Order of Business for 13 May 1999

House of Commons

Session 1998-99
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Order of Business Thursday 13th May 1999

Here you can browse the House of Commons Order of Business for Thursday 13 May 1999.

Notes:
* indicates a question for oral answer.
[R] indicates that the Member has declared a relevant interest.
Questions for oral answer not reached receive a written answer.
Supplementary questions will also be asked. Other Ministers may also answer.
+ indicates Government business.
Timings are indicative only.

At 11.30 a.m. Prayers

Afterwards

Oral Questions to Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer

*1 Norman Baker (Lewes): What is his policy in respect of taxation on (a) house building and (b) house renovation.

(83188)

*2 Mr Bob Blizzard (Waveney): If he will propose changes to the taxation system which would encourage further investment in the exploration and production of North Sea oil and gas.

(83189)

*3 Mr Nick St. Aubyn (Guildford): What estimate he has made of the level of tax to be paid by business in 2000-01 as a result of the Budget.

(83190)

*4 Mr David Heath (Somerton and Frome): What assessment he has made of the impact of changes in cider duty announced in the Budget on producers of bottle-fermented cider.

(83191)

*5 Sir David Madel (South West Bedfordshire): What projection he has made for unemployment levels at the end of the 1999-2000 financial year.

(83192)

*6 Mr John Wilkinson (Ruislip-Northwood): What is his estimate of the additional revenue to be derived from the proposed increase in VAT on works of art imported into the UK from outside the EU in each of the first three years of operation.

(83193)

*7 Mr Eric Forth (Bromley and Chislehurst): What estimate he has made of the change in overall tax yield from business in 2001-02 as a result of the Budget.

(83194)

*8 Joan Ryan (Enfield North): What representations he has received regarding the increase in child benefit announced in the Budget.

(83195)

*9 Mr Crispin Blunt (Reigate): What assessment he has made of the effect of the road fuel duty escalator on (a) economic growth and (b) government revenue in each of the next five years.

(83196)

*10 Mr Gordon Prentice (Pendle): What assessment he has made of the impact of the proposed climate change levy on (a) the aluminium industry and (b) other high-energy using manufacturing industries.

(83198)

*11 Mr Edward Davey (Kingston and Surbiton): If he will review his policy to abolish dividend tax credits for people with incomes below the level of the personal income tax allowance.

(83199)

*12 Mr Richard Page (South West Hertfordshire): What estimate he has made of the change in the amount in national insurance payable by the self-employed in 2000-01 as a result of the March 1999 Budget.

(83200)

*13 Mr Graham Brady (Altrincham and Sale West): What is the level of road fuel duty per litre of diesel in (a) the UK and (b) other EU member states in 1999-2000.

(83201)

*14 Dr George Turner (North West Norfolk): What assessment he has made of the impact of government economic policy on the overall value of UK pension funds.

(83202)

*15 Mr John Healey (Wentworth): If he will list the measures he is taking to increase financial support to families.

(83203)

*16 Dr Ian Gibson (Norwich North): What account he takes of the level of the FTSE index in devising economic policy; and if he will assess its accuracy.

(83204)

*17 Mr Robert Syms (Poole): What estimate he has made of the change in levels of national insurance paid by the self-employed in 2001-02 as a result of the March Budget.

(83205)

*18 Julia Drown (South Swindon): If he will report on progress made on debt relief for poor countries at the IMF and World Bank spring meetings.

(83206)

*19 Mr Andrew Mackinlay (Thurrock): What discussions his Department has had with the Department of Social Security in respect of practices adopted by some companies to avoid paying national insurance contributions.

(83207)

*20 Lynne Jones (Birmingham, Selly Oak): What assessment he has made of the level of net public sector debt which is prudent.

(83208)

*21 Fiona Mactaggart (Slough): If he will make a statement on the future of duty free sales.

(83209)

*22 Mr John Smith (Vale of Glamorgan): What plans he has to provide funding to allow Objective One EU projects to proceed.

(83210)

*23 Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch): What estimate he has made of the effect on the level of tax paid by business from 1999-2000 to 2001-02 of the March 1999 Budget.

(83211)

*24 Mr David Chaytor (Bury North): What plans he has to enable companies to make INTRASTAT returns electronically.

(83212)

*25 Mr Archie Norman (Tunbridge Wells): If he will make a statement on his projections for the saving ratio in 2001-02.

(83213)

*26 Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East): What assessment he made of the prospects for the UK joining the single currency (a) at the time of the announcement of the five tests and (b) at the most recent date.

(83214)

*27 Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York): When he last met EU finance ministers to discuss the 6th VAT Directive.

(83215)

*28 Mr Paul Stinchcombe (Wellingborough): If he will report on progress made on debt relief for poor countries at the IMF and World Bank spring meetings.

(83216)

*29 Mr Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East): What estimate he has made of the number of (a) children and (b) adults in households whose income will increase to above half average income in each of the next three years as a result of measures introduced in each of his Budget statements.

(83217)

*30 Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): What assessment he has made of the effect of the Government's monetary policies on the value of companies quoted on the London Stock Exchange.

(83218)

*31 Mr Mike Gapes (Ilford South): When he next plans to meet European Finance Ministers to discuss the global economic system.

(83219)

*32 Mr David Ruffley (Bury St. Edmunds): What estimate he has made of the changes in taxation paid in 2001-02 as a result of Budgets since July 1997.

(83220)

*33 Mr Jim Dobbin (Heywood and Middleton): If he will make a statement on his measures to increase the financial incentive to work.

(83221)

*34 Mr Desmond Swayne (New Forest West): If he will make a statement on the report of the Joint Committee on the draft Financial Services and Markets Bill.

(83222)

*35 Miss Julie Kirkbride (Bromsgrove): How many people aged 55 to 63 are eligible for the married couple's allowance in 1999-2000.

(83223)

*36 Mr Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham): What estimate he has made of the number of new savers who will open individual savings accounts in the current year.

(83225)

*37 Mr Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield): What recent representations he has received from the road haulage industry on (a) vehicle excise duty and (b) duty on diesel.

(83226)

*38 Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Cotswold): For what reasons (a) working families tax credit is classified as negative income tax and (b) mortgage interest tax relief at source is not so classified.

(83227)

At 12.30 p.m. Private Notice Questions (if any)
Ministerial Statements (if any)

Main Business
1	OPPOSITION DAY [12th allotted day]. *[Until 7.00 p.m.]*
	AMERICAN FOOD EXPORTS AND EUROPEAN TRADE POLICY
	Mr Paddy Ashdown Mr A. J. Beith Mr David Chidgey Dr Vincent Cable Mr Colin Breed Mr Paul Tyler
	That this House notes that the EU ban on hormonally-modified meat must end on Thursday 13th May 1999 under World Trade Organisation rules and that the USA is threatening massive retaliatory trade sanctions against member states unless this is adhered to; is concerned that the latest scientific evidence raises serious doubts over the safety of these and genetically-modified products, further undermining consumer confidence; deplores the failure of the EU and the USA to pursue agreed research criteria into the efficacy of introducing such products into the food chain, threatening established World Trade Organisation agreements and ignoring the impact on global biodiversity in the long term; and urges the Government to recognise its responsibilities at the forthcoming Millennium Round and ensure that food safety, the protection of biodiversity and assistance to the economies of developing countries are integral to negotiations on the liberalisation of trade. As an Amendment to Mr Paddy Ashdown's proposed Motion (American Food Exports and European Trade Policy):
	The Prime Minister Mr Secretary Prescott Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Secretary Cook Mr Nicholas Brown Mr Secretary Byers
	Line 1 , leave out from `House' to end and add `recognises the importance of open markets between the EU and the US, notes that in general the trade relationship is a good one; acknowledges the work being undertaken by the Government in seeking a solution to the banana disputes in a way that is World Trade Organisation compatible and is helpful to British industry and to those countries economically dependent on exports of bananas; welcomes the Government's commitment to find a solution to issues concerning US food exports that is good for the consumer, respects scientific research and avoids protectionism; welcomes the Government's commitment to consider sustainable development issues in its approach to trade issues as well as the interest of developing countries; and endorses the Government's support for comprehensive trade negotiations to be launched at the World Trade Organisation Ministerial meeting in Seattle in late 1999.'.
	PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY
	Mr Paddy Ashdown Mr A. J. Beith Mr Malcolm Bruce Mr Menzies Campbell Mr David Heath Mr Paul Tyler
	That this House affirms that effective parliamentary democracy in the United Kingdom and effective scrutiny in Europe depend on competent, coherent and constructive opposition; regrets the failure of the disunited Conservative Parliamentary Party at Westminster and the antipathetic and complacent Conservative group in the European Parliament to provide that necessary check on the executive, especially given their confusion over the future funding of education, policing, the NHS and other public services, Britain's positive role in Europe, and the achievement of necessary reforms of the institutions and policies of the European Union; and considers that the British taxpayer gets inadequate value for money from the Official Opposition. As an Amendment to Mr Paddy Ashdown's proposed Motion (Parliamentary Democracy):
	Mr William Hague Mr Peter Lilley Mr Michael Ancram Sir George Young Sir Patrick Cormack Mr James Arbuthnot
	Line 3 , leave out from `opposition' to end and add `notes with contempt that the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Party considers it to be a constructive use of specially allocated opposition time to indulge in a petty and vindictive attack on Her Majesty's Opposition rather than to challenge the executive and hold it to account; and points out that, in so doing, a Party whose record of attendance and willingness to sacrifice principle for party advantage shows that it has no constitutional claim to the position and privileges which are rightly accorded to opposition parties in the parliamentary system.'. The selection of the matters to be debated this day has been made by the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party (Standing Order No. 14(2)).
*Debate may continue until 7.00 p.m.*
+ 2	SELECT COMMITTEES (QUORUM) *[No debate after 7.00 p.m.]*
	Margaret Beckett Paddy Tipping
	That, for the remainder of the present Session of Parliament, Standing Order No. 152 (Select committees related to government departments) shall have effect subject to the following modification in line 48, at the end to add-- `(4A) Notwithstanding paragraphs (2) and (4) above, where more than two committees or sub-committees appointed under this order meet concurrently in accordance with paragraph (4)(e) above, the quorum of each such committee or sub-committee shall be two.'.
*If opposed, this item cannot be taken after 7.00 p.m.*

At the end of the sitting:

ADJOURNMENT

Proposed subject:

Action on job losses at Brian Donkin Foundry Ltd, Renishaw, Derbyshire

Mr Harry Barnes

Debate may continue until 7.30 p.m. or for half an hour, whichever is later (Standing Order No. 9 and Order of 16th December).

COMMITTEE MEETINGS
STANDING COMMITTEES
1	Special Standing Committee	9.00 a.m. 4.30 p.m.	Room 9 (public) (public)
	Further to consider the Immigration and Asylum Bill.
2	Standing Committee A	9.00 a.m. 2.00 p.m.	Room 11 (public) (public)
	Further to consider the Health Bill [Lords].
3	Standing Committee B	2.30 p.m.	Room 10 (public)
	Further to consider the Finance Bill (except Clauses Nos. 2, 28 and 99).
4	Standing Committee E	10.30 a.m. 4.30 p.m.	Room 12 (public) (public)
	Further to consider the Access to Justice Bill [Lords].
5	Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation	10.00 a.m.	Room 10 (public)
	To consider the draft Unfair Dismissal and Statement of Reasons for Dismissal (Variation of Qualifying Period) Order 1999.
6	Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation	4.30 p.m.	Room 14 (public)
	To consider the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 47) on Rural Bus Subsidy Grants for 1999-2000 (HC 407).
SELECT COMMITTEES
7	Environmental Audit	9.30 a.m. 9.45 a.m.	Room 6 (private) (public)
	Subject: Greening Government.
	Witnesses: Mr David Omand, Permanent Secretary, Home Office; Mr Martin Narey, Director General, HM Prison Service (at 10.30 a.m.).
8	Treasury Sub-Committee	9.30 a.m. 9.45 a.m.	Room 8 (private) (public)
	Subject: Valuation Office Agency.
	Witnesses: Mr Michael Johns, Chief Executive, Mr David Park, Director of Finance, Strategy and Planning, Mr Bruce Jones, Director of Business Development (Local Taxation), Valuation Office Agency.
9	Culture, Media and Sport	10.00 a.m.	Room 15 (private)
10	Health	3.45 p.m. 4.00 p.m.	Room 8 (private) (public)
	Subject: Regulation of Private and other Independent Healthcare.
	Witness: Rt. Hon. Frank Dobson MP, Secretary of State for Health.
PRIVATE BILL COMMITTEE
11	Opposed Bill Committee	10.30 a.m. 12 noon	Room 5 (private) (public)
	To consider the City of London (Ward Elections) Bill.
[The decision of a Committee to sit in public may be rescinded without notice.]

Written Questions tabled on Wednesday 12th May for answer today++
1	Mr Clive Efford (Eltham): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he has received the findings of the independent investigation into the leak of material relating to the report by Sir William Macpherson into the death of Stephen Lawrence.
	(84332)
2	Mr Iain Coleman (Hammersmith and Fulham): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what performance targets have been set for 1999-2000 for the Northern Ireland Health and Social Services Estates Agency.
	(84333)
3	Mr Tony McNulty (Harrow East): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when she intends to publish the Report by Mr J. J. Rowe QC on the operation during 1998 of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996.
	(84334)
4	Mr Stephen Pound (Ealing North): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if she will make a statement on the Review of the Valuation and Lands Agency.
	(84335)
5	Mr Fraser Kemp (Houghton and Washington East): To ask the President of the Board of Trade, if he will make a statement on the outcome of the recent Ministerial Council of the European Space Agency.
	(84387)
6	Mr Fraser Kemp (Houghton and Washington East): To ask the President of the Board of Trade, if errors have been identified in the information on export licensing decisions included in Part II of the Government's Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls; and if he will make a statement.
	(84388)
7	Mr Mike Gapes (Ilford South): To ask the Prime Minister, if the Intelligence and Security Committee has reported to him on Sierra Leone; and if he will publish the Report.
	(84486)

Standing Committee Notices

Standing Committee A will meet on Tuesday 18th May at 10.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. and Thursday 20th May at 9.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. further to consider the Health Bill [Lords].

Standing Committee B will meet on Tuesday 18th May at 10.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. and Thursday 20th May at 9.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. further to consider the Finance Bill (except Clauses Nos. 2, 28 and 99).

Standing Committee C will meet on Wednesday 19th May at 10.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. further to consider the Referendums Bill.

Standing Committee D will meet on Wednesday 19th May at 11.00 a.m. to consider the Adoption (Intercountry Aspects) Bill.

Standing Committee E will meet on Tuesday 18th May at 10.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. and Thursday 20th May at 10.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. further to consider the Access to Justice Bill [Lords].

Standing Committee F will meet on Tuesday 18th May at 10.30 a.m. to consider the Disability Rights Commission Bill [Lords].

The Special Standing Committee on Immigration and Asylum Bill will meet on Tuesday 18th May at 10.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. and Thursday 20th May at 9.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m.

The Second Scottish Standing Committee will meet on Wednesday 19th May at 4.30 p.m. to consider the Mental Health (Amendment) Scotland Bill.

The Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation will meet on Tuesday 18th May at 10.30 a.m. to consider the draft International Headquarters and Defence Organisations (Designation and Privileges) (Amendment Order) Order 1999 and the draft Visiting Forces and International Headquarters (Application of Law) Order 1999.

The Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation will meet on Tuesday 18th May at 10.30 a.m. to consider the draft Social Security and Child Support (Decisions and Appeals) (Amendment) Regulations 1999.

The Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation will meet on Wednesday 19th May at 4.30 p.m. to consider the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 438).

The Eleventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation will meet on Wednesday 19th May at 4.30 p.m. to consider the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 46) Private Finance Initiative (HC 408).

European Standing Committee B will meet on Wednesday 19th May at 10.30 a.m. to consider European Union Document No. 5263/99 relating to Assistance to NIS and Mongolia.

MEMORANDUM

Forthcoming Adjournment Debates

Wednesday 26th May

There will be no 1/2 hour (General) Debates, pursuant to Standing Order No. 10(3) under which matters to be considered before the forthcoming adjournment will be considered.

Wednesday 9th June General and Short Debates

Applications should be made to Madam Speaker's Office by 10 p.m. or the rising of the House whichever is the earlier on Tuesday 25th May. The ballot will take place on Wednesday 26th May.

8th-14th June End of Day Debates

Applications should be made to Madam Speaker's Office by 10 p.m. or the rising of the House whichever is the earlier on Wednesday 26th May. The ballot will take place on Thursday 27th May.

Oral Questions to Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer
*1	Norman Baker (Lewes): What is his policy in respect of taxation on (a) house building and (b) house renovation.
	(83188)
*2	Mr Bob Blizzard (Waveney): If he will propose changes to the taxation system which would encourage further investment in the exploration and production of North Sea oil and gas.
	(83189)
*3	Mr Nick St. Aubyn (Guildford): What estimate he has made of the level of tax to be paid by business in 2000-01 as a result of the Budget.
	(83190)
*4	Mr David Heath (Somerton and Frome): What assessment he has made of the impact of changes in cider duty announced in the Budget on producers of bottle-fermented cider.
	(83191)
*5	Sir David Madel (South West Bedfordshire): What projection he has made for unemployment levels at the end of the 1999-2000 financial year.
	(83192)
*6	Mr John Wilkinson (Ruislip-Northwood): What is his estimate of the additional revenue to be derived from the proposed increase in VAT on works of art imported into the UK from outside the EU in each of the first three years of operation.
	(83193)
*7	Mr Eric Forth (Bromley and Chislehurst): What estimate he has made of the change in overall tax yield from business in 2001-02 as a result of the Budget.
	(83194)
*8	Joan Ryan (Enfield North): What representations he has received regarding the increase in child benefit announced in the Budget.
	(83195)
*9	Mr Crispin Blunt (Reigate): What assessment he has made of the effect of the road fuel duty escalator on (a) economic growth and (b) government revenue in each of the next five years.
	(83196)
*10	Mr Gordon Prentice (Pendle): What assessment he has made of the impact of the proposed climate change levy on (a) the aluminium industry and (b) other high-energy using manufacturing industries.
	(83198)
*11	Mr Edward Davey (Kingston and Surbiton): If he will review his policy to abolish dividend tax credits for people with incomes below the level of the personal income tax allowance.
	(83199)
*12	Mr Richard Page (South West Hertfordshire): What estimate he has made of the change in the amount in national insurance payable by the self-employed in 2000-01 as a result of the March 1999 Budget.
	(83200)
*13	Mr Graham Brady (Altrincham and Sale West): What is the level of road fuel duty per litre of diesel in (a) the UK and (b) other EU member states in 1999-2000.
	(83201)
*14	Dr George Turner (North West Norfolk): What assessment he has made of the impact of government economic policy on the overall value of UK pension funds.
	(83202)
*15	Mr John Healey (Wentworth): If he will list the measures he is taking to increase financial support to families.
	(83203)
*16	Dr Ian Gibson (Norwich North): What account he takes of the level of the FTSE index in devising economic policy; and if he will assess its accuracy.
	(83204)
*17	Mr Robert Syms (Poole): What estimate he has made of the change in levels of national insurance paid by the self-employed in 2001-02 as a result of the March Budget.
	(83205)
*18	Julia Drown (South Swindon): If he will report on progress made on debt relief for poor countries at the IMF and World Bank spring meetings.
	(83206)
*19	Mr Andrew Mackinlay (Thurrock): What discussions his Department has had with the Department of Social Security in respect of practices adopted by some companies to avoid paying national insurance contributions.
	(83207)
*20	Lynne Jones (Birmingham, Selly Oak): What assessment he has made of the level of net public sector debt which is prudent.
	(83208)
*21	Fiona Mactaggart (Slough): If he will make a statement on the future of duty free sales.
	(83209)
*22	Mr John Smith (Vale of Glamorgan): What plans he has to provide funding to allow Objective One EU projects to proceed.
	(83210)
*23	Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch): What estimate he has made of the effect on the level of tax paid by business from 1999-2000 to 2001-02 of the March 1999 Budget.
	(83211)
*24	Mr David Chaytor (Bury North): What plans he has to enable companies to make INTRASTAT returns electronically.
	(83212)
*25	Mr Archie Norman (Tunbridge Wells): If he will make a statement on his projections for the saving ratio in 2001-02.
	(83213)
*26	Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East): What assessment he made of the prospects for the UK joining the single currency (a) at the time of the announcement of the five tests and (b) at the most recent date.
	(83214)
*27	Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York): When he last met EU finance ministers to discuss the 6th VAT Directive.
	(83215)
*28	Mr Paul Stinchcombe (Wellingborough): If he will report on progress made on debt relief for poor countries at the IMF and World Bank spring meetings.
	(83216)
*29	Mr Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East): What estimate he has made of the number of (a) children and (b) adults in households whose income will increase to above half average income in each of the next three years as a result of measures introduced in each of his Budget statements.
	(83217)
*30	Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): What assessment he has made of the effect of the Government's monetary policies on the value of companies quoted on the London Stock Exchange.
	(83218)
*31	Mr Mike Gapes (Ilford South): When he next plans to meet European Finance Ministers to discuss the global economic system.
	(83219)
*32	Mr David Ruffley (Bury St. Edmunds): What estimate he has made of the changes in taxation paid in 2001-02 as a result of Budgets since July 1997.
	(83220)
*33	Mr Jim Dobbin (Heywood and Middleton): If he will make a statement on his measures to increase the financial incentive to work.
	(83221)
*34	Mr Desmond Swayne (New Forest West): If he will make a statement on the report of the Joint Committee on the draft Financial Services and Markets Bill.
	(83222)
*35	Miss Julie Kirkbride (Bromsgrove): How many people aged 55 to 63 are eligible for the married couple's allowance in 1999-2000.
	(83223)
*36	Mr Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham): What estimate he has made of the number of new savers who will open individual savings accounts in the current year.
	(83225)
*37	Mr Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield): What recent representations he has received from the road haulage industry on (a) vehicle excise duty and (b) duty on diesel.
	(83226)
*38	Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Cotswold): For what reasons (a) working families tax credit is classified as negative income tax and (b) mortgage interest tax relief at source is not so classified.
	(83227)