House of Commons

Session 1998-1999

Commons Journal 255 Chronological Index Alphabetical Index - Part I Alphabetical Index - Part II Previous Next Page 492            1998-1999      Volume 255       [No. 133.] Tuesday 19th October 1999. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS. 1 Deaths of Members,—The Speaker made the following communication to the House: I regret to have to report to the House the deaths of Mr Roger Stott, Member for Wigan, and the Right honourable Alan Clark, Member for Kensington and Chelsea. I am sure that Members in all parts of the House will join me in mourning the loss of our two colleagues during the recess and extending our sympathy to the families and friends of those Members. 2 Writs issued during the Adjournment,—The Speaker acquainted the House that, during the Adjournment, pursuant to the Recess Elections Act 1975, the Chairman of Ways and Means on her behalf had issued warrants to the Clerk of the Crown to make out new Writs for the electing of Members to serve in this present Parliament for the County Constituency of Wigan in the room of Roger Stott, Esquire, deceased, and for the Burgh Constituency of Hamilton South in the room of the Right honourable George Robertson, called up to the House of Peers. 3 City of London (Ward Elections) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for further consideration of the City of London (Ward Elections) Bill; Ordered, That the City of London (Ward Elections) Bill be further considered on Tuesday 26th October. 4 Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: The Lords have come to the following Resolution, That, notwithstanding the Resolution of this House of 8th February 1849, the record copy of each Act of Parliament, authenticated by the Clerk of the Parliaments and deposited in the House of Lords Record Office, shall be printed on archive paper instead of vellum; that the supply of a duplicate copy to the Public Record Office shall be discontinued; and that these changes shall take effect in respect of all Acts which receive Royal Assent after 1st January 2000; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House. 5 New Member sworn,—Bill Tynan, Esquire, Member for Hamilton South, was sworn. 6 New Member makes Affirmation,—Neil Turner, Esquire, Member for Wigan, made the Affirmation required by law. 7 Military Expenditure (Conscientious Objection),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to give taxpayers the right to direct that proportion of their income tax which would otherwise be spent on military purposes to a fund for international aid: And that Mr John McDonnell, Mr Harry Cohen, Mr Jeremy Corbyn, Audrey Wise, Mr Neil Gerrard, Mr Tony Benn, Dr Rudi Vis, Ms Jenny Jones, Mr Alan Simpson and Mr Cynog Dafis do prepare and bring it in. 8 Military Expenditure (Conscientious Objection) Bill,—Mr John McDonnell accordingly presented a Bill to give taxpayers the right to direct that proportion of their income tax which would otherwise be spent on military purposes to a fund for international aid: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 5th November and to be printed [Bill 151]. 9 Adjournment (First Report from the Treasury Committee on the Office for National Statistics and Reports from the Select Committee on Public Administration on the work of the Ombudsman),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Gerry Sutcliffe); And it being Ten o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put. 10 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Jim Dowd.) And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till half-past Ten o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 10.30 p.m. Page 493      Tuesday 19th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top APPENDIX I Papers presented by Her Majesty's Command and delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on the undermentioned dates during the adjournment pursuant to Standing Order No. 158 (Presentation of command papers): Wednesday 28th July 1999 1 Treaty Series (No. 48, 1999),—Agreement, done at Moscow on 6th October 1997, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Russian Federation on Co-operation in Fighting Crime [Cm. 4403] [Mr Secretary Cook]. Friday 30th July 1999 2 Sports Councils,—Accounts of the United Kingdom Sports Council for 1998–99 [Mr Secretary Smith]. 3 Treaty Series (No. 46, 1999),—Text on the establishment of a Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Organization, adopted at New York on 19th November 1996 [Cm. 4399] [Mr Secretary Cook]. 4 Treaty Series (No. 47, 1999),—Exchange of Notes, done at Yerevan on 9th and 28th December 1998, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Armenia amending the Air Services Agreement done at London on 9th February 1994 [Cm. 4400] [Mr Secretary Cook]. Wednesday 4th August 1999 5 Treaty Series (No. 49, 1999),—Convention on Nuclear Safety, done at Vienna on 20th September 1994 [Cm. 4422] [Mr Secretary Cook]. 6 Treaty Series (No. 50, 1999),—Agreement, done at Ljubljana on 3rd July 1996, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for the Promotion and Protection of Investments [Cm. 4425] [Mr Secretary Cook]. Tuesday 10th August 1999 7 Environment, Transport and the Regions,—Government Response to the Fifteenth Report of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee, Session 1998–99, on DETR's Departmental Annual Report 1999 and Expenditure Plans 1999–2002 [Cm. 4424] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. Wednesday 11th August 1999 8 Miscellaneous (No. 26, 1999),—Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, done at London on 11th November 1988, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Cm. 4419] [Mr Secretary Cook]. 9 Miscellaneous (No. 27, 1999),—Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, done at London on 11th November 1988, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Cm. 4420] [Mr Secretary Cook]. Thursday 12th August 1999 10 Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Government Response to the Sixth Report of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee, Session 1998–99, on The Maritime and Coastguard Agency [Cm. 4433] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 11 HM Coastguard,—Review of the Five Year Strategy for HM Coastguard (Closure and Co-location of Co-ordination Centres) by the Right honourable the Lord Donaldson of Lymington [Cm. 4432] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. Friday 13th August 1999 12 Brazil (No. 7, 1999),—Agreement, done at London on 3rd December 1997, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil on Cooperation in Science and Technology, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Cm. 4429] [Mr Secretary Cook]. Page 494      Tuesday 19th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top Wednesday 18th August 1999 13 Miscellaneous (No. 29, 1999),—Protocol of 1997, done at London on 26th September 1997, to amend the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Cm. 4427] [Mr Secretary Cook]. 14 Treaty Series (No. 51, 1999),—1996 Amendments, adopted at London on 10th July 1996, to the Annex to the Protocol Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Pollution by Substances other than Oil, 1973 [Cm. 4426] [Mr Secretary Cook]. Thursday 19th August 1999 15 Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Government Response to the Eleventh Report of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee, Session 1998–99, on Reducing the Environmental Impact of Consumer Products [Cm. 4435] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. Wednesday 25th August 1999 16 Prisons (Scotland),—Report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland for 1998–99 [Cm. 4428] [Mr Secretary Reid]. 17 Sports Councils,—Accounts of the Scottish Sports Council Group for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [Mr Secretary Reid]. 18 Treaty Series (No. 52, 1999),—Treaty of Amsterdam, done at Amsterdam on 2nd October 1997, amending the Treaty on European Union, the Treaties establishing the European Communities and certain related Acts, including the Protocols with Final Act, Declarations and consolidated versions of the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community [Cm. 4434] [Mr Secretary Cook]. Thursday 26th August 1999 19 Immigration,—Paper, entitled Control of Immigration: Statistics, United Kingdom 1998 [Cm. 4431] [Mr Secretary Straw]. 20 Science and Technology,—Science, Engineering and Technology Statistics 1999 [Cm. 4409] [Mr Secretary Byers]. Wednesday 1st September 1999 21 Treaty Series (No. 53, 1999),—Exchange of Notes, done at Quito on 22nd April and 18th May 1999, extending the Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Ecuador for the Promotion and Protection of Investments signed at Quito on 10th May 1994 to the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey [Cm. 4437] [Mr Secretary Cook]. 22 Treaty Series (No. 54, 1999),—Exchange of Notes, done at Bucharest on 25th February and 22nd March 1999, extending the Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Romania for the Promotion and Protection of Investments signed at London on 13th July 1995 to the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey [Cm. 4438] [Mr Secretary Cook]. 23 Treaty Series (No. 55, 1999),—Exchange of Notes, done at Ashgabat on 15th and 17th June 1999, extending the Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Turkmenistan for the Promotion and Protection of Investments signed at Ashgabat on 9th February 1995 to the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey [Cm. 4439] [Mr Secretary Cook]. 24 Treaty Series (No. 56, 1999),—Exchange of Notes, done at Kathmandu on 20th and 22nd April 1999, extending the Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and His Majesty's Government of Nepal for the Promotion and Protection of Investments signed at Kathmandu on 2nd March 1993 to the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey [Cm. 4440] [Mr Secretary Cook]. Thursday 2nd September 1999 25 Culture, Media and Sport,—Departmental Minute, dated 2nd September 1999, concerning a contingent liability consequent upon indemnities for loans to the British Museum's “Gilded Dragons—Buried Treasures from China's Golden Age” Exhibition [Mr Secretary Smith]. Page 495      Tuesday 19th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top Friday 3rd September 1999 26 Treaty Series (No. 57, 1999),—Agreement to amend the Agreement of 3rd August 1959, as amended by the Agreements of 21st October 1971 and 18th May 1981, to Supplement the Agreement between the Parties to the North Atlantic Treaty regarding the Status of their Forces with respect to Foreign Forces stationed in the Federal Republic of Germany, done at Bonn on 18th March 1993 [Cm. 4441] [Mr Secretary Cook]. Friday 10th September 1999 27 Treaty Series (No. 58, 1999),—Exchange of Notes, done at London on 2nd July 1998, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil concerning the abolition of visas [Cm. 4443] [Mr Secretary Cook]. Tuesday 21st September 1999 28 Law Commission,—Report of the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission on Company Directors: Regulating conflicts of interests and formulating a statement of duties [Cm. 4436] [Mr Keith Vaz]. 29 Social Exclusion,—Paper, entitled Opportunity for all: Tackling poverty and social exclusion [Cm. 4445] [Mr Secretary Darling]. Wednesday 22nd September 1999 30 Education (Northern Ireland),—Statements and Summary of the Accounts of the Education and Library Boards for 1997–98, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland thereon [Cm. 4442] [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam]. Tuesday 28th September 1999 31 Sport,—Report and Summary Accounts of UK Sport for 1998–99 [Mr Secretary Smith]. Wednesday 29th September 1999 32 Treaty Series (No. 59, 1999),—Second Supplementary List of Ratifications, Accessions, Withdrawals, etc., for 1999 [Cm. 4448] [Mr Secretary Cook]. Friday 1st October 1999 33 Devolution,—Memorandum of Understanding and supplementary agreements between the United Kingdom Government, Scottish Ministers and the Cabinet of the National Assembly for Wales [Cm. 4444] [Mr Keith Vaz]. 34 Historical Manuscripts,—Twenty-eighth Report of the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts 1991–99, on Archives at the Millennium [Mr Secretary Straw]. Tuesday 5th October 1999 35 Social Security Administration,—Report by the Social Security Advisory Committee preceded by a statement by the Secretary of State for Social Security on the Housing Benefit (General) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2734) [Cm. 4459] [Mr Secretary Darling]. Wednesday 6th October 1999 36 Public Accounts,—Treasury Minute on the Eighteenth to Twenty-second Reports from the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 1998–99 [Cm. 4456] [Mr Stephen Timms]. 37 Treaty Series (No. 60, 1999),—Convention on Temporary Admission with Annexes, done at Istanbul on 26th June 1990 [Cm. 4450] [Mr Secretary Cook]. Friday 8th October 1999 38 Treaty Series (No. 61, 1999),—1994 Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (Annex 2) (Resolution MSC 31 (63)), done at London on 23rd May 1994 [Cm. 4451] [Mr Secretary Cook]. 39 Treaty Series (No. 62, 1999),—1992 Amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) (Resolution MSC.30(61)), done at London on 11th December 1992 [Cm. 4452] [Mr Secretary Cook]. Page 496      Tuesday 19th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top 40 Treaty Series (No. 63, 1999),—1994 Amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gas in Bulk (IGC Code) (Resolution MSC.32(63)), done at London on 23rd May 1994 [Cm. 4453] [Mr Secretary Cook]. Wednesday 13th October 1999 41 Treaty Series (No. 65, 1999),—Framework Cooperation Agreement, done at Florence on 21st June 1996, leading ultimately to the Establishment of a Political and Economic Association between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Chile, of the other part, with Minutes of Signing and Joint Declarations [Cm. 4396] [Mr Secretary Cook]. 42 Treaty Series (No. 66, 1999),—Exchange of Notes between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics concerning the Entry and Exit Procedures for Aircraft Crews on Flights between the USSR and the United Kingdom, done at Moscow on 22nd June and 28th November 1990 [Cm. 4455] [Mr Secretary Cook]. Friday 15th October 1999 43 Museums and Galleries,—Report and Consolidated Financial Statements of the Horniman Public Museum and Public Park Trust for 1998–99 [Mr Secretary Smith]. 44 Treaty Series (No. 64, 1999),—Exchange of Notes, done at Amman on 2nd March 1994, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan concerning the United Kingdom/Jordan Debt Rescheduling Agreement (1992) Amendment No. 1 of 1994 [Cm. 4454] [Mr Secretary Cook]. 45 Treaty Series (No. 67, 1999),—1997 Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended (Resolution MSC. 65 (68)), done at London on 4th June 1997 [Cm. 4457] [Mr Secretary Cook]. Monday 18th October 1999 46 Prisons,—Prison statistics for England and Wales for 1998 [Cm. 4430] [Mr Secretary Straw]. 47 Statistics,—Paper, entitled Building trust in statistics [Cm. 4412] [Miss Melanie Johnson]. Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on the undermentioned dates during the adjournment pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments): Papers subject to Negative Resolution: Wednesday 28th July 1999 48 Education,—(1) Education (Proposals for Grammar Schools to cease to have Selective Admission Arrangements) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2103), dated 22nd July 1999, (2) Education (Substituted Grammar Schools) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2102), dated 22nd July 1999, and (3) Nursery Education (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2130), dated 26th July 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 49 Legal Services,—Appointment of Queen's Counsel Fees Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2138), dated 28th July 1999 [Mr Keith Vaz]. 50 Local Government,—Public Airport Companies (Capital Finance) (Second Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2125), dated 27th July 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. Thursday 29th July 1999 51 Civil Aviation,—Air Navigation (Fifth Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2059), dated 21st July 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 52 European Communities,—European Communities (Designation) (No. 2) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2027), dated 21st July 1999 [Dr Jack Cunningham]. 53 Extradition,—European Convention on Extradition Order 1990 (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2035), dated 21st July 1999 [Mr Secretary Straw]. 54 Income Tax,—(1) Income Tax (Employments) (Amendment No.3) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2155), and Page 497      Tuesday 19th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top (2) Income Tax (Sub-contractors in the Construction Industry) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2159), dated 29th July 1999 [Dawn Primarolo]. 55 Northern Ireland,—Social Security (Transfer of Staff) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2038), dated 21st July 1999 [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer]. 56 Parliamentary Commissioner,—Parliamentary Commissioner (No. 2) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2028), dated 21st July 1999 [Dr Jack Cunningham]. Friday 30th July 1999 57 Education,—(1) Education (Bursaries for Teacher Training) (Revocation) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2162), dated 27th July 1999, (2) Education (Governors' Annual Reports) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2157), dated 27th July 1999, (3) Education Maintenance Allowance (Pilot Areas) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2168), dated 29th July 1999, (4) Education (School Government) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2163), dated 28th July 1999, (5) Education (School Performance Information) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2158), dated 27th July 1999, (6) Education (School Teachers' Pay and Conditions) (No. 2) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2160), dated 27th July 1999, (7) Education (Teachers' Qualifications and Health Standards) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2166), dated 27th July 1999, and (8) Education (Transfer of Functions Concerning School Lunches etc.) (England) (No. 2) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2164), dated 28th July 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]; and (9) Education (Inspectors of Schools in Wales) (No. 3) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2039), dated 21st July 1999 [Mr Secretary Murphy]. 58 Fees and Charges,—Travel Documents (Refugees and Stateless Persons) (Fees) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2150), dated 27th July 1999 [Mr Secretary Straw]. Monday 2nd August 1999 59 Arbitration,—Unfair Arbitration Agreements (Specified Amount) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2167), dated 28th July 1999 [Mr Secretary Byers]. 60 Social Security,—Social Security Amendment (Sports Awards) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2165), dated 29th July 1999 [Mr Secretary Darling]. Tuesday 3rd August 1999 61 Environmental Protection,—Environmental Protection (Restriction on Use of Lead Shot) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2170), dated 29th July 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 62 Housing,—Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Amendment) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2135), dated 26th July 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 63 Marine Pollution,—Merchant Shipping (Reporting Requirements for Ships Carrying Dangerous or Polluting Goods) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2121), dated 26th July 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. Thursday 5th August 1999 64 Magistrates' Courts,—Magistrates' Courts Committees (South Yorkshire) Amalgamation Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2209), dated 26th July 1999 [Mr Keith Vaz]. 65 Road Traffic,—Motor Vehicles (Type Approval and Approval Marks) (Fees) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2149), dated 26th July 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 66 Seeds,—Cereal Seeds (Amendment) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2196), dated 3rd August 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown]. Page 498      Tuesday 19th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top Friday 6th August 1999 67 Agriculture,—(1) Countryside Access (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2197), dated 3rd August 1999, and (2) Paying Agency (National Assembly for Wales) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2223), dated 6th August 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 68 Education,—(1) Arnold and Carlton College, Nottingham (Dissolution) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2220), dated 3rd August 1999, (2) Education (Maintained Special Schools) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2212), dated 2nd August 1999, and (3) Education (School Organisation Proposals) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2213), dated 29th July 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 69 National Health Service,—(1) National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2218), and (2) National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Establishment and Constitution) Amendment Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2219), dated 5th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Dobson]. Monday 9th August 1999 70 Agriculture,—(1) Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Blackdown Hills) Designation (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2233), dated 9th August 1999, (2) Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Cotswold Hills) Designation (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2234), dated 9th August 1999, (3) Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Dartmoor) Designation (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2236), dated 9th August 1999, (4) Environmentally Sensitive Areas (England) Designation Orders (Revocation of Specified Provisions) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2231), dated 31st July 1999, (5) Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Essex Coast) Designation (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2232), dated 9th August 1999, (6) Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Shropshire Hills) Designation (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2235), dated 9th August 1999, and (7) Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Upper Thames Tributaries) Designation (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2237), dated 9th August 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 71 Forestry,—Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2228), dated 9th August 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 72 National Health Service,—Health Service Medicines (Consent to Voluntary Scheme) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2229), dated 6th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Dobson]. Tuesday 10th August 1999 73 Education,—(1) Education (Induction Arrangements for School Teachers) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2211), dated 2nd August 1999, and (2) Education (National Curriculum) (Modern Foreign Languages) (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2214), dated 4th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 74 Health and Safety,—Railway Safety Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2244), dated 30th July 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 75 Road Traffic,—Motor Vehicles (Tests) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2199), dated 31st July 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. Wednesday 11th August 1999 76 Civil Aviation,—Civil Aviation (Route Charges for Navigation Services) (Fourth Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2276), dated 10th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. Page 499      Tuesday 19th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top 77 Competition,—(1) Competition Act 1998 (Definition of Appropriate Person) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2282), and (2) Competition Act 1998 (Provisional Immunity from Penalties) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2281), dated 10th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Byers]. 78 Education,—(1) Education Act 1996 (Modification of Section 517) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2260), dated 6th August 1999, (2) Education (Change of Category of Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2259), dated 6th August 1999, (3) Education (Grants) (Dance and Drama) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2264), dated 6th August 1999, (4) Education (Modification of Enactments Relating to Employment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2256), dated 9th August 1999, (5) Education (New Schools) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2262), dated 6th August 1999, (6) Education (Non-Maintained Special Schools) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2257), dated 9th August 1999, (7) Education (Schedule 32 to the School Standards and Framework Act 1998) (England) (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2271), dated 9th August 1999, (8) Education (School Meals Staff) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2258), dated 9th August 1999, (9) Education (School Sessions and Charges and Remissions Policies) (Information) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2255), dated 9th August 1999, (10) Education (School Teacher Appraisal) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2261), dated 6th August 1999, (11) Education (Student Fees) (Exceptions) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2265), dated 9th August 1999, (12) Education (Student Support) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2266), dated 6th August 1999, (13) Education (Student Support) (Dance and Drama) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2263), dated 6th August 1999, (14) Education (Student Support) (European Institutions) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2270), dated 6th August 1999, (15) Education (Transition to New Framework) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2267), dated 6th August 1999, and (16) Further Education Funding Council for England (Supplementary Functions) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2269), dated 6th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 79 Education (Wales),—(1) Education (New Schools) (Wales) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2243), and (2) Education (School Government) (Wales) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2242) dated 5th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Murphy]. 80 Highways,—Dartford-Thurrock Crossing (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2208), dated 3rd August 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 81 Landlord and Tenant,—Assured and Protected Tenancies (Lettings to Students) (Amendment) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2268), dated 5th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 82 Pensions,—Judicial Pensions (Qualifying Judicial Offices) (President of the Competition Commission Appeal Tribunals) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2283), dated 10th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Byers]. 83 Social Security,—(1) Child Benefit (Northern Ireland Reciprocal Arrangements) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2225), and (2) Social Security (Northern Ireland Reciprocal Arrangements) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2227), dated 5th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Darling]. Page 500      Tuesday 19th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top 84 Terms and Conditions of Employment,—Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government, etc.) (Modification) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2277), dated 11th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Byers]. Thursday 12th August 1999 85 Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Personal Protective Equipment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2205), dated 3rd August 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 86 Social Security,—Social Security (Incapacity Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2226), dated 5th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Darling]. Friday 13th August 1999 87 National Health Service,—Central Manchester Healthcare National Health Service Trust (Transfer of Trust Property) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2298), dated 12th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Dobson]. Monday 16th August 1999 88 Civil Aviation,—Licensing of Air Carriers Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2245), dated 5th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 89 Education,—(1) Education (Modification of Instruments Relating to Voluntary Schools) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2314), (2) Greenwich—Time to Succeed Education Action Zone Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2313), and (3) Hamilton Oxford Schools Partnership Education Action Zone Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2312), dated 13th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. Tuesday 17th August 1999 90 Agriculture,—Feeding Stuffs (Enforcement) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2325), dated 17th August 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 91 Companies,—Companies (Contents of Annual Return) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2322), dated 13th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Byers]. 92 Food,—(1) Animal Feedingstuffs from Belgium (Control) (England and Wales) (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2333), and (2) Food (Animals and Animal Products from Belgium) (Emergency Control) (England and Wales) (No. 2) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2332), dated 17th August 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown]. Wednesday 18th August 1999 93 National Health Service,—Primary Care Trusts (Consultation on Establishment, Dissolution and Transfer of Staff) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2337), dated 18th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Dobson]. Thursday 19th August 1999 94 Landlord and Tenant,—Agricultural Holdings (Units of Production) (England) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2230), dated 6th August 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown]. Friday 20th August 1999 95 Pensions,—Local Government (Discretionary Payments) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2311), dated 13th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. Tuesday 24th August 1999 96 Agriculture,—Moorland (Livestock Extensification) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2361), dated 20th August 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 97 Health and Safety,—Asbestos (Prohibitions) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2373), dated 24th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. Page 501      Tuesday 19th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top 98 Taxes,—Stamp Duty Reserve Tax (UK Depositary Interest in Foreign Securities) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2383), dated 24th August 1999 [Miss Melanie Johnson]. Wednesday 25th August 1999 99 Education,—Education (School Performance Information) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2387), dated 25th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 100 Road Traffic,—Motor Vehicles (EC Type Approval) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2324), dated 16th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. Thursday 26th August 1999 101 Social Security,—Social Security (Claims and Payments) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2358), dated 19th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Darling]. Friday 27th August 1999 102 Road Traffic,—Motor Vehicles (Third Party Risks) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2392), dated 26th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. Tuesday 31st August 1999 103 Road Traffic,—M61 Motorway (Kearsley Spur) (Speed Limit) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2359), dated 19th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. Wednesday 1st September 1999 104 Justices of the Peace,—Justices of the Peace (Size and Chairmanship of Bench) (Amendment) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2396), dated 31st August 1999 [Mr Keith Vaz]. 105 Magistrates' Courts,—(1) Justices' Chief Executives and Justices' Clerks (Appointment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2397), and (2) Magistrates' Courts Committees (Constitution) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2395), dated 31st August 1999 [Mr Keith Vaz]. Thursday 2nd September 1999 106 Social Security,—Housing Benefit (General) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2401), dated 2nd September 1999 [Mr Secretary Darling]. 107 Terms and Conditions of Employment,—Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2402), dated 1st September 1999 [Mr Secretary Byers]. Friday 3rd September 1999 108 Disabled Persons,—Rail Vehicle Accessibility (South West Trains Class 458 Vehicles) Exemption Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2404), dated 2nd September 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 109 Magistrates' Courts,—Magistrates' Courts Committees (Greater Manchester) Amalgamation Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2426), dated 26th August 1999 [Mr Keith Vaz]. Monday 6th September 1999 110 Public Order,—Public Order (Domestic Football Banning) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2460), dated 6th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Straw]. 111 Sports Grounds and Sporting Events,—(1) Football (Offences) (Designation of Football Matches) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No.2462), and (2) Football Spectators (Designation of Football Matches in England and Wales) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2461), dated 6th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Straw]. 112 Telecommunications,—(1) Telecommunications (Licence Modification) (British Telecommunications plc) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2453), (2) Telecommunications (Licence Modification) (Cable and Local Delivery Operator Licences) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No.2454), Page 502      Tuesday 19th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top (3) Telecommunications (Licence Modification) (Fixed Voice Telephony and International Facilities Operator Licences) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No.2451), (4) Telecommunications (Licence Modification) (Kingston Communications (Hull) PLC) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2455), (5) Telecommunications (Licence Modification) (Mobile Public Telecommunication Operators) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2452), and (6) Telecommunications (Licence Modification) (Standard Schedules) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2450), dated 3rd September 1999 [Mr Secretary Byers]. Tuesday 7th September 1999 113 Civil Aviation,—Civil Aviation (Canadian Navigation Services) (Second Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2458), dated 27th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 114 Food,—Spreadable Fats (Marketing Standards) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2457), dated 2nd September 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown]. Wednesday 8th September 1999 115 Education,—Education (Special Educational Needs) (Information) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2506), dated 2nd September 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 116 Mental Health,—Court of Protection (Amendment) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No.2504), dated 7th September 1999 [Mr Keith Vaz]. 117 National Health Service,—National Health Service (Travelling Expenses and Remission of Charges) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2507), dated 8th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Dobson]. 118 Powers of Attorney,—Court of Protection (Enduring Powers of Attorney) (Amendment) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2505), dated 7th September 1999 [Mr Keith Vaz]. 119 Social Security (Northern Ireland),—(1) Tax Credits Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2488), and (2) Tax Credits Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2487), dated 7th September 1999 [Dawn Primarolo]. Thursday 9th September 1999 120 Customs and Excise,—Gaming Duty (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2489), dated 8th September 1999 [Mrs Barbara Roche]. 121 Landlord and Tenant,—Administration of the Rent Officer Service (England) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No.2403), dated 2nd September 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 122 Medicines,—Medicines (Sale or Supply) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2510), dated 8th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Dobson]. 123 Public Passenger Transport,—Public Service Vehicle Operators (Qualifications) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2431), dated 2nd September 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 124 Road Traffic,—Goods Vehicle Operators (Qualifications) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2430), dated 2nd September 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 125 Taxes,—(1) Stamp Duty (Collection and Recovery of Penalties) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2537), (2) Stamp Duty (Exempt Instruments) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2539), (3) Stamp Duty Reserve Tax (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2536), and (4) Taxes (Interest Rate) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No.2538), dated 9th September 1999 [Miss Melanie Johnson]. 126 Terms and Conditions of Employment,—Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (Rent Officer Service) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2511), dated 9th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Byers]. Page 503      Tuesday 19th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top Friday 10th September 1999 127 Competition,—Competition Act 1998 (Application for Designation of Professional Rules) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2546), dated 9th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Byers]. 128 County Courts,—County Court Fees (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2548), dated 9th September 1999 [Mr Keith Vaz]. 129 Education,—(1) Bilston Community College (Dissolution) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2544), and (2) Education (School Inspection) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2545), dated 10th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 130 Health and Safety,—Electrical Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres (Certification) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2550), dated 9th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Byers]. 131 Magistrates' Courts,—Magistrates' Courts Committees (Sussex) Amalgamation Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2542), dated 8th September 1999 [Mr Keith Vaz]. 132 Medicines,—Medicines (Products for Animal Use—Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2512), dated 9th September 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 133 National Health Service,—Health Act 1999 (Fund-holding Practices) (Transfer of Assets, Savings, Rights and Liabilities and Transitional Provisions) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2541), dated 10th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Dobson]. 134 Pensions,—Occupational Pension Scheme (Preservation of Benefit) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2543), dated 9th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Darling]. Monday 13th September 1999 135 Disabled Persons,—Rail Vehicle Accessibility (ScotRail Class 170/4 Vehicles) Exemption Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2547), dated 9th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 136 Health and Safety,—Mines (Control of Ground Movement) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2463), dated 1st September 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 137 Monopolies and Mergers,—Merger Reference (Universal Foods Corporation and Pointing Holdings Limited) (Interim Provision) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2560), dated 13th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Byers]. 138 Social Security,—(1) Income Support (General) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2554), dated 9th September 1999, (2) Social Security Amendment (Personal Allowances for Children and Young Persons) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2555), dated 13th September 1999, and (3) Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2556), dated 13th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Darling]. Tuesday 14th September 1999 139 Food,—Welfare Food (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2561), dated 10th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Dobson]. 140 Housing,—Housing Renewal Grants (Amendment) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2568), dated 14th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 141 Legal Aid and Advice,—(1) Civil Legal Aid (General) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2565), (2) Legal Advice and Assistance (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2575), (3) Legal Aid in Criminal and Care Proceedings (General) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2577), and (4) Legal Aid (Mediation in Family Matters) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2576), dated 14th September 1999 [Mr Keith Vaz]. Page 504      Tuesday 19th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top 142 National Health Service,—(1) National Health Service (Optical Charges and Payments) and (General Ophthalmic Services) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2562), and (2) National Health Service (Pharmaceutical Services) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2563), dated 13th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Dobson]. 143 Social Security,—(1) Social Security and Child Support (Tax Credits) Consequential Amendments Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2566), dated 13th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Darling]; and (2) Tax Credits (Claims and Payments) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2572), (3) Tax Credits (Decisions and Appeals) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2570), and (4) Tax Credits (Payments on Account, Overpayments and Recovery) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2571), dated 14th September 1999 [Dawn Primarolo]. 144 Social Security (Northern Ireland),—(1) Tax Credits (Claims and Payments) (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2574), (2) Tax Credits (Decisions and Appeals) (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2588), and (3) Tax Credits (Payments on Account, Overpayments and Recovery) (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2573), dated 14th September 1999 [Dawn Primarolo]. 145 Supreme Court of England and Wales,—Supreme Court Fees (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2569), dated 14th September 1999 [Mr Keith Vaz]. Wednesday 15th September 1999 146 Financial Services,—Financial Services Act 1986 (Gas Industry Exemption) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2586), dated 15th September 1999 [Miss Melanie Johnson]. Thursday 16th September 1999 147 Health and Safety,—Health and Safety (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2597), dated 15th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 148 Salaries,—Salaries (Comptroller and Auditor General) Order (Northern Ireland) 1999 (S.R.(N.I.), 1999, No. 364), dated 18th August 1999 [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam]. Monday 20th September 1999 149 Broadcasting,—Broadcasting (Unlicensed Television Services) Exemption (Revocation) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2628), dated 12th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Smith]. Tuesday 21st September 1999 150 Agriculture (Wales),—Organic Farming (Wales) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2611), dated 17th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Murphy]. 151 Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2567), dated 13th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. Wednesday 22nd September 1999 152 Education,—(1) Education (Further Education Institutions Information) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2578), dated 10th September 1999, and (2) New School (Admissions) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2666), dated 21st September 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 153 Gas,—Gas Act 1986 (Exemptions) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2639), dated 18th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Byers]. 154 Income Tax,—(1) Friendly Societies (Modification of the Corporation Tax Acts) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2636), dated 21st September 1999 [Miss Melanie Johnson]; and Page 505      Tuesday 19th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top (2) Taxes (Interest Rate) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2637), dated 21st September 1999 [Dawn Primarolo]. Monday 27th September 1999 155 Social Security,—Social Security and Child Support (Decisions and Appeals), Vaccine Damage Payments and Jobseeker's Allowance (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2677), dated 27th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Darling]. Tuesday 28th September 1999 156 Rating and Valuation,—Rates and Precepts (Final Adjustments) (Amendment) (England) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2629), dated 21st September 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. Wednesday 29th September 1999 157 National Health Service,—National Health Service (General Ophthalmic Services) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2714), dated 29th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Dobson]. 158 Social Security,—Social Security Amendment (Notional Income and Capital) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2640), dated 20th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Darling]. Thursday 30th September 1999 159 Seeds,—Seeds (Fees) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2698), dated 24th September 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown]. Friday 1st October 1999 160 Consumer Credit,—Consumer Credit (Content of Quotations) and Consumer Credit (Advertisements) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2725), dated 29th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Byers]. Monday 4th October 1999 161 Agriculture,—Organic Farming (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2735), dated 4th October 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 162 Explosives,—Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 (S.R.(N.I.), 1999, No. 392), dated 17th September 1999 [Secretary Marjorie Mowlam]. 163 Social Security,—Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2736), dated 2nd October 1999 [Dawn Primarolo]. Tuesday 5th October 1999 164 Social Security,—Housing Benefit (General) Amendment (No. 3) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2734), dated 30th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Darling]. Wednesday 6th October 1999 165 Legal Aid and Advice,—(1) Legal Aid in Criminal and Care Proceedings (General) (Amendment) (No. 5) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2737), and (2) Legal Aid (Mediation in Family Matters) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2738), dated 4th October 1999 [Mr Keith Vaz]. Thursday 7th October 1999 166 Magistrates' Courts,—Magistrates' Courts (Miscellaneous Amendments) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2765), dated 6th October 1999 [Mr Keith Vaz]. Friday 8th October 1999 167 Children and Young Persons,—Children (Protection from Offenders) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2768), dated 5th October 1999 [Mr Secretary Dobson]. 168 Companies,—Companies (Investment Companies) (Distribution of Profits) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2770), dated 7th October 1999 [Mr Secretary Byers]. 169 Defence,—Army Terms of Service (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2764), dated 4th October 1999 [Mr John Spellar]. Page 506      Tuesday 19th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top 170 Education,—(1) Changing of School Session Times (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2733), dated 30th September 1999, and (2) Funding Agency for Schools Dissolution Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2767), dated 6th October 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 171 Merchant Shipping,—(1) Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances for Passenger Ships of Classes III to VI(A)) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2723), (2) Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances for Ships Other Than Ships of Classes III to VI(A)) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2721), and (3) Merchant Shipping (Musters, Training and Decision Support Systems) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2722), dated 30th September 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. Monday 11th October 1999 172 Agriculture,—Animal Feedingstuffs from Belgium (Control) (England and Wales) (No. 3) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2799), dated 11th October 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 173 Criminal Law,—(1) Prosecution of Offences (Custody Time Limits) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2744), and (2) Prosecution of Offences (Youth Courts Time Limits) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2743), dated 5th October 1999 [Mr Secretary Straw]. 174 Food,—Food (Animals and Animal Products from Belgium) (Emergency Control) (England and Wales) (No. 3) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2798), dated 11th October 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 175 Magistrates' Courts,—Justices' Clerks Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2784), dated 5th October 1999 [Mr Keith Vaz]. 176 National Health Service,—(1) Commission for Health Improvement (Membership and Procedure) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2801), dated 11th October 1999, (2) Health Act 1999 (Supplementary and Consequential Provisions) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2795), dated 10th October 1999, and (3) National Health Service (Penalty Charge) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2794), dated 10th October 1999 [Mr Secretary Dobson]. 177 Social Security,—Social Fund Cold Weather Payments (General) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2781), dated 7th October 1999 [Mr Secretary Darling]. Tuesday 12th October 1999 178 Magistrates' Courts,—Justices' Clerks (Qualifications of Assistants) (Amendment) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2814), dated 7th October 1999 [Mr Keith Vaz]. Wednesday 13th October 1999 179 Customs and Excise,—(1) Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Supply, Sale and Export of Petroleum Products) (Penalties and Licences) (No. 3) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2821), and (2) Indonesia (Supply, Sale, Export and Shipment of Equipment) (Penalties and Licences) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2822), dated 13th October 1999 [Mr Secretary Byers]. 180 Housing,—Home Repair Assistance (Extension) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2766), dated 6th October 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. Friday 15th October 1999 181 Value Added Tax,—(1) Value Added Tax (Cars) (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2832), (2) Value Added Tax (Special Provisions) (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2831), Page 507      Tuesday 19th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top (3) Value Added Tax (Subscriptions to Trade Unions, Professional and Other Public Interest Bodies) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2834), and (4) Value Added Tax (Supplies of Goods where Input Tax cannot be recovered) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2833), dated 14th October 1999 [by Act][Dawn Primarolo]. Monday 18th October 1999 182 Income Tax,—Insurance Companies (Overseas Life Assurance Business) (Compliance) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2839), dated 18th October 1999 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson]. 183 Road Traffic and Vehicles,—Road Traffic (Traffic Wardens) Order (Northern Ireland) 1999 (S.R.(N.I.), 1999, No. 410), dated 4th October 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Mandelson]. 184 Supreme Court of England and Wales,—Crown Court (Amendment) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2838), dated 16th October 1999 [by Act] [Mr David Lock]. Other Papers: Wednesday 28th July 1999 185 Plant Health,—Plant Health (Amendment) (England) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2126), dated 27th July 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown]. Thursday 29th July 1999 186 Harbours, Docks, Piers and Ferries,—Dockyard Port of Plymouth Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2029), dated 21st July 1999 [Margaret Beckett]. Monday 2nd August 1999 187 Land Registration,—Land Registration (No. 2) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2097), dated 26th July 1999 [Mr Keith Vaz]. Friday 6th August 1999 188 Cinemas and Films,—Films (Certification) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2224), dated 6th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Smith]. Wednesday 18th August 1999 189 Cinemas and Films,—Films (Certification) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2334), dated 17th August 1999 [Mr Secretary Smith]. Thursday 7th October 1999 190 Plant Health,—Plant Health (Amendment) (England) (No. 2) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2726), dated 29th September 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown]. Friday 8th October 1999 191 National Debt,—National Savings Stock Register (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2771), dated 7th October 1999 [Miss Melanie Johnson]. Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Tuesday 19th October: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution: 192 Insurance Brokers Registration Council,—Draft Insurance Brokers (Registration) Act 1977 (Amendment) Order 1999 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson]. 193 Northern Ireland,—Draft Licensing and Registered Clubs (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Mandelson]. 194 Taxes,—Draft Tax Credit (New Category of Child Care Provider) Regulations 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 195 Terms and Conditions of Employment,—Draft Working Time Regulations 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers]. Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 196 Currency and Bank Notes,—Draft Bank of England (Limit on Fiduciary Note Issue) Order 1999 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson]. Page 508      Tuesday 19th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top Other Papers: 197 Air Force (Constitution),—(1) Amendments to Air Publication 400B-0001: Regulations for the Royal Air Force Reserve and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force (First Edition), and (2) Royal Air Force Manual of Assessment of Medical Fitness: Air Publication 1269A (Third Edition) [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. 198 Armed Forces,—Army Act 1955 (Part 1) (Regular Army) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1999, dated 4th October 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. 199 Broadcasting,—Report and Accounts of the Gaelic Broadcasting Committee for 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. 200 Coal Industry Nationalisation,—Statement of Guarantee given by the Treasury on 19th October 1999 on borrowing by the British Coal Corporation [by Act] [Mr Stephen Timms]. 201 Covent Garden Market,—Statement of salaries of the chairman and members of the Covent Garden Market Authority [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 202 Criminal Justice,—Account of the Parole Board for England and Wales for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 819] [Clerk of the House]. 203 Culture, Media and Sport,—Departmental Minute, dated 19th October 1999, concerning a contingent liability consequent upon two proposed leases of the Tower Hill Vaults site [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith]. 204 Development of Tourism,—Accounts of the Wales Tourist Board for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 820] [Clerk of the House]. 205 Environmental Protection,—Report and Summary Financial Statement of English Nature for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 206 European Communities,—Report by the Department of Trade and Industry on the exercise of powers conferred by certain sections of the European Communities Act 1972 and the Customs and Excise (General Reliefs) Act 1979, for 1998–99 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 811] [Mr Secretary Byers]. 207 Fair Trading,—Consent by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to the transfer of newspapers of which Mirror Group plc is the proprietor to Trinity plc following a report from the Competition Commission [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers]. 208 Fisheries,—Report and Accounts of the Sea Fish Industry Authority for 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 209 General Medical Council,—Accounts of the General Medical Council for 1997 [by Act] [Margaret Beckett]. 210 Health,—Government Response to the Second Report of the Health Committee, Session 1998–99, on Primary Care Groups [by Command] [Cm. 4468] [Mr Secretary Milburn]. 211 Housing (Scotland),—Report and Summary of Accounts of Scottish Homes for 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. 212 Mental Health,—Report of the Mental Health Act Commission for 1997–99, including a Summary of Finances for 1997–98 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn]. 213 Miscellaneous Financial Provisions,—(1) Report of Yorkshire and Humberside Development Agency for 1998–99, and (2) Reports and Financial Statements for 1998–99 of— (i) Devon and Cornwall Development International, (ii) East of England Investment Agency Limited, (iii) INWARD, (iv) London First Centre, (v) Northern Development Company, (vi) South East Regional Investment Limited, and (vii) West Midlands Development Agency Limited [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers]. Page 509      Tuesday 19th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top 214 National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Modernising Procurement [by Act]; to be printed [No. 808] [Clerk of the House]. 215 National Heritage (Scotland),—Report and Summary Accounts of National Museums of Scotland for 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. 216 National Lottery,—(1) Accounts of the National Lottery Charities Board for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 818] [Clerk of the House]; and (2) Report and Summary Financial Statement of the National Lottery Charities Board for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. 217 Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors,—Report and Financial Statement of the National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland for 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. 218 Oil and Pipelines,—Report and Accounts of the Oil and Pipelines Agency for 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. 219 Osteopaths,—Report and Accounts of the General Osteopathic Council for 1998–99 [by Act] [Margaret Beckett]. 220 Post Office,—Reports of the— (1) Post Office Users' Council for Northern Ireland, and (2) Post Office Users' Council for Wales for 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers]. 221 Provisional Orders (Scotland),—Report by the Chairman of Committees of the House of Lords and the Chairman of Ways and Means in the House of Commons under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1936 that the Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar (Eriskay Causeway) Order should be allowed to proceed, subject to any recommendations as they may hereafter make with respect to the said Order [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. 222 Public Petitions,—Observations by— (1) the Secretary of State for Defence on the Petition [24th March] from citizens of Gosport, Fareham and surrounding areas and others for the retention of the Royal Hospital, Haslar, (2) the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on the Petitions [2nd July and 6th July] from Rodney Howlett, residents of the constituency of Chesham and Amersham and others and from Mr J C Hamblin, residents of the constituency of Bury St. Edmunds and others for re-establishment of British Sovereignty ceded to the European Commission, (3) the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on:— (i) the Petition [29th June] from residents of the village of Thorney, Peterborough, for the construction of a proposed A47 Thorney Bypass, and (ii) the Petition [22nd July] from 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 (4) the Secretary of State for Health on the Petition [17th June] from staff of Holland and Barrett retail stores in Warminster and Trowbridge against European Union legislation concerning the sale of natural health products [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House]. 223 Railways,—Report of the Central Rail Users Consultative Committee for 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 224 Registration Service,—Marriage, divorce and adoption statistics: Review of the Registrar General on marriages, divorces and adoptions in England and Wales, 1997 [by Act] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer]. 225 Reserve Forces,—(1) Amendment No. 21 to the Territorial Army Regulations 1978, and (2) Change 2 to the Regulations for the Royal Naval Reserve (BR60) [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. 226 Statistics of Trade,—Production and Construction Inquiries—Summary Volume 1997 [by Act] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer]. Page 510      Tuesday 19th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top 227 Statutory Instruments (Notification),—Communications declaring that the undermentioned Statutory Instruments had come into operation before copies were laid before Parliament, and explaining why such copies had not been so laid before the Instruments came into operation: Legal Aid in Criminal and Care Proceedings (General) (Amendment) (No. 5) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2737) Legal Aid (Mediation in Family Matters) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2738) [by Standing Order] [The Speaker]. 228 Treasury Solicitor,—Crown's Nominee Account for 1st January 1998 to 31st March 1999 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson]. Papers withdrawn: 229 Taxes,—Draft Tax Credit (New Category of Child Care Provider) Regulations 1999 [laid 22nd July]. 230 Terms and Conditions of Employment,—Draft Working Time Regulations 1999 [laid 27th July]. APPENDIX II Standing Committees Financial Services and Markets Bill,—(1) The Speaker has appointed Mr Roger Gale an additional Chairman of Standing Committee A in respect of the Financial Services and Markets Bill, in place of Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody; and (2) the Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Robert Ainsworth, Ms Patricia Hewitt, Mr Alan Milburn and Mrs Barbara Roche from Standing Committee A (nominated in respect of the Bill); and nominated in substitution Mr Graham Allen, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Andrew Smith and Mr Stephen Timms. APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees 1 Agriculture,—(1) Sixth Special Report from the Agriculture Committee [Government Response to the Seventh Report from the Committee, on Outcome of the CAP Reform Negotiations], together with an Appendix; to be printed [No. 825]; and (2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Marketing of Milk; Segregation of GM Foods] [Mr Peter Luff]. 2 Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee on 1st September, and Appendices thereto; to be printed [No. 824] [ordered to be printed in the adjournment pursuant to S.O. No. 137 (Select committees (adjournment of the House))] [Clerk of the House]. 3 Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee on 12th October [Relations with the Russian Federation]; to be printed [No. 815] [ordered to be printed in the adjournment pursuant to S.O. No. 137 (Select committees (adjournment of the House))] [Clerk of the House]. 4 International Development,—Sixth Report from the International Development Committee [Conflict Prevention and Post-Conflict Reconstruction], 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. 55] [ordered to be printed in the adjournment pursuant to S.O. No. 137 (Select committees (adjournment of the House))] [Clerk of the House]. 5 Procedure,—First Special Report from the Procedure Committee [Government Response to the Fourth Report from the Committee, on The Procedural Consquences of Devolution]; to be printed [No. 814] [Mr Nicholas Winterton]. 6 Public Administration,—(1) Third Report from the Select Committee on Public Administration [Freedom of Information Draft Bill]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings relating to the Report [No. 570-I]; and (2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Freedom of Information Draft Bill] [No. 570-II] Page 511      Tuesday 19th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top [ordered to be printed in the adjournment pursuant to S.O. No. 137 (Select committees (adjournment of the House))] [Clerk of the House]; and (3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Freedom of Information Draft Bill]; (4) Fourth Report from the Committee [Ministerial Accountability and Parliamentary Questions], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings relating to the Report [No. 821]; (5) Third Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the Second Report from the Committee, on the Report of the Health Service Ombudsman for 1997–98]; to be printed [No. 816]; and (6) Fourth Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the First Report from the Committee, on the Report of the Parliamentary Ombudsman for 1997–98]; to be printed [No. 817] [Dr Tony Wright]. 7 Science and Technology,—(1) Third Report from the Science and Technology Committee [The Scientific Advisory System: Mobile Phones and Health], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on 9th June and 16th June; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 489]; and (2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on 2nd September [The Regulation of the Biotechnology Industry]; to be printed [No. 535-i] [ordered to be printed in the adjournment pursuant to S.O. No. 137 (Select committees (adjournment of the House))] [Clerk of the House]; and (3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [The Scientific Advisory System: Mobile Phones and Health] [Dr Michael Clark]. 8 Social Security,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Social Security Committee on 14th, 15th and 16th September [Child Support]; to be printed [Nos. 798-i to -iv] [ordered to be printed in the adjournment pursuant to S.O. No. 137 (Select committees (adjournment of the House))] [Clerk of the House]. 9 Statutory Instruments,—Twenty-Seventh Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 50-xxvii] [Mr David Tredinnick]. 10 Trade and Industry,—(1) Eleventh Report from the Trade and Industry Committee [The Horizon Project for Automated Payment of Benefits through Post Offices], 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. 530]; (2) Twelfth Report from the Committee [The 1999 Post Office White Paper], 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. 94]; (3) Thirteenth Report from the Committee [Small Businesses and Enterprise], 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. 330] and (4) Tenth Special Report from the Committee [Government Observations on the Eighth Report from the Trade and Industry Committee, Session 1998–99, on Trade Marks, Fakes and Consumers]; to be printed [No. 797] [ordered to be printed in the adjournment pursuant to S.O. No. 137 (Select committees (adjournment of the House))] [Clerk of the House]. [No. 134.] Wednesday 20th October 1999. The House met at half-past Nine o'clock. PRAYERS. 1 Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Robert Ainsworth); And it being Two o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order. Page 512      Wednesday 20th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top 2 Baxi Partnership Limited Trusts Bill [Lords],—The Baxi Partnership Limited Trusts Bill [Lords] was read a second time and committed. 3 Control of Hedgerows in Residential Areas,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the Environmental Protection Act 1990 by extending powers to environmental health officers to intervene in neighbourly disputes involving hedgerows in residential areas; and for connected purposes: And that Mr Jim Cunningham, Mr Alan Hurst, Mr Tom Clarke, Lynne Jones, Mr Simon Burns, Mr Andrew Rowe and Christine Butler do prepare and bring it in. 4 Control of Hedgerows in Residential Areas Bill,—Mr Jim Cunningham accordingly presented a Bill to amend the Environmental Protection Act 1990 by extending powers to environmental health officers to intervene in neighbourly disputes involving hedgerows in residential areas; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Thursday 4th November and to be printed [Bill 152]. 5 Opposition Day [20th allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the leader of the second largest opposition party in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider Opposition business. Food and Farming,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes with dismay the plight of British farmers whose incomes have plummeted to record lows in the last four years, as a result of higher costs and lower farm gate prices producing rapidly increasing losses, despite continually high supermarket profit margins and costs to consumers; further notes that the extra costs imposed through regulation and public health protection that fall directly on the industry should more properly come from the public health budget; deplores the failure of the Government to provide an adequate response to this national food crisis; and therefore calls on the Government to recognise that its latest financial package is insufficient to tackle the fundamental restructuring of UK and EU agriculture policy, necessary for a secure future for British farmers, consumers and the countryside—(Mr Charles Kennedy); An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘recognises the difficulties faced by agriculture and the wider rural economy as a result of the depressed level of farm incomes; approves of the special measures the Government has taken to assist the industry through three aid packages plus EU agri-monetary compensation worth in total £742 million; endorses the establishment of industry-led working groups to examine urgently the regulatory burdens on agriculture; supports the Government's promotion of collaborative working throughout the food chain to add value and generate the price premium that high-quality United Kingdom produce deserves, while noting that the Competition Commission's investigation of supermarket pricing includes an examination of trading practices throughout the supply chain; welcomes the Government's achievement of significant reform of the Common Agricultural Policy in the interests of producers, consumers and taxpayers; and fully supports the Government's commitment to the future of United Kingdom agriculture as a competitive, flexible and diverse industry, and the use of options available under Agenda 2000 to help secure this', instead thereof.—(Mr Nicholas Brown.) And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Sir Robert Smith, Mr Donald Gorrie: 50. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Greg Pope, Mr Mike Hall: 326. 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 recognises the difficulties faced by agriculture and the wider rural economy as a result of the depressed level of farm incomes; approves of the special measures the Government has taken to assist the industry through three aid packages plus EU agri-monetary compensation worth in total £742 million; endorses the establishment of industry-led working groups to examine urgently the regulatory burdens on agriculture; supports the Government's promotion of collaborative working throughout the food chain to add value and generate the price premium that high-quality United Kingdom produce deserves, while noting that the Competition Commission's investigation of supermarket pricing includes an examination of trading practices throughout the supply chain; welcomes the Government's achievement of significant reform of the Common Agricultural Policy in the interests of producers, consumers and taxpayers; and fully supports the Government's commitment to the future of United Page 513      Wednesday 20th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top Kingdom agriculture as a competitive, flexible and diverse industry, and the use of options available under Agenda 2000 to help secure this. Transport Safety,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes with extreme sadness the recent Paddington rail disaster and the ensuing injuries and loss of life and extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected; congratulates the emergency services on their outstanding work in very difficult conditions; urges the Government not to respond prematurely but to ensure that swift action follows the enquiry into rail safety systems by implementing the key recommendations due in December 1999; condemns past Governments for failing to invest in an effective advanced train protection system; calls on the Government to remove responsibility for the setting of safety standards from Railtrack; further notes the serious concerns that exist over safety in other modes of transport and draws specific attention to the continuing pressure on safety standards in the air transport industry due to the vast rate of growth in journeys; notes the considerable opposition from all sides of the House to the Government's plans to privatise the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and the London Underground and the possible effect this could have on safety standards; urges the Government to re-consider its proposals and instead to make NATS and London Underground public interest companies, ensuring safety remains a core priority; further urges the Government to ensure that maritime safety standards are not compromised by the closure of coastguard stations around the country; and calls on the Government to reduce the possibility of road safety incidents by setting national targets for reducing overall traffic levels and encouraging nationwide implementation of initiatives such as ‘Safe Routes to School'—(Mr Don Foster); 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 with extreme sadness the recent Paddington rail disaster and the ensuing injuries and loss of life and extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected; congratulates the emergency services on their outstanding work in very difficult conditions; welcomes the prompt and comprehensive actions taken since the tragedy at Paddington, which demonstrate how serious the Government are about transport safety; notes the Government's continuing determination to take real steps to make transport safer for the public and the workforce; acknowledges the long-term reduction in fatalities on roads, in the air, at sea and on the railways; recognises specific action taken to improve rail, road, marine and air safety; commends the Government for setting up a comprehensive Transport Safety Review to look at how to improve the organisation of transport safety in the United Kingdom and whether there is a case for a single independent authority for transport safety regulation; and further notes that one of the prime aims of the Government's Public Private Partnerships for National Air Traffic Services and the London Underground is the enhancement of safety by securing high and stable levels of future investment, which are essential for safety as travel increases, and that safety regulation will be kept firmly in public hands in both cases', instead thereof.—(Mr Keith Hill.) And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question; Mr Paul Tyler 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, Sir Robert Smith, Mr Donald Gorrie: 46. Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr David Clelland: 329. 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 notes with extreme sadness the recent Paddington rail disaster and the ensuing injuries and loss of life and extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected; congratulates the emergency services on their outstanding work in very difficult conditions; welcomes the prompt and comprehensive actions taken since the tragedy at Paddington, which demonstrate how serious the Government are about transport safety; notes the Government's continuing determination to take real steps to make transport safer for the public and the workforce; acknowledges the long-term reduction in fatalities on roads, in the air, at sea and on the railways; recognises specific action taken to improve rail, road, marine and air safety; commends the Government for setting up a comprehensive Transport Safety Review to look at how to improve the organisation of transport safety in the United Kingdom and whether there is a case for a single independent authority for transport safety regulation; and further notes that one of the prime aims of the Government's Public Private Partnerships for National Air Traffic Page 514      Wednesday 20th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top Services and the London Underground is the enhancement of safety by securing high and stable levels of future investment, which are essential for safety as travel increases, and that safety regulation will be kept firmly in public hands in both cases. 6 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Gerry Sutcliffe.) And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till sixteen minutes to Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 10.44 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 1 Post Office,—Postal Privilege (Suspension) Order 1999 (Revocation) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2863), dated 19th October 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers]. Other Papers: 2 Environmental Protection,—Report and Accounts of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency for 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. 3 Environment, Transport and the Regions,—Government Response to the Thirteenth Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee, Session 1998–99, on the Operation of the Landfill Tax [by Command] [Cm. 4461] Mr Secretary Prescott]. 4 National Heritage (Scotland),—(1) Accounts of Scottish Natural Heritage for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 832] [Clerk of the House]; and (2) Review and Accounts of National Galleries of Scotland for 1994–97 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. APPENDIX II Standing Committees 1 Value Added Tax (Sport, Sports Competitions and Physical Education) Order 1999: (1) The Speaker has allocated the Order to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mrs Ray Michie Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Sir Paul Beresford, Mr Bob Blizzard, Mr Crispin Blunt, Mr Martin Caton, Mr Tom Clarke, Mr John Cummings, Mr Edward Davey, Mr Oliver Heald, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mr Chris Pond, Dawn Primarolo, Mr Lawrie Quinn, Bob Russell, Helen Southworth and Mr Anthony D. Wright. 2 Draft Financial Services Act 1986 (Restriction of Exemption) Order 1999: (1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Frank Cook Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Graham Allen, Norman Baker, Mr Dale Campbell-Savours, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Brian Cotter, Mr David Curry, Mr Howard Flight, Mr Neil Gerrard, Mr Oliver Heald, Mr Lindsay Hoyle, Miss Melanie Johnson, Mr Ivan Lewis, Ms Julie Morgan, Mr Laurence Robertson, Mr Jonathan R. Shaw and Mr Stephen Twigg. 3 Draft Insurance Brokers (Registration) Act 1977 (Amendment) Order 1999: (1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Third 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.: Mr Graham Brady, Dr Vincent Cable, Mr Vernon Coaker, Jim Dowd, Mr Howard Flight, Mr Oliver Heald, Miss Melanie Johnson, Lynne Jones, Mr Nigel Jones, Dr Ashok Kumar, Miss Anne McIntosh, Judy Mallaber, Kali Mountford, Mr Paul Truswell, Mrs Betty Williams and Mr Mike Wood. European Standing Committees 4 European Union Document Nos. 6615/98, 8781/98 and 8484/1/99, together with European Union Document No. 8329/99 already referred to the Committee on 23 June 1999, all relating to Taxation and Financial Services, have been referred to European Standing Committee B. Page 515      Wednesday 20th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top 5 European Union Document No. 10644/99 and the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum submitted by the Department of Trade and Industry on 18 October 1999, together with European Union Document No. 5123/99 referred to the Committee on 10 February 1999, all relating to Electronic Commerce in the Single Market, have been referred to European Standing Committee C. 6 The Speaker has appointed Mr Jim Cunningham Chairman of European Standing Committee B in respect of European Union Document No. 6793/97, relating to Taxation of Energy Products. 7 The Speaker has appointed Dr Michael Clark Chairman of European Standing Committee C in respect of European Union Document No. 5562/98, relating to Harmonisation of Copyright, and European Union Documents Nos. 5123/99 and 10644/99, relating to Electronic Commerce in the Single Market. APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees 1 Agriculture,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Agriculture Committee [Marketing of Milk]; to be printed [No. 830-i] [Mr Peter Luff]. 2 Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [The Millennium Dome]; to be printed [No. 826-i] [Mr Gerald Kaufman]. 3 Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Railways Bill]; to be printed [Nos. 827-i and ii] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody]. 4 European Scrutiny,—Twenty-eighth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 34-xxviii] [Mr Jim Marshall]. 5 Northern Ireland Affairs,—(1) Fourth Special Report from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Government Response to the Third Report from the Committee, on Impact in Northern Ireland of Cross-Border Fuel Price Differentials]; to be printed [No. 836]; and (2) Fifth Special Report from the Committee [Responses to the Fourth Report from the Committee, on The Operation of the Fair Employment Act 1989: Ten Years On]; to be printed [No. 837] [Mr Peter Brooke]. 6 Social Security,—(1) Eighth Report from the Social Security Committee [The Modernisation of Social Security Appeals], 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. 581]; (2) Ninth Report from the Committee [Social Security Implications of Parental Leave], 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. 543]; and (3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Social Security Implications of Parental Leave] [Mr Archy Kirkwood]. 7 Trade and Industry,—(1) Eleventh Special Report from the Trade and Industry Committee [Government Observations on the Ninth Report from the Committee, on The Impact on Industry of the Proposed Climate Change Levy]; to be printed [No. 834]; and (2) Twelfth Special Report from the Committee [Responses from the Government and the Office of Telecommunications to the Tenth Report from the Committee, on Electronic Commerce]; to be printed [No. 835] [Mr Martin O'Neill]. Page 516      Wednesday 20th October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top [No. 135.] Thursday 21st October 1999. The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS. 1 Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: United Reformed Church Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill, intituled, An Act to make provision as to property held on behalf of the Congregational Union of Scotland, its member churches and the Scottish Congregational College, and for other purposes incidental to or consequential upon the unification of the Congregational Union of Scotland with the United Reformed Church in the United Kingdom; to amend the United Reformed Church Act 1972 and the United Reformed Church Act 1981; and for connected purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House. 2 United Reformed Church Bill [Lords],—The United Reformed Church Bill [Lords] was read the first time. Bill referred to the Examiners of Petitions for Private Bills. 3 Scottish Adjacent Waters Boundaries (Amendment) Bill,—The Order for reading the Scottish Adjacent Waters Boundaries (Amendment) Bill a second time on Friday 29th October was read and discharged. Bill to be read a second time on Friday 5th November. 4 Standards and Privileges,—Ordered, That this House— (i) approves the Tenth and Eleventh Reports of the Committee on Standards and Privileges (House of Commons Paper No. 747); (ii) accordingly suspends Mr Don Touhig, Member for Islwyn, from the service of the House for three sitting days; and (iii) accordingly suspends Kali Mountford, Member for Colne Valley, from the service of the House for five sitting days.—(Margaret Beckett.) 5 Procedural Consequences of Devolution,—Resolved, That this House takes note of the Fourth Report from the Procedure Committee on The Procedural Consequences of Devolution (House of Commons Paper No. 185), and the First Special Report from the Committee (House of Commons Paper No. 814) containing the Government Response.—(Mr Mike Hall.) 6 Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Monday 25th October, the Speaker shall put the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on any Motions in the name of Margaret Beckett relating to Financial Services and Markets Bill (Suspension), Thursday Sittings, Meetings of Standing Committees, Sittings in Westminster Hall, Questions to Ministers, Select Committees (Devolution) and Advocate General for Scotland not later than Ten o'clock, and such Questions shall include the Questions on any Amendments selected by the Speaker which may then be moved.—(Mr Tony McNulty.) 7 Committee of Public Accounts,—Ordered, That Jane Griffiths be discharged from the Committee of Public Accounts.—(Mr Tony McNulty.) 8 Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Tony McNulty); And the Motion having been made at Seven 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 half-past Seven o'clock, till Monday 25th October. [Adjourned at 7.30 p.m. Page 517      Thursday 21st October 1999       1998-1999      Volume 255      Back to top APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution: 1 Social Security,—(1) Draft Jobseeker's Allowance (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1999, and (2) Draft Social Security (New Deal Pilot) Regulations 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 2 Medicines,—Medicines (Aristolochia) (Temporary Prohibition) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2889), dated 20th October 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn]. 3 Road Traffic,—Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2864), dated 19th October 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. Other Papers: 4 Foreign Affairs,—Government Response to the Sixth Report of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Session 1998-99, on South Caucasus and Central Asia [by Command] [Cm. 4458] [Mr Secretary Cook]. 5 Museums and Galleries,—Accounts of the— (1) National Gallery, and (2) Tate Gallery for 1998-99, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 932 and 838] [Clerk of the House]. APPENDIX II European Standing Committees   European Union Document No. 8723/99, on the harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright and related rights in the Information Society, has been referred to European Standing Committee C. APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees 1 Environmental Audit,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee [EU Environmental Policy Integration]; to be printed [No. 842-i]; and (2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Government Observations on the First, Third and Seventh Reports from the Committee, on the Comprehensive Spending Review and Public Service Agreements, the Multilateral Agreement on Investment, and Energy Efficiency] [Mr John Horam]. 2 Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Railways Bill]; to be printed [Nos. 827-iii and iv][Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody]. 3 International Development,—(1) Fifth Special Report from the International Development Committee [Government Response to the Fifth Report from the Committee, on The Department for International Development: 1999 Departmental Report]; to be printed [No. 839]; and (2) Sixth Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the Sixth Report from the Committee, on Conflict Prevention and Post-Conflict Reconstruction]; to be printed [No. 840] [Mr Bowen Wells]. Previous Chronological Index Next   Part I Alphabetical Index Part II Alphabetical Index     © Parliamentary copyright 2007 Prepared 5 February 2007