| Commons Journal 255
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II
Page 222 1998-1999 Volume 255
[No. 59.] Monday 22nd March 1999.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Vacation of Seat (Corrupt Practice),—The Speaker informed the House that she had received the following letter from the Judge in the case at Nottingham Crown Court against Ms Fiona Jones, Member for Newark. |
From the Hon. Mr. Justice Jowitt
Presiding Judge of the Midland & Oxford Circuit
Royal Courts of Justice
Strand, London, WC2A 2LL.
19th March 1999
Dear Madam Speaker,
Today at Nottingham Crown Court before me, Mrs Fiona Jones, the Member of Parliament for the constituency of Newark, was convicted by the jury of a corrupt practice, namely making a false declaration as to election expenses contrary to Section 82(6) of the Representation of the People Act 1983, the particulars being that on the 6th day of June 1997 she knowingly made a declaration that was false namely that a return of election expenses to be transmitted to the Returning Officer for the Newark Constituency was a complete and correct return. She was ordered to perform 100 hours community service.
Yours sincerely,
Edwin Jowitt
And the said letter was ordered to be entered in the Journals of the House.
The Speaker further informed the House that, under the terms of the Representation of the People Act 1983, the seat for the constituency of Newark was vacated*.
| 2 | First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bill Olner reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Social Security and Child Support (Decisions and Appeals) Regulations 1999, the draft Child Support (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 1999 and the draft Child Support (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 1999. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Frank Cook reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft New Opportunities Fund (Specification of Initiatives) Order 1999. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Nuclear Safeguards Bill,—The Order for reading the Nuclear Safeguards Bill a second time on Friday 26th March was read and discharged. |
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 11th June.
| 5 | Opposition Day [8th allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the second largest opposition party in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider opposition business. |
Council Tax Increases,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes that the prime determinant of council tax levels is the amount of funding allocated by central government to local authorities; further notes that as a consequence of inadequate financial settlements for local government in recent years there has been a substantial real-terms year-on-year increase in council tax; and calls on the Government to improve the funding of local services and abolish budget capping within the lifetime of this Parliament—(Mr Paul Burstow);
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 ‘notes that the 1999–2000 local government settlement was the most generous since the introduction of the council tax; further notes the Government's commitment of an extra £40 billion for schools and hospitals; and welcomes the introduction of Best Value, the abolition of crude and universal capping, the reform of political management structures and the new ethical framework, set out in the local government White Paper', instead thereof.—(Hilary Armstrong.)
And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;
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The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Adrian Sanders: 40.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Clelland, Jane Kennedy: 309.
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 notes that the 1999–2000 local government settlement was the most generous since the introduction of the council tax; further notes the Government's commitment of an extra £40 billion for schools and hospitals; and welcomes the introduction of Best Value, the abolition of crude and universal capping, the reform of political management structures and the new ethical framework, set out in the local government White Paper.
Europe, America and the World Trade Organisation,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House deplores the failure of the USA and the EU to resolve the trade dispute arising from the so-called banana war; recognises the serious impact which the US retaliatory measures are having on British industries, in particular the devastating impact on the cashmere industry in the Scottish Borders; is concerned that these actions are a precursor of further major trade disputes over the importation into the UK of genetically and hormonally-modified food products from the USA; and urges the Government to step up its diplomatic and other efforts to ensure that all parties work together to first reform the WTO regime to ensure compatibility with international biodiversity agreements, environmental and animal welfare objectives, and then to ensure compliance with the WTO objectives of free and fair trade—(Mr Michael Moore);
An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘recognises the significance of the EU/US relationship and notes that the majority of the trade relationship runs smoothly; commends the efforts of the Government to secure the Transatlantic Economic Partnership Agreement last year; acknowledges the efforts of the Government to find a way through the bananas dispute so as to minimise the impact on British industry and in particular the cashmere industry; notes the current position on the hormones dispute; welcomes the Government's commitment to sustainable development; and endorses the Government's support for comprehensive multilateral trade negotiations to be launched in Seattle at the end of this year', instead thereof.—(Mr Henry McLeish.)
And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;
Mr Paul Tyler 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 Andrew Stunell, Mr David Chidgey: 39.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Jim Dowd: 314.
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 Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.
Resolved, That this House recognises the significance of the EU/US relationship and notes that the majority of that trade relationship runs smoothly; commends the efforts of the Government to secure the Transatlantic Economic Partnership Agreement last year; acknowledges the efforts of the Government to find a way through the bananas dispute so as to minimise the impact on British industry and in particular the cashmere industry; notes the current position on the hormones dispute; welcomes the Government's commitment to sustainable development; and endorses the Government's support for comprehensive multilateral trade negotiations to be launched in Seattle at the end of this year.
* For further entries on this matter see pages 269 and 294 below.
| 6 | Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Bill; |
A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 56 (Consolidated Fund Bills), That the Bill be now read a second time:—It was agreed to.
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And the Question being put forthwith, That the Bill be now read the third time:—It was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.
| 7 | Legal Aid and Advice (Scotland),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Civil Legal Aid (Financial Conditions) (Scotland) Regulations 1999, which were laid before this House on 22nd February, be approved—(Mr Keith Hill):—It was agreed to. |
| 8 | Legal Aid and Advice (Scotland),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Advice and Assistance (Financial Conditions) (Scotland) Regulations 1999, which were laid before this House on 22nd February, be approved—(Mr Keith Hill):—It was agreed to. |
| 9 | Social Security,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Social Security (New Deal Pilot) Amendment Regulations 1999, which were laid before this House on 22nd February, be approved—(Mr Keith Hill):—It was agreed to. |
| 10 | Government 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 Ordnance Survey Trading Fund Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 24th February, be approved—(Mr Keith Hill):—It was agreed to. |
| 11 | Constitutional 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 Scotland Act 1998 (Consequential Modifications) (No. 1) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 25th February, be approved—(Mr Keith Hill):—It was agreed to. |
| 12 | Welfare of Laying Hens,—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 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—(Mr Keith Hill):—It was agreed to. |
| 13 | Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill [Money]; |
Resolved, That for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any expenditure incurred by a Minister of the Crown in consequence of any compensation scheme made under the Act.—(Mr Keith Hill.)
| 14 | Road Traffic (Vehicle Testing) Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Road Traffic (Vehicle Testing) Bill [Money]; |
Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Road Traffic (Vehicle Testing) Bill, it is expendient to authorise—
(a) the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—
(i) any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State in consequence of the provisions of the Act, and
(ii) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums which by virtue of any other Act are payable out of money so provided;
(b) the payment into the Consolidated Fund of—
(i) any sums received by the Secretary of State by virtue of the provisions of the Act, and
(ii) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable into that Fund under the Road Traffic Act 1988.—(Mr Keith Hill.)
| 15 | Foreign Affairs,—Ordered, That Mr Ernie Ross be discharged from the Foreign Affairs Committee and Dr Phyllis Starkey be added to the Committee.—(Mr Paul Tyler, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) |
| 16 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from the association known as the Palace Theatre (Westcliff) for support for producing theatres was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
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| 17 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Keith Hill.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till seventeen minutes past Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 11.17 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Education,—(1) Draft General Teaching Council for England (Constitution) Regulations 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]; and |
(2) draft General Teaching Council for Wales (Constitution) Regulations 1999 [by Act]
[Mr Secretary Michael].
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Animals,—Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (Feeding Stuffs and Surveillance) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 882), dated 17th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. |
| 3 | Constitutional Law,—(1) Scotland Act 1998 (General Transitory, Transitional and Savings Provisions) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 901), dated 19th March 1999, |
(2) Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (Crown Status) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 677), dated 10th March 1999, and
(3) Scottish Parliament (Letters Patent and Proclamations) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 737), dated 10th March 1999
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].
| 4 | Copyright,—Parliamentary Copyright (Scottish Parliament) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 676), dated 10th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 5 | Criminal Law,—Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 (Specified Proceedings) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 904), dated 18th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Attorney General]. |
| 6 | Criminal Law (Scotland),—(1) Confiscation of the Proceeds of Crime (Designated Countries and Territories) (Scotland) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 673), and |
(2) Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) Act 1990 (Enforcement of Overseas Forfeiture Orders) (Scotland) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 675),
dated 10th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].
| 7 | Education,—(1) Education (Inspectors of Schools in Wales) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 657), dated 10th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael]; and |
(2) Education (School Teachers' Pay and Conditions) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 917), dated 19th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].
| 8 | European Communities,—European Communities (Designation) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 654), dated 10th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Cook]. |
| 9 | Hong Kong,—Hong Kong (Overseas Public Servants) (Pension Supplements) (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 666), dated 10th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Cook]. |
| 10 | Ministers of the Crown,—(1) Transfer of Functions (Lord Advocate and Advocate General for Scotland) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 679), and |
(2) Transfer of Functions (Lord Advocate and Secretary of State) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 678),
dated 10th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].
| 11 | Northern Ireland,—Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 671), dated 10th March 1999 [by Act] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam]. |
| 12 | Road Traffic,—Motor Vehicles (EC Type Approval) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 778), dated 10th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 13 | Social Security,—(1) Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (General) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 920), dated 22nd March 1999, |
(2) Social Security Benefits Up-rating and Miscellaneous Increases Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 862), dated 17th March 1999,
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(3) Social Security Benefits Up-rating Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 858), dated 17th March 1999, and
(4) Social Security (Overlapping Benefits) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 820), dated 15th March 1999
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].
| 14 | Supreme Court (Northern Ireland),—Crown Court (Amendment) Rules (Northern Ireland) 1999 (S.R. (N.I.), 1999, No. 134), dated 17th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon]. |
Other Papers:
| 15 | Local Government (Scotland),—Scottish Local Government Financial Statistics for 1996–97 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 16 | Miscellaneous (No. 22, 1999),—Draft Headquarters Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the International Mobile Satellite Organisation, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 4311] [Mr Secretary Cook]. |
| 17 | National Health Service,—(1) Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 17th March 1999 on loans proposed to be raised by the following National Health Service Trusts— |
(i) Avalon, Somerset,
(ii) Exeter & District Community Health Service, and
(iii) Wiltshire Health Care;
(2) Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 18th March 1999 on loans proposed to be raised by the following National Health Service Trusts—
(i) BHB Community Health Care,
(ii) Luton and Dunstable Hospitals,
(iii) North West Anglia Healthcare,
(iv) Plymouth Hospitals,
(v) Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospital,
(vi) South Tees Acute Hospitals, and
(vii) York Health Services; and
(3) Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 19th March 1999 on loans proposed to be raised by the following National Health Service Trusts—
(i) Gloucestershire Royal, and
(ii) Severn
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].
| 18 | Police,—(1) National Crime Squad (Secretary of State's Objectives) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 821), dated 11th March 1999, |
(2) NCIS (Secretary of State's Objectives) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 822), dated 11th March 1999, and
(3) Police Appeals Tribunals Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 818), dated 13th March 1999
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].
| 19 | Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on the Petition [4th March] from Friends of the Earth (South East Office) and others for a conservation body for the South Downs [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House]. |
| 20 | Transport,—Statement of Guarantee given by the Treasury on 22nd March 1999 in respect of temporary borrowing by the British Waterways Board from the National Westminster Bank plc [by Act] [Mrs Barbara Roche]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Owen Paterson from Standing Committee B (nominated in respect of the Bill); and nominated in substitution Mr Andrew Hunter. |
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| 2 | Draft Social Security and Child Support (Decisions and Appeals) Regulations 1999, the draft Child Support (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 1999, and the draft Child Support (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Marsha Singh from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Kali Mountford. |
| 3 | Draft New Opportunities Fund (Specification of Initiatives) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Roger Berry from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Phil Woolas. |
| 4 | Draft Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (Application to Summary Proceedings) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Dr Lynda Clark and Mr Brian H. Donohoe from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Malcolm Savidge and Mr Desmond Browne. |
| 5 | Value Added Tax (Finance) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 594), and the Value Added Tax (Buildings and Land) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 593),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Dawn Primarolo from the Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Orders); and nominated in substitution Mrs Barbara Roche. |
European Standing Committees
| 6 | The Speaker has appointed Mr Bill O'Brien Chairman of European Standing Committee C (in place of Mr George Stevenson) in respect of the unnumbered explanatory memorandum submitted by the Department of Trade and Industry on 17th April 1998 relating to the reform of the Structural Funds; the unnumbered explanatory memorandum submitted by the Department of Trade and Industry on 17th April 1998 relating to Agenda 2000: Cohesion Fund Amendment; and European Union Document No. 5480/99, relating to the European Regional Development Fund. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [Overseas Operations, Governance and Management at Southampton Institute]; to be printed [No. 345-i] [Mr David Davis]. |
| 2 | Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [Denbighshire County Council's Funding Legacy]; to be printed [No. 340-i] [Mr Martyn Jones]. |
[No. 60.] Tuesday 23rd March 1999.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | City of Westminster Bill [Lords],—The City of Westminster Bill [Lords] was read the third time, and passed, with Amendments. |
| 2 | University College London Bill,—The House proceeded to consider the University College London Bill, as amended in the Committee. |
Bill to be read the third time.
| 3 | Employment Relations Bill,—Mr Peter Atkinson reported from Standing Committee E, That it had gone through the Employment Relations Bill, and made Amendments thereunto. |
Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 70].
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 351].
| 4 | Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Edward O'Hara reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Scottish Adjacent Waters Boundaries Order 1999. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
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| 5 | Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Joe Benton reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft International Mobile Satellite Organisation (Immunities and Privileges) Order 1999. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 6 | Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Joe Benton reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (Application to Summary Proceedings) Order 1999. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 7 | European Standing Committee C,—Mr Bill O'Brien reported from European Standing Committee C the following Resolution: |
That the Committee takes note of the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum submitted by the Department of Trade and Industry on 17th April 1998 relating to Reform of the Structural Funds, the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum submitted by the Department of Trade and Industry on 17th April 1998 relating to Agenda 2000, reform of the Cohesion Fund, and European Union Document No. 5480/99, an amended draft Council Regulation on the European Regional Fund; and supports the Government's view that reform of the European Structural and Cohesion Funds is essential in preparation for enlargement and should be concluded by a fair, affordable and durable outcome for all Member States; agrees that the Cohesion Fund is no longer justified where Member States have been admitted to Stage 3 of EMU, and should be phased out as soon as possible, and that the European Development Fund Regulation provides for a suitable basis for the use of that Fund.
Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
| 8 | Age (Prevention of Discrimination),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to prevent discrimination in employment and in other matters on grounds of age—(Mr Robert Maclennan); |
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 Robert Maclennan, Mr David Atkinson, Dr Roger Berry, Dr Vincent Cable, Mr Don Foster, Mrs Linda Gilroy, Dr Evan Harris, Ms Linda Perham, Mr Andrew Rowe and Angela Smith do prepare and bring in the Bill.
| 9 | Age (Prevention of Discrimination) Bill,—Mr Robert Maclennan accordingly presented a Bill to prevent discrimination in employment and in other matters on grounds of age: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 23rd April and to be printed [Bill 69]. |
| 10 | Local Government Bill [Money] (No. 2),—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Local Government Bill [Money] (No. 2); |
A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Local Government Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State in making grants to the Audit Commission for Local Authorities and the National Health Service in England and Wales—(Jane Kennedy);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Keith Hill, Mr David Jamieson: 345.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Eric Forth, Mr David Wilshire: 39.
So the Question was agreed to.
Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Local Government Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State in making grants to the Audit Commission for Local Authorities and the National Health Service in England and Wales.
| 11 | Local Government Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Local Government Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee. |
A Clause (Coordination of inspections, &c.)—(Mr Jon Owen Jones)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.
Another Clause (Requirement for overriding order)—(Mr Bernard Jenkin)—brought up and read the first time.
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A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the Clause be read a second time;
And it being Ten o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned.
| 12 | Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business), That, at this day's sitting, the Local Government Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to. |
| 13 | Local Government Bill,—The House again proceeded to consider the Local Government Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee. |
Question again proposed, That the Clause (Requirement for overriding order) be read a second time:—The House resumed the adjourned Debate.
Question put.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Stephen Day: 156.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Greg Pope, Mrs Anne McGuire: 330.
A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That further consideration of the Bill be now adjourned—(Mr Keith Bradley);
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 proceeded to a Division.
Wednesday 24th March 1999
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Clive Betts: 314.
Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Sir David Madel: 140.
And the Question being accordingly put;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Clive Betts: 314.
Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Sir David Madel: 132.
Bill to be further considered this day.
| 14 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Kevin Hughes.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till seven minutes past One o'clock on Wednesday morning, adjourned till this day.
[Adjourned at 1.07 a.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Local Government Finance,—(1) Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 42) on the Promoting Independence: Partnership Grant for 1999–2000, |
(2) Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 43) on the Promoting Independence: Prevention Grant for 1999–2000, and
(3) Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 44) on the Promoting Independence: Carers Grant for 1999–2000
[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 301, 302 and 303] [Mr Secretary Dobson].
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | National Health Service,—(1) Health Authorities (Membership and Procedure) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 946), and |
(2) National Health Service Trusts (Membership and Procedure) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 945),
dated 23rd March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].
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| 3 | Telegraphs,—Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 930), dated 22nd March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers]. |
Other Papers:
| 4 | Animal Health,—Return of Expenditure Incurred and Prosecutions taken under the Animal Health Act 1981, and Incidences of Disease in Imported Animals for 1998 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. |
| 5 | Cabinet Office Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Buying Agency for 1997, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 314] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 6 | Civil Aviation,—Statement of Guarantee given by the Treasury on 23rd March 1999 in respect of temporary borrowing by the Civil Aviation Authority from the National Westminster Bank plc [by Act] [Mrs Barbara Roche]. |
| 7 | Financial Reporting to Parliament,—Departmental Report for 1999: the Government's expenditure plans for 1999–2000 to 2001–2002 for the Department of Health [by Command] [Cm. 4203] [Mr Secretary Dobson]. |
| 8 | Foreign Affairs,—Government Response to the First Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee, Session 1998–99, on Foreign Policy and Human Rights [by Command] [Cm. 4299] [Mr Secretary Cook]. |
| 9 | Health Service Commissioner,—Second Report of the Health Service Ombudsman, Session 1998–99: Investigation of Complaint About Treatment by Deputising Doctors [by Act]; to be printed [No. 341] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 10 | National Audit,—Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General on:— |
(1) Progress on measures to combat Housing Benefit fraud, and
(2) The Sale of Railfreight Distribution
[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 319 and 280] [Clerk of the House].
| 11 | Social Security,—Paper, entitled A new contract for welfare: safeguarding social security [by Command] [Cm. 4276] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Limit in Relation to Licences to Provide Radio Multiplex Services Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Fiona Mactaggart from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr David Lock. |
| 2 | Draft Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 (Specified Organisations) Order 1999 and the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996 Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 525),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Jeremy Corbyn from the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order and the Order); and nominated in substitution Dr Howard Stoate. |
| 3 | Traffic Areas (Reorganisation) (Wales) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Martin Caton and Dr John Marek from the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Order); and nominated in substitution Ms Julie Morgan and Mr Gareth R. Thomas (Harrow West). |
| 4 | Draft Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996 (Code of Practice) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Tony Colman from the Eleventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Helen Jackson. |
| 5 | Value Added Tax (Finance) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 594) and the Value Added Tax (Buildings and Land) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 593),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Martyn Jones and Mr Gareth R. Thomas (Harrow West) from the Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Orders); and nominated in substitution Mr Gordon Prentice and Mr Gwyn Prosser. |
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APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Education and Employment,—Second Report from the Education and Employment Committee [Part-time Working], 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. 346] [Mr Derek Foster]. |
| 2 | Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Multilateral Environmental Agreements]; to be printed [No. 307-i] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett]. |
| 3 | Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee [Energy Efficiency]; to be printed [No. 159-vi] [Mr John Horam]. |
| 4 | Financial Services and Markets,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on Financial Services and Markets; to be printed [No. 328-iii] [Mr Barry Sheerman]. |
| 5 | Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Transcaucasus and Central Asia]; to be printed [No. 349-i] [Mr Donald Anderson]. |
| 6 | Home Affairs,—First Report from the Home Affairs Committee [The Work of the Criminal Cases Review Commission], 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. 106] [Mr Chris Mullin]. |
| 7 | International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [Women and Development; The Provisions of the Commonwealth Development Corporation Bill [Lords]]; to be printed [Nos. 160-v and 212-i] [Mr Bowen Wells]. |
| 8 | Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration [Accountability of Public Bodies]; to be printed [No. 209-iv] [Mr Rhodri Morgan]. |
| 9 | Standards and Privileges,—Fourth Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges [Complaint against Sir Edward Heath], together with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 348] [Mr Robert Sheldon]. |
| 10 | Statutory Instruments,—Thirteenth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 50-xiii] [Mr David Tredinnick]. |
| 11 | Treasury,—(1) Fourth Special Report from the Treasury Committee [Financial Services Regulation: The Government's Response to the Third Report from the Committee, Session 1998–99]; to be printed [No. 347]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The 1999 Budget]; to be printed [No. 325-iii]
[Mr Giles Radice].
| 12 | Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [Health Issues in Wales]; to be printed [No. 343-i] [Mr Martyn Jones]. |
THE SPEAKER'S CERTIFICATE
| | The Speaker certified that the Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Bill is a Money Bill within the meaning of the Parliament Act 1911. |
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[No. 61.] Wednesday 24th March 1999.
The House met at half-past Nine o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr David Jamieson); |
And it being Two o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.
| 2 | Protection of Children Bill,—Mr Bill O'Brien reported from Standing Committee C, That it had gone through the Protection of Children Bill, and made Amendments thereunto. |
Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered on Friday 30th April; and to be printed [Bill 75].
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 353].
| 3 | Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bill O'Brien reported from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Limit in Relation to Licences to Provide Radio Multiplex Services Order 1999. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Edward O'Hara reported from the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 (Specified Organisations) Order 1999, and the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996 (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 525). |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 5 | Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Barry Jones reported from the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Traffic Areas (Reorganisation) (Wales) Order 1999. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 6 | Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Frank Cook reported from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft National Minimum Wage (Offshore Employment) Order 1999. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 7 | Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bowen Wells reported from the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Social Security (Incapacity, Earnings and Work Trials) Pilot Scheme Regulations 1999. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 8 | European Standing Committee A,—Mrs Ray Michie reported from European Standing Committee A the following Resolution: That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 6378/98, relating to a draft Directive amending Directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms; and endorses the Government's approach in the negotiations. |
Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
| 9 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to provide for the referral of offenders under 18 to youth offender panels; to make provision in connection with the giving of evidence or information for the purposes of criminal proceedings; to make pre-consolidation amendments relating to youth justice; and for connected purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
Disability Rights Commission Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to establish a Disability Rights Commission and make provision as to its functions; and for connected purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
The Lords have agreed to the Amendments made by this House to the City of Westminster Bill [Lords], without Amendment.
| 10 | Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Bill [Lords],—The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 74]. |
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Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Bill [Lords] be printed [Bill 74–EN].
| 11 | Disability Rights Commission Bill [Lords],—The Disability Rights Commission Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 73]. |
Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Disability Rights Commission Bill [Lords] be printed [Bill 73–EN].
| 12 | Energy Conservation (Housing) Bill,—The Order for reading the Energy Conservation (Housing) Bill a second time on Friday 26th March was read and discharged. |
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 30th April.
| 13 | Hare Coursing Bill,—The Order for reading the Hare Coursing Bill a second time on Friday 26th March was read and discharged. |
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 7th May.
| 14 | Wildlife and Countryside (Amendment) Bill,—Mr James Wallace, supported by Mr Ray Beggs, Norman Baker, Mr Peter Bottomley, Mr Lindsay Hoyle and Mr Alasdair Morgan, presented a Bill to amend the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 with respect to acts of recklessness, time limits for bringing proceedings and penalties: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 21st May and to be printed [Bill 71]. |
| 15 | Pensions (Amendment),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require the Secretary of State to report annually on service pensions, war pensions and war widows' pensions: And that Mr Andrew Mackinlay, Mr Syd Rapson, Mr Ronnie Campbell, Mr Michael Fabricant, Mr Martin Bell, Mr Roy Beggs, Paul Flynn, Mr Jim Dobbin, Dr David Clark, Mr Rhodri Morgan, Bob Russell and Mr David Crausby do prepare and bring it in. |
| 16 | Pensions (Amendment) Bill,—Mr Andrew Mackinlay accordingly presented a Bill to require the Secretary of State to report annually on service pensions, war pensions and war widows' pensions: 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 72]. |
| 17 | Reform of the Structural and Cohesion Funds,—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 the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum submitted by the Department of Trade and Industry on 17th April 1998 relating to reform of the Structural Funds, the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum submitted by the Department of Trade and Industry on 17th April 1998 relating to Agenda 2000, reform of the Cohesion Fund, and European Union Document No. 5480/99, an amended draft Council Regulation on the European Regional Fund; and supports the Government's view that reform of the European Structural and Cohesion Funds is essential in preparation for enlargement and should be concluded by a fair, affordable and durable outcome for all Member States; agrees that the Cohesion Fund is no longer justified where Member States have been admitted to Stage 3 of EMU, and should be phased out as soon as possible, and that the European Development Fund Regulation provides a suitable basis for the use of that Fund—(Mr Jim Dowd):—It was agreed to. |
| 18 | Local Government Bill (Allocation of Time),—A Motion was made and the Question being put, That the following provisions shall apply to remaining proceedings on the Local Government Bill: |
Timetable
1. Proceedings on Consideration and on Third Reading shall be completed at the sitting this day and shall be brought to a conclusion, if not previously concluded, five hours after the commencement of proceedings on this Motion.
Questions to be put
2. For the purpose of bringing proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 1 the Speaker shall forthwith put the following Questions (but no others)—
(a) any Question already proposed from the Chair;
(b) any Question necessary to bring to a decision a Question so proposed;
(c) the Question on any amendment moved or Motion made by a Minister of the Crown;
(d) any other Question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded.
3. On a Motion made for a new Clause or a new Schedule, the Speaker shall put only the Question that the Clause or Schedule be added to the Bill.
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Miscellaneous
4. Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) shall apply to proceedings on the Bill at the sitting this day; and the proceedings shall not be interrupted under any Standing order relating to the sittings of the House.
5. The proceedings on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of this Order shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion one hour after commencement; and Standing Order No. 15(1) shall apply to those proceedings.
6. Standing Order No. 82 (Business Committee) shall not apply in relation to proceedings on the Bill.
7. No Motion shall be made, except by a Minister of the Crown, to alter the order in which proceedings on the Bill are taken or to recommit the Bill; and if a Minister makes a Motion to alter the order of proceedings or to recommit the Bill, the Question shall be put forthwith.
8. No dilatory Motion shall be made in relation to the Bill except by a Minister of the Crown.
9. If at the sitting this day a Motion for the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 stands over to Seven o'clock and proceedings on this Motion have begun before that time, the Motion for the Adjournment shall stand over until the conclusion of proceedings on the Bill.
10. If the House is adjourned at the sitting this day, or the sitting is suspended, before the conclusion of proceedings on the Bill, no notice shall be required of a Motion made at the next sitting by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of this Order—(Hilary Armstrong);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Hanson, Mr David Jamieson: 332.
Tellers for the Noes, Sir David Madel, Mrs Caroline Spelman: 162.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 19 | Local Government Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded further to consider the Local Government Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee. |
Another Clause (Endorsement of council tax by referendum)—(Sir Paul Beresford)—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 Caroline Spelman, Sir David Madel: 170.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr Keith Hill: 335.
Amendment (No. 54) proposed to the Bill, in page 1, line 8, at the beginning, to insert the words ‘subject to subsection (4A) below'.—(Mr John Hayes.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Amendment (No. 50), proposed to the Bill, in page 3, line 5, to leave out the words ‘way in which its functions are exercised' and insert the words ‘value for money of its provision of services' instead thereof.—(Mr Bernard Jenkin.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Amendment (No. 60), proposed to the Bill, in page 3, to leave out lines 28 to 30.—(Mr Nigel Waterson.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Amendment (No. 6) made to the Bill.
Another Amendment (No. 35) proposed to the Bill, in page 4, line 5, after the word ‘section' to insert the words ‘unless it can satisfy the Secretary of State that there is a reason why this should not be done.'.—(Mr Bernard Jenkin.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Amendment (No. 68) proposed to the Bill, in page 4, line 29, to leave out from the word ‘other' to the end of line 30 and to insert the word ‘parties' instead thereof'.—(Mr Bernard Jenkin.)
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Question proposed, That the Amendment be made.
And it being five hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion on Local Government Bill (Allocation of Time), the Deputy Speaker, pursuant to Order [this day], put the Question already proposed from the Chair.
Question put and negatived.
The Deputy Speaker then put forthwith the remaining Questions he was directed to put to bring proceedings on Consideration and Third Reading to a conclusion.
Other Amendments (Nos. 16 to 18, 7 to 9, 19 to 24, 10, 11, 25 and 12) 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, Mr Greg Pope, Jane Kennedy: 319.
Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Caroline Spelman, Sir David Madel: 170.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.
| 20 | Social Security,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Social Security and Child Support (Decisions and Appeals) Regulations 1999, which were laid before this House on 4th March, be approved—(Mr David Hanson):—It was agreed to. |
| 21 | Family 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 Child Support (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 1999, which were laid before this House on 8th March, be approved—(Mr David Hanson):—It was agreed to. |
| 22 | Family 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 Child Support (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 1999, which were laid before this House on 8th March, be approved—(Mr David Hanson):—It was agreed to. |
| 23 | National Lottery,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft New Opportunities Fund (Specification of Initiatives) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 11th March, be approved—(Mr David Hanson):—It was agreed to. |
| 24 | International Immunities and Privileges,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No.118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft International Mobile Satellite Organisation (Immunities and Privileges) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 25th February, be approved—(Mr David Hanson):—It was agreed to. |
| 25 | Criminal Law (Scotland),—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 Criminal Cases Review Commission (Application to Summary Proceedings) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 8th March, be approved—(Mr David Hanson):—It was agreed to. |
| 26 | Constitutional 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 Adjacent Waters Boundaries Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 8th March, be approved—(Mr David Hanson):—It was agreed to. |
| 27 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from citizens of Gosport, Fareham and surrounding areas and others for the retention of the Royal Hospital, Haslar, was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 28 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr David Hanson); |
And it being Ten o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.
| 29 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr David Hanson.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-nine Minutes past Ten o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.29 p.m.
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APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Representation of the People,—Draft European Parliamentary Elections Regulations 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Health and Safety,—Police (Health and Safety) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 860), dated 17th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 3 | Water Resources,—(1) The Water Protection Zone (River Dee Catchment) Designation Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 915), and |
(2) Water Protection Zone (River Dee Catchment) (Procedural and Other Provisions) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 916),
dated 19th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].
Other Papers:
| 4 | Financial Reporting to Parliament,—Departmental Reports for 1999: the Government's expenditure plans for 1999-2000 to 2001-02:— |
(1) Department for Education and Employment and Office for Standards in Education [by Command] [Cm. 4202] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]; and
(2) Law Officers' Departments [by Command] [Cm. 4207] [Mr Attorney General].
| 5 | Local Government,—Paper, entitled Local Leadership, Local Choice [by Command] [Cm. 4298] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 6 | Parliamentary Commissioner,—Third Report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, Session 1998-99: Access to Official Information—The Disclosure of Information in relation to Deaths in Prison [by Act]; to be printed [No. 342] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 7 | Police (Northern Ireland),—Objectives for the policing of Northern Ireland [by Act] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Bill,—The Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on Standing Committee C, viz.: Mr Richard Allan, Mr David Amess, Mr Ian Cawsey, Mr James Clappison, Mr Paul Clark, Mr Cynog Dafis, Caroline Flint, Mr Roger Gale, Mr George Howarth, Mr Tim Loughton, Mr Andrew Miller, Mr Gwyn Prosser, Angela Smith, Helen Southworth, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe and Mr Alan Williams (Swansea West). |
| 2 | Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Dr Michael Clark Chairman of Standing Committee B. |
| 3 | Special Grant Report (Scotland): Grant in Aid of Expenditure on Rural Public Passenger Transport for 1999–2000 (House of Commons Paper No. 283), the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 45) (Metropolitan Railway Passenger Services Grant 1999–2000) (House of Commons Paper No. 305), and the Special Grant Report (Scotland): Grant in Aid of Expenditure on Rail Services in the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Area (House of Commons Paper No. 329): |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Special Grant Reports to the First 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.: Norman Baker, Mr Russell Brown, Mr Desmond Browne, Mr Tom Clarke, Mr Tam Dalyell, Mr Brian H. Donohoe, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Oliver Letwin, Sir Peter Lloyd, Mr Calum Macdonald, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Jim Murphy, Mr Frank Roy, Mr Adrian Sanders, Sir Raymond Whitney and Mr Tony Worthington.
| 4 | Draft Carriage by Air Acts (Implementation of Protocol No. 4 of Montreal, 1975) Order 1999, and the draft Carriage by Air Acts (Application of Provisions) (Fifth Amendment) Order 1999: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Orders to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Joe Benton Chairman; and
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(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Graham Allen, John Austin, Mr Roger Berry, Mr Tom Brake, Mr Ben Chapman, Mr Jeremy Corbyn, Mr Brian Cotter, Maria Eagle, Jane Griffiths, Glenda Jackson, Mr Bernard Jenkin, Mr Geoffrey Robinson, Mr Peter Snape, Mrs Caroline Spelman, Mr Anthony Steen and Mr David Tredinnick.
| 5 | Criminal Legal Aid (Fixed Payments) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 (S. I., 1999, No. 491): |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Regulations to the Third 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 Desmond Browne, Mr Malcolm Chisholm, Mr Michael Connarty, Mr David Curry, Mr Ian Davidson, Dr Norman A. Godman, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mr Calum Macdonald, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Frank Roy, Mr Jonathan Sayeed, Sir Robert Smith, Dr Gavin Strang, Mr James Wallace and Mr James Wray.
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Defence,—(1) Second Report from the Defence Committee [The Appointment of the New Head of Defence Export Services], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 147]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee [Kosovo]; to be printed [No. 39-vii]
[Mr Bruce George].
| 2 | Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee [The Green Paper: teachers: meeting the challenge of change]; to be printed [No. 350-i] [Mr Malcolm Wicks]. |
| 3 | Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) Eighth Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Local Government Finance], with the Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 78-I]; |
(2) First Special Report from the Committee [Health & Safety Commission and Executive Response to the First Report from the Committee: Railway Safety]; to be printed [No. 352];
(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [UK Climate Change Programme]; to be printed [No. 171-iii]; and
(4) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee [Aviation Safety]; to be printed [No. 275-ii]
[Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody]
| 4 | European Scrutiny,—Fourteenth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 34-xiv] [Mr Jimmy Hood] |
| 5 | Food Standards,—Report from the Food Standards Committee [Food Standards Draft Bill], 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. 276] [Mr Kevin Barron]. |
| 6 | Modernisation of the House of Commons,—Second Report from the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons [Sittings of the House in Westminster Hall], 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. 194] [Margaret Beckett]. |
| 7 | Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Impact in Northern Ireland of Cross-Border Road Fuel Price Differentials]; to be printed [No. 334-ii] [Mr Peter Brooke]. |
| 8 | Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [Home Office: Handgun Surrender and Compensation]; to be printed [No. 354-i] [Mr David Davis]. |
| 9 | Scottish Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Scottish Affairs Committee [Tourism in Scotland]; to be printed [No. 85-v] [Mr David Marshall]. |
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[No. 62.] Thursday 25th March 1999.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | HFC Bank Bill,—The Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means reported from the Committee on Unopposed Bills, That it had examined the allegations contained in the Preamble to the HFC Bank Bill and had amended the same so as to make it consistent with the facts as proved by the evidence adduced, and found the same, as amended, to be true; and had gone through the Bill and made Amendments thereunto. |
Bill, as amended in the Committee, to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Northern Ireland Grand Committee,—Mr Peter Atkinson reported from the Northern Ireland Grand Committee, That it had considered the matter of the draft Report of the Department of Economic Development's Economic Strategy Review, referred to it on 16th March, and had directed him to report accordingly to the House. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 99].
| 3 | Eleventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr George Stevenson reported from the Eleventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996 (Code of Practice) Order 1999. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bill Olner reported from the Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Value Added Tax (Finance) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 594), and the Value Added Tax (Buildings and Land) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 593). |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 5 | Energy Efficiency Bill,—The Order for resuming to-morrow the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed on 12th March, That the Energy Efficiency Bill be now read a second time, was read and discharged. |
Debate to be resumed on Friday 30th April.
| 6 | Royal Assent,—The Speaker notified the House, in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967, that Her Majesty has signified Her Royal Assent to the following Acts, agreed upon by both Houses: |
Consolidated Fund Act 1999
City of Westminster Act 1999.
| 7 | Recycled Content of Newsprint Bill,—Mr David Chaytor, supported by Mr David Lepper, Mr Stephen Pound, Mr John Horam, Mr Tom Brake, Mrs Helen Brinton, John Austin and Julia Drown, presented a Bill to increase the content of recycled paper collected and used in newsprint in England and Wales; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 23rd April and to be printed [Bill 76]. |
| 8 | Adjournment (Kosovo),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Jane Kennedy); |
Mr Tony Benn 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 negatived.
And the Question being again proposed, That this House do now adjourn:—The House resumed the adjourned Debate;
And it being Seven o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.
| 9 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from the Friends of Plymouth Derriford Hospital Kidney Unit in support of the service provided by the renal transplant unit at Plymouth Derriford Hospital was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 10 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from residents of the constituency of Saffron Walden against hunting with dogs was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
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| 11 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Kevin Hughes); |
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 Standing Order and the Sessional Order [16 December], it being then twenty-eight minutes to Eight o'clock, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 7.32 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Criminal Injuries Compensation,—Draft of Alterations to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Education,—Education (Secondary Education in Further Education Institutions) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 954), dated 22nd March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 3 | Local Government (Scotland),—(1) Local Government Act 1988 (Competition) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 947), and |
(2) Local Government (Exemption from Competition) (Scotland) Amendment Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 937)
dated 22nd March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].
| 4 | Police,—Police Grant (Scotland) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 953) dated 22nd March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 5 | Social Security,—Income Support (General) (Standard Interest Rate Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 907), dated 18th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 6 | Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,—Statute, dated 19th November 1998, made by the Governing Body of the University of Oxford amending the Statutes of the University [by Act] [Margaret Beckett]. |
Other Papers:
| 7 | Commonwealth Development Corporation,—Report and Accounts of the Commonwealth Development Corporation for 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Clare Short]. |
| 8 | Criminal Statistics,—Statistical Bulletin: Recorded Crime in Scotland 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 9 | Financial Reporting to Parliament,—Departmental Reports for 1999: the Government's expenditure plans 1999–2000 to 2001–02:— |
(1) Cabinet Office, Central Office of Information, Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration and Health Service Commissioners, Privy Council Office, House of Lords, House of Commons and National Audit Office [by Command] [Cm. 4221] [Dr Jack Cunningham]; and
(2) Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Ordnance Survey, Office of Passenger Rail Franchising, Office of the Rail Regulator and Office of Water Services [by Command] [Cm. 4204] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
| 10 | Security Industry,—Paper, entitled The Government's Proposals for Regulation of the Private Security Industry in England and Wales [by Command] [Cm. 4254] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Referendums Bill,—The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee C. |
| 2 | Special Grant Report (Scotland) on Grant in Aid of Expenditure on Rural Public Passenger Transport for 1999–2000 (House of Commons Paper No. 283), the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 45): Metropolitan Railway Passenger
|
Page 240 Thursday 25th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top | |
Services Grant 1999–2000 (House of Commons Paper No. 305) and the Special Grant Report (Scotland) on Grant in Aid of Expenditure on Rail Services in the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Area (House of Commons Paper No. 329),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Brian H. Donohoe from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Special Grant Reports); and nominated in substitution Mr Nigel Griffiths. |
| 3 | Draft Carriage by Air Acts (Implementation of Protocol No. 4 of Montreal, 1975) Order 1999 and the draft Carriage by Air Acts (Application of Provisions) (Fifth Amendment) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged John Austin from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Orders); and nominated in substitution Dr Alan Whitehead. |
| 4 | Criminal Legal Aid (Fixed Payments) (Scotland) Regulations 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Dr Gavin Strang from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Jim Murphy. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Culture, Media and Sport,—(1) Third Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Back to the Dome], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 21]; |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Staging International Sporting Events]; to be printed [No. 124-vi]; and
(3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Back to the Dome]
[Mr Gerald Kaufman].
| 2 | Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee [The Budget 1999]; to be printed [No. 326-ii] [Mr John Horam]. |
| 3 | Financial Services and Markets,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on Financial Services and Markets; to be printed [No. 328-iv] [Mr Barry Sheerman]. |
| 4 | Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee [The Regulation of Private and other Independent Healthcare]; to be printed [No. 281-iii] [Mr David Hinchliffe]. |
| 5 | Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Treasury Committee [Inland Revenue]; to be printed [No. 199-iv] [Mr Giles Radice]. |
[No. 63.] Friday 26th March 1999.
The House met at half-past Nine o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Mr David Watson for the proper use of monies given to charity was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 2 | Right to Roam Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Right to Roam Bill; |
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).
Page 241 Friday 26th March 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
And the Question being again proposed, Mr David Maclean rose in his place, and claimed to move, that the Question be now put, but the Deputy Speaker withheld his assent, and declined then to put that Question.
And it being half-past Two o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned.
| 3 | Hedges (Control) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Hedges (Control) Bill; |
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 7th May.
| 4 | Age Limits on Health Care Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Age Limits on Health Care Bill; |
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 16th April.
| 5 | Motor Accident Injury Compensation Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Motor Accident Injury Compensation Bill; |
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 16th April.
| 6 | Sea Fisheries (Shellfish) (Amendment) Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Sea Fisheries (Shellfish) (Amendment) Bill [Lords]; |
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 16th April.
| 7 | Computer Millennium Non-Compliance (Contingency Plans) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Computer Millennium Non-Compliance (Contingency Plans) Bill; |
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 23rd April.
| 8 | Public 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 16th April.
| 9 | Pensions (Amendment) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of Pensions (Amendment) Bill; |
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 16th April.
| 10 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Graham Allen.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till one minute past Three o'clock, adjourned till Monday 29th March.
[Adjourned at 3.01 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Customs and Excise,—Dual Use and Related Goods (Export Control) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999, No. 984), dated 25th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers]. |
| 2 | Education,—(1) Education (Information About Individual Pupils) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 989), dated 25th March 1999, and |
(2) Epsom College (Modification) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 988), dated 24th March 1999
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].
| 3 | Merchant Shipping,—Protection of Wrecks (M/S Estonia) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 856), dated 17th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 4 | Patents,—Register of Patent Agents and the Register of Trade Mark Agents (Amendment) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 983) dated 25th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers]. |
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| 5 | Young Offender Institutions,—Young Offender Institution (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 962), dated 24th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
Other Papers:
| 6 | Crown Copyright,—Paper, entitled The Future Management of Crown Copyright [by Command] [Cm. 4300] [Dr Jack Cunningham]. |
| 7 | Financial Reporting to Parliament,—Departmental Reports for 1999: the Government's expenditure plans 1999–2000 to 2001–02:— |
(1) Home Office and the Charity Commission, Volumes 1 and 2 [by Command] [Cm. 4205] [Mr Secretary Straw];
(2) Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Intervention Board [by Command] [Cm. 4212] [Mr Nicholas Brown]; and
(3) Ministry of Defence [by Command] [Cm. 4208] [Mr Secretary Robertson].
| 8 | Ireland (No. 6, 1999),—Agreement, done at Dublin on 26th November 1998, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland concerning Mutual Assistance in Relation to Criminal Matters, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 4306] [Mr Secretary Cook]. |
| 9 | Miscellaneous (No. 20, 1999),—Protocol No. 6 to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, done at Strasbourg on 28th April 1983, concerning the Abolition of the Death Penalty, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 4284] [Mr Secretary Cook]. |
| 10 | National Health Service,—Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 23rd March 1999 on loans proposed to be raised by the following National Health Service Trusts— |
(i) East Wiltshire Health Care,
(ii) Royal Devon & Exeter Healthcare, and
(iii) United Bristol Healthcare
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].
| 11 | Regulatory Impact Assessments,—List of Regulatory Impact Assessments for 1st July to 31st December 1998 [by Command] [Cm. 4301] [Dr Jack Cunningham]. |
| 12 | Treaty Series [No. 18, 1999),—Convention, done at Oslo on 18th September 1997, on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction [by Command] [Cm. 4308] [Mr Secretary Cook]. |
| 13 | Welsh Church,—Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council (Welsh Church Act Trust Fund) Scheme 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Carriage by Air Acts (Implementation of Protocol No. 4 of Montreal, 1975) Order 1999 and the draft Carriage by Air Acts (Application of Provisions) (Fifth Amendment) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Geoffrey Robinson from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Orders); and nominated in substitution Mr Tony McWalter. |
| 2 | Criminal Legal Aid (Fixed Payments) (Scotland) Regulations 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Calum Macdonald from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Henry McLeish. |
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