Jim Dowd, Mr Michael Foster (Hastings and Rye), Mr Christopher Fraser, Mr Nick Hawkins, Mr Nigel Jones, Fiona Mactaggart, Dr Doug Naysmith, Jacqui Smith, Mr Richard Spring, Mr Derek Twigg, Joan Walley, Mr Nigel Waterson and Mr David Watts.
European Standing Committees
| | The Speaker has appointed Mr Roger Gale Chairman of European Standing Committee B in respect of European Community Document No. 7046/98, relating to Agenda 2000: The Financial Perspective 2000–2006; European Community Document No. 7221/98, relating to Agenda 2000: The Interinstitutional Agreement of 29th October 1993; European Community Document No. 9302/98 ADD1, relating to Own Resouces Based on VAT and GNP; and European Community Document No. COM(98)560, relating to Financing the European Union. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on 4th November [The Heritage Lottery Fund]; to be printed [No. 968–iii] [Mr Gerald Kaufman]. |
| 2 | Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee on 4th November [Highly Able Children]; to be printed [No. 1139–i] [Charlotte Atkins]. |
| 3 | Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Millennium Compliance of the Transport Industry]; to be printed [No. 1140–i] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett]. |
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| 4 | European Legislation,—Thirty–ninth 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–xxxix] [Mr Jim Marshall]. |
| 5 | Northern Ireland Affairs,—(1) Third Special Report from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Government Observations on the Third Report from the Committee, on the Composition, Recruitment and Training of the RUC]; to be printed [No. 1142]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on 4th November [Public Expenditure: Special Educational Needs]; to be printed [No. 1032–ii]
[Mr Peter Brooke].
| 6 | Scottish Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Scottish Affairs Committee on 4th November [Tourism in Scotland]; to be printed [No. 826–ii] [Mr David Marshall]. |
| 7 | Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee on 4th November [The Work of the Department of Trade and Industry]; to be printed [No. 1138–i] [Mr Martin O'Neill]. |
[No. 233.] Thursday 5th November 1998.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | City of Westminster Bill [Lords],—The City of Westminster Bill [Lords] was read a second time and committed. |
| 2 | Bodmin Moor Commons Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for consideration of the Bodmin Moor Commons Bill [Lords], as amended by the Chairman of Ways and Means; |
Ordered, That the Bill be considered on Wednesday 11th November.
| 3 | Alliance & Leicester plc (Group Reorganisation) Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Allicance & Leicester plc (Group Reorganisation) Bill [Lords]; |
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Wednesday 11th November.
| 4 | Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Joe Benton reported from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Health and Safety at Work (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 5 | Adjournment (Report of the Independent Commission on the Voting System (Cm. 4090)),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Jim Dowd); |
And it being Ten o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.
| 6 | Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Monday 9th November, the Speaker shall not adjourn the House until any Message from the Lords relating to the Scotland Bill shall have been received.—(Mr Graham Allen.) |
| 7 | Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Tuesday 10th November, paragraph (2) of Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments) shall apply to proceedings on the Motion in the name of Mr William Hague as if this day were a half-day Opposition Day allotted under paragraph (2) of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business) and the questions on that Motion shall be put at Seven o'clock.—(Mr Graham Allen.) |
| 8 | Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Tuesday 10th November, notwithstanding paragraph 1 of Standing Order No. 16 (Proceedings under an Act or on European Community Documents), the Speaker shall put the questions on the Motions in the name of Mr William Hague relating to the Personal Equity Plan (Amendment) Regulations 1998, the Individual Savings Account Regulations 1998 and the Individual Savings Account (Insurance Companies) Regulations 1998 not later than one and a half hours after the start of proceedings on the first such Motion.—(Mr Graham Allen.) |
| 9 | Modernisation of the House of Commons,—Ordered, That Mr Mike Hall be discharged from the Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons and Mr Ivor Caplin be added to the Committee.—(Mr Graham Allen.) |
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| 10 | Committee of Public Accounts,—Ordered, That Mr Christopher Leslie and Mr Phil Hope be discharged from the Committee of Public Accounts and Mr Gerry Steinberg and Mr Stephen Twigg be added to the Committee.—(Mr Graham Allen.) |
| 11 | Procedure Committee,—Ordered, That Mr Damian Green be discharged from the Procedure Committee and Mr Robert Syms be added to the Committee.—(Mr Graham Allen.) |
| 12 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Graham Allen.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-five minutes past Ten o'clock, adjourned till Monday 9th November, pursuant to Order [22nd October].
[Adjourned at 10.25 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Government Trading Funds,—Draft Forensic Science Service Trading Fund Order 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 2 | Police,—Draft Functions of Traffic Wardens (Scotland) Order 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 3 | Supreme Court of England and Wales,—Draft Civil Procedure (Modification of Enactments) Order 1998 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 4 | Education,—Education (School Information) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2697), dated 30th October 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael]. |
| 5 | Protection of Wrecks,—Protection of Wrecks (Designation No. 2) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2708), dated 4th November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
Other Papers:
| 6 | Children's Safeguards Review,—Paper, entitled The Government's Response to the Children's Safeguards Review [by Command] [Cm. 4105] [Mr Secretary Dobson]. |
| 7 | Defence Diversification,—Paper, entitled Defence Diversification: Getting the most out of defence technology—Proposals for a Defence Diversification Agency [by Command] [Cm. 4088] [Mr Secretary Robertson]. |
| 8 | Mental Health (Scotland),—Report and Accounts of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 9 | Science and Technology,—Report and Summary Financial Statement of the Economic and Social Research Council for 1997–98, with the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Mandelson]. |
Paper withdrawn:
| 10 | Supreme Court of England and Wales,—Draft Civil Procedure (Modification of Enactments) Order 1998 [laid 29th October]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Legal Advice and Assistance (Scope) (Amendment) Regulations 1998,—The Committee on Selection has discharged Mr Michael Clapham and Dr Lynda Clark from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Mark Todd and Audrey Wise. |
| 2 | Draft Contracting Out (Functions in Relation to Insurance) Order 1998,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Ian Stewart from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Helen Jones. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee on 5th November [The World Economy and the Pre-Budget Report]; to be printed [No. 1105-v] [Mr Giles Radice]. |
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