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House of Commons
Session 1998-1999

Commons Journal 255

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


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[No. 9.]

Monday 7th December 1998.

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

PRAYERS.

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

The Lords propose, pursuant to their Message of 3rd December, that the Joint Committee on Parliamentary Privilege meet to-morrow at Ten o'clock in Committee Room 4.

2Parliamentary Privilege,—Ordered, That the Lords Message this day relating to the Joint Committee on Parliamentary Privilege be now considered.

Lords Message considered accordingly.

Ordered, That the Committee appointed by this House meet the Lords Committee as proposed by their Lordships.

Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.

3Water Industry Bill,—The Water Industry Bill was, according to Order, read a second time and stood committed to a Standing Committee.

4Water Industry Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Water Industry Bill [Money];

A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Water Industry Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any increase attributable to the Act in the sums so payable under any other Act—(Mr Graham Allen):—It was agreed to.

5Government Trading Funds,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Forensic Science Service Trading Fund Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 5th November, in the last Session of Parliament, be approved—(Mr Graham Allen):—It was agreed to.

6Police,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Functions of Traffic Wardens (Scotland) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 5th November, in the last Session of Parliament, be approved—(Mr Graham Allen):—It was agreed to.

7Income Tax,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Ireland) Order 1998 be made in the form of the draft laid before this House on 9th November, in the last Session of Parliament—(Mr Graham Allen):—It was agreed to.

Address to be presented to Her Majesty by such Members of this House as are of Her Majesty's most honourable Privy Council or of Her Majesty's Household.

8Broadcasting,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Broadcasting (Restrictions on the Holding of Licences) (Amendment) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 11th November, in the last Session of Parliament, be approved—(Mr Graham Allen):—It was agreed to.

9Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Rates (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 12th November, in the last Session of Parliament, be approved—(Mr Graham Allen):—It was agreed to.

10Value Added Tax,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Value Added Tax (Input Tax) (Amendment) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2767), dated 12th November 1998, a copy of which was laid before this House on 12th November, in the last Session of Parliament, be approved—(Mr Graham Allen):—It was agreed to.

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11Northern Ireland Grand Committee,—Ordered, That—

(1) the matter of the Comprehensive Spending Review in Northern Ireland, being a matter relating exclusively to Northern Ireland, be referred to the Northern Ireland Grand Committee for its consideration; and

(2) at the sitting on Thursday 10th December:

(a) the Committee shall consider the matter referred to it in paragraph (1) above; and

(b) a Motion for the adjournment of the Committee may be made by a Minister of the Crown pursuant to Standing Order No. 116(5).—(Mr Graham Allen.)

12Accommodation and Works,—Ordered, That Janet Anderson and Mr George Mudie be discharged from the Accommodation and Works Committee and Mr Keith Bradley and Mr David Jamieson be added to the Committee.—(Mr John McWilliam, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

13Catering,—Ordered, That Jackie Ballard be discharged from the Catering Committee and Mr Paul Keetch be added to the Committee.—(Mr John McWilliam, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

14Education and Employment,—Ordered, That Mrs Theresa May be discharged from the Education and Employment Committee and Mr John Hayes be added to the Committee.—(Mr John McWilliam, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

15Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from

(1) citizens of Slough against cuts in the community health services in Berkshire; and

(2) residents of the Vale of York constituency for research into the health effects of emissions from overhead power lines

were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

16Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Keith Hill.)

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

[Adjourned at 10.26 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 4th December 1998 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O. No. 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 158 (Presentation of command papers):

1Treasury,—Treasury Minute, dated 4th December 1998, concerning government indemnity to cover the personal civil liability of board members of non-departmental public bodies [Dawn Primarolo].

Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 4th December 1998 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O. No. 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Hallmark,—(1) Hallmarking (Hallmarking Act Amendment) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2979), and

(2) Hallmarking (Hallmarking Act Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2978)

dated 3rd December 1998 [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

3Weights and Measures,—Non-automatic Weighing Instruments (EEC Requirements) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2994), dated 3rd December 1998 [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 7th December 1998:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

4Pensions,—Superannuation (Admission to Schedule 1 to the Superannuation Act 1972) (No. 3) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3030), dated 7th December 1998 [by Act] [Dr Jack Cunningham].

5Rating and Valuation,—(1) Non-Domestic Rating Contributions (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2962), and

(2) Non-Domestic Rating (Rural Settlements) (Wales) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2963)

dated 25th November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].

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Other Papers:

6Development of Tourism,—Statement of appointment and salary of a new member of the Scottish Tourist Board [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

7Home Affairs,—Government Response to the Third Report from the Home Affairs Committee, Session 1997–98, on Alternatives to Prison Sentences [by Command] [Cm. 4174] [Mr Secretary Straw].

8Local Government,—Report and Accounts of the Local Government Residuary Body (England) for 1997–98 [by Statutory Instrument] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

9Museums and Galleries,—Accounts of the National Library of Wales for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 75] [Clerk of the House].

10National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Modifying Defence Equipment [by Act]; to be printed [No. 24] [Clerk of the House].

11Police and Criminal Evidence,—Draft Code of Practice for the exercise by police officers of statutory powers of stop and search [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

12Sports Councils,—Report and Summary Accounts of the Scottish Sports Council for 1997–98 [by Command] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

Draft Police Act 1997 (Notification of Authorities etc.) Order 1998 and draft Police Act 1997 (Authorisation of Action in Respect of Property) (Code of Practice) Order 1998,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Mike Hall, Mr Jim Marshall and Ms Claire Ward from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Orders); and nominated in substitution Christine Butler, Mr Keith Hill and Siobhain McDonagh.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Information,—First Report from the Information Committee [The Supply of Members' Information Technology, Equipment, Software and Associated Services], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 76] [Mr Richard Allan].

2Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [Special Compliance Office: Prevention of Corruption]; to be printed [No. 77-i] [Mr David Davis].

3Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [Engineering and Physical Sciences Based Innovation]; to be printed [No. 17-iii] [Dr Michael Clark].

4Scottish Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Scottish Affairs Committee [Inward/Outward Investment in Scotland and Tourism in Scotland]; to be printed [Nos. 84-i and 85-i] [Mr David Marshall].

5Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [The Financial Services Authority]; to be printed [No. 73-ii] [Mr Giles Radice].

6Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [Broadcasting in Wales and the National Assembly]; to be printed [No. 48-ii] [Mr Martyn Jones].


WEDNESDAY SITTINGS

  In pursuance of Standing Order No. 10 (Wednesday sittings), the Speaker has appointed Wednesday 17th February, Wednesday 17th March and Wednesday 19th May as days when the subject or subjects for debates on the Motion for the adjournment until half-past Twelve o'clock shall be Select Committee Reports chosen by the Liaison Committee.


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[No. 10.]

Tuesday 8th December 1998.

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

PRAYERS.

1Queen's Speech (Answer to Address),—The Vice-Chamberlain of the Household reported to the House, That Her Majesty, having been attended with its Address of 1st December, was pleased to receive the same very graciously and give the following Answer:

I have received with great satisfaction the loyal and dutiful expression of your thanks for the speech with which I opened the present session of Parliament.

2Deregulation Committee,—Mr Peter L. Pike reported from the Deregulation Committee the following Resolution:

That the draft Deregulation (Pipe-lines) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 30th November 1998, should be approved.

The Committee came to this Resolution without a Division.

3First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mrs Marion Roe reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Police Act 1997 (Notification of Authorisations etc.) Order 1998 and the draft Police Act 1997 (Authorisation of Action in Respect of Property) (Code of Practice) Order 1998.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.

4Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Jim Cunningham reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Parole Board (Transfer of Functions) Order 1998.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.

5Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Bill;

And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read a second time;

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, to leave out from the word ‘That' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘this House declines to give a Second Reading to the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Bill because the Bill further adds to the burdens the Government has imposed on both commercial and private motorists in that insurance premiums will rise; notes that the proposal did not appear anywhere in the Labour Party's election manifesto, and conflicts with the Government's express opposition to extending charges in the NHS; further notes that these charges will apply only to motorists and not to victims of other insurable accidents; and calls on the Government to clarify its future intentions with regard to both the level and range of any future additional charges in the NHS, and to take into account the impact on the motorist when determining the amounts to be charged', instead thereof.—(Miss Ann Widdecombe.)

And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Sir David Madel, Mr Tim Collins: 150.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Hanson, Mr David Jamieson: 347.

So the Question was negatived.

And the main Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 62 (Amendment on second or third reading):—It was agreed to.

The Bill was accordingly read a second time and stood committed to a Standing Committee.

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6Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Bill [Money];

A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—

(a) fees and allowances to members of any appeal tribunal established by regulations made under the Act;

(b) any other expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State in consequence of the Act; and

(c) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums so payable by virtue of any other Act—(Mr Jim Dowd):—It was agreed to.

7Adjournment (Christmas),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 25 (Periodic adjournments), That this House, at its rising on Thursday 17th December, do adjourn till Monday 11th January 1999—(Mr Jim Dowd):—It was agreed to.

8Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Thursday 17th December, the Speaker shall not adjourn the House until she shall have notified the Royal Assent to Acts agreed upon by both Houses.—(Mr Jim Dowd.)

9Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Jim Dowd.)

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

[Adjourned at 9.05 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Agriculture,—Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels in Crops, Food and Feeding Stuffs) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2922), dated 22nd November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

2National Health Service,—Special Trustees for Newcastle University Hospital (Transfer of Trust Property) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3028), dated 7th December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

3National Health Service (Scotland),—National Health Service (Pharmaceutical Services) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3031), dated 2nd December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

4Statistics of Trade,—Statistics of Trade (Customs and Excise) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2973), dated 7th December 1998 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

5Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,—(1) Statute, dated 21st May 1998, made by the University of Oxford, amending the Statutes of the University,

(2) Statute, dated 29th May 1998, made by the Governing Body of Downing College, Cambridge, amending the Statutes of the College, and

(3) Statute, dated 15th July 1998, made by the Governing Body of Exeter College, Oxford, amending the Statutes of the College

[by Act] [Margaret Beckett].

Other Papers:

6Electoral Law,—Report of the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland for 1997–98 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 41] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

7National Audit,—Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on Overseas Operations, Governance and Management at Southampton Institute [by Act]; to be printed [No. 23] [Clerk of the House].

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8Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on the Petition [12th November] from the Bricket Wood Residents' Association relating to traffic in Bricket Wood [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

9Transport,—Statement of salaries of members of the British Railways Board [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

Draft Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Dennis Canavan from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Judy Mallaber.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Agriculture,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Agriculture Committee [UK Pig Industry]; to be printed [Nos. 87-i and-ii]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [UK Pig Industry]

[Mr Peter Luff].

2Deregulation,—First Report from the Deregulation Committee [The draft Deregulation (Pipe-lines) Order 1999]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 79] [Mr Peter L. Pike].

3Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education and Employment Committee [Access for all?]; to be printed [No. 57-ii] [Mr Malcolm Wicks].

4Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Local Government Finance]; to be printed [No. 78-i] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].

5Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee [Climate Change: post Buenos Aires]; to be printed [No. 88] [Mr John Horam].

6Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [European Union Enlargement]; to be printed [No. 86-i] [Mr Donald Anderson].

7Home Affairs,—(1) First Special Report from the Home Affairs Committee [Observations on the Second Report from the Committee, Session 1997–98, on Confidentiality of Police Settlements of Civil Claims]; to be printed [No. 80]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Police Training and Recruitment and the Work of HM Inspectorate of Constabulary]; to be printed [Nos. 81-i and 83-i]

[Mr Chris Mullin].

8International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [Conflict Prevention and Post-Conflict Reconstruction]; to be printed [No. 55-ii] [Mr Bowen Wells].

9Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration [The Role and Responsibilities of the Minister for the Cabinet Office]; to be printed [No. 82] [Mr Rhodri Morgan].

10Statutory Instruments,—Second Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 50-ii] [Mr David Tredinnick].

11Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [The Financial Services Authority]; to be printed [No. 73-iii] [Mr Giles Radice].


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[No. 11.]

Wednesday 9th December 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 Clive Betts);

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

2Opposition Day [1st allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the Leader of the Opposition in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider opposition business.

Decommissioning and the Release of Prisoners,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House supports the Belfast Agreement and reasserts that the Agreement has to be implemented in all its parts; believes that several things must happen in parallel in order to build confidence, whether it be decommissioning or the release of prisoners; notes that the only organisations that can qualify to take seats in the government of Northern Ireland and can expect the early release of prisoners are those that have given up violence for good and that decomissioning is part of that; notes that since July over 200 terrorist prisoners have been released early while decommissioning of illegally held arms and explosives has yet to begin; and believes that there should be no further early releases of prisoners, and no place in the Northern Ireland Executive for their representatives in the Assembly, until there has been substantial and verifiable decommissioning—(Mr Andrew MacKay);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘recognises that the Good Friday Agreement represents an historic opportunity to bring agreed government and political stability to Northern Ireland; acknowledges the progress which has been made by the British and Irish Governments and the Northern Ireland parties in reaching and implementing the Agreement; and believes the only way forward for the people of Northern Ireland to find lasting peace is for the Governments and the parties to move urgently to implement every aspect of the Agreement in full', instead thereof.—(Secretary Marjorie Mowlam.)

And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;

Mr Andrew MacKay rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put;

And the Question being put, That the Question be now put:—It was agreed to.

And the Question being accordingly put;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Nigel Waterson, Mr Stephen Day: 142.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Keith Hill, Mr Greg Pope: 376.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Keith Hill, Mr Greg Pope: 352.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr William Ross, The Reverend Martin Smyth: 7.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.

Resolved, That this House recognises that the Good Friday Agreement represents an historic opportunity to bring agreed government and political stability to Northern Ireland; acknowledges the progress which has been made by the British and Irish Governments and the Northern Ireland parties in reaching and implementing the Agreement; and believes the only way forward for the people of Northern Ireland to find lasting peace is for the Governments and the parties to move urgently to implement every aspect of the Agreement in full.

Tax Harmonisation,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House deplores the Government's attempts to be all things to all men on the issue of

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EU tax harmonisation; urges the Government to explain what confidence can be placed in Ministers' undertakings to use the veto, given the Chancellor's decision to sign up to the Party of European Socialists' “New European Way” document and given the EU Tax Commissioner's insistence that the UK is “fully on board” for progress towards tax harmonisation; asks the Government to place in the Library the list of 85 instances of alleged “harmful tax competition” identified by the Code of Conduct Working Group chaired by the Financial Secretary, ten of which are believed to relate to the UK; and urges the Government to make a clear statement of its policy towards EU tax harmonisation—(Mr Francis Maude);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘recalls that the last Government's record on tax was one of broken promises, that it raised taxes 22 times having promised to cut taxes, including putting VAT on domestic fuel and power having specifically promised not to do so, and further that it tried to raise VAT on fuel to 17.5 per cent.; welcomes the fact that this Government has kept all of its promises on taxation, including its promises not to raise the basic or top rates of income tax and cutting VAT on fuel to 5 per cent.; and further welcomes the Government's approach to taxation at an international level, favouring fair tax competition, supporting concerted action at European level, including through the EU Code of Conduct Group, to deal with discriminatory and unfair tax practices that distort real competition, stating that it will not support measures that are not in Britain's national economic interest or that damage British business, harm investment and jobs, or damage Europe's competitiveness, and reiterating that it will retain the veto on tax issues and that decisions on tax will remain subject to unanimity', instead thereof.—(Mr Stephen Byers.)

And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Nigel Waterson: 140.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Jamieson, Jane Kennedy: 359.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Jane Kennedy: 316.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Nigel Waterson: 161.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.

Resolved, That this House recalls that the last Government's record on tax was one of broken promises, that it raised taxes 22 times having promised to cut taxes, including putting VAT on domestic fuel and power having specifically promised not to do so, and further that it tried to raise VAT on fuel to 17.5 per cent.; welcomes the fact that this Government has kept all of its promises on taxation, including its promises not to raise the basic or top rates of income tax and cutting VAT on fuel to 5 per cent.; and further welcomes the Government's approach to taxation at an international level, favouring fair tax competition, supporting concerted action at European level, including through the EU Code of Conduct Group, to deal with discriminatory and unfair tax practices that distort real competition, stating that it will not support measures that are not in Britain's national economic interest or that damage British business, harm investment and jobs, or damage Europe's competitiveness, and reiterating that it will retain the veto on tax issues and that decisions on tax will remain subject to unanimity.

3Section 155 of the Finance Act 1998,—Resolved, That the Code for Fiscal Stability, which was laid before this House on 3rd November, in the last Session of Parliament, be approved.—(Mr Stephen Byers.)

4Police,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Police Act 1997 (Notification of Authorisations etc.) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 19th November, in the last Session of Parliament, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.

5Police,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Police Act 1997 (Authorisation of Action in Respect of Property) (Code of Practice) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 19th November, in the last Session of Parliament, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.

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6Prisons,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Parole Board (Transfer of Functions) Order 1998, which was laid before this House on 17th November, in the last Session of Parliament, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.

7Scottish Grand Committee,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 100 (Scottish Grand Committee (sittings)), That the Scottish Grand Committee shall meet on Monday 18th January, Monday 1st February, Monday 8th March and Monday 22nd March, in each case at half-past Ten o'clock at New Parliament House, Edinburgh, to consider a substantive motion for the adjournment of the Committee—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to.

8Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Save Our Schools Association against the closure of five schools in Borehamwood was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

9Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr David Jamieson);

Thursday 10th December 1998

And the Question being put;

Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-five minutes past Twelve o'clock on Thursday morning, adjourned till this day.

[Adjourned at 12.25 a.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Broadcasting,—Foreign Satellite Service Proscription (No. 2) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3083), dated 9th December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

2Education,—General Teaching Council for Wales Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2911), dated 18th November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].

3Local Government,—(1) Local Authorities (Goods and Services) (Public Bodies) (No. 5) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2956), and

(2) Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Exemption) (Lichfield District Council) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2955),

dated 30th November 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

4Magistrates' Courts Procedure,—Magistrates' Courts (Modification) Rules 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3046), dated 6th December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

5Supreme Court of England and Wales,—(1) Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (Dismissal of Charges Sent) Rules 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3048), dated 6th December 1998,

(2) Crown Court Modification Rules 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3047), dated 6th December 1998, and

(3) Rules of the Supreme Court (Amendment No. 2) 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3049), dated 8th December 1998

[by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

6Telecommunications,—(1) Public Telecommunication System Designation (Cignal Global Communications U.K. Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3008),

(2) Public Telecommunication System Designation (Data Marine Systems Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3002),

(3) Public Telecommunication System Designation (EGN BV) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3017),

(4) Public Telecommunication System Designation (Ibercom Limited) Order 1998, (S.I., 1998, No. 3004),

(5) Public Telecommunication System Designation (International Computers Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3013),

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(6) Public Telecommunication System Designation (International Telecommunications Group Inc) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3016),

(7) Public Telecommunication System Designation (International Telecom Plc) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3021),

(8) Public Telecommunication System Designation (Internet Network Services Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3011),

(9) Public Telecommunication System Designation (KPN Telecom UK Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3007),

(10) Public Telecommunication System Designation (MLL Telecom Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3012),

(11) Public Telecommunication System Designation (NETs Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3001),

(12) Public Telecommunication System Designation (NorSea Com A/S) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3019),

(13) Public Telecommunication System Designation (PT-1 Communications UK Limited) Order 1998, (S.I., 1998, No. 3003),

(14) Public Telecommunication System Designation (Qwest Communications International Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3014),

(15) Public Telecommunication System Designation (Storm Telecommunications Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3005),

(16) Public Telecommunication System Designation (Telecom One Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3020),

(17) Public Telecommunication System Designation (Teleport London International Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3010),

(18) Public Telecommunication System Designation (The JNT Association) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3018),

(19) Public Telecommunication System Designation (UTG Communications (Europe) AG) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3022),

(20) Public Telecommunication System Designation (VersaTel Telecom BV) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3023),

(21) Public Telecommunication System Designation (Viatel UK Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3009),

(22) Public Telecommunication System Designation (Witley Communications Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3015), and

(23) Public Telecommunication System Designation (Worldport Communications Limited) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3006),

dated 3rd December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

Other Papers:

7Courts and Legal Services,—Report and Financial Statements of the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Legal Education and Conduct for 1997–98 [by Act] to be printed [No. 40] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

8Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions,—Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions (Non-Effective Benefits and Family Pensions) Order 1998, dated 17th November 1998 [by Act] [Margaret Beckett].

9Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Health on the Petition [31st July] from Doctors and Lawyers for Responsible Medicine and their supporters for an end to experiments in xenotransplantation [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

10Science and Technology,—Report of the Medical Research Council for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

11Telecommunications,—Licences granted under section 7 of the Telecommunications Act 1984 by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to—

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(1) Cignal Global Communications U.K. Limited,

(2) Data Marine Systems Limited,

(3) EGN BV,

(4) Ibercom Limited,

(5) International Computers Limited,

(6) International Telecommunications Group Inc,

(7) International Telecom Plc,

(8) Internet Network Services Limited,

(9) KPN Telecom UK Limited,

(10) MLL Telecom Limited,

(11) NETs Limited,

(12) NorSea Com A/S,

(13) PT-1 Communications UK Limited,

(14) Qwest Communications International Limited,

(15) Storm Telecommunications Limited,

(16) Telecom One Limited,

(17) Teleport London International Limited,

(18) The JNT Association,

(19) UTG Communications (Europe) AG,

(20) VersaTel Telecom BV,

(21) Viatel UK Limited,

(22) Witley Communications Limited, and

(23) Worldport Communications Limited

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

12Treaty Series (No. 56, 1998),—Agreement, done at Zagreb on 21st February 1996, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Croatia concerning Air Services [by Command] [Cm. 4163] [Mr Secretary Cook].

APPENDIX II

Committees established under Standing Orders relating to Private Business

1Committee on Unopposed Bills (Panel),—Mr John McWilliam reported from the Committee of Selection, That it had appointed eighteen Members to be the Panel of Members to serve on the Committee on Unopposed Bills under Standing Order 111 relating to Private Business (Reference to committees of opposed and unopposed bills), viz.: John Austin, Mr Nigel Beard, Mr Peter Bottomley, Mrs Helen Brinton, Mr John Butterfill, Mr Philip Hammond, Mr Brian Jenkins, Mr John McDonnell, Mr Andrew Mackinlay, Mr David Marshall, Mr Syd Rapson, Mr Nick St. Aubyn, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Mr Jon Trickett, Mr Robert Walter, Mrs Ann Winterton and Audrey Wise.

2Provisional Orders (Scotland) (Panel),—The Committee of Selection, in pursuance of Standing Order 228 relating to Private Business (Parliamentary Panel), has selected fifteen Members to form the Parliamentary Panel of Members of this House to act as Commissioners under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1936, viz.: Mr Douglas Alexander, Dr Lynda Clark, Mr Eric Clarke, Mr Michael Connarty, Mr Ian Davidson, Mr Brian H. Donohoe, Mr Donald Gorrie, Rosemary McKenna, Mr David Marshall, Mr John Maxton, Mr Michael Moore, Sir Robert Smith, Mr John Swinney, Mr Andrew Welsh and Mr James Wray.

3Standing Orders Committee,—The Committee of Selection has nominated seven Members to serve on the Standing Orders Committee under Standing Order 103 relating to Private Business (Appointment of Standing Orders Committee), viz.: Mrs Llin Golding, Mr Brian Jenkins, Mr Bill O'Brien, Mr Ernie Ross, Mr Roger Stott, Mr Andrew Stunell and Mr Nicholas Winterton.

Standing Committees

4Water Industry Bill:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee A, and has appointed Mr John McWilliam and Mr Peter Atkinson Chairmen; and

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(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed twenty Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Graham Allen, Mr Bob Blizzard, Mr Tom Brake, Mrs Helen Brinton, Mr Simon Burns, Mr Tony Colman, Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas, Mr Donald Gorrie, Mr James Gray, Mr Jon Owen Jones, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mr Stephen McCabe, Mr Calum Macdonald, Rosemary McKenna, Mr Michael Meacher, Mr Alan Meale, Mr Lawrie Quinn, Mr Terry Rooney, Mrs Caroline Spelman and Mr Shaun Woodward.

5Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Bill:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee B, and has appointed Mr Roger Gale and Mr George Stevenson Chairmen; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr David Clelland, Mr Andrew Dismore, Julia Drown, Mr Alan Duncan, Mr Jeff Ennis, Dr Ian Gibson, Dr Evan Harris, Mr John Hutton, Sir David Madel, Laura Moffatt, Ms Linda Perham, Mr John Randall, Sir Robert Smith, Mr David Stewart, Mr Robert Syms and Mr Gareth R. Thomas.

6Draft Financing of Maintained Schools Regulations 1998:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Bill O'Brien Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Paul Clark, Mr Jim Cunningham, Valerie Davey, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Don Foster, Mr David Jamieson, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Mr Jim Marshall, Mrs Theresa May, Estelle Morris, Sir Raymond Powell, Mr Nicholas Soames, Rachel Squire, Mr Peter Temple-Morris, Ms Claire Ward and Mr Phil Willis.

7Draft Criminal Legal Aid (Scotland) (Prescribed Proceedings) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1998 and the draft Advice and Assistance (Assistance by Way of Representation) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1998:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mrs Irene Adams Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Douglas Alexander, Mr Russell Brown, Mr Desmond Browne, Mr Dennis Canavan, Ms Roseanna Cunningham, Mr Ian Davidson, Maria Fyfe, Mr Christopher Gill, Mr Donald Gorrie, Mr Edward Leigh, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Henry McLeish, Mr Ernie Ross, Mr Desmond Swayne and Mr James Wray.

8Town and Country Planning (Minerals) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2913) and the Town and Country Planning (Compensation for Restrictions on Mineral Working and Mineral Waste Depositing) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2914):

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations 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.: Dr Lynda Clark, Mr Eric Clarke, Mr Tam Dalyell, Mr Donald Gorrie, Mr Nigel Griffiths, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mr Calum Macdonald, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr David Marshall, Dr Lewis Moonie, Mrs Sandra Osborne, Mr Frank Roy, Sir Robert Smith, Mr John Townend, Mr Peter Viggers and Mr Robert Walter.

9Draft Government of Wales Act 1998 (Housing) (Amendments) Order 1998,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Sir Raymond Powell from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr John Smith.

European Standing Committees

10European Community Document No. 6378/98, relating to the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms, and the unnumbered explanatory memorandum submitted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 7th December 1998 relating to Fisheries: TACs and quotas for 1999, have been referred to European Standing Committee A.

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-iii] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].

2Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee [Restructuring of the Territorial Army]; to be printed [No. 70-ii] [Mr Bruce George].

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3Education 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-ii] [Mr Malcolm Wicks].

4Environmental Audit,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee [Comprehensive Spending Review]; to be printed [No. 92-i]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Pre-Budget Report]; to be printed [No. 93-i]

[Mr John Horam].

5Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Integrated Transport White Paper]; to be printed [No. 32-i]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Eurostar Regional Services]; to be printed [No. 89-i]

[Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

6European Scrutiny,—Third Report from the European Scrutiny Committee, to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 34-iii] [Mr Jimmy Hood].

7Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Operation of the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 1989: Ten Years On]; to be printed [No. 95-i] [Mr Peter Brooke].

8Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [Sales of the Royal Dockyards]; to be printed [No. 96-i] [Mr David Davis].

9Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [Engineering and Physical Sciences Based Innovation]; to be printed [No. 17-iv] [Dr Michael Clark].

10Scottish Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Scottish Affairs Committee [Inward/Outward Investment]; to be printed [No. 84-ii] [Mr David Marshall].

11Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [The Future of the Post Office]; to be printed [Nos. 94-i and -ii] [Mr Martin O'Neill].

12Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [The World Economy]; to be printed [No. 91-i] [Mr Giles Radice].


[No. 12.]

Thursday 10th December 1998.

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

PRAYERS.

1Private Bills,—The Chairman of Ways and Means reported, That, in accordance with Standing Order 81 relating to Private Business (Division of bills between this House and the House of Lords), he had conferred with the Chairman of Committees of the House of Lords, for the purpose of determining in which House of Parliament the respective Private Bills should be first considered, and they had determined that the Bills contained in the following list should originate in the House of Lords, viz.;

Baxi Partnership Limited Trusts

City of Newcastle upon Tyne

Kent County Council

Medway Council

United Reformed Church

and that the Bills contained in the following list should originate in the House of Commons, viz.:

City of London (Ward Elections)

HFC Bank

Imperial College

Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (Amendment of Rules) etc.

University College London.

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2Northern Ireland Grand Committee,—Mr Peter Atkinson reported from the Northern Ireland Grand Committee, That it had considered the matter of the Comprehensive Spending Review in Northern Ireland, referred to it on 7th December, and had directed him to report accordingly to the House.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 99].

3Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Roger Gale reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Government of Wales Act 1998 (Housing) (Amendments) Order 1998.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.

4Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr John Butterfill reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.

5Tax Credits Bill,—Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, supported by Mr Secretary Darling, Mr Stephen Byers, Mr Geoffrey Robinson, Dawn Primarolo and Ms Patricia Hewitt presented a Bill to provide for family credit and disability working allowance to be known, respectively, as working families tax credit and disabled person's tax credit; and to make further provision with respect to those credits, including provision for the transfer of functions relating to them: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Monday 14th December and to be printed [Bill 9].

Ordered, that the Explanatory Notes relating to the Tax Credits Bill be printed [Bill 9–EN].

6Estimates [1st allotted day],—The House proceeded, pursuant to Resolution [3rd December], to consider the Estimates appointed for consideration under Standing Order No. 145 (Liaison Committee).

Vote on Account, 1999–2000 (Class IV, Vote 1),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That a sum, not exceeding £2,299,414,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund, on account, for or towards defraying the charge for the year ending on 31st March 2000 for expenditure by the Home Office on police; the Forensic Science Service; registration of forensic practitioners; emergency planning; fire services; the Fire Service College; criminal policy and programmes including offender programmes; the prevention of drug abuse; crime reduction and prevention; provision of services relating to the Crime and Disorder Act; criminal justice service planning and other services related to crime; support to the voluntary sector; family policy issues; research; criminal injuries compensation; organised and international crime; control of immigration and nationality; issue of passports; community and constitutional services; firearms compensation and related matters; and on administration (excluding the provision for prisons administration carried on Class IV, Vote 2)—(Mr Paul Boateng);

The Debate was concluded, and the Question necessary to dispose of the proceedings was deferred, pursuant to paragraph (4) of Standing Order No. 54 (Consideration of estimates).

Vote on Account, 1999–2000 (Class I, Vote 1),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, that a sum, not exceeding £6,826,077,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund, on account, for or towards defraying the charge for the year ending on 31st March 2000 for expenditure by the Department for Education and Employment on voluntary and special schools; the Assisted Places Scheme; the provision of education for under-fives; City Colleges and other specialist schools; grant-maintained schools and schools conducted by Education Associations; music and ballet schools; the school curriculum and its assessment; the youth service and other educational services and initiatives; careers guidance and services; payments for or in connection with teacher training; higher and further education provision and initiatives; loans to students, student awards and other student grants and their administration; the payment of access funds; reimbursement of fees for qualifying European Community students; compensation payments to teachers and staff of certain institutions; expenditure on other central government grants to local authorities; the provision of training and assessment programmes for young people and adults; initiatives to improve training and qualifications arrangements and access to these; the promotion of enterprise and the encouragement of self employment; payments for education, training and employment projects assisted by the European Community and refunds to the European Community; events associated with the UK presidency of the EU; the UK subscription to the ILO; help for unemployed people; the promotion of equal opportunities, disability rights, childcare provisions and co-ordination of certain issues of particular importance to women; the payment of certain fees to the Home Office; the Department's own administration and research and that of Capita; information and publicity services; expenditure via Training and Enterprise Councils and amounts retained by them as surpluses and spent by them on training; other initiatives within their articles and memoranda of association; expenditure in connection with the sale of the student loans debt; and on expenditure in

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connection with the Welfare to Work Programme and Millennium Volunteers.—(Mr Andrew Smith);

And it being Ten o'clock, the Deputy Speaker interrupted the proceedings, and the Question necessary to dispose of proceedings was deferred, pursuant to paragraph (4) of Standing Order No. 54 (Consideration of estimates).

The Deputy Speaker, pursuant to paragraphs (4) and (5) of Standing Order No. 54 (Consideration of estimates), put the deferred Questions on estimates and the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the other estimates appointed for consideration this day.

Class IV, Vote 1

Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding £2,299,414,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund, on account, for or towards defraying the charge for the year ending on 31st March 2000 for expenditure by the Home Office on police; the Forensic Science Service; registration of forensic practitioners; emergency planning; fire services; the Fire Service College; criminal policy and programmes including offender programmes; the prevention of drug abuse; crime reduction and prevention; provision of services relating to the Crime and Disorder Act; criminal justice service planning and other services related to crime; support to the voluntary sector; family policy issues; research; criminal injuries compensation; organised and international crime; control of immigration and nationality; issue of passports; community and constitutional services; firearms compensation and related matters; and on administration (excluding the provision for prisons administration carried on Class IV, Vote 2).

Class IV, Vote 2

Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding £766,651,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund, on account, for or towards defraying the charge for the year ending on 31st March 2000 for expenditure by the Home Office in England and Wales on prisons (including central administration and other costs arising from the detention of prisoners); placements in secure accommodation under section 53 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933; Prison Service colleges; the Parole Board; the storage and maintenance of equipment; transport management; grants to “Prisoners Abroad”, and Welfare to Work Schemes.

Class I, Vote 1

Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding £6,826,077,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund, on account, for or towards defraying the charge for the year ending on 31st March 2000 for expenditure by the Department for Education and Employment on voluntary and special schools; the Assisted Places Scheme; the provision of education for under-fives; City Colleges and other specialist schools; grant-maintained schools and schools conducted by Education Associations; music and ballet schools; the school curriculum and its assessment; the youth service and other educational services and initiatives; careers guidance and services; payments for or in connection with teacher training; higher and further education provision and initiatives; loans to students, student awards and other student grants and their administration; the payment of access funds; reimbursement of fees for qualifying European Community students; compensation payments to teachers and staff of certain institutions; expenditure on other central government grants to local authorities; the provision of training and assessment programmes for young people and adults; initiatives to improve training and qualifications arrangements and access to these; the promotion of enterprise and the encouragement of self employment; payments for education, training and employment projects assisted by the European Community and refunds to the European Community; events associated with the UK presidency of the EU; the UK subscription to the ILO; help for unemployed people; the promotion of equal opportunities, disability rights, childcare provision and co-ordination of certain issues of particular importance to women; the payment of certain fees to the Home Office; the Department's own administration and research and that of Capita; information and publicity services; expenditure via Training and Enterprise Councils and amounts retained by them as surpluses and spent by them on training; other initiatives within their articles and memoranda of association; expenditure in connection with the sale of the student loans debt; and on expenditure in connection with the Welfare to Work Programme and Millennium Volunteers.

Class I, Vote 3

Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding £782,937,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund, on account, for or towards defraying the charge for the year ending on 31st March 2000 for expenditure by the Employment Service of the Department for Education and Employment on: measures to help people, particularly people who are unemployed and people with disabilities, into work; the elements of the delivery of the Jobseeker's Allowance undertaken by the Employment Service; the administration of, and where appropriate the payment of allowances to people participating in, the Welfare to Work programme and other employment programmes, pilot programmes and new measures to help people into work; the payment of temporary subsidies to employers; the

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payment of grants to voluntary bodies and local authorities towards the provision of supported employment; and grant in aid and the provision of a temporary loan facility to Remploy Limited; assistance and advice on employment service and labour market issues to international organisations; research; publicity; and administration.

Class XII

Resolved, that a sum, not exceeding £22,716,706,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund, on account, for or towards defraying the charge for the year ending on 31st March 2000 for expenditure by the Department of Social Security.

7Estimates,—The Deputy Speaker then put the Questions required to be put, pursuant to Standing Order No. 55 (Questions on voting of estimates, &c.).

Estimates, 1998–99 (Navy) Vote A

Resolved, That during the year ending on 31st March 1999 an additional number not exceeding 10 officers be maintained for Service in the Reserve Marine Forces.

Supplementary Estimates, 1998–99

Resolved, That a supplementary sum, not exceeding £924,068,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund, to defray the charges for civil services which will come in the course of payment during the year ending on 31st March 1999, as set out in HC 857 of Session 1997–98.

Estimates, 1999–2000 (Vote on Account)

Resolved, That a further sum, not exceeding £69,610,689,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund, on account for or towards defraying the charges for civil and defence services in Class I, Votes 2 and 4; Classes II and III; Class IV, Vote 3; Classes V to XI; Classes XIII to XVIII; and Classes XVIII, A and XVIII, B for the year ending on 31st March 2000, as set out in HC 1134, 1135 and 1136 of Session 1997–98.

Ordered, That a Bill be brought in upon the foregoing Resolutions: And that the Chairman of Ways and Means, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Stephen Byers, Mr Geoffrey Robinson, Dawn Primarolo and Ms Patricia Hewitt do prepare and bring it in.

8Consolidated Fund Bill,—Dawn Primarolo accordingly presented a Bill to apply certain sums out of the Consolidated Fund to the service of the years ending on 31st March 1999 and 2000: and the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Monday 14th December and to be printed [Bill 8].

9Business of the House,—Ordered, That the following provisions shall apply to the Second Reading of the Greater London Authority Bill:

(a) at the sitting on Monday 14th December, proceedings thereon may continue, though opposed, until midnight; and

(b) at the sitting on Tuesday 15th December, the Speaker shall put the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on Second Reading of the Bill at Seven o'clock.—(Mr Keith Hill.)

10Business of the House,—Ordered, That at the sitting on Tuesday 15th December, Standing Order No. 16 (Proceedings under an Act or on European Union Documents) shall not apply to any Motion in the name of the Prime Minister relating to fisheries, and the Speaker shall put the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings thereon not later than Ten o'clock.—(Mr Keith Hill.)

11European Scrutiny Committee,—Ordered, That Mr Russell Brown and Mrs Linda Gilroy be discharged from the European Scrutiny Committee and Mr Michael Connarty and Dr Nick Palmer be added to the Committee.—(Mr Keith Hill.)

12Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Keith Hill.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-nine minutes past Ten o'clock, adjourned till Monday 14th December.

[Adjourned at 10.29 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Companies,—(1) Companies (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3088), and

(2) Open-Ended Investment Companies (Investment Companies with Variable Capital) (Fees) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3087),

dated 9th December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

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Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Animals,—BSE Offspring Slaughter Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3070), dated 8th December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

3Civil Aviation,—Civil Aviation (Navigation Services Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2975), dated 2nd December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

4Consumer Protection,—Consumer Protection (Cancellation of Contracts Concluded away from Business Premises) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3050), dated 8th December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

5Defence,—Reserve Forces Act 1996 (Consequential Provisions etc.) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3086), dated 10th December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Robertson].

6Education (Scotland),—Grants for Improvements in School Education (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3051), dated 2nd December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

7Housing,—(1) Home Repair Assistance (Extension) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2998), and

(2) Housing (Right to Buy) (Limits on Discount) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2997),

dated 3rd December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

8Income Tax,—Controlled Foreign Companies (Excluded Countries) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3081), dated 9th December 1998 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

9Magistrates' Courts,—(1) Justices' Clerks (Qualifications of Assistants) (Amendment) Rules 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3107), dated 10th December 1998, and

(2) Magistrates' Courts Committees (Northumbria) Amalgamation (Amendment) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3108), dated 8th December 1998

[by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

10Manufacturing Undertakings,—Industry Act 1975 (Prohibition and Vesting Order) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3035), dated 5th December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

11Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2976), dated 1st December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

12National Health Service (Scotland),—National Health Service (Choice of Dental Practitioner) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3052), dated 4th December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

13Rating and Valuation,—Non-Domestic Rating Contributions (England) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3038), dated 8th December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

14Road Traffic,—(1) Motor Vehicles (Type Approval of Reduced Pollution Adaptations) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3093), and

(2) Vehicle Excise Duty (Reduced Pollution) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3094),

dated 9th December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

15Telegraphs,—Wireless Telegraphy Appeal Tribunal Rules 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3036), dated 7th December 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

16Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,—(1) Statute, dated 13th February 1998, made by the Governing Body of Magdalen College, Oxford, amending the Statutes of the College (primarily Statutes III and IV),

(2) Statute, dated 13th February 1998, made by the Governing Body of Magdalen College, Oxford, amending the Statutes of the College (Statutes IV.14(1), IV.14(2), IV.14(3), IV.16(2) and IV.17(2)),

(3) Statute, dated 13th February 1998, made by the Governing Body of Magdalen College, Oxford, amending the Statutes of the College (Statute IV.14(2)),

(4) Statute, dated 13th February 1998, made by the Governing Body of Magdalen College, Oxford, amending the Statutes of the College (Statute VIII.1) and

(5) Statute, dated 13th February 1998, made by the Governing Body of Magdalen College, Oxford, amending the Statutes of the College (Statute XI.2)

[by Act] [Margaret Beckett].

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Other Papers:

17Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons,—Statements by the Secretary of State for Health and the Secretary of State for Wales on Residential Care of Handicapped Persons under the age of 65 in England and Wales for 1997 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 46] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

18Coal Industry,—Report of the Office of the Subsidence Adviser for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

19Education,—Report and Accounts of the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].

20Museums and Galleries,—Report and Accounts of the National Library of Wales for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Command] [Mr Secretary Michael].

21National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on the Flotation of Railtrack [by Act]; to be printed [No. 25] [Clerk of the House].

22Parliamentary Commissioner,—Second Report of the Parliamentary Ombudsman, Session 1998–99: Access to Official Information—Selected Cases April–October 1998 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 5] [Clerk of the House].

23Registration Service,—Birth Statistics: Review of the Registrar General on births and patterns of family building in England and Wales for 1997 [by Act] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer].

24Reserve Forces,—Change 2 to the Regulations for the Naval and Marine Reserve (BR 64) [by Act] [Mr Secretary Robertson].

25Smoking,—Paper, entitled Smoking Kills: a White Paper on Tobacco [by Command] [Cm. 4177] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

APPENDIX II

Committee of Selection

Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Bill,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr David Stewart from Standing Committee B (nominated in respect of the Bill); and nominated in substitution Mr Stephen Hesford.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Employment Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee [TECs/RDAs and other lifelong learning issues]; to be printed [No. 97-i] [Mr Derek Foster].

2European Scrutiny,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the European Scrutiny Committee [1999 European Community Draft Budget]; to be printed [No. 98] [Mr Jimmy Hood].

3Foreign Affairs,—(1) First Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee [Foreign Policy and Human Rights]; together with the Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 100]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Foreign Policy and Human Rights]

[Mr Donald Anderson].

4Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee [Future NHS Staffing Requirements]; to be printed [No. 38-ii] [Mr David Hinchliffe].


MEMORANDUM

Public Bills (Scotland),—In pursuance of paragraph (1) of Standing Order No. 97 (Scottish Grand Committee (bills in relation to their principle)), the Speaker certified that, in her opinion, the provisions of the Scottish Enterprise Bill relate exclusively to Scotland.


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