 House of Commons |
Session 1997-1998 |
| Commons Journal 254
Chronological Index
Page 806 1997-1998 Volume 254 [No. 238.] Monday 16th November 1998. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
That a day not later than 6th February be allotted for the consideration of the following Votes on Account for the financial year 1999–2000: 1. Class IV, Votes 1 and 2: Home Office administration, police, probation, immigration and other services, England and Wales, and Prisons, England and Wales, in so far as they relate to prison sentences and alternatives to prison sentences; 2. Class I, Votes 1 and 3: Department for Education and Employment: programmes and central services and Employment Service; and Class XII: Department of Social Security, insofar as they relate to New Deal Pathfinders and Pathways into Work for Lone Parents; and that debate on the first Estimate be interrupted not later than three hours after its commencement. Report to lie upon the Table.
Lords Amendments Nos. 88 to 124, 130 to 214, 221 to 236 and 279 to 285 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendments Nos. 106, 112 and 151. Lords Amendment No. 286 An Amendment ((a)) was made to the Lords Amendment. The Lords Amendment, so amended, was agreed to. Lords Amendments Nos. 287 to 302 were agreed to. Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to draw up a Reason to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendments Nos. 215 to 220. Ordered, That Mr Desmond Browne, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mrs Anne McGuire and Mr Henry McLeish be Members of the Committee. Ordered, That Mr Henry McLeish be the Chairman of the Committee. Ordered, That three be the quorum of the Committee. Ordered, That the Committee do withdraw immediately.—(Mrs Anne McGuire.)
Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 7 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendment No. 7.
Page 807 Monday 16th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top The Lords Reason for insisting on their Amendments in page 2, line 1, page 2, line 2, page 2, line 15, and page 2, line 18 and for disagreeing to the Commons Amendment in lieu, was read, as follows: Because electors should be able to vote for the individual party candidate of their choice, and this should not be conditional on the outcome of a review. A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House insists on its disagreement with the Lords in their Amendments but does not insist on its Amendment in lieu—(Mr Secretary Straw); And it being Ten o‘clock, the Debate stood adjourned.
The House resumed the adjourned Debate on the Question, That this House insists on its disagreement with the Lords in their Amendments but does not insist on its Amendment in lieu. Question put. The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Hanson, Mr Clive Betts: 309. Tellers for the Noes, Mr John M. Taylor, Mr Tim Collins: 122. So the Question was agreed to. An Amendment was made to the Bill, in lieu of the Lords Amendments, in page 3, line 46, at the end, to insert
Page 808 Monday 16th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top
The Commons disagree to Amendments Nos. 215 to 220 made by the Lords in page 57, line 5; in page 57, line 9; in page 57, lines 15 to 17; in page 57, lines 18 to 37; in page 57, lines 38 to 43; and in page 57, line 46, for the following Reason: Because the constituencies and regions for the purpose of elections to the Scottish Parliament should be a matter for Parliament. The Reason was agreed to. Message to the Lords to communicate the said Reason, with the Bill and Amendments.
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 delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 13th November 1998 (Non-sitting Friday, pursuant to Order [22nd October]) pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments): Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 16th November 1998 Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Page 809 Monday 16th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top
Other Papers:
APPENDIX II Standing Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
[No. 239.] Tuesday 17th November 1998. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
That, if the Bill is brought from the Lords in the next Session, the Agents for the Bill shall deposit in the Private Bill Office a declaration signed by them, stating that the Bill is the same, in every respect as the Bill which was brought from the Lords in the present Session; That, as soon as a certificate by one of the Clerks in the Private Bill Office, that such a declaration has been so deposited, has been laid upon the Table of the House, the Bill shall be read the first and second time and committed (and shall be recorded in the Journal of this House as having been so read and committed); That the Petition relating to the Bill presented in the present Session which stands referred to the Committee on the Bill shall stand referred to the Committee on the Bill in the next Session; Page 810 Tuesday 17th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top That no Petitioners shall be heard before the Committee on the Bill, unless their Petition has been presented within the time limited within the present Session or deposited pursuant to paragraph (b) of Standing Order 126 relating to Private Business; That, in relation to the Bill, Standing Order 127 relating to Private Business shall have effect as if the words “under Standing Order 126 (Reference to committee of petitions against Bill)” were omitted; That no further Fees shall be charged in respect of any proceedings on the Bill in respect of which Fees have already been incurred during the present Session; That these Orders be Standing Orders of the House.—(The Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means.) Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
The Lords insist on their Amendments to the European Parliamentary Elections Bill to which the Commons have disagreed, and disagree to the further Amendment proposed by the Commons in lieu thereof, for which insistence and disagreement they assign their Reason. The Lords do not insist on their Amendments to the Scotland Bill to which the Commons have disagreed, they have agreed without Amendment to the Amendments proposed by the Commons in lieu of certain other Lords Amendments to which the Commons have disagreed, and they have agreed without Amendment to the Amendment made by the Commons to a further Lords Amendment. The Lords have agreed to the Northern Ireland Bill, with Amendments to which they desire the agreement of the Commons. Alliance & Leicester plc (Group Reorganisation) Bill [Lords],—The Lords communicate that they have considered the Message from the Commons [12th November] relating to the Alliance & Leicester plc (Group Reorganisation) Bill [Lords]; and that they have come to the following Resolutions in respect of the Bill, viz: That the promoters of the Bill have leave to suspend any further proceedings thereon in this Session in order to proceed with the Bill in the next Session of Parliament, notice of their intention to do so having been deposited in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than 12 noon to-morrow. Page 811 Tuesday 17th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top That the Bill be deposited in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than noon on the second sitting day in the next Session with a declaration annexed, signed by the agent stating that the Bill is the same in every respect as the Bill at the last stage of the proceedings thereon in this House in the present Session; That the proceedings on the Bill in the next Session of Parliament be pro forma in regard to every stage through which the Bill has passed in the present Session, and that no new fees be charged to such stages; That the Private Business Standing Orders apply to the Bill in the next Session only in regard to any stage through which the Bill has not passed during the present Session. London Local Authorities Bill [Lords],—The Lords communicate that they have come to the following Resolutions in respect of the London Local Authorities Bill [Lords]; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House, viz:— That the promoters of the Bill have leave to suspend any further proceedings thereon in order to proceed with it, if they think fit, in the next Session of Parliament, provided that notice of their intention to do so is lodged in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than 12 noon to-morrow and that all fees due on or before that day have been paid; That the Bill be deposited in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than noon on the second sitting day in the next Session with a declaration annexed, signed by the agent, stating that the Bill is the same in every respect as the Bill at the last stage of the proceedings thereon in this House in the present Session; That the proceedings on the Bill in the next Session of Parliament be pro forma in regard to every stage through which the Bill has passed in the present Session, and that no new fees be charged to such stages; That the Private Business Standing Orders apply to the Bill in the next Session only in regard to any stage through which the Bill has not passed during the present Session.
And the Motion being opposed, after a brief explanatory statement from the Member who made the Motion and from a Member who opposed it, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Standing Order No. 23 (Motions for leave to bring in bills and nomination of select committees at commencement of public business). The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr James Plaskitt, Mr Paul Stinchcombe: 37. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Michael Fabricant, Mr Howard Flight: 1. So the Question was agreed to. Ordered, That Mr Frank Field, Sir Peter Tapsell, Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith, Jackie Ballard, Steve Webb, Mr Archy Kirkwood, Mr Derek Foster, Mr Malcolm Wicks, Mr Clifford Forsythe and Mr David Davis do prepare and bring in the Bill.
Page 812 Tuesday 17th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top
That, (1) No Minister of the Crown should give agreement in the Council or in the European Council to any proposal for European Community legislation or for a common position or joint action under Title V or a joint position, joint action or convention under Title VI of the Treaty on European Union:— (a) which is still subject to scrutiny (that is, on which the European Scrutiny Committee has not completed its scrutiny) or (b) which is awaiting consideration by the House (that is, which has been recommended by the European Scrutiny Committee for consideration pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees) but in respect of which the House has not come to a Resolution). (2) In this Resolution, any reference to agreement to a proposal includes— (a) agreement to a programme, plan or recommendation for European Community legislation; (b) political agreement; (c) in the case of a proposal on which the Council acts in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 189b of the Treaty of Rome (co-decision), agreement to a common position, to a joint text, and to confirmation of the common position (with or without amendments proposed by the European Parliament); and (d) in the case of a proposal on which the Council acts in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 189c of the Treaty of Rome (co-operation), agreement to a common position. (3) The Minister concerned may, however, give agreement— (a) to a proposal which is still subject to scrutiny if he considers that it is confidential, routine or trivial or is substantially the same as a proposal on which scrutiny has been completed; (b) to a proposal which is awaiting consideration by the House if the European Scrutiny Committee has indicated that agreement need not be withheld pending consideration. (4) The Minister concerned may also give agreement to a proposal which is still subject to scrutiny or awaiting consideration by the House if he decides that for special reasons agreement should be given; but he should explain his reasons— (a) in every such case, to the European Scrutiny Committee at the first opportunity after reaching his decision; and (b) in the case of a proposal awaiting consideration by the House, to the House at the first opportunity after giving agreement. (5) In relation to any proposal which requires adoption by unanimity, abstention shall, for the purposes of paragraph (4), be treated as giving agreement.—(Mr Graham Allen.)
In paragraph (1) the words “a common position or joint action under Title V or a joint position, joint action or convention under Title VI of the Treaty on European Union” are replaced by the words “a common strategy, joint action or common position under Title V or a common position, framework decision, decision or convention under Title VI of the Treaty on European Union”; and in paragraph (2)(c) the words “a common position, to a joint text, and to confirmation of the common position (with or without amendments proposed by the European Parliament)” are replaced by the words “a common position, to an act in the form of a common position incorporating amendments proposed by the European Parliament, and to a joint text”.—(Mr Graham Allen.) Page 813 Tuesday 17th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top
”.—(1) There shall be three standing committees, called European Standing Committees, to which shall stand referred for consideration on motion, unless the House otherwise orders, such European Union documents as defined in Standing Order No. 143 (European Scrutiny Committee) as may be recommended by the European Scrutiny Committee for further consideration. (2) If a motion that specified European Union documents as aforesaid shall not stand referred to a European Standing Committee is made by a Minister of the Crown at the commencement of public business, the question thereon shall be put forthwith. (3) Each European Standing Committee shall consist of thirteen Members nominated for the duration of a Parliament by the Committee of Selection; and in nominating such Members, the Committee of Selection shall— (a) have regard to the qualifications of the Members nominated and to the composition of the House; and (b) have power to discharge Members from time to time, and to appoint others in substitution. (4) The quorum of a European Standing Committee shall be three, excluding the chairman. (5) Any Member, though not nominated to a European Standing Committee, may take part in the committee's proceedings and may move amendments to any motion made as provided in paragraphs (7) and (8) below, but such Member shall not make any motion, vote or be counted in the quorum; provided that a Minister of the Crown who is a Member of this House but not nominated to the committee may make a motion as provided in paragraphs (7) and (8) below; and the Government may appoint the precedence of notices of motion to be considered in each committee. (6) The European Standing Committees, and the principal subject matter of the European Union documents to be referred to each, shall be as set out below; and in making recommendations for further consideration, the European Scrutiny Committee shall specify the committee to which in its opinion the documents ought to be referred; and subject to paragraph (2) of this order, the documents shall be referred to that committee accordingly:
(7) The chairman may permit Ministers of the Crown to make statements and to answer questions thereon put by Members, in respect of each motion relative to a European Union document or documents referred to a European Standing Committee of which a Minister shall have given notice; but no question shall be taken after the expiry of a period of one hour from the commencement of the first such statement: Page 814 Tuesday 17th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top Provided that the chairman may, if he sees fit, allow questions to be taken for a further period of not more than half an hour after the expiry of that period. (8) Following the conclusion of the proceedings under the previous paragraph the motion referred to therein may be made, to which amendments may be moved; and, if proceedings thereon have not been previously concluded the chairman shall interrupt the consideration of such motion and amendments when the committee shall have sat for a period of two and a half hours, and shall then put forthwith successively: (a) the question on any amendment already proposed from the chair; and (b) the main question (or the main question, as amended). The chairman shall thereupon report to the House any resolution to which the committee has come, or that it has come to no resolution, without any further question being put. (9) If any motion is made in the House in relation to any European Union document in respect of which a report has been made to the House in accordance with paragraph (8) of this order, the Speaker shall forthwith put successively— (a) the question on any amendment selected by her which may be moved; (b) the main question (or the main question, as amended); and proceedings in pursuance of this paragraph, though opposed, may be decided after the expiration of the time for opposed business. (10) With the modifications provided in this order, the following Standing Orders shall apply to European Standing Committees: No. 85 (Chairmen of standing committees); No. 88 (Meetings of standing committees); and No. 89 (Procedure in standing committees).”—(Mr Graham Allen.)
“.—(1) There shall be a select committee, to be called the European Scrutiny Committee, to examine European Union documents and— (a) to report its opinion on the legal and political importance of each such document and, where it considers appropriate, to report also on the reasons for its opinion and on any matters of principle, policy or law which may be affected; (b) to make recommendations for the further consideration of any such document pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees); and (c) to consider any issue arising upon any such document or group of documents or related matters. The expression ‘European Union document' in this order and in Standing Orders No. 16 (Proceedings under an Act or on European Union documents), No. 89 (Procedure in standing committees) and No. 119 (European Standing Committees) means— (i) any proposal under the Community Treaties for legislation by the Council or the Council acting jointly with the European Parliament; (ii) any document which is published for submission to the European Council, the Council or the European Central Bank; (iii) any proposal to define a common position or for joint action under Title V of the Treaty on European Union which is prepared for submission to the Council; (iv) any proposal for a joint position, joint action or a convention under Title VI of the Treaty on European Union which is prepared for submission to the Council; (v) any document (not falling within (ii), (iii) or (iv) above) which is published by one Union institution for or with a view to submission to another Union institution and which does not relate exclusively to consideration of any proposal for legislation; (vi) any other document relating to European Union matters deposited in the House by a Minister of the Crown. (2) The committee shall consist of sixteen Members. (3) The committee and any sub-committee appointed by it shall have the assistance of the Counsel to the Speaker. Page 815 Tuesday 17th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top (4) The committee shall have power to appoint specialist advisers either to supply information which is not readily available or to elucidate matters of complexity within the committee's order of reference. (5) The committee shall have power to send for persons, papers and records, to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House, to adjourn from place to place, and to report from time to time. (6) The quorum of the committee shall be five. (7) The committee shall have power to appoint sub-committees and to refer to such sub-committees any of the matters referred to the committee. (8) Every such sub-committee shall have power to send for persons, papers and records, to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House, to adjourn from place to place, and to report to the committee from time to time. (9) The committee shall have power to report from time to time the minutes of evidence taken before such sub-committees. (10) The quorum of every such sub-committee shall be two. (11) The committee shall have power to seek from any committee specified in paragraph (14) of this order its opinion on any European Union document, and to require a reply to such request within such time as it may specify. (12) The committee or any sub-committee appointed by it shall have leave to meet concurrently with any committee specified in paragraph (14) of this order or with any committee of the Lords on the European Communities, or any sub-committee of that committee, for the purposes of deliberating or examining witnesses. (13) The committee shall have power to communicate to any committee specified in paragraph (14) of this order its evidence or any other document related to matters of common interest. (14) The committees specified for the purpose of this order are those appointed under Standing Order No. 152 (Select committees related to government departments) including any sub-committees of such committees, the Select Committee on Public Administration, the Committee of Public Accounts, and the Environmental Audit Committee. (15) Unless the House otherwise orders, each Member nominated to the committee shall continue to be a member of it for the remainder of the Parliament.—(Mr Graham Allen.)
In Standing Order No. 16 (Proceedings under an Act or on European Community Documents), line 3, leave out “Community documents” and insert “Union documents (as defined in Standing Order No. 143 (European Scrutiny Committee))”. In Standing Order No. 89 (Procedure in standing committees), line 18, leave out “Community” and insert “Union”. In Standing Order No. 146 (Select Committee on Public Administration), line 20, at the end insert: “(c) to communicate to the European Scrutiny Committee its evidence and any other document relating to matters of common interest; and (d) to meet concurrently with the European Scrutiny Committee, or any sub-committee thereof, for the purposes of deliberating or taking evidence.”. In Standing Order No. 148 (Committee of Public Accounts), line 17, after “departments)” insert “and to the European Scrutiny Committee”, line 21, at end add: “(4) The committee shall have power to meet concurrently with the European Scrutiny Committee, or any sub-committee thereof, for the purposes of deliberating or taking evidence.” In Standing Order No. 152 (Select committees related to government departments) line 31, after “and” insert “to the European Scrutiny Committee,” line 39, at end insert “or with the European Scrutiny Committee or any sub-committee thereof for the purposes of deliberating or taking evidence;” line 46, after “thereof” insert “, or with the European Scrutiny Committee or any sub-committee thereof,”. Page 816 Tuesday 17th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top In Standing Order No. 152A (Environmental Audit Committee), in line 30, after “thereof” insert “, or with the European Scrutiny Committee or any sub-committee thereof”.—(Mr Graham Allen.)
line 17, leave out “to define a common position or for joint action” and insert “for a common strategy, a joint action or a common position”; line 19, after “Council” insert “or to the European Council”; and line 20, leave out “joint position, joint action” and insert “common position, framework decision, decision”.—(Mr Graham Allen.)
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till Ten o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 10 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Other Papers:
Page 817 Tuesday 17th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top (1) HFC Bank plc and Beneficial Bank PLC that they desire to obtain the Parliamentary powers specified therein, to be operative in Scotland and elsewhere, and that it is expedient that such powers should be conferred by one enactment because it is necessary to provide for the uniform regulation in Scotland and elsewhere of the affairs of HFC Bank plc, Beneficial Bank PLC and Household International (U.K.) Limited, and (2) the United Reformed Church Trust acting on behalf of the United Reformed Church in the United Kingdom and the Congregational Union of Scotland Nominees Limited acting on behalf of the Congregational Union of Scotland that they desire to obtain the Parliamentary powers specified therein, to be operative in Scotland and elsewhere, and that it is expedient that such powers should be conferred by one enactment because it is necessary to provide for the uniform regulation in Scotland and elsewhere of the affairs of the United Reformed Church in the United Kingdom and the Congregational Union of Scotland and are of the opinion that the said powers would be more properly obtained by the promotion of a Private Bill than by the promotion of a Private Bill and of a draft Provisional Order under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1936 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].
(1) the Petition [31st July] from members of the Charlton and Blackheath Amateur Horticultural Society for a moratorium on the approval of genetically modified crops until their safety has been established, (2) the Petition [31st July] from residents of Bedfordshire for a nationwide concessionary travel scheme for the elderly and disabled, and (3) the Petition [21st October] from Walsall Friends of the Earth for improved protection of Sites of Special Scientific Interest [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House]. APPENDIX II Standing Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Flood and coastal defence; CAP reform: rural development; sea fishing; UK pig industry] [Mr Peter Luff].
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [New Countryside Agency] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].
Page 818 Tuesday 17th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top (2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee on 17th November [Sierra Leone]; to be printed [No. 1057-iv] [Mr Donald Anderson].
(2) Twenty-first Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges [Appeal Procedures], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 1191]; and (3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on 17th November [Complaints against Mr Geoffrey Robinson (No. 3)]; to be printed [No. 1190-i] [Mr Robert Sheldon].
(2) Third Report from the Select Committee on Statutory Instruments; to be printed [Nos. 33-xlviii and 34-iii] [Mr David Tredinnick].
[No. 240.] Wednesday 18th November 1998. The House met at half-past Nine o'clock. PRAYERS.
And it being Two o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.
The House accordingly proceeded to consider so much of the said Message. Resolved, That this House doth concur with the Lords in their Resolution.—(The First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means.) Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table. Page 819 Wednesday 18th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
That the Committee takes note of European Community Document No. 9597/98, two draft Council Regulations establishing agrimonetary arrangements and the transitional arrangements to be applied under the Common Agricultural Policy with a view to the introduction of the euro; and supports the Government's intention to support the proposals which simplify the current agrimonetary arrangements by moving to a system which more closely reflects market realities, reducing the costs to taxpayers, consumers and businesses, and also the scope for distortions of competition whilst respecting UK international obligations without discriminating against those Member States not participating in the euro. Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
That the Committee takes note of European Community Document No. 9690/98, the European Court of Auditors Special Report No. 7/98 on the European Development Aid Programme for South Africa (1986–1996) and its recommendations to the Commission; and supports the Government's position that these recommendations are practical and sensible and that the Government will work with Member States and other partners in all European Community development assistance programmes, and particularly in detailed arrangements to succeed the present EPRD in South Africa, after 1999, to ensure that these recommendations are fully implemented. Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
The Lords have agreed to the Registration of Political Parties Bill, with Amendments; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House. City of Westminster Bill [Lords],—The Lords communicate that they have considered the Message from the Commons [yesterday] relating to the City of Westminster Bill [Lords]; and they have come to the following Resolutions in respect of the Bill, viz.: That the promoters of the Bill have leave to suspend any further proceedings thereon in this Session in order to proceed with the Bill in the next Session of Parliament, notice of their intention to do so having been deposited in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than 12 noon to-morrow; That the Bill be deposited in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than noon on the second sitting day in the next Session with a declaration annexed, signed by the agent, stating that the Bill is the same in every respect as the Bill at the last stage of the proceedings thereon in this House in the present Session; That the proceedings on the Bill in the next Session of Parliament be pro forma in regard to every stage through which the Bill has passed in the present Session, and that no new fees be charged to such stages; That the Private Business Standing Orders apply to the Bill in the next Session only in regard to any stage through which the Bill has not passed during the present Session.
Page 820 Wednesday 18th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top
Page 821 Wednesday 18th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top
The Lords Reason for insisting on their Amendments in page 2, line 1, page 2, line 2, page 2, line 15, and page 2, line 18, and for disagreeing to the Commons Amendment in lieu, was read, as follows: Because the review proposed by the Commons is not an adequate substitute for an electoral system that allows electors to vote for the individual party candidate of their choice. A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House insists on its disagreement with the Lords in their Amendments but does not insist on its Amendment in lieu—(Mr Secretary Straw); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Keith Hill, Jane Kennedy: 326. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Nigel Waterson: 133. So the Question was agreed to. An Amendment was made to the Bill, in lieu of the Lords Amendments, in page 3, line 46, at the end, to insert—
Page 822 Wednesday 18th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top
Lords Amendments 1. Proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments shall be completed at this day's sitting and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion four hours after the commencement of the proceedings. 2.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 1. (2) The Speaker shall first put forthwith any Question already proposed from the Chair and not yet decided. (3) If that Question is for the amendment of a Lords Amendment the Speaker shall then put forthwith— (a) the Question on any further amendment to the Lords Amendment moved by a Minister of the Crown, and (b) the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House agrees or disagrees with the Lords in the Amendment or (as the case may be) in the Amendment as amended. (4) The Speaker shall then designate such of the remaining Lords Amendments as appear to the Speaker to involve questions of Privilege. (5) The Speaker shall then put forthwith— (a) the Question on any Amendment moved by a Minister of the Crown to a Lords Amendment, and (b) the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House agrees or disagrees with the Lords in the Amendment or (as the case may be) in the Amendment as amended. (6) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House disagrees with the Lords in a Lords Amendment. (7) The Speaker shall then put forthwith with respect to the Lords Amendments designated by the Speaker which have not been disposed of the Question, That this House agrees with the Lords in those Amendments. (8) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question, That this House agrees with the Lords in all the remaining Lords Amendments. (9) As soon as the House has agreed or disagreed with the Lords in any of their Amendments, or disposed of an Amendment relevant to a Lords Amendment which has been disagreed to, the Speaker shall put forthwith a separate Question on any other Amendment which is moved by a Minister of the Crown and relevant to the Lords Amendments. (10) The Speaker shall put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for the appointment, nomination and quorum of a Committee to draw up Reasons and the appointment of its Chairman. (11) Proceedings under this paragraph shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House. Supplemental 3. A Committee appointed to draw up Reasons shall report before the conclusion of the sitting. 4. Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) shall apply to proceedings on Consideration of the Lords Amendments for any part of the period of four hours after the commencement of the proceedings which falls after Ten o'clock.—(Mr Paul Murphy.) Page 823 Wednesday 18th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top And it being three quarters of an hour after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [17th July]. The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Hanson, Mr David Clelland: 290. Tellers for the Noes, The Reverend Ian Paisley, Mr William Ross: 6. So the Question was agreed to.
Resolved, That for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Northern Ireland Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any expenditure incurred by the Lord Chancellor under the Act.—(Mr Adam Ingram.)
Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 82 were agreed to. And it being Ten o'clock, further consideration of the Lords Amendments stood adjourned.
The Lords insist on their Amendments to the European Parliamentary Elections Bill to which the Commons have disagreed, and disagree to the further Amendment proposed by the Commons in lieu thereof, for which insistence and disagreement they assign their Reason.
Lords Amendments Nos. 83 to 192 were agreed to. Thursday 19th November 1998 Lords Amendments Nos. 193 to 417 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendments Nos. 194, 277, 278, 347 and 348.
The House proceeded to consider the said Amendments. Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 8 were agreed to.
Page 824 Wednesday 18th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top
And the Motion having been made after Ten o'clock on Wednesday evening 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 eight minutes to One o'clock on Thursday morning, till this day. [Adjourned at 12.52 a.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Other Papers:
APPENDIX II Reports from Select Committees
(2) Memorandum laid before the Defence Committee [Operation Resilient] [Mr Bruce George].
Page 825 Wednesday 18th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top (2) Sixty-ninth Report from the Committee [The Performance of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme in England], together with an Appendix to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 757]; and (3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on Wednesday 18th November [The Sale of British Energy]; to be printed [No. 1202-i] [Mr David Davis].
(2) Fourth Special Report from the Science and Technology Committee [Government Response to the Fifth Report from the Committee, Session 1997–98 (British Biotech)]; to be printed [No. 1185] [Dr Michael Clark].
[No. 241.] Thursday 19th November 1998. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
Madam Speaker, The Lords, authorised by virtue of Her Majesty's Commission, for declaring Her Royal Assent to several Acts agreed upon by both Houses and for proroguing the present Parliament, desire the immediate attendance of this Honourable House in the House of Peers, to hear the Commission read. Accordingly the Speaker, with the House, went up to the House of Peers, where a Commission was read, giving, declaring and notifying the Royal Assent to several Acts, and for proroguing this present Parliament. The Royal Assent was given to the following Acts:— Statute Law Repeals Act 1998 Waste Minimisation Act 1998 Regional Development Agencies Act 1998 Scotland Act 1998 Northern Ireland Act 1998 Registration of Political Parties Act 1998. And afterwards Her Majesty's Most Gracious Speech was delivered to both Houses of Parliament by the Lord High Chancellor (in pursuance of Her Majesty's Command), as follows: My Lords and Members of the House of Commons: The Duke of Edinburgh and I were pleased to receive the State Visits of His Excellency the President of Brazil in December 1997 and of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan in May this year. We remember with great pleasure our visit to Canada in June and our State Visits to Pakistan and India in October 1997 and to Brunei and Malaysia in September of this year. Likewise I remember my visit to France and Belgium on 11 November. My Government promised to govern for the benefit of the whole nation. Page 826 Thursday 19th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top In Northern Ireland, my Government have continued to work towards peace, stability and reconciliation. Their efforts to promote a comprehensive political settlement contributed to the Agreement reached in the multi-party talks. They have moved speedily to implement that Agreement, which was overwhelmingly endorsed by the people of Northern Ireland in a referendum. They have continued to foster the improvement of economic and social conditions through inward investment and other means. New measures for tackling terrorism have been introduced following the Omagh bombing. The education of young people has been my Government's top priority. Legislation has been enacted to help raise standards in schools and phase out the assisted places scheme. The money saved has been used to cut class sizes. An Act has also been passed to reform teacher training, create a General Teaching Council and introduce new student support arrangements. Green Papers have been published setting out plans to help those with special educational needs and promote lifelong learning. The process of modernising the National Health Service has begun. The largest ever capital programme is underway following the passage of the NHS (Private Finance) Act. My Government have appointed the first ever Minister for Public Health and outlined their strategy for reducing inequalities in health. Steps have also been taken to ensure that Health and Local Authorities work together effectively, particularly to improve the services for children in care. My Government have pursued economic policies aimed at delivering stable levels of economic growth, employment and opportunities for all. To that end, measures have been taken to put the economy firmly on course for steady growth with low inflation. Legislation has been enacted to give the Bank of England operational responsibility for setting interest rates, in order to deliver price stability and support the Government's overall economic policy within a framework of enhanced accountability. Tough fiscal rules have been introduced and firm action taken to meet them, by reducing public borrowing. The new fiscal policy framework including a Code for Fiscal Stability, underpinned by legislation, will ensure that decisions on the public finances promote Britain's long-term economic goals. My Government promised to attack youth and long term unemployment. They have already begun to expand employment opportunities and to make work pay. Reform of the tax and benefit systems to ensure that people are better off in work has begun, and the New Deal programmes are already extending new work opportunities to people who had been excluded from the labour market. An Act has been passed which begins the process of modernising the Social Security system, particularly in the areas of decision making appeals and National Insurance contributions. And proposals for further welfare reform have been presented to Parliament to promote work for those who are able to work and security for those who cannot. My Government have worked with business to promote sustainable growth. A wide range of measures have been introduced to encourage investment in industry, skills and new technologies and to increase productivity. To encourage entrepreneurship and to help create successful and profitable businesses, an Act to reform the framework for competition for business and industry has been enacted, and the structure of corporation taxes has been reformed. My Government are committed to fairness at work. Legislation has been passed which will lead to the introduction of a National Minimum Wage. My Government have completed a comprehensive review of public expenditure, reallocating spending to match priorities and eliminate waste and inefficiency. Within firm three year limits, additional resources have been provided for education, health and transport; and the new Investing in Britain Fund will double net public investment over the Parliament, providing for the renewal, reform and modernisation of Britain's infrastructure. A White Paper has been published setting out plans for an integrated transport policy in England and Wales, aimed at providing better transport services, and reducing congestion and pollution from transport. Legislation was enacted to strengthen the local authority capital finance system. Measures have been put forward to combat crime. Legislation has been passed to provide for radical reform of the youth justice system, local partnerships to cut crime and disorder and measures to reduce offending. Legislation has also been enacted to prohibit the private possession of all handguns. To ensure that as many people as possible have access to the benefits of the National Lottery, an Act has been passed to extend the scope of Lottery distribution to encompass health, education and the environment. It also included measures to improve regulation. Page 827 Thursday 19th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top Decentralisation is essential to my Government's vision of a modern nation. An Act has been passed to enable people in Scotland and Wales to vote on proposals for a devolved Scottish Parliament and the establishment of the National Assembly for Wales. These have been approved in Referendums in Scotland and Wales and Acts have been passed to implement them. My Government have also taken a first step towards decentralising decision-taking to the English regions. A White Paper has been published setting out a 10 year programme for the reform and renewal of local governance in England and an Act has been passed which enabled the people of London to vote in a referendum on my Government's proposals for an elected Mayor and Assembly for London. These proposals were approved in a referendum on 7th May, and a Bill is to be introduced to implement them. An Act has been passed to establish Regional Development Agencies in England to bring a regional focus to the economic development and regeneration of the English Regions. My Government are committed to open and transparent Government. Legislation has been passed to strengthen the data protection controls over the use of personal information about individuals and an Act has been passed to give full effect in the United Kingdom law to the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the European Convention on Human Rights. Members of the House of Commons I thank you for the provision you have made for the work and dignity of the Crown and for the public service. My Lords and Members of the House of Commons My Government have taken a leading role in the European Union. They negotiated and signed the Treaty of Amsterdam which included provisions enabling the UK to opt into the social chapter. The United Kingdom has now ratified the Treaty. They took part in initial negotiations on the European Commission's Agenda 2000 proposals which included reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. During the United Kingdom's Presidency of the European Union, efforts were made to promote employment and to improve competitiveness. Negotiations on enlargement were opened and good progress was made on key Presidency priorities for co-operation in the European Union, including the fight against drugs and crime, an effective external policy, economic reform, and an agreement to a code of conduct on arms export. My Government oversaw the historic decision confirming that eleven Member States met the conditions for joining the single currency, as well as the establishment of the European Central Bank. My Government have allocated additional resources to tackle global poverty and to promote sustainable development. They are implementing the policies set out in the White Paper on International Development. In May this year, the G8 Summit in Birmingham agreed measures to promote employability at home and the development of poorer countries abroad, help the environment and tackle international crime. They also successfully hosted an Asia-Europe meeting in April 1998 and the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Edinburgh in October 1997. Vigorous action has been taken to protect the environment, and against terrorism, drugs, money laundering and organised crime. My Government played a leading part in securing agreement at the Kyoto Conference on Climate Change to commitments to binding reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions. The United Kingdom played a full part in the negotiations which led to the agreement in July to establish the International Criminal Court. My Government put human rights at the centre of foreign policy and published the first Annual Report on Human Rights. They ratified the two Additional Protocols to the Geneva convention on the Protection of Victims of War, adopted an abolitionist stance on the death penalty, and took steps to prevent the export of torture equipment. They hosted a conference on Nazi Gold, and helped set up a relief fund for victims of Nazi persecution. As evidence of their commitment to international peace and security, my Government passed legislation enabling the United Kingdom to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines. They will continue to urge all those who have not done so to adhere to these treaties. Progress has also been made to reform and strengthen the United Nations. Page 828 Thursday 19th November 1998 1997-1998 Volume 254 Back to top My Government have worked to modernise our defence capability so that it matches the changing strategic setting. The Strategic Defence Review—the most far reaching reform of our armed forces since the war—reassessed our security interests and defence needs and provided the Armed Forces and all those who work in defence with a clear long-term vision. Arrangements for strong and modern defence based on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation have been maintained and my Government played a major role in the decisions taken at NATO's Madrid Summit and in the steps taken to strengthen NATO's relationships with Russia, and they have notified the UK acceptance of the accession to the Alliance of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. My Lords and Members of the House of Commons I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may attend you. After which the Lord Chancellor said: My Lords and Members of the House of Commons: By virtue of Her Majesty's Commission which has been now read we do, in Her Majesty's name, and in obedience to Her Majesty's Commands, prorogue this Parliament to Tuesday the twenty-fourth day of this instant November, to be then here holden, and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Tuesday the twenty-fourth day of this instant November. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
(2) Draft Police Act 1997 (Notification of Authorisations etc.) Order 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw]. Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Other Papers:
APPENDIX II Reports from Select Committees
REGISTRATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES ACT 1998 The Speaker has appointed the following Members to serve for the duration of the present Parliament on the committee to advise the registrar of political parties established under section 10 of the Registration of Political Parties Act 1998: Mr Alan Beith, Mrs Virginia Bottomley, Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody, Mr Derek Foster, Mrs Llin Golding, Sir Alastair Goodlad, Mr Barry Jones, Mr Gerald Kaufman and Mr Peter Viggers.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
