Order of Business for 14 December 1999

House of Commons

Session 1999-2000
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Summary Agendas and Orders of Business

Order of Business Tuesday 14th December 1999

Here you can browse the House of Commons Order of Business for Tuesday 14 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 2.30 p.m. Prayers

Afterwards

Private Business

    Note: Private business is not debated at this time and may not be proceeded with if opposed.

Consideration of Bill, as Amended City of London (Ward Elections) Bill. (By Order)
Mr John McDonnell
Mr Jeremy Corbyn
Mr Harry Cohen

    On Consideration of the City of London (Ward Elections) Bill, as amended, to move, That the Bill be considered upon this day six months.

Afterwards

Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Scotland

*1 Mr Shaun Woodward (Witney):    If he will make a statement on submissions made by the UK Government to the Independent Committee of Inquiry into student finance.

(101219)

*2 Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries):    What he last met representatives of train operating companies running rail services between Scotland and England.

(101220)

*3 Mr David Marshall (Glasgow, Shettleston):    What discussions he has held with the Scottish Executive on UK-wide initiatives for the alleviation of poverty; and if he will make a statement.

(101221)

*4 Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East):    What assessment he has made of the operation of the electoral system in Scotland for European parliamentary elections.

(101222)

*5 Mr Bill Tynan (Hamilton South):    What representations he has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding the benefit to Scotland of Britain's rebate from the European Union.

(101223)

*6 Mr Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield):    What discussions he has held with the First Minister on prospects for inward investment for the manufacturing sector in Scotland.

(101224)

*7 Mr Jim Murphy (Eastwood):    What discussions he has had with HM Treasury on the introduction of the Working Families Tax Credit in Scotland.

(101225)

*8 Mr John Bercow (Buckingham):    If he will make a statement regarding proposals for the creation of Cabinet Sub-Committees with Ministers of the Scottish Executive and the UK Government.

(101226)

*9 Mr Richard Ottaway (Croydon South):    If he will make a statement on Government proposals to introduce a UK-wide identity card scheme.

(101227)

*10 Mr Brian H. Donohoe (Cunninghame South):    What discussions he has held with the Scottish Executive about the memorandum of understanding in relation to inward investment.

(101228)

*11 Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    What measures he proposes to take to help those rural regions that will no longer receive aid from European Structural Funds under the new Objective 2 but which still require some form of assistance.

(101229)

*12 Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    If he will make a statement on the operation and staffing of the proposed joint-ministerial sub-committees between the Scottish Executive and UK departments.

(101230)

*13 Mrs Ray Michie (Argyll and Bute):    What discussions he had with the First Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister prior to the announcement of the closure of the Oban Coastguard Station.

(101231)

*14 Mr David Stewart (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber):    If he will make a statement on his liaison role in respect of the future of oil fabrication in the Highlands and Islands.

(101232)

*15 Mr Crispin Blunt (Reigate):    From which budgets briefing for Scottish Executive Ministers provided by United Kingdom departments is paid for.

(101233)

*16 Mr Charles Kennedy (Ross, Skye and Inverness West):    What recent discussions he has held with the oil industry on the future of North Sea oil fabrication contracts; and if he will make a statement.

(101234)

*17 Mr Eric Clarke (Midlothian):    If he will make a statement on the future regulation of the generation and supply of electricity in Scotland.

(101235)

*18 Rosemary McKenna (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth):    What assessment he has made of the impact on the Scottish economy of the UK Government's defence procurement policies.

(101236)

*19 Mr Desmond Browne (Kilmarnock and Loudoun):    What representations he has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding the impact in Scotland of his pre-Budget Statement.

(101237)

*20 Mr Tony Worthington (Clydebank and Milngavie):    What plans he has to extend the New Deal to the over 40s.

(101238)

*21 Mr Stephen O'Brien (Eddisbury):    What discussions he has had with the First Secretary about ensuring the establishment of procedures for the coordination of policy and its implementation affecting communities on the English/Scottish border.

(101239)

*22 Mr Desmond Swayne (New Forest West):    What representations he has made to the Scottish Executive regarding its review of higher education policy.

(101240)

*23 Mrs Margaret Ewing (Moray):    What discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive and the Treasury regarding future assistance for fabrication yards in the north of Scotland.

(101241)

*24 Mrs Ann Winterton (Congleton):    What discussions he has held with the First Minister on co-ordination of the Government's anti-drugs strategy.

(101242)

At 2.55 p.m.

Oral Questions to the Advocate General for Scotland

*25 Mr David Stewart (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber):    When she last met the Lord Advocate and the Solicitor General for Scotland to discuss the implementation in Scotland of the European Convention on Human Rights.

(101243)

*26 Mr Stephen O'Brien (Eddisbury):    What estimate she has made of the additional costs expected for the legal system in Scotland as a result of the decision in the Starrs case.

(101244)

*27 Mr Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow):    What discussions she has had with the Law Officers in Scotland on implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights in Scotland.

(101245)

*28 Mr David Marshall (Glasgow, Shettleston):    When she last met the Scottish Executive's law officers to discuss the implications of the European Court on Human Rights judgement relating to temporary sheriffs.

(101246)

*29 Rachel Squire (Dunfermline West):    If she will make a statement on her functions and responsibilities relating to devolution issues under the Scotland Act 1998.

(101247)

*30 Mr Desmond Browne (Kilmarnock and Loudoun):    On how many occasions devolution issues have been raised with her since her appointment; and what matters were covered.

(101248)

*31 Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    What role she has had in assessing the legal implications of moves by the Scottish Parliament to abolish tuition fees in relation to the position of non-Scottish domiciled students.

(101249)

*32 Dr Norman A. Godman (Greenock and Inverclyde):    What recent discussions she has had with the Lord Advocate concerning matters relating to the implementation in Scotland of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

(101250)

At 3.00 p.m.

Oral Questions to the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department

*33 Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East):    If he will make a statement on the remedies available to the victims of defamers without assets.

[R](101251)

*34 Mr Nigel Waterson (Eastbourne):    What plans he has to increase the total number of magistrates.

(101252)

*35 Mr Michael Fabricant (Lichfield):    If he will make a statement on the future of the magistrates' and county courts in Lichfield.

(101253)

*36 Mr Harry Cohen (Leyton and Wanstead):    What plans the Lord Chancellor has to issue guidelines to judges on sentencing for health and safety offences.

(101254)

*37 Mrs Jacqui Lait (Beckenham):    If he will issue guidance to magistrates on taking into account evidence of smuggled tobacco and alcohol in the premises concerned when considering applications for the renewal of public house, club and restaurant licences.

(101255)

*38 Mr Paul Marsden (Shrewsbury and Atcham):    If he will make a statement on the progress made in refurbishing the Shrewsbury County Court.

(101256)

*39 Mr David Ruffley (Bury St. Edmunds):    What representations he has received regarding McKenzie friends.

(101257)

*40 Mr Michael Jack (Fylde):    What plans he has to increase the total number of magistrates in England and Wales.

(101258)

*41 Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham):    If he will make a statement on the Lord Chancellor's Department's role in representing the United Kingdom in discussions on e-commerce.

(101259)

*42 Mr Shaun Woodward (Witney):    How much judicial time in the Crown Court the Government estimates will be taken up hearing appeals on the venue of trials.

(101260)

*43 Angela Smith (Basildon):    What actions his Department is taking to ensure that the magistracy reflects the socio-economic balance of the community it serves.

(101261)

*44 Mr Chris Pond (Gravesham):    What discussions he has had with Kent Magistrates' Courts Committee concerning its proposal to close Gravesend Magistrates' Court.

(101262)

*45 Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Meirionnydd Nant Conwy):    How many magistrates' courts there were in 1979; what the current figure is; and if he will make a statement.

(101263)

*46 Mr Peter Viggers (Gosport):    What recent consultations he has had with the Council of Circuit Judges on efficient allocation of judicial resources.

(101264)

*47 Mr Crispin Blunt (Reigate):    What account the Lord Chancellor takes of the views of the Council of Circuit Judges on proposed changes in the work of the courts.

(101265)

At 3.15 p.m.

Oral Questions to the President of the Council, the honourable Member answering for the House of Commons Commission and the Chairman of the Finance and Services Committee

*48 Mr John Bercow (Buckingham):    : To ask the President of the Council, if she will make a statement on the work of the Ministerial Group on Food Safety.

(101267)

*49 Mr David Borrow (South Ribble):    : To ask the President of the Council, if she will make a statement on the preparedness of the national infrastructure to deal with the millennium date change.

(101268)

*50 Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside):    : To ask the President of the Council, what assessment she has made of the United Kingdom's public information programme on the millennium bug.

(101269)

*51 Dr Stephen Ladyman (South Thanet):    : To ask the President of the Council, what arrangements she has made for the discharging of the Government's responsibilities over the millennium holiday period.

(101270)

*52 Mr Peter L. Pike (Burnley):    : To ask the President of the Council, what assessment she has made of the experiment of the House sitting in Westminster Hall.

(101271)

*53 Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test):    : To ask the President of the Council, if she will make a statement on the ability of the national infrastructure to cope with the millennium date change.

(101272)

*54 Mr David Drew (Stroud):    : To ask the President of the Council, if she will make a statement on the modernisation of the procedures of the House which has been introduced since 1997.

(101273)

*55 Mr Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow):    : To ask the President of the Council, if she will take steps to establish a Select Committee on Iraq.

(101274)

*56 Mr Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North):    : To ask the honourable Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what plans the Commission has to develop a work place nursery in the Palace of Westminster.

(101275)

*57 Dr Tony Wright (Cannock Chase):    : To ask the President of the Council, if she will make a statement on her plans to implement the recommendations of the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons.

(101276)

*58 Mr Ben Chapman (Wirral South):    : To ask the President of the Council, what arrangements she has made for the functioning of government over the millennium holiday period.

(101277)

*59 Judy Mallaber (Amber Valley):    : To ask the President of the Council, what further plans she has for modernising the legislative process.

(101278)

*60 Mr Gordon Prentice (Pendle):    : To ask the President of the Council, what plans she has to establish a system of parliamentary debate on the exercise of executive functions by the Privy Council.

(101279)

*61 Dr George Turner (North West Norfolk):    : To ask the President of the Council, what assessment she has made of the impact of the United Kingdom's public information programme on the millennium bug.

(101280)

At 3.30 p.m. Private Notice Questions (if any)
Ministerial Statements (if any)

Main Business
+ 1	TERRORISM BILL: Second Reading. *[Until 10.00 p.m.]*
*Debate may continue until 10.00 p.m.*
	Mr Charles Kennedy Mr A. J. Beith Mr Simon Hughes Mr Lembit O�pik Jackie Ballard Mr Paul Tyler
	After Second Reading of the Terrorism Bill, to move, That the Bill be committed to a Special Standing Committee.
*To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 63(2)).*
+ 2	TERRORISM BILL [MONEY]: Queen's Recommendation signified. *[No debate]*
	Mr Stephen Timms That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Terrorism Bill, it is expedient to authorise-- (1) the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any expenditure of a Minister of the Crown under or by virtue of the Act, (2) any increase attributable to the Act in sums payable out of money provided by Parliament under any other enactment, and (3) the payment of sums into the Consolidated Fund.
*To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 52(1)(a)).*
+ 3	VALUE ADDED TAX *[No debate]*
	Dawn Primarolo That the Value Added Tax (Input Tax) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3118), dated 19th November 1999, a copy of which was laid before this House on 22nd November, be approved.
*To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 118(6)).*
+ 4	RATING AND VALUATION *[No debate]*
	Mr Secretary Prescott That the draft Non-Domestic Rating (Chargeable Amounts) (England) Regulations 1999, which were laid before this House on 25th November, be approved.
*To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 118(6)).*
+ 5	LEGAL AID AND ADVICE *[No debate]*
	Mr David Lock That the draft Legal Advice and Assistance (Scope) (Amendment) Regulations 1999, which were laid before this House on 1st December, be approved.
*To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 118(6)).*
+ 6	SECTION 5 OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (AMENDMENT) ACT 1993 *[No debate]*
	The Prime Minister Mr Secretary Prescott Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Secretary Cook Mr Secretary Straw Mr Secretary Blunkett
	That this House takes note with approval of the Government's assessment as set out in 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.
*To be decided without debate (Order of 7th December and Standing Order No. 118(6)).*
+ 7	BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE *[No debate after 10.00 p.m.]*
	Margaret Beckett That the Sessional Orders [25th October 1999] relating to Thursday sittings and Meetings of standing committees and the Sessional Order [24th May 1999] relating to Sittings in Westminster Hall shall apply to times of sitting on Tuesday 21st December as if that day were a Thursday.
*If opposed, this item cannot be taken after 10.00 p.m.*
+ 8	CONSOLIDATED FUND BILL *[No debate after 10.00 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 10.00 p.m.*
+ 9	BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE *[No debate after 10.00 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 10.00 p.m.*
+ 10	EUROPEAN SCRUTINY COMMITTEE *[No debate after 10.00 p.m.]*
	Mr Keith Bradley That Rosemary McKenna be discharged from the European Scrutiny Committee and Mr Patrick Hall be added to the Committee.
*If opposed, this item cannot be taken after 10.00 p.m.*
+ 11	ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT COMMITTEE *[No debate after 10.00 p.m.]*
	Mr Keith Bradley That Mr Paul Truswell be discharged from the Environmental Audit Committee and Christine Russell be added to the Committee.
*If opposed, this item cannot be taken after 10.00 p.m.*

At the end of the sitting:

12	ADJOURNMENT
	Proposed subject: *Co-ordination of government policy relating to animals* (Norman Baker). *Debate may continue until 10.30 p.m. or for half an hour, whichever is later (Standing Order No. 9).*

COMMITTEE MEETINGS
STANDING COMMITTEES
1	Welsh Grand Committee	10.30 a.m. 4.00 p.m.	Room 14 (public) (public)
	(i) To take oral questions.
	(ii) To consider the matter of the Government's Legislative Programme and the Chancellor's Pre-Budget Report as they relate to Wales.
2	Standing Committee B	10.30 a.m. 4.30 p.m.	Room 9 (public) (public)
	Further to consider the Electronic Communications Bill.
SELECT COMMITTEES
3	Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs	9.40 a.m.	Room 16 (private)
4	Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs: Environment Sub-Committee	Immediately after the meeting of the Main Committee	Room 16 (public)
	Subject: The Environment Agency.
	Witnesses: English Nature; Local Government Association (at 10.40 a.m.); Mr Ian Bonas, Chair, North East Regional Environment Protection Advisory Committee and Pamela Castle, Chair, Thames Regional Environment Protection Advisory Committee (at 11.20 a.m.).
5	Agriculture	10.00 a.m. 10.30 a.m.	Room 21 (private) (public)
	Subject: Segregation of GM Foods.
	Witnesses: Marks & Spencer plc; Soil Association; Professor Janet Bainbridge, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes.
6	International Development	10.00 a.m.	Room 5 (private)
7	Trade and Industry	10.00 a.m.	Room 8 (public)
	Subject: Pre-Budget Scrutiny: Financing of High Technology Businesses.
	Witnesses: British Venture Capital Association; Bank of England; Sir Peter Williams, Chairman of Working Group on the Financing of High Technology Businesses; Mr Nick Fitzpatrick, Bacon and Woodrow.
8	Home Affairs	10.15 a.m. 10.30 a.m.	Room 15 (private) (public)
	Subject: Controls over Firearms.
	Witnesses: British Shooting Sports Council (including representatives of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation and the National Small-bore Rifle Association) and National Farmers' Union; RSPCA (at 11.30 a.m.); Gun Control Network (at 11.50 a.m.).
9	Foreign Affairs	10.30 a.m.	Room 7 (private)
10	Standards and Privileges	10.30 a.m.	Room 13 (private)
11	Welsh Affairs	3.00 p.m.	Room 17 (private)
12	Education and Employment	3.45 p.m.	Room 18 (private)
13	Procedure	4.00 p.m. 4.15 p.m.	Room 6 (private) (public)
	Subject: Delegated Legislation.
	Witnesses: Mr Peter Pike MP, Chairman of the Deregulation Committee, Mrs Elizabeth Flood, Clerk, Delegated Legislation Office and Mr John Vaux, Speaker's Counsel (European Legislation, &c.) from the Deregulation Committee; Mr Jimmy Hood MP, Chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee, Mrs Elizabeth Flood, Clerk of the Committee and Mr John Vaux, Speaker's Counsel (European Legislation, &c.) from the European Scrutiny Committee (at 5.00 p.m.).
14	Trade and Industry	4.00 p.m.	Room 21 (public)
	Subject: Pre-Budget Scrutiny: Financing of High Technology Businesses.
	Witnesses: Association of British Insurers; National Assocation of Pension Funds.
15	Treasury	4.00 p.m. 4.15 p.m.	Room 15 (private) (public)
	Subject: Pre-Budget Report and International Monetary Fund.
	Witness: The Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown, MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
16	Foreign Affairs	4.30 p.m.	Room 16 (private)
17	Statutory Instruments	Immediately after the meeting of the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments	Room 7 (private)
JOINT COMMITTEES
18	Joint Committee on a Special Procedure Order	2.00 p.m.	Private Bill Office, House of Lords (private)
19	Statutory Instruments	4.15 p.m.	Room 7 (private)
[The decision of a Committee to sit in public may be rescinded without notice.]

Written Questions tabled on Monday 13th December for answer today++
1	Mrs Linda Gilroy (Plymouth, Sutton): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what proposals he has to make regulations under the Disability Rights Commission Act 1999.
	(102848)
2	Mr Peter Snape (West Bromwich East): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when he expects to announce the decapitalisation rates to be used in non-domestic rates for the 2000 revaluation.
	(102849)
3	Mr Kevin Barron (Rother Valley): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when he expects to publish guidance to best value authorities on how they might meet the requirements of Part I of the Local Government Act 1999; and if he will make a statement.
	(102850)
4	Christine Butler (Castle Point): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what progress the Employment Service has made towards its Annual Performance Agreement targets over the period April to September.
	(102902)
5	Angela Smith (Basildon): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what plans he has to replace the housing fitness standard with a health and safety based rating system.
	(102881)
6	Ms Jackie Lawrence (Preseli Pembrokeshire): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to change the overall 1999-2000 Departmental Expenditure Limit for expenditure financed by the Windfall Tax.
	(102903)
7	Angela Smith (Basildon): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when he expects to publish new guidance on the preparation of development plans.
	(102904)
8	Ms Oona King (Bethnal Green and Bow): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what will be the status of the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration on the question of Hong Kong after the Joint Liaison Group ceases to meet on 1st January; and if he will make a statement.
	(102905)
9	Ms Oona King (Bethnal Green and Bow): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement about the proposed export of electrical firing cable to the HALO Trust in Kosovo.
	(102906)
10	Barbara Follett (Stevenage): To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, if the appointment of members of the Benefits Agency Standards Committee has been completed.
	(102907)
11	Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, when he intends to upgrade the Direct Access Government Internet Service which provides business with a one-stop shop for regulatory guidance and forms.
	(102967)
12	Dr Nick Palmer (Broxtowe): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will make a statement about the forthcoming Finance Management and Policy Review of the Housing Corporation.
	(102973)
13	Mr Lindsay Hoyle (Chorley): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will announce the outcome of the Invitation to Tender for the Prison Service's Quantum Project.
	(102974)
14	Mr Christopher Leslie (Shipley): To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what plans the Government has for a review of the criminal courts.
	(102975)
15	Ms Jackie Lawrence (Preseli Pembrokeshire): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to publish a report on UK operations at the International Monetary Fund.
	(102986)
16	Dr Norman A. Godman (Greenock and Inverclyde): To ask the Prime Minister, if he has received the substantive report on progress in modernising the Civil Service which was promised in the Modernising Government White Paper; and if he will make a statement.
	(102987)

Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Scotland
*1	Mr Shaun Woodward (Witney): If he will make a statement on submissions made by the UK Government to the Independent Committee of Inquiry into student finance.
	(101219)
*2	Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries): What he last met representatives of train operating companies running rail services between Scotland and England.
	(101220)
*3	Mr David Marshall (Glasgow, Shettleston): What discussions he has held with the Scottish Executive on UK-wide initiatives for the alleviation of poverty; and if he will make a statement.
	(101221)
*4	Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East): What assessment he has made of the operation of the electoral system in Scotland for European parliamentary elections.
	(101222)
*5	Mr Bill Tynan (Hamilton South): What representations he has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding the benefit to Scotland of Britain's rebate from the European Union.
	(101223)
*6	Mr Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield): What discussions he has held with the First Minister on prospects for inward investment for the manufacturing sector in Scotland.
	(101224)
*7	Mr Jim Murphy (Eastwood): What discussions he has had with HM Treasury on the introduction of the Working Families Tax Credit in Scotland.
	(101225)
*8	Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): If he will make a statement regarding proposals for the creation of Cabinet Sub-Committees with Ministers of the Scottish Executive and the UK Government.
	(101226)
*9	Mr Richard Ottaway (Croydon South): If he will make a statement on Government proposals to introduce a UK-wide identity card scheme.
	(101227)
*10	Mr Brian H. Donohoe (Cunninghame South): What discussions he has held with the Scottish Executive about the memorandum of understanding in relation to inward investment.
	(101228)
*11	Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon): What measures he proposes to take to help those rural regions that will no longer receive aid from European Structural Funds under the new Objective 2 but which still require some form of assistance.
	(101229)
*12	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside): If he will make a statement on the operation and staffing of the proposed joint-ministerial sub-committees between the Scottish Executive and UK departments.
	(101230)
*13	Mrs Ray Michie (Argyll and Bute): What discussions he had with the First Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister prior to the announcement of the closure of the Oban Coastguard Station.
	(101231)
*14	Mr David Stewart (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber): If he will make a statement on his liaison role in respect of the future of oil fabrication in the Highlands and Islands.
	(101232)
*15	Mr Crispin Blunt (Reigate): From which budgets briefing for Scottish Executive Ministers provided by United Kingdom departments is paid for.
	(101233)
*16	Mr Charles Kennedy (Ross, Skye and Inverness West): What recent discussions he has held with the oil industry on the future of North Sea oil fabrication contracts; and if he will make a statement.
	(101234)
*17	Mr Eric Clarke (Midlothian): If he will make a statement on the future regulation of the generation and supply of electricity in Scotland.
	(101235)
*18	Rosemary McKenna (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth): What assessment he has made of the impact on the Scottish economy of the UK Government's defence procurement policies.
	(101236)
*19	Mr Desmond Browne (Kilmarnock and Loudoun): What representations he has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding the impact in Scotland of his pre-Budget Statement.
	(101237)
*20	Mr Tony Worthington (Clydebank and Milngavie): What plans he has to extend the New Deal to the over 40s.
	(101238)
*21	Mr Stephen O'Brien (Eddisbury): What discussions he has had with the First Secretary about ensuring the establishment of procedures for the coordination of policy and its implementation affecting communities on the English/Scottish border.
	(101239)
*22	Mr Desmond Swayne (New Forest West): What representations he has made to the Scottish Executive regarding its review of higher education policy.
	(101240)
*23	Mrs Margaret Ewing (Moray): What discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive and the Treasury regarding future assistance for fabrication yards in the north of Scotland.
	(101241)
*24	Mrs Ann Winterton (Congleton): What discussions he has held with the First Minister on co-ordination of the Government's anti-drugs strategy.
	(101242)

Oral Questions to the Advocate General for Scotland
*25	Mr David Stewart (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber): When she last met the Lord Advocate and the Solicitor General for Scotland to discuss the implementation in Scotland of the European Convention on Human Rights.
	(101243)
*26	Mr Stephen O'Brien (Eddisbury): What estimate she has made of the additional costs expected for the legal system in Scotland as a result of the decision in the Starrs case.
	(101244)
*27	Mr Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow): What discussions she has had with the Law Officers in Scotland on implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights in Scotland.
	(101245)
*28	Mr David Marshall (Glasgow, Shettleston): When she last met the Scottish Executive's law officers to discuss the implications of the European Court on Human Rights judgement relating to temporary sheriffs.
	(101246)
*29	Rachel Squire (Dunfermline West): If she will make a statement on her functions and responsibilities relating to devolution issues under the Scotland Act 1998.
	(101247)
*30	Mr Desmond Browne (Kilmarnock and Loudoun): On how many occasions devolution issues have been raised with her since her appointment; and what matters were covered.
	(101248)
*31	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside): What role she has had in assessing the legal implications of moves by the Scottish Parliament to abolish tuition fees in relation to the position of non-Scottish domiciled students.
	(101249)
*32	Dr Norman A. Godman (Greenock and Inverclyde): What recent discussions she has had with the Lord Advocate concerning matters relating to the implementation in Scotland of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
	(101250)

Oral Questions to the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department
*33	Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East): If he will make a statement on the remedies available to the victims of defamers without assets.
	[R](101251)
*34	Mr Nigel Waterson (Eastbourne): What plans he has to increase the total number of magistrates.
	(101252)
*35	Mr Michael Fabricant (Lichfield): If he will make a statement on the future of the magistrates' and county courts in Lichfield.
	(101253)
*36	Mr Harry Cohen (Leyton and Wanstead): What plans the Lord Chancellor has to issue guidelines to judges on sentencing for health and safety offences.
	(101254)
*37	Mrs Jacqui Lait (Beckenham): If he will issue guidance to magistrates on taking into account evidence of smuggled tobacco and alcohol in the premises concerned when considering applications for the renewal of public house, club and restaurant licences.
	(101255)
*38	Mr Paul Marsden (Shrewsbury and Atcham): If he will make a statement on the progress made in refurbishing the Shrewsbury County Court.
	(101256)
*39	Mr David Ruffley (Bury St. Edmunds): What representations he has received regarding McKenzie friends.
	(101257)
*40	Mr Michael Jack (Fylde): What plans he has to increase the total number of magistrates in England and Wales.
	(101258)
*41	Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham): If he will make a statement on the Lord Chancellor's Department's role in representing the United Kingdom in discussions on e-commerce.
	(101259)
*42	Mr Shaun Woodward (Witney): How much judicial time in the Crown Court the Government estimates will be taken up hearing appeals on the venue of trials.
	(101260)
*43	Angela Smith (Basildon): What actions his Department is taking to ensure that the magistracy reflects the socio-economic balance of the community it serves.
	(101261)
*44	Mr Chris Pond (Gravesham): What discussions he has had with Kent Magistrates' Courts Committee concerning its proposal to close Gravesend Magistrates' Court.
	(101262)
*45	Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Meirionnydd Nant Conwy): How many magistrates' courts there were in 1979; what the current figure is; and if he will make a statement.
	(101263)
*46	Mr Peter Viggers (Gosport): What recent consultations he has had with the Council of Circuit Judges on efficient allocation of judicial resources.
	(101264)
*47	Mr Crispin Blunt (Reigate): What account the Lord Chancellor takes of the views of the Council of Circuit Judges on proposed changes in the work of the courts.
	(101265)

Oral Questions to the President of the Council, the honourable Member answering for the House of Commons Commission and the Chairman of the Finance and Services Committee
*48	Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): : To ask the President of the Council, if she will make a statement on the work of the Ministerial Group on Food Safety.
	(101267)
*49	Mr David Borrow (South Ribble): : To ask the President of the Council, if she will make a statement on the preparedness of the national infrastructure to deal with the millennium date change.
	(101268)
*50	Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside): : To ask the President of the Council, what assessment she has made of the United Kingdom's public information programme on the millennium bug.
	(101269)
*51	Dr Stephen Ladyman (South Thanet): : To ask the President of the Council, what arrangements she has made for the discharging of the Government's responsibilities over the millennium holiday period.
	(101270)
*52	Mr Peter L. Pike (Burnley): : To ask the President of the Council, what assessment she has made of the experiment of the House sitting in Westminster Hall.
	(101271)
*53	Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test): : To ask the President of the Council, if she will make a statement on the ability of the national infrastructure to cope with the millennium date change.
	(101272)
*54	Mr David Drew (Stroud): : To ask the President of the Council, if she will make a statement on the modernisation of the procedures of the House which has been introduced since 1997.
	(101273)
*55	Mr Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow): : To ask the President of the Council, if she will take steps to establish a Select Committee on Iraq.
	(101274)
*56	Mr Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North): : To ask the honourable Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what plans the Commission has to develop a work place nursery in the Palace of Westminster.
	(101275)
*57	Dr Tony Wright (Cannock Chase): : To ask the President of the Council, if she will make a statement on her plans to implement the recommendations of the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons.
	(101276)
*58	Mr Ben Chapman (Wirral South): : To ask the President of the Council, what arrangements she has made for the functioning of government over the millennium holiday period.
	(101277)
*59	Judy Mallaber (Amber Valley): : To ask the President of the Council, what further plans she has for modernising the legislative process.
	(101278)
*60	Mr Gordon Prentice (Pendle): : To ask the President of the Council, what plans she has to establish a system of parliamentary debate on the exercise of executive functions by the Privy Council.
	(101279)
*61	Dr George Turner (North West Norfolk): : To ask the President of the Council, what assessment she has made of the impact of the United Kingdom's public information programme on the millennium bug.
	(101280)