House of Commons portcullis
House of Commons
Session 1998-1999

Commons Journal 255

Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II


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J O U R N A L S


OF THE


HOUSE OF COMMONS




Session 1998–99


The Fifty-Second Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

[No. 1.]

Tuesday 24th November 1998.

The House met at twenty-five minutes past Eleven o'clock.

PRAYERS.

1Message to attend Her Majesty,—A Message from Her Majesty was delivered by the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod.

Madam Speaker,

The Queen commands this Honourable House to attend Her Majesty immediately, in the House of Peers.

Accordingly, Madam Speaker, with the House, went up to attend Her Majesty:—And having returned;

Madam Speaker resumed the Chair at half-past Two o'clock.

2Elections,—Ordered, That all Members who are returned for two or more places in any part of the United Kingdom do make their Election for which of the places they will serve, within one week after it shall appear that there is no question upon the Return for that place; and if any thing shall come in question touching the Return or Election of any Member, he is to withdraw during the time the matter is in debate; and that all Members returned upon double Returns do withdraw till their returns are determined.

Resolved, That no Peer of the Realm, except a Peer of Ireland, hath any right to give his vote in the Election of any Member to serve in Parliament.

Resolved, That if it shall appear that any person hath been elected or returned a Member of this House, or endeavoured so to be by bribery, or any other corrupt practices, this House will proceed with the utmost severity against all such persons as shall have been wilfully concerned in such bribery or other corrupt practices.

3Witnesses,—Resolved, That if it shall appear that any person hath been tampering with any witness, in respect of his evidence to be given to this House, or any Committee thereof, or directly or indirectly hath endeavoured to deter or hinder any person from appearing or giving evidence, the same is declared to be a high crime and misdemeanour; and this House will proceed with the utmost severity against such offender.

Resolved, That if it shall appear that any person hath given false evidence in any case before this House, or any Committee thereof, this House will proceed with the utmost severity against such offender.

4Metropolitan Police,—Ordered, That the Commissioner of the Police of the Metropolis do take care that during the Session of Parliament the passages through the streets leading to this House be kept free and open and that no obstruction be permitted to hinder the passage of Members to and from this House, and that no disorder be allowed in Westminster Hall, or in the passages leading to this House, during the Sitting of

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  Parliament, and that there be no annoyance therein or thereabouts; and that the Serjeant at Arms attending this House do communicate this Order to the Commissioner aforesaid.

5Votes and Proceedings,—Ordered, That the Votes and Proceedings of this House be printed, being first perused by the Speaker, and that she do appoint the printing thereof; and that no person but such as she shall appoint do presume to print the same.

6Outlawries,—A Bill for the more effectual preventing Clandestine Outlawries was read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time.

7Journal,—Ordered, That the Journal of this House, from the end of the last Session to the end of the present Session, with an Index thereto, be printed.

Ordered, That the said Journal and Index be printed by the appointment and under the direction of William Robert McKay, Esquire, C.B., the Clerk of this House.

Ordered, That the said Journal and Index be printed by such person as shall be licensed by the Speaker, and that no other person do presume to print the same.

8Queen's Speech,—Madam Speaker reported Her Majesty's Speech and directed that it be entered in the Journal, as follows:

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

This is my Government's second legislative programme. Like the first, it will focus upon the modernisation of the country, its institutions, its public services, and its economy.

They will continue in their drive to raise standards in our education services, to improve care in our health services and to modernise our welfare state upon the principle of work for those who can and security for those who cannot.

My Government will continue with economic policies designed to build stability for the long term, making the United Kingdom well placed not just to weather the international financial storms but to emerge stronger from them. My Government will continue to work with our G7 partners and others to reform the international financial institutions.

At home, the central economic objectives of my Government are high and stable levels of economic growth and employment, enabling everyone to share in higher living standards and greater job opportunities.

My Government believe the historic decision to give the Bank of England the power to set interest rates has been crucial to the meeting of its inflation target and credibility in the system. Having reduced Government borrowing by £20 billion in its first year, my Government will continue to pursue sound public finances and abide by its fiscal rules. Productivity will be improved by measures addressing competition, investment, entrepreneurship and improving the skills of the British people.

Legislation will be introduced to improve the regulation of financial services and markets, with a new statutory regulator, the Financial Services Authority. Legislation will be introduced to promote electronic commerce and start modernising the law, improving competitiveness by enabling the United Kingdom to compete in the new digital marketplace.

Education remains my Government's top priority. To raise standards in our schools, we must raise standards in teaching. As part of my Government's drive to raise achievement in schools, a consultation paper will be brought forward on the most far-reaching reforms of the teaching profession for fifty years. These will enhance the status of teachers and reward high performance to secure the delivery of high standards. They will be taking other measures to continue the drive to enhance educational opportunity.

My Government will continue to build a modern National Health Service to meet the needs of the whole nation. A Bill will be introduced to replace the NHS internal market which put hospitals, doctors and nurses in competition with each other. In its place will be decentralised arrangements based on partnership, quality and efficiency to put doctors and nurses in the lead in shaping local services.

Following the White Paper, my Government will be taking forward proposals for the Food Standards Agency.

My Government will continue to tackle crime and its causes and to modernise the justice system. A Bill will be introduced to modernise the youth courts and to give greater protection for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses in criminal cases.

My Government will introduce legislation to modernise legal aid to make the system fairer and more cost effective; to provide for a Community Legal Service; and to make other changes to overhaul the justice system.

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Members of the House of Commons,

Estimates for the public service will be laid before you. These will include substantial increases for education and health, laying the foundations for investment of £40 billion extra over the next three years. This investment will be tied to meeting the challenges of modernisation.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

My Government has made clear its determination to modernise the welfare state upon clear principles of work, security, fairness and value for money.

A Bill will be introduced giving greater help to those in need by reforming benefits for people with long-term illness or disabilities, and modernising benefits for widows, including for the first time, provision for widowers. It will include the introduction of a single gateway to the benefit system for those of working age. It will also make provision for pension sharing on divorce and introduce stakeholder pension schemes, offering a new, flexible and good value alternative form of pension.

A Bill will be introduced for the Working Families Tax Credit and Disabled Persons Tax Credit as part of my Government's determination to make work pay.

My Government will introduce legislation to establish a Disability Rights Commission which will assist disabled people in securing comprehensive civil rights and help employers to meet their obligations.

My Government will continue to work in partnership with business, and welcome the improved relations between business and trade unions, who worked together in informing the Government's proposals for fairness at work. They will bring forward measures to establish a forward-looking balance of rights and responsibilities for employers and employees and will promote partnership at work.

A Bill will be introduced to transfer the Contributions Agency to the Inland Revenue, paving the way for better and simpler collection of National Insurance Contributions and tax.

My Government have fulfilled their commitment to establish a Scottish Parliament and a Welsh Assembly in accordance with the wishes of the people. People will be able to vote in elections to the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly next year, and my Government will work to ensure that both are established successfully.

In Northern Ireland, my Government will continue to work towards the full implementation of all aspects of the Belfast Agreement and maintain close co-operation with the Republic of Ireland.

My Government will introduce legislation to modernise local government in England and Wales and secure delivery of high quality local services on a sound financial footing.

Legislation will be introduced to create a new Greater London Authority made up of a directly elected Mayor and a separately elected Assembly. There will be a range of powers to help make London a world class city, including new powers to tackle road congestion and improve public transport.

Regional Development Agencies will be established in England, decentralising decision-taking to the English regions. They will have a remit to serve both rural and urban areas.

A Bill will be introduced to remove the right of hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords. It will be the first stage in a process of reform to make the House of Lords more democratic and representative. My Government will publish a White Paper setting out arrangements for a new system of appointments of life peers and establish a Royal Commission to review further changes and speedily to bring forward proposals for reform.

My Government believe in open Government. Consultation on draft legislation is a contribution to this. They propose that a draft Freedom of Information Bill be given pre-legislative scrutiny in both Houses. My Government will also publish in draft several Bills, including those to reform Party funding, to improve councils' conduct of business and to establish a Strategic Rail Authority.

Legislation will be brought forward to provide a fair basis for water charging in England and Wales.

Parliament will be given an opportunity to vote on the age of consent. The Bill will strengthen the protection of young people from abuse of trust.

A Bill will be introduced to modernise the law on immigration and asylum, including reform of the appeals system and new support arrangements for asylum seekers.

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My Government are committed to tackling global poverty and promoting sustainable development. They will introduce a Bill to convert the Commonwealth Development Corporation to a public private partnership to increase investment in developing countries.

Other measures will be laid before you.

The Duke of Edinburgh and I look forward to receiving State Visits by His Excellency the President of the Federal Republic of Germany next month and His Excellency the President of the People's Republic of China next year. We also look forward to our State Visit to Korea next year and to visiting South Africa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

My Government will play a leading role in preparing the European Union for the historic challenge of enlargement. In particular, they will work to secure reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and Structural and Cohesion Funds and to ensure that the EU policies and institutions meet the concerns of our citizens.

They will pursue their initiative to make the European Union's foreign and security policy more effective.

My Government will continue to promote with their European partners the economic reforms which will help to create growth and higher employment. They will encourage preparations in the United Kingdom for the introduction in other Member States of the Euro and will maintain the United Kingdom's abatement.

My Government will ensure strong arrangements for defence based on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, and promote international peace and security, especially in the Middle East and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They will also actively pursue a resolution to the problems in Kosovo.

My Government will pursue reform of the United Nations and an early resolution of its funding crisis. They will work to maintain the authority of the Resolutions of the Security Council of the United Nations, including in relation to Iraq.

As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, my Government remain committed to the effective promotion of human rights world-wide.

My Government will continue the fight against terrorism and serious crime at home and abroad. They will continue their leading role in protecting the environment, including the global climate.

My Government see this as a substantial set of measures, addressing its priorities and seeking to meet the important and difficult challenges before us.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.

9Queen's Speech (Motion for an Address),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, as follows:

Most Gracious Sovereign,

We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Majesty for the Gracious Speech which Your Majesty has addressed to both Houses of Parliament—(Mr Joe Ashton);

Ordered, That the Debate be now adjourned.—(Mr Greg Pope.)

Debate to be resumed to-morrow.

10Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Greg Pope);

And it being Ten o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.

11Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Jane Kennedy.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till sixteen minutes past Ten o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 10.16 p.m.


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APPENDIX

Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office during the Prorogation of Parliament on the undermentioned dates pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

20th November 1998

1Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2771), dated 11th November 1998 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

2Sea Fisheries,—Herring (Specified Sea Areas) (Prohibition of Fishing) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2867), dated 18th November 1998 [Mr Nicholas Brown].

23rd November 1998

3Local Government,—Residuary Body for Wales (Winding Up) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2859), dated 18th November 1998 [Mr Secretary Michael].

4Registration of Political Parties,—(1) Registration of Political Parties (Fees) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2872), and

(2) Registration of Political Parties (Prohibited Words and Expressions) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2873),

dated 21st November 1998 [Mr Secretary Straw].

5Social Security,—Income-related Benefits (Subsidy to Authorities) Amendment Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2865), dated 17th November 1998 [Mr Secretary Darling].

Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Tuesday 24th November 1998:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

6Rating and Valuation,—Non-Domestic Rating (Rural Settlements) (England) (No. 2) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2836), dated 17th November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

7Town and Country Planning,—Town and Country Planning General (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2800), dated 13th November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers:

8Agriculture,—(1) Report on smallholdings in England for 1995–96 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown]; and

(2) Report on smallholdings in Wales for 1995–96 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].

9Appropriation Accounts, 1997–98,—Appropriation Account of sums granted by Parliament for 1997–98 for Class I (Ministry of Defence) [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1-I] [Dawn Primarolo].

10Arts Councils,—Report and Summary Financial Statement of the Arts Council of Wales for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Command] [Mr Secretary Michael].

11Charities (Scotland),—Report of Scottish Charities Nominee for the year ended 31st August 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

12Defence Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Army Technical Support Agency for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 8] [Mr Secretary Robertson].

13Development of Tourism,—Statement of appointment of new members and of determination of salaries of chairman and members of the Scottish Tourist Board [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

14Local Government (Wales),—Report and Accounts of the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Command] [Mr Secretary Michael].

15Museums and Galleries,—Report and Financial Statements of the Greater Manchester Museum of Science and Industry Trust for 1997–98 [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith].


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[No. 2.]

Wednesday 25th November 1998.

The House met at half-past Nine o'clock.

PRAYERS.

1Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Keith Hill);

And it being Two o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.

2Water Industry Bill,—Mr Secretary Prescott, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Secretary Dewar, Mr Secretary Dobson, Mr Secretary Darling, Mr Secretary Michael, Mr Michael Meacher and Mr Alan Meale, presented a Bill to make further provision in relation to England and Wales as to charges in respect of the supply of water and the provision of sewerage services and to make provision in relation to Scotland for the establishment and functions of a Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 1].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Water Industry Bill be printed [Bill 1–EN].

3Queen's Speech (Motion for an Address),—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed yesterday, That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, as follows:

Most Gracious Sovereign,

We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Majesty for the Gracious Speech which Your Majesty has addressed to both Houses of Parliament;

And the Question being again proposed:—The House resumed the adjourned Debate.

Ordered, That the Debate be now adjourned.—(Mr Greg Pope.)

Debate to be resumed to-morrow.

4Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Greg Pope);

And it being Ten o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.

5Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Greg Pope.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-four minutes past Ten o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 10.24 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Town and Country Planning (Scotland),—(1) Town and Country Planning (Compensation for Restrictions on Mineral Working and Mineral Waste Depositing) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2914), and

(2) Town and Country Planning (Minerals) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2913),

dated 17th November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2County Courts,—Civil Courts (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2910), dated 21st November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

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3Education,—School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (Allowances for Governors and Individual Pupil Information) (Modification) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2916), dated 24th November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

4Education (Scotland),—Scottish Further Education Funding Council (Establishment) (Scotland) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2887), dated 23rd November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

5Income Tax,—Life Assurance (Apportionment of Receipts of Participating Funds) (Applicable Percentage) (Amendment) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2920), dated 24th November 1998 [by Act] [Ms Patricia Hewitt].

6Legal Aid and Advice,—(1) Legal Advice and Assistance (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2907),

(2) Legal Aid in Criminal and Care Proceedings (Costs) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2908), and

(3) Legal Aid in Criminal and Care Proceedings (General) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2909),

dated 19th November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

7Local Government,—Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Exemption) (Christchurch Borough Council and Purbeck District Council) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2862), dated 17th November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

8Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Manual Handling Operations) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2857), dated 10th November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

9Social Security,—Social Security (Contributions) Amendment (No. 5) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2894), dated 24th November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Other Papers:

10Agriculture (Northern Ireland),—Northern Ireland Office Minute concerning a contingent liability consequent upon indemnification of members of the “Residuary” Milk Marketing Board for Northern Ireland [by Command] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

11Cereals Marketing,—Report and Accounts of the Home-Grown Cereals Authority for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

12Consumer Protection,—Report by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on Consumer Safety for the period 1st April 1993 to 31st March 1998 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 9] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

13Foreign Affairs,—Government Responses to the following Reports from the Foreign Affairs Committee, Session 1997–98:

(1) 3rd, on Hong Kong [by Command] [Cm. 4156], and

(2) 4th, on Entry Clearance Operations with Particular Reference to Islamabad and New Delhi [by Command] [Cm. 4151]

[Mr Secretary Cook].

14Health Service Commissioner,—First Report of the Health Service Ombudsman, Session 1998–99: Investigations Completed—April to September 1998 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 3] [Clerk of the House].

15Museums and Galleries,—Accounts of the National Museum of Wales for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act], to be printed [No. 19] [Clerk of the House].

16National Heritage,—Report and Accounts of English Heritage for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

17Parliamentary Commissioner,—First Report of the Parliamentary Ombudsman, Session 1998–99: Selected Cases—May to September 1998 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 4] [Clerk of the House].

18Police (Northern Ireland),—Statement of Accounts of the Independent Commission for Police Complaints for Northern Ireland for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 18] [Clerk of the House].

19Treaty Series (No. 52, 1998),—1996 Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, Resolution MSC.57 (67), adopted in accordance with Article VIII of the Convention, done at London on 5th December 1996 [by Command] [Cm. 4158] [Mr Secretary Cook].

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20Treaty Series (No. 53, 1998),—1996 Amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquified Gases in Bulk (IGC Code), Resolution MSC.59 (67), adopted in accordance with Article VIII of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, done at London on 5th December 1996 [by Command] [Cm. 4159] [Mr Secretary Cook].

21Treaty Series (No. 57, 1998),—Exchange of Notes, done at Yerevan on 29th and 30th August 1996, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Armenia terminating the Exchange of Notes between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics concerning the Mutual Abolition of Consular Fees on Visas, signed at Moscow on 13th April 1964 [by Command] [Cm. 4165] [Mr Secretary Cook].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Draft Broadcasting (Restrictions on the Holding of Licences) (Amendment) Order 1998:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Peter Atkinson Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Ms Diane Abbott, Janet Anderson, Sir Paul Beresford, Ann Clwyd, Mr Jim Dowd, Mr Ronnie Fearn, Barbara Follett, Mrs Teresa Gorman, Mr Robert Maclennan, Fiona Mactaggart, Mr Gordon Marsden, Mr Richard Spring, Mr Ian Stewart, Ms Dari Taylor, Mr Gareth Thomas and Mr Nigel Waterson.

2Draft Functions of Traffic Wardens (Scotland) Order 1998:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mrs Ray Michie Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Miss Anne Begg, Mr Malcolm Chisholm, Dr Lynda Clark, Mr Eric Clarke, Mr Tam Dalyell, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Donald Gorrie, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mr Calum Macdonald, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr John Randall, Mrs Marion Roe, Mr Frank Roy, Mr Malcolm Savidge, Sir Robert Smith and Mr Tony Worthington.

3Draft Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Ireland) Order 1998:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Joe Benton Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Tony Baldry, Mr John Burnett, Mr Robin Corbett, Mr Edward Davey, Valerie Davey, Mr Eric Forth, Mr Nick Gibb, Mr Oliver Heald, Ms Patricia Hewitt, Shona McIsaac, Helen Southworth, Dr Howard Stoate, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Audrey Wise and Mr Mike Wood.

4Draft Forensic Science Service Trading Fund Order 1998:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mrs Marion Roe Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Richard Allan, Mr Harry Barnes, Mr Paul Boateng, Mr Roger Casale, Mr Michael Clapham, Mr David Curry, Mr Michael Foster (Worcester), Mr Roger Gale, Mr John Greenway, Mr Mike Hall, Mr Nigel Jones, Ms Jackie Lawrence, Mr Allan Rogers, Mr Paul Stinchcombe, Ms Gisela Stuart and Mr Nigel Waterson.

5Draft Rates (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Roger Gale Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr David Borrow, Mr John Butterfill, Mr Paul Clark, Mr James Cran, Mr Jim Dowd, Mr Mike Gapes, Mrs Eileen Gordon, Mr Fabian Hamilton, Mr Edward Leigh, Mr Malcolm Moss, Mr Paul Murphy, Mrs Diana Organ, Mr William Ross, Mr Gareth R. Thomas, Mr William Thompson and Mr Mark Todd.

6Value Added Tax (Input Tax) (Amendment) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2767):

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Order to the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr John Maxton Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr John Burnett, Dr Vincent Cable, Mr Jeremy Corbyn, Mr John Grogan, Mr Oliver Heald, Mr Gerald Howarth, Mr Michael Jack, Mr Alan Johnson, Mr Martyn Jones, Mr David Lepper, Mr Stephen McCabe, Dawn Primarolo, Mr John Whittingdale, Mr Michael Wills and Ms Rosie Winterton.

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APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Agriculture,—Memoranda laid before the Agriculture Committee [Flood and coastal defence; sea fishing; UK pig industry; badgers and bovine tuberculosis] [Mr Peter Luff].

2Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee [Highly Able Children]; to be printed [No. 22-i] [Mr Malcolm Wicks].

3Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) First Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Railway Safety], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee in the last Session of Parliament; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 30];

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Maritime and Coastguard Agency]; to be printed [No. 31-i]

[Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody]; and

(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [New Countryside Agency]; to be printed [No. 6-i] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].

4European Scrutiny,—First Report from the European Scrutiny Committee together with Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on 25th November [Agenda 2000 and Institutional Reform of the EU]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee [No. 34-i] [Mr Jimmy Hood].

5Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Public Expenditure: Special Educational Needs]; to be printed [No. 33-i] [Mr Peter Brooke].

6Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [HM Customs & Excise—The Prevention of Drug Smuggling]; to be printed [No. 35-i] [Mr David Davis].

7Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [Engineering and Physical Sciences Based Innovation]; to be printed [No. 17-i] [Dr Michael Clark].

8Scottish Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Scottish Affairs Committee [The Work of the Scottish Office]; to be printed [No. 20] [Mr David Marshall].

9Social Security,—(1) First Report from the Social Security Committee [Tax and Benefits: Implementation of Tax Credits], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee in the last Session of Parliament; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 29]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Tax and Benefits]

[Mr Archy Kirkwood].


CHAIRMEN'S PANEL

 In pursuance of Standing Order No. 4 (Chairmen's Panel), the Speaker nominated Mrs Irene Adams, Mr Donald Anderson, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Joe Benton, Mr John Butterfill, Dr Michael Clark, Mr Frank Cook, Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody, Mr Roger Gale, Mr Jimmy Hood, Mr Barry Jones, Mr John McWilliam, Mr John Maxton, Mrs Ray Michie, Mr Edward O'Hara, Mrs Marion Roe, Mr George Stevenson, Mr Bowen Wells, Mr Andrew Welsh and Mr Nicholas Winterton to be members of the Chairmen's Panel during this Session.


VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS

The Speaker appointed The Stationery Office Limited to print the Votes and Proceedings of this House.


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[No. 3.]

Thursday 26th November 1998.

The House met at half-past Two o'clock.

PRAYERS.

1Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

Alliance & Leicester plc (Group Reorganisation) Bill [Lords] (formerly Girobank plc (Transfer) Bill [Lords]),—The Lords have passed a Bill, intituled, An Act to provide for the transfer to Alliance & Leicester plc of the undertakings of Girobank plc and Alliance & Leicester Personal Finance Limited; and for related purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

2Rating (Valuation) Bill,—Mr Secretary Prescott, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Secretary Michael, Hilary Armstrong and Mr Nick Raynsford, presented a Bill to make a provision about valuation for purposes of non-domestic rates in England and Wales: And the same was read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 2].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Rating (Valuation) Bill be printed [Bill 2–EN].

3Queen's Speech (Motion for an Address),—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed [24th November], That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, as follows:

Most Gracious Sovereign,

We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Majesty for the Gracious Speech which Your Majesty has addressed to both Houses of Parliament;

And the Question being again proposed:—The House resumed the adjourned Debate.

And it being Ten o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned.

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed to-morrow.

4Office Costs Etc. Allowances,—Resolved, That, in the opinion of this House, the following provisions should have effect:

(1) The limit on the office costs allowance in relation to Miss Anne Begg should be 1.55 times that determined in accordance with paragraph (a) of the Resolution of the House of 10th July 1996 for any quarter beginning with 1st April 1998.

(2) The limit on the additional costs allowance in relation to Miss Anne Begg should be 1.55 times that determined in accordance with paragraph (1) of Part C of the Resolution of the House of 13th July 1994 for any year beginning with 1st April 1998.—(Mr Kevin Hughes.)

5Parliamentary Privilege,—Ordered, That, in accordance with the Resolution of the House of 9th July 1997, in the last Session of Parliament, a Select Committee of six Members be appointed to join with a Committee to be appointed by the Lords, as the Joint Committee on Parliamentary Privilege, to review parliamentary privilege and make recommendations thereon:

That three be the Quorum of the Committee;

That the Committee shall have power to send for persons, papers, and records; to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House; to report from time to time; and to appoint specialist advisers to supply information which is not readily available or to elucidate matters of complexity within the Committee's order of reference;

That the proceedings of the Joint Committee on Parliamentary Privilege in the last session of Parliament be referred to the Committee;

That Mr Attorney General, the Lord Advocate, Mr Solicitor General and Mr Solicitor General for Scotland, being Members of either House, may attend the Committee, may

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take part in deliberations, may receive Committee papers and may give such other assistance to the Committee as may be appropriate, but shall not vote or make any Motion or move any Amendment or be counted in the Quorum;

That Mr Joe Benton, Sir Patrick Cormack, Mr Bill Michie, Mrs Ann Taylor, Mr Paul Tyler and Mr Alan Williams be members of the Committee.—(Mr Kevin Hughes.)

Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.

6Business of the House,—Ordered, That Private Members' Bills shall have precedence over government business on 26th February, 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th March, 16th, 23rd and 30th April, 7th, 14th and 21st May, 11th June and 23rd July 1999.—(Mr Kevin Hughes.)

7Sittings of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 12 (House not to sit on certain Fridays), That this House shall not sit on the following Fridays: 4th, 11th and 18th December 1998 and 15th, 22nd and 29th January, 5th and 12th February, 9th July and 22nd October 1999—(Mr Kevin Hughes):—It was agreed to.

8Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Kevin Hughes);

And the Motion having been made at Ten o'clock, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then half-past Ten o'clock, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 10.30 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Housing,—Draft Government of Wales Act 1998 (Housing) (Amendments) Order 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Housing,—North Hull Housing Action Trust (Dissolution) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2871), dated 20th November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers:

3Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Intervention Board for 1996–97, together with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 10] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

4Animals,—Report of the Animal Procedures Committee for 1997 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 14] [Mr Secretary Straw].

5Criminal Statistics,—(1) Criminal Statistics for England and Wales for 1997 [by Command] [Cm. 4162] [Mr Secretary Straw]; and

(2) Statistical Bulletin: Homicides in Scotland in 1997 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

6Local Government Finance,—Statement of Guarantee given by the Treasury on 26th November 1998 on temporary borrowing by the Audit Commission from Lloyds Bank plc [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Draft Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Ireland) Order 1998,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ms Patricia Hewitt and Mr Gerry Sutcliffe from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Alan Johnson and Dawn Primarolo.

2Draft Rates (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Jim Dowd from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Greg Pope.

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APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Back to the Dome]: to be printed [No. 21–i] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].

2Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee on 18th November, in the last Session of Parliament [The Future of NATO]; to be printed [No. 39–i] [Mr Bruce George].

3Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee [Future NHS Staffing Requirements]; to be printed [No. 38–i] [Mr David Hinchliffe].

4International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [The Future of the EC Development Budget]: to be printed [No. 44–i] [Mr Bowen Wells].

5Treasury,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee on 17th November, in the last Session of Parliament, and on 26th November [The November Inflation Report]; to be printed [Nos. 37–i & ii]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-committee of the Treasury Committee [Office for National Statistics]; to be printed [No. 43–i]

[Mr Giles Radice].


CHAIRMEN'S PANEL

Chairmen's Panel,—In pursuance of Standing Order No. 4 (Chairmen's Panel), The Speaker nominated Mr Jim Cunningham, Mr Humfrey Malins, Mr Bill O'Brien and Mr Bill Olner to be additional members of the Chairmen's Panel during this Session.


[No. 4.]

Friday 27th November 1998.

The House met at half-past Nine o'clock.

PRAYERS.

1Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Bill,—Mr Secretary Dobson, supported by Mr Secretary Prescott, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Secretary Dewar, Mr Secretary Robertson, Mr Secretary Michael and Mr John Hutton, presented a Bill to make provision about the recovery from insurers and certain other persons of charges in connection with the treatment of road traffic casualties in National Health Service, and certain other, hospitals; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time on Monday 30th November and to be printed [Bill 3].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Bill be printed [Bill 3–EN].

2European Parliamentary Elections Bill,—Mr Secretary Straw, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Secretary Prescott, Mr Secretary Cook, Mr Secretary Dewar, Secretary Marjorie Mowlam, Mr Secretary Michael and Mr George Howarth, presented a Bill to amend the European Parliamentary Elections Act 1978 so as to alter the method used in Great Britain for electing Members of the European Parliament; to make other amendments of enactments relating to the election of Members of the European Parliament; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time on Monday 30th November and to be printed [Bill 4].

3Welsh Grand Committee,—A Motion being made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 107 (Welsh Grand Committee (matters relating exclusively to Wales)), That the matter of Government Expenditure in Wales 1999–2000 to 2001–2002, being a matter relating exclusively to Wales, be referred to the Welsh Grand Committee for its consideration—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.

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4Queen's Speech (Motion for an Address),—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed [24th November], That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, as follows:

Most Gracious Sovereign,

We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Majesty for the Gracious Speech which Your Majesty has addressed to both Houses of Parliament;

And the Question being again proposed:—The House resumed the adjourned Debate.

Ordered, That the Debate be now adjourned.—(Mr Clive Betts.)

Debate to be resumed on Monday 30th November.

5Welsh Grand Committee,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 108 (Welsh Grand Committee (sittings)), That the Welsh Grand Committee shall meet on Wednesday 16th December at half-past Ten o'clock at Westminster to take oral questions under Standing Order No. 103 (Welsh Grand Committee (questions for oral answer)) and to consider the matter of Government Expenditure in Wales 1999–2000 to 2001–2002 under Standing Order No. 107 (Welsh Grand Committee (matters relating exclusively to Wales))—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

6European Parliamentary Elections Bill,—Ordered, That, in respect of the European Parliamentary Elections Bill, notices of Amendments, new Clauses and new Schedules to be moved in Committee may be accepted by the Clerks at the Table before the Bill has been read a second time.—(Mr Clive Betts.)

7Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Clive Betts.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till four minutes to Three o'clock, adjourned till Monday 30th November.

[Adjourned at 2.56 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Agriculture,—Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2927), dated 25th November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

2Criminal Law,—(1) Transfer of Prisoners (Isle of Man) (Amendment) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2797), and

(2) Transfer of Prisoners (Restricted Transfers) (Channel Islands and Isle of Man) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2798),

dated 17th November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

3European Communities,—European Communities (Designation) (No. 3) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2793), dated 17th November 1998 [by Act] [Margaret Beckett].

4Food,—Charges for Inspections and Controls (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2880), dated 19th November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

5Northern Ireland,—Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2839), dated 17th November 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

6Pensions,—Local Government Pension Scheme (Management and Investment of Funds) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2888), dated 16th November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

7Social Security,—Income Support (General) (Standard Interest Rate Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2878), dated 23rd November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Other Papers:

8National Lottery,—Paper, entitled New Links for the Lottery: Proposals for the New Opportunities Fund [by Command] [Cm. 4166] [Mr Secretary Smith].


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