Commons Journal

House of Commons

Session 1998-1999

Commons Journal 255
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II

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[No. 141.]
Monday 1st November 1999.

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

1 Baxi Partnership Limited Trusts Bill [Lords],—Ordered, That the Promoters of the Baxi Partnership Limited Trusts Bill [Lords] shall have leave to suspend proceedings thereon in order to proceed with the Bill, if they think fit, in the next Session of Parliament, provided that the Agents for the Bill give notice to the Clerks in the Private Bill Office not later than the day before the close of the present Session of their intention to suspend further proceedings and that all Fees due on the Bill up to that date be paid;

Ordered, That if the Bill is brought from the Lords in the next Session, the Agents for the Bill shall deposit in the Private Bill Office a declaration signed by them, stating that the Bill is the same, in every respect, as the Bill which was brought from the Lords in the present Session;

Ordered, That as soon as a certificate by one of the Clerks in the Private Bill Office that such a declaration has been so deposited has been laid upon the Table of the House, the Bill shall be read the first and second time and committed (and shall be recorded in the Journal of this House as having been so read and committed);

Ordered, That no Petitions against the Bill having been presented within the time limited during the present Session, no Petitioners shall be heard before any committee on the Bill save those who complain of any amendment as proposed in the filled up Bill or of any matter which arises during the progress of the Bill before the committee;

Ordered, That no further Fees shall be charged in respect of any proceedings on the Bill in respect of which Fees have already been incurred during the present Session;

Ordered, That these Orders be Standing Orders of the House.—(The Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means.)

Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.

2 Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (Amendment of Rules) Bill,—Ordered, That so much of the Lords Message [28th October] as relates to the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (Amendment of Rules) Bill be now considered.

Ordered, That the Promoters of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (Amendment of Rules) Bill shall have leave to suspend proceedings thereon in order to proceed with the Bill in the next Session of Parliament, provided that the Agents for the Bill give notice to the Clerks in the Private Bill Office not later than the day before the close of the present Session of their intention to suspend further proceedings and that all Fees due on the Bill up to that date be paid;

Ordered, That on the fifth day on which the House sits in the next Session the Bill shall be presented to the House;

Ordered, That there shall be deposited with the Bill a declaration signed by the Agents for the Bill, stating that the Bill is the same, in every respect, as the Bill at the last stage of its proceedings in this House in the present Session;

Ordered, That the Bill shall be laid upon the Table of the House by one of the Clerks in the Private Bill Office on the next meeting of the House after the day on which the Bill has been presented and, when so laid, shall be read the first, second and third time and shall be recorded in the Journal of this House as having been so read;

Ordered, That no further Fees shall be charged in respect of any proceedings on the Bill in respect of which Fees have already been incurred during the present Session;

Ordered, That these Orders be Standing Orders of the House.—(The Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means.)

Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.

3 Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Bill [Lords],—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Bill [Lords], not amended in the Standing Committee.

A Clause (Arbitration provisions)—(Mr David Lock)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Northern Ireland)—(Mr David Lock)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Amendments (Nos. 2, 1 and 3) made to the Bill.

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

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4 Insurance Brokers Registration Council,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Insurance Brokers (Registration) Act 1977 (Amendment) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 19th October, be approved—(Mrs Anne McGuire):—It was agreed to.

5 Financial Services,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Financial Services Act 1986 (Restriction of Exemption) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 27th July, be approved—(Mrs Anne McGuire):—It was agreed to.

6 Value Added Tax,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Value Added Tax (Sport, Sports Competitions and Physical Education) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1994), dated 14th July 1999, a copy of which was laid before this House on 20th July, be approved—(Mrs Anne McGuire):—It was agreed to.

7 Harmonisation of Copyright and Electronic Commerce in the Single Market,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees), That this House takes note of European Union Document Nos. 5562/98, a draft Directive on the harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright and related rights in the Information Society, and 8723/99, an amended draft of this Directive; and of European Union Documents Nos. 5123/99, a draft Directive on certain legal aspects of electronic commerce in the internal market, and 10644/99, an amended draft of this Directive, and the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum submitted by the Department of Trade and Industry on 18th October 1999; and concerning the draft Directive on the harmonisation of copyright, supports the Government's view that while harmonisation of copyright laws for the digital age is essential, the outcome should be a regime that safeguards a fair balance of rights and interests between the various categories of rights holders and between rights holders, users and intermediaries, and has due regard to subsidiarity; and concerning the draft Directive on electronic commerce in the internal market, welcomes the Government's continued efforts to put in place a light but effective framework for the development of electronic commerce within the internal market; and supports the Government's view that such a framework is necessary to ensure consumer and business confidence in electronic commerce—(Mrs Anne McGuire):—It was agreed to.

8 Taxation of Energy Products,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees), That this House takes note of European Union Document No. 6793/97, a draft Directive restructuring the Community framework for the taxation of energy products; and supports the Government's objective of securing a permanent exemption for the domestic use of energy—(Mrs Anne McGuire):—It was agreed to.

9 Record Copies of Acts,—Ordered, That the Lords Message of 19th October, communicating a Resolution relating to record copies of Acts of Parliament, be now considered.—(Dr Nick Palmer.)

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House agrees with the Lords in their Resolution—(Dr Nick Palmer);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Dr Nick Palmer, Mr Andrew Miller: 53.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Kelvin Hopkins, Mr Brian White: 121.

So the Question was negatived.

Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.

10 Agriculture,—Ordered, that Mr Andrew George be discharged from the Agriculture Committee and Mr Richard Livsey be added to the Committee.—(Mr Paul Tyler, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

11 Culture, Media and Sport,—Ordered, That Mr Michael Fabricant be discharged from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee and Miss Julie Kirkbride be added to the Committee.—(Mr Paul Tyler, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

12 Education and Employment,—Ordered, that Mr Paul Keetch be discharged from the Education and Employment Committee and Dr Evan Harris be added to the Committee.—(Mr Paul Tyler, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

13 Foreign Affairs,—Ordered, That Mr David Heath be discharged from the Foreign Affairs Committee and Mr David Chidgey be added to the Committee.—(Mr Paul Tyler, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

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14 International Development,—Ordered, That Dr Jenny Tonge be discharged from the International Development Committee and Mr Nigel Jones be added to the Committee.—(Mr Paul Tyler, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

15 Scottish Affairs,—Ordered, that Mr Michael Moore be discharged from the Scottish Affairs Committee and Sir Robert Smith be added to the Committee.—(Mr Paul Tyler, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

16 Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Graham Allen);

The Deputy Speaker suspended the sitting until a Message was received from the Lords relating to the Greater London Authority Bill, pursuant to Order [29th October].

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

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

The Lords have agreed to the Greater London Authority Bill, with Amendments, to which they desire the concurrence of this House.

18 Greater London Authority Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Greater London Authority Bill to be considered to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 158].

19 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Thomas McAvoy.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till one minute past Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 11.01 p.m.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1 Supreme Court of England and Wales,—Draft Maximum Number of Judges Order 1999 [by Act] [Mr David Lock].

Other Papers:

2 Law Commission,—Reports of the Law Commission on—

(1) Claims for Wrongful Death, and

(2) Damages for Personal Injury: Medical, Nursing and Other Expenses; Collateral Benefits

[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 807 and 806] [Mr David Lock].

3 Museums and Galleries,—(1) Account of the British Museum and Report of the Trustees for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; and

(2) Accounts of the National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Statutory Instrument];

to be printed [Nos. 876 and 877] [Clerk of the House].

4 National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Funds in Court: Unclaimed Balances [by Act]; to be printed [No. 833] [Clerk of the House].

5 National Lottery,—(1) Reports and Summary Accounts for the period 2nd July 1998 to 31st March 1999 of the—

(i) National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA), and

(ii) New Opportunities Fund (NOF),

with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]; and

(2) Report and Statement of Accounts of sportscotland Lottery Fund for 1998–99 [by Command] [Mr Secretary Reid].

6 Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on the Petition [26th July] from users and supporters of Greater Manchester Accessible Transport Ltd, commonly known as ‘Ring and Ride', calling for reform of the system of rebates on fuel duty [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

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APPENDIX II

Reports from Select Committees

1 Public Accounts,—(1) Fortieth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions: The Sale of Railfreight Distribution]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 601];

(2) Forty-first Report from the Committee [The PRIME project: the Transfer of the Department of Social Security Estate to the Private Sector]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 548]; and

(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The 1992 & 1998 Information Management & Technology Strategies of the NHS Executive]; to be printed [No. 879-i]

[Mr David Davis].

2 Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [Dounreay]; to be printed [No. 878-i] [Mr Martin O'Neill].

[No. 142.]
Tuesday 2nd November 1999.

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

1 City of London (Ward Elections) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for further consideration of the City of London (Ward Elections) Bill, as amended in the Committee;

Ordered, That the Bill be further considered on Tuesday 9th November.

2 First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Dr Michael Clark reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Working Time Regulations 1999.

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

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

Baxi Partnership Limited Trusts Bill [Lords],—The Lords communicate that they have considered the Message from the Commons [yesterday] relating to the Baxi Partnership Limited Trusts Bill [Lords]; and that they have come to the following Resolutions in respect of the Bill, viz.:

That the promoters of the Bill have leave to suspend any further proceedings thereon in order to proceed with it, if they think fit, in the next Session of Parliament, provided that notice of their intention to do so is lodged in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than 12 noon on Tuesday 9th November;

That the Bill be deposited in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than noon on the second sitting day in the next Session with a declaration annexed, signed by the agent, stating that the Bill is the same in every respect as the Bill at the last stage of the proceedings thereon in this House in the present Session;

That the proceedings on the Bill in the next Session of Parliament be pro forma in regard to every stage through which the Bill has passed in the present Session, and that no new fees be charged to such stages;

That the Private Business Standing Orders apply to the Bill in the next Session only in regard to any stage through which the Bill has not passed during the present Session.

4 Cyclists' Helmets,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to promote the wearing of protective headgear by cyclists; and for connected purposes: And that Jean Corston, Mrs Anne Campbell, Mr David Drew, Ann Clwyd, Valerie Davey and Fiona Mactaggart do prepare and bring it in.

5 Cyclists' Helmets Bill,—Jean Corston accordingly presented a Bill to promote the wearing of protective headgear by cyclists; and for connected purposes: 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 159].

6 Opposition Day [14th allotted day—2nd part],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the Leader of the Opposition in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider Opposition business.

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Planning, Greenfields and Brownfields,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House regrets the growing divide between the prosperous and deprived areas of Britain; condemns the run-down of industry and the dereliction of inner city and old industrial areas; urges the Government to put in place better measures to encourage urban and industrial regeneration; vigorously opposes the idea that hundreds of thousands more people will be encouraged to move out of the urban areas into new housing on greenfield sites; further urges the Secretary of State to veto the South East plan for 1.1 million new homes, half on greenfield land, and to warn inspectors not to come to similar conclusions for other parts of the country; reminds the Government that there will be demand for new and better housing in the cities which they should help developers to meet by their planning and renewal policies; and stresses that sustainable development means limiting greenfield housing construction—(Mr John Redwood);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘welcomes the Government's continued commitment to sustainable growth, safeguarding the countryside and promoting an urban renaissance; welcomes the establishment of Regional Development Agencies and the policies and programmes which have been put in place to improve the prosperity and quality of life of the regions and supports the targeting of regeneration initiatives in areas of greatest need; recognises that the Government's integrated, inclusive and strategic approach is encouraging urban and industrial regeneration; welcomes the Government's inter-linked policies for revitalising the UK's towns and cities and protecting the countryside; supports the Government's target for building 60 per cent. of all new housing on previously developed land and welcomes the new housing planning policy guidance which encourages “in town” brownfield site development first under a phased sequential test; supports this Government's approach to new out-of-town shopping developments; welcomes the Government's move away from the previous “predict and provide” approach to housing provision and the introduction of a “plan, monitor and manage” policy under the new regional planning policy arrangements, including Examination in Public and Independent Panel assessment; recognises the need for a more detailed evaluation of land availability and capacity and welcomes the establishment of a National Land Use Database; supports the Government's policies on protecting the Green Belt; and believes the Government's planning, housing, transport, countryside protection, welfare and economic policies will achieve more sustainable and equitable patterns of both urban and rural development', instead thereof.—(Mr Nick Raynsford.)

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 Stephen Day: 185.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Clive Betts: 346.

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 Government's continued commitment to sustainable growth, safeguarding the countryside and promoting an urban renaissance; welcomes the establishment of Regional Development Agencies and the policies and programmes which have been put in place to improve the prosperity and quality of life of the regions and supports the targeting of regeneration initiatives in areas of greatest need; recognises that the Government's integrated, inclusive and strategic approach is encouraging urban and industrial regeneration; welcomes the Government's inter-linked policies for revitalising the UK's towns and cities and protecting the countryside; supports the Government's target for building 60 per cent. of all new housing on previously developed land and welcomes the new housing planning policy guidance which encourages “in town” brownfield site development first under a phased sequential test; supports this Government's approach to new out-of-town shopping developments; welcomes the Government's move away from the previous “predict and provide” approach to housing provision and the introduction of a “plan, monitor and manage” policy under the new regional planning policy arrangements, including Examination in Public and Independent Panel assessment; recognises the need for a more detailed evaluation of land availability and capacity and welcomes the establishment of a National Land Use Database; supports the Government's policies on protecting the Green Belt; and believes the Government's planning, housing, transport, countryside protection, welfare and economic policies will achieve more sustainable and equitable patterns of both urban and rural development.

7 City of London (Ward Elections) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed on 28th October, That the Promoters of the
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City of London (Ward Elections) Bill shall have leave to suspend proceedings thereon in order to proceed with the Bill in the next Session of Parliament provided that the Agents for the Bill give notice to the Clerks in the Private Bill Office not later than the day before the close of the present Session of their intention to suspend further proceedings and that all Fees due on the Bill up to that date be paid.

That on the fifth day on which the House sits in the next Session the Bill shall be presented to the House;

That there shall be deposited with the Bill a declaration signed by the Agents for the Bill, stating that the Bill is the same, in every respect, as the Bill presented in the House in the present Session;

That as soon as a certificate by one of the Clerks in the Private Bill Office, that such a declaration has been so deposited, has been laid upon the Table of the House, the Bill shall be read the first and second time and committed (and shall be recorded in the Journal of this House as having been so read and committed) and shall be committed to the Chairman of Ways and Means;

That the Chairman of Ways and Means shall make such Amendments thereto as have been made by the committee in the present Session, and shall report the Bill as amended to the House forthwith, and the Bill, so amended, shall be ordered to be considered;

That no further Fees shall be charged in respect of any proceedings on the Bill in respect of which Fees have already been incurred during the present Session;

That these Orders be Standing Orders of the House;

And the Question being again proposed;—The House resumed the adjourned Debate.

And the Question being put;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Crispin Blunt, Mr Tony Baldry: 215.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Kelvin Hopkins, Mr Harry Cohen: 81.

So the Question was agreed to.

Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.

8 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Kevin Hughes.)

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

[Adjourned at 9.46 p.m.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Paper subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1 Dentists,—Draft Dental Auxiliaries (Amendment) Regulations 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2 Income Tax,—Corporation Tax (Simplified Arrangements for Group Relief) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2975), dated 1st November 1999 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

3 Road Traffic,—Motor Cycles Etc. (EC Type Approval) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2920), dated 25th October 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers:

4 Administration of Justice,—Accounts of Funds in Court in England and Wales for—

(1) the year ended 28th February 1997, and

(2) the year ended 28th February 1998,

with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 874 and 875] [Clerk of the House].

5 Defence Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of Defence Estates for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 810] [Mr Secretary Hoon].

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6 Miscellaneous Financial Provisions,—Accounts of Yorkshire and Humberside Development Agency for 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

Paper withdrawn:

7 Dentists,—Draft Dental Auxiliaries (Amendment) Regulations 1999 [laid 26th October].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Draft Tax Credit (New Category of Child Care Provider) Regulations 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Jean Corston and Kali Mountford from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Jeff Ennis and Mr Paul Stinchcombe.

2 Fire Precautions (Workplace) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1877),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Judy Mallaber from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Mark Todd.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 Agriculture,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Agriculture Committee [Marketing of Milk]; to be printed [No. 830-iii] [Mr Peter Luff].

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

3 Education and Employment,—(1) Eighth Report from the Education and Employment Committee [Access for All?: a survey of Post-16 participation], together with the 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. 57]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Access for All?: a survey of Post-16 participation]

[Mr Derek Foster].

4 Environmental Audit,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee [A sustainable Millennium Round (WTO)]; to be printed [No. 883-i]; and

(2) Memorandum laid before the Committee [Government Observations on the Eighth Report from the Committee, on the Budget 1999: Environmental Considerations]

[Mr John Horam].

5 Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [The Work of the Health and Safety Executive]; to be printed [No. 828-ii] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].

6 Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Relations with the Russian Federation]; to be printed [No. 815-iii] [Mr Donald Anderson].

7 Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [Work of the Lord Chancellor's Department]; to be printed [No. 882-i] [Mr Robin Corbett].

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

9 Treasury,—(1) Ninth Special Report from the Treasury Committee [Government Response to the Ninth Report from the Committee, on Demutualisation]; to be printed [No. 880]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The Financial Services Authority]; to be printed [No. 881-i]

[Mr Giles Radice].

10 Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [European Structural Funds]; to be printed [No. 861-ii] [Mr Martyn Jones].

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[No. 143.]
Wednesday 3rd November 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 David Jamieson);

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

2 Kensington and Chelsea Writ,—Ordered, That the Speaker do issue her Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a New Writ for the electing of a Member to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough Constituency of Kensington and Chelsea, in the room of the Right honourable Alan Kenneth McKenzie Clark, deceased.—(Mr James Arbuthnot.)

3 Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Barry Jones reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Tax Credit (New Category of Child Care Provider) Regulations 1999.

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

4 Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Humfrey Malins reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Licensing and Registered Clubs (Northern Ireland) Order 1999.

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

5 Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Frank Cook reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Chartered Institute of Patent Agents Order 1999.

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

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

The Lords have agreed to the Immigration and Asylum Bill, with Amendments; to which they desire the concurrence of this House.

The Lords have agreed to the Food Standards Bill, with Amendments; to which they desire the concurrence of this House.

7 Immigration and Asylum Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Immigration and Asylum Bill to be considered to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 161].

8 Food Standards Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Food Standards Bill to be considered to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 162].

9 City of London (Ward Elections) Bill,—The Order for further consideration of the City of London (Ward Elections) Bill on Tuesday 9th November was read and discharged.

10 Multiple Retailer (Publication and Display of Ethical Sourcing Policies),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require retailers with more than ten outlets to publish and display in each outlet a statement of their procurement policies in relation to child labour, slave labour and environmental protection: And that Mr John Gummer, Mrs Gillian Shephard, Mr Anthony Steen, Mr Richard Spring, Mr Peter Lilley, Sir David Madel and Mr David Ruffley do prepare and bring it in.

11 Multiple Retailer (Publication and Display of Ethical Sourcing Policies) Bill,—Mr John Gummer accordingly presented a Bill to require retailers with more than ten outlets to publish and display in each outlet a statement of their procurement policies in relation to child labour, slave labour and environmental protection: 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 160].

12 Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill (Supplemental Allocation of Time),—Ordered, That the Order of the House of 20th May 1999 be supplemented as follows—

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Lords Amendments

1. Proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments shall be completed at today's sitting and, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at midnight.

2.—(1) The Lords Amendments shall be considered in the following order, namely:

Nos. 42 to 46, 1 to 41 and 47 to 191.

(2) Each part of the proceedings shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at the time specified in the second column of the Table.

TABLE

Lords amendments Time for conclusion of proceedings

Nos. 42 to 46 7.00 p.m.

Nos. 1 to 34 10.00 p.m.

Nos. 35 to 41, 47 to 191 Midnight

3.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2.

(2) The Speaker shall—

(a) put forthwith any Question which has been proposed from the Chair and has not been decided and, if that Question is for the amendment of a Lords Amendment, the Question on any further Amendment of the Lords Amendment moved by a Minister of the Crown and on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House agrees or disagrees with the Lords in the Lords Amendment or, as the case may be, in the Lords Amendment as amended,

(b) put forthwith the Question on any Amendment moved by a Minister of the Crown to a Lords Amendment followed by the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House agrees or disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment or, as the case may be, in their Amendment as amended,

(c) put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House disagrees with the Lords in a Lords Amendment, and

(d) put forthwith the Question, That this House agrees with the Lords in all the remaining Lords Amendments.

(3) As soon as the House has agreed or disagreed with the Lords in any of their Amendments the Speaker shall put forthwith a single Question on any Amendments moved by a Minister of the Crown relevant to the Lords Amendment.

Subsequent stages

4. The Speaker shall put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for the consideration forthwith of any further Message from the Lords on the Bill.

5. The proceedings on any further Message from the Lords shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion one hour after their commencement.

6. For the purpose of bringing those proceedings to a conclusion the Speaker shall—

(a) put forthwith any Question which has been proposed from the Chair and has not been decided, and the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown which is related to the Question already proposed from the Chair,

(b) put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown on or relevant to any of the remaining items in the Lords Message, and

(c) put forthwith the Question, That this House agrees with the Lords in all the remaining Lords Proposals.

Reasons Committee

7. 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.

8.—(1) A Committee appointed to draw up Reasons shall report before the conclusion of the sitting at which it is appointed.

(2) Proceedings in the Committee shall, if not previously brought to a conclusion, be brought to a conclusion 30 minutes after their commencement.

(3) For the purpose of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with sub-paragraph (2) the Chairman shall—

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(a) first put forthwith any Question which has already been proposed from the Chair and has not yet been decided; and

(b) then put forthwith successively Questions on motions which may be made by a Minister of the Crown for assigning a Reason for disagreeing with the Lords in one of their Amendments.

(4) The proceedings of the Committee shall be reported without any further Question being put.

Miscellaneous

9. This paragraph applies to—

(a) proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments,

(b) proceedings on any further Message from the Lords, and

(c) proceedings of the kind mentioned in paragraph 7.

10. Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) shall apply to proceedings to which paragraph 9 applies.

11. Proceedings to which paragraph 9 applies shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House.

12. No dilatory Motion with respect to, or in the course of, proceedings to which paragraph 9 applies shall be made except by a Minister of the Crown; and the Question on any such Motion shall be put forthwith.

13. Where proceedings on a Motion for the Adjournment of the House would, by virtue of Standing Order No. 24 (Urgent matters), commence at a time when proceedings to which paragraph 9 applies are in progress, the proceedings on the Motion shall be postponed to the conclusion of the proceedings to which paragraph 9 applies.

14. If the House is adjourned, or the sitting is suspended, before the conclusion of any proceedings to which paragraph 9 applies, 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.—(Mr Secretary Darling.)

13 Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill.

Lords Amendment No.42.

A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Secretary Darling);

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mike Hall, Mrs Anne McGuire: 325.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Keith Simpson, Mr Oliver Heald: 265.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.

The Deputy Speaker then proceeded to put the Questions necessary to dispose of the business to be concluded at that hour.

Amendments ((c) and (d)) were made to the words so restored to the Bill.

Lords Amendment No. 43.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Kevin Hughes);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mike Hall, Mrs Anne McGuire: 320.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Keith Simpson, Mr Oliver Heald: 262.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.

Amendments ((c), (d) and (e)) were made to the words so restored to the Bill.

Lords Amendment No. 46.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Kevin Hughes);

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The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mike Hall, Mrs Anne McGuire: 326.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Keith Simpson, Mr Oliver Heald: 253.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 44 and 45 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendment No. 44.

Lords Amendment No. 1 was disagreed to.

Amendments were made to the Bill, in lieu of the Lords Amendment disagreed to, in page 52, line 4, at the end to insert a Clause (Preservation of rights in respect of additional pensions), and in page 86, line 26, after the word ‘sections' to insert the words ‘(Preservation of rights in respect of additional pensions),'.

Lords Amendment No. 2 was agreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 3 was disagreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 4 to 19 were agreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 20.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Jeff Rooker);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Clelland, Mr Clive Betts: 363.

Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr John M. Taylor: 193.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.

And it being after Ten o'clock, the Deputy Speaker proceeded to put the Questions necessary to dispose of the business to be concluded at that hour.

Lords Amendment No. 33.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Kevin Hughes);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Clive Betts, Mr David Clelland: 336.

Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Keith Simpson: 241.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.

An Amendment ((a)) was made to the Bill, in lieu of the Lords Amendment disagreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 34 was disagreed to.

An Amendment ((a)) was made to the Bill, in lieu of the Lords Amendment disagreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 21 to 32 were agreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 35 to 41 and 47 to 52 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendment No. 40.

Lords Amendment No. 53.

A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Stephen Timms);

Thursday 4th November 1999

And it being Twelve o'clock, the Deputy Speaker put the Question already proposed from the Chair.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Graham Allen, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 345.

Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Keith Simpson: 203.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.

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The Deputy Speaker then proceeded to put the Questions necessary to dispose of the business to be concluded at that hour.

And the Question being put, That Amendments ((a) to (t)) be made to the words so restored to the Bill;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Graham Allen, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 344.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Wilshire, Mr Jonathan Sayeed: 166.

So the Question was agreed to.

Amendments ((a) to (t)) were accordingly made to the words restored to the Bill.

Lords Amendment No. 54.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Kevin Hughes);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Graham Allen, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 337.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Wilshire, Mr Jonathan Sayeed: 124.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.

Amendments ((a) to (t)) were made to the words restored to the Bill.

Lords Amendment No. 85.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Kevin Hughes);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Graham Allen, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 311.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Wilshire, Mr Jonathan Sayeed: 104.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 93.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Kevin Hughes);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mike Hall, Jim Dowd: 301.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Wilshire, Mr Jonathan Sayeed: 91.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 55 to 84, 86 to 92 and 94 to 191 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendments Nos. 137 and 156.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That a Committee be appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendments Nos. 3, 20, 46, 85 and 93;

That Mr Richard Burden, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Eric Pickles and Mr Jeff Rooker be members of the Committee;

That Mr Jeff Rooker be Chairman of the Committee;

That three be the quorum of the Committee;

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Jim Dowd, Mr Mike Hall: 297.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Wilshire, Mr Jonathan Sayeed: 76.

So the Question was agreed to.

Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendments Nos. 3, 20, 46, 85 and 93.

Ordered, That Mr Richard Burden, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Eric Pickles and Mr Jeff Rooker be members of the Committee.

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Ordered, That Mr Jeff Rooker be Chairman of the Committee.

Ordered, That three be the quorum of the Committee.

Ordered, That the Committee do withdraw immediately.

14 Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill,—Mr Jeff Rooker reported from the Committee appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to certain of their Amendments to the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill, That it had drawn up the following Reasons:—

The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 3 for the following Reason:

Because it is inconsistent with the condition that a stakeholder pension must have tax exemption or tax approval.

The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 20 for the following Reason:

Because it involves charges on public funds, and the Commons do not offer any further Reason, trusting that this Reason may be deemed sufficient.

The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 46 for the following Reason:

Because it would alter the financial arrangements made by the Commons, and the Commons do not offer any further Reason, trusting that this Reason may be deemed sufficient.

The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 85 for the following Reason:

Because it is consequential on Lords Amendment No. 53 to which the Commons have disagreed.

The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 93 for the following Reason:

Because it is consequential on Lords Amendment No. 54 to which the Commons have disagreed.

The Reasons were agreed to.

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

15 Public Accounts,—Ordered, That Mr Robert Maclennan and Mrs Barbara Roche be discharged from the Committee of Public Accounts and Mr David Rendel and Mr Stephen Timms be added to the Committee.—(Mrs Anne McGuire.)

16 Standards and Privileges,—Ordered, That Mr Charles Kennedy be discharged from the Committee on Standards and Privileges and Mr Malcolm Bruce be added to the Committee.—(Mrs Anne McGuire.)

17 Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mrs Anne McGuire);

And the Motion having been made after Ten o'clock on Wednesday evening, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then eleven minutes to Two o'clock on Thursday morning, till this day.

[Adjourned at 1.49 a.m.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Paper subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1 Justices of the Peace,—Draft Maximum Number of Stipendiary Magistrates Order 1999 [by Act] [Mr David Lock].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2 Agriculture,—Organic Farming (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2933), dated 3rd November 1999 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

3 Consumer Protection,—Road Vehicles (Brake Linings Safety) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2978), dated 2nd November 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

4 Financial Services,—Financial Markets and Insolvency (Settlement Finality) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2979), dated 2nd November 1999 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson].

5 Health and Safety,—Asbestos (Prohibitions) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2977), dated 2nd November 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

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Other Papers:

6 Public Accounts,—Treasury Minute on the Twenty-Eighth to Twenty-Ninth and Thirty-First to Thirty-Fourth Reports from the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 1998–99 [by Command] [Cm. 4471] [Mr Stephen Timms].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Draft Jobseekers' Allowance (New Deal) Regulations 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Jeff Ennis, Mr David Faber and Mr John Randall from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Jean Corston, Mr David Ruffley and Mr David Wilshire.

2 Draft Social Security (New Deal Pilot) Regulations 1999 and draft Jobseeker's Allowance (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1999,—The Speaker has allocated the draft Social Security (New Deal Pilot) Regulations 1999 and the draft Jobseekers' Allowance (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1999 to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Jobseekers' Allowance (New Deal) Regulations 1999); and has appointed Mr Nicholas Winterton Chairman in place of Mr Humfrey Malins.

3 Value Added Tax (Input Tax) (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 2930):

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Order to the Third 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.: Mr Graham Allen, Mr Julian Brazier, Mr Martin Caton, Mr Christopher Chope, Mr Edward Davey, Mr Eric Illsley, Miss Melanie Johnson, Lynne Jones, Mr Piara S. Khabra, Ms Oona King, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mr Kevin McNamara, Mr Chris Pond, Mr Bill Rammell and Mr William Ross.

4 Fire Precautions (Workplace) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1877),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Helen Southworth from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Regulations); and nominated in substitution Christine Russell.

European Standing Committees

5 European Union Documents Nos. 10297/99, relating to the World Trade Organisation Millennium Round, and 10948/99, relating to State Aid to the Coal Industry, have been referred to European Standing Committee C.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 Defence,—(1) Eighth Report from the Defence Committee [Major Procurement Projects Survey: The Common New Generation Frigate], 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. 544];

(2) Ninth Report from the Committee [Defence Research], 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. 616]; and

(3) Memorandum laid before the Committee [Correction of Evidence relating to the Sixth Report of the Defence Committee, Session 1997–98, HC 621]

[Mr Bruce George].

2 Defence, Foreign Affairs, International Development and Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence, Foreign Affairs, International Development and Trade and Industry Committees, meeting concurrently pursuant to paragraph (4) of Standing Order No. 152 (Select committees related to government departments) [Committees' Inquiry into the 1997 and 1998 Annual Reports on Strategic Export Controls]; to be printed [No. 541-i] [Mr Ted Rowlands].

3 Education and Employment,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee [OFSTED Annual Report/The Work of OFSTED]; to be printed [No. 884] [Valerie Davey]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Employment Sub-Committee of the Committee [Employability and Jobs: Is There a Jobs Gap?]; to be printed [No. 886-i] [Mr Derek Foster].

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4 Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [The Environmental Impact of Supermarket Competition]; to be printed [No. 841-ii]; and

(2) Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The Environmental Impact of Supermarket Competition]; to be printed [No. 841-iii]

[Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

5 European Scrutiny,—Thirtieth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 34-xxx] [Mr Jim Marshall].

6 Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [The Scientific Advisory System: Diabetes and Driving Licences]; to be printed [No. 823-ii] [Mr Nigel Beard].

7 Social Security,—(1) Tenth Report from the Social Security Committee [The 1999 Child Support 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. 798];

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The Contributory Principle]; to be printed [No. 485-v]; and

(3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [The 1999 Child Support White Paper; The Modernisation of Social Security Appeals Service]

[Mr Archy Kirkwood].

8 Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Treasury Committee [Customs and Excise]; to be printed [No. 885-i] [Mr Giles Radice].

[No. 144.]
Thursday 4th November 1999.

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

1 Alliance & Leicester plc (Group Reorganisation) Bill [Lords],—Ordered, That the Promoters of the Alliance & Leicester plc (Group Reorganisation) Bill [Lords] shall have leave to suspend proceedings thereon in order to proceed with the Bill, if they think fit, in the next Session of Parliament, provided that the Agents for the Bill give notice to the Clerks in the Private Bill Office of their intention to suspend further proceedings not later than the day before the close of the present Session and that all Fees due on the Bill up to that date be paid;

Ordered, That, if the Bill is brought from the Lords in the next Session, the Agents for the Bill shall deposit in the Private Bill Office a declaration signed by them, stating that the Bill is the same, in every respect, as the Bill which was brought from the Lords in the present Session;

Ordered, That, as soon as a certificate by one of the Clerks in the Private Bill Office, that such a declaration has been so deposited, has been laid upon the Table of the House, the Bill shall be read the first and second time and committed (and shall be recorded in the Journal of this House as having been so read and committed);

Ordered, That since no Petitions remain against the Bill no Petitioners shall be heard before any committee on the Bill save those who complain of any amendment as proposed in the filled up Bill or of any matter which arises during the progress of the Bill before the committee;

Ordered, That no further Fees shall be charged in respect of any proceedings on the Bill in respect of which Fees have already been incurred during the present Session;

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Ordered, That these Orders be Standing Orders of the House.—(The First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means.)

Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.

2 United Reformed Church Bill [Lords],— Ordered, That the Promoters of the United Reformed Church Bill [Lords] shall have leave to suspend proceedings thereon in order to proceed with the Bill, if they think fit, in the next Session of Parliament, provided that the Agents for the Bill give notice to the Clerks in the Private Bill Office not later than the day before the close of the present Session of their intention to suspend further proceedings and that all Fees due on the Bill up to that date be paid;

Ordered, That, if the Bill is brought from the Lords in the next Session, the Agents for the Bill shall deposit in the Private Bill Office a declaration signed by them, stating that the Bill is the same, in every respect, as the Bill which was brought from the Lords in the present Session;

Ordered, That, as soon as a certificate by one of the Clerks in the Private Bill Office, that such a declaration has been so deposited, has been laid upon the Table of the House, the Bill shall be read the first time and shall be ordered to be read the second time (and shall be recorded in the Journal of this House as having been so read);

Ordered, That, no Petitions against the Bill having been presented within the time limited during the present Session, no Petitioners shall be heard before any committee on the Bill save those who complain of any amendment as proposed in the filled up Bill or of any matter which arises during the progress of the Bill before the committee;

Ordered, That no further Fees shall be charged in respect of any proceedings on the Bill in respect of which Fees have already been incurred during the present Session;

Ordered, That these Orders be Standing Orders of the House.—(The First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means.)

Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.

3 Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Roger Gale reported from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Fire Precautions (Workplace) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 1877).

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

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

Private Bills (Suspension),—The Lords concur with the Commons in their Message [3rd November] relating to the City of London (Ward Elections) Bill.

Private Bills [Lords] (Suspension),—The Lords communicate that they have come to the following Resolution in respect of the Kent County Council Bill [Lords], the Medway Council Bill [Lords] and the City of Newcastle upon Tyne Bill [Lords], to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House, viz.:

That the promoters of each Bill have leave to suspend any further proceedings thereon in order to proceed with it, if they think fit, in the next Session of Parliament, provided that notice of their intention to do so is lodged in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than Twelve noon on Tuesday 9th November and that all fees due on or before that day have been paid;

That such Bill be deposited in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than Twelve noon on the second sitting day in the next Session with a declaration annexed, signed by the agent, stating that the Bill is the same in every respect as the Bill at the last stage of the proceedings thereon in this House in the present Session;

That the proceedings on such Bill in the next Session of Parliament be pro forma in regard to every stage through which the Bill has passed in the present Session, and that no new fees be charged to such stages;

That the Private Business Standing Orders apply to such Bill in the next Session only in regard to any stage through which the Bill has not passed during the present Session.

5 Greater London Authority Bill [Money] (No. 2),—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Greater London Authority Bill [Money] (No. 2):

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Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Greater London Authority Bill, it is expedient to authorise—

(a) the payment out of the National Loans Fund of any sums required to enable the Public Works Loans Commissioners to make loans to the Greater London Authority or any functional body, within the meaning of the Act; and

(b) the payment of sums into the National Loans Fund.—(Mr Keith Hill.)

6 Greater London Authority Bill [Ways and Means] (No. 2),—Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Greater London Authority Bill, it is expedient to authorise the making of provision for or in connection with the imposition of charges to corporation tax (including corporation tax on chargeable gains) on bodies or persons to which property, rights or liabilities are transferred or granted by or under the Act.—(Mr Nick Raynsford.)

7 Greater London Authority Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Greater London Authority Bill.

Lords Amendment No. 1.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disgrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Nick Raynsford);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Tony McNulty, Mr Kevin Hughes: 306.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr John M. Taylor, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 151.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 2.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House agrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Nick Raynsford);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Tony McNulty: 322.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr John M. Taylor, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 119.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly agreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 3 to 5 were agreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 6 was disagreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 7 to 40 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendments Nos. 10 and 12 to 14.

And it being Seven o‘clock, further consideration of the Lords Amendments stood adjourned.

Ordered, That the Lords Amendments be further considered to-morrow.

8 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mrs Anne McGuire.)

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

[Adjourned at 7.37 p.m.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1 Northern Ireland,—Draft Local Elections (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

2 Terms and Conditions of Employment,—Draft Maternity and Parental Leave etc. Regulations 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

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Other Papers:

3 Miscellaneous Financial Provisions,—Report and Financial Statements of East Midlands Development Company for 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

4 National Lottery,—Report and Accounts of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland National Lottery Fund for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

5 Regulatory Impact Assessments,—List of Regulatory Impact Assessments for 1st January to 30th June 1999 [by Command] [Marjorie Mowlam].

6 Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation,—Report and Accounts of the Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation for 1998 [by Command] [Mr Secretary Straw].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

Value Added Tax (Input Tax) (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999, No. 2930),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Kevin McNamara from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Order); and nominated in substitution Kali Mountford.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 Culture, Media and Sport,—Sixth Special Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Government Response to the Sixth Report from the Committee, on The Department for Culture, Media and Sport and its Quangos]; to be printed [No. 888] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].

2 Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) Twenty-First Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Railways Bill]; together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 827]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Rural White Paper]; to be printed [No. 887]

[Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

3 Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee [Cost and Availability of Generic Drugs to the NHS]; to be printed [No. 889] [Mr David Hinchliffe].

[No. 145.]
Friday 5th November 1999.

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

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

Alliance & Leicester plc (Group Reorganisation) Bill [Lords],—The Lords communicate that they have considered the Message from the Commons [yesterday] relating to the Alliance & Leicester plc (Group Reorganisation) Bill [Lords]; and that they have come to the following Resolutions in respect of the Bill, viz:

That the promoters of the Bill have leave to suspend any further proceedings thereon in order to proceed with it, if they think fit, in the next Session of Parliament, provided that notice of their intention to do so is lodged in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than Twelve noon on Tuesday 9th November;

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That the Bill be deposited in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than Twelve noon on the second sitting day in the next Session with a declaration annexed, signed by the agent, stating that the Bill is the same in every respect as the Bill at the last stage of the proceedings thereon in this House in the present Session;

That the proceedings on the Bill in the next Session of Parliament be pro forma in regard to every stage through which the Bill has passed in the present Session, and that no new fees be charged to such stages;

That the Private Business Standing Orders apply to the Bill in the next Session only in regard to any stage through which the Bill has not passed during the present Session.

United Reformed Church Bill [Lords],—The Lords communicate that they have considered the Message from the Commons [yesterday] relating to the United Reformed Church Bill [Lords]; and that they have come to the following Resolutions in respect of the Bill, viz:

That the promoters of the Bill have leave to suspend any further proceedings thereon in order to proceed with it, if they think fit, in the next Session of Parliament, provided that notice of their intention to do so is lodged in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than Twelve noon on Tuesday 9th November;

That the Bill be deposited in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than Twelve noon on the second sitting day in the next Session with a declaration annexed, signed by the agent, stating that the Bill is the same in every respect as the Bill at the last stage of the proceedings thereon in this House in the present Session;

That the proceedings on the Bill in the next Session of Parliament be pro forma in regard to every stage through which the Bill has passed in the present Session, and that no new fees be charged to such stages;

That the Private Business Standing Orders apply to the Bill in the next Session only in regard to any stage through which the Bill has not passed during the present Session.

2 Adjournment (Family-friendly Employment Policies),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Mike Hall);

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

3 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 half-past Two o'clock, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then Three o'clock, till Monday 8th November.

[Adjourned at 3 p.m.

APPENDIX

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1 National Health Service,—Road Traffic (NHS Charges) (Appeals: Ending of Transitional Period) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3012), dated 3rd November 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn].

Other Papers:

2 Inland Revenue,—Report and Financial Statements of the Commissioners of Her Majesty's Inland Revenue for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Command] [Cm. 4477] [Dawn Primarolo].

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