 House of Commons |
Session 1998-1999 |
| Commons Journal 255
Chronological Index
Page 454 1998-1999 Volume 255 [No. 126.] Monday 19th July 1999. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 13526/98, the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum submitted by the Department of Trade and Industry on 18th May 1999 and the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum submitted by the Department of Trade and Industry on 21st June 1999, all on the extension of the Working Time Directive to excluded sectors; and supports the Government's view that the proposal agreed by Member States at the Social Affairs Council on 25th May will ensure that workers who were previously excluded will now enjoy the benefit of working time protection; agrees that all workers should have the right to minimum standards in the workplace; and that the extension of the Working Time Directive to the excluded sectors supports the Government's aim of promoting family friendly employment. Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
The Lords have agreed to the Amendments made by this House to the Disability Rights Commission Bill [Lords], without Amendment.
Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Road Traffic (Enforcement Powers) Bill [Lords] be printed [Bill 144–EN].
And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read a second time; An Amendment was proposed to the Question, to leave out from the word ‘That' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘this House declines to give a Second Reading to the Railways Bill because the introduction of this Bill now, when it will inevitably fall due to lack of legislative time and will have to be reintroduced in the next Session, is not the best use of the time of this House and represents a new definition of pre-legislative scrutiny which the Government is using as a way of side-stepping its own decision-making responsibilities and covering its doubts and internal divisions about the wisdom of the measures which the Bill contains', instead thereof.—(Mr John Redwood.) And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 123. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 330. So the Question was negatived. And the Main Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 62 (Amendment on second or third reading); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 329. Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 121. So the Question was agreed to. The Bill was accordingly read a second time.
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(1) notwithstanding Standing Order No. 63 (Committal of bills), the Railways Bill be referred to the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee; and (2) the Committee shall consider the provisions of the Bill and report thereon by 12th November 1999—(Mrs Helen Liddell); Tuesday 20th July 1999 Mr Keith Bradley 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; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Keith Hill, Mrs Anne McGuire: 220. Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Wilshire, Mr David Maclean: 9. So the Question was agreed to. And the Main Question being put; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Keith Hill, Mrs Anne McGuire: 218. Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Wilshire, Mr James Gray: 9. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That (1) notwithstanding Standing Order No. 63 (Committal of bills), the Railways Bill be referred to the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee; and (2) the Committee shall consider the provisions of the Bill and report thereon by 12th November 1999.
The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Keith Hill, Mrs Anne McGuire: 195. Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Wilshire, Mr David Maclean: 7. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That the draft International Copper Study Group (Legal Capacities) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 21st May, be approved.
The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Keith Hill, Mrs Anne McGuire: 195. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Eric Forth, Mr Nick St. Aubyn: 5. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That the draft Aeroplane Noise (Amendment) Regulations 1999, which were laid before this House on 29th June, be approved.
The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr David Hanson: 194. Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Wilshire, Mr David Maclean: 7. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That the draft Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (Procedural Rules) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 30th June, be approved. Page 456 Monday 19th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr David Hanson: 188. Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Maclean, Mrs Teresa Gorman: 7. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That the draft Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (Code of Conduct) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 30th June, be approved.
The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr David Hanson: 184. Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Wilshire, Mr Eric Forth: 7. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That the draft Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (Guidelines) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 30th June, be approved.
The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Hanson, Mr Mike Hall: 172. Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Wilshire, Mr James Gray: 7. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That the draft International Organisations (Immunities and Privileges) Miscellaneous Provisions Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 1st July, be approved.
The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Hanson, Mr Mike Hall: 162. Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Maclean, Mr Gerald Howarth: 7. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That the draft INTELSAT (Immunities and Privileges) (Amendment) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 2nd July, be approved.
The Motion was opposed.
And accordingly the House, having continuted to sit till twenty-seven minutes to Three o'clock, adjourned till this day. [Adjourned at 2.33 a.m. Page 457 Monday 19th 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:
(2) Report of the House of Commons Commission for 1998–99 [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 723 and 721] [The Speaker].
APPENDIX II Standing Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
Page 458 Monday 19th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top [No. 127.] Tuesday 20th July 1999. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
Bill to be read the third time.
Ordered, That the Bill be further considered on Tuesday 27th July.
That a dispensation from the provisions of Standing Order 171A ought to be granted in the case of the late Petition against the London Local Authorities Bill [Lords]. The Resolution was agreed to.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
The Lords have agreed to the Adoption (Intercountry Aspects) Bill, without Amendment. Genetically Modified Crops Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to regulate the use of certain genetically modified organisms for agricultural purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
Health Care Provision in the United Kingdom,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes the failure of the Government to deliver improvements in the provision of health care in the United Kingdom, resulting in increased waiting times for patients, plummeting morale in the medical and nursing professions, distortion of clinical priorities and the increasingly widespread rationing of drugs and treatments; and believes that repeated announcements, soundbites and photo opportunities are no substitute for a coherent and effective health policy—(Dr Liam Fox); 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 action the Government has taken to turn around the National Health Service by finding £21 billion extra funds for the coming three years, starting building work on 13 new hospitals, modernising every Accident and Emergency Department that needs it, abolishing the unfair and divisive system of fundholding and replacing it with Primary Care Groups putting doctors and nurses in the driving seat, cutting waiting lists, ending 18 month waiting in the NHS, creating the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and National Service Frameworks to promote quality treatment, delivering the biggest real terms pay rise for nurses for 10 years, publishing the most comprehensive strategy ever produced for improving the status, training, pay and job opportunities for Britain's half a million Page 459 Tuesday 20th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top nurses, midwives and health visitors, with 3,800 nurses returning to the NHS so far this year and 2,200 additional doctors in the Government's first year of office; further welcomes the 450,000 more waiting list operations carried out last year plus the 142,000 extra emergency cases treated, and half a million more outpatient cases dealt with; and congratulates the staff on providing record results in what remains the fairest and most efficient healthcare system in the world', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Dobson.) And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 169. Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Clelland, Mr Mike Hall: 327. 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 welcomes the action the Government has taken to turn around the National Health Service by finding £21 billion extra funds for the coming three years, starting building work on 13 new hospitals, modernising every Accident and Emergency Department that needs it, abolishing the unfair and divisive system of fundholding and replacing it with Primary Care Groups putting doctors and nurses in the driving seat, cutting waiting lists, ending 18 month waiting in the NHS, creating the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and National Service Frameworks to promote quality treatment, delivering the biggest real terms pay rise for nurses for 10 years, publishing the most comprehensive strategy ever produced for improving the status, training, pay and job opportunities for Britain's half a million nurses, midwives and health visitors, with 3,800 nurses returning to the NHS so far this year and 2,200 additional doctors in the Government's first year of office; further welcomes the 450,000 more waiting list operations carried out last year plus the 142,000 extra emergency cases treated, and half a million more outpatient cases dealt with; and congratulates the staff on providing record results in what remains the fairest and most efficient healthcare system in the world. The Government's Proposed Energy Tax,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes that the proposed energy tax represents a huge transfer of cash from manufacturing and energy intensive industries to the public and service sectors; threatens to drive large energy users out of the United Kingdom altogether and is a badly targeted and inefficient way of reducing CO2 emissions; believes this is another stealth tax on industry and notes the Government has increased the Landfill Tax without applying the revenue to offsetting cuts in National Insurance Contributions as was done by the last Conservative Government; and calls on the Government to consult on alternative ways of meeting Britain's international commitments to counter global warming and to withdraw this damaging threat to industry—(Mr David Heathcoat-Amory); 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 ‘notes that there is now compelling evidence that climate change needs to be tackled, that there is therefore a need for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and that the United Kingdom has a legally-binding target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions set under the Kyoto Protocol; welcomes the recommendations of Lord Marshall on the case for a climate change levy; further welcomes the measures taken by the Government to help British business, including cutting corporation tax rates to their lowest ever level; welcomes the Government's decision to pre-announce the introduction of the climate change levy by two years to give time for further consultation on its design; and supports the Government's determination to work with industry and other parties to ensure that it meets its environmental objectives whilst safeguarding Britain's international competitiveness', instead thereof.—(Ms Patricia Hewitt.) And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question; Mr James Arbuthnot 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:—It was agreed to. And the Question being accordingly put; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 132. Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Hanson, Jane Kennedy: 346. Page 460 Tuesday 20th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top 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 David Hanson, Jane Kennedy: 311. Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 162. So the Question was agreed to. The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to. Resolved, That this House notes that there is now compelling evidence that climate change needs to be tackled, that there is therefore a need for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and that the United Kingdom has a legally-binding target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions set under the Kyoto Protocol; welcomes the recommendations of Lord Marshall on the case for a climate change levy; further welcomes the measures taken by the Government to help British business,including cutting corporation tax rates to their lowest ever level; welcomes the Government's decision to pre-announce the introduction of the climate change levy by two years to give time for further consultation on its design; and supports the Government's determination to work with industry and other parties to ensure that it meets its environmental objectives whilst safeguarding Britain's international competitiveness.
The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Hanson, Jane Kennedy: 302. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr John M. Taylor: 156. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That this House takes note of European Union Document No. 13526/98, the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum submitted by the Department of Trade and Industry on 18th May 1999 and the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum submitted by the Department of Trade and Industry on 21st June 1999, all on the extension of the Working Time Directive to excluded sectors; supports the Government's view that the proposal agreed by Member States at the Social Affairs Council on 25th May will ensure that workers who were previously excluded will now enjoy the benefit of working time protection; and agrees that all workers should have the right to minimum standards in the workplace and that the extension of the working time directive to the excluded sectors supports the Government's aim of promoting family friendly employment.
The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Hanson, Jane Kennedy: 324. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Douglas Hogg, Mr Edward Leigh: 7. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That the draft Deregulation (Millennium Licensing) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 5th July, be approved.
Page 461 Tuesday 20th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Keith Hill, Jane Kennedy: 304. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Douglas Hogg, Mr Eric Forth: 12. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That the draft Deregulation (Casinos) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 5th July, be approved.
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till half-past Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 11.30 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
(2) Food (Animals and Animal Products from Belgium) (Emergency Control) (England and Wales) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2025), dated 19th July 1999 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. Other Papers:
(1) Further Education Funding Council for England, and Page 462 Tuesday 20th July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top (2) Higher Education Funding Council for England for 1998–99, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 757 and 756] [Clerk of the House].
(2) Report and Summary Financial Statement of the Welsh Development Agency for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Michael]. Papers withdrawn:
APPENDIX II
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APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Seventh Report from the Social Security Committee [The ONE Service Pilots], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Employment Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee, before the Social Security Committee and before the Employment Sub-Committee and the Social Security Committee meeting concurrently pursuant to paragraph (4)(e) of Standing Order No. 152 (Select committees related to government departments); to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committees relating to the Reports [No. 412] [Mr Derek Foster; Mr Archy Kirkwood].
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [DfEE Funding]; to be printed [No. 761-i] [Mr Malcolm Wicks].
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee [Potential Risk of Fire Spread in Buildings via External Cladding Systems]; to be printed [No. 741-i] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].
(2) Eighth Report from the Committee [The Budget 1999], 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. 326] [Mr John Horam].
(2) Seventh Report from the Committee [Kosovo: Interim Report], 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. 188]; and (3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [South Caucasus and Central Asia; Kosovo] [Mr Donald Anderson].
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(2) Sixth Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the Sixth Report from the Committee, on Inland Revenue]; to be printed [No. 746] [Mr Giles Radice]. [No. 128.] Wednesday 21st 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.
The Lords have agreed to the Company and Business Names (Chamber of Commerce, Etc.) Bill, without Amendment. Road Traffic (Use of Mobile Telephones) Bill,—The Lords have passed a Bill to make it an offence to drive while using a hand-held mobile telephone; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
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Lords Reason for disagreeing to Commons Amendments in page 1, line 18, page 11, line 20, page 11, line 40, page 11, line 43 (Nos. 27 to 30) considered:— A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House does not insist on its Amendments—(Mr Keith Vaz); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Jim Dowd: 294. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Keith Simpson, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 166. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That this House does not insist on its Amendments. Amendments (a) to (e) made to the Bill, in lieu of the Commons Amendments Nos. 27 to 30 to which the Lords have disagreed. Lords Reason for disagreeing to Commons Amendments in page 12, line 35 (No. 31) considered:— A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House does not insist on its Amendment—(Mr Keith Vaz); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Clelland, Mr Kevin Hughes: 288. Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Mr Keith Simpson: 173. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That this House does not insist on its Amendment. Amendments (a) and (b) made to the Bill in lieu of Commons Amendment No. 31, to which the Lords have disagreed. Lords Amendment to Commons Amendment in page 19, line 14 (No. 56) considered:— Resolved, That this House disagrees to the Amendment proposed by the Lords in line 4 of Commons Amendment No. 56.—(Mr Keith Vaz.) Amendment (a) made to the Bill in lieu of the Lords Amendment to Commons Amendment No. 56.
Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 16 agreed to. Lords Amendment No. 17. A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in the said Amendment—(Mr Secretary Byers); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Keith Hill: 312. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Keith Simpson: 109. So the Question was agreed to. Lords Amendment accordingly disagreed to. Lords Amendments Nos. 18 and 19 agreed to. Lords Amendment No. 20. A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House agrees with the Lords in the said Amendment; Page 466 Wednesday 21st July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Keith Hill: 319. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Bill Rammell, Mr Martin Caton: 0. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That this House agrees with the Lords in the said Amendment. And it being after Ten o'clock, further proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments to the Employment Relations Bill stood adjourned. Lords Amendments to be further considered to-morrow.
Ordered, That the Bill be considered to-morrow.
The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Graham Allen: 314. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Douglas Hogg, Mrs Teresa Gorman: 36. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That the draft Films (Modification of the Definition of “British Film”) Order 1999, which was laid before the House on 8th July, be approved.
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till seventeen minutes past Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 11.17 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
(1) Defence Codification Agency, (2) Defence Postal and Courier Services Agency, and (3) Royal Air Force Signals Engineering Establishment for 1998–99, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 720, 521 and 677] [Mr Secretary Robertson].
(1) Companies House, and (2) The Patent Office for 1998–99, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 635 and 718] [Clerk of the House].
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APPENDIX II Standing Committees
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and has appointed Mr John Butterfill Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Graham Allen, Mr David Borrow, Mr Tom Brake, Mr Dale Campbell-Savours, Mr Harry Cohen, Mr Lawrence Cunliffe, Mr David Faber, Mr Stephen Hepburn, Glenda Jackson, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Mr Andrew Robathan, Miss Geraldine Smith, Helen Southworth, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Derek Twigg and Mr Shaun Woodward.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Salary of the Data Protection Registrar to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and has appointed Mr Humfrey Malins Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Hilary Benn, Ms Karen Buck, Mr Keith Darvill, Mr Denzil Davies, Mr Neil Gerrard, Mr John Greenway, Mr Mike Hall, Mr John Horam, Mr George Howarth, Mr Paul Keetch, Ms Oona King, Dr Doug Naysmith, Bob Russell, Mr Nick St. Aubyn, Mr Keith Simpson and Ms Gisela Stuart.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Regulations to the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and has appointed Mr Edward O'Hara Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Sir Sydney Chapman, Mr James Clappison, Mr Charles Clarke, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Don Foster, Mrs Joan Humble, Mr Eric Illsley, Mr David Jamieson, Lynne Jones, Miss Julie Kirkbride, Chris McCafferty, Siobhain McDonagh, Mr Andrew Miller, Christine Russell, Joan Ryan and Mr Phil Willis.
Page 468 Wednesday 21st July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top (1) The Speaker has allocated the Regulations to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and has appointed Mr Bill O'Brien Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Douglas Alexander, Mr Peter Bottomley, Dr Peter Brand, Mr David Clelland, Mr Stephen Day, Mr John Denham, Maria Fyfe, Dr Norman A. Godman, Mr Paul Goggins, Mr Dominic Grieve, Mr Philip Hammond, Dr Evan Harris, Rosemary McKenna, Dr Gavin Strang, Mr Gareth R. Thomas (Harrow West) and Mr Robert N. Wareing.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Regulations to the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation and has appointed Mr Bowen Wells Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Dr Peter Brand, Mr Julian Brazier, Mr David Clelland, Mr Terry Davis, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Jeff Ennis, Mr Andrew George, Mrs Linda Gilroy, Tessa Jowell, Mr Piara S. Khabra, Mr Kevin McNamara, Mr Tom Pendry, Mrs Caroline Spelman, Mr Ian Taylor, Mr Mark Todd and Mr Brian White. APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Employment Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee [The Employment Consequences of European Economic and Monetary Union]; to be printed [No. 547-iv] [Mr Derek Foster].
(2) Seventeenth Report from the Committee [Housing: PPG3]; together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [Nos. 490-I and III] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Post-Council Scrutiny: the Internal Market Council, 21 June 1999]; to be printed [No. 766] [Mr Jimmy Hood].
(2) Fourth Report from the Committee [The Operation of the Fair Employment Act 1989: Ten Years On], 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. 95]; and (3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Miscellaneous] [Mr Peter Brooke].
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(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The Work of The Scottish Office]; to be printed [No. 771] [Mr David Marshall].
(2) Third Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the Second Report from the Committee, on Broadcasting in Wales and the National Assembly]; to be printed [No. 774]; and (3) Memorandum laid before the Committee [Welsh Office Departmental Report 1999] [Mr Martyn Jones]. [No. 129.] Thursday 22nd July 1999. The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
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 Amendments made by this House to the Commonwealth Development Corporation Bill [Lords], without Amendment.
Timetable 1.—(1) Proceedings on Consideration and Third Reading of the Food Standards Bill shall be completed at today's sitting and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion six hours after the commencement of proceedings on this Motion. (2) Remaining proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments to the Employment Relations Bill shall be completed on the allotted day and, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion three hours after their commencement on that day. Page 470 Thursday 22nd July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top Questions to be put 2.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 1(1). (2) The Speaker shall forthwith put the following Questions (but no others)— (a) any Question already proposed from the Chair; (b) any Question necessary to bring to a decision a Question so proposed; (c) the Question on any Amendment moved or Motion made by a Minister of the Crown; (d) any other Question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded. (3) On a Motion made for a new Clause or a new Schedule, the Speaker shall put only the question that the Clause or Schedule be added to the Bill. (4) If two or more questions would fall to be put, under sub-paragraph (1)(c) on Amendments moved or Motions made by a Minister of the Crown, the Speaker shall instead put a single Question in relation to those Amendments or Motions. 3.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 1(2). (2) The Speaker shall first put forthwith any Question already proposed from the Chair. (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 the sitting on the allotted day. Miscellaneous 4. Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) shall apply to proceedings— (a) on the Food Standards Bill at today's sitting, and (b) on the Employment Relations Bill on the allotted day, and those proceedings shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to sittings of the House. 5. Standing Order No. 82 (Business Committee) shall not apply to proceedings on either of the Bills. 6. No Motion shall be made, except by a Minister of the Crown, to alter the order in which any proceedings on either of the Bills are taken or to recommit the Food Standards Bill; and if a Minister makes any such Motion, the question on the Motion shall be put forthwith. Page 471 Thursday 22nd July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top 7. No dilatory Motion shall be made in relation to either of the Bills except by a Minister of the Crown; and if a Minister makes any such Motion, the Question on the Motion shall be put forthwith. 8. 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) shall apply to proceedings on any such Motion. 9.—(1) If at today's sitting a Motion for the adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 (as that Standing Order has effect in accordance with the Order of the House [16 December 1998]) stands over to Four o'clock and proceedings on this Motion have begun before that time, the Motion for the adjournment shall stand over until the conclusion of proceedings on the Food Standards Bill. (2) If on the allotted day a Motion for the adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 stands over to Seven o'clock (or, in accordance with the Order of the House [16 December 1998], Four o'clock), and proceedings on the Employment Relations Bill have begun before that time, or if such a Motion stands over from an earlier day, the Motion for the adjournment shall stand over until the conclusion of any proceedings on the Employment Relations Bill. 10. If at the sitting today or on the allotted day 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(1) or (2), no notice shall be required of a Motion made at the next sitting by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of this Order. Interpretation 11. In this Order, ‘allotted day' means any day on which the Employment Relations Bill is put down on the main business as first Government Order of the Day—(Margaret Beckett); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Greg Pope, Jim Dowd: 276. Tellers for the Noes, Mr John M. Taylor, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 108. So the Question was agreed to.
A Clause (Labelling of food products)—(Mrs Caroline Spelman)—brought up, and read the first time. Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn. Another Clause (Exercise of functions in Wales)—(Mr Ieuan Wyn Jones)—brought up, and read the first time. Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn. Amendment (No. 11) proposed to the Bill, in page 3, line 19, at the end, to insert the words— ‘(1B) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Agency has the function of— (a) investigating and monitoring the effect on food safety of— (i) animal husbandry systems and practices with inadequate standards of animal health and welfare; (ii) the routine use of antibiotics on farm animals for growth promotion or prophylactic purposes; and (iii) slaughterhouse systems and practices with inadequate standards of hygiene and animal welfare; and (b) developing policies relating to any matters identified during the investigation and monitoring mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) which the Agency considers have a significant effect on food safety.'.—(Mr Chris Mullin.) Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Page 472 Thursday 22nd July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top Another Amendment (No. 2) proposed to the Bill, in page 3, line 25, at the end, to insert the words— ‘(4) Any Authority making such a request shall immediately publish its reasons for so doing.'.—(Mrs Caroline Spelman.) Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Amendments (Nos. 19 to 23) made to the Bill. Another Amendment (No. 3) proposed to the Bill, in page 6, line 21, at the end, to insert the words— ‘(6) In any case where the Agency itself or a body for which it is accountable is the enforcement authority, subsection (1) shall not have effect and the function of monitoring enforcement shall be held by the Secretary of State.'.—(Mr James Paice.) Question proposed, That the Amendment be made; And it being six hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to Food Standards Bill and Employment Relations Bill (Allocation of Time), the Deputy Speaker put the Question already proposed from the Chair, pursuant to Order [this day]. Question, That the Amendment (No. 3) be made, put and negatived. The Deputy Speaker then put forthwith the Questions necessary to bring proceedings on Consideration and Third Reading to a conclusion. Other Amendments (Nos. 24 to 29, 31, 30 and 35) made to the Bill. A Schedule (Accounts and Audit) brought up, read the first time, and added to the Bill. A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, That the Bill be now read the third time. The House proceeded to a Division. Mr Graham Allen and Mr Keith Hill 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. The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.
(1) residents of Cambridge and elsewhere against closure of Coleridge Community College; (2) users and supporters of West Midlands Special Needs Transport Ltd for rebates on duties paid on fuel for transport for persons with mobility difficulties; and (3) residents of the constituency of Maidstone and the Weald against hunting with dogs were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
And the Motion having been made after Seven o'clock, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House, without Question put, pursuant to the Sessional Order [16th December], it being then eight minutes to Nine o'clock, till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 8.52 p.m. Page 473 Thursday 22nd 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:
(2) Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2083), dated 22nd July 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].
(2) Legal Advice and Assistance at Police Stations (Remuneration) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2088), dated 20th July 1999 [by Act] [Mr Keith Vaz].
Other Papers:
(1) Central Science Laboratory, (2) Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, (3) Farming and Rural Conservation Agency, (4) Meat Hygiene Service, (5) Pesticides Safety Directorate, and (6) Veterinary Medicines Directorate for 1998–99, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 627, 556, 765, 759, 602 and 552] [Mr Nicholas Brown].
Page 474 Thursday 22nd July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
(1) Defence Animal Centre, (2) Disposal Sales Agency, (3) Duke of York's Royal Military School, and (4) Logistic Information Systems Agency for 1998–99, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 654, 625, 775 and 688] [Mr Secretary Robertson].
(i) Driving Standards Agency, (ii) HM Land Registry, and (iii) United Kingdom Hydrographic Office for 1998–99, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 560, 716 and 597] [Clerk of the House]; and (2) Report and Accounts of Registers of Scotland for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 502] [Mr Secretary Reid].
(1) Medical Devices Agency, (2) NHS Estates Management and Health Building Agency, and (3) NHS Pensions Agency for 1998–99, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 574, 596 and 633] [Mr Secretary Dobson].
(1) East of Scotland Water, (2) North of Scotland Water Authority, and (3) West of Scotland Water for 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].
Page 475 Thursday 22nd July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
Papers withdrawn:
APPENDIX II Reports from Select Committees
(2) Sixth Report from the Committee [The Department of Culture, Media and Sport and its Quangos], 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. 506] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The Council of Economic and Finance Ministers (ECOFIN); Tax Competition and Co-ordination]; to be printed [No. 425-ii]; and (3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Demutualisation] [Mr Giles Radice]. [No. 130.] Friday 23rd July 1999. The House met at half-past Nine o'clock. PRAYERS.
Baxi Partnership Limited Trusts Bill [Lords]. Bill to be read a second time.
The Lords have agreed to the Finance Bill, without Amendment.
(1) staff of the Taunton and Somerset NHS Trust calling for the introduction of a single pay review body for the NHS, and Page 476 Friday 23rd July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top (2) residents of the constituency of Devon West and Torridge against hunting with dogs were presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
A Clause (Report to Mental Welfare Commission)—(Mr Eric Forth)—brought up, and read the first time. Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn. Amendent (No. 3) proposed to the Bill, in page 1, to leave out lines 9 to 11 and to insert the words— ‘(a) hold, and receive interest accruing thereon, money, other financial assets and investments, and valuables on behalf of a person in pursuance of subsection (1) of this section, and', instead thereof.—(Mr David Maclean.) Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Another Amendent (No. 7) proposed to the Bill, in page 1, line 19, to leave out ‘two' and insert ‘six', instead thereof.—(Mr Eric Forth.) Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amedment, by leave, withdrawn. The Bill was read the third time, and passed.
Which Amendment was, in page 2, line 20, at the end, to insert the words ‘(c) in Northern Ireland, to the Crown Court'; And the Question being again proposed, That the Amendment be made; And it being half-past Two o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned. Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 5th November.
Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 5th November.
Mr Secretary Reid, 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 prerogative is concerned, That the House may do therein as it shall think fit. Objection was taken to further proceeding.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 5th November.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 5th November.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 5th November.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 29th October. Page 477 Friday 23rd July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 5th November.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 5th November.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 5th November.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 5th November.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 5th November.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 5th November.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 5th November.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 29th October.
Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 5th November.
Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 5th November.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 5th November.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 5th November.
Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 5th November.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 5th November.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 5th November.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 5th November. Page 478 Friday 23rd July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 29th October.
Mr Secretary Reid, 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 prerogative is concerned, That the House may do therein as it shall think fit. Objection was taken to further proceeding.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 5th November.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 29th October.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 5th November.
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till six minutes past Three o'clock, adjourned till Monday 26th July. [Adjourned at 3.06 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Other Papers:
Page 479 Friday 23rd July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
(1) Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, and (2) Vehicle Certification Agency for 1998–99, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 546 and 707] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
(1) Buying Agency for 1998, and (2) Royal Mint for 1998–99, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 726 and 500] [Clerk of the House].
(1) HM Prison Service, and (2) United Kingdom Passport Agency for 1998–99, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 748 and 594] [Mr Secretary Straw].
(1) Stonebridge Housing Action Trust, and (2) Waltham Forest Housing Action Trust for 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
(1) Examining the value for money of deals under the Private Finance Initiative, and (2) The Procurement of Non-Combat Vehicles for the Royal Air Force [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 739 and 738] [Clerk of the House].
Page 480 Friday 23rd July 1999 1998-1999 Volume 255 Back to top
(1) Compensation Agency, (2) Construction Service, (3) Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland, (4) Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency, (5) Environment and Heritage Service, (6) Forensic Science Agency, (7) Government Purchasing Agency, (8) Industrial Research and Technology Unit, (9) Land Registers of Northern Ireland, (10) Northern Ireland Child Support Agency, (11) Northern Ireland Health and Social Services Estates Agency, (12) Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, (13) Northern Ireland Water Service, (14) Planning Service, (15) Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, (16) Rate Collection Agency, (17) Social Security Agency, (18) Training and Employment Agency, and (19) Valuation and Lands Agency for 1998–99, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General or the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 660, 687, 558, 762, 655, 657, 686, 647, 665, 666, 656, 670, 664, 663, 667, 661, 668, 669 and 630] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam].
(1) Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency, and (2) Scottish Office Pensions Agency for 1998–99, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 562 and 649] [Mr Secretary Reid].
APPENDIX II Standing Committees
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