Session 1999-2000

Commons Journal 256

Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II


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Page 77            1999-2000      Volume 256      

[No. 23.]

Monday 10th January 2000.

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

PRAYERS.

1Disqualification of a Member,—The Speaker laid upon the Table a notification, That Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer had this day appointed Cynog Glyndwr Dafis, Esquire, Member for Ceredigion, to the office of Steward or Bailiff of Her Majesty's Manor of Northstead in the County of York.

2Hare Coursing Bill,—Mr Harry Cohen, supported by Mr Gerald Bermingham, Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas and Mr Colin Pickthall, presented a Bill to make hare coursing illegal: 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 42].

3Recycled Content of Newsprint Bill,—Mr Gordon Prentice, supported by Dr Doug Naysmith, Mr Roger Berry, Mr Peter Bottomley, Mr Tom Brake, Sir Sydney Chapman, Mr David Chaytor, Valerie Davey, Julia Drown, Mr Don Foster and Mrs Diana Organ, presented a Bill to increase the amount of recycled paper collected and used in newsprint in England and Wales; 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 43].

4Government Resources and Accounts Bill,—Ordered, That, during the proceedings on the Government Resources and Accounts Bill, Standing Committee A shall have leave to sit twice on the first day on which it shall meet.—(Mr Greg Pope.)

5Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill,—The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill was, according to Order, read a second time, and stood committed to a Standing Committee.

6Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Political Parties, Elections and Referendums 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 bill), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill, it is expedient to authorise—

(1) the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—

(a) expenditure incurred by the Electoral Commission by virtue of the Act;

(b) expenses incurred by the Secretary of State in consequence of the Act; and

(c) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums which under any other Act are payable out of money so provided;

(2) the payment out of the Consolidated Fund of—

(a) salaries, allowances and other benefits payable to or in respect of holders (or former holders) of the office of Electoral Commissioner; and

(b) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums which under any other Act are payable out of that Fund;

(3) the payment of sums into the Consolidated Fund—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to.

7Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Simon Dolby of the East Kent Gazette and Irene Stock calling for greater protection for the elderly from untrained or unsuitable care workers was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

8Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Mike Hall.)

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

[Adjourned at 10.30 p.m.


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APPENDIX I

Papers presented by Her Majesty's Command and delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on the undermentioned dates during the adjournment pursuant to Standing Order No. 158 (Presentation of command papers):

Wednesday 22nd December 1999.

1Miscellaneous (No. 32, 1999),—Agreement, done at Washington on 29th January 1998, among the Government of Canada, Governments of Member States of the European Space Agency, the Government of Japan, the Government of the Russian Federation, and the Government of the United States of America concerning Cooperation on the Civil International Space Station, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Cm. 4552] [Mr Secretary Cook].

2Miscellaneous (No. 33, 1999),—Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, done at Rome on 17th July 1998, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Cm.4555] [Mr Secretary Cook].

3Treaty Series (No. 85, 1999),—Amendments, done at London on 19th January 1989, to the Convention and to the Operating Agreement on the International Maritime Satellite Organisation (INMARSAT) [Cm. 4553] [Mr Secretary Cook].

4Treaty Series (No. 86, 1999),—Amendment, done at Strasbourg on 27th April 1999, to Article 41, paragraph d, of the Statute of the Council of Europe [Cm. 4554] [Mr Secretary Cook].

Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on the undermentioned dates during the adjournment pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

Wednesday 22nd December 1999.

5Animals,—Pet Travel Scheme (Pilot Arrangements) (England) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3443), dated 22nd December 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown].

6Constitutional Law,—Scotland Act 1998 (Agency Arrangements) (Specification) (No. 2) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3320), dated 14th December 1999 [Margaret Beckett].

7Council Tax,—Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (Amendment-Greater London Authority) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3437), dated 21st December 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

8Local Government,—Local Authorities (Capital Finance) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3423), dated 21st December 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

9London Government,—(1) Greater London Authority Act 1999 (Transitional and Consequential Finance Provisions) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3435), and

(2) Local Authorities (Funds) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3436),

dated 21st December 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

10National Health Service,—(1) Health Development Agency (Establishment and Constitution) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3431), and

(2) Health Development Agency Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3432),

dated 21st December 1999 [Mr Secretary Milburn].

11Pensions,—Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment etc.) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3438), dated 22nd December 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

12Pesticides,—Plant Protection Products (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3430), dated 20th December 1999 [Mr Nicholas Brown].

13Water Industry,—(1) Water Industry (Charges) (Vulnerable Groups) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3441), and

(2) Water Industry (Prescribed Conditions) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3442),

dated 22nd December 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

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Thursday 23rd December 1999.

14Restrictive Trade Practices,—Registration of Restrictive Trading Agreements (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3446), dated 21st December 1999 [Mr Secretary Byers].

Wednesday 29th December 1999.

15Telecommunications,—(1) Telecommunications (Interconnection) (Carrier Pre-selection) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3448), and

(2) Telecommunications (Interconnection) (Number Portability, etc.) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3449),

dated 23rd December 1999 [Mr Secretary Byers].

Thursday 30th December 1999.

16Land Registration,—Land Registration (No. 3) Rules 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3462), dated 11th December 1999 [Mr David Lock].

17London Government,—Local Authorities (Funds) (England) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3459), dated 29th December 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

18Medicines,—Prescription Only Medicines (Human Use) Amendment (No. 2) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3463), dated 22nd December 1999 [Mr Secretary Milburn].

Thursday 6th January 2000.

19Public Passenger Transport,—Road Transport (Passenger Vehicles Cabotage) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3413), dated 20th December 1999 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Friday 7th January 2000.

20Housing (Scotland),—Rent Officers (Housing Benefit Functions) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 3), dated 6th January 2000 [Mr Secretary Darling].

21Social Security,—Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (General) Amendment Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 4), dated 6th January 2000 [Mr Secretary Darling].

Other Papers:

Wednesday 22nd December 1999.

22United Nations,—(1) Afghanistan (United Nations Sanctions) (Channel Islands) (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3317), and

(2) Afghanistan (United Nations Sanctions) (Isle of Man) (Amendment) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3318),

dated 14th December 1999 [Margaret Beckett].

Tuesday 4th January 2000.

23Police,—Police (Secretary of State's Objectives) (No. 3) Order 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3424), dated 20th December 1999 [Mr Secretary Straw].

Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 10th January 2000:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

24Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency,—Draft Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (Further Subscription to Capital Stock) Order 1999 [by Act] [Secretary Clare Short].

25Overseas Development and Co-operation,—(1) Draft African Development Bank (Further Subscription to Capital Stock) Order 1999,

(2) draft African Development Fund (Eighth Replenishment) Order 1999, and

(3) draft International Development Association (Twelfth Replenishment) Order 1999

[by Act] [Secretary Clare Short].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

26Council Tax,—Council Tax and Non-Domestic Rating (Demand Notices) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 5), dated 6th January 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

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27Disabled Persons,—Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Croydon Tramlink Class CR4000 Vehicles) Exemption Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 6), dated 6th January 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

28Medicines,—Retailers' Records for Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 7), dated 7th January 2000 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

29Road Traffic,—Road Traffic (Permitted Parking Area and Special Parking Area) (Metropolitan Borough of Sefton) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 8), dated 10th January 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Paper subject to Negative Resolution and also in part to Affirmative Resolution:

30Census,—Draft Census Order 2000 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson].

Other Papers:

31Building Societies,—Accounts of the Building Societies Commission for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 139] [Clerk of the House].

32Deer (Scotland),—Report and Summary Financial Statement of the Deer Commission for Scotland for 1998–1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].

33Friendly Societies,—Accounts of the Friendly Societies Commission for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 140] [Clerk of the House].

34Local Government Finance,—Accounts of the Pooling of Non-Domestic Rates and Redistribution to Local Authorities in Wales for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 142] [Clerk of the House].

35National Loans,—Further Supplementary Statement of Accounts of the Consolidated Fund and National Loans Fund for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed, together with the Supplementary Statement of Accounts of the Consolidated Fund and National Loans Fund for 1998–99, laid on 16th December [No. 55] [Mr Stephen Timms].

36Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions,—(1) Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions (Non-Effective Benefits and Family Pensions) Order 1999, and

(2) Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions (Pay and Allowances) Order 1999,

dated 14th December 1999 [by Act] [Margaret Beckett].

37Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on the Petition [8th December] from residents of Angus and others calling for increased rights of access through traffic for the emergency services [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

38Railways,—Report of the Rail Users' Consultative Committee for Wales for 1998–1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

39School Standards and Framework,—Accounts of the:—

(1) Herefordshire Education Action Zone,

(2) Middlesbrough Education Action Zone,

(3) Newcastle Education Action Zone, and

(4) North Somerset Education Action Zone

for 1998–99, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 136, 143, 138 and 144] [Clerk of the House].

40Science and Technology,—Accounts of the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 141] [Clerk of the House].

41Social Security Administration,—Account of Securities held for the National Insurance Fund as at 31st March 1999 [by Act] [Clerk of the House].

42Trade Union and Labour Relations,—Accounts of the Commissioner for Protection Against Unlawful Industrial Action for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 137] [Clerk of the House].

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43Training and Enterprise Councils,—Accounts of the Training and Enterprise Councils and Chambers of Commerce, Training and Enterprise in England for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 90] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

Paper withdrawn:

44Local Government,—Draft Local Government Best Value (Exemption) (England) Order 2000 [laid 13th December].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

Freedom of Information Bill,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Robert Walter from Standing Committee B (nominated in respect of the Bill); and nominated in substitution Mr Edward Leigh.


[No. 24.]

Tuesday 11th January 2000.

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

PRAYERS.

1Ceredigion Writ,—Ordered, That the Speaker do issue her Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a New Writ for the electing of a Member to serve in this present Parliament for the County Constituency of Ceredigion in the room of Cynog Glyndwr Dafis, Esquire, who since his election for the said County Constituency has accepted the Office of Steward or Bailiff of Her Majesty's Manor of Northstead in the County of York.—(Mr Elfyn Llwyd.)

2City 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 18th January.

3Community Finance Tax Credit,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to introduce a tax credit to encourage investment in community finance institutions to enable development of social enterprise in areas of deprivation: And that Mr Tony Colman, Mr Peter Bottomley, Mr Gareth R. Thomas (Harrow West) and Mr Tom Brake do prepare and bring it in.

4Community Finance Tax Credit Bill,—Mr Tony Colman accordingly presented a Bill to introduce a tax credit to encourage investment in community finance institutions to enable development of social enterprise in areas of deprivation: 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 44].

5Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill;

And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read a second time;

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, to leave out from the word ‘That' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘this House notes that the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill will make the social security system yet more complicated; regrets that the child support formula will reduce the entitlement to child maintenance of many parents with care; believes that the transitional period risks causing further resentment amongst people caught between two child support regimes; deplores the complexity of the Government's proposals for the state second pension; believes that the lower earnings threshold will act as a barrier to people moving into private provision; regrets that important features of the state second pension are being left for later regulation; and accordingly declines to give the Bill a Second Reading because it represents a missed opportunity on the part of the Government to reform social security', instead thereof.—(Mr David Willetts.)

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

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The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 180.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Jim Dowd: 340.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Main Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 62 (Amendment on second or third reading);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Jim Dowd: 338.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Phil Willis: 43.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Bill was accordingly read a second time and stood committed to a Standing Committee.

6Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Child Support, Pensions and Social Security 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 Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill, it is expedient to authorise—

(1) the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—

(a) any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State for or in connection with the carrying out of his functions under the Act; and

(b) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums which are payable out of money so provided under any other Act; and

(2) the payment of sums into the Consolidated Fund—(Mr Graham Allen):—It was agreed to.

7Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Graham Allen.)

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

[Adjourned at 10.58 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Local Government,—Draft Local Government Best Value (Exemption) (England) Order 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Children and Young Persons,—Children (Performances) Amendment Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 10), dated 10th January 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn].

3Harbours, Docks, Piers and Ferries,—Harbour Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3445), dated 21st December 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

4Housing,—Rent Officers (Housing Benefit Functions) (Amendment) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1), dated 6th January 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

5Social Services,—Community Care (Direct Payments) Amendment Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 11), dated 10th January 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn].

Other Papers:

6Defence,—Ministry of Defence Minute, dated 11th January 2000, concerning the proposed gifting of surplus military vehicles to the HALO Trust and the Mines Advisory Group [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hoon].

7Local Government Finance,—Accounts of the Scottish Office Development Department Non-Domestic Rating for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 150] [Clerk of the House].

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8Trade Union and Labour Relations,—Account of the Commissioner for Protection Against Unlawful Industrial Action for 1st April to 24th December 1999, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 151] [Clerk of the House].

9Training and Enterprise Councils,—Accounts of the Training and Enterprise Councils in Wales for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 145] [Mr Secretary Murphy].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

Draft Local Government Best Value (Exemption) (England) Order 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged the Members nominated to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Agriculture,—(1) First Special Report from the Agriculture Committee [Government Response to the Ninth Report from the Committee, Session 1998–99, on MAFF/Intervention Board Departmental Report 1999], together with an Appendix; to be printed [No. 148];

(2) Second Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the First Report from the Committee, on The Current Crisis in the Livestock Industry], together with an Appendix; to be printed [No. 149]; and

(3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Environmental Regulation and Farming: Implications for UK Agriculture and EU Agricultural Policy of Trade Liberalisation and the WTO Round; Marketing of Milk; Rural Development Regulation; Segregation of GM Foods; UK Beef Exports]

[Mr Peter Luff].

2Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [Controls over Firearms]; to be printed [No. 95-iii] [Mr Robin Corbett].

3Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration [Innovations in Citizen Participation in Government]; to be printed [Nos. 79-iv and -v] [Dr Tony Wright].

4Statutory Instruments,—Fifth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 47-v] [Mr David Tredinnick].

5Trade and Industry,—Third Report from the Trade and Industry Committee [The Future of the Export Credits Guarantee Department], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 52] [Mr Martin O'Neill].

6Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [Private Finance Initiative]; to be printed [No. 147-i] [Mr Giles Radice].


[No. 24; WH, No. 11]

Tuesday 11th January 2000.

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.—(Jim Dowd.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 12.45 p.m.


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[No. 25.]

Wednesday 12th January 2000.

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

PRAYERS.

1Medicinal Product Testing in Children,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision for the clinical testing and licensing of new medicinal products that are to be used for the treatment of children: And that Mr Andrew Love, Julia Drown, John Austin, Audrey Wise, Mrs Eileen Gordon, Dr Vincent Cable and Mr David Amess do prepare and bring it in.

2Medicinal Product Testing in Children Bill,—Mr Andrew Love accordingly presented a Bill to make provision for the clinical testing and licensing of new medicinal products that are to be used for the treatment of children: 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 45].

3Representation of the People Bill,—The House, according to Order, again resolved itself into a Committee on the Representation of the People Bill.

(In the Committee)

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

Another Amendment (No. 1) proposed, in page 2, line 44, to leave out from the word ‘elector' to the end of line 2 on page 3.—(Mr Gerald Kaufman.)

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

Clause agreed to.

Clauses Nos. 2 to 5 agreed to.

Clause No. 6 (Notional residence: declarations of local connection).

Amendment (No. 13) proposed, in page 8, line 23, at the end to insert the words ‘and shall be accompanied by at least one item of documentary evidence of the type referred to in subsection (3A) below demonstrating that the declarant is a living person and at least one item of documentary evidence of the type referred to in subsection (3A) below demonstrating that the declarant has resided at the required address, provided that this requirement shall be satisfied by the production of a single item of documentary evidence only, if that item demonstrates both that the declarant is a living person and that he has resided at the required address.

(3A) The items of documentary evidence required for the purposes of subsection (3) shall be any of

(a) a valid United Kingdom passport;

(b) a valid United Kingdom driving licence;

(c) a printed statement from a bank or building society authorised to do business in the United Kingdom and which is dated not more than 28 days before the date of the declaration;

(d) a copy of any of the foregoing certified by a commissioner for oaths;

(e) a letter from an officer of a registered charity active within the parliamentary constituency and which is dated not more than 28 days before the date of the declaration certifying that the declarant is a living person and has resided at the required address;

(f) a letter from the principal officer of a hostel for homeless persons within the parliamentary constituency and which is dated not more than 28 days before the date of the declaration certifying that the declarant is a living person and has resided at the required address,

or such other document as may in the reasonable opinion of the registration officer concerned constitute sufficient evidence of the matters referred to in subsection (3).

(3B) If a person makes a declaration of local connection supported by items of documentary evidence referred to in subsection (3A) and one or more items of that documentary evidence are false, he is guilty of an offence.

(3C) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (3B) is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding Level 5 on the Standard Scale.

(3D) The declaration of any person convicted of an offence under subsection (3B) of this section shall be rendered void upon his conviction.'.—(Mr Nigel Evans.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 15) proposed, in page 8, line 38, at the end to insert the words ‘provided that, in determining this, no account shall be taken of time which he spends in any place in the course of employment or of the provision of services for pecuniary reward'.—(Mr Nigel Evans.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 102) proposed, in page 8, line 43, at the end to insert the words ‘and the declarant's previous address'.—(Mr William Ross.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 16) proposed, in page 9, line 14, at the end to insert the words—

‘(7A) If a person knowingly makes a declaration of local connection at a time when there is in existence another declaration of local connection which he has made and which has not been cancelled or rendered void, he is guilty of an offence.

(7B) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (7A) of this section is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding Level 5 on the Standard Scale.'.—(Mr Nigel Evans.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 17) proposed, in page 9, line 20, at the end to insert the words—

‘(10) A declaration of local connection shall be of no effect if that declaration states an address which is an address within a constituency which is not represented by a Member of Parliament at the time when that declaration is received by the registration officer'.—(Mr Nigel Evans.)

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

Amendments (Nos. 56 and 57) made.

Clause, as amended, agreed to.

Clause No. 7 (Service declarations).

Question proposed, That the Clause stand part of the Bill.

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.

4Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business), That, at this day's sitting, the Representation of the People Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to.

5Representation of the People Bill,—The House again resolved itself into a Committee on the Representation of the People Bill.

(In the Committee)

Clause No. 7 (Service declarations).

Question again proposed, That the Clause stand part of the Bill.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause No. 8 agreed to.

Schedule No. 1 (Registration: amendments of 1983 Act).

Amendment (No. 85) proposed, in page 18, line 24, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(2A) The requirement at subsection (2)(a) above for the inclusion of the name of the person to be registered shall not apply where, in the opinion of the registration officer, inclusion would be prejudicial to the safety of that person.'.—(Mr Martin Linton.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 111) proposed, in page 19, line 20, to leave out the word ‘October' and to insert the word ‘September'.—(Mr William Ross.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 112) proposed, in page 20, line 43, after the word ‘publish', to insert the words ‘in print and in electronic format.'.—(Mr William Ross.)

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

Amendment (No. 58) made.

Another Amendment (No. 44) proposed, in page 21, line 41, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(1A) The registration officer shall determine an application for an alteration of the register within a period of three working days from receipt of the application.'.—(Mr Harry Barnes.)

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

Other Amendments (Nos. 59 to 65) made.

Another Amendment (No. 55) proposed, in page 26, line 20, to leave out the word ‘authorising' and to insert the word ‘requiring'.—(Mr Harry Barnes.)

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

Schedule, as amended, agreed to.

Schedules Nos. 2 and 3 agreed to.

To report progress and ask leave to sit again.—(Mr Mike Hall.)


The Deputy Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr Mike Hall reported, That the Committee had made progress in the Bill, and directed him to move, That the Committee may have leave to sit again.

Committee again to-morrow.

6Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Mike Hall);

Thursday 13th January 2000.

And the Question being put;

Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till Twelve o'clock on Thursday morning, adjourned till this day.

[Adjourned at 12 midnight.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Civil Aviation,—Civil Aviation (Canadian Navigation Services) (Revocation) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 12), dated 10th January 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers:

2Appropriation Accounts, 1998–99,—Appropriation Accounts of the sums granted by Parliament for Classes:

(1) III (International Development), and

(2) X (Culture, Media and Sport)

for 1998–99 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 11-III and -X] [Mr Stephen Timms].

3Education,—Paper, entitled Learning to Succeed—Post-16 Funding and Allocations: First Technical Consultation Paper [by Command] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

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4National Heritage (Scotland),—Accounts of the National Museums of Scotland for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 155] [Clerk of the House].

5Standards in Public Life,—Sixth Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, Reinforcing Standards: Review of the First Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, Volumes I and II [by Command] [Cm. 4557–I and –II] [The Prime Minister].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Terrorism Bill,—The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee D, and has appointed Mr George Stevenson and Mr Humfrey Malins Chairmen.

2Transport Bill:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee E, and has appointed Mr Roger Gale and Mr Joe Benton Chairmen; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated twenty-five Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Tony Clarke, Mr Geraint Davies, Mr Don Foster, Mr James Gray, Mr Ivan Henderson, Mr Keith Hill, Mr Phil Hope, Mr Bernard Jenkin, Mr Christopher Leslie, Mr Michael Moore, Mr Chris Mullin, Mr Owen Paterson, Mr Michael Portillo, Mr Lawrie Quinn, Mr Nick Raynsford, Mr John Smith, Mr Peter Snape, Mr Ian Stewart, Dr Gavin Strang, Mr Robert Syms, Ms Claire Ward, Ms Rosie Winterton and Mr Phil Woolas.

3Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee F, and has appointed Mr William O'Brien and Sir David Madel Chairmen; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated twenty-three Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Richard Burden, Mr Paul Burstow, Mrs Janet Dean, Mr Andrew Dismore, Mr Jim Dobbin, Angela Eagle, Mr Andrew George, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mrs Joan Humble, Ms Fiona Jones, Miss Julie Kirkbride, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Mr Edward Leigh, Judy Mallaber, Kali Mountford, Mr Eric Pickles, Mr Laurence Robertson, Mr Jeff Rooker, Mr Chris Ruane, Mr David Stewart, Mr Desmond Swayne, Ms Dari Taylor and Mr Jon Trickett.

4Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee G, and has appointed Mr John Maxton and Mrs Ray Michie Chairmen; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Ms Candy Atherton, Charlotte Atkins, Mr Malcolm Bruce, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Dominic Grieve, Mr Fabian Hamilton, Ms Oona King, Mr Bob Laxton, Mr Tom Levitt, Dr Julian Lewis, Mr Martin Linton, Mr Andrew Miller, Mrs Barbara Roche, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Paddy Tipping and Mr Robert Walter.

5Draft Industrial Training Levy (Construction Board) Order 2000, and the draft Industrial Training Levy (Engineering Construction Board) Order 2000:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Bill Olner Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Richard Allan, Mr Nigel Beard, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Tim Boswell, Mrs Helen Brinton, Mr Ian Bruce, Mr Roger Casale, Mr William Cash, Mrs Louise Ellman, Lorna Fitzsimons, Dr Evan Harris, Mr Jim Marshall, Mr Alan Meale, Mr John Randall, Dr Alan Whitehead and Mr Malcolm Wicks.

6Draft Contracting Out (Functions in Relation to Petroleum Royalty Payments) Order 2000:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Nicholas Winterton Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Norman Baker, Mr Harry Barnes, Mrs Liz Blackman, Tom Cox, Mr Barry Gardiner, Mr Nick Gibb, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mrs Helen Liddell, Mr George Mudie, Mr James Plaskitt, Mr Greg Pope, Joan Ruddock, Mr Nick St Aubyn, Mr Jonathan Sayeed, Mr Andrew Stunell and Mr Derek Twigg.

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APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee [Defence White Paper and 1998–99 Performance Report]; to be printed [Nos. 158-i and -ii] [Mr Bruce George].

2Education and Employment,—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-ii] [Mr Barry Sheerman].

3Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Rural White Paper]; to be printed [No. 32-iv] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Committee [Light Rapid Transit Systems]; to be printed [No. 153-i] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

4Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [Government Resources and Accounts Bill]; to be printed [No. 159-i] [Mr David Davis].

5Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Treasury Committee [Government's Cash and Debt Management]; to be printed [No. 154-i] [Mr Giles Radice].


[No. 25; WH, No. 12]

Wednesday 12th January 2000.

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

The sitting commenced at Nine o'clock.

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

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 1.56 p.m.


[No. 26.]

Thursday 13th January 2000.

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

PRAYERS.

1Alliance & Leicester plc (Group Reorganisation) Bill [Lords],—The House proceeded to consider the Alliance & Leicester plc (Group Reorganisation) Bill [Lords], as amended in the Committee.

Bill to be read a third time.

2Representation of the People Bill,—The House, according to Order, again resolved itself into a Committee on the Representation of the People Bill.

(In the Committee)

Clause No. 9 (Restriction on supply of information contained in register).

Amendment (No. 37) proposed, in page 10, to leave out lines 22 to 35.—(Mr Harry Barnes.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 87) proposed, in page 10, line 22, to leave out the words ‘a registration officer to prepare' and insert the words ‘the preparation of'.—(Mr John Greenway.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 22) proposed, in page 10, line 26, to leave out the words ‘or on behalf of'.—(Mr John Greenway.)

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

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Amendment (No. 21) made.

Another Amendment (No. 91) proposed, in page 10, line 42, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(ab) to supply to any persons registered under the 1998 Data Protection Act copies of the full register and other documents, or prescribed parts of them, on payment of a prescribed fee and for exempt purposes only'.—(Mr John Greenway.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The Committee divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 157.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mike Hall, Mrs Anne McGuire: 287.

Clause, as amended, agreed to.

Clause No. 10 (Pilot schemes).

Amendment (No. 26) proposed, in page 11, line 37, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(1A) No local authority shall submit a scheme to the Secretary of State unless it has consulted with electors and other interested persons in its area on the scheme for a period of at least 28 days prior to the submission of the scheme, and the authority shall submit to the Secretary of State any responses received during the consultation period.

(1B) No local authority shall submit a scheme to the Secretary of State unless the scheme has been approved by a meeting of the authority, with at least two-thirds of the members present and voting being in favour of the submission of the scheme to the Secretary of State.'.—(Mr Nigel Evans.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 18) proposed, in page 12, line 2, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(2A) Where a scheme under this section makes provision for voting in a particular election to take place on more than one day, it shall be an offence for any person to make public, at any time before all voting in the election concerned has been completed, information which indicates or purports to indicate the way in which two or more persons have cast their votes in that election.

(2B) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (2A) of this section is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding Level 5 on the Standard Scale, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both.'.—(Mr Nigel Evans.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 19) proposed, in page 12, line 2, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(2C) Where a scheme under this section makes provision for voting in a particular election to take place on more than one day or to take place at places other than polling stations, any person voting in the election concerned shall be required, as a condition of voting, to produce at the place of voting at least one item of documentary evidence of that person's identity.

(2D) The items of documentary evidence required for the purposes of subsection (2C) of this section shall be any of—

(a) a valid United Kingdom passport;

(b) a valid United Kingdom driving licence;

(c) a printed statement from a bank or building society authorised to do business in the United Kingdom dated not more than 28 days before the day on which voting in the election commences;

(d) a copy of any of the foregoing certified by a commissioner for oaths,

or such other document as may in the reasonable opinion of the registration officer concerned constitute sufficient evidence of the identity of the person referred to in subsection (2C) of this section.'.—(Mr Nigel Evans.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 24) proposed, in page 12, line 2, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(2A) No scheme under this section that makes provision for voting on more than one day shall make provision for voting to take place on any Friday, Saturday or Sunday.'.—(Mr Nigel Evans.)

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

Clause agreed to.

Clause No. 11 (Revision of procedures in the light of pilot scheme).

Amendment (No. 66) made.

Clause, as amended, agreed to.

Clause No. 12 agreed to.

Schedule No. 4 (Absent voting in Great Britain).

Amendment (No. 86) proposed, in page 39, line 18, at the end, to insert the words—

‘Closing date for applications

7A. In paragraph (2) of regulation 69 of the Representation of the People Regulations 1986 (as amended by the Representation of the People (Amendment) Regulations 1997), for the words “5 p.m. on the eleventh day” there shall be substituted the words “noon on the fifth day (in the case of an application received by post), or noon on the second day (in the case of an application made in person),”.'.—(Mr Martin Linton.)

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

Schedule agreed to.

Clause No. 13 (Assistance with voting for persons with disabilities).

Amendment (No. 28) proposed, in page 14, line 34, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(1A) After Rule 25 there shall be inserted—

”25A—(1) In the exercise of his functions under Rule 25 above, the returning officer shall have particular regard to the accessibility of polling stations to disabled persons.

(2) The returning officer shall carry out an annual accessibility audit of each polling station, which shall in particular have regard to the matters set out in paragraph (3) below, and shall consult thereon such organisations as appear to him to be representative of disabled persons in his area.

(3) The following points shall (without prejudice to the generality of the assessment) be taken into account in deciding whether a polling station is suitable for use by disabled persons—

(a) the condition of any pathway;

(b) the distance to be covered between the curtilage of the premises in which the polling station is situated and the polling station itself;

(c) the distance from the polling station of car parking for disabled persons;

(d) the height of any kerb, and the option of any temporary ramp;

(e) the height and number of steps, and the option of any permanent or temporary ramp;

(f) the signposting of alternative accessible entrances at the main entrance and all possible approaches;

(g) the space inside the polling station to allow manoeuvring space for wheelchairs;

(h) the levels of lighting;

(i) the floor surface, and if highly polished or slippery, the availability of flat and even floor coverings;

(j) whether doormats and mat-wells are level to the floor;

(k) the width of doorways, height of door-handles, heaviness of door, and its direction of opening;

(l) the availability of hand-rails next to steps;

(m) the right to take a guide-dog into a polling station;

(n) the provision of large and clear print signs; and

(o) the use of colour contrast and markings on step edges.

25B—(1) Following the audit pursuant to Rule 25A(2) above, the returning officer shall designate such polling stations as appear to him suitable for use by disabled persons and shall publish, in at least two newspapers circulating widely in the constituency, a local radio station and otherwise as he considers fit, a list of his designations.

(2) A polling station shall not be so designated unless the returning officer intends to provide at least one wheelchair-accessible polling booth, with a ballot box being placed at a height that a person in a wheelchair can reach unaided; and it shall be the duty of the returning officer to make such provision at each designated polling station.

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(3) The returning officer shall take such steps as are necessary to ensure that—

(a) at least half of the polling stations for which he is responsible shall be so designated within two years of the passing of the Representation of the People Act 2000; and

(b) all polling stations shall be so designated within five years of the passing of the Representation of the People Act 2000.

(4) Details of the designated status (or otherwise) of a polling station shall be provided by the returning officer on all official poll cards.”.'.—(Mr Harry Barnes.)

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

And it being Seven 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.

3Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business), That, at this day's sitting, the Representation of the People Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to.

4Representation of the People Bill,—The House again resolved itself into a Committee on the Representation of the People Bill.

(In the Committee)

Clause No. 13 (Assistance with voting for persons with disabilities).

Another Amendment (No. 106) proposed, in page 14, line 40, to leave out the word ‘station', and to insert the word ‘booth'.—(Mr William Ross.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 108) proposed, in page 15, to leave out lines 19 to 21. —(Mr William Ross.)

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

Clause agreed to.

Clauses Nos. 14 and 15 agreed to.

Clause No. 16 (Citation, construction, commencement and extent).

Amendment (No. 92) made.

Clause, as amended, agreed to.

Schedule No. 5 (Minor and consequential amendments).

Amendments (Nos. 93 and 94) made.

Schedule, as amended, agreed to.

Schedule No. 6 (Repeals).

Amendments (Nos. 95 to 100) made.

Schedule, as amended, agreed to.

A Clause (Special arrangements for registration when election announced)—(Mr Harry Barnes)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Clause (Official mark on ballot paper)—(Mr Martin Linton)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Bill, as amended, to be reported.

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The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair; and Mr Mike Hall reported, That the Committee had gone through the Bill and directed him to report the same, with Amendments.

Bill, as amended in the Committee, to be considered on Monday next and to be printed [Bill 46].

5Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from:—

(1) farmers in the constituency of Brentwood and Ongar and from East Anglia against the removal of slaughter facilities in the over twenty month scheme at Cheale Meats Limited at Brentwood, and

(2) the people of Rugby and others 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.

6Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Graham Allen.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till five minutes to Eight o'clock, adjourned till Monday 17th January.

[Adjourned at 7.55 p.m.


APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Plant Health,—Potatoes Originating in Egypt (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 22), dated 10th January 2000 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

Other Papers:

2Appropriation Accounts, 1998-99,—Appropriation Accounts of the sums granted by Parliament for Class XII (Department of Social Security) for 1998-99 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 11-XII] [Mr Stephen Timms].

3Defence Executive Agencies,—Report for 1997–99 and Accounts for 1998–99 of the Defence Dental Agency, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 86] [Mr Secretary Hoon].

4Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Government Response to the Twentieth Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee, Session 1998–99, on Town and Country Parks [by Command] [Cm. 4550] [Mr Secretary Prescott).

5Home Office,—Home Office Minute, dated 11th January 2000, concerning a contingent liability consequent upon indemnification for the Public Safety Radio Communications Project [by Command] [Mr Secretary Straw].

6Trade Union and Labour Relations,—Report of the Commissioner for Protection against Unlawful Industrial Action for the period 1st April to 25th October 1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

APPENDIX II
Reports from Select Committees

Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee [The Tobacco Industry and the Health Risks of Smoking]; to be printed [No. 27-iv] [Mr David Hinchliffe].


[No. 26; WH, No. 13]
Thursday 13th January 2000.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall [pursuant to the Order of 24th May 1999].
The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock.

1Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the sitting be now adjourned—(Mr Kevin Hughes);

And it being fifteen minutes to Six o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the sitting lapsed, and the sitting was accordingly adjourned without Question put, till Tuesday 18th January.

[Adjourned at 5.45 p.m.



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