 House of Commons |
Session 1998-1999 |
| Commons Journal 255
Chronological Index
Page 433 1998-1999 Volume 255 [No. 121.] Monday 12th July 1999. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
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.
Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Northern Ireland Bill be printed [Bill 136–EN].
(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.
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. Page 434 Monday 12th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top 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.
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.
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.
(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.)
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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:
(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].
(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:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Other Papers:
Page 436 Monday 12th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top APPENDIX II Reports from Select Committees
(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.
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.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
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.
Bill referred to the Examiners of Petitions for Private Bills.
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 Page 437 Tuesday 13th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top Smyth, Mr Gary Streeter, Mr Laurence Robertson, Mr Gerald Howarth and Mr Christopher Chope do prepare and bring in the 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.
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. Page 438 Tuesday 13th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top 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. Page 439 Tuesday 13th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top (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.)
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.
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.
(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. Page 440 Tuesday 13th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top 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.
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:
Other Papers:
Page 441 Tuesday 13th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
APPENDIX II Standing Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Role of School Governors] [Mr Malcolm Wicks].
Page 442 Tuesday 13th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
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.
And it being Two o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
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.
Bill withdrawn.
Page 443 Wednesday 14th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
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.
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.
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; Page 444 Wednesday 14th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top 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.
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.
The Bill was read the third time, and passed, without Amendment.
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.
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. Page 445 Wednesday 14th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Other Papers:
(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].
(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]. Page 446 Wednesday 14th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
APPENDIX II Standing Committees
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
Page 447 Wednesday 14th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Defence Research Expenditure]; to be printed [No. 616-iii] [Mr Bruce George].
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee [Commission for Integrated Transport]; to be printed [No. 724-i] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].
(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].
THE SPEAKER'S CERTIFICATE
Page 448 Wednesday 14th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top [No. 124.] Thursday 15th July 1999. The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
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].
Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow. Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 732].
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
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.
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 Page 449 Thursday 15th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top 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); Page 450 Thursday 15th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top 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.
Appropriation Act 1999 Protection of Children Act 1999 Trustee Delegation Act 1999.
Page 451 Thursday 15th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
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:
Other Papers:
(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].
Page 452 Thursday 15th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top APPENDIX II Standing Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(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.
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.
The Motion was, with the leave of the House, withdrawn.
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. Page 453 Friday 16th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Other Papers:
APPENDIX II Standing Committees
European Standing Committees
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