| Commons Journal 255
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II
Page 63 1998-1999 Volume 255
[No. 17.] Monday 11th January 1999.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Private Bill Petitions,—The Speaker laid upon the Table a Report from the Examiners of Petitions for Private Bills, That, in the case of the Petitions for the following Bills, the Standing Orders have been complied with, viz.: |
Baxi Partnership Limited Trusts
City of London (Ward Elections)
City of Newcastle upon Tyne
HFC Bank
Imperial College
Kent County Council
Medway Council
Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (Amendment of Rules) etc.
United Reformed Church
University College London.
| 2 | Rating (Valuation) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Rating (Valuation) Bill; |
And a Motion being made, and the Question being put, That the Bill be now read a second time;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Greg Pope, Mr Mike Hall: 268.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Paul Tyler, Mr Paul Burstow: 30.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read a second time and stood committed to a Standing Committee.
| 3 | Rating (Valuation) Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Rating (Valuation) 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 Rating (Valuation) 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 Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.
| 4 | Rating (Valuation) Bill [Ways and Means],—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 any Act resulting from the Rating (Valuation) Bill may impose liability to non-domestic rates by provision about the valuation of hereditaments—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to. |
| 5 | Town and Country Planning (Scotland),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Town and Country Planning (Minerals) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2913), dated 17th November 1998, a copy of which was laid before this House on 25th November, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to. |
| 6 | Town and County Planning (Scotland),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Town and Country Planning (Compensation for Restrictions on Mineral Working and Mineral Waste Depositing) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 (S.I.,1998, No. 2914), dated 17th November 1998, a copy of which was laid before this House on 25th November, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to. |
| 7 | European Scrutiny,—Ordered, That Mr Quentin Davies be discharged from the European Scrutiny Committee and Mr Robert Walter be added to the Committee.—(Mr Clive Betts.) |
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| 8 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Clive Betts.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till four minutes to Eight o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 7.56 p.m.
APPENDIX
Papers presented by Her Majesty's Command and delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office during the adjournment pursuant to Standing Order No. 158 (Presentation of command papers):
| 1 | Financial Services and Markets,—Consultation document on the draft Financial Services and Markets Bill: Part One, Overview of Financial Regulatory Reform; Part Two, Draft Financial Services and Markets Bill; Part Three, Draft Explanatory Notes on the Draft Bill [Mr Stephen Byers]. |
| 2 | Museums and Galleries,—(1) Financial Statements of the Museum of London for 1997–98, and |
(2) Paper concerning the indemnification for works of art lent to the Tate Gallery for its Spring Exhibition of works by Jackson Pollock [Mr Secretary Smith].
Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on the undermentioned dates during the adjournment pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
18th December 1998
| 3 | Education,—School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (Proposals under section 211 of the Education Act 1996) (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3172), dated 16th December 1998 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 4 | Plant Health,—Plant Health (Forestry) (Great Britain) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3109), dated 14th December 1998 [Mr Nicholas Brown]. |
21st December 1998
| 5 | Agriculture,—Arable Area Payments (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3169), dated 16th December 1998 [Mr Nicholas Brown]. |
| 6 | Broadcasting,—Television Broadcasting Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3196), dated 18th December 1998 [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
| 7 | Registration of Births, Deaths, Marriages, etc,—Births, Deaths, Marriages and Divorces (Fees) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3191), dated 11th December 1998 [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
22nd December 1998
| 8 | Education,—School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (Modification) (No. 2) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3217), dated 21st December 1998 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 9 | Road Traffic,—Road Traffic (Permitted Parking Area and Special Parking Area) (Borough of Luton) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3207), dated 19th December 1998 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
23rd December 1998
| 10 | Constitutional Law,—Scotland Act 1998 (Transitional and Transitory Provisions) (Subordinate Legislation under the Act) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3216), dated 20th December 1998 [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 11 | Education,—Education (School Performance Information) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3260), dated 21st December 1998 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 12 | Local Government (Scotland),—Local Authorities Etc. (Allowances) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3217), dated 17th December 1998 [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
4th January 1999
| 13 | British Nationality,—British Nationality (Cameroon and Mozambique) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3161), dated 16th December 1998 [Margaret Beckett]. |
| 14 | Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping (Falkland Islands Colours) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3147), dated 16th December 1998 [Margaret Beckett]. |
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| 15 | National Health Service,—Health Service Commissioner for England (London Post-Graduate Teaching Hospitals Designation Orders) Revocation Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3149), dated 16th December 1998 [Margaret Beckett]. |
| 16 | Social Security,—Housing Benefit (General) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3257), dated 22nd December 1998 [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
5th January 1999
| 17 | Building Societies,—Building Societies (Business Names) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3186), dated 23rd December 1998 [Ms Patricia Hewitt]. |
6th January 1999
| 18 | Council Tax,—Local Government Finance (New Parishes) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3270), dated 23rd December 1998 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 19 | Environmental Protection,—Financial Assistance for Environmental Purposes (No. 4) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3234), dated 22nd December 1998 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 20 | Health and Safety,—(1) Asbestos (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3233), and |
(2) Control of Asbestos at Work (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3235),
dated 20th December 1998 [Mr Secretary Prescott].
| 21 | Local Government,—Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Exemptions) (No. 4) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3232), dated 21st December 1998 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
7th January 1999
| 22 | Education,—(1) Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2), and |
(2) School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (School Playing Fields) (Modification) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1),
dated 4th January 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett].
8th January 1999
| 23 | Health and Safety,—Prevention of Accidents to Children in Agriculture Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3262), dated 22nd December 1998 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 24 | Police,—(1) National Crime Squad Service Authority (Levying) (Amendment) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3259), and |
(2) NCIS Service Authority (Levying) (Amendment) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3258),
dated 22nd December 1998 [Mr Secretary Straw].
| 25 | Road Traffic,—Road Traffic (Special Parking Area) (London Borough of Redbridge) (Amendment) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3238), dated 22nd December 1998 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 26 | Social Security,—Social Security (Categorisation of Earners) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3), dated 6th January 1999 [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
Other papers:
23rd December 1998
| 27 | Police,—Number of Members of South Wales Police Authority Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3215), dated 18th December 1998 [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
4th January 1999
| 28 | United Nations,—Iraq and Kuwait (United Nations Sanctions) (Amendment) Order 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3163), dated 16th December 1998 [Margaret Beckett]. |
Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 11th January 1999:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 29 | European Communities,—(1) Draft European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission) Order 1999, and |
(2) Draft European Communities (Immunities and Privileges of the North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission) Order 1999
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Cook].
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Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 30 | Landlord and Tenant,—Rent Acts (Maximum Fair Rent) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 6), dated 11th January 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 31 | Medicines,—Medicines (Standard Provisions for Licences and Certificates) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 4), dated 5th January 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson]. |
Other Papers:
| 32 | Air Force Constitution,—Amendments to Air Publication 400B–0001 (First Edition) Regulations for the Royal Air Force Reserve and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force [by Act] [Mr Secretary Robertson]. |
| 33 | Biological Standards,—Accounts of the National Biological Standards Board for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 133] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 34 | Culture, Media and Sport,—Departmental Minute, dated 11th January 1999, concerning a contingent liability consequent upon the proposed lease of the Tower Hill Vaults site [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
| 35 | Criminal Injuries Compensation,—Account of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 134] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 36 | Industrial Organisation and Development,—Report and Accounts of the Milk Development Council for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. |
| 37 | Isle of Man,—Commissioners of Customs and Excise in Account with the Government of the Isle of Man: an Account of Receipts and Payments for 1997–98 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo]. |
| 38 | Reserve Forces,—Amendment No. 20 to the Territorial Army Regulations 1978 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Robertson]. |
| 39 | Science and Technology,—Accounts of the Natural Environment Research Council for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 132] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 40 | Social Security Administration,—Account of the National Insurance Fund for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 130] [Clerk of the House]. |
[No. 18.] Tuesday 12th January 1999.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Deregulation Committee,—Mr Peter L. Pike reported from the Deregulation Committee the following Resolution: |
That the draft Deregulation (Weights and Measures) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 14th December 1998, should be approved.
The Committee came to this Resolution without a Division.
| 2 | Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Bill,—Mr Roger Gale reported from Standing Committee B, That it had gone through the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Bill, and made Amendments thereunto. |
Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 11].
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 138].
| 3 | Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bill Olner reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Industrial Training Levy (Construction Board) Order 1999 and the draft Industrial Training Levy (Engineering Construction Board) Order 1999. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
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| 4 | Local Government Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Local Government 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, while welcoming the repeal of Part I of the Local Government Act 1988 concerning compulsory competitive tendering, declines to give the Local Government Bill a Second Reading because, instead of creating a system of local government that is powerful and free, it grants comprehensive powers to the Secretary of State over local government, amounting to the nationalisation of local government, it creates a culture whereby local government is more concerned with the requirements of Whitehall than the needs of local residents, it retains and incrementally increases capping, thus blurring accountability for Council Tax and service levels, it fails to grant a power of general competence to local authorities, and it alters the way in which Council Tax Benefit subsidy is paid in such a way that poor Council Tax payers will pay for the benefits of the poorest Council Tax payers', instead thereof.—(Mr Paul Burstow.)
And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Adrian Sanders, Mr Donald Gorrie: 35.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Keith Hill, Mr David Jamieson: 341.
So the Question was negatived.
And the main Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 62 (Amendment on second or third reading);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Keith Hill, Mr David Jamieson: 334.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Nigel Waterson: 170.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read a second time and stood committed to a Standing Committee.
| 5 | Local Government Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Local Government 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 Local Government Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—
(a) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums so payable under any other enactment;
(b) any expenses of the Secretary of State under the Act—(Mr Graham Allen):—It was agreed to.
| 6 | Scottish Grand Committee,—Ordered, That— |
(i) at its sitting on Monday 1st February, the Scottish Grand Committee shall take questions for oral answer; and
(ii) in respect of that sitting, paragraph (5) of Standing Order No. 94 (Scottish Grand Committee (questions for oral answer)) shall have effect with the substitution of the word “nine” for the word “ten”.—(Mr Graham Allen.)
| 7 | Committee of Public Accounts,—Ordered, That Dawn Primarolo be discharged from the Committee of Public Accounts and Mrs Barbara Roche be added to the Committee.—(Mr Graham Allen.) |
| 8 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Graham Allen); |
And the Motion having been made after 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 four minutes to Eleven o'clock, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.56 p.m.
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APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Education,—Education (Infant Class Sizes) (Grant) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 14), dated 7th January 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
Other Papers:
| 2 | Ashworth Special Hospital,—(1) Executive Summary of the Report, and |
(2) Report (Volume 1)
of the Committee of Inquiry into the Personality Disorder Unit, Ashworth Special Hospital [by Command] [Cm. 4194-I and II] [Mr Secretary Dobson].
| 3 | Oil and Pipelines,—Report and Accounts of the Oil and Pipelines Agency for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Robertson]. |
APPENDIX II
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Agriculture,—(1) Second Report from the Agriculture Committee [CAP Reform: Rural Development], 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. 61]; |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Sea Fishing]; to be printed [No. 141-i]; and
(3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Sea Fishing; UK Pig Industry; Badgers and Bovine Tuberculosis]
[Mr Peter Luff].
| 2 | Deregulation,—Second Report from the Deregulation Committee [The draft Deregulation (Weights and Measures) Order 1999]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 135] [Mr Peter L. Pike]. |
| 3 | Home Affairs,—(1) Second Special Report from the Home Affairs Committee [Government Response to the Fourth Report from the Committee, Session 1997–98, on Electoral Law and Administration]; to be printed [No. 137]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Police Training and Recruitment]; to be printed [No. 81-ii]
[Mr Chris Mullin].
| 4 | Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Public Administration Committee [Annual Report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration for 1997–98]; to be printed [No. 136] [Mr Rhodri Morgan]. |
| 5 | Statutory Instruments,—Fourth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 50-iv] [Mr David Tredinnick]. |
| 6 | Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [Telephone Numbering and the Work of Oftel]; to be printed [No. 139-i] [Mr Martin O'Neill]. |
| 7 | Treasury,—(1) Second Report from the Treasury Committee [The World Economy and the Pre-Budget Report], 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. 91]; and |
(2) First Special Report from the Committee [The Mis-selling of Personal Pensions: Responses by the Government and the Financial Services Authority to the Ninth Report from the Committee, Session 1997–98]; to be printed [No. 140]
[Mr Giles Radice].
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[No. 19.] Wednesday 13th January 1999.
The House met at half-past Nine o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Mike Hall); |
And it being Two o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.
| 2 | Alliance & Leicester plc (Group Reorganisation) Bill [Lords],—The Alliance & Leicester plc (Group Reorganisation) Bill [Lords] was read a second time and committed. |
| 3 | Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Humfrey Malins reported from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Income Support (General) (Standard Interest Rate Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 2878). |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Protection of Children Bill,—Ms Debra Shipley, supported by Ms Margaret Moran, Mr Dale Campbell-Savours, Mr David Curry, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Judy Mallaber, Mr Tony McNulty, Mr Paul Tyler, Dr Jenny Tonge, Ann Clwyd, Dr Peter Brand and Ms Dari Taylor, presented a Bill to require a list to be kept of persons considered unsuitable to work with children; to extend the power to make regulations under section 218(6) of the Education Reform Act 1988; to make further provision with respect to that list and the list kept for the purposes of such regulations; to enable the protection afforded to children to be afforded to persons suffering from mental impairment; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 26th February and to be printed [Bill 12]. |
| 5 | Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill,—Maria Eagle, supported by Jackie Ballard, Mr Ian Cawsey, Mr Alan Clark, Mr Robin Corbett, Mr Roger Gale, Mr Nigel Jones, Mr Tim Loughton, Alice Mahon, Mr Kevin McNamara, Dr Nick Palmer and Angela Smith, presented a Bill to prohibit the keeping of animals with a view to their slaughter solely or primarily for the commercial value of their fur; and for related purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 5th March and to be printed [Bill 13]. |
| 6 | Mental Health (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill,—Mr Eric Clarke, supported by Dr Lewis Moonie, Mr John McAllion, Mr Brian Donohoe, Maria Fyfe, Mr Jimmy Hood, Mr Jimmy Wray, Mr John Swinney, Mr Russell Brown, Mrs Ray Michie, Mr Malcolm Chisholm and Dr Gavin Strang, presented a Bill to authorise hospital managers to continue to hold, expend and dispose of the property of persons to whom section 94(1) of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 no longer applies: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 12th March and to be printed [Bill 14]. |
| 7 | Referendums Bill,—Mr Andrew Robathan, supported by Mr Harry Barnes, Mr Martin Bell, Frank Cook, Paul Flynn, Mr Donald Gorrie, Mr Dominic Grieve, Mr Simon Hughes, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mr William Ross and Mr Adrian Sanders, presented a Bill to make provision for the conduct of referendums and the establishment of a referendums commission: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 19th March and to be printed [Bill 15]. |
| 8 | Right to Roam Bill,—Mr Gordon Prentice, supported by Mr Andrew F. Bennett, Mrs Ann Cryer, Dr David Clark, Helen Jones, David Taylor, Joan Walley, Mr David Lepper, Mrs Diana Organ, Mr Chris Mullin and Mrs Betty Williams, presented a Bill to grant to the public a right to enter on foot and roam on open country in England and Wales for their recreation; to make certain financial and fiscal benefits dependent upon proper observance of the law relating to public footpaths; to ensure adequate publicity for access to relevant land; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 26th March and to be printed [Bill 16]. |
| 9 | Football (Offences and Disorder) Bill,—Mr Simon Burns, supported by Mr Patrick McLoughlin, Mr Shaun Woodward, Mr John Whittingdale, Mrs Cheryl Gillan, Mr Bernard Jenkin, Mr Joe Ashton, Mr Frank Field, Ann Coffey, Mr Jim Cunningham, Mr Alan Keen and Mr Peter L. Pike, presented a Bill to make further provision in relation to football-related offences; to make further provision for the purpose of preventing violence or disorder at or in connection with football matches; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 16th April and to be printed [Bill 17]. |
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| 10 | Adoption (Intercountry Aspects) Bill,—Mr Mark Oaten, supported by Mr Keith Vaz, Mr Andrew Rowe, Mr Dafydd Wigley, Mr Simon Hughes and Dr Jenny Tonge, presented a Bill to make provision for giving effect to the Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, concluded at The Hague on 29th May 1993; to make further provision in relation to adoptions with an international element; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 23rd April and to be printed [Bill 18]. |
| 11 | Licensing (Young Persons) Bill,—Chris McCafferty, supported by Mr Paul Truswell, Jane Griffiths, Mr Brian Sedgemore, Alice Mahon, Ann Clywd, Mr Fabian Hamilton and Mr Marsha Singh, presented a Bill to make provision in connection with the sale and consumption of intoxicating liquor in cases involving persons under eighteen; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 16th April and to be printed [Bill 19]. |
| 12 | Bus Fuel Duty (Exemptions) Bill,—Mr Patrick McLouglin, supported by Mr John MacGregor, Mr David Curry, Mr A. J. Beith, Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody, Mr Harry Barnes, Dr Julian Lewis, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mr Bowen Wells, Mr Robert Syms, Mr John Hayes and Judy Mallaber, presented a Bill to exempt operators of certain community bus services from payment of excise duty on fuel used in operating those services; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 12th March and to be printed [Bill 20]. |
| 13 | Streetworks Bill,—Mr Christopher Fraser presented a Bill to amend the law relating to streetworks; to make provision for a streetworks registration scheme; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 12th March and to be printed [Bill 21]. |
| 14 | Cheques (Scotland) Bill,—Mr John Swinney, supported by Dr Lewis Moonie, Mr Michael Moore, Mr Desmond Swayne and Mr Alasdair Morgan, presented a Bill to amend the law of Scotland in relation to the effect of presentation of cheques for payment: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 19th March and to be printed [Bill 22]. |
| 15 | Nuclear Safeguards Bill,—Mr Tony Colman presented a Bill to enable effect to be given to the protocol signed at Vienna on 22nd September 1998 additional to the agreement for the application of safeguards in the United Kingdom in connection with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 12th March and to be printed [Bill 23]. |
| 16 | Health Care and Energy Efficiency Bill,—Sir Robert Smith, supported by Mr Peter Bottomley, Sir Sydney Chapman, Mr Michael Colvin, Ms Roseanna Cunningham, Mr Cynog Dafis, Mrs Margaret Ewing, Mrs Linda Gilroy, Mr Simon Hughes, Mr John McAllion, Mr Alan Simpson and Mr James Wallace, presented a Bill to require certain health bodies to draw up reports on ways in which they may use energy efficiency schemes to assist persons living in fuel poverty to heat their homes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 23rd April and to be printed [Bill 24]. |
| 17 | Road Traffic (Vehicle Testing) Bill,—Mr Andrew Hunter, supported by Mr Tony Colman, Mr Humfrey Malins, Mr Mark Oaten, Mr Bill O'Brien, Mr Richard Page and Mr Brian Sedgemore, presented a Bill to make further provision about the testing of motor vehicles for the purposes of Part II of the Road Traffic Act 1988; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 5th March and to be printed [Bill 25]. |
| 18 | Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Bill,—Mr James Clappison, supported by Mr Roger Gale, Mr Tim Loughton, Mr Graham Brady, Sir Richard Body, Mr David Amess, Mr Richard Allan, Mr Ian Cawsey, Angela Smith, Mr Colin Pickthall, Mr Andrew Miller and Caroline Flint, presented a Bill to amend and extend certain enactments relating to the commercial breeding and sale of dogs; to regulate the welfare of dogs kept in commercial breeding establishments; to extend powers of inspection; to establish records of dogs kept at such establishments; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 12th March and to be printed [Bill 26]. |
| 19 | Public House Names Bill,—Mrs Ann Winterton, supported by Mr Roy Beggs, Mr Crispin Blunt, Mr Peter Bradley, Tom Cox, Dr Lynne Jones, Mr Kerry Pollard, Mr David Rendel, Christine Russell, Mr Graham Stringer and Mr Nicholas Winterton, presented a Bill to amend the law relating to the names of public houses; and for related purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 5th March and to be printed [Bill 27]. |
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| 20 | Hedges (Control) Bill,—Mr Andrew Rowe presented a Bill to subject hedges in residential areas to local authority planning control: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 26th March and to be printed [Bill 28]. |
| 21 | Planning Appeals Bill,—Mr Nigel Evans, supported by Mr Peter Atkinson, Mrs Angela Browning, Dr Julian Lewis, Miss Anne McIntosh, Mr Andrew Robathan and Mr Robert Syms, presented a Bill to remove the right of appeal to the Secretary of State against certain planning decisions: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 23rd April and to be printed [Bill 29]. |
| 22 | Company and Business Names (Chamber of Commerce, etc.) Bill,—Mr Andrew Lansley, supported by Mr Michael Trend, Mr Graham Brady, Mr Richard Page, Mr Nick Harvey, Mr Robin Corbett, Ms Gisela Stuart, Mr James Paice, Mr Nick St Aubyn and Mrs Louise Ellman, presented a Bill to make provision concerning the approval of company or business names containing the expression “chamber of commerce” or any related expression; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 26th February and to be printed [Bill 30]. |
| 23 | Fuel Poverty and Energy Conservation Bill,—Mr John McAllion, supported by Sir Sydney Chapman, Mr David Chaytor, Ms Roseanna Cunningham, Mr Cynog Dafis, Mr Clive Efford, Mrs Margaret Ewing, Mrs Linda Gilroy, Mr David Lepper, Sir Robert Smith, Mr Alan Simpson and Mr Matthew Taylor, presented a Bill to require energy conservation authorities to draw up reports concerning fuel poverty and to designate officers with responsibility for energy conservation; and for related purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 19th March and to be printed [Bill 31]. |
| 24 | Opposition Day [2nd allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the second largest opposition party in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider opposition business. |
Government Information,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House deplores the extent to which politically-partisan presentation, spin-doctoring, unattributed briefing and the pursuit of personal rivalries between Ministers have become characteristics of the presentation of government information; believes that clearer guidelines need to be established in this field; affirms that the public interest is in having far greater access to the information used by Government in making decisions which affect people's lives; and calls upon the Government to introduce its draft Freedom of Information Bill as a matter of the highest priority to enable early consideration, to present such a Bill later this Session which can be carried over into the next Session of Parliament, and to ensure that the Bill fully reflects the proposals set out in the White Paper, Your Right to Know—(Mr A. J. Beith);
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 ‘welcomes the Government's commitment to modernising Government; commends the professionalism of the Government Information and Communications Service (GICS) in carrying out the important task of effectively communicating and explaining policies, decisions and actions of the Government of the day; recognises that the Mountfield Report set out the future direction of the GICS and confirmed the long accepted conventions of impartiality and propriety; believes that the model contract for special advisers, which defined, for the first time in a public document, the roles and responsibilities of special advisers, should be welcomed; applauds the Government's intention to publish a draft Freedom of Information Bill as soon as possible; and welcomes the intention of the Select Committee on Public Administration to undertake pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Bill', instead thereof.—(Dr Jack Cunningham.)
And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Edward Davey: 42.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Clelland, Jane Kennedy: 331.
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):—It was agreed to.
The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.
Resolved, That this House welcomes the Government's commitment to modernising Government; commends the professionalism of the Government Information and Communications Service (GICS) in carrying out the important task of effectively communicating and explaining policies, decisions and actions of the Government of the day; recognises that the Mountfield Report set out the future direction of the GICS and confirmed the long accepted conventions of impartiality and propriety; believes that the model contract for special advisers, which defined, for the first time in a public document,
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the roles and responsibilities of special advisers, should be welcomed; applauds the Government's intention to publish a draft Freedom of Information Bill as soon as possible; and welcomes the intention of the Select Committee on Public Administration to undertake pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Bill.
Role of the UK in Europe,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House regrets the display of “absentee government” by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in failing to be present at the official launch of the euro and in not giving a clear lead to British businesses in relation to future UK membership of the euro; believes that the Government's failure to come to terms with the euro will undermine the prospects for exercising British leadership in Europe; calls on the Government to set out a clear strategy and timetable for British membership of the euro, including measures to accelerate convergence of interest rates, an early report on plans to make Britain's inflation target compatible with that used within the euro zone, urgent clarification of the remit of the cross-party euro preparations committee, initiation of an annual HM Treasury report to Parliament on progress on the Government's five convergence criteria, and steps to encourage an open debate on the appropriate level at which sterling should join the euro; and further urges the Government to contribute to the development of a European Union which is open, accountable, democratic and decentralised, and in which the powers of European institutions, the constitutional relationship between the EU and member states and the rights of the citizens of EU member states are more clearly defined through the establishment of a constitution for Europe—(Mr Malcolm Bruce);
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 the importance to the British economy of continued membership of the European Community; welcomes the step change that the Government has made in its economic relations with the UK's European partners and the real benefits that constructive engagement has brought for Britain; commends the progress made by the Government in promoting economic reform in Europe as the basis for growth and job creation; welcomes the Government's ongoing programme of practical assistance to British business on the implications of the euro; commends the Bank of England and the financial services industries for the skill and expertise with which they managed Britain's part in the transition of 1st January 1999; and welcomes the Government's decision to make the national economic interest the key test for British entry to the single currency on the basis of five economic tests and that any final decision should be made by the British people as set out in the Chancellor's statement to the House of 27th October 1997', instead thereof.—(Mr Alan Milburn.)
And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Edward Davey: 42.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Mike Hall: 281.
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):—It was agreed to.
The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.
Resolved, That this House recognises the importance to the British economy of continued membership of the European Community; welcomes the step change that the Government has made in its economic relations with the UK's European partners and the real benefits that constructive engagement has brought for Britain; commends the progress made by the Govenment in promoting economic reform in Europe as the basis for growth and job creation; welcomes the Government's ongoing programme of practical assistance to British business on the implications of the euro; commends the Bank of England and the financial services industries for the skill and expertise with which they managed Britain's part in the transition of 1st January 1999; and welcomes the Government's decision to make the national economic interest the key test for British entry to the single currency on the basis of five economic tests and that any final decision should be made by the British people as set out in the Chancellor's statement to the House of 27th October 1997.
| 25 | Employment and Training,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Industrial Training Levy (Construction Board) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 1st December, be approved—(Mr Graham Allen):—It was agreed to. |
| 26 | Employment and Training,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Industrial Training Levy (Engineering Construction Board) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 1st December, be approved—(Mr Graham Allen):—It was agreed to. |
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| 27 | Rating (Valuation) Bill,—Ordered, That, during the proceedings on the Rating (Valuation) Bill, the Standing Committee on the Bill shall have leave to sit twice on the first day on which it shall meet.—(Mr Graham Allen.) |
| 28 | Public Administration,—Ordered, That Miss Melanie Johnson be discharged from the Select Committee on Public Administration and Ms Margaret Moran be added to the Committee.—(Mr Graham Allen.) |
| 29 | Greater London Authority (Programme),—Ordered, That the following provisions shall apply to the Greater London Authority Bill— |
Committee of the whole House
1. Proceedings in Committee of the whole House on Clauses 1 to 4 of, and Schedules 1 and 2 to, the Bill shall be completed in two allotted days and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at Ten o'clock on the second day.
Standing Committee
2. Proceedings in the Standing Committee to which the remainder of the Bill is committed shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion at 12.50 p.m. on 30th March 1999.
Business Committee
3. Standing Order No. 82 (Business Committee) shall not apply to proceedings on the Bill.
Business Sub-Committee
4. Resolutions of the Business Sub-Committee may include alterations in the order in which Clauses, Schedules, new Clauses and new Schedules are taken in the Standing Committee.
Procedure in Standing Committee
5. At a sitting of the Standing Committee at which any proceedings on the Bill are to be brought to a conclusion in accordance with this Order or a Resolution of the Business Sub-Committee, the Chairman shall not adjourn the Committee under any Order relating to the sittings of the Committee until the proceedings have been brought to a conclusion.
Conclusion of proceedings
6. For the purpose of concluding any proceedings which are to be brought to a conclusion at a time appointed by or under this Order—
(1) The Chairman or Speaker shall put forthwith the following Questions (but no others)—
(a) any Question already proposed from the Chair;
(b) any Question necessary to bring to a decision a Question so proposed (including in the case of a new Clause or Schedule which has been read a second time, the Question that the Clause or Schedule be added to the Bill);
(c) the Question on any amendment moved or Motion made by a Minister of the Crown; and
(d) any other Question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded.
(2) Proceedings under sub-paragraph (1) shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to sittings of the House and may be decided, though opposed, at any hour.
(3) If, apart from this sub-paragraph, two or more Questions would fall to be put by the Chairman under sub-paragraph (1)(d) in relation to a series of Clauses or Schedules to which no notice of amendment has been given by a Minister of the Crown, the Chairman shall instead put a single question in relation to those Clauses and Schedules.
(4) On a Motion made for a new Clause or a new Schedule, the Chairman or Speaker shall put only the question that the Clause or Schedule be added to the Bill.
Supplementary provisions
7. In this Order “allotted day” means any day on which the Bill is put down on the main business as first Government Order of the Day.
8. If any Motion is made by a Minister of the Crown to amend this Order so as to provide a greater amount of time for proceedings on the Bill under paragraph 1 or 2 of this Order, the Question thereon shall be put forthwith and may be decided, though opposed, at any hour.
9. If any Motion is made by a Minister of the Crown to supplement the provisions of this Order in respect of proceedings on Consideration or Third Reading or on any Lords Amendments or any subsequent Message from the Lords relating to the Bill, the Motion
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may be proceeded with, though opposed, at any hour and the proceedings, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion three-quarters of an hour after they have been commenced.—(Mr Graham Allen.)
| 30 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Graham Allen.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till nineteen minutes to Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.41 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Pensions,—Draft Guaranteed Minimum Pensions Increase Order 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 2 | Social Security,—(1) Draft Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 1999, and |
(2) draft Social Security (Contributions) (Re-rating and National Insurance Fund Payments) Order 1999
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 3 | Agriculture,—Arable Area Payments (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 8), dated 7th January 1999 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. |
| 4 | Health and Safety,—Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Application to Environmentally Hazardous Substances) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 40), dated 12th January 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
Other Papers:
| 5 | Appropriation Accounts, 1997–98,—Appropriation Accounts of the sums granted by Parliament for Classes:— |
(1) IV (Trade and Industry and Export Credits Guarantee Department),
(2) IX (Education and Employment),
(3) X (Culture, Media and Sport),
(4) XI (Department of Health), and
(5) XIV (Wales)
for 1997–98 [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 1-IV, -IX, -X, -XI and -XIV] [Dawn Primarolo].
| 6 | Social Security,—Report by the Government Actuary on the drafts of the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 1999 and the Social Security (Contributions) (Re-rating and National Insurance Fund Payments) Order 1999 [by Command] [Cm. 4199] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 7 | Treaty Series (No. 1, 1999),—Third Supplementary List of Ratifications, Accessions, Withdrawals, Etc., for 1998 [by Command] [Cm. 4185] [Mr Secretary Cook]. |
| 8 | Treaty Series (No. 2, 1999),—Europe Agreement, done at Luxembourg on 12th June 1995, establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Estonia, of the other part including Protocols with Exchange of Letters, Declarations and Final Act [by Command] [Cm. 4191] [Mr Secretary Cook]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Rating (Valuation) Bill: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee A, and has appointed Mr George Stevenson and Mrs Marion Roe Chairmen; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed twenty-two Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Graham Allen, Hilary Armstrong, Mr David Borrow, Mr Simon Burns, Mr Paul Burstow, Christine Butler, Mr Brian Cotter, Mr David Crausby, Mr David Curry, Mr James Gray, Mr John Hayes, Ms Beverley Hughes, Ms Sally Keeble,
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Ms Oona King, Mr Bob Laxton, Mr Alan Meale, Mr James Plaskitt, Mrs Caroline Spelman, Mr Graham Stringer, Mr Gareth Thomas, Mr Brian White and Dr Alan Whitehead.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee B, and has appointed Mr Roger Gale and Mr Bill O'Brien Chairmen; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed twenty-three Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Graham Allen, Hilary Armstrong, Jackie Ballard, Sir Paul Beresford, Christine Butler, Mr David Crausby, Mr David Curry, Mr John Hayes, Ms Beverley Hughes, Mr Bernard Jenkin, Mr Jon Owen Jones, Ms Sally Keeble, Ms Oona King, Mr Bob Laxton, Mr Alan Meale, Mr Owen Paterson, Mr James Plaskitt, Mr Adrian Sanders, Mrs Caroline Spelman, Mr Graham Stringer, Mr Gareth Thomas, Mr Brian White and Dr Alan Whitehead.
Grand Committees
| 3 | The Speaker has appointed Mr John Maxton Chairman of the Scottish Grand Committee in respect of the meeting of the Committee in Edinburgh on Monday 1st February. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee [Defence Export Services Organisation]; to be printed [No. 147] [Mr Michael Colvin]. |
| 2 | Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee [The work of OFSTED]; to be printed [No. 62-ii] [Mr Malcolm Wicks]. |
| 3 | Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Third Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Future of National Air Traffic Services], with the 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. 122] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody]. |
| 4 | European Scrutiny,—Fifth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 34-v] [Mr Jimmy Hood]. |
| 5 | Northern Ireland Affairs,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Public Expenditure in Northern Ireland: Special Educational Needs]; to be printed [No. 33-ii]; and |
(2) 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-iii]
[Mr Peter Brooke].
| 6 | Procedure,—First Report from the Procedure Committee [Procedural Consequences of Devolution: Interim Report], together with an Appendix [Memorandum from the Leader of the House reported to the House on 1st December]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 148] [Mr Nicholas Winterton]. |
| 7 | Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [Engineering and Physical Sciences Based Innovation]; to be printed [No. 17-vi] [Dr Michael Clark]. |
| 8 | Social Security,—First Special Report from the Social Security Committee [Government Response to the Fifth Report from the Committee, Session 1997–98, on Pensions on Divorce]; to be printed [No. 146] [Mr Archy Kirkwood]. |
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[No. 20.] Thursday 14th January 1999.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Water Industry Bill,—Mr John McWilliam reported from Standing Committee A, That it had gone through the Water Industry Bill, and directed him to report the same, without Amendment. |
Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 151].
| 2 | Public Accounts,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House takes note of the 1st to 67th reports of the Committee of Public Accounts of Session 1997–98, and of the Treasury Minutes and Northern Ireland Department of Finance and Personnel Memoranda on these Reports (Cm. 3880, 3893, 3894, 3936, 3955, 3973, 4004, 4015, 4021, 4041, 4055, 4060, 4069, 4075) with particular reference to the following Reports: |
Twenty-seventh, Measures to Combat Housing Benefit Fraud (HC 366);
Thirty-second, Cataract Surgery in Scotland (HC 546);
Thirty-fourth, Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Irregular Payments at the British Embassy in Amman, Jordan (HC 553);
Forty-fourth, Northern Ireland Social Security Agency: The Administration of the Disability Allowance (HC 527);
Forty-sixth, The Contract to Develop and Update the Replacement National Insurance Recording System (HC 472);
Sixty-first, Getting Value for Money in Privatisations (HC 992);
Sixty-seventh, HM Treasury: Resource Accounting and Resource-Based Supply (HC 731)—(Mr David Davis);
| 3 | Royal Assent,—The Deputy Speaker notified the House, in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967, That Her Majesty had signified her Royal Assent to the following Act, passed under the provisions of the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949: |
European Parliamentary Elections Act 1999.
(The said Bill having been endorsed by Madam Speaker with the following Certificate:—
I certify, in reference to this Bill, that the provisions of section two of the Parliament Act 1911, as amended by section one of the Parliament Act 1949, have been duly complied with.
| 4 | Public Accounts,—The Question being again proposed, That this House takes note of the 1st to 67th reports of the Committee of Public Accounts of Session 1997–98, and of the Treasury Minutes and Northern Ireland Department of Finance and Personnel Memoranda on these Reports (Cm. 3880, 3893, 3894, 3936, 3955, 3973, 4004, 4015, 4021, 4041, 4055, 4060, 4069, 4075) with particular reference to the following Reports: |
Twenty-seventh, Measures to Combat Housing Benefit Fraud (HC 366);
Thirty-second, Cataract Surgery in Scotland (HC 546);
Thirty-fourth, Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Irregular Payments at the British Embassy in Amman, Jordan (HC 553);
Forty-fourth, Northern Ireland Social Security Agency: The Administration of the Disability Allowance (HC 527);
Forty-sixth, The Contract to Develop and Update the Replacement National Insurance Recording System (HC 472);
Sixty-first, Getting Value for Money in Privatisations (HC 992);
Sixty-seventh, HM Treasury: Resource Accounting and Resource-Based Supply (HC 731);
Question put and agreed to.
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| 5 | Northern Ireland Grand Committee,—Ordered, That— |
(1) the Order of the House of 2nd December relating to sittings of the Northern Ireland Grand Committee shall have effect with the substitution of the words ‘2.30 p.m.' for the words ‘10.30 a.m.';
(2) the matter of the Discussion Paper entitled “Putting it Right—the case for change in Northern Ireland's hospital service”, being a matter relating exclusively to Northern Ireland, be referred to the Northern Ireland Grand Committee for its consideration; and
(3) at the sitting on Thursday 28th January—
(i) the Committee shall consider the matter referred to it under paragraph (2) above;
(ii) the Chairman shall interrupt proceedings at 5 p.m.; and
(iii) at the conclusion of those proceedings, a motion for the adjournment of the Committee may be made by a Minister of the Crown pursuant to Standing Order No. 116(5) (Northern Ireland Grand Committee) (sittings)).—(Mr Jim Dowd.)
| 6 | Environmental Audit Committee,—Ordered, That Mr Neil Gerrard be added to the Environmental Audit Committee.—(Mr Jim Dowd.) |
| 7 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Jim Dowd); |
And it being Seven o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put, pursuant to the Sessional Order [16th December].
| 8 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Graham Allen.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till half-past Seven o'clock, adjourned till Monday 18th January.
[Adjourned at 7.30 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Education (Scotland),—Cambuslang College (Change of Name) (Scotland) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 16), dated 7th January 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
Other Papers:
| 2 | Agricultural Marketing,—Report on Agricultural Marketing Schemes for 1996–97 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. |
| 3 | Marshall Aid Commemoration,—Account of the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 152] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 4 | Pensions,—Report of the Pensions Compensation Board for the period 1st August 1997 to 31st July 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
APPENDIX II
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee [Pre-Budget Report]; to be printed [No. 93–ii] [Mr John Horam]. |
| 2 | Health Committee,—Second Report from the Health Committee [Primary Care Groups]; to be printed with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 153] [Audrey Wise]. |
| 3 | Procedure,—Memorandum laid before the Procedure Committee [Ponsonby Rule] [Mr Nicholas Winterton]. |
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