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House of Commons
Session 1998-1999

Commons Journal 255

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Page 433            1998-1999      Volume 255      

[No. 121.]

Monday 12th July 1999.

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

PRAYERS.

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

Academic and Academic-related Staff Pay and Conditions Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to make provision with respect to the remuneration, recruitment, retention and other conditions of employment of academic and academic-related staff, and for connected purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

2Academic and Academic-related Staff Pay and Conditions Bill [Lords],—The Academic and Academic-related Staff Pay and Conditions Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 23rd July and to be printed [Bill 137].

3Northern Ireland Bill,—Secretary Marjorie Mowlam, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Secretary Prescott, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Secretary Cook, Mr Secretary Straw, Mr Secretary Robertson, Mr Secretary Michael, Mr Secretary Reid and Mr Paul Murphy presented a Bill to make provision for the suspension in certain circumstances of devolved government in Northern Ireland and the exercise of certain functions conferred by or under Part V of the Northern Ireland Act 1998; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 136].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Northern Ireland Bill be printed [Bill 136–EN].

4Standards and Privileges,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House—

(i) approves the Eighth Report of the Committee on Standards and Privileges (House of Commons Paper No. 607); and

(ii) accordingly suspends Mr Ernie Ross, Member for Dundee West, from the service of the House for ten sitting days—(Margaret Beckett);

The House proceeded to a Division.

Jane Kennedy and Mr Kevin Hughes were appointed Tellers for the Ayes, but no Member being willing to act as Teller for the Noes, the Deputy Speaker declared that the Ayes had it.

Resolved, That this House—

(i) approves the Eighth Report of the Committee on Standards and Privileges (House of Commons Paper No. 607); and

(ii) accordingly suspends Mr Ernie Ross, Member for Dundee West, from the service of the House for ten sitting days.

5Estimates Day [2nd allotted day],—The House proceeded, pursuant to Resolution [29th June], to consider the Estimates appointed for consideration under Standing Order No. 145 (Liaison Committee).

Estimates, 1999–2000 (Class I, Vote 4),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That a further sum not exceeding £59,500,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to complete or defray the charges which will come in course of payment during the year ending on 31st March 2000 for expenditure by the Office of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools in England on administration and inspection, including the inspection of schools and other educational institutions, funded nursery providers and local education authorities.—(Jane Kennedy.)

The Debate was concluded, and the Question necessary to dispose of proceedings was deferred, pursuant to paragraph (4) of Standing Order No. 54 (Consideration of estimates).

Class III,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That a further revised sum not exceeding £25,917,026,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to complete or defray the charges which will come in course of payment during the year ending on 31st March 2000 for expenditure by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.—(Mr David Hanson.)

And it being Ten o'clock, the Speaker interrupted the Proceedings, and the Question necessary to dispose of the proceedings was deferred.

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The Speaker, pursuant to paragraph (5) of Standing Order No. 54 (Consideration of estimates), put the deferred Questions on Estimates 1999–2000, (Class I, Vote 4 and Class III).

Class I, Vote IV

Resolved, That a further sum not exceeding £59,500,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to complete or defray the charges which will come in course of payment during the year ending on 31st March 2000 for expenditure by the Office of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools in England on administration and inspection, including the inspection of schools and other educational institutions, funded nursery providers and local education authorities.

Class III

Resolved, That a further revised sum not exceeding £25,917,026,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to complete or defray the charges which will come in course of payment during the year ending on 31st March 2000 for expenditure by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

6Estimates and Supplementary Estimates, 1999–2000,—The Speaker then put the Questions which she was required to put pursuant to paragraph (1) of Standing Order No. 55 (Questions on voting of estimates, &c.).

Resolved, That a further sum not exceeding £97,900,070,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to complete or defray the charges for Defence and Civil Services for the year ending on 31st March 2000, as set out in House of Commons Paper Nos. 336, 337, 338, 520 and 684.

Ordered, That a Bill be brought in upon the foregoing Resolutions: And that the Chairman of Ways and Means, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Alan Milburn, Dawn Primarolo, Mrs Barbara Roche and Ms Patricia Hewitt do prepare and bring it in.

7Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) Bill,—Mrs Barbara Roche accordingly presented a Bill to apply a sum out of the Consolidated Fund to the service of the year ending on 31st March 2000; to appropriate the supplies granted in this Session of Parliament; and to repeal certain Consolidated Fund and Appropriation Acts: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 135].

8Food Standards Bill [Ways and Means],—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Food Standards Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment of sums into the Consolidation Fund.—(Mr Clive Betts.)

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 223.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Douglas Hogg, Mr Christopher Gill: 2.

So the Question was agreed to.

Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Food Standards Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment of sums into the Consolidated Fund.

9Northern Ireland Bill,—Ordered, That, in respect of the Northern Ireland Bill, notices of Amendments, new Clauses and new Schedules to be moved in Committee may be accepted by the Clerks at the Table before the Bill has been read a second time.—(Mr Mike Hall.)

10Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Thursday 15th July,

(1) any Message received from the Lords relating to the Northern Ireland Bill may be considered, though opposed, at any hour; and

(2) the House shall not adjourn until the Speaker shall have reported the Royal Assent to any Act agreed upon by both Houses.—(Mr Mike Hall.)

11Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Friday 16th July, proceedings on the Motion for the adjournment of the House in the name of the Prime Minister may continue for up to five hours and may be proceeded with, though opposed, after half-past Two o'clock, and in calculating that period of five hours, the time taken by any interruption of the proceedings under paragraph 4 of Standing Order No. 11 (Friday sittings) shall be disregarded.—(Mr Mike Hall.)

12Public 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.

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13Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Mike Hall);

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

[Adjourned at 11.29 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 9th July 1999 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O. No. 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of Statutory Instruments):

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Consumer Credit,—Consumer Credit (Exempt Agreements) (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1956), dated 8th July 1999 [Mr Secretary Byers].

2Income Tax,—(1) Retirement Benefits Schemes (Continuation of Rights of Members of Approved Schemes) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1963), and

(2) Retirement Benefits Schemes (Restriction on Discretion to Approve) (Additional Voluntary Contributions) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1964),

dated 9th July 1999 [Dawn Primarolo].

3Road Traffic,—Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1959), dated 8th July 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

4Social Security,—(1) Social Security Amendment (Students) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1935), dated 7th July 1999 [Mr Secretary Darling]; and

(2) Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment No. 4) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1966), and

(3) Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1965),

dated 9th July 1999 [Dawn Primarolo].

Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 12th July 1999:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

5Road Traffic,—Draft Courses for Drink-Drive Offenders (Experimental Period) (Termination of Restrictions) Order 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

6Social Security,—Income Support (General) and Jobseeker's Allowance Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1921), dated 5th July 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Other Papers:

7Data Protection,—Account of the Data Protection Registrar for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 705] [Clerk of the House].

8Development of Tourism,—Accounts of the British Tourist Authority for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 704] [Clerk of the House].

9Museums and Galleries,—Accounts of the Museums and Galleries Commission for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 703] [Clerk of the House].

10Pensions,—Report of the Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority for 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

11Police,—Report of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis for 1998–99 [by Command] [Mr Secretary Straw].

12Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on the Petition [18th January] from Residents of the Parish of Wing in Buckinghamshire relating to a proposed Wing by-pass [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

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APPENDIX II

Reports from Select Committees

1Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Third Special Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Government Response to the Ninth Report from the Committee, on the Integrated Transport White Paper]; to be printed [No. 708] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].

2Health,—Fifth Report from the Health Committee [The Regulation of Private and other Independent Healthcare], 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. 281]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [The Regulation of Private and other Independent Healthcare]

[Mr David Hinchliffe].


[No. 122.]

Tuesday 13th July 1999.

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

PRAYERS.

1Deregulation Committee,—Mr Peter L. Pike reported from the Deregulation Committee the following Resolutions:

That the draft Deregulation (Millennium Licensing) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 5th July, should be approved.

That the draft Deregulation (Casinos) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 5th July, should be approved.

The Committee came to these Resolutions without a Division.

2Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr George Stevenson reported from the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Ministerial and other Salaries Order 1999.

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

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

Baxi Partnership Limited Trusts Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill, intituled, An Act to confirm the validity of and vary the trusts of a settlement created by Baxi Partnership Limited for the benefit of employees of Baxi Partnership Limited; to modify certain provisions of the settlement; to confer powers on the trustees of that settlement; and for other purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

4Baxi Partnership Limited Trusts Bill [Lords],—The Baxi Partnership Limited Trusts Bill [Lords] was read the first time.

Bill referred to the Examiners of Petitions for Private Bills.

5Broadcasting (Religious Programming),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to remove restrictions on the ownership by religious bodies of broadcasting licences and to clarify the role of the Radio Authority and the Independent Television Commission in relation to the religious content of programmes—(Mr Edward Leigh);

And the Motion being opposed, after a brief explanatory statement from the Member who made the Motion and from a Member who opposed it, the Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Standing Order No. 23 (Motions for leave to bring in bills and nomination of select committees at commencement of public business).

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr James Gray, Mr John Bercow: 138.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Desmond Swayne, Mr Tim Loughton: 9.

So the Question was agreed to.

Ordered, That Mr Edward Leigh, Mr Mark Fisher, Mr Donald Anderson, Frank Cook, Steve Webb, Mr Colin Breed, Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson, The Reverend Martin

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Smyth, Mr Gary Streeter, Mr Laurence Robertson, Mr Gerald Howarth and Mr Christopher Chope do prepare and bring in the Bill.

6Broadcasting (Religious Programming) Bill,—Mr Edward Leigh accordingly presented a Bill to remove restrictions on the ownership by religious bodies of broadcasting licences and to clarify the role of the Radio Authority and the Independent Television Commission in relation to the religious content of the programmes: 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 138].

7Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) Bill;

A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 56 (Consolidated Fund Bills), That the Bill be now read a second time:—It was agreed to.

And the Question being put forthwith, That the Bill be now read the third time:—It was agreed to.

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

8Northern Ireland Bill (Programme),—Ordered, That the following provisions shall apply to proceedings on the Northern Ireland Bill:—

Timing of proceedings

1.—(1) Proceedings on the Bill shall be completed at today's sitting.

(2) Proceedings on Second Reading shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion four hours after the commencement of proceedings on this Motion.

(3) In Committee—

(a) proceedings on any new clause which may be selected relating to the operation of the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 shall be taken first and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion five hours after the commencement of proceedings on this Motion; and

(b) remaining proceedings shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion seven and a half hours after that commencement.

(4) Remaining proceedings on the Bill shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion eight hours after the commencement of proceedings on this Motion.

2.—(1) When the Bill has been read a second time—

(a) it shall, notwithstanding Standing Order No. 63 (Committal of bills), stand committed to a Committee of the whole House without any Question being put,

(b) proceedings on the Bill shall stand postponed while the Question is put, in accordance with Standing Order No. 52(1) (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), on any financial resolution relating to the Bill,

(c) on the conclusion of proceedings on any financial resolution relating to the Bill, proceedings on the Bill shall be resumed and the Speaker shall leave the Chair whether or not notice of an instruction has been given.

(2) On the conclusion of proceedings in Committee the Chairman shall report the Bill to the House without putting any Question; and if he reports the Bill with Amendments the House shall proceed to consider the Bill as amended without any Question being put.

Questions to be put

3.—(1) For the purpose of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 1 the Chairman or Speaker shall forthwith put the following Questions (but no others)—

(a) any Question already proposed from the Chair;

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

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

(d) any other Question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded; and on a Motion for a new Clause or Schedule, the Chairman or Speaker shall put only the Question that the Clause or Schedule be added to the Bill.

(2) If two or more Questions would fall to be put by the Chairman under sub-paragraph (1)(d) in relation to successive provisions of the Bill, the Chairman shall instead put a single Question in relation to those provisions.

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Lords Amendments

4.—At the sitting on Thursday 15th July—

(a) any Message received from the Lords relating to the Bill shall be considered forthwith without any Question being put; and

(b) proceedings on any Message shall be brought to a conclusion, if not previously concluded, one hour after commencement.

5.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of concluding in accordance with paragraph 4 any proceedings on any message received from the Lords relating to the Bill.

(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.

(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 that day's sitting.

Miscellaneous

6. If at the sitting today or on Thursday 15th July—

(a) a Motion for the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 (Adjournment on specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration) stands over to Seven o'clock, and

(b) proceedings on the Bill have begun before that time,

the bringing to a conclusion of any proceedings in accordance with paragraph 1 or 4 shall be postponed for a period equal to the duration of the proceedings on that Motion.

7.—(1) No Motion shall be made to alter the order in which any proceedings on the Bill are taken.

(2) No dilatory Motion with respect to, or in the course of, proceedings on the Bill shall be made except by a Minister of the Crown; and the Question on any such Motion shall be put forthwith.

(3) No debate shall be permitted on any Motion to recommit the Bill (whether as a whole or otherwise), and the Speaker shall put forthwith any Question necessary to dispose of the Motion, including the Question on any amendment.

8. Standing Order No. 82 (Business Committee) shall not apply to this Order.

9.—(1) The Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of this Order shall be put forthwith; and Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) shall apply to the proceedings on the Bill at the sittings today and on Thursday 15th July.

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(2) If at the sitting today or on Thursday 15th July the House is adjourned, or the sitting is suspended, before the time at which any proceedings are to be brought to a conclusion under paragraph 1 or 4, no notice shall be required of a Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of this Order.

10. Proceedings on the Bill shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House.—(Mr Paul Murphy.)

9Northern Ireland Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Northern Ireland Bill;

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

Mr Paul Murphy acquainted the House, That he had it in command from the Queen to acquaint the House that Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, has consented to place Her prerogative, so far as they are affected by the Bill, at the disposal of Parliament for the purposes of the Bill.

And the Question being put;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr David Clelland: 312.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr William Ross, The Reverend Martin Smyth: 19.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Bill was accordingly read a second time, and stood committed to a Committee of the whole House, pursuant to Order [this day].

Further proceedings stood postponed, pursuant to Order.

10Northern Ireland Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Northern Ireland 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 Northern Ireland Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State in consequence of the Act—(Mrs Anne McGuire):—It was agreed to.

11Northern Ireland Bill,—The House, pursuant to Order, immediately resolved itself into a Committee.

(In the Committee)

A Clause (Suspension of prisoner releases)—(Mr Andrew MacKay)—brought up and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time.

And it being five hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion on Northern Ireland Bill (Programme), the Chairman put the Question necessary to dispose of proceedings to be concluded at that hour, pursuant to Order.

Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.

The Committee divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Stephen Day: 147.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mike Hall, Jane Kennedy: 349.

Clause No. 1 (Suspension of devolved government etc.).

Amendment (No. 1) proposed, in page 1, line 13, to leave out from the word ‘Commission' to the end of line 16.—(Mr David Trimble.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The Committee divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Stephen Day: 145.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Hanson, Mr Keith Hill: 352.

Another Amendment (No. 8) proposed, in page 1, line 19, to leave out from the word ‘Assembly' to the end of line 21.—(Mr Andrew MacKay.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The Committee divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Stephen Day: 144.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Hanson, Mr Keith Hill: 340.

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And it being seven and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion on Northern Ireland Bill (Programme), the Chairman put the Question necessary to dispose of remaining proceedings in Committee.

Question, That Clauses Nos. 1 to 6 stand part of the Bill, and that Schedules Nos. 1 and 2 be the Schedules to the Bill, put and agreed to.

Whereupon the Chairman left the Chair to report the Bill to the House.


The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair; and Jim Dowd reported, That the Committee had gone though the Bill and directed him to report the same, without Amendment.

A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read the third time;

And it being eight hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion on Northern Ireland Bill (Programme), the Deputy Speaker put the Question necessary to bring to a conclusion remaining proceedings on the Bill.

Question put, That the Bill be now read the third time.

The House proceeded to a Division.

Wednesday 14th July 1999

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Hanson, Mr Keith Hill: 343.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr William Ross, The Reverend Martin Smyth: 24.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

12Northern Ireland,—Resolved, That the draft Northern Ireland Act 1974 (Interim Period Extension) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 7th July, be approved.—(Mr Paul Murphy.)

13Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from patients, parents, relatives and supporters of patients and residents within the catchment area served by the Poole Hospital Cleft Team against the relocation of services provided by the Team was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

14Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Jane Kennedy.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till five minutes to Two o'clock, adjourned till this day.

[Adjourned at 1.55 a.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping (Liability of Shipowners and Others) (Rate of Interest) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1922), dated 6th July 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers:

2Betting, Gaming and Lotteries,—Reports and Accounts of the Horserace Betting Levy Board and the Horserace Totalisator Board for 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

3Broadcasting,—Review, Report and Financial Statements of the Broadcasting Standards Commission for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

4Civil Aviation,—Report and Accounts of Highlands and Islands Airports Limited for 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].

5Data Protection,—Report and Statement of Account of the Data Protection Registrar for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 575] [Mr Secretary Straw].

6Defence Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Defence Bills Agency for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 414] [Mr Secretary Robertson].

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7Development of Tourism,—Accounts of the English Tourist Board for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 713] [Clerk of the House].

8Education,—Accounts of the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 715] [Clerk of the House].

9Further and Higher Education,—Accounts of the Further and Higher Education Funding Councils for Wales for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 712] [Clerk of the House].

10Government Trading Funds,—Report and Accounts of the Meteorological Office for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 685] [Clerk of the House].

11National Heritage,—Report and Accounts of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 499] [Mr Secretary Smith].

12National Lottery,—Strategic Plan of the New Opportunities Fund [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

13Police,—Report and Accounts of the Police Information Technology Organisation for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 516] [Mr Secretary Straw].

14Science and Technology,—Accounts of the Economic and Social Research Council for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 714] [Clerk of the House].

15Social Exclusion,—Report by the Social Exclusion Unit on Bridging the Gap: New opportunities for 16–18 year olds not in education, employment or training [by Command] [Cm. 4405] [The Prime Minister].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Draft North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Andrew Dismore from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Roger Stott.

2Draft Aeroplane Noise (Amendment) Regulations 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Graham Allen, Mr Paul Truswell and Mr Derek Twigg from the Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Charlotte Atkins, Mr Mike Hall and Mr Ivan Henderson.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Agriculture,—Memoranda laid before the Agriculture Committee [Sea Fishing; The Marketing of Milk] [Mr Peter Luff].

2Deregulation,—Fourth Report from the Deregulation Committee [The draft Deregulation (Millennium Licensing) Order 1999, and the draft Deregulation (Casinos) Order 1999]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee Relating to the Report [No. 710] [Mr Peter L. Pike].

3Education and Employment,—(1) Fifth Report from the Education and Employment Committee [Role of School Governors], 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. 509]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Role of School Governors]

[Mr Malcolm Wicks].

4Environment, 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-vi] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].

5Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Kosovo]; to be printed [No. 188-v] [Mr Donald Anderson].

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6Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [Drugs and Prisons]; to be printed [No. 363-v] [Mr Chris Mullin].

7International Development,—Part of the Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [The Future of Sanctions]; to be printed [No. 454-vi] [Mr Bowen Wells].

8Local Government (Organisation and Standards),—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on Local Government (Organisation and Standards); to be printed [No. 542-viii] [Mr Peter L. Pike].

9Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration [Freedom of Information Draft Bill]; to be printed [Nos. 570-vii and -viii] [Dr Tony Wright].

10Statutory Instruments,—Twenty-fifth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 50-xxv] [Mr David Tredinnick].

11Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [Demutualisation]; to be printed [No. 605-iii] [Mr Giles Radice].


REGISTRATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES ACT, 1998.

The Speaker has appointed Mr Humfrey Malins to replace Sir Alastair Goodlad for the duration of the present Parliament on the Advisory Committee on the Registration of Political Parties, established under section 10 of the Registration of Political Parties Act 1998.


[No. 123.]

Wednesday 14th July 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—(Jane Kennedy);

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

2Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Barry Jones reported from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999.

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

3Income Tax,—The Vice Chamberlain of the Household reported to the House, That its Address of 21st June relating to Income Tax had been presented to Her Majesty; and that Her Majesty had been pleased to receive the same very graciously and to give the following Answer.

I have received your Address praying that the Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Kuwait) Order 1999 be made in the form of the draft laid before your House.

I will comply with your request.

4Control of Residential Hedgerows Bill,—The Order for reading the Control of Residential Hedgerows Bill a second time on Friday 23rd July was read and discharged.

Bill withdrawn.

5Children's Rights Commissioner,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to provide for the establishment of a children's rights commissioner to promote the rights and interests of children in England; to make provision for the powers and duties of the commissioner; and for related purposes: And that Mr Hilton Dawson, Mr Martin Bell, The Reverend Martin Smyth, Mr David Hinchliffe, Mrs Llin Golding, Mrs Joan Humble, Mr Andrew Rowe, Mr Elfyn Llwyd, Bob Russell, Mr Donald Gorrie, Ms Julie Morgan and Mr Jonathan R. Shaw do prepare and bring it in.

6Children's Rights Commissioner Bill,—Mr Hilton Dawson accordingly presented a Bill to provide for the establishment of a children's rights commissioner to promote the rights and interests of children in England; to make provision for the powers and duties of the commissioner; and for related 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 139].

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7Pollution Prevention and Control Bill [Lords],—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Pollution Prevention and Control Bill [Lords], as amended in the Standing Committee.

A Clause (Time-limited disposal or waste management licences)—(Mr Alan Meale)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Amendment (No. 1) proposed to the Bill, in page 7, line 41, after the word ‘information', to insert ‘—

(i)'.—(Mr Alan Meale.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mike Hall, Jane Kennedy: 335.

Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 132.

Other Amendments (Nos. 2 to 5) made to the Bill.

Title accordingly amended, as follows:

A Bill to make provision for implementing Council Directive 96/61/EC and for otherwise preventing and controlling pollution; to make provision about certain expired or expiring disposal or waste management licences; and for connected purposes.

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

Secretary Clare Short, 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:—It was agreed to.

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

8Commonwealth Development Corporation Bill [Lords],—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Commonwealth Development Corporation Bill [Lords], as amended in the Standing Committee.

A Clause (Investment policy)—(Mr Gary Streeter)—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 Keith Simpson, Mrs Eleanor Laing: 165.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Clive Betts: 309.

So the Question was negatived.

And it being after Seven o'clock, and there being private business set down by direction of the Chairman of Ways and Means under Standing Order No. 20 (Time for taking private business), further proceedings stood postponed.

9City of London (Ward Elections) Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the City of London (Ward Elections) Bill, as amended in the Committee.

Amendment (No. 7) proposed to the Bill, in page 2, line 19, at the end, to insert the words—

‘ “relevant employee” means a person whose principal or only place of work on the qualifying date is ordinarily the hereditament in respect of which the entitlement to appoint a voter arises and who works for that qualifying body.'.—(Mr John McDonnell.)

Mr Peter Brooke rose in his place, and claimed to move, That the Question be now proposed.

And the Question being put, That the Question be now proposed;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Walter, Mr Nick Hawkins: 199.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Andrew Mackinlay, Mr Michael Connarty: 62.

So the Question was agreed to.

Question accordingly proposed, That the Amendment be made.

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

And the Question being put, That the Question be now put;

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The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Walter, Mr Nick Hawkins: 218.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Andrew Mackinlay, Mr Michael Connarty: 101.

So the Question was agreed to.

And the Question being accordingly put, That the Amendment be made:

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Andrew Mackinlay, Mr Michael Connarty: 102.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Robert Walter, Mr Nick Hawkins: 209.

And it being after Ten o'clock, further consideration of the Bill stood adjourned.

Ordered, That the Bill be further considered on Tuesday 20th July.

10Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business), That, at this day's sitting, the Commonwealth Development Corporation Bill [Lords] and Trustee Delegation Bill [Lords] may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr Graham Allen):—It was agreed to.

11Commonwealth Development Corporation Bill [Lords],—The House resumed the postponed proceedings on consideration of the Commonwealth Development Corporation Bill [Lords].

Another Clause (Sale of shares or other securities)—(Mrs Cheryl Gillan)—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 Eric Forth, Mr Edward Leigh: 21.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Keith Hill, Jane Kennedy: 293.

Amendment (No. 2) proposed to the Bill, in page 10, line 31, to leave out from the word ‘nominee' to the end of line 32.—(Mr David Heath.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Eric Forth, Mr Douglas Hogg: 9.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Keith Hill, Jane Kennedy: 265.

A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read the third time;

Thursday 15th July 1999

Question put and agreed to.

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

12Trustee Delegation Bill [Lords],—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Trustee Delegation Bill [Lords], not amended in the Standing Committee.

The Bill was read the third time, and passed, without Amendment.

13Parliament,—A Motion was made and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Ministerial and other Salaries Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 29th June, be approved—(Mr Mike Hall);

The House proceeded to a Division.

Mr Mike Hall and Mr David Hanson were appointed Tellers for the Ayes, but no Member being willing to Act as Teller for the Noes, the Deputy Speaker declared that the Ayes had it.

Resolved, That the draft Ministerial and other Salaries Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 29th June, be approved.

14Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Mike Hall);

And the Motion having been made after Ten o'clock on Wednesday 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 seven minutes to One o'clock on Thursday morning, till this day.

[Adjourned at 12.53 a.m.


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APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Social Security,—Draft Jobseeker's Allowance Amendment (New Deal) Regulations 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Designs,—Patent Office (Address) (Revocation) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1993), dated 13th July 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

Other Papers:

3Crown Estate,—(1) Accounts of the Crown Estate Commissioners for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 651]; and

(2) Report and Accounts of the Crown Estate Commissioners for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]

[Clerk of the House].

4Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland),—Accounts of Highlands and Islands Enterprise Network for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 717] [Clerk of the House].

5Gaming,—Report and Accounts of the Gaming Board for Great Britain for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 525] [Mr Secretary Straw].

6Inland Revenue Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Valuation Office for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 702] [Dawn Primarolo].

7National Debt,—Accounts of the National Debt Commissioners Gilt-edged Official Operations for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 634] [Clerk of the House].

8National Lottery,—Account of the English Sports Council Lottery Distribution for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 650] [Clerk of the House].

9Northern Ireland Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 652] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].

10Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors,—Reports of the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

11Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on the Petition [26th May] from residents of Purbeck in Dorset calling for improved road access to Purbeck [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

12Science and Technology,—Accounts of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 722] [Clerk of the House].

13Social Security,—Report by the Secretary of State for Social Security on the Social Fund for 1998–99 [by Command] [Cm. 4351] [Mr Secretary Darling].

14Social Security Executive Agencies,—Reports and Accounts of the—

(1) Benefits Agency,

(2) Child Support Agency,

(3) Contributions Agency,

(4) Information Technology Services Agency, and

(5) War Pensions Agency

for 1998–99, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 580, 533, 523, 518 and 527] [Mr Secretary Darling].

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15Treaty Series (No. 44, 1999),—Agreement, done at Bonn on 13th September 1983, for Co-operation in Dealing with Pollution of the North Sea by Oil and Other Harmful Substances [by Command] [Cm. 4397] [Mr Secretary Cook].

16Welsh Language,—Report and Accounts of the Welsh Language Board for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Draft Financial Services Act 1986 (Restriction of Exemptions) Order 1999:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Sir Paul Beresford, Mr Ian Bruce, Mr Michael Clapham, Mr Keith Darvill, Mr Edward Davey, Mr Denzil Davies, Mr Andrew Dismore, Mr Howard Flight, Mr Neil Gerrard, Ms Patricia Hewitt, Ms Oona King, Dr Doug Naysmith, Mr Keith Simpson, The Reverend Martin Smyth and Mr Don Touhig.

2Draft Films (Modification of the Definition of ‘British Film') Order 1999:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr David Amess, Janet Anderson, Mr Crispin Blunt, Jim Dowd, Mr Ronnie Fearn, Mr Frank Field, Mr Nigel Jones, Fiona Mactaggart, Sir Raymond Powell, Mr Keith Simpson, Mr Peter Snape, Helen Southworth, Mr Richard Spring, Ms Dari Taylor, Mr Gareth R. Thomas (Harrow West) and Audrey Wise.

3Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 48) on 1999–2000 Special Grant for developing new approaches to commissioning services for drug misusers (House of Commons Paper No. 513):

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Special Grant Report to the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Richard Allan, Mr Harold Best, Dr Vincent Cable, Mr David Clelland, Mr David Crausby, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Jeff Ennis, Lynne Jones, Tessa Jowell, Mr Geoffrey Robinson, Miss Geraldine Smith, Mrs Caroline Spelman, Mr Jon Trickett, Mr Peter Viggers, Ms Claire Ward and Sir Raymond Whitney.

4Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 50) on Children's Services (Quality Protects) Special Grants for 1998–99 and 1999–2000 (House of Commons Paper No. 617):

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Special Grant Report to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Jackie Ballard, Mr Paul Burstow, Mr David Clelland, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Paul Goggins, Mr Fabian Hamilton, Mr John Hutton, Ms Fiona Jones, Mr John McDonnell, Miss Anne McIntosh, Mr Austin Mitchell, Mr Ian Pearson, Mr John Randall, Mr Barry Sheerman, Mrs Caroline Spelman and Mr Graham Stringer.

5Draft Northern Ireland Act Tribunal (Procedure) Rules 1999:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Rules to the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson, Jim Fitzpatrick, Caroline Flint, Mr Nick Hawkins, Mr Keith Hill, Mr Andrew Hunter, Mr Eric Illsley, Mr Fraser Kemp, Mr David Lock, Mr Peter Mandelson, Mr Lembit Opik, Mr Andrew Reed, Mr Ian Taylor, Mr John M. Taylor, Mr Keith Vaz and Mr Brian White.

6Draft International Copper Study Group (Legal Capacities) Order 1999, the draft International Organisation (Immunities and Privileges) Miscellaneous Provisions Order 1999, and the draft INTELSAT (Immunities and Privileges) (Amendment) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ms Karen Buck from the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Orders); and nominated in substitution Mr Chris Pond.

7Draft Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (Procedural Rules) Order 1999, the draft Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (Code of Conduct) Order 1999 and the draft Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (Guidelines) Order 1999,—The

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  Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Win Griffiths from the Eleventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Orders); and nominated in substitution Mr Jim Murphy.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Broadcasting,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Broadcasting Committee. [The Development of Parliamentary Broadcasting]; to be printed [No. 618-ii] [Mr Roger Gale].

2Defence,—(1) Sixth Special Report from the Defence Committee [Government Observations on the Fifth Report from the Committee on Security of Supply and the Future of Royal Ordnance Factory Bishopton]; to be printed [No. 725]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Defence Research Expenditure]; to be printed [No. 616-iii]

[Mr Bruce George].

3Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee [Standards—disadvantage and opportunity]; to be printed [No. 695-i] [Mr Malcolm Wicks].

4Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) Fourteenth Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Aviation Safety], with the Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 275] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee [Commission for Integrated Transport]; to be printed [No. 724-i] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

5European Scrutiny,—Twenty-sixth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 34-xxvi] [Mr Jimmy Hood].

6Northern Ireland Affairs,—Second Report from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Electricity Supplies in Northern Ireland: Impact of the 26 December 1998 Storm]; 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. 227] [Mr Peter Brooke].

7Modernisation of the House of Commons,—Third Report from the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons [Thursday Sittings], together with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 719] [Margaret Beckett].

8Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration [Freedom of Information Draft Bill]; to be printed [No. 570-ix] [Dr Tony Wright].

9Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [The Year 2000—Computer Compliance: follow up]; to be printed [No. 692-i] [Dr Michael Clark].

10Social Security,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Social Security Committee [The Contributory Principle]; to be printed [No. 485-iv] [Mr Archy Kirkwood].

11Trade and Industry,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [Electronic Government: The Horizon Project for Automated Payment of Benefits through Post Offices]; to be printed [No. 530-ii]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [The Future of The Post Office]; to be printed [No. 94-iii]

[Mr Martin O'Neill].

12Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Treasury Committee [Valuation Office Agency]; to be printed [No. 420-iii] [Mr Giles Radice].


THE SPEAKER'S CERTIFICATE

 The Speaker certified that the Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) Bill is a Money Bill within the meaning of the Parliament Act 1911.


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[No. 124.]

Thursday 15th July 1999.

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

PRAYERS.

1Food Standards Bill,—Mr Roger Gale reported from Standing Committee B, That it had gone through the Food Standards Bill, and made Amendments thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 141].

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 730].

2Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Bill [Lords],—Mr Joe Benton reported from Standing Committee D, That it had gone through the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) 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. 732].

3Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Jim Cunningham reported from the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Draft International Copper Study Group (Legal Capacities) Order 1999, the draft International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) Miscellaneous Provisions Order 1999 and the draft Intelsat (Immunities and Privileges) (Amendment) Order 1999.

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

4Eleventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Nicholas Winterton reported from the Eleventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (Procedural Rules) Order 1999, the draft Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (Code of Conduct) Order 1999 and the draft Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (Guidelines) Order 1999.

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

5Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Edward O'Hara reported from the Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Aeroplane Noise (Amendment) Regulations 1999.

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

6Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

The Lords have agreed to the Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) Bill, without Amendment.

The Lords have agreed to certain of the Amendments made by this House to the Access to Justice Bill [Lords], without Amendment; they have agreed to another of the Amendments made by this House, with an Amendment, to which they desire the concurrence of this House; and they have disagreed to the remaining Amendments made by this House, for which disagreement they assign their Reasons.

The Lords have agreed to the Employment Relations Bill, with Amendments; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

The Lords have agreed to the Local Government Bill, with Amendments; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

7Access to Justice Bill [Lords],—Lords Amendment to Commons Amendment and Lords Reasons for disagreeing to certain other of the Commons Amendments to the Access to Justice Bill [Lords] to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 140].

8Employment Relations Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Employment Relations Bill to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 142].

9Local Government Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Local Government Bill to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 143].

10Opposition Day [18th allotted day],—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.

Impact of the Government's Policies on the Motorist,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House deplores the Government's anti-car policies and believes that the motorist deserves a fairer deal; condemns the Government for

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increasing congestion with massive cuts in roads investment, whilst imposing congestion and non-residential parking and motorway taxes; regrets that the Government's transport policies are bringing Britain to a standstill at the same time as undermining the competitiveness of business; regards the car as a force for good, bringing unparalleled freedom and opportunities to millions; recognises that 93 per cent. of all passenger journeys and nearly 80 per cent. of freight transport is by road; regrets that roads are now in their worst condition since records began, causing accidents, delays and congestion; urges the Government to bring forward a comprehensive transport policy for modernising Britain's road system so that road users can enjoy a more efficient, safer and environmentally-friendly service, pursuing policies to remove through-traffic and heavy lorries from towns and villages; and urges the Government to increase investment in public transport, facilities to let people get out of their car on to a bus or train, and alternatives to the car such as walking and cycling so that more people have real choice, instead of trying to force motorists out of their cars before the alternatives are available—(Mr John Redwood);

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 ‘deplores the previous Government's record of under-investment and disintegration in the transport network, its failure to tackle congestion as traffic rose by 75 per cent., and its cut in road maintenance; commends the Government for producing the first Transport White Paper for 20 years which has a comprehensive approach to transport across all modes and welcomes the Government's new deal for the motorist in the Transport White Paper; applauds the Government for its clear and open framework for appraising and informing the prioritisation of trunk road investment, taking a far-sighted and more integrated approach than the previous administration; notes that the present Government has begun to tackle the inherited problems of under-investment, pollution and increasing traffic congestion, by a new radical integrated strategy, including an extra £1.8 billion for public transport and local transport management, improving road maintenance, encouraging greater fuel efficiency, reducing pollution, and introducing the long-term policies needed to increase transport choice and improve Britain's transport system; and recognises the freedom that the car has given and that congestion can remove the convenience and pleasure from driving', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Prescott.)

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John M. Taylor, Mrs Jacqui Lait: 121.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr David Hanson: 325.

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 deplores the previous Government's record of under-investment and disintegration in the transport network, its failure to tackle congestion as traffic rose by 75 per cent., and its cut in road maintenance; commends the Government for producing the first Transport White Paper for 20 years which has a comprehensive approach to transport across all modes and welcomes the Government's new deal for the motorist in the Transport White Paper; applauds the Government for its clear and open framework for appraising and informing the prioritisation of trunk road investment, taking a far-sighted and more integrated approach than the previous administration; notes that the present Government has begun to tackle the inherited problems of under-investment, pollution and increasing traffic congestion, by a new radical integrated strategy, including an extra £1.8 billion for public transport and local transport management, improving road maintenance, encouraging greater fuel efficiency, reducing pollution, and introducing the long-term policies needed to increase transport choice and improve Britain's transport system; and recognises the freedom that the car has given and that congestion can remove the convenience and pleasure from driving.

Future of Post Offices,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House is concerned that the Government's proposed arrangements for the Post Office put at risk its long-term viability by failing to free it from state control while also failing to maintain accountability; is concerned that these arrangements will create an uncompetitive distortion in the existing private sector mail delivery market; supports the Universal Service Obligation; and condemns the failure by the Government to implement the Horizon programme, with the resulting 30 per cent. drop in income to the network of private sector sub-post offices which threatens the survival of rural sub-post offices and represents yet another government policy detrimental to the interests of those who live and work in the countryside—(Mrs Angela Browning);

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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 important White Paper on the Post Office published by the Government; notes the contrast with the years of Tory dithering, blinkered by ideology, that left the Post Office to decline; welcomes the slashing of the EFL which contrasts with the Tory use of it as a variable tax on Post Office users; welcomes for the first time the clear commitment of the Government to a network throughout the United Kingdom of post offices which will be automated; welcomes the fact that for the first time the Universal Service Obligation will be guaranteed in legislation; and notes that the Opposition believes in immediate privatisation of the Post Office, showing they are still an ideologically-driven party, not one intent on improving services to the British public', instead thereof—(Mr Secretary Byers);

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Keith Simpson, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 126.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Greg Pope, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 328.

So the Question was negatived.

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Greg Pope, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 293.

Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Mr Keith Simpson: 140.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

Resolved, That this House welcomes the important White Paper on the Post Office published by the Government; notes the contrast with the years of Tory dithering, blinkered by ideology, that left the Post Office to decline; welcomes the slashing of the EFL which contrasts with the Tory use of it as a variable tax on Post Office users; welcomes for the first time the clear commitment of the Government to a network throughout the United Kingdom of post offices which will be automated; welcomes the fact that for the first time the Universal Service Obligation will be guaranteed in legislation; and notes that the Opposition believes in immediate privatisation of the Post Office showing they are still an ideologically-driven party, not one intent in improving services to the British public.

11Royal Assent,—The Deputy Speaker notified the House, in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967, That Her Majesty had signified her Royal Assent to the following Acts, agreed upon by both Houses:

Appropriation Act 1999

Protection of Children Act 1999

Trustee Delegation Act 1999.

12Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 28th June, be approved—(Mr Graham Allen):—It was agreed to.

13Delegated Legislation,—Ordered, That the Motion in the name of Mr Secretary Straw relating to the salary of the Data Protection Registrar shall be treated as if it related to an instrument subject to the provisions of Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation) in respect of which notice has been given that the instrument be approved.—(Mr Graham Allen.)

14Food,—Ordered, That the Food Safety (Fishery Products and Live Shellfish) (Hygiene) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1585) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr Graham Allen.)

15National Health Service,—Ordered, That the National Health Service (General Medical Services) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1627) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr Graham Allen.)

16National Health Service (Scotland),—Ordered, That the National Health Service (General Medical Services) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 3) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1620) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr Graham Allen.)

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17Education,—Ordered, That the Education (Head Teachers) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1287) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr Graham Allen.)

18Fire Precautions,—Ordered, That the Fire Precautions (Workplace) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1877) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr Graham Allen.)

19Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Graham Allen.)

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

[Adjourned at 7.54 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1957), dated 6th July 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers:

2Defence Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Duke of York's Royal Military School for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 729] [Mr Secretary Robertson].

3Development of Tourism,—Report and Accounts of the English Tourist Board for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

4Disability Discrimination,—Report of the National Disability Council for 1998–99 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 683] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

5Environmental Protection,—Accounts of the Countryside Council for Wales for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 728] [Clerk of the House].

6Further and Higher Education (Scotland),—Accounts of the Scottish and Higher Education Funding Council for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 727] [Clerk of the House].

7Government Trading Funds,—Reports and Accounts of the—

(1) Central Office of Information,

(2) Medicines Control Agency,

(3) Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, and

(4) Vehicle Inspectorate

for 1998–99, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 621, 555, 672 and 545] [Clerk of the House].

8Health,—Government Response to the Fourth Report from the Health Committee, Session 1998–99, on Long Term Care [by Command] [Cm. 4414] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

9Local Government,—Financial Statements of the South Bank Centre for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

10Medicines,—Reports of the Medicines Commission, Committee on Safety of Medicines, Advisory Board on the Registration of Homoeopathic Products, Veterinary Products Committee and the British Pharmacopoeia Commission for 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Dobson].

11Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Health on the Petitions [8th June, 9th June, 16th June, 22nd June, 25th June and 2nd July] 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 [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

12Science and Technology,—Report and Accounts of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

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APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

Draft Financial Services Act 1986 (Restriction of Exemptions) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Robert Ainsworth from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Mike Hall.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [The Future of Professional Rugby]; to be printed [No. 590-ii] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].

2Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee [Procedures related to Adverse Clinical Incidents and Outcomes in Medical Care]; to be printed [No. 549-v] [Mr David Hinchliffe].

3Local Government (Organisation and Standards),—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on Local Government (Organisation and Standards); to be printed [No. 542-ix] [Mr Peter L. Pike].

4Trade and Industry,—(1) Ninth Report from the Trade and Industry Committee [The Impact on Industry of the Climate Change Levy], 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. 678];

(2) Tenth Report from the Committee [Electronic Commerce], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 648]; and

(3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Electronic Government: The Horizon Project for Automated Payment of Benefits through Post Offices; The Future of the Post Office]

[Mr Martin O'Neill].


[No. 125.]

Friday 16th July 1999.

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

PRAYERS.

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

Road Traffic (Enforcement Powers) Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to make further provision about the enforcement of requirements relating to drivers' hours and about the licensing of the operators of goods vehicles; and for connected purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

2Adjournment (Policing of London),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Kevin Hughes);

The Motion was, with the leave of the House, withdrawn.

3Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr David Clelland);

And the Motion having been made after half-past Two 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 three minutes past Three o'clock, till Monday 19th July.

[Adjourned at 3.03 p.m.


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APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Broadcasting,—Independent Analogue Broadcasters (Reservation of Digital Capacity) (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1996), dated 15th July 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

2Education,—Holme Lacy College (Dissolution) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1997), dated 25th June 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

3Magistrates' Courts,—Magistrates' Courts (Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders) (Hague Convention Countries) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2002), dated 12th July 1999 [by Act] [Mr Keith Vaz].

Other Papers:

4Defence Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Pay and Personnel Agency for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 595] [Mr Secretary Robertson].

5Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland),—Report and Accounts of Highlands and Islands Enterprise for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].

6National Health Service (Scotland),—Report and Accounts of the Scottish Hospital Trust for 1998–99 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 566] [Mr Secretary Reid].

7Trade and Industry Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Radiocommunications Agency for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 554] [Mr Secretary Byers].

8Treaty Series (No. 41, 1999),—Agreement, done at Washington on 20th April 1999, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on behalf of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Government of the United States of America relating to Investment Incentives [by Command] [Cm. 4395] [Mr Secretary Cook].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Draft Financial Services Act 1986 (Restriction of Exemptions) Order 1999,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Joe Benton Chairman of the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order.

2Draft Films (Modification of the Definition of “British Film”) Order 1999,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Bill O'Brien Chairman of the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order.

3Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 48), on 1999–2000 Special Grant for Developing New Approaches to Commissioning Services for Drug Misusers (House of Commons Paper No. 513),—The Speaker has appointed Mr Barry Jones Chairman of the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Special Grant Report.

4Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 50), on Children's Services (Quality Protects) Special Grants for 1998–99 and 1999–2000 (House of Commons Paper No. 617),—The Speaker has appointed Mr Bill O'Brien Chairman of the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Special Grant Report.

5Draft Northern Ireland Act Tribunal (Procedure) Rules 1999,—The Speaker has appointed Mr George Stevenson Chairman of the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Rules.

European Standing Committees

6The Speaker has appointed Mr Edward O'Hara Chairman of European Standing Committee C in respect of European Union Document No. 13526/99, relating to Sectors and Activities excluded from the Working Time Directive, and the unnumbered Explanatory Memoranda submitted by the Department of Trade and Industry on 18th May and 21st June 1999 relating to Sectors and Activities excluded from the Working Time Directive.


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