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House of Commons
Session 1998-1999

Commons Journal 255

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Alphabetical Index - Part II


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Page 156            1998-1999      Volume 255      

[No. 44.]

Monday 1st March 1999.

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

PRAYERS.

1Review of the Revisions to the Average Earnings Index,—Ordered, That there be laid before this House a Return of a Report on the revision of the average earnings index, conducted by Sir Andrew Turnbull and Mr Mervyn King.—(Mr Jim Dowd.)

2First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr John Butterfill reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Scottish Parliament (Elections etc.) Order 1999, the draft Scottish Parliament (Disqualification) Order 1999, and the draft Scottish Parliament (First Ordinary General Election and First Meeting) Order 1999.

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

3Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bill Olner reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Trade Union Subscription Deductions (Northern Ireland) Order 1999.

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

4Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, not amended in the Committee and as amended in the Standing Committee.

A Clause (Defences available to persons who are under age)—(Mr Paul Boateng)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 274.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Desmond Swayne, Dr Julian Lewis: 64.

Clause added to the Bill.

Amendment (No. 1) made to the Bill.

Amendment (No. 4) proposed to the Bill, in page 3, line 22, after the word ‘full-time', to insert the words ‘or part time'.—(Mr James Clappison.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Other Amendments (Nos. 6 to 9) made to the Bill.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the Bill be now read the third time;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Jim Dowd: 281.

Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Teresa Gorman, Mr Desmond Swayne: 82.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.

5Scottish Enterprise Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Scottish Enterprise Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee.

The Bill was read the third time, and passed.

6Income Tax,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the Corporation Tax (Instalment Payments) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3175), dated 17th December 1998, a copy of which was laid before this House on 17th December, be revoked—(Mr Nick Gibb);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John M. Taylor, Mr Tim Collins: 130.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Graham Allen, Mr Mike Hall: 289.

So the Question was negatived.

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7Government Trading Funds,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft National Health Service Estate Management and Health Building Agency Trading Fund Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 3rd February, be approved—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to.

8Local Government Finance,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 39) (House of Commons Paper No. 213), which was laid before this House on 4th February, be approved—(Mr David Jamieson);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Graham Allen, Mr Mike Hall: 274.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Bercow, Mr David Ruffley: 29.

So the Question was agreed to.

Resolved, That the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 39) (House of Commons Paper No. 213), which was laid before this House on 4th February, be approved.

9European 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) (Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 8th February, be approved—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to.

10Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Appropriation (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 15th February, be approved—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to.

11Court of Auditors Report,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees), That this House takes note of European Union Documents OJ No. C349, European Court of Auditors Annual Report on the financial year 1997, Nos. 14031/98, Draft Council Regulation establishing a European Fraud Investigation Office, and 10786/98, Special Report No. 9/98 of the European Court of Auditors concerning the protection of the financial interests of the European Union in the field of VAT on intra-Community trade; and supports the Government's continuing efforts to promote and support measures to improve financial management and fight fraud against the EU Budget—(Mr David Jamieson);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Graham Allen, Mr Mike Hall: 291.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Bercow, Mr David Ruffley: 15.

So the Question was agreed to.

Resolved, That this House takes note of European Union Documents OJ No. C349, European Court of Auditors Annual Report on the financial year 1997, Nos. 14031/98, Draft Council Regulation establishing a European Fraud Investigation Office, and 10786/98, Special Report No. 9/98 of the European Court of Auditors concerning the protection of the financial interests of the European Union in the field of VAT on intra-Community trade; and supports the Government's continuing efforts to promote and support measures to improve financial management and fight fraud against the EU Budget.

12Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-eight minutes to Twelve o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 11.32 p.m.


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APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Succession (Scotland),—Prior Rights of Surviving Spouse (Scotland) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 445), dated 17th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

Other Papers:

2Law Commission,—Report of the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission on Statute Law Revision: Report on the Chronological Table of Private and Personal Acts [by Command] [Cm. 4263] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

3Long Term Care (Royal Commission),—Report of the Royal Commission on Long Term Care: With Respect to Old Age, Long Term Care—Rights and Responsibilities (Report and Research Volumes 1, 2 and 3) [by Command] [Cm. 4192-I; -II/1; -II/2 and -II/3] [Mr Secretary Straw].

4National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Inheritance Tax: A Progress Report [by Act]; to be printed [No. 251] [Clerk of the House].

5National Health Service,—Statement of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 25th February 1999 on loans proposed to be raised by the Isle of Wight Healthcare National Health Service Trust [by Act] ]Mr Secretary Dobson].

6Railways,—Report of the Rail Users' Consultative Committee for Wales for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

7Stephen Lawrence (Macpherson Inquiry),—Revised Appendices to the Report of an Inquiry by Sir William Macpherson of Cluny: the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry [by Command] [Cm. 4262-II (Revised)] [Mr Secretary Straw].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Protection of Children Bill,—The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee C.

2Company and Business Names (Chamber of Commerce, Etc.) Bill,—The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee C.

3Draft Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Terry Lewis from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas.

4Draft Energy Efficiency (Northern Ireland) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Jamie Cann from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Robin Corbett.

5Draft Northern Ireland (Modification of Enactments—No. 1) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas from the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Paul Clark.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [NHS Executive: Cost Over-Runs, Funding Problems and Delays on Guy's Hospital Phase III Development]; to be printed [No. 289-i] [Mr David Davis].


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[No. 45.]

Tuesday 2nd March 1999.

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

PRAYERS.

1Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Andrew Welsh reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999.

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

2Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

Financial Services and Markets,—The Lords communicate that they have appointed a Select Committee of eight Lords to join with a Committee appointed by the Commons as the Joint Committee on Financial Services and Markets; that they have ordered that the Committee have power to agree with the Commons in the appointment of a Chairman, that the Committee have leave to report from time to time, that the Committee have power to appoint Specialist Advisers, that the Committee have power to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom, that the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee from time to time shall, if the Committee think fit, be printed and delivered out, and that the Committee shall report by 30th April 1999; and they propose that the Committee do meet with the Committee appointed by the Commons this day at half-past Four o'clock in Committee Room 3A.

3Financial Services and Markets,—Ordered, That the Lords Message this day relating to the Joint Committee on Financial Services and Markets be now considered.

Lords Message considered accordingly.

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

Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.

4Hare Coursing Bill,—Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas, supported by Mr Colin Pickthall, Mr Michael Foster (Worcester), Maria Eagle, Mr Joe Benton, Mr Gwyn Prosser and Helen Jones, presented a Bill to make hare coursing illegal: 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 53].

5Use of Antibiotics in Farm Animals,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require Ministers to lay before Parliament proposals for ending the use in farm animals of antibiotics as growth promoters and for restricting the routine use of antibiotics in such animals for prophylactic purposes—(Mr Bill Etherington);

And the Motion being opposed, after a brief explanatory statement from the Member who made the Motion and from a Member who opposed it, the Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Standing Order No. 23 (Motions for leave to bring in bills and nomination of select committees at commencement of public business):—It was agreed to.

Ordered, That Mr Bill Etherington, John Austin, Jackie Ballard, Mr Peter Bottomley, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Harry Cohen, Lynne Jones, Mr Nigel Jones, Mr Chris Mullin, Dr Nick Palmer, Mr Gwyn Prosser and Angela Smith do prepare and bring in the Bill.

6Use of Antibiotics in Farm Animals Bill,—Mr Bill Etherington accordingly presented a Bill to require Ministers to lay before Parliament proposals for ending the use in farm animals of antibiotics as growth promoters and for restricting the routine use of antibiotics in such animals for prophylactic 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 54].

7Opposition Day [6th 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.

Conduct of Ministers and Sierra Leone,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House endorses the criticisms made of Ministers in the Second Report of Session 1998–99 (House of Commons Paper No. 116) of the Foreign Affairs Committee on Sierra Leone and the Report of the Legg Inquiry; deplores the conduct of Ministers which led to such criticism; and calls on the Ministers concerned to accept responsibility for their conduct—(Mr Michael Howard);

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 decision of the Foreign Affairs Committee in its Second Report of Session 1998–99 (House of Commons Paper No. 116) on Sierra Leone to commend the resolute support which the British Government is giving to the restoration of democracy in Sierra Leone and endorses the conclusion of the Legg Inquiry that no Minister had given encouragement or approval to

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any breach of the arms embargo on Sierra Leone; notes that the inquiry on Sierra Leone of the Foreign Affairs Committee has found no evidence of Ministerial encouragement or approval; and congratulates Her Majesty's Government on accepting all the recommendations of the Report of the Legg Inquiry and on the steps it has since taken to modernise management in the FCO', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Cook.)

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Stephen Day, Mrs Caroline Spelman: 171.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr David Clelland: 336.

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 decision of the Foreign Affairs Committee in its Second Report of Session 1998–99 (House of Commons Paper No. 116) on Sierra Leone to commend the resolute support which the British Government is giving to the restoration of democracy in Sierra Leone and endorses the conclusion of the Legg Inquiry that no Minister had given encouragement or approval to any breach of the arms embargo on Sierra Leone; notes that the inquiry on Sierra Leone of the Foreign Affairs Committee has found no evidence of Ministerial encouragement or approval; and congratulates Her Majesty's Government on accepting all the recommendations of the Report of the Legg Inquiry and on the steps it has since taken to modernise management in the FCO.

Burdens on Schools,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House deplores the bureaucratic burdens placed on schools by the Government which are seriously undermining schools' ability to run their own affairs; condemns the pursuit of uniformity at the expense of diversity; considers the Government's proposals for performance-related pay for teachers to be cumbersome and unworkable; believes the complicated process of bidding for centralised initiatives is fragmenting budgetary responsibility and has caused unacceptable delays in setting indicative budgets; and further believes that the Government's ceaseless flow of directives to schools and LEAs has become a significant obstacle to raising educational standards—(Mr David Willetts);

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 for the introduction of vital measures to improve standards, particularly in literacy and numeracy; applauds the extra flexibility it has introduced in the national curriculum for primary pupils and support for work-related learning for 14–16 year olds; welcomes the Government's support for greater diversity through specialist schools and education action zones; believes that the extra £19 billion for schools will underpin the drive for higher standards and welcomes plans to reward good teachers well; congratulates Ministers for introducing much greater clarity to mailings for schools with a view to keeping paperwork to a minimum; recognises the huge benefits which the National Grid for Learning and voluntary schemes of work bring in reducing unnecessary paperwork; and notes that the Opposition has no proposals to raise standards in schools', instead thereof.—(Estelle Morris.)

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

Mr Patrick McLoughlin 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, Mrs Caroline Spelman, Mr Stephen Day: 172.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Hanson, Mr David Jamieson: 334.

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 commends the Government for the introduction of vital measures to improve standards, particularly in literacy and numeracy; applauds the extra flexibility it has introduced in the national curriculum for primary pupils and support for work-related learning for 14-16 year olds; welcomes the Government's support for greater diversity through specialist schools and education action zones; believes that the extra £19 billion for schools will underpin the drive for higher standards and welcomes

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plans to reward good teachers well; congratulates Ministers for introducting much greater clarity to mailings for schools with a view to keeping paperwork to a minimum; recognises the huge benefits which the National Grid for Learning and voluntary schemes of work bring in reducing unnecessary paperwork; and notes that the Opposition has no proposals to raise standards in schools.

8Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Trade Union Subscription Deductions (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 22nd February, be approved—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to.

9Education,—Ordered, That the Education (Aptitude for Particular Subjects) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 258) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

10Education,—Ordered, That the Education (Determination of Admission Arrangements) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 126) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

11Education,—Ordered, That the Education (Objections to Admission Arrangements) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 125) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

12Education,—Ordered, That the Education (Relevant Areas for Consultation on Admission Arrangements) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 124) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

13Education,—Ordered, That the Education (School Information) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 251) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

14Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-one minutes to Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 10.39 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Education,—(1) Education (Amount to Follow Permanently Excluded Pupil) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 495), dated 25th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett];

(2) Education (Budget Statements and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 486), dated 1st March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett];

(3) Education (Budget Statements) (Wales) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 451), dated 26th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael]; and

(4) Education (Grant-maintained Schools) (Capital Grants) (Wales) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 440), dated 24th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].

2Family Proceedings,—Family Proceedings (Amendment) Rules (Northern Ireland) 1999 (S.R.(N.I.), 1999, No. 88), dated 1st March 1999 [by Statutory Instrument] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

3Income Tax,—Insurance Companies (Capital Redemption Business) (Modification of the Corporation Tax Acts) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 498), dated 1st March 1999 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

4Representation of the People,—Scottish Local Elections Amendment (No. 2) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 492), dated 1st March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

Other Papers:

5Average Earnings Index,—Report, entitled Review of the Revisions to the Average Earnings Index, submitted by Sir Andrew Turnbull and Mervyn King [pursuant to Order [1st March]]; to be printed [No. 263] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer].

6National Health Service,—Treasury Minute, dated 2nd March 1999, concerning the remission of outstanding debt consequent on dissolution and reconfiguration of certain National Health Service Trusts [by Command] [Mr Alan Milburn].

7Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions,—Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions (Pensions Increase) Order 1999, dated 10th February 1999 [by Act] [Margaret Beckett].

8Science and Technology,—(1) Accounts of the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 155] [Clerk of the House]; and

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(2) Report and Financial Summary of the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

9Social Security (Ionising and Non-Ionising Radiation),—Report by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council in accordance with Section 171 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 reviewing the prescription of diseases induced by ionising and non-ionising radiation [by Command] [Cm. 4280] [Mr Secretary Darling].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Company and Business Names (Chamber of Commerce, Etc.) Bill,—The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee B (transferred from Standing Committee C).

2National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Establishment and Constitution) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 220), and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 260),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Dennis Canavan and Mr Mike Wood from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Order and Regulations); and nominated in substitution John Austin and Mr Roger Berry.

3Draft Strategic Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Maria Eagle from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legisation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Alan Campbell.

4Draft Energy Efficiency (Northern Ireland) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Tony Colman from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Ms Jackie Lawrence.

5Draft National Minimum Wage Act 1998 (Amendment) Regulations 1999 and the draft National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Roger Berry from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Mike Wood.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Education and Employment,—Memoranda laid before the Education and Employment Committee [Opportunities for Disabled People] [Mr Malcolm Wicks].

2Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Regional Development Agencies]; to be printed [No. 232-vii] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].

3Foreign Affairs,—First Special Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee [Premature Disclosure of the Committee's Report on Sierra Leone], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 293] [Mr Donald Anderson].

4Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [Accountability of the Security Service]; to be printed [No. 291-i] [Mr Chris Mullin].

5Procedure,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Procedure Committee [Procedural Consequences of Devolution; Financial Procedure]; to be printed [Nos. 185-v and 295-i] [Mr Nicholas Winterton].

6Scottish Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Scottish Affairs Committee [Inward/Outward Investment in Scotland]; to be printed [No. 84-vii] [Mr David Marshall].

7Standards and Privileges,—Second Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges [Complaints against Mr Geoffrey Robinson], together with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 292] [Mr Robert Sheldon].

8Statutory Instruments,—Eleventh Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 50-xi] [Mr David Tredinnick].

9Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [Electronic Commerce]; to be printed [No. 187-iv] [Mr Martin O'Neill].

10Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [Outline National Changeover Plan]; to be printed [No. 290-i] [Mr Giles Radice].


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[No. 46.]

Wednesday 3rd March 1999.

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

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

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

2Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr George Stevenson reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Strategic Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1999.

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

3Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Joe Benton reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Energy Efficiency (Northern Ireland) Order 1999.

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

4Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bill Olner reported from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 and the draft National Minimum Wage Act 1998 (Amendment) Regulations 1999.

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

5Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Jim Cunningham reported from the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 41) (House of Commons Paper No. 218).

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

6Crown Prerogatives (Parliamentary Control) Bill,—Mr Tony Benn, supported by Norman Baker, Mr David Davis, Mr Tam Dalyell, Mr Derek Foster, Mrs Teresa Gorman, Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews, The Reverend Ian Paisley, Mr Richard Shepherd, Mr Alan Simpson, Mr Dafydd Wigley and Audrey Wise presented a Bill to make the exercise of certain Crown prerogatives subject to the assent of the House of Commons: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 23rd July and to be printed [Bill 55].

7Xenotransplantation Bill,—Norman Baker presented a Bill to prohibit the transplant of living cells, tissues or organs from animals into humans: 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 56].

8Motor Accident Injury Compensation,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to ensure compensation for persons injured as a result of road traffic accidents: And that Dr Desmond Turner, Mr Michael Foster (Hastings and Rye), Mr David Lepper, Mr Ivor Caplin, Paul Flynn, Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews and Dr Michael Clark do prepare and bring it in.

9Motor Accident Injury Compensation Bill,—Dr Desmond Turner accordingly presented a Bill to ensure compensation for persons injured as a result of road traffic accidents: 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 57].

10House of Lords Bill,—The House, according to Order, again resolved itself into a Committee on the House of Lords Bill.

(In the Committee)

Clauses Nos. 2 and 3 agreed to.

Clause No. 4 (Commencement and transitional provision).

Amendment (No. 5) proposed, in page 1, line 14, to leave out the words ‘Session of'.—(Mr Oliver Letwin.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The Committee divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Sir David Madel: 125.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Hanson, Mrs Anne McGuire: 322.

Another Amendment (No. 22) proposed, in page 1, line 17, to leave out from the beginning to the end of line 3 on page 2 and insert the words—

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‘(2) Holders of hereditary peerages shall be entered on to the electoral register at the end of the Session of Parliament in which this Act is passed and at any time after the end of the Session of Parliament in which this Act is passed the holders of hereditary peerages shall be entitled to vote in elections to the House of Commons.'.—(Mr Oliver Letwin.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The Committee divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Sir David Madel: 125.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 315.

Clause agreed to.

Clause No. 5 (Interpretation and short title).

Amendment (No. 47) proposed, in page 2, line 4, after the word ‘peerage', to insert the words—

‘means members of the peerages of Scotland, England, Ireland, Great Britain and the United Kingdom other than those created under the Appellate Jurisdiction Act 1876 or the Life Peerages Act 1958, and'.—(Sir Patrick Cormack.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made,—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Clause agreed to.

A Clause (Senior Salaries Review Board)—(Mr Nigel Evans)—brought up and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time.

And it being Ten o'clock, the Chairman left the Chair to report progress and ask leave to sit again.


The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair; and Mr Keith Hill reported, That the Committee had made progress in the Bill, and moved, That the Committee may have leave to sit again.

Committee again to-morrow.

11Constitutional Law,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft National Assembly for Wales (Disqualification) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 10th February, be approved—(Mr Keith Hill):—It was agreed to.

12Constitutional Law,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft National Assembly for Wales (Transfer of Functions) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 16th February, be approved—(Mr Keith Hill);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr David Hanson: 320.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Desmond Swayne, Mr Eric Forth: 11.

So the Question was agreed to.

Resolved, That the draft National Assembly for Wales (Transfer of Functions) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 16th February, be approved.

13Constitutional Law,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft National Assembly for Wales (Representation of the People) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 22nd February, be approved—(Mr Keith Hill);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr David Hanson: 311.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Douglas Hogg, Mr Eric Forth: 11.

So the Question was agreed to.

Resolved, That the draft National Assembly for Wales (Representation of the People) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 22nd February, be approved.

14Constitutional Law,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Scottish Parliament (Disqualification) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 16th February, be approved—(Mr Keith Hill):—It was agreed to.

15Constitutional Law,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Scottish Parliament (First Ordinary General Election and First Meeting) Order

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  1999, which was laid before this House on 16th February, be approved—(Mr Keith Hill):—It was agreed to.

16Constitutional Law,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Scottish Parliament (Elections etc.) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 25th February, be approved—(Mr Keith Hill);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr David Hanson: 282.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Gerald Howarth, Mr Eric Forth: 40.

So the Question was agreed to.

Resolved, That the draft Scottish Parliament (Elections etc.) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 25th February, be approved.

17Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 22nd February, be approved—(Mr Keith Hill):—It was agreed to.

18Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and its supporters for legislation to exempt adults with cystic fibrosis from prescription charges was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

19Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

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

[Adjourned at 11.06 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Local Government Finance (Scotland),—Special Grant Report (Scotland): Grant in aid of expenditure on rural public passenger transport for 1999–2000 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 283] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

2Northern Ireland,—Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996 (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 525), dated 3rd March 1999 [by Act] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

3Prisons,—Draft Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 (Specified Organisations) Order 1999 [by Act] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

4Agriculture,—Common Agricultural Policy (Wine) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 482), dated 25th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

5Competition,—Competition Act 1998 (Competition Commission) Transitional, Consequential and Supplemental Provisions Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 506), dated 25th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

6Family Law,—Children (Allocation of Proceedings) (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 524), dated 2nd March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

7Legal Aid and Advice (Scotland),—Criminal Legal Aid (Fixed Payments) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 491), dated 28th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

8Local Government,—Local Authorities (Goods and Services) (Public Bodies) (No. 1) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 421), dated 22nd February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

9Magistrates' Courts,—Magistrates' Courts Committees (Hampshire and Isle of Wight) Amalgamation Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 523), dated 28th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

10Pensions,—Superannuation (Application of the Superannuation Act 1972, Section 1) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 519), dated 3rd March 1999 [by Act] [Dr Jack Cunningham].

11Road Traffic,—Removal and Disposal of Vehicles (Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 490), dated 22nd February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

12Weights and Measures,—Weights and Measures (Prescribed Stamp) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 504), dated 2nd March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

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Other Papers:

13British Library,—Report of the British Library for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

14Government Executive Agencies,—Paper, entitled Next Steps Report 1998 [by Command] [Cm. 4273] [Dr Jack Cunningham].

15Treaty Series (No. 59, 1998),—Index to Treaty Series 1998 [by Command] [Cm. 4238] [Mr Secretary Cook].

16Treaty Series (No. 11, 1999),—Protocol, done at London on 18th September 1997, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan to amend the Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and Capital Gains, signed at London on 21st March 1994 [by Command] [Cm. 4271] [Mr Secretary Cook].

17Treaty Series (No. 14, 1999),—Convention, done at Paris on 22nd September 1992, for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic [by Command] [Cm. 4278] [Mr Secretary Cook].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Company and Business Names (Chamber of Commerce, Etc.) Bill:

(1) The Speaker has appointed Mr Bowen Wells Chairman of Standing Committee B in respect of the Bill; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Graham Brady, Mr Tom Brake, Mrs Anne Campbell, Mr Robin Corbett, Mr Brian Cotter, Mr Geraint Davis, Mrs Louise Ellman, Mr Kelvin Hopkins, Mr Andrew Lansley, Ms Margaret Moran, Mr Stephen Pound, Mr Nick St. Aubyn, Ms Gisela Stuart, Mr Robert Syms, Dr Rudi Vis and Mr Michael Wills.

2Protection of Children Bill:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee C, and has appointed Mr George Stevenson Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr David Amess, Jackie Ballard, Mr Andrew F. Bennett, Mr John Cryer, Mr Jeff Ennis, Barbara Follett, Mrs Llin Golding, Mr Philip Hammond, Mr John Hutton, Dr Ashok Kumar, Mr Andrew Lansley, Ms Margaret Moran, Debra Shipley, The Reverend Martin Smyth, Mr Robert Syms and Dr Desmond Turner.

3Draft Railways (Rateable Values) (Amendment) Order 1999:

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Graham Allen, Mr Norman Baker, Mr David Chaytor, Ann Clwyd, Mr Clive Efford, Mr Christopher Fraser, Mr Christopher Gill, Ms Beverley Hughes, Dr Brian Iddon, Mr Bernard Jenkin, Mr Richard Livsey, Mr Alan Meale, Mr Barry Sheerman, Mrs Caroline Spelman, Mr Gerry Steinberg and Mr Roger Stott.

4Draft Ordnance Survey Trading Fund Order 1999:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Edward O'Hara Chairman; and

(2) The Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Graham Allen, Mr Tom Brake, Mr Ian Bruce, Mr Simon Burns, Mr Ben Chapman, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mrs Janet Dean, Mr Huw Edwards, Mr Michael Foster (Worcester), Mr David Kidney, Dan Norris, Mr Nick Raynsford, Mr Adrian Sanders, Mrs Caroline Spelman, Dr George Turner and Mr David Watts.

5Draft Social Security (New Deal Pilot) Amendment Regulations 1999:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Third 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.: Christine Butler, Ann Coffey, Mr Tim Collins, Angela Eagle, Caroline Flint, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Paul Keetch, Mr Piara S. Khabra, Sir Peter Lloyd, Mr Michael Mates, Mr Eric Pickles, Mr James Plaskitt, Mr Graham Stringer, Mr Gareth Thomas, Dr Rudi Vis and Mr Phil Willis.

6Draft Scotland Act 1998 (Consequential Modifications) (No. 1) Order 1999:

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

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(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Russell Brown, Mr Malcolm Chisholm, Dr Lynda Clark, Mr Brian H. Donohoe, Mrs Teresa Gorman, Mr Donald Gorrie, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mr John McAllion, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Henry McLeish, Mr David Marshall, Mr Andrew Robathan, Mr Frank Roy, Sir Robert Smith and Mr Tony Worthington.

7Draft Civil Legal Aid (Financial Conditions) (Scotland) Regulations 1999, and the draft Advice and Assistance (Financial Conditions) (Scotland) Regulations 1999:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Bill Olner Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Michael Connarty, Mr Tam Dalyell, Mr Ian Davidson, Dr Norman A. Godman, Mr Donald Gorrie, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Henry McLeish, Dr Lewis Moonie, Mr Ernie Ross, Mr Andrew Rowe, Mr Frank Roy, Sir Robert Smith, Dr Gavin Strang and Mr David Wilshire.

8Education (Relevant Areas for Consultation of Admission Arrangements) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 124), the Education (Objections to Admission Arrangements) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 125), the Education (Determination of Admission Arrangements) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 126), the Education (School Information) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 251), and the Education (Aptitude for Particular Subjects) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 258):

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Andrew F. Bennett, Mr Ben Bradshaw, Mr David Crausby, Maria Eagle, Mr Don Foster, Mr James Gray, Mr Nick Hawkins, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Fraser Kemp, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mrs Theresa May, Ms Margaret Moran, Estelle Morris, Rachel Squire, Mr Brian White and Mr Phil Willis.

9Special Grant Report (No. 2) (Wales) 1999: Special Grant for Asylum Seekers (House of Commons Paper No. 250), the Special Grant Report for Scotland Asylum Seeker Assistance (No. 1/1999) (House of Commons Paper No. 228), and the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 38): Special Grant for Asylum Seekers (House of Commons Paper No. 230):

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Special Grant Reports to the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Joe Benton Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed seventeen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Richard Allan, Mr Tony Clarke, Mr Jeff Ennis, Mr Bill Etherington, Mr Frank Field, Dr Ian Gibson, Mr Philip Hammond, Dr Evan Harris, Mr Nick Hawkins, Mr Stephen Hepburn, Mr Alan Hurst, Mr John Hutton, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mrs Anne McGuire, Sir David Madel, Mr Frank Roy and Mr Nick St. Aubyn.

10Rent Acts (Maximum Fair Rent) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 6),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr John Austin from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Paul Marsden.

11National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Establishment and Constitution) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 220), and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 260),—The Speaker has appointed Mr Jim Cunningham Chairman of the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in place of Mr Andrew Welsh.

12School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (Proposals under section 211 of the Education Act 1996) (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 1998 (S.I., 1998, No. 3172),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ms Jackie Lawrence and Mr Paul Truswell from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mrs Liz Blackman and Mr Peter Bradley.

13Draft Northern Ireland (Modification of Enactments No. 1) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Jim Dobbin from the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Gordon Marsden.

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European Standing Committees

14The Speaker has appointed Mrs Ray Michie Chairman of European Standing Committee C in respect of European Union Document No. 11034/97, relating to End of Life Vehicles.

Grand Committees

15The Speaker has appointed Mr John Maxton, Mr Jimmy Hood, Mrs Ray Michie, Mr Andrew Welsh and Mrs Irene Adams Chairmen of the Scottish Grand Committee in respect of the meeting of the Committee in Edinburgh on Monday 22nd March.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [UK Climate Change Programme]; to be printed [No. 171-ii] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].

2Food Standards,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Food Standards Committee [Draft Food Standards Bill]; to be printed [No. 276-iii] [Mr Kevin Barron].

3Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Prospects for the Berlin Special European Council, 24th–25th March 1999]; to be printed [No. 296-i] [Mr Donald Anderson].

4Northern Ireland Affairs,—(1) First Report from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Public Expenditure in Northern Ireland: Special Educational Needs]; 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. 33]; and

(2) First Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the Fourth Report from the Committee, Session 1997–98 (Prison Service in Northern Ireland)]; to be printed [No. 299]

[Mr Peter Brooke].

5Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [MoD: Modifying Defence Equipment]; to be printed [No. 300-i] [Mr David Davis].

6Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [The Scientific Advisory System: Genetically Modified Foods]; to be printed [No. 286-i] [Dr Michael Clark].

7Scottish Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Scottish Affairs Committee [Inward/Outward Investment in Scotland]; to be printed [No. 84-viii] [Mr David Marshall].

8Social Security,—Fourth Report from the Social Security Committee [Child Benefit]; 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. 114] [Mr Archy Kirkwood].


[No. 47.]

Thursday 4th March 1999.

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

PRAYERS.

1London Local Authorities Bill [Lords],—The London Local Authorities Bill [Lords] was read a second time and committed.

2Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bill Olner reported from the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Northern Ireland (Modification of Enactments—No. 1) Order 1999.

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

3Motor Accident Injury Compensation Bill,—The Order for reading the Motor Accident Injury Compensation Bill a second time on Friday 19th March was read and discharged.

Bill to be read a second time on Friday 26th March.

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4House of Lords Bill,—The House, according to Order, again resolved itself into a Committee on the House of Lords Bill.

(In the Committee)

A Clause (Senior Salaries Review Board).

Question again proposed, That the Clause be read a second time.

Question put and negatived.

Another Clause (Writ of acceleration)—(Sir Patrick Cormack)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Clause (Criteria for conferment of life peerage (No. 1))—(Dr Liam Fox)—brought up and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Clause (Criteria for conferment of life peerage (No. 3))—(Dr Liam Fox)—brought up and read the first time.

Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.

The Committee divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Oliver Heald, Sir David Madel: 104.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr David Hanson: 288.

Schedule agreed to.

Bill to be reported.


The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair; and Mr Keith Hill reported that the Committee had gone through the Bill and directed him to report the same, without Amendment.

Ordered, That the Bill be read the third time to-morrow.

5Local Government Finance,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 41) (House of Commons Paper No. 218), which was laid before this House on 4th February, be approved—(Mr Keith Hill);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr David Hanson: 281.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Stephen Day, Sir David Madel: 94.

So the Question was agreed to.

Resolved, That the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 41) (House of Commons Paper No. 218), which was laid before this House on 4th February, be approved.

6Terms and Conditions of Employment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft National Minimum Wage Act 1998 (Amendment) Regulations 1999, which were laid before this House on 16th February, be approved—(Mr David Jamieson);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Hanson, Mr Mike Hall: 277.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Oliver Heald, Sir David Madel: 73.

So the Question was agreed to.

Resolved, That the draft National Minimum Wage Act 1998 (Amendment) Regulations 1999, which were laid before this House on 16th February, be approved.

7Terms and Conditions of Employment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999, which were laid before this House on 16th February, be approved—(Mr David Jamieson);

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The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Hanson, Mr Mike Hall: 267.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Oliver Heald, Sir David Madel: 55.

So the Question was agreed to.

Resolved, That the draft National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999, which were laid before this House on 16th February, be approved.

8Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Strategic Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 22nd February, be approved—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to.

9Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Energy Efficiency (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 22nd February, be approved—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to.

10Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Friends of the Earth (South East Office) and others for a conservation body for the South Downs was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

11Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr David Jamieson);

And the Motion having been made after Seven o'clock and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House, without Question put, pursuant to the Sessional Order [16th December], it being then six minutes past Eight o'clock, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 8.06 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism,—Draft Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 (Continuance) Order 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

2Social Security,—Draft Social Security and Child Support (Decisions and Appeals) Regulations 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

3Betting, Gaming and Lotteries,—Lotteries (Gaming Board Fees) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 436), dated 23rd February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

4Education,—Education (School Organisation Plans) (Wales) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 499), dated 1st March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].

5Health and Safety,—Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 437), dated 20th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

6Local Government,—(1) Local Authorities (Capital Finance) (Rate of Discount for 1999–2000) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 453), dated 24th February 1999, and

(2) Local Government Act 1988 (Defined Activities) (Exemptions) (Havering London Borough Council and Scarborough Borough Council) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 452), dated 25th February 1999

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

7National Health Service,—The National Health Service (Dental Charges) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 544), dated 3rd March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

8Social Security,—Jobseeker's Allowance (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 530), dated 3rd March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

Other Papers:

9Census,—Paper, entitled The 2001 Census of Population [by Command] [Cm. 4253] [Ms Patricia Hewitt].

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10Foreign Compensation,—Report of the Foreign Compensation Commission for 1997–98 [by Command] [Cm. 4275] [Mr Secretary Cook].

11Foreign Office,—Foreign Office Minute, dated 4th March 1999, concerning a contingent liability consequent upon indemnification for works of art lent to the British Council for exhibitions to be held in a number of overseas locations during the first half of the financial year 1999–2000 [by Command] [Mr Secretary Cook].

12Housing Associations,—(1) Accounts, and

(2) Report and Summary Financial Statement

of Tai Cymru Housing for Wales for 1st April–31st October 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].

13National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Royal Brompton Hospital—Sale of North Block Site [by Act]; to be printed [No. 252] [Clerk of the House].

14National Health Service,—Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 1st March 1999 on loans proposed to be raised by the following National Health Service Trusts—

(1) Bassetlaw Hospital and Community Health Services,

(2) Doncaster Healthcare,

(3) Loddon Community,

(4) Nottingham City Hospital,

(5) Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals,

(6) South Devon Healthcare,

(7) Southampton University Hospitals, and

(8) Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

15Pensions,—Pensions Increase (Review) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 522), dated 1st March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Alan Milburn].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Company and Business Names (Chamber of Commerce, Etc.) Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Andrew Welsh Chairman of Standing Committee B in respect of the Bill, in place of Mr Bowen Wells.

2Rent Acts (Maximum Fair Rent) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 6),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Graham Allen and Chris McCafferty from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Clive Betts and Mr Lindsay Hoyle.

3Local Authorities (Alteration of Requisite Calculations) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 228),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Dr Phyllis Starkey from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Regulations); and nominated in substitution Helen Jones.

4Special Grant Report (No. 2) (Wales) 1999: Special Grant for Asylum Seekers (House of Commons Paper No. 250), the Special Grant Report for Scotland Asylum Seeker Assistance (No. 1/1999) (House of Commons Paper No. 228), and the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 38): Special Grant for Asylum Seekers (House of Commons Paper No. 230),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Oliver Letwin from the Seventh Standing Commitee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Special Grant Reports); and nominated in substitution Mr Henry McLeish.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Culture, Media and Sport,—(1) Parts of the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on 24th and 25th February [Back to the Dome]; to be printed [Nos. 21-v and -vi]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Staging International Sporting Events]; to be printed [No. 124-ii]

[Mr Gerald Kaufman].

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2Education 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-v] [Mr Derek Foster].

3Foreign Affairs,—Third Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee [European Union Enlargement], 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. 86] [Mr Donald Anderson].

4Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee [The Regulation of Private and Other Independent Healthcare]; to be printed [No. 281-ii] [Mr David Hinchliffe].

5Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Treasury Committee [Inland Revenue]; to be printed [No. 199-iii] [Mr Giles Radice].


[No. 48.]

Friday 5th March 1999.

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

PRAYERS.

1Nuclear Safeguards Bill,—Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Nuclear Safeguards Bill be printed [Bill 23–EN].

2Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Mrs C. Summersby for the proper use of monies given to charity was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

3Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill:

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

Ms Candy Atherton rose in her place, and claimed to move, That the Question be now put.

And the Question being put, That the Question be now put;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Angela Smith, Bridget Prentice: 127.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Owen Paterson, Mr Peter Atkinson: 4.

So the Question was agreed to.

Question, That the Bill be now read a second time, put accordingly and agreed to.

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

4Road Traffic (Vehicle Testing) Bill,—The Road Traffic (Vehicle Testing) Bill was, according to Order, read a second time and stood committed to a Standing Committee.

5Public House Names Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Public House Names Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 12th March.

6Energy Efficiency Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed on 26th February, That the Energy Efficiency Bill be now read a second time;

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 12th March.

7Energy Conservation (Housing) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Energy Conservation (Housing) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 12th March.

8Business of the House (Statutory Instrument),—Ordered, That, if a Statutory Instrument relating to Implementation Bodies (Northern Ireland) shall be laid before the House on Monday 8th March, a Minister of the Crown may, notwithstanding the practice of the House, make without notice a Motion for the approval of the said Instrument.—(Mr Keith Hill.)

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9Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Keith Hill.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till nine minutes to Three o'clock, adjourned till Monday 8th March.

[Adjourned at 2.51 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Administration of Justice,—Common Investment (Amendment) Scheme 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 551), dated 3rd March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

2Environmental Protection,—Waste Management Licences (Consultation and Compensation) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 481), dated 25th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

3Food,—Spreadable Fats (Marketing Standards) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 540), dated 3rd March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

4Legal Aid and Advice,—Legal Advice and Assistance (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 (S.R.(N.I.), 1999, No. 95), dated 4th March 1999 [by Statutory Instrument] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

5National Assistance Services,—National Assistance (Sums for Personal Requirements) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 549), dated 3rd March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

Other Papers:

6National Health Service,—Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 2nd March 1999 on loans proposed to be raised by the following National Health Service Trusts—

(1) Dewsbury Health Care,

(2) Dorset Healthcare,

(3) East Yorkshire Community Healthcare,

(4) East Yorkshire Hospitals,

(5) Gateshead Health,

(6) Harrogate Health Care,

(7) Leeds Community & Mental Health Services Teaching,

(8) North Durham Health Care,

(9) Northallerton Health Services,

(10) Poole Hospital,

(11) Priority Healthcare Wearside,

(12) South Durham Health Care, and

(13) Southern Derbyshire Acute Hospitals

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

7Northern Ireland,—Report of the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights for 1st April 1998–31st January 1999 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 265] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Rent Acts (Maximum Fair Rent) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 6),—The Committee of Selection has discharged from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation Mr Peter Snape (nominated in respect of the Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Alan Keen.

2Special Grant Report (No. 2) (Wales) 1999: Special Grant for Asylum Seekers (House of Commons Paper No. 250), the Special Grant Report for Scotland Asylum Seeker Assistance (No. 1/1999) (House of Commons Paper No. 228), and the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 38): Special Grant for Asylum Seekers (House of Commons Paper No. 230),—The Committee of Selection has discharged from the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation Dr Ian Gibson (nominated in respect of the Special Grant Reports); and nominated in substitution Dr Nick Palmer.


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