| Commons Journal 255
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II
Page 101 1998-1999 Volume 255
[No. 29.] Monday 1st February 1999.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to transfer from the Secretary of State to the Commissioners of Inland Revenue or the Treasury certain functions relating to national insurance contributions, the National Insurance Fund, statutory sick pay, statutory maternity pay or pension schemes and certain associated functions relating to benefits; to enable functions relating to any of those matters in respect of Northern Ireland to be transferred to the Secretary of State, the Commissioners of Inland Revenue or the Treasury; to make further provision, in connection with the functions transferred, as to the powers of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, the making of decisions and appeals; to provide that rebates payable in respect of members of money purchase contracted-out pension schemes are to be payable out of the National Insurance Fund; and for connected purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
| 2 | Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Bill [Lords],—The Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 38]. |
Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Bill [Lords] be printed [Bill 38–EN].
| 3 | House of Lords Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the House of Lords Bill; |
And a Motion being made, That the Bill be now read a second time;
Margaret Beckett acquainted the House, That she had it in Command from the Queen to acquaint the House that Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, has consented to place her prerogative and interest, so far as they are affected by the Bill, at the disposal of Parliament for the purposes of the Bill.
Margaret Beckett acquainted the House, That she had it in Command from the Prince of Wales to acquaint the House that His Royal Highness, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, has consented to place his interest, so far as it is affected by the Bill, at the disposal of Parliament for the purposes of the Bill.
And the Question being proposed;
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 House of Lords Bill as it fails to address the role of the Second Chamber, its relationship to this House and its long term composition and hence, rather than improving the governance of the United Kingdom by establishing a sustainable, balanced and effective constitution, it merely adds to the incoherence of Her Majesty's Government's piecemeal constitutional changes', instead thereof.—(Dr Liam Fox.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made.
And it being Ten o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned.
Debate to be resumed to-morrow.
| 4 | Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Thursday 4th February, notwithstanding Standing Order No. 16 (Proceedings under an Act or on European Union documents), the Speaker shall— |
(i) put the Question on any Motion in the name of Mr Secretary Straw relating to the Police Grant Report (England and Wales) not later than Four o'clock; and
(ii) put the Questions on any Motions in the name of Mr Secretary Prescott relating to the English Revenue Support Grant Reports not later than Seven o'clock.—(Mr Graham Allen.)
| 5 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That— |
(i) this House, at its rising on Tuesday 16th February, do adjourn till Monday 22nd February; and
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(ii) the provisions of paragraph 3 of Standing Order No. 10 (Wednesday sittings) shall not apply to the sitting on Wednesday 10th February.—(Mr Graham Allen.)
| 6 | Modernisation of the House of Commons,—Ordered, That Rachel Squire be discharged from the Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons and Mr Gordon Prentice be added to the Committee.—(Mr Graham Allen.) |
| 7 | Defence,—Ordered, That Mr Menzies Campbell be discharged from the Defence Committee and Mr Mike Hancock be added to the Committee.—(Mr Phil Hope, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) |
| 8 | Health,—Ordered, That Ann Keen be discharged from the Health Committee and Mr Ivan Lewis be added to the Committee.—(Mr Phil Hope, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) |
| 9 | Home Affairs,—Ordered, That Miss Melanie Johnson be discharged from the Home Affairs Committee and Mrs Janet Dean be added to the Committee.—(Mr Phil Hope, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) |
| 10 | International Development,—Ordered, That Mr Dennis Canavan be discharged from the International Development Committee and Mr Tony Worthington be added to the Committee.—(Mr Phil Hope, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) |
| 11 | Social Security,—Ordered, That Mr Vernon Coaker be discharged from the Social Security Committee and Ms Debra Shipley be added to the Committee.—(Mr Phil Hope, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) |
| 12 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Graham Allen.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-nine minutes past Ten o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.29 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 29th January 1999 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O. No. 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 158 (Presentation of command papers):
| 1 | Education (Wales),—Paper, entitled the BEST for Teaching and Learning in Wales: Building Excellent Schools Together [Cm. 4150] [Mr Secretary Michael]. |
| 2 | Environment, Transport and the Regions,—Government Response to the Eighth Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee, Session 1997–98, on Regional Air Services [Cm. 4257] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 1st February 1999:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 3 | Local Government Finance,—(1) Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 37), |
(2) Local Government Finance Report (England) 1997–98: Amending Report 1999, and
(3) Local Government Finance Report (England) 1999–2000
[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 144, 145 and 143] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
| 4 | Local Government Finance (Scotland),—Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order 1999, dated 28th January 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 5 | Northern Ireland,—Draft Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning Act 1997 (Amnesty Period) Order 1999 [by Act] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam]. |
| 6 | Police,—Police Grant Report (England and Wales) 1999–2000 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 179] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 7 | Housing (Scotland),—Housing Revenue Account General Fund Contribution Limits (Scotland) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 164), dated 26th January 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
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| 8 | Protection of Wrecks,—Protection of Wrecks (Designation) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 186), dated 29th January 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 9 | Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,—Statute, dated 5th October 1998, made by the Governing Body of Magdalen College, Oxford, amending the Statutes of the College [by Act] [Margaret Beckett]. |
Other Papers:
| 10 | Air Force (Constitution),—Amendment to Queen's Regulations for the Royal Air Force (Fourth Edition) [by Act] [Mr Secretary Robertson]. |
| 11 | Armed Forces Pay,—Twenty-eighth Report of the Armed Forces' Pay Review Body [by Command] [Cm. 4242] [The Prime Minister]. |
| 12 | Aviation and Maritime Security,—Report for 1998 by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions under section 44 of the Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990 on the numbers of notices served by him under section 19 of the Act, the number of directions given by him under sections 19, 21, 22, 23 and 24 of the Act, and the number of enforcement notices served by authorised persons [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 13 | Aviation Security,—Report for 1998 by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions under section 23 of the Aviation Security Act 1982 as amended by the Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990 on the numbers of notices served by him under section 11 of the 1982 Act as amended, the number of directions given by him under sections 12, 13, 13A and 14 of the amended Act, and the number of enforcement notices served by authorised persons under the amended Act [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 14 | Channel Tunnel Security,—Report for 1998 by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions under article 35 of the Channel Tunnel (Security) Order 1994 on the numbers of notices served by him under article 11, directions given by him under articles 13, 14, 15 and 16 of the Order, and enforcement notices served by authorised persons [by Statutory Instrument] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 15 | Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration,—Twenty-eighth Report of the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration [by Command] [Cm. 4243] [The Prime Minister]. |
| 16 | Government Trading Funds,—Consultation Report on the establishment of Ordnance Survey as a Trading Fund [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 17 | Local Government Finance (Scotland),—Report by the Secretary of State for Scotland on the Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order 1999 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 169] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 18 | Members' Interests,—Register of Members' Interests as at 31st January 1999 [pursuant to the Resolutions of 22nd May 1974, 28th June 1993 and 6th November 1995]; to be printed [No. 198] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 19 | National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Sales of Residual Loans to Housing Associations [by Act]; to be printed [No. 192] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 20 | Nursing Staff, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions Allied to Medicine,—Sixteenth Reports of the Review Body for Nursing Staff, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions Allied to Medicine on— |
(1) Nursing Staff, Midwives and Health Visitors, and
(2) Professions Allied to Medicine
[by Command] [Cm. 4240 and 4241] [The Prime Minister].
| 21 | Petroleum,—Petroleum (Current Model Clauses) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 160), dated 27th January 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers]. |
| 22 | Senior Salaries,—Twenty-first Report of the Review Body on Senior Salaries [by Command] [Cm. 4245] [The Prime Minister]. |
| 23 | School Teachers,—Eighth Report of the School Teachers' Review Body [by Command] [Cm. 4244] [The Prime Minister]. |
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APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| Draft European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission) Order 1999, and the draft European Communities (Immunities and Privileges of the North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Patrick Nicholls from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Orders); and nominated in substitution Mr Michael Trend. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | 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-vi] [Mr Malcolm Wicks]. |
| 2 | Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [Ministry of Defence: Appropriation Accounts 1997–98]; to be printed [No. 207-i] [Mr. David Davis]. |
| 3 | Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [Engineering and Physical Sciences Based Innovation]; to be printed [No. 17-viii] [Dr Michael Clark]. |
[No. 30.] Tuesday 2nd February 1999.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | City of London (Ward Elections) Bill,—Ordered, That the City of London (Ward Elections) Bill be read a second time to-morrow. |
| 2 | HFC Bank Bill,—The HFC Bank Bill was read a second time and referred to the Examiners of Petitions for Private Bills. |
| 3 | Imperial College Bill,—The Imperial College Bill was read a second time and committed. |
| 4 | Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (Amendment of Rules) etc Bill,—The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (Amendment of Rules) etc Bill was read a second time and referred to the Examiners of Petitions for Private Bills. |
| 5 | University College London Bill,—The University College London Bill was read a second time and referred to the Examiners of Petitions for Private Bills. |
| 6 | Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mrs Irene Adams reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission) Order 1999 and the draft European Communities (Immunities and Privileges of the North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission) Order 1999. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 7 | Welsh Grand Committee,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 107 (Welsh Grand Committee (matters relating exclusively to Wales)), That the matter of transport policy in Wales, being a matter relating exclusively to Wales, be referred to the Welsh Grand Committee for its consideration—(Mr Robert Ainsworth):—It was agreed to. |
| 8 | Computer Millennium Non-Compliance (Contingency Plans),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require organisations responsible for the provision of essential public services and critical infrastructure to draw up contingency plans in the event of their computer systems failing to deal with calendar dates after 31st December 1999; to require such plans and the names of those responsible for them to be notified to an appropriate authority; to require the plans to be made available on demand; and for connected purposes: And that Mr David Atkinson, Mr David Amess, Frank Cook, Mr Tam Dalyell, Lynne Jones, Mr Nigel Jones, Mr Charles Kennedy, Mr Robert Sheldon, The Reverend Martin Smyth, Dr Rudi Vis, Mr John Townend and Mr Dafydd Wigley do prepare and bring it in. |
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| 9 | Computer Millennium Non-Compliance (Contingency Plans) Bill,—Mr David Atkinson accordingly presented a Bill to require organisations responsible for the provision of essential public services and critical infrastructure to draw up contingency plans in the event of their computer systems failing to deal with calendar dates after 31st December 1999; to require such plans and the names of those responsible for them to be notified to an appropriate authority; to require the plans to be made available on demand; 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 39]. |
| 10 | House of Lords Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Amendment proposed to be made to the Question proposed yesterday, That the House of Lords Bill now be read a second time; |
Which Amendment was to leave out from the word ‘That' to the end of the Question and to add the words ‘this House declines to give a Second Reading to the House of Lords Bill as it fails to address the role of the Second Chamber, its relationship to this House and its long term composition and hence, rather than improving the governance of the United Kingdom by establishing a sustainable, balanced and effective constitution, it merely adds to the incoherence of Her Majesty's Government's piecemeal constitutional changes', instead thereof.
And the Question being again proposed, That the Amendment be made:—The House resumed the adjourned Debate;
And the Question being put;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Nigel Waterson: 137.
Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr David Jamieson: 383.
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, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr David Jamieson: 381.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Nigel Waterson: 135.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read a second time.
A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 61 (Committal of bills), That the Bill be committed to a Committee of the whole House—(Mr Paddy Tipping):—It was agreed to.
Committee to-morrow.
| 11 | Welsh Grand Committee,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 108 (Welsh Grand Committee (sittings)), That the Welsh Grand Committee shall meet at the County Hall, Aberaeron, on Monday 22nd February at Eleven o'clock to take questions under Standing Order No. 103 (Welsh Grand Committee (questions for oral answer)), and to consider the matter of transport policy in Wales under Standing Order No. 107 (Welsh Grand Committee (matters relating exclusively to Wales)), proceedings being interrupted at Four o'clock—(Mr David Hanson):—It was agreed to. |
| 12 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr David Hanson.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till eight minutes to Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.52 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | County Courts,—Civil Courts (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 216), dated 2nd February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon]. |
| 2 | Sheriff Court (Scotland),—Act of Sederunt (Fees of Witnesses in the Sheriff Court) (Amendment) 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 188), dated 27th January 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
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Other Papers:
| 3 | Culture, Media and Sport,—Government Response to the Eighth Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Session 1997–98, on the Report and Accounts of the BBC for 1997–98 [by Command] [Cm. 4258] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
| 4 | Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on: |
(1) the Petition [1st December] from residents of Wheatfield Lane relating to bus services in Haxby and Wigginton,
(2) the Petition [15th December] from residents of Moreton and others relating to the proposed creation of a permanent showman's site in Moreton, and
(3) the Petition [15th December] from users and supporters of the Forum of Derbyshire Community Transports relating to community transport services
[by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| Draft Departments (Northern Ireland) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has nominated a further member to serve on the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order), viz.: Mr William Ross. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [The Operation of the Landfill Tax]; to be printed [No. 150-i] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett]. |
| 2 | International Development,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [Women and Development]; to be printed [No. 160-iii]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Provisions of the Commonwealth Development Corporation Bill]; to be printed [No. 212]
[Mr Bowen Wells]
| 3 | Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration [Accountability of Public Bodies]; to be printed [No. 209-i] [Mr Rhodri Morgan]. |
| 4 | Statutory Instruments,—Seventh Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 50-vii] [Mr David Tredinnick]. |
| 5 | Trade and Industry,—(1) Second Special Report from the Trade and Industry Committee [Government Observations on the Twelfth Report from the Trade and Industry Committee, Session 1997–98, on Industrial and Trade Relations with Central Europe]; to be printed [No. 211]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Electronic Commerce]; to be printed [No. 187-ii]
[Mr Martin O'Neill].
| 6 | Treasury,—(1) Third Report from the Treasury Committee [Financial Services Regulation], 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. 73]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Financial Services Regulation]
[Mr Giles Radice].
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[No. 31.] Wednesday 3rd February 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 Greg Pope); |
And it being Two o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.
| 2 | City of London (Ward Elections) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the City of London (Ward Elections) Bill; |
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Tuesday 9th February.
| 3 | Scottish Enterprise Bill,—Mr Andrew Welsh reported from the First Scottish Standing Committee, That it had gone through the Scottish Enterprise Bill, and directed him to report the same, without Amendment. |
Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 220].
| 4 | Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bowen Wells reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Apportionment of Money in the National Lottery Distribution Fund Order 1999. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 5 | Insolvency Act 1986 (Amendment),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the Insolvency Act 1986 so as to disqualify from appointment as receiver or liquidator of a company any person or company called in to carry out a financial appraisal of that company: And that Mr Richard Page, Mr Andrew Rowe, Mr Tony Colman, Mr Andrew Lansley, Mr Robin Corbett and Mr Richard Spring do prepare and bring it in. |
| 6 | Insolvency Act 1986 (Amendment) Bill,—Mr Richard Page accordingly presented a Bill to amend the Insolvency Act 1986 so as to disqualify from appointment as receiver or liquidator of a company any person or company called in to carry out a financial appraisal of that company: 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 40]. |
| 7 | Opposition Day [5th 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. |
The Government's Record on Pensions,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House believes the Government has failed pensioners and thrown away a unique opportunity for reform; deplores their attack on pensioners through the abolition of the ACT dividend tax credit, which will cost pensioners and all future pensioners £5 billion per year; believes the Government has further hurt occupational schemes by increasing the regulatory and cost burden in the pensions Green Paper; rejects the Government's proposals, which will make pension provision more complex and offer no real security for pensioners in the future; and condemns the Government for their extensions of means-testing in the welfare and pensions system, which will undermine the incentive to save—(Mr Iain Duncan Smith);
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 ‘commends the Government's approach to pensions reform, set out in its Green Paper, Partnership in Pensions; congratulates the Government on its determination to end the scandal of pensions mis-selling and its plans to strengthen the financial regulatory system; commends the Government on its commitment to economic stability and low inflation, which helps pensioners; believes that its reforms to the corporate tax system, which will result in the lowest-ever rate of Corporation Tax, will be in the long-term interest of companies, shareholders and pensioners; and approves of the Government's introduction of the Minimum Pension Guarantee, Winter Fuel Payments, the re-introduction of free eye tests and commitment to concessionary travel for the elderly as part of its strategy to provide security in retirement', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Darling.)
And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Sir David Madel, Mr Stephen Day: 185.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Greg Pope, Mr Clive Betts: 327.
So the Question was negatived.
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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 commends the Government's approach to pensions reform, set out in its Green Paper, Partnership in Pensions; congratulates the Government on its determination to end the scandal of pensions mis-selling and its plans to strengthen the financial regulatory system; commends the Government on its commitment to economic stability and low inflation, which helps pensioners; believes that its reforms to the corporate tax system, which will result in the lowest-ever rate of Corporation Tax, will be in the long-term interests of companies, shareholders and pensioners; and approves of the Government's introduction of the Minimum Pension Guarantee, Winter Fuel Payments, the re-introduction of free eye tests and commitment to concessionary travel for the elderly as part of its strategy to provide security in retirement.
Planning and the Green Belt,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House regrets decisions by the Government to allow large-scale development in the countryside; deplores the fact that the Government has failed to publish revised planning guidance, despite its promise to do so 12 months ago, which has led to further erosion of the green belt and greenfield sites; expresses concern at the confusion that will be caused by the role given to the regional development agencies in planning issues; and urges the Government to enhance the protection of the countryside, while encouraging urban regeneration, by ensuring an increasing share of new housing is built on brownfield sites—(Mr Simon Burns);
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 continued commitment to protecting the countryside, including green belts, and promoting sustainable regeneration in towns and cities; recognises that the Government's decentralised and integrated policy approach, as stated in Planning for Communities of the Future, Modernising the Planning System and A New Deal for Transport, is helping to achieve more sustainable and equitable patterns of urban and rural development; welcomes the Government's commitment strictly to control development in the open countryside and to increase the proportion of new housing on previously-developed land in urban areas, smaller towns and villages from 40 per cent in the mid-1980s to 60 per cent; recognises the need to replace the previous predict and provide approach to the issue of household growth with a more flexible decentralised system, involving realistic regional targets for the building of new homes on recycled land, tighter controls on urban sprawl, new regional and housing planning guidance to ensure the adoption of sustainable solutions to housing development and more rigorous and detailed assessment of land availability; and believes that the Government's inter-linked policies for urban regeneration and protection of the countryside will enhance the quality of life for people in both rural and urban areas,' instead thereof.—(Mr Nick Raynsford.)
And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;
Mr James Arbuthnot 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, Sir David Madel, Mrs Caroline Spelman: 164.
Tellers for the Noes, Jane Kennedy, Mr David Clelland: 320.
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 Clelland, Jane Kennedy: 318.
Tellers for the Noes, Sir David Madel, Mrs Caroline Spelman: 160.
So the Question 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 continued commitment to protecting the countryside, including green belts, and promoting sustainable regeneration in towns and cities; recognises that the Government's decentralised and integrated policy approach, as stated in Planning for Communities of the Future, Modernising the Planning System and A New Deal for Transport, is helping to achieve more sustainable and equitable patterns of urban and rural development; welcomes the Government's
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commitment strictly to control development in the open countryside and to increase the proportion of new housing on previously-developed land in urban areas, smaller towns and villages from 40 per cent in the mid-1980s to 60 per cent; recognises the need to replace the previous predict and provide approach to the issue of household growth with a more flexible decentralised system, involving realistic regional targets for the building of new homes on recycled land, tighter controls on urban sprawl, new regional and housing planning guidance to ensure the adoption of sustainable solutions to housing development and more rigorous and detailed assessment of land availability; and believes that the Government's inter-linked policies for urban regeneration and protection of the countryside will enhance the quality of life for people in both rural and urban areas.
| 8 | European Communities,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 11th January, be approved—(Mr David Hanson):—It was agreed to. |
| 9 | European Communities,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft European Communities (Immunities and Privileges of the North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 11th January, be approved—(Mr David Hanson):—It was agreed to. |
| 10 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from the Hospitalfield Area Residents Committee relating to environmental problems in the Hospitalfield area was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 11 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr David Hanson.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till five minutes to Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.55 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Government Trading Funds,—Draft National Health Service Estate Management and Health Building Agency Trading Fund Order 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson]. |
| 2 | Local Government Finance (Wales),—(1) Local Government Finance Report (Wales) 1999–2000, and |
(2) Local Government Finance (Amendment) Report (Wales) 1998–99
[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 203 and 204] [Mr Secretary Michael].
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 3 | Agriculture,—Miscellaneous Products of Animal Origin (Import Conditions) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 157), dated 26th January 1999 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. |
| 4 | National Health Service,—National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Establishment and Constitution) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 220), dated 2nd February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson]. |
Other Papers:
| 5 | Gas Levy,—Accounts prepared pursuant to section 6(3) of the Gas Levy Act 1981 for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 215] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 6 | Government Trading Funds,—Treasury Minute, dated 3rd February 1999, concerning a further financial objective desirable of achievement by the Forensic Science Service Trading Fund for the period 1st April 1999 to 31st March 2002 [by Act] [Mr Alan Milburn]. |
| 7 | Industrial Organisation and Development,—Accounts prepared pursuant to the Industrial Organisation and Development Act 1947 of the sums recovered by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under Orders made under section 9 of the Act, and of their disposal, for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 216] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 8 | Treaty Series (No. 6, 1999),—Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, done at Madrid on 4th October 1991 [by Command] [Cm.4256] [Mr Secretary Cook]. |
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APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Hallmarking (Hallmarking Act Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1998, No. 2978): |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Regulations to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and has appointed Mr Jim Cunningham Chairman; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Tony Benn, Mr Christopher Chope, Dr David Clark, Mr Tim Collins, Mr Brian Cotter, Mr Terry Davis, Dr Kim Howells, Mr Nigel Jones, Mr Ian Pearson, Mr Greg Pope, Bridget Prentice, Ms Debra Shipley, Sir Teddy Taylor, Mr Jon Trickett, Sir Raymond Whitney and Dr Tony Wright.
| 2 | Draft Railways (Rateable Values) (Scotland) Order 1999: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and has appointed Mr George Stevenson Chairman; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz: Norman Baker, Dr Lynda Clark, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Tam Dalyell, Mr Brian H. Donohoe, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mr Tim Loughton, Mr John McAllion, Mr Calum Macdonald, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Frank Roy, Mr Malcolm Savidge, Sir Robert Smith, Dr Gavin Strang, Mr Charles Wardle and Mr James Wray.
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee [The Future of NATO]; to be printed [No. 39-iv] [Mr Bruce George]. |
| 2 | European Scrutiny,—Eighth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 34-viii] [Mr Jimmy Hood]. |
| 3 | Foreign Affairs,—(1) Second Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee [Sierra Leone], 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. 116]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Sierra Leone]
[Mr Donald Anderson].
| 4 | Modernisation of the House of Commons,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons [The Main Committee]; to be printed [No. 194-ii] [Margaret Beckett]. |
| 5 | Northern 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-v] [Mr Peter Brooke]. |
| 6 | Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [BBC World Service]; to be printed [No. 219-i] [Mr David Davis]. |
| 7 | Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [Director General of the Research Councils]; to be printed [No. 202-i] [Dr Michael Clark]. |
| 8 | Scottish Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Scottish Affairs Committee [Inward/Outward Investment]; to be printed [No. 84-v] [Mr David Marshall]. |
| 9 | Social Security,—(1) Second Report from the Social Security Committee [Family Credit Fraud], with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 217]; |
(2) Third Report from the Committee [Disability Living Allowance]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 63]; and
(3) Memorandum laid before the Committee [Disability Living Allowance]
[Mr Archy Kirkwood].
Page 111 Wednesday 3rd February 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
[No. 32.] Thursday 4th February 1999.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Humfrey Malins reported from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Departments (Northern Ireland) Order 1999. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Police,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the Police Grant Report (England and Wales) 1999–2000 (House of Commons Paper No. 179), which was laid before this House on 1st February, be approved—(Mr Paul Boateng); |
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr David Jamieson: 282.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Oliver Heald, Mr Stephen Day: 143.
So the Question was agreed to.
Resolved, That the Police Grant Report (England and Wales) 1999–2000 (House of Commons Paper No. 179), which was laid before this House on 1st February, be approved.
| 3 | Local Government Finance,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the Local Government Finance Report (England) 1999–2000 (House of Commons Paper No. 143), which was laid before this House on 1st February, be approved—(Mr Secretary Prescott); |
And it being Seven o'clock, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [1st February];
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Graham Allen, Mrs Anne McGuire: 272.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Oliver Heald, Mr Tim Collins: 140.
So the Question was agreed to.
Resolved, That the Local Government Finance Report (England) 1999–2000 (House of Commons Paper No. 143), which was laid before this House on 1st February, be approved.
The Deputy Speaker then put the remaining Questions required to be put at that hour.
Local Government Finance,—Resolved, That the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 37) (House of Commons Paper No. 144), which was laid before this House on 1st February, be approved.—(Mr Clive Betts.)
Local Government Finance,—Resolved, That the Local Government Finance Report (England) 1997–98: Amending Report 1999 (House of Commons Paper No. 145), which was laid before this House on 1st February, be approved.—(Mr Clive Betts.)
| 4 | National Lottery,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Apportionment of Money in the National Lottery Distribution Fund Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 20th January, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts); |
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Graham Allen, Mrs Anne McGuire: 252.
Tellers for the Noes: Mr Oliver Heald, Mr Tim Collins: 129.
So the Question was agreed to.
Resolved, That the draft Apportionment of Money in the National Lottery Distribution Fund Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 20th January, be approved.
| 5 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Clive Betts.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till ten minutes to Eight o'clock, adjourned till Monday 8th February.
[Adjourned at 7.50 p.m.
Page 112 Thursday 4th February 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Constitutional Law,—(1) Draft Scotland Act 1998 (Transitory and Transitional Provisions) (Appropriations) Order 1999, and |
(2) draft Scotland Act 1998 (Transitory and Transitional Provisions) (Finance) Order 1999
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].
| 2 | Education,—Draft Education (Student Support) Regulations 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 3 | Local Government Finance,—(1) Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 39), and |
(2) Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 41)
[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 213 and 218] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 4 | Education,—Education (Grants for Education Support and Training) (England) Regulations 1998 (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 252), dated 2nd February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 5 | Road Traffic,—M4 Motorway (Hillingdon and Hounslow) (Speed Limits) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 167), dated 28th January 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
Other Papers:
| 6 | Defence,—Ministry of Defence Minute, dated 4th February 1999, concerning the proposed gifting of 100 Paveway 3 precision-guided bombs to the Royal Saudi Air Force [by Command] [Mr Secretary Robertson]. |
| 7 | Hong Kong,—Six-monthly Report on Hong Kong, July–December 1998 [by Command] [Cm. 4190] [Mr Secretary Cook]. |
| 8 | Monopolies and Mergers,—Report by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on the Merger Situation between Cendant Corporation and RAC Holdings Limited [by Command] [Cm. 4196] [Mr Secretary Byers]. |
| 9 | Supply Estimates (Scotland), 1999–2000,—Scottish Main Estimates for 1999–2000 [by Command]; to be printed [No. 193] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| Hallmarking (Hallmarking Act Amendment) Regulations 1998,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Dr David Clark from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Barry Sheerman. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Agriculture,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Agriculture Committee [Sea Fishing]; to be printed [No. 141-iii]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Sea Fishing; Badgers and Bovine Tuberculosis]
[Mr Peter Luff].
| 2 | Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Employment Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee [The Performance and Future Role of the Employment Service]; to be printed [No. 197-ii] [Ms Candy Atherton]. |
| 3 | Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee [National Institute for Clinical Excellence]; to be printed [No. 221-i] [Mr David Hinchliffe]. |
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