 House of Commons |
Session 1998-1999 |
| Commons Journal 255
Chronological Index
Page 192 1998-1999 Volume 255 [No. 54.] Monday 15th March 1999. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
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 Deputy 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 John Wilkinson, Sir Richard Body, Mr Christopher Gill, Mrs Angela Browning, Mr John Townend, Sir Teddy Taylor, Mr Richard Shepherd, Mrs Teresa Gorman, Mr Michael Fabricant, Mr Gerald Howarth, Mr Owen Paterson and Mr Graham Brady do prepare and bring in the Bill.
(a) for zero-rating or exempting a supply, acquisition or importation; (b) for refunding an amount of tax; (c) for varying any rate at which that tax is at any time chargeable; or (d) for any relief, other than a relief which— (i) so far as it is applicable to goods, applies to goods of every description, and (ii) so far as it is applicable to services, applies to services of every description; And the Question being again proposed:—The House resumed the adjourned Debate. And the Question being put:—It was agreed to. The Speaker then, pursuant to paragraph (3) of Standing Order No. 51 (Ways and means motions), put forthwith the Questions necessary to dispose of the further Motions, which were made by Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer. 2. Sparkling cider (rate of duty) The Question being put, That,— (1) In section 62(1A)(a) of the Alcoholic Liquor Duties Act 1979, for “£45.05” there shall be substituted “£161.20”. (2) This Resolution shall have effect as from 6 o'clock in the evening of 9th March 1999. And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr David Hanson: 331. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Tim Collins, Mr James Cran: 195. So the Question was agreed to. Page 193 Monday 15th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top 3. Hydrocarbon oil duties (rates and rebates) The Question being put, That,— (1) In section 6(1A) of the Hydrocarbon Oil Duties Act 1979— (a) in paragraph (a), for “£0.4926” there shall be substituted “£0.5288”; (b) in paragraph (b), for “£0.4299” there shall be substituted “£0.4721”; and (c) in paragraph (c), for “£0.4499” there shall be substituted “£0.5021”. (2) In section 8(3) of that Act, for “£0.2113” there shall be substituted “£0.1500”. (3) In section 11(1) of that Act— (a) in paragraph (a), for “£0.0218” there shall be substituted “£0.0265”; and (b) in each of paragraphs (b) and (ba), for “£0.0282” there shall be substituted “£0.0303”. (4) In section 13A(1A) of that Act— (a) in paragraph (a), for “£0.0050” there shall be substituted “£0.0055”; and (b) in paragraph (b), for “£0.0527” there shall be substituted “£0.0567”. (5) In section 14(1) of that Act, for “£0.0218” there shall be substituted “£0.0265”. (6) This Resolution shall have effect as from 6 o'clock in the evening of 9th March 1999. And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Hanson, Mr David Jamieson: 329. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Tim Collins, Mr Stephen Day: 196. So the Question was agreed to. 4. Hydrocarbon oil duties (drawback) Resolved, That provision may be made about the drawback of excise duty on hydrocarbon oil. 5. Tobacco products duty (rates) The Question being put, That,— (1) For the Table of rates of duty in Schedule 1 to the Tobacco Products Duty Act 1979 there shall be substituted— TABLE
(2) This Resolution shall have effect as from 6 o'clock in the evening of 9th March 1999. And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Hanson, Mr David Jamieson: 380. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Tim Collins, Mr Stephen Day: 143. So the Question was agreed to. 6. Pool betting duty (rate) Resolved, That,— (1) In section 7(1) of the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981, for “26.50 per cent.” there shall be substituted “17.50 per cent.” Page 194 Monday 15th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top (2) This Resolution has effect in relation to bets the stake money on which is paid on or after 28th March 1999. And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. 7. Vehicle excise duty (increase in general rate) Resolved, That,— (1) In sub-paragraph (2) of paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 to the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994, for “£150” there shall be substituted “£155”. (2) This Resolution has effect in relation to licences issued after 9th March 1999. And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. 8. Vehicle excise duty (splitting of general rate) Resolved, That,— (1) In sub-paragraph (2) of paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 to the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994, for the word “The” at the beginning there shall be substituted “Except in the case of a vehicle having an engine with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 1,100 cubic centimetres, the”. (2) After that sub-paragraph there shall be inserted the following sub-paragraph— “(2A) In the case of a vehicle having an engine with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 1,100 cubic centimetres, the general rate is £100.” (3) In sections 13(3)(b), 35A(5)(b) and 36(3)(b) of that Act, and in section 13(4)(b) of that Act as substituted under paragraph 8 of Schedule 4 to that Act, for the words “paragraph 1 of Schedule 1”, in each place where they occur, there shall be substituted “paragraph 1(2) of Schedule 1”. (4) This Resolution has effect in relation to any licence taken out for a period beginning on or after 1st June 1999. And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. 9. Vehicle excise duty (rates for goods vehicles etc.) Resolved, That Schedule 1 to the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 be amended as follows— (1) In sub-paragraph (2A)(b) of paragraph 6, for “£4,670” there shall be substituted “£4,170”. (2) In sub-paragraph (3) of that paragraph, for “38,000 kilograms” there shall be substituted “41,000 kilograms”. (3) For the Table in paragraph 9(1) there shall be substituted—
(4) In paragraph 9A(3), for “£4,670” there shall be substituted “£4,170”. Page 195 Monday 15th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top (5) For the Table in paragraph 9B there shall be substituted—
(6) For the Table in paragraph 11(1) there shall be substituted—
(7) In paragraph 11A(3), for “£4,670” there shall be substituted “£4,170”. (8) For the Table in paragraph 11B there shall be substituted—
(9) Subject to the following paragraphs of this Resolution, the preceding paragraphs apply in relation to licences taken out after 9th March 1999. (10) Paragraph (11) below applies where— (a) a pre-commencement licence was taken out for a goods vehicle at a rate applicable to a vehicle with a revenue weight falling within a specified range of weights; and (b) the revenue weight of the vehicle at any time on or after 17th April 1999 (though still within the specified range of weights mentioned in paragraph (a) above) is one which, for the purposes of taking out a licence for that vehicle after Page 196 Monday 15th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top 9th March 1999, would fall in a range of weights attracting a rate of duty higher than that attracted by the vehicle's licensed weight. (11) For the purposes of section 15 of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 any use of the vehicle on a public road at a time on or after 17th April 1999 when its revenue weight falls within paragraph (10)(b) above shall be treated as a use of the vehicle so as to subject it to a rate of duty higher than that at which the pre-commencement licence was taken out. (12) Paragraph (13) below applies where— (a) a pre-commencement licence was taken out for a goods vehicle at a rate applicable to a vehicle with a revenue weight falling within a specified range of weights; (b) the revenue weight of the vehicle is increased at a time after 9th March 1999; and (c) the revenue weight of the vehicle immediately after the increase (though still within the specified range of weights mentioned in paragraph (a) above) is one which, for the purposes of taking out a licence for that vehicle after 9th March 1999, would fall in a range of weights attracting a rate of duty higher than that attracted by the vehicle's licensed weight. (13) For the purposes of section 15 of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 any use of the vehicle on a public road after the increase in its revenue weight shall be treated (if it would not otherwise be so treated by virtue of paragraph (11) above) as a use of the vehicle so as to subject it to a rate of duty higher than that at which the pre-commencement licence was taken out. (14) In this Resolution— “licensed weight”, in relation to a vehicle, means the revenue weight of the vehicle at the time when the pre-commencement licence for that vehicle was taken out; and “pre-commencement licence” means a licence taken out on or before 9th March 1999 and in force after that date. And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. 10. Drawback of excise duty on goods shipped as stores etc. Resolved, That provision may be made about the drawback of excise duty on goods shipped as stores or warehoused in an excise warehouse for use as stores. 11. Value added tax (gold) Resolved, That provision may be made about value added tax in respect of supplies or importations which relate to gold. 12. Value added tax (bad debt relief: assignment) Resolved, That,— (1) In section 36 of the Value Added Tax Act 1994, for subsection (3) there shall be substituted— “(3) In subsection (2) above ‘the outstanding amount' means— (a) if at the time of the claim no part of the consideration written off in the claimant's accounts as a bad debt has been received, an amount equal to the amount of the consideration so written off; (b) if at that time any part of the consideration so written off has been received, an amount by which that part is exceeded by the amount of the consideration written off; and in this subsection ‘received' means received either by the claimant or, except in such circumstances as may be prescribed, by a person to whom has been assigned a right to receive the whole or any part of the consideration written off.”. (2) Until such day as the Commissioners may specify in regulations made under section 36 of that Act, Part XIX of the Value Added Tax Regulations 1995, except regulation 171, shall be read as if a reference to a payment being received by the claimant were a reference to a payment being received either by the claimant or by a person to whom a right to receive it has been assigned. (3) This Resolution has effect for the purposes of the making of any refund or repayment after 9th March 1999, but does not have effect in relation to anything received on or before that day. Page 197 Monday 15th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. 13. Value added tax (bad debt relief: regulations) Resolved, That provision may be made amending section 36(5) of the Value Added Tax Act 1994. 14. Value added tax (groups of companies) Resolved, That provision may be made about groups of companies in relation to value added tax. 15. Value added tax (repayment supplement) Resolved, That,— (1) Section 79 of the Value Added Tax Act 1994 shall be amended as follows. (2) In subsection (2)(b), for the words “the period of 30 days beginning on the date of the receipt by the Commissioners of that return or claim” there shall be substituted “the relevant period”. (3) After subsection (2) there shall be inserted— “(2A) The relevant period in relation to a return or claim is the period of 30 days beginning with the later of— (a) the day after the last day of the prescribed accounting period to which the return or claim relates, and (b) the date of the receipt by the Commissioners of the return or claim.”. (4) In subsections (3) and (7), for “subsection (2)(b)” there shall be substituted “subsection (2A)”; and regulations under subsection (3) shall be construed accordingly. (5) This Resolution has effect in relation to returns and claims received by the Commissioners on or after 9th March 1999. And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. 16. Value added tax (meaning of “business”) Resolved, That provision may be made for the repeal of section 94(3) of the Value Added Tax Act 1994. 17. Income tax (starting rate) The Question being put, That,— (1) The following shall be substituted for section 1(2)(aa) of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988— “(aa) in respect of so much of an individual's total income as does not exceed £1,500, at such rate as Parliament may determine to be the starting rate for that year;”. (2) The following shall be substituted for section 1(2A) of that Act— “(2A) The amount up to which an individual's income is by virtue of subsection (2) above chargeable for any year at the starting rate shall be known as the starting rate limit.”. (3) In section 1(3) of that Act, for “lower rate” there shall be substituted “starting rate”. (4) Section 1(4) of that Act, so far as it relates to section 1(2)(aa), shall not apply for the year 1999–00. (5) In section 1(6A) of that Act, for “lower rate” there shall be substituted “starting rate”. (6) The following shall be inserted before section 1A(2) of that Act— “(1B) In relation to any year of assessment for which income tax is charged the lower rate is 20 per cent. or such other rate as Parliament may determine.”. (7) The following shall be inserted after section 1A(6) of that Act— “(6A) Where income tax at the basic rate has been borne on income chargeable at the lower rate any necessary repayment of tax shall be made on the making of a claim.”. (8) In sections 547(5)(c) and 550(3) of that Act, for “lower rate” there shall be substituted “starting rate”. Page 198 Monday 15th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top (9) In sections 549(2), 699(2) and 819(2) of that Act, for “at the lower rate by virtue of section 1(2)(aa)” there shall be substituted “at the starting rate”. (10) In section 832(1) of that Act— (a) the following shall be substituted for the definition of “lower rate”— “‘lower rate', in relation to the charging of income tax for any year of assessment, means the rate of income tax specified in or determined in pursuance of section 1A(1B);”, and (b) the following shall be inserted after the definition of “Schedule A business”— “‘starting rate', in relation to the charging of income tax for any year of assessment, means the rate of income tax determined in pursuance of section 1(2)(aa), and any reference to the starting rate limit shall be construed in accordance with section 1(2A);”. (11) In section 7(6) of the Taxes Management Act 1970, for “or the lower rate” there shall be substituted “, the lower rate or the starting rate”. (12) In section 91(3)(c) of that Act, for “or the lower rate” there shall be substituted “, the lower rate or the starting rate”. (13) The preceding paragraphs apply for the year 1999–00 and subsequent years of assessment. (14) Nothing in this Resolution shall require any change to be made in the amounts deductible or repayable under section 203 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 before 18th May 1999. And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr Clive Betts: 334. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Edward Davey, Mr Adrian Sanders: 40. So the Question was agreed to. 18. Income tax (charge and rates for 1999–00) Resolved, That,— (1) Income tax shall be charged for the year 1999–00, and for that year— (a) the starting rate shall be 10 per cent.; (b) the basic rate shall be 23 per cent.; and (c) the higher rate shall be 40 per cent. (2) Nothing in this Resolution shall require any change to be made in the amounts deductible or repayable under section 203 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 before 18th May 1999. And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. 19. Income tax (personal allowances for those aged 65 or more) Resolved, That,— (1) For the year 1999–00 the amounts specified in subsections (2) and (3) of section 257 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 shall be taken to be £5,720 and £5,980, respectively. (2) Accordingly, section 257C(1) of that Act, so far as it relates to the amounts so specified, shall not apply for the year 1999–00. (3) Nothing in paragraph (1) of this Resolution above shall require any change to be made in the amounts deductible or repayable under section 203 of that Act before 18th May 1999. And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. 20. Income tax (operative date of indexation for PAYE) Resolved, That,— (1) In section 1 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988, after subsection (4) there shall be inserted— Page 199 Monday 15th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top “(5A) Subsection (4) above shall not require any change to be made in the amounts deductible or repayable under section 203 during the period beginning with 6th April and ending with 17th May in the year of assessment.”. (2) In section 257C of that Act, after subsection (1) there shall be inserted— “(2A) Subsection (1) above shall not require any change to be made in the amounts deductible or repayable under section 203 during the period beginning with 6th April and ending with 17th May in the year of assessment.”. And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. 21. Rates of capital gains tax Resolved, That provision may be made about the rates of capital gains tax. 22. Corporation tax (charge and rate for financial year 2000) Resolved, That, for the financial year 2000, corporation tax shall be charged at the rate of 30 per cent. 23. Relief for interest payments (limit for 1999–00) Resolved, That, for the year 1999–00, the qualifying maximum defined in section 367(5) of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 shall be £30,000. And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. 24. Interest on loans for life annuities (withdrawal of relief) The Question being put, That,— (1) In section 365 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988, in subsection (1), before paragraph (a) there shall be inserted the following paragraph— “(aa) that the loan was made before 9th March 1999;”. (2) After subsection (1) of that section there shall be inserted the following subsection— “(1AA) Where— (a) a loan made on or after 9th March 1999 was made in pursuance of an offer made by the lender before that date; and (b) the offer was either in writing or evidenced by a note or memorandum made by the lender before that date, the loan shall be deemed for the purposes of subsection (1)(aa) above to have been made before that date.”. (3) The preceding paragraphs have effect for the year 1998–99 and subsequent years of assessment. And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr Clive Betts: 324. Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Sir David Madel: 191. So the Question was agreed to. 25. Cars available for private use The Question being put, That,— (1) Schedule 6 to the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 shall be amended as follows. (2) In paragraph 2(1)— (a) for “in the year concerned” substitute “in a year”, and (b) for “the amount ascertained under paragraph 1 above, reduced by two thirds” substitute “15 per cent. of the price of the car as regards the year”. Page 200 Monday 15th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top (3) In paragraph 2(2)— (a) for “in the year concerned” substitute “in a year”, and (b) for “the amount ascertained under paragraph 1 above, reduced by one third” substitute “25 per cent. of the price of the car as regards the year”. (4) For paragraph 4(a) substitute— “(a) paragraph 2(1) above shall have effect as if for ‘15 per cent.' there were substituted ‘25 per cent.'”. (5) In paragraph 5, for “one third” substitute “one quarter”. (6) The preceding paragraphs have effect for the year 1999–00 and subsequent years of assessment. (7) This Resolution shall not require any change to be made in the amounts deductible or repayable under section 203 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 before 18th May 1999. And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr Clive Betts: 372. Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Sir David Madel: 137. So the Question was agreed to. 26. Tax treatment of reverse premiums etc. Resolved, That provision may be made with respect to the tax treatment of payments or other benefits received in consideration of, or in connection with, a transaction being entered into under which the person receiving the payment or other benefit, or a person connected with that person, becomes entitled to an estate or interest in, or a right in or over, land. 27. Vocational training relief Resolved, That,— (1) For subsection (2) of section 32 of the Finance Act 1991 there shall be substituted— “(2) The individual shall be entitled to relief under this subsection in respect of the payment for the year of assessment in which it is made; but relief under this subsection shall be given only on a claim made for the purpose, except where subsections (3) to (5) below apply. (2A) Where an individual is entitled to relief under subsection (2) above in respect of any payment made in a year of assessment, the amount of his liability for that year to income tax on his total income shall be the amount to which he would be liable apart from this section less whichever is the smaller of— (a) the amount which is equal to such percentage of the amount of the payment as is the basic rate for the year; and (b) the amount which reduces his liability to nil. (2B) In determining for the purposes of subsection (2A) above the amount of income tax to which a person would be liable apart from this section, no account shall be taken of— (a) any income tax reduction under Chapter I of Part VII of the Taxes Act 1988 or under section 347B of that Act; (b) any income tax reduction under section 353(1A) of the Taxes Act 1988; (c) any relief by way of a reduction of liability to tax which is given in accordance with any arrangements having effect by virtue of section 788 of the Taxes Act 1988 or by way of a credit under section 790(1) of that Act; (d) any tax at the basic rate on so much of that person's income as is income the income tax on which he is entitled to charge against any other person or to deduct, retain or satisfy out of any payment.”. (2) This Resolution has effect in relation to payments made on or after 6th April 1999. (3) This Resolution shall not require any change to be made in the amounts deductible or repayable under section 203 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 before 18th May 1999. Page 201 Monday 15th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. 28. Settlements Resolved, That provision may be made amending section 660B of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. 29. Enterprise investment scheme Resolved, That provision may be made amending Chapter III of Part VII of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 and Schedule 5B to the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992. 30. Venture capital trusts Resolved, That provision may be made amending Schedule 15B to the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. 31. Court common investment funds Resolved, That provision may be made for the purposes of income tax and corporation tax about common investment funds established under section 42 of the Administration of Justice Act 1982. 32. Discounted securities etc. Resolved, That provision (including provision having retrospective effect) may be made— (a) amending paragraph 3 of Schedule 13 to the Finance Act 1996, paragraphs 19 and 20 of Schedule 15 to that Act and sections 64 and 65 of the Finance Act 1993; and (b) modifying section 116 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992. 33. Chargeable gains (value shifting) Resolved, That provision may be made about value shifting in relation to the taxation of chargeable gains. 34. Chargeable gains (concessions that defer a charge) Resolved, That provision may be made about cases where, after a relief in respect of a chargeable gain has been obtained in reliance on a concession, a charge to tax would arise if the concession were an enactment to the corresponding effect. 35. Pension sharing Resolved, That provision may be made, for purposes connected with the sharing of pensions between ex-spouses, with respect to pensions and annuities. 36. Purchased life annuities Resolved, That section 657(2) of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 shall have effect, and shall be deemed always to have had effect, with the substitution of the following paragraph for the “or” at the end of paragraph (d)— “(da) to any annuity purchased under or for the purposes of a scheme approved by virtue of section 591 or in pursuance of any obligation imposed, or offer or invitation made, under or in connection with any such scheme;”. And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. 37. Extra-statutory arrangements for insurance groups Resolved, That provision may be made, in relation to accounting periods beginning on or after 1st January 1999, about disposals of assets the acquisition cost of which has been disregarded on a previous occasion under extra-statutory arrangements relating to groups of insurance companies. 38. Lloyd's Resolved, That provision may be made about rights under syndicates held by a member of Lloyd's under a members' agent pooling arrangement. 39. Advance pricing agreements Resolved, That provision may be made for the effect in any person's case of paragraphs 6 and 7 of Schedule 28AA to the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 to be modified by an agreement to which he is not a party. Page 202 Monday 15th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top 40. Controlled foreign companies Resolved, That provision may be made amending Part I of Schedule 25 to the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. 41. Group relief (consequential provision) Resolved, That provision may be made with respect to the consequences of a reduction in the amount available for surrender by way of group relief. 42. Inheritance tax (gifts) Resolved, That provision may be made as to the circumstances in which gifts of land are gifts of property subject to a reservation for the purposes of inheritance tax. 43. Stamp duty (conveyances and transfers on sale) The Question being put, That the following provisions shall have effect for the period beginning with 16th March 1999 and ending 31 days after the earliest of the dates mentioned in section 50(2) of the Finance Act 1973— (1) Section 55 of the Finance Act 1963 and section 4 of the Finance Act (Northern Ireland) 1963 shall each be amended in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3) below. (2) In subsection (1)(d), for “£2” there shall be substituted “£2.50p”. (3) In subsection (1)(e), for “£3” there shall be substituted “£3.50p”. (4) This Resolution applies to instruments executed on or after 16th March 1999, except where the instrument in question is executed in pursuance of a contract made on or before 9th March 1999. And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of section 50 of the Finance Act 1973; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Keith Hill: 365. Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Sir David Madel:137. So the Question was agreed to. 44. Stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax Resolved, That provision may be made in relation to stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax. 45. Ring fence profits Resolved, That provision may be made about persons carrying on activities which fall within any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (1) of section 492 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. 46. Petroleum revenue tax (allowable expenditure) Resolved, That provision may be made restricting the expenditure that is allowable for the purposes of petroleum revenue tax. 47. Petroleum revenue tax (assessments) Resolved, That provision may be made about the times when an assessment may be made to petroleum revenue tax. 48. Landfill tax The Question being put, That,— (1) In section 42 of the Finance Act 1996 (amount of landfill tax), in subsections (1)(a) and (2), for “£7”, in each place where it occurs, there shall be substituted “£10”. (2) This Resolution has effect in relation to taxable disposals made, or treated as made, on or after 1st April 1999. And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Keith Hill: 350. Tellers for the Noes, Sir David Madel, Mrs Caroline Spelman:142. So the Question was agreed to. Page 203 Monday 15th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top 49. Insurance premium tax (standard rate) The Question being put, That,— (1) In section 51(2)(b) of the Finance Act 1994, for “4 per cent.” there shall be substituted “5 per cent.” (2) Paragraph (1) above has effect in relation to a premium which falls to be regarded for the purposes of Part III of the Finance Act 1994 as received under a taxable insurance contract by an insurer on or after 1st July 1999. (3) Paragraph (1) above does not have effect in relation to a premium which— (a) is in respect of a contract made before 1st July 1999, and (b) falls to be regarded for the purposes of Part III of that Act as received under the contract by the insurer on a date before 1st January 2000, by virtue of regulations under section 68 of that Act. (4) Paragraph (3) above does not apply in relation to a premium which— (a) is an additional premium under a contract, (b) falls to be regarded for the purposes of Part III of that Act as received under the contract by the insurer on or after 1st July 1999, by virtue of regulations under section 68 of that Act, and (c) is in respect of a risk which was not covered by the contract before 1st July 1999. (5) In the application of sections 67A to 67C of that Act in relation to the increase under paragraph (1) above and the exception under paragraph (3) above— (a) the announcement for the purpose of sections 67A(1) and 67B(1) shall be taken to have been made on 9th March 1999, (b) the date of the change is 1st July 1999, and (c) the concessionary date is 1st January 2000. And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Keith Hill: 350. Tellers for the Noes, Sir David Madel, Mrs Caroline Spelman:140. So the Question was agreed to. 50. Relief from tax (incidental and consequential charges) Resolved, That it is expedient to authorise any incidental or consequential charges to any duty or tax (including charges having retrospective effect) which may arise from provisions designed in general to afford relief from taxation. Procedure (VAT Liabilities of Government Departments),—Resolved, That, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice of the House relating to the matters which may be included in Finance Bills, any Finance Bill of the present Session may contain provision (including provision having retrospective effect) for allowing deductions to be made in respect of value added tax liabilities before the receipts of a Government department are paid into the Consolidated Fund. Procedure (Future Taxation),—Resolved, That, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice of the House relating to the matters which may be included in Finance Bills, any Finance Bill of the present Session may contain the following provisions taking effect in a future year— (a) provision about indexation of the limits for rates of income tax; (b) provision for corporation tax to be charged for the financial year 2000; (c) provision as to the rates at which corporation tax is charged; (d) provision for the introduction of a tax credit in respect of children; (e) provision about married couple's allowance; (f) provision for and in connection with the abolition of widow's bereavement allowance and additional relief in respect of children; (g) provision about maintenance payments and other annual payments; (h) provision relating to income tax relief for interest payments; (i) provision amending section 548 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988; Page 204 Monday 15th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top (j) provision abolishing vocational training relief under sections 32 and 33 of the Finance Act 1991; (k) provision amending section 48(2)(a) of the Finance (No. 2) Act 1997. Finance [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Finance [Money]; The Question being put, That, for the purposes of any Act of the present Session relating to finance, it is expedient to authorise— (a) the payment out of money provided by Parliament of sums required by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue and the Commissioners of Customs and Excise in order to secure that, if the United Kingdom were to move to the third stage of economic and monetary union, they would be able to exercise their functions relating to taxes and duties (including agricultural levies of the European Community); (b) any increase attributable to any provision of that Act relating to the Debt Management Account in the sums payable out of or into the National Loans Fund or the Consolidated Fund; and (c) any payments out of or into that Account. The House proceeded to a division. Tuesday 16th March 1999 Tellers for the Ayes, Jane Kennedy, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 351. Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Caroline Spelman, Mr Tim Collins :132. So the Question was agreed to. Ordered, That a Bill be brought in upon the foregoing Resolutions: And that the Chairman of Ways and Means, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Secretary Prescott, Mr Secretary Straw, Mr Secretary Blunkett, Mr Secretary Dobson, Mr Secretary Darling, Mr Secretary Byers, Mr Alan Milburn, Dawn Primarolo, Mrs Barbara Roche and Ms Patricia Hewitt do prepare and bring it in.
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-seven minutes to One o'clock on Tuesday morning, adjourned till this day. [Adjourned at 12.33 a.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Page 205 Monday 15th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top (2) Road Traffic (NHS Charges) (Reviews and Appeals) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 786), dated 15th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].
(2) Social Security (Contributions and Credits) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 568), dated 5th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. Other Papers:
APPENDIX II Standing Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Eighth Report from the Committee [Ministry of Defence: Sales of the Royal Dockyards]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 96]; and (3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils Accounts 1997–98]; to be printed [No. 322-i] [Mr David Davis]. Page 206 Monday 15th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top [No. 55.] Tuesday 16th March 1999. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
Bill to be read the third time.
Bill, as amended in the Committee, to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read the third time; Mr Keith Bradley 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; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Clelland, Jane Kennedy: 326. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Stephen Day, Mrs Eleanor Laing: 152. So the Question was agreed to. And the Question being accordingly put; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Clelland, Jane Kennedy: 340. Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Tim Collins: 132. So the Question was agreed to. The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.
(1) the matter of the draft Report of the Department of Economic Development's Economic Strategy Review, being a matter relating exclusively to Northern Ireland, be referred to the Northern Ireland Grand Committee; and Page 207 Tuesday 16th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top (2) at its sitting on Thursday 25th March— (i) the Committee shall consider the matter referred to it under paragraph (1) above; (ii) the Chairman shall interrupt proceedings thereon at Five o'clock; and (iii) at the conclusion of those proceedings a Motion for the adjournment of the Committee may be made by a Minister of the Crown, pursuant to Standing Order No. 116(5).—(Mr David Jamieson.)
The House proceeded to a Division. Wednesday 17th March 1999 Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 281. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Andrew Lansley, Mr Dominic Grieve: 24. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That the Special Grant Report (Wales) 1999 (No. 2): Special Grant for Asylum Seekers (House of Commons Paper No. 250), which was laid before this House on 24th February, be approved.
The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Clive Betts: 275. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Andrew Lansley, Mr Dominic Grieve: 24. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That the Special Grant Report (Scotland) (No. 1/1999): Special Grant for Asylum Seeker Assistance (House of Commons Paper No. 228), which was laid before this House on 24th February, be approved.
The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Clive Betts: 278. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Andrew Lansley, Mr Dominic Grieve: 9. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 38): Special Grant for Asylum Seekers (House of Commons Paper No. 230), which was laid before this House on 24th February, be approved.
The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Clive Betts: 274. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Andrew Lansley, Mr Dominic Grieve: 12. So the Question was agreed to. Page 208 Tuesday 16th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top Resolved, That this House takes note of European Union Document No. 10778/98, the Commission White Paper: Fair Payment for Infrastructure Use: A phased approach to a common transport infrastructure charging framework in the EU; and endorses the Government's approach to discussions on the document.
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till three minutes to One o'clock on Wednesday morning, adjourned till this day. [Adjourned at 12.57 a.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
(2) Legal Advice and Assistance (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 814), (3) Legal Aid in Criminal and Care Proceedings (General) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 815), and (4) Legal Aid (Mediation in Family Matters) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 816), dated 12th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].
(2) Income Tax (Paying and Collecting Agents) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 823), dated 15th March 1999, (3) Income Tax (Sub-contractors in the Construction Industry) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 825), dated 16th March 1999, and (4) Venture Capital Trust (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 819), dated 16th March 1999 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].
Other Papers:
APPENDIX II Standing Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Sea Fishing; Badgers and Bovine Tuberculosis] [Mr Peter Luff].
Page 209 Tuesday 16th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Accountability of Public Bodies]; to be printed [No. 209-iii] [Mr Rhodri Morgan].
(2) Memorandum laid before the Committee [Winter Supplementary Estimates] [Mr Martyn Jones]. [No. 56.] Wednesday 17th March 1999. The House met at half-past Nine o'clock. PRAYERS.
And it being Two o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.
Bill to be read the third time.
Report to lie upon the Table. Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 335].
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table. Page 210 Wednesday 17th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
That the Committee takes note of the European Union Document No. 6985/98 on the protection of laying hens kept in various systems of rearing; and of the progress of negotiations; and supports the Government's intention to continue to work for the adoption of a Directive which sets a clear phase-out date for the battery cage, improved standards in the interim and robust and practical standards for the welfare of birds in non-cage systems. Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
Access to Justice Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to establish the Legal Services Commission, the Community Legal Service and the Criminal Defence Service; to amend the law of legal aid in Scotland; to make further provision about legal services; to make provision about appeals (including cases stated) and applications for habeas corpus, to enable the Lord Chancellor to appoint a vice-president of the Queen's Bench Division and to make provision about court proceedings; to amend the law about magistrates and magistrates' courts; and to make provision about immunity from action and costs and indemnities for certain officials exercising judicial functions; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes to the Access to Justice Bill [Lords] be printed [Bill 67–EN].
Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Tax Credits Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any expenses incurred by the Secretary of State in consequence of the Act.—(Mr David Clelland.)
A Clause (New category of child care providers for tax credit purposes)—(Dawn Primarolo)—brought up, read the first and second time and added to the Bill. A Clause (Housing costs)—(Steve Webb)—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 Donald Gorrie, Mr Phil Willis: 39. Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Greg Pope: 303. Another Clause (Payment of tax credits to agricultural employees)—(Mr Eric Pickles)—brought up and read the first time. Question put, That the Clause be read a second time. The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mrs Caroline Spelman: 167. Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Greg Pope: 300. Amendment (No. 7) proposed to the Bill, in page 3, line 35, at the end, to insert the words ‘except that an employee shall be entitled to make an election to receive payment of the tax credit to which he is entitled directly from the Board.'.—(Mr Nick Gibb.) Page 211 Wednesday 17th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top Question put, That the Amendment be made. The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Sir David Madel, Mrs Caroline Spelman: 164. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Jim Dowd, Jane Kennedy: 296. Another Amendment (No. 8) proposed to the Bill, in page 3, line 35, at the end, to insert the words ‘provided that the employer has more than 9 employees'.—(Mr Nick Gibb.) Question put, That the Amendment be made. The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Tim Collins: 150. Tellers for the Noes, Jane Kennedy, Mr Jim Dowd: 291. Amendments (Nos. 14 and 11 to 13) made to the Bill. A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read the third time; An Amendment was proposed to the Question, to leave out from the word ‘That' to the end of the Question, and add the words ‘this House, whilst welcoming additional money for lower paid workers and for disabled people, declines to give a Third Reading to the Tax Credits Bill because it considers the proposed Working Families' Tax Credit to represent a highly inefficient way of spending public money; believes that the Government has provided no evidence that paying the credit through the paypacket will bring benefits commensurate with the £100 million annual cost which will be imposed on businesses; believes that payment through the paypacket will adversely affect recipients at times of family or job change and will increase the scope for fraud; believes that the Bill represents a missed opportunity to tackle the particular incentive problems faced by low-paid homebuyers; and believes that the proposed childcare tax credit is poorly targeted', instead thereof.—(Steve Webb.) And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Paul Keetch, Mr Phil Willis: 164. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Clive Betts: 295. So the Question was negatived. And the Main Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 62 (Amendment on second or third reading); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Clive Betts: 297. Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Caroline Spelman, Sir David Madel: 161. So the Question was agreed to. The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.
And the Motion having been made after Ten o'clock, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then six minutes to Eleven o'clock, till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 10.54 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
(2) Legal Advice and Assistance (Financial Conditions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 (S.R.(N.I.), 1999, No. 130), and Page 212 Wednesday 17th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top (3) Legal Aid (Financial Conditions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 (S.R.(N.I.), 1999, No. 132), dated 16th March 1999 [by Statutory Instrument] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].
Other Papers:
(1) Northern General Hospital, (2) Queens Medical Centre Nottingham University Hospital, (3) Wakefield and Pontefract Community Health, and (4) West Dorset General Hospitals [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].
APPENDIX II
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee B; and (2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr David Amess, Ms Candy Atherton, Norman Baker, Mr Ian Cawsey, Mr Alan Clark, Mr Robin Corbett, Maria Eagle, Mrs Eileen Gordon, Mr Mike Hancock, Mr Tim Loughton, Alice Mahon, Mr Elliot Morley, Dr Nick Palmer, Mr Owen Paterson, Angela Smith and Mr Stephen Twigg.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the First 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 Tony Baldry, Mr Colin Burgon, Mr Ian Cawsey, Ann Coffey, Mr Tim Collins, Mr Quentin Davies, Mr Jim Dobbin, Angela Eagle, Mr John Hayes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Gordon Marsden, Mrs Diana Organ, Mr David Rendel, Mr Marsha Singh, Dr George Turner and Steve Webb.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Frank Cook Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Roger Berry, Mr Lawrence Cunliffe, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Jim Dowd, Mr Ronnie Fearn, Dr Ian Gibson, Mrs Teresa Gorman, Mr James Gray, Lynne Jones, Ms Sally Keeble, Fiona Mactaggart, Ms Joan Ruddock, Mr Martin Salter, Mr Chris Smith, Mr Richard Spring and Mr Phil Willis.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Third 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.: Miss Anne Begg, Mr A. J. Beith, Mr Russell Brown, Mr Desmond Browne, Mr Eric Clarke, Mr Tom Clarke, Mr Tam Dalyell, Mr Michael Fabricant, Mr Michael Jack, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mr John McAllion, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Henry McLeish, Mr Frank Roy and Sir Robert Smith. Page 213 Wednesday 17th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Fourth 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 Michael Colvin, Mr Christopher Gill, Mr Nigel Jones, Jane Kennedy, Mr Andy King, Dr Ashok Kumar, Mr David Lepper, Mr Tony Lloyd, Mr Denis MacShane, Sir David Madel, Mr Syd Rapson, Dr Howard Stoate, Mr William Thompson, Mr Michael Trend, Audrey Wise and Mr Mike Wood.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Joe Benton Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Dr Lynda Clark, Mr Michael Connarty, Mr Ian Davidson, Mr Brian H. Donohoe, Mr George Galloway, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Henry McLeish, Mr Michael Moore, Mr Owen Paterson, Mr Frank Roy, Bob Russell, Mr David Stewart, Dr Gavin Strang and Mr Peter Viggers.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Bill O'Brien Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Janet Anderson, Mr Roger Casale, Mr Brian Cotter, Mr Jim Cousins, Mr Stephen Day, Jim Dowd, Mr John Grogan, Mr John Horam, Mr Robert Jackson, Mr Nigel Jones, Mr Andy Love, Fiona Mactaggart, Alice Mahon, Mr Bill Michie, Mr Alan Simpson and Mr Richard Spring.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order and the Order to the Seventh 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.: Norman Baker, Mr Tony Colman, Mr Jeremy Corbyn, Mr James Cran, Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson, Jim Dowd, Mr Michael Foster (Worcester), Mr Adam Ingram, Mr Tim Loughton, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews, Mr Malcolm Moss, Mr Chris Ruane, Mr Jon Trickett, Mr Robert N. Wareing and Dr Tony Wright.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Order to the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Barry Jones Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Graham Allen, Mr Martin Caton, Mr Cynog Dafis, Mr Win Griffiths, Glenda Jackson, Mr Bernard Jenkin, Ms Jackie Lawrence, Mr Richard Livsey, Sir Peter Lloyd, Dr John Marek, Sir Raymond Powell, Mr Allan Rogers, Mr John Smith, Mr Llew Smith, Mrs Caroline Spelman and Mr John Townend.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Frank Cook Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: John Austin, Mr Tim Boswell, Mr Ronnie Campbell, Mr David Chidgey, Mr Tim Collins, Mr Brian Cotter, Mr Frank Doran, Ms Harriet Harman, Dr Kim Howells, Mr Terry Lewis, Mr Kevin McNamara, Mr Greg Pope, Mr Brian Sedgemore, Mr Nicholas Soames, Dr Phyllis Starkey and Mr Andrew Tyrie.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Bowen Wells Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr David Atkinson, Mr Hugh Bayley, Mr Peter Bradley, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Tim Collins, Mr Fabian Hamilton, Mr Kevin Hughes, Chris McCafferty, Mr Andrew Miller, Mr Mark Oaten, Mr Eric Pickles, Mr David Rendel, Mr Peter Snape, Mr Paul Stinchcombe, Mr David Tredinnick and Mr Paul Truswell. Page 214 Wednesday 17th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Eleventh 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.: Mr Harry Barnes, Mr Colin Breed, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Harry Cohen, Mr Tony Colman, Mr James Cran, Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson, Jim Dowd, Mr Adam Ingram, Ms Jenny Jones, Mr Martin Linton, Mr Stephen McCabe, Mr Malcolm Moss, Mr Ian Taylor, Mr Peter Temple-Morris and Mr David Winnick.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Orders to the Twelfth 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 Robert Ainsworth, Mr Harold Best, Mr David Borrow, Mrs Angela Browning, Mr John Burnett, Dr Vincent Cable, Mr Paul Clark, Valerie Davey, Julia Drown, Mr Oliver Heald, Mr Alan Johnson, Mr Martyn Jones, Mr Michael Mates, Dawn Primarolo, Mr Gareth R. Thomas and Mr John Whittingdale. Grand Committees
European Standing Committees
APPENDIX III
(2) Tenth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Ministry of Defence: Identifying and Selling Surplus Property]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 104]; (3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [The NHS in Scotland: Making the Most of the Estate]; to be printed [No. 323-i]; and (4) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [The NHS in Scotland: Progress Report] [No. 333-i] [Mr David Davis].
Page 215 Wednesday 17th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Tourism in Scotland]; to be printed [No. 85-iv] [Mr David Marshall].
MEMORANDUM
[No. 57.] Thursday 18th March 1999. The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 21st May.
Reduction in the Strength of the Police,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House pays tribute to the high standards of policing in this country; endorses the priority of the last Conservative Government in increasing the strength of the police by over 15,000; but deplores the policies of the present Government, which are leading to reductions in police strength, cuts in services and the introduction of non-police patrols at a time when it is essential to build the best possible relations between police and public—(Sir Norman Fowler); An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘country' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘notes that the previous administration's promises in 1992 and 1995 of an additional 6,000 police officers were never carried through and that police numbers instead fell; welcomes the additional £1.24 billion for the police service and the extra £400 million for the crime reduction programme Page 216 Thursday 18th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top which are to be provided over the next three years; supports the police in their crucial role in tackling crime and creating safer communities; and recognises the need for the police, as with other public services, to continue to improve efficiency and effectiveness and deliver best value in the interests of the whole country.', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Straw.) And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Tim Collins, Mr Oliver Heald: 121. Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Hanson, Mr David Clelland: 315. 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. Main Question, as amended, put and agreed to. Resolved, That this House pays tribute to the high standards of policing in this country; notes that the previous administration's promises in 1992 and 1995 of an additional 6,000 police officers were never carried through and that police numbers instead fell; welcomes the additional £1.24 billion for the police service and the extra £400 million for the crime reduction programme which are to be provided over the next three years; supports the police in their crucial role in tackling crime and creating safer communities; and recognises the need for the police, as with other public services, to continue to improve efficiency and effectiveness and deliver best value in the interests of the whole country. The Government's Roads Policies,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House believes that the Government, having promised an integrated transport policy, are creating a standstill Britain and failing to deliver the immediate benefits promised before the general election; notes that 94 per cent. of passenger travel and 91 per cent. of goods moved within the UK is by road, so that a modern and efficient roads network is vital for UK prosperity and competitiveness; notes that the condition of UK roads is deteriorating; condemns the Government for cutting the programme of motorway and trunk road improvements to 37 schemes, which will increase the congestion and pollution which the Government say they oppose, despite raising the tax burden on the road user to £33 billion per year, of which less than one sixth is spent on transport; and calls upon the Government to stop hitting the road user with ever-higher taxes as a substitute for real policies to reduce congestion and pollution and to get Britain moving again—(Mrs Gillian Shephard); 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 taking a far-sighted and more integrated approach to roads policy than the previous administration; notes that the previous Government's “predict and provide” approach to road building has been discredited and that the present Government has instead taken a realistic and practical approach based on the five criteria of integration, the economy, the environment, safety and accessibility; notes further that the previous Conservative Government's grandiose but impractical wish-list of schemes for which funding was not available has been replaced by a targeted programme of improvements, all of which can be started within seven years; welcomes its increased and more rationally-based spending on roads maintenance; and applauds the Government for tackling the problems of congestion and pollution, thereby ensuring that the road transport system operates for the benefit of individual people and the UK economy as a whole.', instead thereof.—(Dr John Reid.) 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, Mr Oliver Heald, Mr Tim Collins: 121. Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 302. 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, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 272. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Oliver Heald, Mr Tim Collins: 123. Page 217 Thursday 18th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top So the Question 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 taking a far-sighted and more integrated approach to roads policy than the previous administration; notes that the previous Government's ‘predict and provide' approach to road building has been discredited and that the present Government has instead taken a realistic and practical approach based on the five criteria of integration, the economy, the environment, safety and accessibility; notes further that the previous Conservative Government's grandiose but impractical wish-list of schemes for which funding was not available has been replaced by a targeted programme of improvements, all of which can be started within seven years; welcomes its increased and more rationally-based spending on roads maintenance; and applauds the Government for tackling the problems of congestion and pollution, thereby ensuring that the road transport system operates for the benefit of individual people and the UK economy as a whole.
Estimates, 1999–2000 (Navy) Vote A Resolved, That during the year ending on 31st March 2000 a number not exceeding 48,340 all ranks be maintained for Naval Service, a number not exceeding 18,330 for Service in the Reserve Naval and Marine Forces, and a number not exceeding 200 for Service as Special Members of the Reserve Naval Forces under Part V of the Reserve Forces Act 1996. Estimates, 1999–2000 (Army) Vote A Resolved, That during the year ending on 31st March 2000 a number not exceeding 135,420 all ranks be maintained for Army Service, a number not exceeding 76,700 for Service in the Reserve Land Forces, and a number not exceeding 6,000 for Service as Special Members of the Reserve Land Forces under Part V of the Reserve Forces Act 1996. Estimates, 1999–2000 (Air) Vote A Resolved, That during the year ending on 31st March 2000 a number not exceeding 58,070 all ranks be maintained for the Air Force Service, a number not exceeding 26,000 for Service in the Reserve Air Forces, and a number not exceeding 430 for Service as Special Members of the Reserve Air Forces under Part V of the Reserve Forces Act 1996. Estimates, Excesses, 1997–98 Resolved, That a sum not exceeding £2,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to make good excesses of certain grants for Defence and Civil Services for the year ended on 31st March 1998, as set out in House of Commons Paper No. 239. Supplementary Estimates, 1998–99 Resolved, That a further supplementary sum not exceeding £2,946,254,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to complete or defray the charges for Defence and Civil Services for the year ending on 31st March 1999, as set out in House of Commons Papers Nos. 237, 238 and 310. Ordered, That a Bill be brought in upon the foregoing Resolutions relating to Estimates, Excesses, 1997-98, and Supplementary Estimates, 1998–99: And that the Chairman of Ways and Means, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Alan Milburn, Dawn Primarolo, Mrs Barbara Roche and Ms Patricia Hewitt do prepare and bring it in.
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till five minutes to Eight o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 7.55 p.m. Page 218 Thursday 18th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
(2) draft Carriage by Air Acts (Implementation of Protocol No. 4 of Montreal, 1975) Order 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
(2) Health Promotion Authority for Wales (Revocation) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 805), dated 11th March 1999, (3) Velindre National Health Service Trust (Transfer of Trust Property) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 808), dated 15th March 1999, (4) Welsh Health Common Services Authority (Abolition) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 804), dated 11th March 1999, and (5) Welsh Health Common Services Authority (Revocation) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 806), dated 11th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael]; and (6) National Health Service (Liabilities to Third Parties Scheme) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 873), and (7) National Health Service (Property Expenses Scheme) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 874), dated 17th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].
Other Papers:
(1) Hinchingbrooke Healthcare, (2) Leeds Teaching Hospitals, (3) Norfolk and Norwich Health Care, and (4) Northampton General Hospital [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson]. Page 219 Thursday 18th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
APPENDIX II Standing Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The 1999 Budget]; to be printed [No. 325-ii] [Mr Giles Radice]. [No. 58.] Friday 19th March 1999. The House met at half-past Nine o'clock. PRAYERS.
And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read a second time; And it being Eleven o'clock, the Deputy Speaker interrupted proceedings, pursuant to Standing Order No. 11 (Friday sittings). And the Question being again proposed; Mr Andrew Robathan 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; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Edward Leigh, Mr Dominic Grieve: 129. Tellers for the Noes, Bridget Prentice, Mr Gareth R. Thomas (Harrow West): 5. So the Question was agreed to. Page 220 Friday 19th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top And the Question being accordingly put, That the Bill be now read a second time; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Dominic Grieve, Mr Edward Leigh: 128. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Gerald Howarth, Mr David Maclean: 0. So the Question was agreed to. The Bill was accordingly read a second time and stood committed to a Standing Committee.
And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read a second time; And it being half-past Two o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned. Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 14th May.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 7th May.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 23rd July.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 7th May.
Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 16th April.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 23rd April.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 26th March.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 26th March.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 26th March.
Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 26th March.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 26th March.
Page 221 Friday 19th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
The limit on the office costs allowance in relation to Mrs Betty Williams should be up to 1.25 times that determined in accordance with paragraph (a) of the Resolution of the House of 10th July 1996 for any quarter beginning with 1st April 1998.—(Mrs Anne McGuire.)
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till two minutes past Three o'clock, adjourned till Monday 22nd March. [Adjourned at 3.02 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Other Papers:
APPENDIX II Standing Committees
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee C; and (2) The Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Harry Barnes, Mr John Bercow, Mr David Crausby, Mr Denzil Davies, Mr Dominic Grieve, Mr Patrick Hall, Mr John Heppell, Mr Andrew Hunter, Dr Brian Iddon, Glenda Jackson, Dr Julian Lewis, Mr Mark Oaten, Mr Bob Russell, Mr Marsha Singh, Angela Smith and Mr Gerry Sutcliffe.
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