| Commons Journal 255
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II
Page 243 1998-1999 Volume 255
[No. 64.] Monday 29th March 1999.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Newark Writ,—A Motion was made, That the Speaker do issue her Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a new Writ for the electing of a Member to serve in this present Parliament for the county constituency of Newark in the room of Fiona Elizabeth Ann Jones—(Mr James Arbuthnot); |
And the Motion being opposed, further proceeding stood postponed.
| 2 | First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bowen Wells reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the 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). |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Joe Benton reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the 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. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
Health Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to amend the law about the national health service; make provision in relation to arrangements and payments between health service bodies and local authorities with respect to health and health-related functions; make provision in relation to monitoring and improving the quality of health care in independent hospitals; confer power to regulate any professions concerned (wholly or partly) with the physical or mental health of individuals; and for connected purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
| 5 | Health Bill [Lords],—The Health Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 77]. |
Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Health Bill [Lords] be printed [Bill 77–EN].
| 6 | Newark Writ,—The House resumed the postponed proceeding on the Motion, That the Speaker do issue her Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a new Writ for the electing of a Member to serve in this present Parliament for the county constituency of Newark in the room of Fiona Elizabeth Ann Jones. |
Question proposed.
An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 1, to leave out from the word ‘That' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘this House do pass to the Orders of the day', instead thereof.—(Margaret Beckett.)
And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Clive Betts: 260.
Tellers for the Noes, Sir David Madel, Mr Stephen Day: 97.
So the Question was agreed to.
And the Main Question, so amended, being put:—It was agreed to.
Resolved, That this House do pass to the Orders of the day.
| 7 | Adjournment (Stephen Lawrence Inquiry),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Kevin Hughes); |
And it being Ten o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.
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| 8 | Education and Employment,—Ordered, That Mr Don Foster be discharged from the Education and Employment Committee and Mr Phil Willis be added to the Committee.—(Mr Paul Tyler, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) |
| 9 | Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from residents of the constituencies of— |
(1) Aylesbury,
(2) Daventry, and
(3) Ludlow
against hunting with dogs were presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
| 10 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Mike Hall); |
And the Motion having been made after Ten o'clock, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then twenty-nine minutes to Eleven o'clock, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.31 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Constitutional Law,—National Assembly for Wales (First Meeting) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 944), dated 17th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael]. |
| 2 | Environmental Protection,—United Kingdom Ecolabelling Board (Abolition) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 931), dated 22nd March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 3 | Housing,—Social Landlords (Additional Purposes or Objects) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 985), dated 25th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 4 | Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 992), dated 26th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 5 | National Debt,—Draft Government Stock (Amendment) Regulations 1999 [by Act] [Ms Patricia Hewitt]. |
| 6 | Social Security,—(1) Distraint by Authorised Officers (Fees, Costs and Charges) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 980), and |
(2) Social Security Contributions, etc. (Decisions and Appeals—Transitional Modifications) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 978),
dated 25th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].
Other Papers:
| 7 | Broadcasting,—Report and Accounts of the Independent Television Commission for 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
| 8 | Financial Reporting to Parliament,—Departmental Reports for 1999: the Government's expenditure plans 1999–2000 to 2001–02:— |
(1) Chancellor of the Exchequer's Departments: HM Treasury, National Savings, Registry of Friendly Societies, National Investment and Loans Office, Office for National Statistics, Government Actuary's Department and Financial Transactions with European Community Institutions [by Command] [Cm. 4218] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer]; and
(2) Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Office of the National Lottery (OFLOT) [by Command] [Cm. 4213] [Mr Secretary Smith].
| 9 | Government Annuities,—Account of Government Annuities and Insurances for 1998 [by Act] [Ms Patricia Hewitt]. |
| 10 | Government Trading Funds,—Treasury Minute, dated 29th March 1999, concerning a further financial objective desirable of achievement by the Ordnance Survey Trading Fund for the period 1st April 1999 to 31st March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Alan Milburn]. |
| 11 | Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments,—Report of the Historic Buildings Council for Wales for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael]. |
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| 12 | London Regional Transport,—Statement of Guarantee given by the Treasury on 29th March 1999 in respect of temporary borrowing by London Regional Transport from Midland Bank plc [by Act] [Mrs Barbara Roche]. |
| 13 | National Health Service,—(1) Statement of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 24th March 1999 on loans proposed to be raised by the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre National Health Service Trust; and |
(2) Statements of Guarantees given by the Secretary of State for Health on 25th March 1999 on loans proposed to be raised by the following National Health Service Trusts—
(i) The Epsom and St Helier, and
(ii) Weston Area Health
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].
| 14 | New Towns,—Statement of Guarantee given by the Treasury on 29th March 1999 under the New Towns Act 1981 in respect of temporary borrowing by the Commission for the New Towns from Barclays Bank plc [by Act] [Mrs Barbara Roche]. |
| 15 | Training and Enterprise Councils,—Accounts of the Training and Enterprise Councils in Wales for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 360] [Mr Secretary Michael]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| | Criminal Legal Aid (Fixed Payments) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 491): |
(1) The Speaker has appointed Mr Jimmy Hood Chairman of the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Regulations, in place of Mr Frank Cook; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Malcolm Chisholm and Mr Jim Murphy from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Regulations); and nominated in substitution Rosemary McKenna and Rachel Squire.
[No. 65.] Tuesday 30th March 1999.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | University College London Bill,—The University College London Bill was read the third time, and passed. |
| 2 | Greater London Authority Bill,—Mr Nicholas Winterton reported from Standing Committee A, That it had gone through the Greater London Authority Bill (except Clauses Nos. 1 to 4 and Schedules Nos. 1 and 2), and made Amendments thereunto. |
Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 79].
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 364].
| 3 | Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Jimmy Hood reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Criminal Legal Aid (Fixed Payments) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 491). |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Football (Offences and Disorder) Bill,—Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Football (Offences and Disorder) Bill be printed [Bill 17–EN]. |
| 5 | Sexual Offences (Anonymity of Defendants),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to provide for the anonymity of teachers, etc. accused of sexual offences against children in relation to whom they are in a position of trust; and for connected purposes: And that Mr Crispin Blunt, Mr Robin Corbett, Mr Ian Bruce, Mr Ian Cawsey, Mr Graham Brady, Mr Nick St. Aubyn, Mr Gerry Steinberg, Mr Edward Leigh, Mr John Bercow, Dr Phyllis Starkey and Mr Tim Loughton do prepare and bring it in. |
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| 6 | Sexual Offences (Anonymity of Defendants) Bill,—Mr Crispin Blunt accordingly presented a Bill to provide for the anonymity of teachers, etc. accused of sexual offences against children in relation to whom they are in a position of trust; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 16th April and to be printed [Bill 78]. |
| 7 | Terms and Conditions of Employment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft National Minimum Wage (Offshore Employment) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 10th March, be approved—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to. |
| 8 | Deliberate Release into the Environment of Genetically Modified Organisms,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees), That this House takes note of European Union 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—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to. |
| 9 | Employment Relations Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Employment Relations Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee. |
A Clause (Compensatory award etc: removal of limit in certain cases)—(Mr Secretary Byers)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.
A Clause (Small employers' exemption)—(Mr John Redwood)—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, Mr Stephen Day: 131.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr David Clelland: 348.
Another Clause (Codes of good employment practice)—(Mr Tim Boswell)—brought up and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Clause (Discrimination in the work-place on grounds of age)—(Mr David Chidgey)—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 Brian Cotter, Sir Robert Smith: 29.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Hanson, Mrs Anne McGuire: 318.
And it being after Ten o'clock, further consideration of the Bill stood adjourned.
| 10 | 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 Employment Relations Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to. |
| 11 | Employment Relations Bill,—The House again proceeded to consider the Employment Relations Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee. |
Another Clause (Discrimination in the work-place on grounds of sexual orientation)—(Mr David Chidgey)—brought up and read the first time.
Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Dr Evan Harris, Sir Robert Smith: 28.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Hanson, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 313.
Another Clause (Strikes to achieve collective bargaining rights not protected from legal action)—(Mr Tim Boswell)—brought up and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave withdrawn.
Another Clause (Assessment of working days lost as a result of Act)—(Mr Tim Boswell)—brought up and read the first time.
Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.
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The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Tim Collins, Mrs Eleanor Laing: 123.
Tellers for the Noes: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr David Hanson: 320.
Another Clause (Duty to avoid conflicts of interest in employment)—(Mr Graham Brady)—brought up and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
Amendment (No. 11) proposed to the Bill, in page 1, line 19, to leave out the word ‘compilation' and insert the word ‘use', instead thereof.—(Mr Tim Boswell.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Wednesday 31st March 1999
Amendment (No. 51) made to the Bill.
Another Amendment (No. 40) proposed to the Bill, in page 5, line 38, at the end, to insert the words—
‘(1A) This section shall not apply to an employer who shows that to comply with it would conflict with his religious beliefs'.—(Mr Graham Brady.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Amendment (No. 44) proposed to the Bill, in page 6, line 6, at the end, to insert the words—
‘(d) is to be permitted to speak only on matters which are directly relevant to the subject of the hearing'.—(Mr Graham Brady.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Other Amendments (Nos. 166, 53 to 55, 57 and 58) made to the Bill.
Ordered, That further consideration of the Bill be now adjourned.—(Mr Greg Pope.)
Bill to be further considered this day.
| 12 | Local Government Finance (Scotland),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Special Grant Report (Scotland): Grant in aid of expenditure on rural public passenger transport for 1999–2000 (House of Commons Paper No. 283), which was laid before this House on 3rd March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to. |
| 13 | Local Government Finance,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 45) (Metropolitan Railway Passenger Services Grant 1999–2000) (House of Commons Paper No. 305), which was laid before this House on 10th March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to. |
| 14 | Local Government Finance (Scotland),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That 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), which was laid before this House on 18th March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to. |
| 15 | Broadcasting,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Limit in Relation to Licences to Provide Radio Multiplex Services Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 8th March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to. |
| 16 | Road Traffic,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Traffic Areas (Reorganisation) (Wales) Order 1999, dated 9th March 1999, a copy of which was laid before this House on 10th March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to. |
| 17 | Prisons,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 (Specified Organisations) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 3rd March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to. |
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| 18 | Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996 (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 525), dated 3rd March 1999, a copy of which was laid before this House on 3rd March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to. |
| 19 | Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996 (Code of Practice) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 8th March, be approved—(Jane Kennedy):—It was agreed to. |
| 20 | Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from residents of the constituencies of— |
(1) Bracknell,
(2) Eddisbury, and
(3) Teignbridge
against hunting with dogs were presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
| 21 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Jane Kennedy.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till six minutes to One o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 12.54 a.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Companies,—Draft Local Authority (Stocks and Bonds) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 [by Act] [Ms Patricia Hewitt]. |
| 2 | Public Health,—Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1005), dated 25th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 3 | Road Traffic,—Draft Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (Amendment) Order 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 4 | County Courts,—(1) Contracting Out of Functions (Court Staff) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1013), dated 30th March 1999, |
(2) High Court and County Courts (Allocation of Arbitration Proceedings) (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1010), dated 25th March 1999, and
(3) High Court and County Courts Jurisdiction (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1014), dated 30th March 1999
[by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].
| 5 | Education,—Education (Inspection of Vocational Training) (Prescribed Persons and Bodies Awarding or Authenticating Vocational Qualifications) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 963), dated 24th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael]. |
| 6 | Environmental Protection,—Highway Litter Clearance and Cleaning (Transfer of Responsibility) (North West Leicestershire and South Derbyshire) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1007), dated 26th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 7 | Fair Employment,—Fair Employment (Monitoring) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 (S.R.(N.I.), 1999, No. 148), dated 25th March 1999 [by Act] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam]. |
| 8 | Family Proceedings,—Family Proceedings (Miscellaneous Amendments) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1012), dated 25th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon]. |
| 9 | Food,—Sweeteners in Food (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 982), dated 24th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. |
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| 10 | Highways,—(1) Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1025), and |
(2) Highways (Traffic Calming) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1026),
dated 30th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
| 11 | Income Tax,—Personal Portfolio Bonds (Tax) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1029), dated 30th March 1999 [by Act] [Ms Patricia Hewitt]. |
| 12 | National Health Service,—Health Authorities (England) Establishment Order 1996 Amendment and the Cambridgeshire and Norfolk Health Authorities (Establishment etc.) (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1024), dated 30th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson]. |
| 13 | Roads and Bridges (Scotland),—Road Humps and Traffic Calming (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1000), dated 16th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 14 | Social Security,—(1) Social Security (Contributions) Amendment (No. 3) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 975), dated 25th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]; and |
(2) Social Security Contributions (Decisions and Appeals) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1027), dated 30th March 1999 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].
| 15 | Supreme Court of England and Wales,—(1) Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1008), dated 25th March 1999, |
(2) Court Funds (Amendment) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1021), dated 29th March 1999, and
(3) Non-Contentious Probate (Amendment) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1015), dated 25th March 1999
[by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].
| 16 | Water Resources,—Anti-Pollution Works Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1006), dated 30th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
Other Papers:
| 17 | Criminal Procedure (Scotland),—Paper, entitled Costs, Sentencing Profiles and the Scottish Criminal Justice System, 1997 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 18 | Financial Reporting to Parliament,—Departmental Reports for 1999: the Government's expenditure plans 1999–2000 to 2001–02:— |
(1) Department for International Development [by Command] [Cm. 4210] [Secretary Clare Short];
(2) Departments of the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Forestry Commission [by Command] [Cm. 4215] [Mr Secretary Dewar];
(3) Department of Social Security [by Command] [Cm. 4214] [Mr Secretary Darling];
(4) Department of Trade and Industry, Export Credits Guarantee Department, Office of Fair Trading, Office of Telecommunications, Office of Gas Supply and Office of Electricity Regulation [by Command] [Cm. 4211] [Mr Secretary Byers];
(5) HM Customs and Excise [by Command] [Cm. 4219] [Dawn Primarolo];
(6) Inland Revenue [by Command] [Cm. 4220] [Dawn Primarolo];
(7) Lord Chancellor's Departments: Lord Chancellor's Department, Northern Ireland Court Service, Public Record Office and HM Land Registry [by Command] [Cm. 4206] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon];
(8) Northern Ireland [by Command] [Cm. 4217] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam]; and
(9) Welsh Office and the Office of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools in Wales [by Command] [Cm. 4216] [Mr Secretary Michael].
| 19 | Library and Information Commission,—Report and Financial Statements of the Library and Information Commission for 1997–98: Year 3 [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
| 20 | Modernising Government,—Paper, entitled Modernising Government [by Command] [Cm. 4310] [Dr Jack Cunningham]. |
| 21 | Public Accounts,—Treasury Minute on the Fourth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 1998–99 [by Command] [Cm. 4312] [Mrs Barbara Roche]. |
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| 22 | Race Relations,—Account of the Commission for Racial Equality for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 361] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 23 | Representation of the People,—European Parliamentary Elections (Day of Poll) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 949), dated 23rd March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 24 | Social Security,—Government Response to the Third Report from the Social Security Committee, Session 1998–99, on Disability Living Allowance [by Command] [Cm. 4307] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
APPENDIX II
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Agriculture,—(1) Fourth Report from the Agriculture Committee [The UK Pig Industry: The Government's Response], together with an Appendix [Government Observations on the Third Report from the Committee, on The UK Pig Industry]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 367]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Sea Fishing; Badgers and Bovine Tuberculosis]
[Mr Peter Luff].
| 2 | Deregulation,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Deregulation Committee [Reform of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994]; to be printed [No. 324-ii] [Mr Peter L. Pike]. |
| 3 | Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee on 29th and 30th March [Energy Efficiency]; to be printed [Nos. 159-vi and -vii] [Mr John Horam]. |
| 4 | 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-ii] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett]. |
| 5 | European Scrutiny,—Fifteenth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee, together with Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 34-xv] [Mr Jimmy Hood]. |
| 6 | Financial Services and Markets,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on Financial Services and Markets; to be printed [No. 328-v] [Mr Barry Sheerman]. |
| 7 | Foreign Affairs,—(1) Second Special Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee [Premature Disclosure of First and Third Reports of Session 1998–99]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 365]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Gibraltar]; to be printed [No. 366-i]
[Mr Donald Anderson].
| 8 | Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [The Work of the UK Anti-Drugs Coordinator/Drugs and Prisons]; to be printed [No. 363-i] [Mr Chris Mullin]. |
| 9 | International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [Women and Development]; to be printed [No. 160-vi] [Mr Bowen Wells]. |
| 10 | Parliamentary Privilege,—Report from the Joint Committee on Parliamentary Privilege, together with the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee in Session 1997–98 and Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee [Nos. 214-I, II and III] [Mrs Ann Taylor]. |
| 11 | Procedure,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Procedure Committee [Procedural Consequences of Devolution]; to be printed [No. 185-vi] [Mr Nicholas Winterton]. |
| 12 | Standards and Privileges,—Fifth Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges [Complaint against Mr Geoffrey Robinson (No. 2)], together with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 362] [Mr Robert Sheldon]. |
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| 13 | Statutory Instruments,—Fourteenth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 50-xiv] [Mr David Tredinnick]. |
| 14 | Treasury,—(1) Fourth Report from the Treasury Committee [The 1999 Budget], 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. 325]; and |
(2) Memorandum laid before the Committee [The 1999 Budget]
[Mr Giles Radice].
| 15 | Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [Health Issues in Wales]; to be printed [No. 343-ii] [Mr Martyn Jones]. |
[No. 66.] Wednesday 31st 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 Mike Hall); |
And it being Two o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.
| 2 | Licensing (Young Persons) Bill,—Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Licensing (Young Persons) Bill be printed [Bill 19–EN]. |
| 3 | Prescription Charges (Hormone Replacement Therapy),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to provide for women requiring hormone replacement therapy to pay a single prescription charge for both single and cyclical hormones, regardless of the preparation they are taking: And that Dr Howard Stoate, Christine Russell, Mr Gareth Thomas (Clwyd West), Mr Stephen Pound, Mrs Teresa Gorman, Dr Evan Harris and John Austin do prepare and bring it in. |
| 4 | Prescription Charges (Hormone Replacement Therapy) Bill,—Dr Howard Stoate accordingly presented a Bill to provide for women requiring hormone replacement therapy to pay a single prescription charge for both single and cyclical hormones, regardless of the preparation they are taking: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 11th June and to be printed [Bill 80]. |
| 5 | Value Added Tax,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Value Added Tax (Buildings and Land) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 593), dated 9th March 1999, a copy of which was laid before this House on 9th March, be approved—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to. |
| 6 | Value Added Tax,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Value Added Tax (Finance) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 594), dated 9th March 1999, a copy of which was laid before this House on 9th March, be approved—(Mr David Jamieson); |
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Jane Kennedy, Mr David Clelland: 305.
Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr John M. Taylor: 153.
So the Question was agreed to.
Resolved, That the Value Added Tax (Finance) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 594), dated 9th March 1999, a copy of which was laid before this House on 9th March, be approved.
| 7 | 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 (Incapacity, Earnings and Work Trials) Pilot Schemes Regulations 1999, which were laid before this House on 10th March, be approved—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to. |
| 8 | Employment Relations Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded further to consider the Employment Relations Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee. |
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Another Amendment (No. 59) proposed to the Bill, in page 14, to leave out from the beginning of line 10 to the end of line 40 on page 15, and to insert the words—
‘. Schedule (Employment Agencies) shall have effect.', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Byers.)
Question put, That the Amendment be made.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Jim Dowd, Mr Mike Hall: 319.
Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Caroline Spelman, Mr Tim Collins: 127.
A Schedule (Ballots and notices)—(Mr Secretary Byers)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.
Another Schedule (Employment Agencies)—(Mr Secretary Byers)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.
Another Amendment (No. 46) proposed to the Bill, in page 19, line 25, to leave out from the second word ‘to' to the end of line 26, and to insert the words ‘the matters listed in section 178(2)(a).', instead thereof.—(Mr Graham Brady.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Amendment (No. 66) made to the Bill.
Another Amendment (No. 7) proposed to the Bill, in page 20, line 35, to leave out the word ‘10' and to insert the word ‘15', instead thereof.—(Mr Tim Boswell.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Amendment (No. 8) proposed to the Bill, in page 23, line 48, at the end, to insert the words—
‘(c) the proposed recognition of the union or unions would contribute to good industrial relations.'.—(Mr Tim Boswell.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Other Amendments (Nos. 71 and 72) made to the Bill.
Another Amendment (No. 37) proposed to the Bill, in page 27, line 17, to leave out from the word ‘voting' to the end of line 18.—(Mr Andrew Welsh.)
Question put, That the Amendment be made.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Dennis Canavan, Mr Andrew Welsh: 1.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Hanson, Mrs Anne McGuire: 301.
Other Amendments (Nos. 152, 167, 168, 73 to 75, 67, 76 to 82, 133 to 149, 69, 70, 83, 68, 84 to 111, 165, 112 to 121, 150, 151, 122 to 132, 153, 169 to 176, 154 to 157, 164, 158 to 160, 60, 62, 61, 63, 161 to 163, 52, 64, 56 and 65) 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 David Hanson, Mrs Anne McGuire: 328.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Tim Collins, Mrs Caroline Spelman: 124.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.
| 9 | Civil Aviation,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Carriage by Air Acts (Implementation of Protocol No. 4 of Montreal, 1975) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 18th March, be approved—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to. |
| 10 | Civil Aviation,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Carriage by Air Acts (Applications of Provisions) (Fifth Amendment) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 18th March, be approved—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to. |
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| 11 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from residents of or living near to Trecwn in the constituency of Preseli Pembrokeshire against the storage of nuclear waste at the former RNAD Trecwn site was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 12 | Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from residents of the constituencies of— |
(1) North East Fife, and
(2) Westbury
against hunting with dogs were presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
| 13 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Mike Hall.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-four minutes past Eleven o'clock, adjourned till Tuesday 13th April, pursuant to Resolution [12th March].
[Adjourned at 11.24 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table.
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Constitutional Law,—Scotland Act 1998 (Transitory and Transitional Provisions) (Removal of Judges) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1017), dated 24th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 2 | Energy Conservation,—Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1018), dated 25th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar]. |
| 3 | Environmental Protection,—(1) Non-Road Mobile Machinery (Emission of Gaseous and Particulate Pollutants) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1053), dated 28th March 1999, and |
(2) Non-Road Mobile Machinery (Type Approval) (Fees) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1054), dated 29th March 1999
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].
| 4 | Highways,—(1) Street Works Register (Registration Fees) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1048), and |
(2) Street Works (Registers, Notices, Directions and Designations) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1049),
dated 28th March 1999 [by Act] Mr Secretary Prescott].
| 5 | Insolvency,—(1) Insolvency (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1022), and |
(2) Insolvent Companies (Disqualification of Unfit Directors) Proceedings (Amendment) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1023),
dated 29th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].
| 6 | Medicines,—Prescription Only Medicines (Human Use) Amendment Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1044), dated 30th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson]. |
| 7 | Terms and Conditions of Employment,—Right to Time Off for Study or Training Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 986), dated 24th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 8 | Town and Country Planning,—Planning (Control of Major-Accident Hazards) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 981), dated 24th March 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
Other Papers:
| 9 | Appropriations in Aid,—Treasury Minutes, dated 31st March 1999, directing the application of certain receipts as appropriations in aid of— |
(1) sums appropriated from the Scottish Consolidated Fund for the year ending on 31st March 2000 [by Statutory Instrument] [Mr Alan Milburn]; and
(2) the votes specified in the Estimates for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mrs Barbara Roche].
| 10 | Comprehensive Spending Review,—Paper, entitled Public Services for the Future—Modernisation, Reform, Accountability: Comprehensive Spending Review Public Service Agreements 1999–2002; March 1999 Supplement [by Command] [Cm. 4315] [Mr Alan Milburn]. |
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| 11 | Environment,Transport and the Regions,—Government Response to the Fifth Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee, Session 1998–99, on Regional Eurostar Services [by Command] [Cm. 4314] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 12 | Financial Reporting to Parliament,—Departmental Report for 1999: the Government's expenditure plans 1999–2000 to 2001–02 for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office [by Command] [Cm. 4209] [Mr Secretary Cook]. |
| 13 | Low Pay Commission,—Paper, entitled The National Minimum Wage Accommodation Offset: A Review by the Low Pay Commission [by Command] [Cm. 4321] [Mr Secretary Byers]. |
| 14 | Miscellaneous (No. 21, 1999),—Protocol, done at Vienna on 22nd September 1998, additional to the Agreement between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the European Atomic Energy Community and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the application of safeguards in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in connection with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 4282] [Mr Secretary Cook]. |
| 15 | National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on the Private Finance Initiative: The Contract to Complete and Operate the A74(M)/M74 Motorway in Scotland [by Act]; to be printed [No. 356] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 16 | Public Expenditure,—Paper, entitled Public Expenditure: Statistical Analyses 1999–2000 [by Command] [Cm. 4201] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer]. |
| 17 | Rating,—Report of the Committee chaired by Mr Derek Wood CBE QC on the rating of plant and machinery in industries currently subject to prescribed assessment [by Command] [Cm. 4283] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 18 | Reserve Forces,—Report, dated 31st March 1999, under section 54(7) of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 on the making of a call-out order under section 54(1) of that Act [by Act] [Mr Secretary Robertson]. |
| 19 | Senior Salaries,—Reports of the Review Body on Senior Salaries:— |
(1) Forty-second: Initial pay, allowances, pensions and severance arrangements for Members of the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly; and
(2) Forty-third: Devolution: Salaries for Ministers and Office-holders and office support for Members
[by Command] [Cms. 4188 and 4246] [The Prime Minister].
| 20 | Social Services (Wales),—Paper, entitled Social Services—Building for the Future: A White Paper for Wales [by Command] [Cm. 4051] [Mr Secretary Michael]. |
| 21 | Supply Estimates, 1999–2000,—(1) Estimates (Classes I–XVIII) for 1999–2000 [by Command]; to be printed [No. 336] [Mrs Barbara Roche]; |
(2) Estimates (Class XVIII, A, House of Commons) for 1999–2000 [by Command]; to be printed [No. 337] [The Speaker];
(3) Estimates (Class XVIII, B, Vote 1; National Audit Office) for 1999–2000 [by Command]; to be printed [No. 338] [Mr Robert Sheldon].
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees:
| 1 | Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Joe Benton an additional Chairman of Standing Committee B in respect of the Bill. |
| 2 | Road Traffic (Vehicle Testing) Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Roger Gale Chairman of Standing Committee C in respect of the Bill. |
| 3 | Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 42) on the Promoting Independence: Partnership Grant for 1999–2000 (House of Commons Paper No. 301), the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 43) on the Promoting Independence: Prevention Grant for 1999–2000 (House of Commons Paper No. 302), and the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 44) on the Promoting Independence: Carers Grant for 1999–2000 (House of Commons Paper No. 303): |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Special Grant Reports to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Nicholas Winterton Chairman; and
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(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: John Austin, Mr Tony Baldry, Mr Paul Burstow, Mr David Clelland, Mr Jeff Ennis, Mrs Llin Golding, Mr Philip Hammond, Dr Evan Harris, Mr Phil Hope, Mr John Hutton, Mr Ivan Lewis, Sir David Madel, Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews, Mr Andrew Reed, Mr Desmond Swayne and Ms Claire Ward.
| 4 | Draft European Parliamentary Elections Regulations 1999: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Peter Atkinson Chairman; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr A. J. Beith, Mr James Clappison, Mr Keith Darvill, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Andrew Dismore, Jim Fitzpatrick, Barbara Follett, Mr Christopher Fraser, Mrs Teresa Gorman, Mr Mike Hall, Mr John Healey, Mr George Howarth, Mr Bob Laxton, Mr Geoffrey Robinson, Mr Adrian Sanders and Ms Gisela Stuart.
| 5 | Draft General Teaching Council for Wales (Constitution) Regulations 1999, and the draft General Teaching Council for England (Constitution) Regulations 1999: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Jim Cunningham Chairman; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Nick Ainger, Mr Charles Clarke, Mr Cynog Dafis, Mr Geraint Davies, Mr David Jamieson, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Shona McIsaac, Mr Michael Mates, Mrs Theresa May, Mr Owen Paterson, Mr Ian Pearson, Rachel Squire, Ms Dari Taylor, Dr Desmond Turner, Mr Alan W. Williams and Mr Phil Willis.
| 6 | Draft of Alterations to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Draft of Alterations to the Fourth 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 Paul Boateng, Mrs Helen Brinton, Ms Karen Buck, Mr John Burnett, Mr Ian Cawsey, Mr Stephen Day, Lorna Fitzsimons, Mrs Eileen Gordon, Mr John Greenway, Mr Mike Hall, Mr Ken Livingstone, Sir Peter Lloyd, Bob Russell, Sir Michael Spicer, Mr Ian Stewart and Ms Gisela Stuart.
European Standing Committees:
| 7 | European Standing Committee C,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr John Swinney from European Standing Committee C; and nominated in substitution Dr Evan Harris. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees:
| 1 | Defence,—Third Report from the Defence Committee [The Future of NATO: The Washington Summit], 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. 39] [Mr Bruce George]. |
| 2 | Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) Ninth Report from the Committee [Integrated Transport White Paper], 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 [Nos. 32-I and -II]; |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [UK Climate Change Programme]; to be printed [Nos. 171-iv and -II]; and
(3) Memoranda laid before the Environment Sub-Committee on 30th March [Multilateral Environmental Agreements]; to be printed [No. 307-II]
[Mr Andrew F. Bennett]; and
(4) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee [Aviation Safety]; to be printed [No. 275-iii] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].
| 3 | Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [Cortecs plc]; to be printed [No. 332-i] [Dr Michael Clark]. |
| 4 | Scottish Affairs,—Second Special Report from the Scottish Affairs Committee [Committee Membership]; to be printed [No. 368] [Mr David Marshall]. |
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