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House of Commons
Session 1998-1999

Commons Journal 255

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Alphabetical Index - Part II


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Page 387            1998-1999      Volume 255      

[No. 107.]

Monday 21st June 1999.

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

PRAYERS.

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

The Lords have agreed to the University College London Bill, without Amendment.

The Lords have agreed to the Imperial College Bill, without Amendment.

2Food Standards Bill,—The Food Standards Bill was, according to Order, read a second time and stood committed to a Standing Committee.

3Food Standards Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Food Standards Bill [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 Food Standards Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—

(a) any expenditure incurred by the Food Standards Agency established by the Act;

(b) any expenditure incurred by a Minister of the Crown by virtue of the Act;

(c) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable out of money so provided under any other enactment—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

4Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the draft Appropriation (No. 2) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 9th June, be approved—(Mr Paul Murphy);

Tuesday 22nd June 1999

And it being three hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [18th June]:—It was agreed to.

5Income Tax,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Kuwait) Order 1999 be made in the form of the draft laid before this House on 10th May—(Jim Dowd):—It was agreed to.

Address to be presented to Her Majesty by such Members of this House as are of Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council or of Her Majesty's Household.

6Incineration of Waste,—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. 12791/98, a draft Council Directive on the incineration of waste, and of European Union Document No. 12756/97, a proposed amendment to Directive 94/67/EC on incineration of hazardous waste, and endorses the Government's approach to these documents—(Jim Dowd):—It was agreed to.

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

And the Motion having been made after Ten o'clock on Monday evening, 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 twenty-nine minutes past One o'clock on Tuesday morning, till this day.

[Adjourned at 1.29 a.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Social Security,—Social Security Amendment (Educational Maintenance Allowance) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1677), dated 14th June 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

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2Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,—Statute, dated 12th February 1999, made by the Governing Body of St. Hilda's College, Oxford, amending the Statutes of the College [by Act] [Margaret Beckett].

Other Papers:

3Armed Forces,—Army Act 1955 (Part I) (Regular Army) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Robertson].

4Broadcasting,—Accounts of the Broadcasting Standards Commission for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 559] [Clerk of the House].

5Prisons (Scotland),—Report of the Scottish Prisons Complaints Commission for 1998 [by Command] [Cm. 4376] [Mr Secretary Reid].

APPENDIX II

Reports from Select Committees

1Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee [Role of school governors]; to be printed [No. 509-iii] [Mr Malcolm Wicks].

2Public Accounts,—(1) Twentieth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Handgun Surrender and Compensation]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 354];

(2) Twenty-first Report from the Committee [Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils: 1997–98 Accounts (CCLRC)]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 332]; and

(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Arts Council of England: Monitoring major capital projects funded by the National Lottery]; to be printed [No. 563-i]

[Mr David Davis].

3Scottish Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Scottish Affairs Committee [Tourism in Scotland]; to be printed [No. 85-vii] [Mr David Marshall].


CHAIRMEN'S PANEL

Chairmen's Panel,—In pursuance of Standing Order No. 4 (Chairmen's Panel), the Speaker nominated Sir David Madel to be a member of the Chairmen's Panel during this Session.


[No. 108.]

Tuesday 22nd June 1999.

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

PRAYERS.

1Pollution Prevention and Control Bill [Lords],—Mr Peter Atkinson reported from Standing Committee A, That it had gone through the Pollution Prevention and Control Bill [Lords], and made Amendments thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 124].

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 576].

2Finance Bill,—Mr John Butterfill reported from Standing Committee B, That it had gone through the Finance Bill (except Clauses Nos. 2, 28 and 99), and made Amendments thereunto.

Bill, not amended in the Committee and as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 126].

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 578].

3Commonwealth Development Corporation Bill [Lords],—Mr John Maxton reported from Standing Committee D, That it had gone through the Commonwealth Development Corporation Bill [Lords], and made Amendments thereunto.

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Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 125].

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 577].

4Trustee Delegation Bill [Lords],—Mr Humfrey Malins reported from Standing Committee F, That it had gone through the Trustee Delegation Bill [Lords], and directed him to report the same, without Amendment.

Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 565].

5Parliamentary Control of the Executive,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make the exercise of certain powers of Ministers of the Crown subject to control by the House of Commons: And that Mr David Davis, Mr Robert Maclennan, Mr David Maclean, Mr Tony Benn, Mr Derek Foster, Mr Douglas Hogg and Mr Eric Forth do prepare and bring it in.

6Parliamentary Control of the Executive Bill,—Mr David Davis accordingly presented a Bill to make the exercise of certain powers of Ministers of the Crown subject to control by the House of Commons: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 23rd July and to be printed [Bill 123].

7Tax Credits Bill and Access to Justice Bill [Lords] [Ways and Means] and Access to Justice Bill [Lords] (Programme),—Ordered, That the following provisions shall apply to—

(a) proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments to the Tax Credits Bill,

(b) proceedings on the Motion in the name of Mrs Barbara Roche relating to Access to Justice Bill [Lords] [Ways and Means], and

(c) consideration and Third Reading of the Access to Justice Bill [Lords].

1.—(1) The proceedings to which this Order applies shall be taken in the order specified in the Table.

(2) Each part of the proceedings to which this Order applies shall, if not previously concluded, be concluded today at the times shown in the Table.

Table

ProceedingsConclusion
Tax Credits Bill: Consideration of Lords Amendments
Amendment 15.30 p.m.
Amendment 26.30 p.m.
Remaining Amendments7.00 p.m.
Motion on Access to Justice Bill [Lords] [Ways and Means]7.15 p.m.
Access to Justice Bill [Lords]: Consideration and Third Reading
New Clauses and amendments relating to Part 18.45 p.m.
Government new Clauses and new Schedule10.15 p.m.
Remaining new Clauses11.00 p.m.
Remaining amendments and Motions, and Third ReadingMidnight

Conclusion of proceedings on Tax Credits Bill

2.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of concluding any proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments to the Tax Credits Bill in accordance with paragraph 1.

(2) The Speaker shall first put forthwith any Question already proposed from the Chair and not yet decided.

(3) If that Question is for the amendment of a Lords Amendment the Speaker shall then put forthwith—

(a) the Question on any further amendment of the Lords Amendment moved by a Minister of the Crown, and

(b) the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House agrees or disagrees to the Lords Amendment or (as the case may be) to the Lords Amendment as amended.

(4) The Speaker shall then put forthwith—

(a) the Question on any Amendment moved by a Minister of the Crown to a Lords Amendment, and

(b) the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House agrees or disagrees to the Lords Amendment or (as the case may be) to the Lords Amendment as amended.

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(5) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House disagrees to a Lords Amendment.

(6) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question, That this House agrees to all the remaining Lords Amendments.

(7) As soon as the House has agreed or disagreed to a Lords Amendment, or disposed of an Amendment relevant to a Lords Amendment which has been disagreed to, the Speaker shall put forthwith a separate Question on any other Amendment which is moved by a Minister of the Crown and relevant to the Lords Amendment.

(8) The Speaker shall put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for the appointment, nomination and quorum of a Committee to draw up Reasons and the appointment of its Chairman.

(9) A Committee appointed to draw up Reasons shall report before the conclusion of this day's sitting.

Conclusion of proceedings on Access to Justice Bill [Lords]

3.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of concluding any proceedings on the Access to Justice Bill [Lords] in accordance with paragraph 1.

(2) The Speaker shall forthwith put the following Questions (but no others)—

(a) any Question already proposed from the Chair;

(b) any Question necessary to bring to a decision a Question so proposed;

(c) the Question on any amendment moved or Motion made by a Minister of the Crown; and

(d) any other Question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded.

(3) On a Motion made for a new Clause or a new Schedule, the Speaker shall put only the Question that the Clause or Schedule be added to the Bill.

(4) If two or more Questions would fall to be put under sub-paragraph (2)(c) on amendments moved or Motions made by a Minister of the Crown, the Speaker shall instead put a single Question in relation to those amendments or Motions.

Common provisions

4.—In the case of any proceedings to which this Order applies—

(a) Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) shall apply;

(b) Standing Order No. 82 (Business Committee) shall not apply;

(c) the proceedings shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House;

(d) no dilatory Motion with respect to, or in the course of, the proceedings shall be made except by a Minister of the Crown (in which case the Question on the Motion shall be put forthwith);

(e) if the proceedings are interrupted by a Motion for the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 (Adjournment on specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration) a period equal to the duration of the proceedings on the Motion shall be added to the period allowed for the interrupted proceedings; and

(f) if the House is adjourned, or the sitting is suspended, before the proceedings are concluded no notice shall be required of a Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of this Order.—(Jane Kennedy.)

8Tax Credits Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Tax Credits Bill.

Lords Amendment No. 1.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in the said Amendment—(Dawn Primarolo);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Clelland, Mr Greg Pope: 306.

Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Stephen Day: 160.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 2.

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A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House disagrees with the Lords in the said Amendment—(Dawn Primarolo);

And it being half-past Six o'clock, the Deputy Speaker put the Question already proposed from the Chair, pursuant to Order [this day].

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mike Hall, Jim Dowd: 317.

Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Mr Stephen Day: 161.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 3 was disagreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 4 to 11 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendment No. 4.

Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendments Nos. 1 to 3;

That Ms Hazel Blears, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Eric Pickles, Mr Greg Pope and Dawn Primarolo be members of the Committee;

That Dawn Primarolo be the Chairman of the Committee;

That three be the Quorum of the Committee;

That the Committee do withdraw immediately.—(Mrs Anne McGuire.)

9Access to Justice Bill [Lords] [Ways and Means],—Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Access to Justice Bill [Lords], it is expedient to authorise—

(a) the imposition on professional bodies of requirements to make payments towards meeting the expenditure of the Legal Services Ombudsman and the Legal Services Complaints Commissioner, and

(b) the payment of sums into the Consolidated Fund.—(Mrs Anne McGuire.)

10Tax Credits Bill,—Dawn Primarolo reported from the Committee appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendments Nos. 1 to 3, That it had drawn up the following Reasons, which it had directed her to report to the House:

The Commons disagree to Lords Amendments Nos. 1 and 3 for the following Reason:—

Because it is not appropriate for smaller employers to be exempted from paying tax credit to their employees.

The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 2 for the following Reason:—

Because it is appropriate for tax credit paid to employees to be paid by their employers.

The Reasons were agreed to.

Message to the Lords to communicate the said Reasons, with the Bill and Amendments.

11Access to Justice Bill [Lords],—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Access to Justice Bill [Lords], as amended in the Standing Committee.

A Clause (Principles applicable to Part I)—(Mr Edward Garnier)—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 Stephen Day, Mrs Jacqui Lait: 146.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mike Hall, Jim Dowd: 313.

Amendments (Nos. 87, 88, 11 to 16, 89, 90, 17 to 22 and 38 to 44) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 95) proposed to the Bill, in page 68, line 32, at the end, to insert the words ‘and actions brought by or on behalf of children under 18, patients within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983, persons with disabilities within the meaning of section 1(1) of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and persons in receipt of Income Support, save that services shall not be funded if the Commission is satisfied in any individual case that a conditional fee agreement is available'.—(Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made.

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Mr Edward Garnier rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put.

Question, That the Question be now put, put and agreed to.

Question put accordingly.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Kelvin Hopkins, Mr Alan Simpson: 173.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Hanson, Jane Kennedy: 291.

And it being after a quarter to Nine o'clock, the Deputy Speaker put forthwith the Question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded at that hour, pursuant to Order [this day].

Other Amendments (Nos. 45 to 69) made to the Bill.

A Clause (Powers of Ombudsman)—(Mr Keith Vaz)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Funding of Ombudsman by professional bodies)—(Mr Keith Hill)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (The Commissioner)—(Mr Keith Hill)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Commissioner's functions)—(Mr Keith Hill)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Bar practising certificates)—(Mr Keith Vaz)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Fees for solicitors' practising certificates)—(Mr Keith Vaz)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Code of conduct)—(Mr Keith Vaz)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

And it being a quarter-past Ten o'clock, the Deputy Speaker put forthwith the Question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded at that hour.

Another Clause (Recovery where body undertakes to meet cost liabilities)—(Mr Keith Vaz)—brought up, read the first time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Adjournment of inquest in event of judicial inquiry)—(Mr Keith Vaz)—brought up, read the first time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Judges holding office in European or international courts)—(Mr Keith Vaz)—brought up, read the first time, and added to the Bill.

A Schedule (Legal Services Complaints Commissioner)—(Mr Keith Vaz)—brought up, read the first time, and added to the Bill.

Other Amendments (Nos. 23 to 26) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 98) proposed to the Bill, in page 19, line 3, after the word ‘proceedings', to insert the words ‘save those brought under section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990'.—(Mr Nick Hawkins.)

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

Other Amendments (Nos. 27 to 37) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 94) proposed to the Bill, in page 27, line 36, at the end, to insert the words—

‘( ) No person shall take or use any name, title or description implying that he is certificated as a notary by the Incorporated Company of Scriveners of London unless he is qualified to practise as a Scrivener notary in accordance with the rules and ordinances of that Company.

( ) A person who contravenes the preceding subsection shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale'.—(Mr Peter Brooke.)

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

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Ordered, That Clause No. 54 be transferred to the end of line 32 on page 33.—(Mr Keith Vaz.)

Ordered, That Clause No. 59 be transferred to the end of line 5 on page 31.—(Mr Keith Vaz.)

Ordered, That Clause No. 60 be transferred to the end of line 32 on page 33.—(Mr Keith Vaz.)

Another Amendment (No. 1) made to the Bill.

Ordered, That Clause No. 70 be transferred to the end of line 32 on page 33.—(Mr Keith Vaz.)

Other Amendments (Nos. 100 to 103, 91, 3, 104, 92, 70 to 81, 4 and 105) made to the Bill.

Ordered, That Schedule No. 10 be transferred to the end of line 36 on page 91.—(Mr Keith Vaz.)

Other Amendments (Nos. 106 to 112, 5 to 7, 82, 8 to 10, 113, 114, 83, 84, 93, 85, 86 and 115 to 118) made to the Bill.

Ordered, That Part IV(5) (Enforcement of community orders) of Schedule No. 14 be transferred to the end of line 27 on page 148.—(Mr Keith Vaz.)

Another Amendment (No. 119) made to the Bill.

Title accordingly amended, as follows:

A Bill to establish the Legal Services Commission, the Community Legal Service and the Criminal Defence Service; to amend the law of legal aid in Scotland; to make further provision about legal services; to make provision about appeals, courts, judges and court proceedings; to amend the law about magistrates and magistrates' courts; and to make provision about immunity from action and costs and indemnities for certain officials exercising judicial functions.

A Motion being made, That the Bill be now read the third time;

Mr Secretary Blunkett, by Her Majesty's Command, acquainted the House, That Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, gives her Consent, as far as Her Majesty's interest is concerned, That the House may do therein as it shall think fit.

And the Question being put;

The House proceeded to a Division.

Wednesday 23rd June 1999

Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Clive Betts: 301.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Stephen Day, Mrs Jacqui Lait: 151.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

12Northern Ireland Grand Committee,—Ordered, That—

(1) the matter of the Review of the Criminal Justice System in Northern Ireland be referred to the Northern Ireland Grand Committee for its consideration;

(2) at the sitting on Thursday 8th July—

(i) the Committee shall take questions for oral answer and shall then consider the matter referred to it under paragraph (1) above;

(ii) the Chairman shall interrupt proceedings at Five o'clock; and

(iii) at the conclusion of those proceedings, a Motion for the adjournment of the Committee may be made by a Minister of the Crown, pursuant to Standing Order No. 116(5).—(Mr David Jamieson.)

13Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from the Health Food Manufacturers' Association against the proposal to give the Medicines Control Agency power to classify natural health products as medicines was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

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

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-nine minutes to One o'clock, adjourned till this day.

[Adjourned at 12.31 a.m.


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APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

1Animals,—Report of the Animal Procedures Committee for 1998 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 492] [Mr Secretary Straw].

2Appropriations in Aid,—Treasury Minute, dated 22nd June 1999, directing the application of certain receipts as appropriations in aid of the votes specified in the Revised Estimates, Summer Supplementary Estimates and New Estimates for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mrs Barbara Roche].

3Broadcasting,—Report and Accounts of the British Broadcasting Corporation for 1998–99 [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith].

4Health,—Government Response to the Third Report from the Health Committee, Session 1998–99, on Future NHS Staffing Requirements [by Command] [Cm. 4379] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

5Interception of Communications,—Consultation Paper, entitled Interception of Communications in the United Kingdom [by Command] [Cm. 4368] [Mr Secretary Straw].

6Supply Estimates, 1999–2000,—Revised Estimates, Summer Supplementary Estimates and New Estimates for 1999–2000 [by Command]; to be printed [No. 520] [Mrs Barbara Roche].

APPENDIX II

Reports from Select Committees

1Agriculture,—(1) Seventh Report from the Agriculture Committee [Outcome of the CAP Reform Negotiations], 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. 442];

(2) Fourth Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the Fourth Report from the Committee, on The UK Pig Industry: The Government's Response], together with an Appendix; to be printed [No. 573];

(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Sea Fishing]; to be printed [No. 141-vi]; and

(4) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Sea Fishing; The Marketing of Milk]

[Mr Peter Luff].

2Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Town and Country Parks]; to be printed [No. 477-iii] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].

3Foreign Affairs,—(1) Fifth Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee [Foreign and Commonwealth Office Resources], 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. 271]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Foreign and Commonwealth Office Resources]

[Mr Donald Anderson].

4Home Affairs,—(1) Third Special Report from the Home Affairs Committee [Government Observations on the First Report from the Committee on the work of the Criminal Cases Review Commission]; to be printed [No. 569]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Drugs and Prisons]; to be printed [No. 363-iii]

[Mr Chris Mullin].

5International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [Department for International Development: Departmental Report 1999]; to be printed [No. 567-i] [Mr Bowen Wells].

6Local Government (Organisation and Standards),—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on Local Government (Organisation and Standards); to be printed [No. 542-ii] [Mr Peter L. Pike].

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7Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration [Freedom of Information Draft Bill]; to be printed [Nos. 570-i and -ii] [Dr Tony Wright].

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

9Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee—Two Years On]; to be printed [No. 505-iii] [Mr Giles Radice].


[No. 109.]

Wednesday 23rd June 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—(Mrs Anne McGuire);

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

2Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Humfrey Malins reported from the Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Local Authorities (Contracting Out of Highway Functions) Order 1999.

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

3Equal Access (Public and Private Buildings),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to establish that where men and women are granted access to public or private buildings they are granted equal access; and for connected purposes: And that Derek Wyatt, Ms Claire Ward, Mr John Maxton, Mr Jonathan R. Shaw and Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews do prepare and bring it in.

4Equal Access (Public and Private Buildings) Bill,—Derek Wyatt accordingly presented a Bill to establish that where men and women are granted access to public or private buildings they are granted equal access; 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 127].

5Opposition Day [14th allotted day–1st part],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the Leader of the Opposition in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider Opposition business.

Proportional Representation,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House, in the light of experience of recent elections held on the basis of proportional representation, believes that this is not an appropriate basis for election to the House of Commons; and urges the Government to resolve the uncertainty it has caused on this matter either by abandoning its commitment to hold a referendum, or by holding the referendum forthwith—(Sir George Young);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘recognises that different electoral systems may be appropriate for elections to different institutions; commends the Government's commitment to let the final decision on the voting system for the House of Commons be made by the people in a referendum; and welcomes the Government's approach which allows for a full debate in the country on the merits of the Jenkins system before a referendum is held', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Straw.)

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Keith Simpson: 143.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr Keith Hill: 365.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments):—It was agreed to.

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The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.

Resolved, That this House recognises that different electoral systems may be appropriate for elections to different institutions; commends the Government's commitment to let the final decision on the voting system for the House of Commons be made by the people in a referendum; and welcomes the Government's approach which allows for a full debate in the country on the merits of the Jenkins system before a referendum is held.

6Church of England (General Synod) (Measures),—Resolved, That the Cathedrals Measure, passed by the General Synod of the Church of England, be presented to Her Majesty for her Royal Assent in the form in which the said Measure was laid before Parliament.—(Mr Stuart Bell.)

7Church of England (General Synod) (Measures),—A Motion being made, That the Care of Places of Worship Measure, passed by the General Synod of the Church of England, be presented to Her Majesty for her Royal Assent in the form in which the said Measure was laid before Parliament—(Mr Stuart Bell);

Margaret Beckett acquainted the House, That she had it in Command from Her Majesty the Queen to acquaint the House that Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Measure, has consented to place her prerogative and interest, so far as it is concerned on behalf of the Crown and the Duchy of Lancaster, at the disposal of Parliament for the purposes of the Measure.

And the Question being put:—It was agreed to.

Resolved, That the Care of Places of Worship Measure, passed by the General Synod of the Church of England, be presented to Her Majesty for her Royal Assent in the form in which the said Measure was laid before Parliament.

8The Speaker's Absence,—Resolved, That the Speaker have leave of absence on Thursday 1st July to attend the opening of the Scottish Parliament.—(Mr Robert Ainsworth.)

9Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Robert Ainsworth.)

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

[Adjourned at 9.40 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

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

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Customs and Excise,—(1) Dual-Use and Related Goods (Export Control) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1778), and

(2) Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Supply and Sale of Equipment) (Penalties and Licences) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1775),

dated 23rd June 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

3Education,—Education (Student Loans) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1784), dated 22nd June 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

4Telegraphs,—Wireless Telegraphy (Licence Charges) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1774), dated 22nd June 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

Other Papers:

5Further and Higher Education (Scotland),—Report by the Secretary of State for Scotland on Further Education in Scotland for 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].

6Industrial Training,—Report and Accounts of the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board for 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

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7Parliamentary Commissioner,—(1) Sixth Report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, Session 1998–99: Selected cases and summaries of some completed investigations, October 1998 to March 1999, and

(2) Seventh Report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, Session 1998–99: Annual Report 1998–99

[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 571 and 572] [Clerk of the House].

8Public Accounts,—Treasury Minute on the Seventh to Ninth Reports from the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 1998–99 [by Command] [Cm. 4380] [Mrs Barbara Roche].

9Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on the Petition [13th May] from Mr Bernard Calvert for a referendum on the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

10Water,—Report of the Director General of Water Services for 1998–99 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 510] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Food Standards Bill:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee B and has appointed Mr Roger Gale and Mr Jimmy Hood Chairmen; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed twenty-one Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Kevin Barron, Mr Clive Betts, Dr Peter Brand, Mr Richard Burden, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Huw Edwards, Mr Jeff Ennis, Mr Andrew George, Dr Ian Gibson, Mr Nigel Griffiths, Tessa Jowell, Ms Sally Keeble, Mr Calum Macdonald, Mr David Maclean, Mr James Paice, Mr Owen Paterson, Mr Jeff Rooker, Mr Frank Roy, Mrs Caroline Spelman, Mr Mark Todd and Dr Desmond Turner.

2Excise Duties (Personal Reliefs) (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1617):

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Order to the Eighth 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.: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr David Amess, Mr Colin Breed, Barbara Follett, Maria Fyfe, Mr Oliver Heald, Mr Alan Johnson, Mr Nigel Jones, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews, Mr Jim Marshall, Laura Moffatt, Dawn Primarolo, Mr Ted Rowlands, Dr Rudi Vis and Mr David Wilshire.

3Value Added Tax (Abolition of Zero-Rating for Tax-Free Shops) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1642):

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Order to the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and has appointed Sir David Madel Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Peter Bottomley, Sir Sydney Chapman, Mr Jeremy Corbyn, Mr Edward Davey, Valerie Davey, Mrs Llin Golding, Mr Oliver Heald, Mr Alan Johnson, Mr Nigel Jones, Mr Oliver Letwin, Rosemary McKenna, Alice Mahon, Mr Paul Marsden, Dawn Primarolo and Dr Alan Whitehead.

4Draft Contracting Out (Jury Summoning Functions) Order 1999:

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Ms Diane Abbott, Mr John Burnett, Dr Vincent Cable, Mr Alan Campbell, Ann Clwyd, Mr David Curry, Mr Nick Hawkins, Mr John Hayes, Mr Keith Hill, Mr David Lock, Mr Syd Rapson, Joan Ruddock, Mr Alan Simpson, Dr Phyllis Starkey, Mr John M. Taylor and Mr Keith Vaz.

5Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Bill [Lords],—The Speaker has appointed Mr Jim Cunningham Chairman of the Second Reading Committee in respect of the Bill, in place of Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody.

European Standing Committees

6European Union Document No. 8329/99, relating to financial services, has been referred to European Standing Committee B.

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APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Rail Regulation]; to be printed [No. 585-i]; and

(2) Memorandum laid before the Transport Sub-Committee [Air Traffic Control]; to be printed [No. 586]

[Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

2European Scrutiny,—(1) Twenty-Third Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 34-xxiii]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The ECOFIN Council, 25 May 1999]; to be printed [No. 589]

[Mr Jimmy Hood].

3Northern Ireland Affairs,—(1) Third Special Report from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Government Response to the First Report from the Committee (Public Expenditure in Northern Ireland: Special Needs Education)]; to be printed [No. 587]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Impact in Northern Ireland of Cross-Border Road Fuel Price Differentials]; to be printed [No. 334-iv]

[Mr Peter Brooke].

4Procedure,—Fifth Report from the Procedure Committee [Ministerial Statements on Fridays], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 588] [Mr Nicholas Winterton].

5Public Accounts,—(1) Twenty-Second Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Delays to the new National Insurance Recording System], 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. 182];

(2) Twenty-Third Report from the Committee [Getting better value for money from the Private Finance Initiative]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 583]; and

(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The Immigration and Nationality Directorate's Casework Programme]; to be printed [No. 584-i]

[Mr David Davis].

6Social Security,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Social Security Committee [The Modernisation of Social Security Appeals]; to be printed [No. 581-i] [Mr Archy Kirkwood].


[No. 110.]

Thursday 24th June 1999.

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

PRAYERS.

1Liaison,—Mr Robert Sheldon reported, pursuant to Standing Order No. 145 (Liaison Committee), That the Liaison Committee had directed him to report the following recommendations for the allocation of time for the consideration of Estimates on an allotted day (being the second allotted day in the present Session):

That a day not later than 5th August be allotted for the consideration of the following Estimates for the financial year 1999–2000:

1. Class I, Vote 4: Department for Education and Employment: Office of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools in England;

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2. Class III: Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions as it relates to transport policy;

and that debate on the first Estimate be interrupted not later than three hours after its commencement.

Report to lie upon the Table.

2Northern Ireland Grand Committee,—Mr Peter Atkinson reported from the Northern Ireland Grand Committee, That it had considered the matter of the consultation document “Life Long Learning—a New Learning Culture for All”, referred to it on 9th June, and had directed him to report accordingly to the House.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 99].

3Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

The Lords have agreed to the Water Industry Bill, without Amendment.

The Lords have agreed to the HFC Bank Bill, without Amendment.

4Genetically Modified Food and Producer Liability Bill,—Mr Alan Simpson, supported by Mr Tony Benn, Audrey Wise, Mr John McDonnell, Alice Mahon, Mr Llew Smith, Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews, Mr David Chaytor, Mr Jeremy Corbyn, Maria Fyfe, Mr John McAllion and Dr Ian Gibson, presented a Bill to make further provision with respect to the safety of and liability for the deliberate release or marketing of genetically modified organisms and genetically modified food; to establish a genetically modified organism compensation fund; 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 128].

5Opposition Day [15th allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the Leader of the second largest opposition party in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider opposition business.

Government's Policy for Widows,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House welcomes the long-overdue extension of widow's benefits to widowers, and the doubling of Bereavement Payments; but notes that this costs only £100 million annually in the long term, compared with the £600 million cut the Government will make through the replacement of widows' pensions by a Bereavement Tax Allowance, the abolition of Dividend Tax Credits and the restriction of Council Tax Benefit on higher-value properties; regrets the Government's woefully inadequate response to next year's halving of widows' entitlement to additional pension; welcomes the fact that this is now under investigation by the Parliamentary Ombudsman; and calls on the Government to cease their attacks on the living standards of widows—(Mr David Rendel);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘supports the Government's proposals to reform bereavement benefits, including the Bereavement Payment, which will provide a tax-free lump sum of £2,000—double the value of the current Widow's Payment; welcomes the additional help given to the children of widowers, who will qualify for the new Widowed Parent's Allowance, which will replace the Widowed Mother's Allowance; welcomes the protection given to widows over 55, who might otherwise have no practical alternative to relying on Income Support; and welcomes the wide range of policies which are designed to assist women to play a full and active part in the community', instead thereof.—(Mr Stephen Timms.)

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Phil Willis, Sir Robert Smith: 37.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr David Jamieson: 274.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments):—It was agreed to.

The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.

Resolved, That this House supports the Government's proposals to reform bereavement benefits, including the Bereavement Payment, which will provide a tax-free lump sum of £2,000—double the value of the current Widow's Payment; welcomes the

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additional help given to the children of widowers, who will qualify for the new Widowed Parent's Allowance, which will replace the Widowed Mother's Allowance; welcomes the protection given to widows over 55, who might otherwise have no practical alternative to relying on Income Support; and welcomes the wide range of policies which are designed to assist women to play a full and active part in the community.

Food and Supermarkets,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes that the rapid expansion of out-of-town superstores under the Conservatives and the concentration of local market share has hit traditional town centres; notes that supermarket purchasing and pricing policies have hit farmers but not led to lower prices for consumers and are now under investigation by the Competition Commission as a result; further notes that a new wave of larger superstore developments and predatory pricing to gain market dominance, and a squeeze of local producers and traditional retailers, is threatened by Wal-Mart's acquisition of ASDA; therefore calls on the Government to reaffirm its commitment to preventing further out-of-town greenfield development, and to tackle urgently anti-competitive, anti-producer and anti-consumer practices by the major food retailers; and calls on the Prime Minister to put on record in the House the substantive contents of his meeting earlier this year with the Chief Executive of Wal-Mart and to clarify exactly what flexibility in planning regulation was offered in respect of any future superstore development—(Mr Matthew Taylor);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘welcomes the Government's planning policy on town centres and retail development, which promotes the development of food retailing in existing centres; endorses its attempts to maintain vital, viable competitive town, district and neighbourhood centres, which provide a broad range of retail services accessible to the whole population regardless of whether they have access to a car; welcomes the benefits which supermarkets have brought to consumers; notes the concerns over the level of supermarket profits and approves the investigation of grocery retailing being carried out by the Competition Commission; welcomes the recently agreed re-shaping of the CAP and the establishment of the second pillar of the CAP—an integrated rural development policy; and welcomes the Government's commitment to rural communities, its efforts to increase collaborative marketing among farmers and encourage diversification, and its support for regional, speciality and traditional food producers' instead thereof.—(Mr Richard Caborn.)

Question proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question.

And it being Seven o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned, pursuant to the Sessional Order [16th December].

6Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism,—Resolved, That the draft Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 (Revival of Parts IVA and IVB) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 23rd June, be approved.—(Mr Secretary Straw.)

7Contracting Out,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Local Authorities (Contracting Out of Highway Functions) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 26th May, be approved—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to.

8Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Mike Hall.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till Nine o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 9 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Criminal Law,—Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Freezing of Funds and Prohibition of Investment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1786), dated 24th June 1999 [by Act] [Ms Patricia Hewitt].

2Food,—Food (Peanuts from Egypt) (Emergency Control) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1800), dated 24th June 1999 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

3Land Drainage,—Environmental Impact Assessment (Land Drainage Improvement Works) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1783), dated 22nd June 1999 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

4Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping (Minimum Standards of Safety Communications) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1704), dated 14th June 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

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Other Papers:

5Audit Commission,—Accounts of the Audit Commission for Local Authorities and the National Health Service in England and Wales for the year ended 31st October 1998, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 592] [Clerk of the House].

6Broadcasting,—Report and Accounts of S4C for 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

7Cloning,—Government Response to the Report by the Human Genetics Advisory Commission and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority on Cloning Issues in Reproduction, Science and Medicine [by Command] [Cm. 4387] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

8Criminal Appeal,—Accounts of the Criminal Cases Review Commission for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 591] [Clerk of the House].

9Crown Agents,—(1) Accounts of the Crown Agents Holding and Realisation Board for 1998, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 522] [Clerk of the House]; and

(2) Report of the Chairman of the Crown Agents Holding and Realisation Board for 1998 [by Act] [Secretary Clare Short].

10Greenwich Hospital,—Accounts of the Greenwich Hospital and Travers Foundation for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 514] [Mr Secretary Robertson].

11Judicial Statistics,—Judicial Statistics for England and Wales for 1998 [by Command] [Cm. 4371] [Mr Keith Vaz].

12Legal Aid and Advice,—Report and Accounts of the Legal Aid Board for 1998–99 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 537] [Mr Keith Vaz].

13National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Ministry of Defence: Major Projects Report 1998 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 519] [Clerk of the House].

14Prisons,—Report of the Prisons Ombudsman for the period 1st January 1998 to 31st March 1999 [by Command] [Cm. 4369] [Mr Secretary Straw].

15Race Relations (Northern Ireland),—Report and Accounts of the Commission for Racial Equality for Northern Ireland for 1998–99 [by Statutory Instrument] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

APPENDIX II

Reports from Select Committees

1Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [The Department for Culture, Media and Sport and its Quangos]; to be printed [No. 506-iii] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].

2Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee [Kosovo]; to be printed [No. 593-i] [Mr Bruce George.]

3Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee [The Budget 1999]; to be printed [No. 326-iii] [Mr John Horam].

4Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee [Procedures related to Adverse Clinical Incidents and Outcomes in Medical Care]; to be printed [No. 549-ii] [Mr David Hinchliffe].

5Local Government (Organisation and Standards),—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on Local Government (Organisation and Standards); to be printed [No. 542-iii] [Mr Peter L. Pike.]

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6Scottish Affairs,—First Report from the Scottish Affairs Committee [Inward/Outward Investment in Scotland], 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. 84-I and -II] [Mr David Marshall].


[No. 111.]

Friday 25th June 1999.

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

PRAYERS.

1Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Consumers for Health Choice, the Health Food Manufacturers' Association, the National Association of Health Stores and others against the proposal to give the Medicines Control Agency power to classify natural health products as medicines was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

2Adjournment (Innovation and Enterprise),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Robert Ainsworth);

And it being half-past Two o'clock, the Motion for the Adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.

3Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr David Hanson.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till Three o'clock, adjourned till Monday 28th June.

[Adjourned at 3 p.m.


APPENDIX

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Constitutional Law,—Government of Wales Act 1998 (Complaints of Maladministration) (Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1791), dated 23rd June 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].

2Education,—(1) Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education (Prescribed Period) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1728), dated 16th June 1999,

(2) Charles Keene College of Further Education, Leicester and Leicester South Fields College (Dissolution) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1802), dated 23rd June 1999, and

(3) Local Education Authority (Payment of School Expenses) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1727), dated 15th June 1999

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

3Landlord and Tenant,—Assured and Protected Tenancies (Lettings to Students) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1803), dated 23rd June 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

4Plant Health,—Marketing of Ornamental Plant Propagating Material Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1801), dated 23rd June 1999 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

Other Papers:

5Industrial Training,—Report and Accounts of the Construction Industry Training Board for 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].


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