Order of Business for 17 May 1999

House of Commons

Session 1998-99
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Summary Agendas and Orders of Business

Order of Business Tuesday 18th May 1999

Here you can browse the House of Commons Order of Business for Tuesday 18 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 2.30 p.m. Prayers

Afterwards

Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

*1 Mr Michael Clapham (Barnsley West and Penistone):    If he will make a statement on relations with Iraq.

(83499)

*2 Dr Phyllis Starkey (Milton Keynes South West):    If he will make a statement on the steps being taken to promote the Middle East peace process.

(83500)

*3 Mr Bill Rammell (Harlow):    What discussions he has had about improving European defence co-operation.

(83501)

*4 Mrs Helen Brinton (Peterborough):    What discussions he has had with overseas governments regarding the shipment of MOX fuel to Japan.

(83502)

*5 Mr Nigel Waterson (Eastbourne):    When he plans to visit Cyprus to discuss its accession to the EU.

(83503)

*6 Mr Simon Hughes (North Southwark and Bermondsey):    What discussions he plans with governments of NATO countries, Russia and the Balkan states about plans for peace in Kosovo and the rest of Yugoslavia.

(83505)

*7 Mr James Plaskitt (Warwick and Leamington):    What proposals he has for the reform of the governance of the European Union.

(83506)

*8 Christine Russell (City of Chester):    If he will make a statement on the steps being taken to make progress with the Middle East peace process.

(83507)

*9 Mr David Borrow (South Ribble):    If he will make a statement on discussions with Argentina over the Falkland Islands.

[R](83508)

*10 Mr Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington):    What recent representations have been made to him by foreign governments regarding the proposed shipment of MOX fuel to Japan.

(83509)

*11 Mr David Winnick (Walsall North):    If he will make a statement on the current position regarding Kosovo.

(83510)

*12 Gillian Merron (Lincoln):    If he will make a statement on the outcome of the Israeli general election.

[R](83511)

*13 The Reverend Martin Smyth (Belfast South):    What representations he has received from the Spanish Foreign Minister concerning alleged irregularities in the financial sector in Gibraltar.

(83512)

*14 Lynne Jones (Birmingham, Selly Oak):    What progress has been made to date in achieving a nuclear weapons-free world.

(83513)

*15 Ms Claire Ward (Watford):    If he will make a statement on the funding for the next three financial years of the British Council.

(83514)

*16 Mr Chris Mullin (Sunderland South):    If he will make a statement on the situation in Kosovo.

(83515)

*17 Mr Tony McNulty (Harrow East):    If he will make a statement about relations with Albania.

(83516)

*18 Bob Russell (Colchester):    What response he has had from the St. Helena Island Council to the publication of his White Paper on overseas territories.

(83517)

*19 Dr Brian Iddon (Bolton South East):    If he will make a statement on the steps being taken to promote the Middle East peace process.

(83518)

*20 Mr John Cryer (Hornchurch):    If he will make a statement on his policy towards the future status of East Timor.

(83519)

*21 Mr Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow):    What discussions he has had with his American counterparts concerning the American government's decision to withdraw from legal proceedings against Mr Idris relating to the bombing of the El Shifa factory.

(83520)

*22 Mr Nick St. Aubyn (Guildford):    If he will make a statement on the political situation in the Middle East.

[R](83521)

*23 Mr Peter Bradley (The Wrekin):    What representations he has made to the Chinese Government about the continuing imprisonment of the Tibetan nun Ngwang Sangdrol; and what prospects there are for her release.

(83522)

*24 Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South):    If he will make a statement about relations with Albania.

(83523)

*25 Mr Tim Boswell (Daventry):    If he will make a statement on the refugee position in the Balkans.

(83524)

*26 Mr Ben Chapman (Wirral South):    If he will make a statement on the preparations for the enlargement of the European Union with regard to the reform of the European Structural Policy.

(83525)

*27 Mr Malcolm Savidge (Aberdeen North):    If he will make a statement on progress made in improving and updating the 1995 aims and objectives of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

(83526)

*28 Mr David Heath (Somerton and Frome):    If he will make a statement on his policy in respect of Iraq.

(83527)

*29 Mr Lindsay Hoyle (Chorley):    If he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's relations with Malta.

(83528)

*30 Mr Gordon Prentice (Pendle):    What recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in the NATO countries concerning the future of Kosovo as an independent state after the end of the hostilities; and if he will make a statement.

(83529)

*31 Ms Linda Perham (Ilford North):    If he will make a statement on the outcome of the Israeli general election.

(83530)

*32 Mr Richard Burden (Birmingham, Northfield):    If he will make a statement on the progress of the Middle East peace process.

(83531)

*33 Mr Bob Blizzard (Waveney):    If he will make a statement on the priorities for his policy relating to Brazil.

(83532)

*34 Mr Clive Soley (Ealing, Acton and Shepherd's Bush):    If he will make a statement on the Government's discussions with Russia on closer co-operation with the International Criminal Court.

(83533)

*35 Mr David Chaytor (Bury North):    What assessment he has made of the proliferation risks of exporting MOX fuel.

(83534)

*36 Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central):    If he will make a statement on the outcome of the Israeli general election.

(83535)

*37 Mr Ivor Caplin (Hove):    If he will make a statement on the Middle East peace process following the outcome of the Israeli general election.

(83536)

*38 Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich):    If he will make a statement on the outcome of the Israeli general election.

(83537)

*39 Mr Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East):    What action he is taking to promote peace in East Timor.

(83538)

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

STANDING COMMITTEES

1   Special Standing Committee 10.30 a.m.
4.30 p.m. Room 9 (public)
(public)

    Further to consider the Immigration and Asylum Bill.

2   Standing Committee A 10.30 a.m.
4.30 p.m. Room 11 (public)
(public)

    Further to consider the Health Bill [Lords].

3   Standing Committee B 10.30 a.m.
4.30 p.m. Room 10 (public)
(public)

    Further to consider the Finance Bill (except Clauses 2, 28 and 99).

4   Standing Committee F 10.30 a.m. Room 14 (public)

    To consider the Disability Rights Commission Bill [Lords].

5   Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation 10.30 a.m. Room 12 (public)

    To consider the draft International Headquarters and Defence Organisations (Designation and Privileges) (Amendment) Order 1999, and the draft Visiting Forces and International Headquarters (Application of Law) Order 1999.

6   Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation. 10.30 a.m. Room 16 (public)

    To consider the draft Social Security and Child Support (Decisions and Appeals) (Amendment) Regulations 1999.

SELECT COMMITTEES

7   Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs: Environment Sub-Committee 9.45 a.m.
10.00 a.m. Room 21 (private)
(public)

    Subject: Multilateral Environmental Agreements.

    Witnesses: Patricia Bliss-Guest, Principal Institutional and Legal Specialist, Global Environment Facility, Mr Andrew Bennett, Director, Rural Livelihoods and Environment Division, Department for International Development.

8   Environmental Audit 10.00 a.m.
10.30 a.m. Room 19 (private)
(public)

    Subject: Greening Government.

    Witnesses: Mr Vivian Brown, Chief Executive, Mr John Weiss, Group Director for Underwriting, Marion Maddox, Director of External Relations Division, Export Credits Guarentee Department (ECGD); Janet Anderson, MP, Green Minister, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (at 11.45 a.m.).

9   Foreign Affairs 10.00 a.m. Room 20 (private)

10   International Development 10.00 a.m.
10.30 a.m. Room 15 (private)
(public)

    Subject: The Future of Sanctions.

    Witnesses: Mr Tony Brenton, Director, Global Issues, Mr Edward Chaplin OBE, Head, Middle Eastern Department, Ms Elizabeth Wilmshurst, Legal Adviser, Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Mr Tony Faint, Director, Balkans Division, Mr Gareth Aicken, Assistant Head, Conflict and Humanitarian Affairs Department, Department for International Development.

11   Trade and Industry 10.00 a.m.
10.15 a.m. Room 8 (private)
(public)

    Subject: Trade, Trade Marks and Competition.

    Witnesses: Anti-Counterfeiting Group; Rishworth Chase (at 10.50 a.m.); Dr Kim Howells MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (at 11.30 a.m.).

12   Home Affairs 10.15 a.m. Room 5 (private)

13   Public Administration 10.15 a.m. Room 6 (private)

14   Standards and Privileges 10.30 a.m. Room 13 (private)

15   Treasury 10.30 a.m. Room 7 (private)

16   Welsh Affairs 10.30 a.m. Room 18 (private)

17   Education and Employment 3.45 p.m.
4.00 p.m. Room 18 (private)
(public)

    Subject: Opportunities for Disabled People.

    Witnesses: RNIB, Rehab UK, the National League of the Blind and Disabled; the DDA Representation and Advice Project and the DDA Advisers Group.

18   Standards and Privileges 4.00 p.m. Room 13 (private)

19   Administration 5.00 p.m. Room 17 (private)

20   Statutory Instruments Immediately
after the
Meeting of the
Joint
Committee on
Statutory
Instruments Room 7 (private)

JOINT COMMITTEES

21   Financial Services and Markets 3.30 p.m. Room 3A (private)

22   Statutory Instruments 4.15 p.m. Room 7 (private)

[The decision of a Committee to sit in public may be rescinded without notice.]

Written Questions tabled on Monday 17th May for answer today++

1
   Mr Gareth R. Thomas (Harrow West):    To ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee, if he will make a statement on the total number of releases under the Open Government Initiative.

(84752)

2
   Mr Jeff Ennis (Barnsley East and Mexborough):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when he will issue proposals for improving the processing of major projects of national significance through the planning system.

(84753)

3
   Mr John Home Robertson (East Lothian):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he expects to be able to recognise the competence of the International Fact-Finding Commission enshrined in Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions.

(84793)

4
   Mr Stephen Twigg (Enfield, Southgate):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when he plans to publish the formal amendment to the Channel Tunnel Concession Agreement setting out the terms on which this is extended to a total of 99 years.

(84794)

5
   Mr Martin Salter (Reading West):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, if he will publish a summary of the responses to the Green Paper, The Learning Age.

(84795)

6
   Mr Tom Levitt (High Peak):    To ask the President of the Council, pursuant to her Answer on 20th April, Official Report, column 480, when she will publish the latest results of the market research tracking public perception of the millennium bug.

(84842)

7
   Mr Graham Stringer (Manchester, Blackley):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what instructions have been issued to overseas diplomatic posts to restrict their involvement in the promotion of tobacco products following the publication of the Tobacco White Paper in December.

(84843)

8
   Dr Phyllis Starkey (Milton Keynes South West):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when he expects to appoint a new Member of the Parliamentary Boundary Commission for England to succeed David Macklin CBE.

(84844)

9
   Mrs Helen Brinton (Peterborough):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proposals he has for tackling arson; and if he will make a statement.

(84882)

10
   Mr Clive Efford (Eltham):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will announce the membership of the steering group which he will chair to oversee the implementation of his action plan to take forward the recommendations of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry; and if he will make a statement.

(84883)

11
   Mr Clive Efford (Eltham):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has to change the procedure for determining the mode of trial in either-way cases; and if he will make a statement.

(84884)

Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
*1	Mr Michael Clapham (Barnsley West and Penistone): If he will make a statement on relations with Iraq.
	(83499)
*2	Dr Phyllis Starkey (Milton Keynes South West): If he will make a statement on the steps being taken to promote the Middle East peace process.
	(83500)
*3	Mr Bill Rammell (Harlow): What discussions he has had about improving European defence co-operation.
	(83501)
*4	Mrs Helen Brinton (Peterborough): What discussions he has had with overseas governments regarding the shipment of MOX fuel to Japan.
	(83502)
*5	Mr Nigel Waterson (Eastbourne): When he plans to visit Cyprus to discuss its accession to the EU.
	(83503)
*6	Mr Simon Hughes (North Southwark and Bermondsey): What discussions he plans with governments of NATO countries, Russia and the Balkan states about plans for peace in Kosovo and the rest of Yugoslavia.
	(83505)
*7	Mr James Plaskitt (Warwick and Leamington): What proposals he has for the reform of the governance of the European Union.
	(83506)
*8	Christine Russell (City of Chester): If he will make a statement on the steps being taken to make progress with the Middle East peace process.
	(83507)
*9	Mr David Borrow (South Ribble): If he will make a statement on discussions with Argentina over the Falkland Islands.
	[R](83508)
*10	Mr Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington): What recent representations have been made to him by foreign governments regarding the proposed shipment of MOX fuel to Japan.
	(83509)
*11	Mr David Winnick (Walsall North): If he will make a statement on the current position regarding Kosovo.
	(83510)
*12	Gillian Merron (Lincoln): If he will make a statement on the outcome of the Israeli general election.
	[R](83511)
*13	The Reverend Martin Smyth (Belfast South): What representations he has received from the Spanish Foreign Minister concerning alleged irregularities in the financial sector in Gibraltar.
	(83512)
*14	Lynne Jones (Birmingham, Selly Oak): What progress has been made to date in achieving a nuclear weapons-free world.
	(83513)
*15	Ms Claire Ward (Watford): If he will make a statement on the funding for the next three financial years of the British Council.
	(83514)
*16	Mr Chris Mullin (Sunderland South): If he will make a statement on the situation in Kosovo.
	(83515)
*17	Mr Tony McNulty (Harrow East): If he will make a statement about relations with Albania.
	(83516)
*18	Bob Russell (Colchester): What response he has had from the St. Helena Island Council to the publication of his White Paper on overseas territories.
	(83517)
*19	Dr Brian Iddon (Bolton South East): If he will make a statement on the steps being taken to promote the Middle East peace process.
	(83518)
*20	Mr John Cryer (Hornchurch): If he will make a statement on his policy towards the future status of East Timor.
	(83519)
*21	Mr Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow): What discussions he has had with his American counterparts concerning the American government's decision to withdraw from legal proceedings against Mr Idris relating to the bombing of the El Shifa factory.
	(83520)
*22	Mr Nick St. Aubyn (Guildford): If he will make a statement on the political situation in the Middle East.
	[R](83521)
*23	Mr Peter Bradley (The Wrekin): What representations he has made to the Chinese Government about the continuing imprisonment of the Tibetan nun Ngwang Sangdrol; and what prospects there are for her release.
	(83522)
*24	Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South): If he will make a statement about relations with Albania.
	(83523)
*25	Mr Tim Boswell (Daventry): If he will make a statement on the refugee position in the Balkans.
	(83524)
*26	Mr Ben Chapman (Wirral South): If he will make a statement on the preparations for the enlargement of the European Union with regard to the reform of the European Structural Policy.
	(83525)
*27	Mr Malcolm Savidge (Aberdeen North): If he will make a statement on progress made in improving and updating the 1995 aims and objectives of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
	(83526)
*28	Mr David Heath (Somerton and Frome): If he will make a statement on his policy in respect of Iraq.
	(83527)
*29	Mr Lindsay Hoyle (Chorley): If he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's relations with Malta.
	(83528)
*30	Mr Gordon Prentice (Pendle): What recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in the NATO countries concerning the future of Kosovo as an independent state after the end of the hostilities; and if he will make a statement.
	(83529)
*31	Ms Linda Perham (Ilford North): If he will make a statement on the outcome of the Israeli general election.
	(83530)
*32	Mr Richard Burden (Birmingham, Northfield): If he will make a statement on the progress of the Middle East peace process.
	(83531)
*33	Mr Bob Blizzard (Waveney): If he will make a statement on the priorities for his policy relating to Brazil.
	(83532)
*34	Mr Clive Soley (Ealing, Acton and Shepherd's Bush): If he will make a statement on the Government's discussions with Russia on closer co-operation with the International Criminal Court.
	(83533)
*35	Mr David Chaytor (Bury North): What assessment he has made of the proliferation risks of exporting MOX fuel.
	(83534)
*36	Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): If he will make a statement on the outcome of the Israeli general election.
	(83535)
*37	Mr Ivor Caplin (Hove): If he will make a statement on the Middle East peace process following the outcome of the Israeli general election.
	(83536)
*38	Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich): If he will make a statement on the outcome of the Israeli general election.
	(83537)
*39	Mr Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East): What action he is taking to promote peace in East Timor.
	(83538)

COMMITTEE MEETINGS
STANDING COMMITTEES
1	Special Standing Committee	10.30 a.m. 4.30 p.m.	Room 9 (public) (public)
	Further to consider the Immigration and Asylum Bill.
2	Standing Committee A	10.30 a.m. 4.30 p.m.	Room 11 (public) (public)
	Further to consider the Health Bill [Lords].
3	Standing Committee B	10.30 a.m. 4.30 p.m.	Room 10 (public) (public)
	Further to consider the Finance Bill (except Clauses 2, 28 and 99).
4	Standing Committee F	10.30 a.m.	Room 14 (public)
	To consider the Disability Rights Commission Bill [Lords].
5	Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation	10.30 a.m.	Room 12 (public)
	To consider the draft International Headquarters and Defence Organisations (Designation and Privileges) (Amendment) Order 1999, and the draft Visiting Forces and International Headquarters (Application of Law) Order 1999.
6	Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.	10.30 a.m.	Room 16 (public)
	To consider the draft Social Security and Child Support (Decisions and Appeals) (Amendment) Regulations 1999.
SELECT COMMITTEES
7	Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs: Environment Sub-Committee	9.45 a.m. 10.00 a.m.	Room 21 (private) (public)
	Subject: Multilateral Environmental Agreements.
	Witnesses: Patricia Bliss-Guest, Principal Institutional and Legal Specialist, Global Environment Facility, Mr Andrew Bennett, Director, Rural Livelihoods and Environment Division, Department for International Development.
8	Environmental Audit	10.00 a.m. 10.30 a.m.	Room 19 (private) (public)
	Subject: Greening Government.
	Witnesses: Mr Vivian Brown, Chief Executive, Mr John Weiss, Group Director for Underwriting, Marion Maddox, Director of External Relations Division, Export Credits Guarentee Department (ECGD); Janet Anderson, MP, Green Minister, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (at 11.45 a.m.).
9	Foreign Affairs	10.00 a.m.	Room 20 (private)
10	International Development	10.00 a.m. 10.30 a.m.	Room 15 (private) (public)
	Subject: The Future of Sanctions.
	Witnesses: Mr Tony Brenton, Director, Global Issues, Mr Edward Chaplin OBE, Head, Middle Eastern Department, Ms Elizabeth Wilmshurst, Legal Adviser, Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Mr Tony Faint, Director, Balkans Division, Mr Gareth Aicken, Assistant Head, Conflict and Humanitarian Affairs Department, Department for International Development.
11	Trade and Industry	10.00 a.m. 10.15 a.m.	Room 8 (private) (public)
	Subject: Trade, Trade Marks and Competition.
	Witnesses: Anti-Counterfeiting Group; Rishworth Chase (at 10.50 a.m.); Dr Kim Howells MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (at 11.30 a.m.).
12	Home Affairs	10.15 a.m.	Room 5 (private)
13	Public Administration	10.15 a.m.	Room 6 (private)
14	Standards and Privileges	10.30 a.m.	Room 13 (private)
15	Treasury	10.30 a.m.	Room 7 (private)
16	Welsh Affairs	10.30 a.m.	Room 18 (private)
17	Education and Employment	3.45 p.m. 4.00 p.m.	Room 18 (private) (public)
	Subject: Opportunities for Disabled People.
	Witnesses: RNIB, Rehab UK, the National League of the Blind and Disabled; the DDA Representation and Advice Project and the DDA Advisers Group.
18	Standards and Privileges	4.00 p.m.	Room 13 (private)
19	Administration	5.00 p.m.	Room 17 (private)
20	Statutory Instruments	Immediately after the Meeting of the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments	Room 7 (private)
JOINT COMMITTEES
21	Financial Services and Markets	3.30 p.m.	Room 3A (private)
22	Statutory Instruments	4.15 p.m.	Room 7 (private)
[The decision of a Committee to sit in public may be rescinded without notice.]

Written Questions tabled on Monday 17th May for answer today++
1	Mr Gareth R. Thomas (Harrow West): To ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee, if he will make a statement on the total number of releases under the Open Government Initiative.
	(84752)
2	Mr Jeff Ennis (Barnsley East and Mexborough): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when he will issue proposals for improving the processing of major projects of national significance through the planning system.
	(84753)
3	Mr John Home Robertson (East Lothian): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he expects to be able to recognise the competence of the International Fact-Finding Commission enshrined in Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions.
	(84793)
4	Mr Stephen Twigg (Enfield, Southgate): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when he plans to publish the formal amendment to the Channel Tunnel Concession Agreement setting out the terms on which this is extended to a total of 99 years.
	(84794)
5	Mr Martin Salter (Reading West): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, if he will publish a summary of the responses to the Green Paper, The Learning Age.
	(84795)
6	Mr Tom Levitt (High Peak): To ask the President of the Council, pursuant to her Answer on 20th April, Official Report, column 480, when she will publish the latest results of the market research tracking public perception of the millennium bug.
	(84842)
7	Mr Graham Stringer (Manchester, Blackley): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what instructions have been issued to overseas diplomatic posts to restrict their involvement in the promotion of tobacco products following the publication of the Tobacco White Paper in December.
	(84843)
8	Dr Phyllis Starkey (Milton Keynes South West): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when he expects to appoint a new Member of the Parliamentary Boundary Commission for England to succeed David Macklin CBE.
	(84844)
9	Mrs Helen Brinton (Peterborough): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proposals he has for tackling arson; and if he will make a statement.
	(84882)
10	Mr Clive Efford (Eltham): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will announce the membership of the steering group which he will chair to oversee the implementation of his action plan to take forward the recommendations of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry; and if he will make a statement.
	(84883)
11	Mr Clive Efford (Eltham): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has to change the procedure for determining the mode of trial in either-way cases; and if he will make a statement.
	(84884)