Order of Business for 9 December 1999

House of Commons

Session 1999-2000
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Order of Business Thursday 9th December 1999

Here you can browse the House of Commons Order of Business for Thursday 9 December 1999.

Notes:
* indicates a question for oral answer.
[R] indicates that the Member has declared a relevant interest.
Questions for oral answer not reached receive a written answer.
Supplementary questions will also be asked. Other Ministers may also answer.
+ indicates Government business.
Timings are indicative only.

At 11.30 p.m. Prayers

Afterwards

Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry

*1 Mr Michael Fallon (Sevenoaks):    What account he has taken in his research into international comparative prices of the effect of regulations affecting business.

(100524)

*2 Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch):    What plans the Government has to assist small firms with the cost and administration of their payroll.

(100525)

*3 Mr Michael Jabez Foster (Hastings and Rye):    What action he is taking to ensure that consumers are able to change their energy supplier more easily.

(100526)

*4 Mr Jonathan R. Shaw (Chatham and Aylesford):    What assessment he has made of employment agencies' compliance with the Working Time directive.

(100527)

*5 Mr Desmond Swayne (New Forest West):    If he will make a statement on his policy on metrication.

(100528)

*6 Sir Teddy Taylor (Rochford and Southend East):    What has been the cumulative balance of trade with the EU since Britain joined that organisation; and if he will make a statement.

(100529)

*7 Mr Barry Gardiner (Brent North):    What measures he has taken to improve working conditions for part-time workers.

(100531)

*8 Norman Baker (Lewes):    What plans he has to increase consumer protection within the banking system relating to cash withdrawals.

(100532)

*9 Helen Southworth (Warrington South):    If he will make a statement about the use of post offices to enable access to banking services for people with low incomes.

(100533)

*10 Mr Owen Paterson (North Shropshire):    If he will make a statement on monopolies in the dairy industry.

(100534)

*11 Mr Andrew Reed (Loughborough):    What research he has undertaken into the prospects for a successful manufacturing sector in the knowledge-driven economy.

(100535)

*12 Mr Ian Davidson (Glasgow, Pollok):    If he will make a statement on the implications for the UK of the EU agreement on trade with South Africa.

(100536)

*13 Mr Frank Roy (Motherwell and Wishaw):    What recent discussion he has had with fireworks manufacturers in relation to the sale of fireworks in the period up to 31st December.

(100538)

*14 Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Cotswold):    What plans he has to safeguard the future of rural sub-post offices.

(100540)

*15 Mr Ted Rowlands (Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney):    What his estimate is of the number of miners' compensation claims which have been agreed.

(100541)

*16 Maria Eagle (Liverpool, Garston):    If he will make a statement on inward investment to Merseyside.

(100542)

*17 Mr Anthony Steen (Totnes):    How many rules and regulations have been repealed since May 1997 by his Department to assist small businesses.

(100543)

*18 Mr Michael Clapham (Barnsley West and Penistone):    If he will make a statement on the Government's energy policy.

(100544)

*19 Mr Eric Illsley (Barnsley Central):    What action his Department is taking to achieve a settlement of the equal value pay case for British Coal canteen workers.

(100545)

*20 Mr Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley):    Which EU member states have exempted small businesses from the Working Time regulations.

(100546)

*21 Mr Nigel Beard (Bexleyheath and Crayford):    What plans he has for reviewing the charges to small businesses and individuals arising from bankruptcy proceedings.

(100547)

*22 Mr Nick St. Aubyn (Guildford):    If he will make a statement on the latest announcement on the balance of trade.

(100549)

*23 Mr John Wilkinson (Ruislip-Northwood):    What estimate he has made of the royalties to be received by his Department as a result of Launch Aid upon sales of the EH101 helicopter.

(100550)

*24 Mr Tony Baldry (Banbury):    What progress he has made in his discussions with the Treasury over proposals to regulate the private recruitment industry.

(100551)

*25 Mrs Diana Organ (Forest of Dean):    If he will make a statement about the prospects for profitability and volume of exports of the manufacturing sector.

(100552)

*26 Mr Mike Gapes (Ilford South):    If he will make a statement on the future of international postal services.

(100553)

*27 Mrs Betty Williams (Conwy):    What action he is taking to improve child safety in the home.

(100554)

*28 Dr Ian Gibson (Norwich North):    What plans he has to ensure that cluster development is evenly distributed across the UK.

(100556)

*29 Mr David Kidney (Stafford):    When he last met the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss the manufacturing industry.

(100557)

*30 Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York):    What steps his Department is taking to monitor implementation of EU Directives relating to trade and industry matters in other member states.

(100558)

*31 Mr Jim Dobbin (Heywood and Middleton):    What plans he has to encourage technical innovation in small businesses.

(100560)

*32 Mr David Crausby (Bolton North East):    If he will make a statement on the number of compensation claims from retired miners that have been settled.

(100561)

*33 Mr John Bercow (Buckingham):    What evidence he has assessed that temporary to permanent fees discourage employers from offering a permanent job to a temporary worker.

(100562)

*34 Mr Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North):    If he will review the level of the national minimum wage.

(100563)

At 12.30 p.m. Private Notice Questions (if any)
Ministerial Statements (if any)

Main Business
+ 1	PETER NEVILE WAKE JENNINGS ESQ, CVO *[Until 7.00 p.m.]*
	The Prime Minister Margaret Beckett Mr William Hague Mr Charles Kennedy Mr David Trimble Mrs Margaret Ewing

Mr Elfyn Llwyd

Mr John Hume

The Reverend Ian Paisley

	That this House expresses its appreciation of Peter Nevile Wake Jennings Esq, CVO for his 47 years distinguished public service, including four years as Serjeant at Arms, and extends to him its best wishes for his retirement.
*Debate may continue until 7.00 p.m.*
+ 2	ADJOURNMENT *[Until 7.00 p.m.]*
	The Prime Minister That this House do now adjourn. Proposed subject for debate: *World Trade Organisation Millennium Round.* Relevant documents: Second Report from the Environmental Audit Committee, on World Trade and Sustainable Development: an Agenda for the Seattle Summit (HC 45); Sixteenth Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee, Session 1998-99, on Multilateral Environmental Agreements (HC 307-I).
*Debate may continue until 7.00 p.m.*
+ 3	SELECT COMMITTEES (JOINT MEETINGS) *[No debate after 7.00 p.m.]*
	Margaret Beckett That, for the current Session of Parliament, Standing Order No. 152 (Select committees related to government departments) be amended as follows: Line 37, before the word "European" insert the words "Environmental Audit Committee or with the". Line 46, before the word "European" insert the words "Environmental Audit Committee or with the". Line 48, at the end, insert the words:-- "(4A) Notwithstanding paragraphs (2) and (4) above, where more than two committees or sub-committees appointed under this order meet concurrently in accordance with paragraph (4)(e) above, the quorum of each such committee or sub-committee shall be two."
*If opposed, this item cannot be taken after 7.00 p.m.*
+ 4	FISHERIES *[No debate after 7.00 p.m.]*
	Margaret Beckett That the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum, submitted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 5th December 1999, relating to the fixing of fishing opportunities for 2000 and certain conditions under which they may be fished, shall not stand referred to European Standing Committee A.
*If opposed, this item cannot be taken after 7.00 p.m.*
+ 5	BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE *[No debate after 7.00 p.m.]*
	Margaret Beckett Mr Nicholas Brown
	That, at the sitting on Monday 13th December, the provisions of Standing Order No. 16 (Proceedings under an Act or on European Union documents) shall not apply to any proceedings on the Motion in the name of the Prime Minister relating to fisheries, and the Speaker shall put the Questions necessary to dispose of those proceedings not later than Seven o'clock, and such Questions shall include the Questions on any Amendments selected by the Speaker which may then be moved.
*If opposed, this item cannot be taken after 7.00 p.m.*
+ 6	CONSOLIDATED FUND BILL *[No debate after 7.00 p.m.]*
	Margaret Beckett That, at the sitting on Thursday 16th December, any Consolidated Fund Bill ordered to be brought in and read the first time shall be proceeded with as if the Second Reading thereof stood as an Order of the day, and Standing Order No. 56 (Consolidated Fund Bills) shall apply.
*If opposed, this item cannot be taken after 7.00 p.m.*
+ 7	BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE *[No debate after 7.00 p.m.]*
	Margaret Beckett That, at the sitting on Thursday 16th December, the Speaker shall not adjourn the House until any messages from the Lords shall have been received.
*If opposed, this item cannot be taken after 7.00 p.m.*

At the end of the sitting:

8	ADJOURNMENT
	Proposed subject: *Sale of Forestry Commission land* (Mr Huw Edwards). *Debate may continue until 7.30 p.m. or for half an hour, whichever is later (Standing Order No. 9 and Order of 25th October).*

COMMITTEE MEETINGS
STANDING COMMITTEES
1	Standing Committee A	8.55 a.m. 4.30 p.m.	Room 10 (public) (public)
	Further to consider the Financial Services and Markets Bill.
2	Standing Committee B	2.30 p.m.	Room 9 (public)
	To consider the Electronic Communications Bill.
3	Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation	9.55 a.m.	Room 11 (public)
	To consider the Value Added Tax (Input Tax) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3118).
SELECT COMMITTEES
4	Health	9.30 a.m. 10.30 a.m.	Room 8 (private) (public)
	Subject: The Tobacco Industry and the Health Risks of Smoking.
	Witnesses: World Health Organisation; Royal College of Physicians and the British Medical Association.
5	Liaison	9.30 a.m.	Room 13 (private)
6	Culture, Media and Sport	10.00 a.m.	Room 15 (private)
7	Public Administration	10.30 a.m. 11.00 a.m.	Room 20 (private) (public)
	Subject: Annual Reports of the PCA and the Health Service Commissioner.
	Witness: The Ombudsman.
JOINT COMMITTEE
8	Joint Committee on a Special Procedure Order	10.30 a.m. 2.00 p.m.	Room 4 (public) (public)
	Subject: City of Stoke-on-Trent Tunstall Northern By-Pass Local Government Act Compulsory Purchase Order 1997.
PRIVATE BILL COMMITTEE
9	Committee on Unopposed Bills	11.00 a.m.	Room 9 (public)
	To consider the Alliance & Leicester plc (Group Reorganisation) Bill.
[The decision of a Committee to sit in public may be rescinded without notice.]

Written Questions tabled on Wednesday 8th December for answer today++
1	Mr Phil Woolas (Oldham East and Saddleworth): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what action he is taking relating to foreign aircraft operating to the UK over the millennium period.
	(102448)
2	Mr David Borrow (South Ribble): To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, if he will list the rates from April 2000 of income thresholds used for non-dependent deductions in housing benefit, income support and jobseeker's allowance, the earnings limit for dependants living with claimants of retirement pension, long-term incapacity benefits, severe disablement allowance and unemployability supplement, and the personal expenses allowance for claimants of jobseeker's allowance resident in local authority part III accommodation.
	(102742)
3	Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries): To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, when he will publish the bilateral concordat between his Department and the Scottish Executive.
	(102473)
4	Mr Ian Stewart (Eccles): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he will agree his concordat with the Scottish Executive and National Assembly for Wales.
	(102474)
5	Ms Dari Taylor (Stockton South): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he plans to procure additional high velocity missiles from Shorts Missile Systems of Belfast.
	(102475)
6	Mr Lindsay Hoyle (Chorley): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will make a statement on progress towards creation of the Commonwealth Development Corporation public private partnership.
	(102476)
7	Ms Jackie Lawrence (Preseli Pembrokeshire): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he expects to publish the bilateral concordats between his Department, the Scottish Executive and the Cabinet of the National Assembly for Wales.
	(102477)
8	Mr Mohammad Sarwar (Glasgow, Govan): To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, when he expects to publish the bilateral concordat between the Lord Chancellor's Department and the Scottish Executive.
	(102478)
9	Mr Alan Keen (Feltham and Heston): To ask the President of the Council, when she will publish the latest results of the market research tracking public perception of the millennium bug.
	(102535)
10	Mr Gordon Marsden (Blackpool South): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will set out the basis of his calculations of the distributable amount of non-domestic rates for 2000-01
	(102548)
11	Ms Jackie Lawrence (Preseli Pembrokeshire): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what was the outcome of the most recent meeting of the Standing Committee on Preparations for EMU.
	(102549)
12	Mr Phil Woolas (Oldham East and Saddleworth): To ask the Prime Minister, when he will publish the Performance and Innovation Unit's report on rural economies.
	(102550)
13	Dr George Turner (North West Norfolk): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, when he will announce his decision on British Sugar plc's application to build a new gas-fired power station at the British Sugar factory at Cantley, Norfolk.
	(102573)
14	Mr Bill Michie (Sheffield, Heeley): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, when he expects to publish the bilateral Concordat between UK Government departments and the Scottish Executive on EU Structural Funds.
	(102574)
15	Mr Robin Corbett (Birmingham, Erdington): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when he will lay before Parliament the tenth annual report of the Firearms Consultative Committee.
	(102606)
16	Mr Keith Darvill (Upminster): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when he will publish a summary of the responses to the consultation paper, Legislation against Terrorism.
	(102607)
17	Mr Ben Chapman (Wirral South): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will announce the full membership and terms of reference of the inquiry into Hunting with Dogs in England and Wales.
	(102608)
18	Mr Ben Chapman (Wirral South): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when he will publish the bilateral concordat between his Department and the Scottish Executive.
	(102609)

Standing Committee Notices

The First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation will meet on Monday 13th December at 4.30 p.m. to consider the Financial Statement and Budget Report 1999-2000, the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report 1999-2000 and the Pre- Budget Report 1999 for the purposes of section 5 of the European Communities (Amendment) Act 1993.

Standing Committee A will meet on Tuesday 14th December at 10.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. and Thursday 16th December at 8.55 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. further to consider the Financial Services and Markets Bill.

Standing Committee B will meet on Tuesday 14th December at 10.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. and Thursday 16th December at 2.30 p.m. further to consider the Electronic Communications Bill.

The Welsh Grand Committee will meet on Tuesday 14th December at 10.30 a.m. to consider the matter of the Government's legislative programme as outlined in the Queen's Speech and the Chancellor's Pre-budget Report, as they relate to Wales.

The Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation will meet on Wednesday 15th December at 4.30 p.m. to consider the draft Legal Advice and Assistance (Scope) (Amendment) Regulations 1999.

Requests for Adjournment Debates

Applications for adjournment debates for the end of day on Tuesday 21st December and for the first week following the Christmas adjournment (i.e. Monday 10th to Monday 17th January) should reach the Speaker's Office by 10.00 p.m. on Wednesday 15th December, or the rise of the House if earlier.

Applications for adjournment debates in Westminister Hall on Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th January should be submitted to the Speaker's Office by 10.00 p.m. on Tuesday 14th December, or the rise of the House if earlier.

Each ballot will take place the morning following the deadline for applications. Members will be informed in writing whether or not they have been successful in the ballots.

Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry
*1	Mr Michael Fallon (Sevenoaks): What account he has taken in his research into international comparative prices of the effect of regulations affecting business.
	(100524)
*2	Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch): What plans the Government has to assist small firms with the cost and administration of their payroll.
	(100525)
*3	Mr Michael Jabez Foster (Hastings and Rye): What action he is taking to ensure that consumers are able to change their energy supplier more easily.
	(100526)
*4	Mr Jonathan R. Shaw (Chatham and Aylesford): What assessment he has made of employment agencies' compliance with the Working Time directive.
	(100527)
*5	Mr Desmond Swayne (New Forest West): If he will make a statement on his policy on metrication.
	(100528)
*6	Sir Teddy Taylor (Rochford and Southend East): What has been the cumulative balance of trade with the EU since Britain joined that organisation; and if he will make a statement.
	(100529)
*7	Mr Barry Gardiner (Brent North): What measures he has taken to improve working conditions for part-time workers.
	(100531)
*8	Norman Baker (Lewes): What plans he has to increase consumer protection within the banking system relating to cash withdrawals.
	(100532)
*9	Helen Southworth (Warrington South): If he will make a statement about the use of post offices to enable access to banking services for people with low incomes.
	(100533)
*10	Mr Owen Paterson (North Shropshire): If he will make a statement on monopolies in the dairy industry.
	(100534)
*11	Mr Andrew Reed (Loughborough): What research he has undertaken into the prospects for a successful manufacturing sector in the knowledge-driven economy.
	(100535)
*12	Mr Ian Davidson (Glasgow, Pollok): If he will make a statement on the implications for the UK of the EU agreement on trade with South Africa.
	(100536)
*13	Mr Frank Roy (Motherwell and Wishaw): What recent discussion he has had with fireworks manufacturers in relation to the sale of fireworks in the period up to 31st December.
	(100538)
*14	Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Cotswold): What plans he has to safeguard the future of rural sub-post offices.
	(100540)
*15	Mr Ted Rowlands (Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney): What his estimate is of the number of miners' compensation claims which have been agreed.
	(100541)
*16	Maria Eagle (Liverpool, Garston): If he will make a statement on inward investment to Merseyside.
	(100542)
*17	Mr Anthony Steen (Totnes): How many rules and regulations have been repealed since May 1997 by his Department to assist small businesses.
	(100543)
*18	Mr Michael Clapham (Barnsley West and Penistone): If he will make a statement on the Government's energy policy.
	(100544)
*19	Mr Eric Illsley (Barnsley Central): What action his Department is taking to achieve a settlement of the equal value pay case for British Coal canteen workers.
	(100545)
*20	Mr Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley): Which EU member states have exempted small businesses from the Working Time regulations.
	(100546)
*21	Mr Nigel Beard (Bexleyheath and Crayford): What plans he has for reviewing the charges to small businesses and individuals arising from bankruptcy proceedings.
	(100547)
*22	Mr Nick St. Aubyn (Guildford): If he will make a statement on the latest announcement on the balance of trade.
	(100549)
*23	Mr John Wilkinson (Ruislip-Northwood): What estimate he has made of the royalties to be received by his Department as a result of Launch Aid upon sales of the EH101 helicopter.
	(100550)
*24	Mr Tony Baldry (Banbury): What progress he has made in his discussions with the Treasury over proposals to regulate the private recruitment industry.
	(100551)
*25	Mrs Diana Organ (Forest of Dean): If he will make a statement about the prospects for profitability and volume of exports of the manufacturing sector.
	(100552)
*26	Mr Mike Gapes (Ilford South): If he will make a statement on the future of international postal services.
	(100553)
*27	Mrs Betty Williams (Conwy): What action he is taking to improve child safety in the home.
	(100554)
*28	Dr Ian Gibson (Norwich North): What plans he has to ensure that cluster development is evenly distributed across the UK.
	(100556)
*29	Mr David Kidney (Stafford): When he last met the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss the manufacturing industry.
	(100557)
*30	Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York): What steps his Department is taking to monitor implementation of EU Directives relating to trade and industry matters in other member states.
	(100558)
*31	Mr Jim Dobbin (Heywood and Middleton): What plans he has to encourage technical innovation in small businesses.
	(100560)
*32	Mr David Crausby (Bolton North East): If he will make a statement on the number of compensation claims from retired miners that have been settled.
	(100561)
*33	Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): What evidence he has assessed that temporary to permanent fees discourage employers from offering a permanent job to a temporary worker.
	(100562)
*34	Mr Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North): If he will review the level of the national minimum wage.
	(100563)