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House of Commons
Session 1998-1999

Commons Journal 255

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Page 256            1998-1999      Volume 255      

[No. 67.]

Tuesday 13th April 1999.

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

PRAYERS.

1Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

Births and Deaths Registration (Amendment) Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to make further provision about the registration of births and deaths where particulars are given in Welsh as well as English and to make new provision about certificates of particulars of entries in registers of births and deaths; to which they desire the concurrence of this House.

2Pensions (Amendment) Bill,—The Order for reading the Pensions (Amendment) Bill a second time on Friday 16th April was read and discharged.

Bill to be read a second time on Friday 23rd April.

3Community Protection (Landfill),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to reduce landfill disposal of municipal and special wastes and to control the location of landfill sites; to require the assessment of the impact of proposed landfill sites on public health, the local economy and the environment; and for connected purposes: And that David Taylor, Mr Tony Benn, Mrs Liz Blackman, Mr Peter Bradley, Mr Jim Cunningham, Mr Phil Hope, Judy Mallaber, Dr Nick Palmer, Mr Andrew Reed, Mr Alan Simpson, Mr Dennis Skinner and Mr Mark Todd do prepare and bring it in.

4Community Protection (Landfill) Bill,—David Taylor accordingly presented a Bill to reduce landfill disposal of municipal and special wastes and to control the location of landfill sites; to require the assessment of the impact of proposed landfill sites on public health, the local economy and the environment; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 23rd July and to be printed [Bill 81].

5Health Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Health Bill [Lords];

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

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, to leave out from the word ‘That' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘this House declines to give a Second Reading to the Health Bill [Lords] because it removes choice from both patients and healthcare professionals over appropriate treatment; it removes the highly successful and popular option of fund-holding for family doctors; it imposes unnecessary and expensive bureaucracy and creates further upheaval in the Health Service, which is already under considerable strain; it undermines the competitiveness of the British pharmaceutical industry; and it centralises power in the hands of the Secretary of State, giving him arbitrary authority over the running of the Health Service without sufficient reference to Parliament', instead thereof.—(Miss Ann Widdecombe.)

And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Stephen Day: 127.

Tellers for the Noes, Jim Dowd, Mr Clive Betts: 368.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Main Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 62 (Amendment on second or third reading),

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Jim Dowd, Mr Clive Betts: 333.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Adrian Sanders: 134.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

6Health Bill [Lords] [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Health Bill [Lords] [Money];

A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Health Bill [Lords], it is expedient to authorise—

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(a) the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—

(i) any expenditure incurred by a Minister of the Crown under the Act,

(ii) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable out of money so provided under any other enactment,

(b) the conversion into public dividend capital of any amount outstanding by way of initial loan forming part of an NHS trust's originating capital debt—(Mr Keith Hill ):—It was agreed to.

7Health Bill [Lords] [Ways and Means],—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Health Bill [Lords], it is expedient to authorise the imposition of charges in respect of expenditure incurred by the Commission for Health Improvement—(Mr Keith Hill ):—It was agreed to.

8Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from residents of the constituency of Ilford North against hunting with dogs was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

9Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Keith Hill );

And the Motion having been made after Ten o'clock, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then four minutes to Eleven o'clock, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 10.56 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented by Her Majesty's Command and delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office during the adjournment pursuant to Standing Order No. 158 (Presentation of command papers):

1Monopolies and Mergers,—Report by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on the proposed merger of British Sky Broadcasting Group plc and Manchester United PLC [Cm. 4305] [Mr Secretary Byers].

2Treaty Series (No. 17, 1999),—Fourth supplementary list of ratifications, accessions, withdrawals, etc., for 1998 [Cm. 4297] [Mr Secretary Cook].

3Treaty Series (No. 19, 1999),—Agreement, done at Colombo on 22nd April 1998, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka concerning Air Services [Cm. 4319] [Mr Secretary Cook].

Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on the undermentioned dates during the adjournment pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1st April 1999

4Education,—School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (Admissions and Standard Numbers) (Modification) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1064), dated 30th March 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

5Education (Scotland),—(1) Education (Assisted Places) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1059), and

(2) St. Mary's Music School (Aided Places) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1060),

dated 23rd March 1999 [Mr Secretary Dewar].

6National Health Service (Scotland),—National Health Service (General Medical Services) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1057), dated 29th March 1999 [Mr Secretary Dewar].

7Road Traffic,—A720 (Edinburgh City Bypass) Special Road (Prohibition of Traffic On Hard Shoulders) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1061), dated 26th March 1999 [Mr Secretary Dewar].

8Terms and Conditions of Employment,—Right to Time Off for Study or Training (Scotland) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1058), dated 29th March 1999 [Mr Secretary Dewar].

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6th April 1999

9Education,—(1) Education (Induction Arrangements for School Teachers) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1065), dated 31st March 1999, and

(2) Education (Information as to Provision of Education) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1066), dated 28th March 1999

[Mr Secretary Blunkett].

10Housing (Scotland),—Registered Housing Associations (Accounting Requirements) (Scotland) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1072), dated 26th March 1999 [Mr Secretary Dewar].

11Police,—(1) Police (Conduct) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1073), and

(2) Police (Conduct) (Senior Officers) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1074),

dated 24th March 1999 [Mr Secretary Dewar].

7th April 1999

12Council Tax,—Council Tax (Reductions for Disabilities) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1004), dated 29th March 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

13Education (Scotland),—Education (Lower Primary Class Sizes) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1080), dated 31st March 1999 [Mr Secretary Dewar].

14Wildlife,—Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Variation of Schedule 9) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1002), dated 29th March 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

8th April 1999

15Constitutional Law,—National Assembly for Wales (Assembly Members) (Salaries) (Limitation) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1083), dated 6th April 1999 [Mr Secretary Michael].

16Plant Breeders' Rights,—Plant Breeders' Rights (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1089), dated 8th April 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown].

17Seeds,—Seeds (National Lists of Varieties) (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1090), dated 8th April 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown].

9th April 1999

18Agriculture,—Bovines and Bovine Products (Trade) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1103), dated 8th April 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown].

19Local Government,—(1) Local Authorities (Direct Labour Organisations) (Competition) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1084), dated 1st April 1999 [Mr Secretary Michael]; and

(2) Local Authorities (Members' Allowances) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1087), dated 1st April 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

20Patents,—(1) Patents (Amendment) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1092), dated 30th March 1999, and

(2) Patents (Fees) (Amendment) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1093), dated 31st March 1999

[Mr Secretary Byers].

21Sex Discrimination,—Sex Discrimination (Gender Reassignment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1102), dated 25th March 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

12th April 1999

22Agriculture,—Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels in Crops, Food and Feeding Stuffs) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1109), dated 8th April 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown].

23Constitutional Law,—(1) Scotland Act 1998 (Transitory and Transitional Provisions) (Administration of the Parliament) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1098), dated 8th April 1999,

(2) Scotland Act 1998 (Transitory and Transitional Provisions) (Grants to Members and Officeholders) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1081), dated 29th March 1999,

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(3) Scotland Act 1998 (Transitory and Transitional Provisions) (Salaries and Allowances) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1097), dated 8th April 1999,

(4) Scotland Act 1998 (Transitory and Transitional Provisions) (Scottish Parliamentary Pension Scheme) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1082), dated 29th March 1999,

(5) Scotland Act 1998 (Transitory and Transitional Provisions) (Standing Orders and Parliamentary Publications) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1095), dated 7th April 1999, and

(6) Scotland Act 1998 (Transitory and Transitional Provisions) (Statutory Instruments) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1096), dated 8th April 1999

[Mr Secretary Dewar].

24Legal Aid and Advice,—Civil Legal Aid (General) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1113), dated 31st March 1999 [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

25River (Scotland),—District Salmon Fishery Boards Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1111), dated 9th April 1999 [Mr Secretary Dewar].

26Road Traffic,—Road Traffic (Permitted Parking Area and Special Parking Area) (County of East Sussex) (Borough of Hastings) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1112), dated 10th April 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers:

6th April 1999

27Public Health,—Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning) (No. 2) Order 1998 Partial Revocation (No. 2) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1067), dated 30th March 1999 [Mr Secretary Dewar].

Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Tuesday 13th April 1999:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

28Industrial Organisation and Development,—Draft Potato Industry Development Council (Amendment) Order 1999 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

29Representation of the People,—Draft European Parliamentary Elections (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 [by Act] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

30Supreme Court of England and Wales,—Draft Civil Procedure (Modification of Enactments) Order 1999 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

31Constitutional Law,—(1) Transfer of Property etc. (Lord Advocate) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1105),

(2) Transfer of Property etc. (Scottish Ministers) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1104), and

(3) Transfer of Property etc. (Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1106),

dated 10th April 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

32Education,—Education (Nursery Education and Early Years Development) (Wales) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1099), dated 8th April 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].

33Education (Scotland),—Students' Allowances (Scotland) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1131), dated 12th April 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

34Financial Services,—Public Offers of Securities (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1146), dated 13th April 1999 [by Act] [Ms Patricia Hewitt].

35Magistrates' Courts,—Magistrates' Courts (Forms) (Amendment) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1149), dated 10th April 1999 [by Act] [Mr Geoffrey Hoon].

36National Health Service (Scotland),—(1) Health Boards (Membership and Procedure) (No. 2) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1132), and

(2) National Health Service Trusts (Membership and Procedure) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1133),

dated 9th April 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

37Prisons,—Parole Board (Scotland) Amendment Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1116), dated 8th April 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dewar].

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38School Standards and Framework,—Welsh Office: Draft Code of Practice on LEA-School Relations [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].

39Sea Fisheries,—Fish Producers' Organisations (Formation Grants) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1110), dated 12th April 1999 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

Other Papers:

40Comprehensive Spending Review,—Paper, entitled Public Services for the Future—Modernisation, Reform, Accountability: Departmental Investment Strategies: A Summary [by Command] [Cm. 4324] [Mr Alan Milburn].

41Deregulation,—Proposal under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 by the Secretary of State for the Home Department for the Deregulation (New Year Licensing) Order 1999, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

42Education,—Financial Statements of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority for the period 1st October 1997 to 31st March 1998, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act], to be printed [No. 375] [Clerk of the House].

43Foreign Affairs,—Government Response to the Second Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee, Session 1998–99, on Sierra Leone [by Command] [Cm. 4325] [Mr Secretary Cook].

44Housing,—Report and Accounts of North Hull Housing Action Trust for the period 1st January 1999 to 28th February 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

45National Audit,—Reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General on—

(1) HM Customs and Excise: The Red Channel, and

(2) Investigation of alleged irregularities at Halton College

[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 358 and 357] [Clerk of the House].

46National Health Service,—(1) Statement of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 29th March 1999 on loans proposed to be raised by the Hastings & Rother National Health Service Trust;

(2) Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 30th March 1999 on loans proposed to be raised by the following National Health Service Trusts—

(i) Essex Ambulance Services,

(ii) Essex Ambulance Services,

(iii) Local Health Partnerships, and

(iv) Scunthorpe Community Health;

(3) Statement of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 31st March 1999 on loans proposed to be raised by the Norfolk Mental Health Care National Health Service Trust; and

(4) Statement of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 8th April 1999 on loans proposed to be raised by the Avon & Western Wiltshire Mental Health Care National Health Service Trust

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

47Prisons,—Report of HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales for the period December 1997 to November 1998 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 369] [Mr Secretary Straw].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

Draft European Parliamentary Elections Regulations 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Keith Darvill and Mr Andrew Dismore from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Lindsay Hoyle and Mr Stephen Pound.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Financial Services and Markets,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on Financial Services and Markets; to be printed [No. 328-vi] [Mr Barry Sheerman].

2Foreign Affairs,—Part of the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Transcaucasus and Central Asia]; to be printed [No. 349-ii] [Mr Donald Anderson].

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3International Development,—Second Report from the International Development Committee [The Provisions of the Commonwealth Development Corporation Bill [Lords]]; 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. 212] [Mr Bowen Wells].

4Procedure,—(1) Second Report from the Procedure Committee [Procedural Consequences of Devolution: Second Interim Report]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 376]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Procedural Consequences of Devolution]; to be printed [No. 185-vii]

[Mr Nicholas Winterton].

5Standards and Privileges,—Sixth Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges [Complaint against Mr Edward Leigh], together with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 374] [Mr Robert Sheldon].


[No. 68.]

Wednesday 14th April 1999.

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

PRAYERS.

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

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

2Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill,—Mr Joe Benton reported from Standing Committee B, That it had gone through the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill, and made Amendments thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered on Friday 14th May; and to be printed [Bill 83].

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 381].

3Road Traffic (Vehicle Testing) Bill,—Mr Roger Gale reported from Standing Committee C, That it had gone through the Road Traffic (Vehicle Testing) Bill, and directed him to report the same, without Amendment.

Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered on Friday 21st May.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 379].

4Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Peter Atkinson reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft European Parliamentary Elections Regulations 1999.

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

5Births and Deaths Registration (Amendment) Bill [Lords],—The Births and Deaths Registration (Amendment) Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 14th May and to be printed [Bill 84].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Births and Deaths Registration (Amendment) Bill [Lords] be printed [Bill 84–EN].

6Adoption (Intercountry Aspects) Bill,—Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Adoption (Intercountry Aspects) Bill be printed [Bill 18–EN].

7Cancer Care,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision about cancer services in the United Kingdom; to make provision for monitoring and improving the quality of cancer treatment and care provided by the National Health Service; to require the Secretary of State to undertake a new review and report on cancer services in the United Kingdom; and to provide for making such information available to the general public: And that Mr Paul Marsden, Dr Evan Harris, Miss Julie Kirkbride, Mrs Helen Brinton, Mr Kevin Barron and Dr Doug Naysmith do prepare and bring it in.

8Cancer Care Bill,—Mr Paul Marsden accordingly presented a Bill to make provision about cancer services in the United Kingdom; to make provision for monitoring and improving the quality of cancer treatment and care provided by the National Health Service; to require the Secretary of State to undertake a new review and report on cancer services in

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  the United Kingdom; and to provide for making such information available to the general public: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 30th April and to be printed [Bill 82].

9Access to Justice Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Access to Justice Bill [Lords];

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

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, to leave out from the word ‘That' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘this House declines to give the Access to Justice Bill [Lords] a Second Reading because it is likely to reduce access to justice as a result of removing legal aid in civil cases and is likely to increase the costs of litigation as a result of the 100 per cent. uplift in fees under conditional fee arrangements, because the Bill contains no detailed costings or description of the proposed functions of the Legal Services Commission and imposes no statutory restrictions on the ambit of the Criminal Defence Service or the extent to which the Crown Prosecution Service can appear in the Crown Courts, because a system of wholly state-employed prosecutors and defenders creates the danger of miscarriages of justice, and because the Bill grants to the Lord Chancellor constitutionally unprecedented powers unilaterally to alter the rules of the independent legal profession', instead thereof.—(Mr Edward Garnier.)

And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Oliver Heald, Mrs Caroline Spelman: 159.

Tellers for the Noes, Jane Kennedy, Mr David Jamieson: 338.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Main Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 62 (Amendment on second or third reading);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Jane Kennedy, Mr David Jamieson: 335.

Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Caroline Spelman, Mr Oliver Heald: 156.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

10Access to Justice Bill [Lords] [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Access to Justice Bill [Lords] [Money];

A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Access to Justice Bill [Lords], it is expedient to authorise—

(1) the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—

(a) any expenditure incurred by a Minister of the Crown under the Act, and

(b) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable out of such money under any other Act; and

(2) the charging on, and payment out of, the Consolidated Fund of the salaries of District Judges (Magistrates' Courts)—(Mr Keith Hill):—It was agreed to.

11Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill [Money] (No. 2),—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill [Money] (No. 2);

A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill, it is expedient to authorise the remission of amounts recoverable under or by virtue of Part III of the Social Security Administration Act 1992—(Mr Keith Hill);

And it being three-quarters of an hour after the commencement of proceedings, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills):—It was agreed to.

Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill, it is expedient to authorise the remission of amounts recoverable under or by virtue of Part III of the Social Security Administration Act 1992.

12Medicines,—Ordered, That the Medicines (Advertising and Monitoring of Advertising) Amendment Regulations 1999 be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr Kevin Hughes.)

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13Education,—Ordered, That the draft Code of Practice on School Admissions be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr Kevin Hughes.)

14Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from residents of the constituency of Tiverton and Honiton against hunting with dogs was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

15Adjournment,—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 Ten o'clock, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then eighteen minutes to Twelve o'clock, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 11.42 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Civil Aviation,—Draft Aeroplane Noise Regulations 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Devolution (Wales),—National Assembly for Wales (Oath of Allegiance in Welsh) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1101), dated 6th April 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].

3Industrial Development,—Northern Ireland Science Park Foundation Limited (Funding) Order (Northern Ireland) 1999 (S.R.(N.I.), 1999, No. 155), dated 26th March 1999 [by Act] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

4Merchant Shipping,—Consular Relations (Merchant Shipping) (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) (Revocation) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1124), dated 13th April 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Cook].

5Water Industry,—Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1148), dated 1st April 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers:

6European Communities (No. 1, 1999),—Convention, done at Brussels on 28th May 1998, drawn up on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union, on Jurisdiction and the Recognition and Enforcement of Judgements in Matrimonial Matters, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 4187] [Mr Secretary Cook].

7European Communities (No. 2, 1999),—Protocol, done at Brussels on 28th May 1998, drawn up on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union, on the interpretation by the Court of Justice of the European Communities of the Convention on Jurisdiction and the Recognition and Enforcement of Judgements in Matrimonial Matters, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 4186] [Mr Secretary Cook].

8Health,—Government Response to the First Report from the Health Committee, Session 1998–99, on the Relationship between Health and Social Services [by Command] [Cm. 4320] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

9Industrial Organisation and Development,—Report and Accounts of the Apple and Pear Research Council for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

10National Health Service,—Statement of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 12th April 1999 on loans proposed to be raised by the South Buckinghamshire National Health Service Trust [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Health Bill [Lords]:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee A, and has appointed Mr Roger Gale and Mr Joe Benton Chairmen; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed twenty-four Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr David Amess, Mr Paul Burstow, Mr Martin Caton, Mr David Clelland, Mr Stephen Day, Mr John Denham, Mr Michael Fabricant, Maria Fyfe, Mr Paul Goggins, Mr Philip Hammond, Dr Evan Harris, Mr Stephen Hepburn, Mr Stephen Hesford, Mr John Hutton, Helen Jones, Mrs Helen Liddell, Mr Paul Marsden, Laura

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Moffatt, Mrs Diana Organ, Mr John Randall, Dr Phyllis Starkey, Sir Robert Smith, Mr Paul Truswell and Miss Ann Widdecombe.

2Local 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),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Dr Evan Harris from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Special Grant Reports); and nominated in substitution Mr Paul Keetch.

3Draft General Teaching Council for Wales (Constitution) Regulations 1999 and the draft General Teaching Council for England (Constitution) Regulations 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Nick Ainger from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Martin Caton.

4Draft Civil Procedure (Modification of Enactments) Order 1999:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Dr Michael Clark Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Charlotte Atkins, Mr John Bercow, Mr John Burnett, Mr Iain Coleman, Mr Keith Darvill, Mr Edward Garnier, Mr Keith Hill, Mr Geoffrey Hoon, Mr Elfyn Llwyd, Mr David Lock, Siobhain McDonagh, Mr John McDonnell, Miss Anne McIntosh, Ms Linda Perham, Mr John M. Taylor and Audrey Wise.

5Draft Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (Amendment) Order 1999:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Sixth 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 Graham Allen, Norman Baker, Mr Robin Corbett, Mr Andrew Dismore, Mr Michael Foster (Hastings and Rye), Mr Stephen Hepburn, Glenda Jackson, Mr Bernard Jenkin, Mr Peter L. Pike, Mr Adrian Sanders, Mr John Smith, Helen Southworth, Mrs Caroline Spelman, Mr Andrew Tyrie, Mr Peter Viggers and Mr Anthony D. Wright.

6Draft Local Authority (Stocks and Bonds) (Amendment) Regulations 1999:

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Ms Hazel Blears, Mr Bob Blizzard, Mr John Cummings, Mr Edward Davey, Mr David Drew, Mr Nick Gibb, Mr Oliver Heald, Ms Patricia Hewitt, Mr David Kidney, Mr Tom Levitt, Miss Geraldine Smith, Sir Michael Spicer, Mr William Thompson, Mr David Tredinnick and Mr Stephen Twigg.

European Standing Committees

7The Speaker has appointed Mr Bowen Wells Chairman of European Standing Committee A in respect of European Union Document No. 8582/97, relating to Air Transport Competition Rules.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) Second Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the Second Report from the Committee, Millennium Compliance in the Transport Industry]; to be printed [No. 383];

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [UK Climate Change Programme]; to be printed [No. 171-v] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett]; and

(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee [Aviation Safety]; to be printed [No. 275-iv]

[Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

2Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Kosovo]; to be printed [No. 188-ii] [Mr Donald Anderson].

3Northern 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-iii] [Mr Peter Brooke].

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4Public Accounts,—(1) Eleventh Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Northern Ireland Health and Personal Social Services: Controls to Prevent and Detect Fraud in Family Practitioner Service Payments]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 123];

(2) Twelfth Report from the Committee [OFFER: Improving Energy Efficiency Financed by a Charge on Customers]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 174];

(3) Thirteenth Report from the Committee [The Final Accounts of Chessington Computer Centre, Recruitment and Assessment Services and the Occupational Health and Safety Agency]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 231]; and

(4) Fourteenth Report from the Committee [Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions: Grants to Voluntary Bodies]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 158]

[Mr David Davis].

5Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [The Scientific Advisory System: Genetically Modified Foods]; to be printed [No. 286-v] [Dr Michael Clark].

6Social Security,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Social Security Committee [War Pensions Agency]; to be printed [No. 377-i] [Mr Archy Kirkwood].

7Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [Trading, Trade Marks and Competition]; to be printed [No. 380-i] [Mr Martin O'Neill].

8Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [Public Service Agreements]; to be printed [No. 378-i] [Mr Giles Radice].


[No. 69.]

Thursday 15th April 1999.

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

PRAYERS.

1First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Nicholas Winterton reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the 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).

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

2Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Jim Cunningham reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft General Teaching Council for Wales (Constitution) Regulations 1999, and the draft General Teaching Council for England (Constitution) Regulations 1999.

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

3Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Bill [Lords],—The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Bill [Lords] was, according to Order, read a second time and stood committed to a Standing Committee.

4Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Bill [Lords] [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Bill [Lords] [Money];

A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Bill [Lords], it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—

(a) any expenditure incurred by a Minister of the Crown under the Act, and

(b) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable under any other Act out of money so provided—(Mr Greg Pope):—It was agreed to.

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5Representation of the People,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft European Parliamentary Elections Regulations 1999, which were laid before this House on 24th March, be approved—(Mr Greg Pope):—It was agreed to.

6Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from residents of the constituency of Normanton against hunting with dogs was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

7Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Greg Pope);

And it being Seven o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.

8Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till eleven Minutes past Seven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 7.11 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Defence,—(1) Draft International Headquarters and Defence Organisations (Designation and Privileges) (Amendment) Order 1999, and

(2) draft Visiting Forces and International Headquarters (Application of Law) Order 1999

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Robertson].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Environmental Protection,—Environment Act 1995 (Consequential Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1108), dated 9th April 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

3Road Traffic,—Motorways Traffic (M621 Motorway) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1077), dated 1st April 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

4Welsh Language,—Welsh Language Schemes (Public Bodies) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1100), dated 8th April 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].

Other Papers:

5Commonwealth Scholarship,—Report of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom for the year ending 30th September 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Clare Short].

6National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on the Sale of CINMan by British Coal [by Act]; to be printed [No. 359] [Clerk of the House].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Jim Cunningham Chairman of Standing Committee C in respect of the Bill.

2Local 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),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Paul Keetch from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Special Grant Reports); and nominated in substitution Mr Nigel Jones.

3Draft Civil Procedure (Modification of Enactments) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Charlotte Atkins from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Draft Order); and nominated in substitution Dr Desmond Turner.

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APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Culture, Media and Sport,—(1) Fourth Special Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Responses by the Government and The Heritage Lottery Fund to the First Report from the Committee on the Heritage Lottery Fund]; to be printed [No. 386];

(2) Fifth Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the Second Report from the Committee, on the Preservation of HMS Cavalier]; to be printed [No. 387]; and

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

[Mr Gerald Kaufman].

2Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee [Genetically Modified Organisms and the Environment]; to be printed [No. 384-i] [Mr John Horam].

3Financial Services and Markets,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on Financial Services and Markets; to be printed [No. 328-vii] [Mr Barry Sheerman].

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

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


[No. 70.]

Friday 16th April 1999.

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

PRAYERS.

1Energy Saving Materials (VAT Relief) Bill,—Ordered, That the Energy Saving Materials (VAT Relief) Bill be read a second time on Friday 7th May.

2Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from residents of the constituency of Hull North against hunting with dogs was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

3Football (Offences and Disorder) Bill,—The Football (Offences and Disorder) Bill was, according to Order, read a second time and stood committed to a Standing Committee.

4Licensing (Young Persons) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Licensing (Young Persons) Bill;

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

And it being half-past Two o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned.

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 7th May.

5Military Action Against Iraq (Parliamentary Approval) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Military Action Against Iraq (Parliamentary Approval) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 23rd July.

6Fuel Safety Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Fuel Safety Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 30th April.

7Bus Fuel Duty (Exemptions) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed on 12th March, That the Bus Fuel Duty (Exemptions) Bill be now read a second time;

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 23rd April.

8Age 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 7th May.

9Motor 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 14th May.

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10Sea 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 23rd July.

11Public 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 23rd April.

12Sexual Offences (Anonymity of Defendants) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Sexual Offences (Anonymity of Defendants) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 23rd July.

13Deregulation,—Ordered, That Mr Gordon Marsden and Mr Ivan Lewis be discharged from the Deregulation Committee and Mr Brian White and Dr Ashok Kumar be added to the Committee.—(Mr Keith Hill.)

14Modernisation of the House of Commons,—Ordered, That Dr Phyllis Starkey be discharged from the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons and Lorna Fitzsimons be added to the Committee.—(Mr Keith Hill.)

15Procedure,—Ordered, That Mr Paul Stinchcombe be discharged from the Procedure Committee and Mr Nigel Griffiths be added to the Committee.—(Mr Keith Hill.)

16Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Keith Hill.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till two minutes past Three o'clock, adjourned till Monday 19th April.

[Adjourned at 3.02 p.m.


APPENDIX

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Agriculture,—Beef Special Premium (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1179), dated 15th April 1999 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

2Education,—Education (School Performance Information) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1178), dated 15th April 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

3Social Security,—Income Support (General) (Standard Interest Rate Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1153), dated 13th April 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Other Papers:

4European Communities (No. 4, 1999),—Convention, done at Brussels on 26th May 1997, drawn up on the basis of Article K.3(2)(c) of the Treaty on European Union, on the Fight Against Corruption Involving Officials of the European Communities or Officials of Member States of the European Union, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 4266] [Mr Secretary Cook].

5European Communities (No. 5, 1999),—Convention, done at Brussels on 26th July 1995, drawn up on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union, on the Protection of the European Communities' Financial Interests [by Command] [Cm. 4302] [Mr Secretary Cook].

6European Communities (No. 6, 1999),—Protocol, done at Dublin on 27th September 1996, drawn up on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union, to the Convention on the Protection of the European Communities' Financial Interests [by Command] [Cm. 4303] [Mr Secretary Cook].

7European Communities (No. 7, 1999),—Second Protocol, done at Brussels on 19th June 1997, drawn up on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union, to the Convention on the Protection of the European Communities' Financial Interests, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 4267] [Mr Secretary Cook].

8European Communities (No. 8, 1999),—Protocol, done at Brussels on 29th November 1996, drawn up on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union, on the interpretation, by way of preliminary rulings, by the Court of Justice of the European Communities of the Convention on the Protection of the European Communities' Financial Interests, with Declaration [by Command] [Cm. 4304] [Mr Secretary Cook].


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