Session 1999-2000

Commons Journal 256

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Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II


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[No. 17.]

Monday 13th December 1999.

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

PRAYERS.

1First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Nicholas Winterton reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation 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.

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

2Fisheries,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees), 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—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to.

3Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at this day's sitting, 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.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

4Fisheries,—A Motion was made and the Question being proposed, That this House takes note of the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum, submitted by the Minister 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; recognises that many fish stocks remain in poor shape and need to be rebuilt for the future; and supports the Government's intention to negotiate the best possible fishing opportunities for UK fishermen consistent with the sustainable management of stocks, effective enforcement and the need to ensure that the regional differences of fisheries and their communities are fully recognised—(Mr Elliot Morley);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 1, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘in taking note of the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum, submitted by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, on 5th December 1999, recalls that the previous Government added to the burden on UK fishing communities and failed to take any decisive action to protect British fishing interests in 18 years; believes that the Government should establish a coherent joined-up vision of where the UK wants the fishing industry to be in the medium and long term; recommends that the Government both itself and in its negotiations with European and other fishing nations seeks: to develop arrangements which significantly improve the cooperative relationship between fishermen and scientists, to avoid the last-minute annual total allowable catch and quota-setting process which does much to damage this relationship and the ability of the industry to plan ahead, to bring forward proposals to regularise and manage the trading of track records and fishing licences, to establish a decentralised system based on regional fisheries management whilst seeking to reduce the need for discards and engage fishermen in management decisions, to ensure quality of monitoring and enforcement across the European Union, to develop a pan-European policy to encourage low-impact fishing methods, and to reinstate a system of fishing safety grants', instead thereof.—(Mr Andrew George.)

And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Sir Robert Smith, Bob Russell: 36.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Greg Pope, Mr David Jamieson: 320.

So the Question was negatived.

And it being after Seven o'clock, the Deputy Speaker put the remaining Questions necessary to dispose of the proceedings, pursuant to Order [this day].

Another Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 6, to leave out from the word ‘future' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘and believes that this can only be achieved by negotiating a reform of the Common Fisheries Policy that will devolve power to national, regional and local levels', instead thereof.—(Mr Malcolm Moss.)

And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made;

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The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Oliver Heald, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 131.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Greg Pope, Mr David Jamieson: 347.

So the Question was negatived.

The Main Question was put and agreed to.

Resolved, That this House takes note of the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum, submitted by the Minister 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; recognises that many fish stocks remain in poor shape and need to be rebuilt for the future; and supports the Government's intention to negotiate the best possible fishing opportunities for UK fishermen consistent with the sustainable management of stocks, effective enforcement and the need to ensure that the regional differences of fisheries and their communities are fully recognised.

5Welsh Grand Committee,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 108 (Welsh Grand Committee (sittings)), That the Order of the House of 30th November relating to the meeting of the Welsh Grand Committee on Tuesday 14th December shall have effect with the substitution of the words ‘half-past Ten o'clock and between Four o'clock and Six o'clock' for the words ‘half-past Ten o'clock'—(Mrs Anne McGuire):—It was agreed to.

6Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mrs Anne McGuire);

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

7Education and Employment,—Ordered, That Caroline Flint and Mr Bill Rammell be discharged from the Education and Employment Committee and Helen Jones and Mr Stephen Twigg be added to the Committee.—(Mr Keith Bradley, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

8Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Ordered, That Mr Graham Stringer be discharged from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee and Dr Stephen Ladyman be added to the Committee.—(Mr Keith Bradley, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

9Health,—Ordered, That Mr Ivan Lewis be discharged from the Health Committee and Mr Stephen Hesford be added to the Committee.—(Mr Keith Bradley, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

10Northern Ireland Affairs,—Ordered, That Mr Martin Salter be discharged from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee and Dr Nick Palmer be added to the Committee.—(Mr Keith Bradley, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

11Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from residents of Mid-Bedfordshire against the sale of Long Meadow Farm in Chalton, Bedfordshire, to the Exodus Collective was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

12Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

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

[Adjourned at 10.31 p.m.


APPENDIX

Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 10th December 1999 (Non-sitting Friday. S.O. No. 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Constitutional Law,—Scotland Act 1998 (Transitory and Transitional Provisions) (Finance) Amendment Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3273), dated 8th December 1999 [Mr Secretary Reid].

2Education,—(1) Education (Transition to New Framework) (New Schools, Groups and Miscellaneous) Regulations 1999 (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3297), and

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(2) Kirkley Hall College, Ponteland, Northumberland (Dissolution) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3300),

dated 8th December 1999 [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

3Income Tax,—(1) General Commissioners (Jurisdiction and Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3293),

(2) Special Commissioners (Amendment of the Taxes Management Act 1970) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3294), and

(3) Special Commissioners (Jurisdiction and Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3292),

dated 9th December 1999 [Mr David Lock]; and

(4) Lloyd's Underwriters (Special Reserve Funds) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3308), dated 9th December 1999 [Miss Melanie Johnson].

4Legal Aid and Advice,—Legal Advice and Assistance at Police Stations (Remuneration) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3299), dated 9th December 1999 [Mr David Lock].

5Libraries,—Public Lending Right Scheme 1982 (Commencement of Variation) (No. 2) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3304), dated 9th December 1999 [Mr Secretary Smith].

6Local Government (Scotland),—Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 (Exemption from Repeal) (Scotland) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3274), dated 7th December 1999 [Mr Secretary Reid].

7London Government,—Greater London Authority Act 1999 (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) (Police) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3272), dated 8th December 1999 [Mr Secretary Straw].

8Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping (Seamen's Documents) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999, No. 3281), dated 7th December 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

9Rating and Valuation,—Non-Domestic Rating Contributions (England) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3275), dated 9th December 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 13th December 1999:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

10Local Government,—Draft Local Government Best Value (Exemption) (England) Order 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

11Income Tax,—Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Foreign Interests and Dividends) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999, No. 3330), dated 13th December 1999 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

12Local Government,—Passenger Transport Executives (Capital Finance) (Amendment) (England) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3310), dated 9th December 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

13National Debt,—Premium Savings Bonds (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3305), dated 9th December 1999 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson].

14Registration of Births, Deaths, Marriages, etc.,—Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Fees) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3311), dated 7th December 1999 [by Act] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer].

15Road Traffic,—(1) Road Traffic (Permitted Parking Area and Special Parking Area) (Borough of Medway) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3313), and

(2) Road Traffic (Permitted Parking Area and Special Parking Area) (County of Kent) (Borough of Gravesham) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3314),

dated 13th December 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers:

16Air Force (Constitution),—Regulations of the Defence Council amending Air Publication 400B–0001: Regulations for the Royal Air Force Reserve and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force (First Edition) (Amendment List No. 5) [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon].

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17National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Government on the Web [by Act]; to be printed [No. 87] [Clerk of the House].

18National Health Service,—Statement of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 8th December 1999 on loans proposed to be raised by the Somerset Partnership National Health Service and Social Care Trust [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn].

19United Reformed Church Bill,—Report by the Attorney General on the United Reformed Church Bill [by Standing Order] [Mr Attorney General].


WEDNESDAY SITTINGS

 In pursuance of Standing Order No. 10 (Wednesday sittings) and the Sessional Order of 24th May relating to Sittings in Westminster Hall, the Speaker has appointed Wednesday 15th March, Wednesday 17th May and Wednesday 21st June as days when the subject or subjects for debates on the Motion for the Adjournment until half-past Twelve o'clock in Westminster Hall shall be Select Committee Reports chosen by the Liaison Committee.

CHAIRMEN'S PANEL

 In pursuance of Standing Order No. 4 (Chairmen's Panel), the Speaker nominated Mr Mike Hancock, Mr Eric Illsley and Mr Jonathan Sayeed to be additional members of the Chairmen's Panel during this Session.


[No. 18.]

Tuesday 14th December 1999.

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

PRAYERS.

1City of London (Ward Elections) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for consideration of the City of London (Ward Elections) Bill, as amended by the Chairman of Ways and Means;

Ordered, That the Bill be considered on Tuesday 21st December.

2Private Bills,—The Chairman of Ways and Means reported, That, in accordance with Standing Order 81 relating to Private Business (Division of bills between this House and the House of Lords), he had conferred with the Chairman of Committees of the House of Lords, for the purpose of determining in which House of Parliament the respective Private Bills should be first considered, and they had determined that the Bills contained in the following list should originate in the House of Lords, viz.:

Alliance & Leicester Group Treasury plc (Transfer)

Colchester Borough Council,

and that the Bills contained in the following list should originate in the House of Commons, viz.:

Greenham and Crookham Commons

Mersey Tunnels.

3Welsh Grand Committee,—Mr Barry Jones reported from the Welsh Grand Committee, That it had considered 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, referred to it on 30th November, and had directed him to report accordingly to the House.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 117].

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

City of Newcastle upon Tyne Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill, intituled, An Act to confer powers on the Council of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne for the better control of street trading in the city of Newcastle; for the registration of door supervisors and second-hand goods dealers in the city; for controlling the distribution of free literature in the city; and for other purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

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5City of Newcastle upon Tyne Bill [Lords],—The City of Newcastle upon Tyne Bill [Lords] was read the first time.

Bill referred to the Examiners of Petitions for Private Bills.

6Terrorism Bill,—The Terrorism Bill was, according to Order, read a second time.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 63 (Committal of bills), That the Bill be committed to a Special Standing Committee—(Mr Simon Hughes);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Sir Robert Smith, Mr Andrew Stunnell: 47.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Don Touhig: 262.

So the Question was negatived.

The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared that the Bill stood committed to a Standing Committee.

7Terrorism Bill [Money], Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Terrorism Bill [Money];

A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), 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—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to.

6Value 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 (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—(Mr Robert Ainsworth):—It was agreed to.

7Rating and Valuation,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Non-Domestic Rating (Chargeable Amounts) (England) Regulations 1999, which were laid before this House on 25th November, be approved—(Mr Robert Ainsworth):—It was agreed to.

8Section 5 of the European Communities (Amendment) Act 1993,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Order [7th December] and Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), 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—(Mr Robert Ainsworth):—It was agreed to.

9Business of the House,—Ordered, That the Sessional Orders [25th October] relating to Thursday sittings and Meetings of standing committees and the Sessional Order [24th May] relating to Sittings in Westminster Hall shall apply to times of sitting on Tuesday 21st December as if that day were a Thursday.—(Mr Robert Ainsworth.)

10Consolidated Fund Bill,—Ordered, 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.—(Mr Robert Ainsworth.)

11Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, 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—(Mr Mike Hall);

And it being Ten o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned.

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed to-morrow.

12European Scrutiny Committee,—Ordered, That Rosemary McKenna be discharged from the European Scrutiny Committee and Mr Patrick Hall be added to the Committee.—(Mr Mike Hall.)

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13Environmental Audit Committee,—Ordered, That Mr Paul Truswell be discharged from the Environmental Audit Committee and Christine Russell be added to the Committee.—(Mr Mike Hall.)

14Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from residents of Bromley for aid to be directed to education for child labourers was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

15Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Mike Hall.)

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

[Adjourned at 10.29 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to negative resolution:

1Criminal Procedure (Northern Ireland),—Criminal Appeal (Devolution Issues) Rules (Northern Ireland) 1999 (S.R.(N.I.), 1999, No. 492), dated 10th December 1999 [by Act] [Mr David Lock].

2Fees and Charges,—Travel Documents (Fees) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3339), dated 13th December 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

3Local Government,—Local Government (Best Value) Performance Plans and Reviews Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3251), dated 7th December 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

4Pensions,—Local Government Pension Scheme (Management and Investment of Funds) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3259), dated 7th December 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

5Social Security,—Social Fund Maternity and Funeral Expenses (General) Amendment Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3266), dated 8th December 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

6Supreme Court (Northern Ireland),—(1) Crown Court (Amendment No. 2) Rules (Northern Ireland) 1999 (S.R.(N.I.), 1999, No. 491), and

(2) Rules of the Supreme Court (Northern Ireland) (Amendment No. 3) 1999 (S.R.(N.I.), 1999, No. 493),

dated 10th December 1999 [by Act] [Mr David Lock].

7Terms and Conditions of Employment,—Transnational Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3323), dated 12th December 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

8Town and Country Planning,—Town and Country Planning (Development Plan) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3280), dated 8th December 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers:

9Courts and Legal Services,—Final Report and Financial Statements of the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Legal Education and Conduct for 1998-99 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 64] [Mr David Lock].

10International Monetary Fund,—Report on UK Operations at the International Monetary Fund for 1st October 1998 to 30th September 1999 [by Command] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer].

11Tribunals and Inquiries,—Report of the Council on Tribunals for 1998-99 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 30] [Mr David Lock].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

Draft Legal Advice and Assistance (Scope) (Amendment) Regulations 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Stephen Hepburn from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Robert N. Wareing.

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APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Agriculture,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Agriculture Committee [Segregation of GM Foods]; to be printed [No. 71-iii]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Implications for UK Agriculture and EU Agricultural Policy of Trade Liberalisation and the WTO Round; Marketing of Milk; Segregation of GM Foods]

[Mr Peter Luff].

2Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) First Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Potential Risk of Fire Spread in Buildings via External Cladding Systems]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 109]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee [The Environment Agency]; to be printed [No. 34-iii]

[Mr Andrew F. Bennett].

3Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [Controls over Firearms]; to be printed [No. 95-ii] [Mr Robin Corbett].

4Procedure,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Procedure Committee [Delegated Legislation]; to be printed [No. 48-iii] [Mr Nicholas Winterton].

5Standards and Privileges,—(1) Third Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges [Complaint against Mr Iain Duncan Smith], together with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 110]; and

(2) Fourth Report from the Committee [Complaint against Mr William Hague], together with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 111]

[Mr Robert Sheldon].

6Trade and Industry,—(1) Second Report from the Trade and Industry Committee [Draft Insolvency Bil], 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. 112];

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Pre-Budget Scrutiny: Financing of High Technology Businesses]; to be printed [Nos. 51-ii and -iii]; and

(3) Memorandum laid before the Committee [Department of Trade and Industry Memorandum on Outcome of Structural Funds Negotiations, the UK's Proposed Objective 2 areas]

[Mr Martin O'Neill].

7Statutory Instruments,—Fourth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 47-iv] [Mr David Tredinnick].

8Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [Pre-Budget Report and International Monetary Fund]; to be printed [No. 72-iii] [Mr Giles Radice].

9Welsh Affairs,—First Special Report from the Welsh Affairs Committee [Government and National Assembly for Wales Responses to the Fourth and Fifth Reports from the Committee, Session 1998–99, on Health Issues in Wales and Paediatric Cardiac Services in Wales]; to be printed [No. 116] [Mr Martyn Jones].


[No. 18; WH, No. 7]

Tuesday 14th December 1999.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall [pursuant to the Order of 24th May 1999].

The sitting commenced at Ten o'clock.

1Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Gerry Sutcliffe.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 12.59 p.m.


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[No. 19.]

Wednesday 15th December 1999.

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

PRAYERS.

1City of Stoke-on-Trent Tunstall Northern By-pass Local Government Act Compulsory Purchase Order 1997 (Petitions of General Objection),—Miss Anne McIntosh reported from the Joint Committee to which the Petitions of General Objection against the City of Stoke-on-Trent Tunstall Northern By-pass Local Government Act Compulsory Purchase Order 1997 stood referred, pursuant to section 4 of the Statutory Orders (Special Procedure) Act 1945, That it had considered the said Petitions; and had made Amendments to the Order, and had directed her to report the Order, as amended, to the House, together with the Minutes of Evidence taken before it; and had agreed to a Special Report, which it had directed her to make to the House: And the Report was brought up and read.

Amendments to be printed [No. 113].

Order, as amended, together with the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee, to lie upon the Table.

Report to lie upon the Table; and to be printed [No. 114].

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

2Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Barry Jones reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Legal Advice and Assistance (Scope) (Amendment) Regulations 1999.

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

3Medical Treatment (Prevention of Euthanasia) Bill,—Mrs Ann Winterton, supported by Mr Joe Benton, Mr Julian Brazier, Dr Vincent Cable, Mr Jim Dobbin, Dr Brian Iddon, Mr Kerry Pollard, Mrs Marion Roe, The Reverend Martin Smyth, Miss Ann Widdecombe, Mr Nicholas Winterton and Mr William Cash, presented a Bill to prohibit the withdrawal or withholding of medical treatment, or the withdrawal or withholding of sustenance, with the intention of causing the death of a patient; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 28th January and to be printed [Bill 12].

4Carers and Disabled Children Bill,—Mr Tom Pendry, supported by Mr David Hinchliffe, Mrs Llin Golding, Mrs Virginia Bottomley, Mr Stephen Dorrell, Mrs Marion Roe, Mr David Chaytor, Jackie Ballard, Mrs Sylvia Heal, Mr Andrew F. Bennett, Mr Andrew Reed and Mr Lawrie Quinn, presented a Bill to make provision about the assessment of carers' needs; to provide for services to help carers; to provide for the making of payments to carers and disabled children aged 16 or 17 in lieu of the provision of services to them; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 4th February and to be printed [Bill 13].

5Licensing (Young Persons) Bill,—Mr Paul Truswell, supported by Mr Fabian Hamilton, Mr Harold Best, Mr Colin Burgon, Mr John Gunnell, Mr George Mudie, Mr Hilary Benn, Chris McCafferty, Mr Christopher Leslie and David Taylor, presented a Bill to make provision in connection with the sale and consumption of intoxicating liquor in cases involving persons under eighteen; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 11th February and to be printed [Bill 14].

6Health Service Commissioners (Amendment) Bill,—Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith, supported by Sir Peter Emery, Mr Menzies Campbell, Mr Alan Williams (Swansea West), Dr Howard Stoate, Dr Peter Brand, Angela Smith, Mr David Amess, Mr Marsha Singh and Mr David Hinchliffe, presented a Bill to amend the Health Service Commissioners Act 1993: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 3rd March and to be printed [Bill 15].

7Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Bill,—Mr David Amess, supported by Mr David Atkinson, Mr Simon Burns, Mr David Chaytor, Mr Michael Colvin, Mr Cynog Dafis, Mrs Linda Gilroy, Ms Jenny Jones, Mr Alan Simpson, The Reverend Martyn Smyth, Sir Teddy Taylor and Mr Paul Tyler, presented a Bill to require the Secretary of State to draw up and facilitate the carrying out of a programme of action to provide households with a comprehensive package of home insulation, heating and other energy efficiency improvements for the purpose of reducing fuel poverty; to require the setting of targets for the achievement of that programme; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 10th March and to be printed [Bill 16].

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8Government Powers (Limitations) Bill,—Mr Iain Duncan Smith, supported by Mr John Bercow, Mr John Whittingdale, Mr Quentin Davies, Mr Eric Forth, Mr Gerald Howarth, Mr Robert Key, Mr Richard Ottaway, Mr Richard Shepherd, Mr Bernard Jenkin, Dr Julian Lewis and Mr Oliver Letwin, presented a Bill to amend the law in relation to the permitted number of Ministers of the Crown; to limit the powers of Ministers to make certain appointments; to make provision with respect to the parliamentary scrutiny of European Union proposals and other subordinate legislation; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 7th April and to be printed [Bill 17].

9Urban Regeneration and Countryside Protection Bill,—Mr Anthony Steen, supported by Mr Tony Baldry, Mr Martin Bell, Mr Crispin Blunt, Mr Kenneth Clarke, Sir Peter Emery, Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith, Mr Tom King, Mr Peter Lilley, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Patrick Nicholls and Sir Michael Spicer, presented a Bill to require local planning authorities to undertake urban capacity studies and to publish audits of derelict, vacant, under-used and under-utilised buildings and land; to place a duty on public bodies to maximise the use of previously developed buildings and land; to impose new requirements in respect of planning applications for housing development on undeveloped land or for housing development likely to have a significant impact on existing infrastructure; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 24th March and to be printed [Bill 18].

10Wild Mammals (Hunting with Dogs) Bill,—Mr Ken Livingstone, supported by Mr Kevin McNamara, Mr David Amess, Mr Mike Hancock, Mr Michael Foster (Worcester), Jackie Ballard, Glenda Jackson, Norman Baker, Mr Roger Gale, Mr Ian Cawsey, Dr Ian Gibson and Mr Tony Banks, presented a Bill to make provision for the protection of wild mammals from being hunted by the use of dogs; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 7th April and to be printed [Bill 19].

11Export of Farm Animals Bill,—Mr Gwyn Prosser, supported by Jackie Ballard, Mr Peter Bottomley, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Bill Etherington, Jim Fitzpatrick, Mrs Eileen Gordon, Mr Mike Hancock, Mr Nigel Jones, Laura Moffatt, Dr Nick Palmer and Angela Smith, presented a Bill to prohibit the export of live farm animals for slaughter or further fattening; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 4th February and to be printed [Bill 20].

12Food Labelling Bill,—Mr Stephen O'Brien, supported by Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Ian Davidson, Mr Jim Dobbin, Mr Christopher Fraser, Mr James Gray, Mr John Hayes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Owen Paterson, Mr David Prior, Mr John Randall and Mr Andrew Stunell, presented a Bill to make further provision for consumers of food to be informed about the country of origin and standards of production of food presented for sale by labelling, marking or in other ways; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 3rd March and to be printed [Bill 21].

13Sex Discrimination (Amendment) Bill,—Mr Robert Walter, supported by Sir John Stanley, Derek Wyatt, Mr John Burnett, Miss Anne McIntosh, Sir David Madel, Mr David Curry, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Anthony Steen, Mr Andrew Rowe, Ms Claire Ward and Mrs Llin Golding, presented a Bill to amend the Sex Discrimination Act 1975; to make provision with respect to discrimination concerning the provision of goods, facilities, services and access to governance by private member clubs; and to continue to permit wholly single-sex clubs and sporting events: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 11th February and to be printed [Bill 22].

14Welfare of Broiler Chickens Bill,—Ann Clwyd, supported by Mr Colin Burgon, Mr Dale Campbell-Savours, Mr Harry Cohen, Mrs Joan Humble, Mr Andrew Mackinlay, Alice Mahon, Ms Julie Morgan, Mr Brian Sedgemore, Dr Howard Stoate and Mr Alan Williams (Swansea West), presented a Bill to make provision with respect to the health and welfare of broiler chickens kept in indoor husbandry systems: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 4th February and to be printed [Bill 24].

15Newspaper and Magazine Recycling Bill,—Dr Doug Naysmith, supported by Dr Roger Berry, Mr Peter Bottomley, Mr Tom Brake, Sir Sydney Chapman, Mr David Chaytor, Mr Cynog Dafis, Valerie Davey, Julia Drown, Mr Don Foster, Mrs Diana Organ and Mr Gordon Prentice, presented a Bill to make provision with respect to the collection and recycling of newspapers and magazines in England and Wales: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 11th February and to be printed [Bill 25].

16Health and Safety at Work (Offences) Bill,—Mr Malcolm Savidge, supported by Mr Tony Baldry, Miss Anne Begg, Mr Peter Bottomley, Dr Vincent Cable, Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson, Mr Frank Doran, Mrs Margaret Ewing, Mr Martin O'Neill, Ms Linda Perham, Helen Southworth, and Mr David Stewart, presented a Bill to make provision

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  about the prosecution and punishment of offences which are, or are being treated as being, offences under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 or the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 11th February and to be printed [Bill 26].

17Organic Food and Farming Targets Bill,—Mr Paul Tyler, supported by Mr Tom King, Mr Tony Benn, Mr Colin Breed, Joan Ruddock, Mr Peter Bottomley, Mr Peter Bradley, Mr Harry Barnes, Mr James Gray, Mr David Drew, Mr Lembit O­pik and Mr Elfyn Llwyd, presented a Bill to make provision regarding the setting and achievement of targets for organic farming and food consumption; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 3rd March and to be printed [Bill 27].

18Fire Prevention Bill,—Mr Peter L. Pike, supported by Jim Fitzpatrick, Mr Tony Lloyd, Mr Lawrie Quinn, Mr Gordon Prentice, Bob Russell, Mr Peter Luff, Ms Dari Taylor, Mr James Gray, Mr Lindsay Hoyle, Mr Eric Illsley and Mr Stephen McCabe, presented a Bill to extend the duties of fire authorities in respect of fire prevention: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 4th February and to be printed [Bill 28].

19Road Traffic Bill,—Mrs Eleanor Laing, supported by Mr John MacGregor, Sir George Young, Mr Patrick McLoughlin, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mr Bernard Jenkin, Mr Tim Boswell, Mr James Gray, Mr Desmond Swayne, Mr Stephen O'Brien and Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, presented a Bill to make further provision about the enforcement of requirements relating to drivers' hours and about the licensing of the operators of goods vehicles; to make provision with respect to the exemption of essential users of commercial motor vehicles and operators of certain community bus services from payment of excise duty on fuel; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 3rd March and to be printed [Bill 29].

20Property Transactions Bill,—Mr Bowen Wells, supported by Mr Tony Baldry, Mr Simon Burns, Mr Dale Campbell-Savours, Mr Nigel Jones, Mr Michael Mates and Mr Ian Taylor, presented a Bill to make provision about property transactions: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 12th May and to be printed [Bill 30].

21Protection of Animals (Amendment) Bill,—Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas, supported by Mr Gwyn Prosser, Mr Michael Foster (Worcester), Mr Michael Jabez Foster (Hastings and Rye), Mr Colin Pickthall, Maria Eagle and Mrs Betty Williams, presented a Bill to enable provision to be made for the care, disposal or slaughter of animals to which proceedings under section 1 of the Protection of Animals Act 1911 relate; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 28th January and to be printed [Bill 31].

22Building Societies (Transfer Resolutions) Bill,—Mr Tony McWalter, supported by Charlotte Atkins, Mr David Heath, Mr Andrew Love, Christine Russell, Dr Doug Naysmith, Ms Judith Church, Mr David Crausby and Mr Hilton Dawson, presented a Bill to amend the Building Societies Act 1986 in respect of resolutions at meetings of building societies relating to the transfer of the business of a building society to a commercial company or to another building society and in respect of share rights on transfer of business to a commercial company: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 3rd March and to be printed [Bill 23].

23Business of the House,—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed yesterday, 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;

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

And the Question being put:—It was agreed to.

Ordered, 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.

24Representation of the People Bill,—The House, according to Order, resolved itself into a Committee on the Representation of the People Bill.

(In the Committee)

Ordered, That the Bill be considered in the following order, namely: Clauses Nos. 1 to 8, Schedules Nos. 1 to 3, Clauses Nos. 9 to 12, Schedule No. 4, Clauses Nos. 13 to 16, Schedules Nos. 5 and 6.—(Mr Mike O'Brien.)

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Clause No. 1 (New system of electoral registration).

Amendment (No. 29) proposed, in page 1, line 17, to leave out from the beginning to the word ‘and' in line 18.—(Mr Harry Barnes.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Amendment (No. 69) proposed, in page 1, line 19, to leave out ‘18' and to insert ‘16'.—(Mr Simon Hughes.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The Committee divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Sir Robert Smith, Jackie Ballard: 36.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Jim Dowd: 434.

Another Amendment (No. 30) proposed, in page 1, to leave out lines 20 to 23.—(Mr Harry Barnes.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

And it being Ten o'clock, the Chairman left the Chair to report progress and ask leave to sit again.


The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair; and Mr Mike Hall reported, That the Committee had made progress in the Bill, and moved, That the Committee may have leave to sit again.

Committee again to-morrow.

25Legal Aid and Advice,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Legal Aid (Prescribed Panels) (Amendment) Regulations 1999, which were laid before this House on 29th November, be approved—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to.

26Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from—

(1) residents of Farington calling for a review of the regulations governing provision of pharmacies, and

(2) people in Hoddesdon for aid to be directed to education for child labourers

were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

27Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from people in Camberley and area and from people in Whitby and Sleights for aid to be directed to education for child labourers were presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

28Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Mike Hall);

And the Motion having been made after Ten 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 twenty-seven minutes to Eleven o'clock, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 10.33 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Agriculture,—(1) Hill Livestock (Compensatory Allowances) (Enforcement) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3315), and

(2) Hill Livestock (Compensatory Allowances) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3316),

dated 15th December 1999 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

2Social Security,—Income Support (General) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3329), dated 13th December 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

3Telecommunications,—(1) Public Telecommunication System Designation (E. V. Limited) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999 No. 3332), dated 11th December 1999,

(2) Public Telecommunication System Designation (FLAG Atlantic UK Limited) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3331), dated 11th December 1999,

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(3) Public Telecommunication System Designation (Guernsey Telecoms) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3334), dated 10th December 1999,

(4) Public Telecommunication System Designation (Norweb Telecom Limited) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3335), dated 11th December 1999,

(5) Public Telecommunication System Designation (Pangea Networks (UK) Limited) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3333), dated 11th December 1999, and

(6) Public Telecommunication System Designation (Racal Telecommunications Limited) Order (S.I., 1999, No. 3336), dated 11th December 1999

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

Other Papers:

4Appropriation Accounts, 1998–99,—Appropriation Accounts of the sums granted by Parliament for 1998–99 for Class XIV (Wales), with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 11-XIV] [Mr Stephen Timms].

5Broadcasting,—Accounts of—

(1) Independent Television Commission Additional Payments and Financial Penalties by Licensees, and

(2) Radio Authority Additional Payments by Radio Programme Licensees

for 1998–99, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 124 and 123] [Clerk of the House].

6Criminal Statistics,—Statistical Bulletin: Criminal Proceedings in Scottish Courts, 1998 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].

7Government Trading Funds,—Reports and Accounts of the Fire Service College for—

(1) 1996–97, and

(2) 1997–98,

with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 12 and 89] [Clerk of the House].

8Museums and Galleries,—Accounts of the National Library of Wales for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 122] [Clerk of the House].

9Telecommunications,—Licences granted under section 7 of the Telecommunications Act 1984 by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to—

(1) E.V. Limited,

(2) FLAG Atlantic UK Limited,

(3) Guernsey Telecoms,

(4) Norweb Telecom Limited,

(5) Pangea Networks (UK) Limited, and

(6) Racal Telecommunications Limited

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Freedom of Information Bill:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee B; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Ian Cawsey, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Mark Fisher, Mr John Greenway, Mr Mike Hall, Mr Patrick Hall, Mr David Heath, Mr David Lock, Shona McIsaac, Mr Robert Maclennan, Mr Mike O'Brien, Mr Stephen O'Brien, Mr Colin Pickthall, Christine Russell, Helen Southworth, Dr George Turner and Mr Robert Walter.

2Government Resources and Accounts Bill,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Michael Foster (Worcester) from Standing Committee A (nominated in respect of the Bill); and nominated in substitution Mr Alan Williams (Swansea West).

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3Draft Local Government Best Value (Exemption) (England) Order 2000:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Ms Hazel Blears, Mr Bernie Grant, Mr Mike Hancock, Ms Harriet Harman, Ms Beverley Hughes, Ms Fiona Jones, Ms Sally Keeble, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Mr Jim Marshall, Mr Patrick Nicholls, Mr Michael Portillo, Joan Ruddock, Mr Adrian Sanders, Mr Nigel Waterson and Mrs Betty Williams.

Grand Committees

4Welsh Grand Committee,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Owen Paterson from the Welsh Grand Committee and nominated in substitution Mr Robert Walter.

European Standing Committees

5The unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum submitted by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 30 November 1999, relating to Common Strategy on Ukraine, has been referred to European Standing Committee B.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Culture, Media and Sport,—(1) Third Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [The Funding of the BBC], 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. 25]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [The Funding of the BBC]

[Mr Gerald Kaufman].

2Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee [Gulf War Illnesses]; to be printed [No. 125-i] [Mr Bruce George].

3Education and Employment,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee [The role of private companies in the management and supply of state education services]; to be printed [No. 118-i] [Mr Barry Sheerman]; 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. 60-iii] [Mr Derek Foster].

4Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) Second Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Environmental Impact of Supermarket Competition], 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. 120];

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Rural White Paper]; to be printed [No. 32-iii] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett]; and

(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Committee [London Underground]; to be printed [No. 121-i] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

5Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee [Pre-Budget Report 1999]; to be printed [No. 76-iii] [Mr John Horam].

6European Scrutiny,—Fourth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 23-iv] [Mr Jimmy Hood].

7International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [DFID's Policy towards China and Pakistan]; to be printed [No. 126-i] [Mr Bowen Wells].

8Public Accounts,—(1) Fourth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Government Resources and Accounts Bill]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 127];

(2) Fifth Report from the Committee [NHS (England) Summarised Accounts 1997–98]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 128];

(3) Sixth Report from the Committee [Arts Council of England: Monitoring Major Capital Projects Funded by the National Lottery]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 129];

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(4) Seventh Report from the Committee [Home Office: The Immigration and Nationality Directorate's Casework Programme]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 130]; and

(5) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The PFI Contract for the new Dartford and Gravesham Hospital]; to be printed [No. 131-i]

[Mr David Davis].

9Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [The Proposed Synchrotron Facility]; to be printed [No. 82-i] [Dr Michael Clark].

10Scottish Affairs,—(1) First Special Report from the Scottish Affairs Committee [Government Response to the First Report from the Committee, Session 1998–99, on Inward/Outward Investment in Scotland]; to be printed [No. 119]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Poverty in Scotland]; to be printed [No. 59-iv]

[Mr David Marshall].

11Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Treasury Committee [Customs and Excise]; to be printed [No.53-iii] [Mr Giles Radice].


[No. 19; WH, No. 8]

Wednesday 15th December 1999.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall [pursuant to the Order of 24th May 1999].

The sitting commenced at half-past Nine o'clock.

1Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr David Clelland.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 1.57 p.m.


[No. 20.]

Thursday 16th December 1999.

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

PRAYERS.

1Baxi Partnership Limited Trusts Bill [Lords],—The First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means reported from the Committee on Unopposed Bills, That it had examined the allegations contained in the Preamble to the Baxi Partnership Limited Trusts Bill [Lords] and found the same to be true; and had gone through the Bill and made amendments thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Committee, to lie upon the Table.

2United Reformed Church Bill [Lords],—The First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means reported from the Committee on Unopposed Bills, That it had examined the allegations contained in the Preamble to the United Reformed Church Bill [Lords] and found the same to be true; and had gone through the Bill and had directed him to report the same without Amendment.

Bill to be read the third time.

3Electronic Communications Bill,—Mr John Maxton reported from Standing Committee B, That it had gone through the Electronic Communications Bill, and made Amendments thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 33].

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 134].

4Estimates [1st allotted day],—The House proceeded, pursuant to Resolution [29th November] to consider the Estimates appointed for consideration under Standing Order No. 145 (Liaison Committee).

Vote on Account, 2000–01 (Class III, Vote 6),— A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That a sum, not exceeding £511,039,000, be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund, on account, for or towards defraying the charge for the year ending on 31st March 2001 for expenditure by the Department of the Environment,

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Transport and the Regions on support to nationalised industries; grants to Railtrack, British Rail, London Transport, Docklands Light Railway, DoA Ltd; MRPS grant; payments in respect of expenditure relating to the Channel Tunnel Rail Link; expenditure connected with the privatisation of British Rail Business; other consultancies; expenditure relating to Commission for Integrated Transport; capital expenditure by transport industries funded by EC grants; railway industry and National Freight Company pensions funds; National Freight Company travel concessions; rebate of fuel duty to bus operators; ports and shipping services; Royal Travel; miscellaneous services; civil aviation services; international aviation services; transport security; freight grants, and expenditure associated with the non rail privatisation programme—(Mr Tony McNulty);

The Debate was concluded, and the Question necessary to dispose of the proceedings was deferred, pursuant to paragraph (4) of Standing Order No. 54 (Consideration of Estimates) and the Sessional Order [25th October, in the last Session of Parliament].

Vote on Account, 2000–01 (Class XIII, Vote 1),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That a sum, not exceeding £5,810,419,000, be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund, on account, for or towards defraying the charge for the year ending on 31st March 2001 for expenditure by the Scotland Office on administrative costs and operational costs; electoral publicity; the Parliamentary Boundary Commission for Scotland; other devolution costs, including the panel to oversee the cross-party electoral expenditure agreement and on a grant to the Scottish Consolidated Fund—(Mrs Anne McGuire);

And it being Seven o'clock, the Deputy Speaker interrupted the proceedings, and the Question necessary to dispose of proceedings was deferred, pursuant to paragraph (4) of Standing Order No. 54 (Consideration of estimates) and the Sessional Order [25th October, in the last Session of Parliament].

The Deputy Speaker, pursuant to paragraphs (4) and (5) of Standing Order No. 54 (Consideration of estimates), and the Sessional Order [25th October, in the last Session of Parliament] put the deferred Questions on estimates and the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the other estimates appointed for consideration this day.

Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding £511,039,000, be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund, on account, for or towards defraying the charge for the year ending on 31st March 2001 for expenditure by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions on support to nationalised industries; grants to Railtrack, British Rail, London Transport, Docklands Light Railway, DoA Ltd; MRPS grant; payments in respect of expenditure relating to the Channel Tunnel Rail Link; expenditure connected with the privatisation of British Rail Business; other consultancies; expenditure relating to Commission for Integrated Transport; capital expenditure by transport industries funded by EC grants; railway industry and National Freight Company pensions funds; National Freight Company travel concessions; rebate of fuel duty to bus operators; ports and shipping services; Royal Travel; miscellaneous services; civil aviation services; international aviation services; transport security; freight grants, and expenditure associated with the non rail privatisation programme.

Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding £5,810,419,000, be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund, on account, for or towards defraying the charge for the year ending on 31st March 2001 for expenditure by the Scotland Office on administrative costs and operational costs; electoral publicity; the Parliamentary Boundary Commission for Scotland; other devolution costs, including the panel to oversee the cross-party electoral expenditure agreement and on a grant to the Scottish Consolidated Fund.

5Estimates,—The Deputy Speaker then put the Questions required to be put, pursuant to Standing Order No. 55 (Questions on voting of estimates, &c.) and the Sessional Order [25th October, in the last Session of Parliament].

Estimates, 1999–2000 (Army) Vote A

Resolved, That during the year ending on 31st March 2000 an additional number not exceeding 10,620 all ranks to be maintained for Service in the Reserve Land Forces.

Supplementary Estimates, 1999–2000

Resolved, That a supplementary sum, not exceeding £3,773,575,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to defray the charges for civil services which will come in course of payment during the year ending on 31st March 2000, as set out in House of Commons Paper No. 4 of Session 1999–2000.

Estimates, 2000–01 (Vote on Account)

Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding £101,653,019,000, be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund , on account, for or towards defraying the charges for civil and defence services in Classes I and II; Class III Votes 1 to 5 and Votes 7 to 12; Classes IV to XII; Classes XIV to XVIII; and Classes XVIII, A and XVIII, B for the year ending

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on 31st March 2001, as set out in House of Commons Paper Nos. 5, 6 and 7 of Session 1999–2000.

Ordered, That a Bill be brought in upon the foregoing Resolutions relating to Supplementary Estimates and Vote on Account; And that the Chairman of Ways and Means, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Andrew Smith, Dawn Primarolo, Mr Stephen Timms and Miss Melanie Johnson do prepare and bring it in.

6Consolidated Fund Bill,—Mr Stephen Timms accordingly presented a Bill to apply certain sums out of the Consolidated Fund to the service of the years ending on 31st March 2000 and 2001.

And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time this day and to be printed [Bill 32].

7Consolidated Fund Bill,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 56 (Consolidated Fund Bills) and Order [14th December], That the Consolidated Fund Bill be now read a second time:—It was agreed to.

And the Question being put forthwith, That the Bill be now read the third time:— It was agreed to.

The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.

8Legal Aid and Advice,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Legal Advice and Assistance (Scope) (Amendment) Regulations 1999, which were laid before this House on 1st December, be approved—(Mrs Anne McGuire):—It was agreed to.

9Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

The Lords have agreed to the Consolidated Fund Bill, without Amendment.

10Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mrs Anne McGuire.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till half-past Seven o'clock, adjourned till Monday 20th December.

[Adjourned at 7.30 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Contracting Out,—Draft Contracting Out (Functions in Relation to Petroleum Royalty Payments) Order 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

2Employment and Training,—(1) Draft Industrial Training Levy (Construction Board) Order 2000, and

(2) Draft Industrial Training Levy (Engineering Construction Board) Order 2000

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

3Food,—Beef Bones (Amendment) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3371), dated 15th December 1999 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

4Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping (Seamen's Wages and Accounts) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3360), dated 14th December 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers:

5Electoral Law (Northern Ireland),—Report of the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland for 1998–99 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 92] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

6Environment, Transport and the Regions,—Government Response to the Twenty-First Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee, Session 1998–99, on the Railways Bill [by Command] [Cm 4538] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

7International Labour Conference,—Paper, entitled International Labour Conference: Presentation of, and the proposed action by Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on, a Recommendation (No. 189, on

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  General Conditions to stimulate Job Creation in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises) adopted at the 86th Session of the International Labour Conference (1998) [by Command] [Cm. 4537] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

8National Loans,—(1) Accounts of the Consolidated Fund and National Loans Fund for 1998–99, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 133] [Clerk of the House]; and

(2) Supplementary Statements of Accounts of the Consolidated Fund and National Loans Fund for 1998–99 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 55] [Mr Stephen Timms].

9Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Social Security on the Petition [10th November, in the last Session of Parliament] from the Senior Citizens' Forum for Better Pensions, seeking restoration of the link between pensions and wages [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

10Sessional Returns 1998–99,—Returns to Orders [24th November] for Returns relating to—

(1) Business of the House;

(2) Closure of Debate, Proposal of Question and Allocation of Time (including Programme Motions);

(3) Sittings of the House;

(4) Private Bills and Private Business;

(5) Public Bills;

(6) Delegated Legislation and Deregulation Orders;

(7) European Legislation, &c.;

(8) Grand Committees;

(9) Chairmen's Panel; and

(10) Select Committees

in Session 1998–99 [by Order]; to be printed [No. 1] [Clerk of the House].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Government Resources and Accounts Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Jimmy Hood an additional Chairman of Standing Committee A in respect of the Government Resources and Accounts Bill.

2Freedom of Information Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Dr Michael Clark and Mr Edward O'Hara Chairmen of Standing Committee B in respect of the Freedom of Information Bill.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on 15th December [Current problems relating to the livestock industry in Northern Ireland]; to be printed [No. 62-iii] [Mr Peter Brooke].


THE SPEAKER'S CERTIFICATE

The Speaker certified the Consolidated Fund Bill as a Money Bill within the meaning of the Parliament Act 1911.


[No. 20; WH, No. 9]

Thursday 16th December 1999.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall [pursuant to the Order of 24th May 1999].

The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock.

1Adjournment (Child Care),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Tony McNulty.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 21st December.

[Adjourned at 5.02 p.m.



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