Commons Journal

Session 1999-2000

Commons Journal 256
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II

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[No. 40.]
Monday 7th February 2000.

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

1 New Member makes Affirmation,—Simon Thomas, Esquire, Member for Ceredigion, made the Affirmation required by law.

2 Social Security,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the draft Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2000, which was laid before this House on 31st January, be approved—(Mr Secretary Darling);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Mike Hall: 284.

Tellers for the Noes, Bob Russell, Mr David Heath: 31.

So the Question was agreed to.

Resolved, That the draft Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2000, which was laid before this House on 31st January, be approved.

3 Pensions,—Resolved, That the draft Guaranteed Minimum Pensions Increase Order 2000, which was laid before this House on 31st January, be approved.—(Mr Jeff Rooker.)

4 Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill (Procedure),—Ordered, That if the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill be read a second time, no Order shall be made for the committal of the Bill and it shall be ordered to be read a third time upon a future day; and upon a Motion being made for Third Reading the Question thereon shall be put forthwith and may be decided, though opposed, after the expiration of the time for opposed business.—(Mr Paul Boateng.)

5 Census,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Order [25th January], That the words in item 1 ‘indicating whether an individual form is being completed by that member', the words in item 2 ‘and relationship to householder or joint householder or to the first person mentioned in the return, and, as the case may be, where there are 5 or less persons in the household, the relationship to each of the previous persons mentioned in the return and where there are 6 or more persons in the household, the relationship of the sixth and subsequent persons to the two previously mentioned persons in the return', the words in item 6 ‘and if married whether first or subsequent subsisting marriage', items 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, the words in item 15 ‘or was on a Government sponsored training scheme', items 16, 18(c), 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 of Schedule 2, and items 1, 2, and 3 of Schedule 3 to the draft Census Order 2000, which was laid before this House on 10th January, be approved—(Mr Kevin Hughes):—It was agreed to.

6 Competition,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Competition Act 1998 (Land and Vertical Agreements Exclusion) Order 2000, which was laid before this House on 19th January, be approved—(Mr Kevin Hughes):—It was agreed to.

7 Competition,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Competition Act 1998 (Determination of Turnover for Penalties) Order 2000, which was laid before this House on 19th January, be approved—(Mr Kevin Hughes):—It was agreed to.

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

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

[Adjourned at 8.34 p.m.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1 Countryside,—Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 192), dated 31st January 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

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2 Data Protection,—(1) Data Protection (Conditions under Paragraph 3 of Part II of Schedule 1) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 185),

(2) Data Protection (Corporate Finance Exemption) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 184),

(3) Data Protection (Fees under section 19(7)) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 187),

(4) Data Protection (Functions of Designated Authority) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 186),

(5) Data Protection (International Co-operation) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 190),

(6) Data Protection (Notification and Notification Fees) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 188),

(7) Data Protection (Subject Access) (Fees and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 191), and

(8) Data Protection Tribunal (Enforcement Appeals) Rules 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 189),

dated 31st January 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

3 Environmental Protection,—Draft Statutory Guidance (England) on Contaminated Land (Chapters A, B and D), proposed to be issued by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions under sections 78A(2) and (5), 78B(2) and 78F(6) and (7) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers:

4 Isle of Man,—Commissioners of Customs and Excise in Account with the Government of the Isle of Man: an Account of Receipts and Payments for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

5 Local Government Finance,—Accounts of the Pooling of Non-Domestic Rates and Redistribution to Local Authorities in England for:

(1) 1997–98, and

(2) 1998–99,

with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 228 and 229] [Clerk of the House].

6 Museums and Galleries,—Report and Financial Statements of the Greater Manchester Museum of Science and Industry Trust for 1998–99 [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith].

7 Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the Petition [21st December] from Russell Lynch and other residents of Codicote, Hertfordshire, for the continued provision of Post Office facilities in Codicote [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

Medical Treatment (Prevention of Euthanasia) Bill,—The Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on Standing Committee C in respect of the Bill, viz.: Mr Joe Ashton, Mr Joe Benton, Dr Peter Brand, Yvette Cooper, Mrs Clair Curtis-Thomas, Mr Jim Dobbin, Maria Eagle, Mr Gerald Howarth, Dr Brian Iddon, Mr Andy King, Mr Edward Leigh, Mr Kerry Pollard, Mr Marsha Singh, The Reverend Martin Smyth, Mr Michael Trend and Mrs Ann Winterton.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Acounts [Highways Agency: Getting best value from the disposal of property]; to be printed [No.231-i] [Mr David Davis].

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[No. 41.]
Tuesday 8th February 2000.

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

1 Greenham and Crookham Commons Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Greenham and Crookham Commons Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Tuesday 15th February.

2 Terrorism Bill,—Mr Humfrey Malins reported from Standing Committee D, That it had gone through the Terrorism Bill, and made Amendments thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 63].

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 234].

3 Petrol Tax (Promulgation),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to impose an obligation on petrol retailers to display prominently at the point of sale of petrol a notice showing the percentage and amount of the cost of a litre of petrol which go to the Exchequer by way of tax and duty: And that Mr Tony Baldry, Mr David Curry, Sir Peter Emery, Mr John Gummer, Mr Robert Jackson, Mr Michael Mates, Miss Anne McIntosh and Mr Nicholas Soames do prepare and bring it in.

4 Petrol Tax (Promulgation) Bill,—Mr Tony Baldry accordingly presented a Bill to impose an obligation on petrol retailers to display prominently at the point of sale of petrol a notice showing the percentage and amount of the cost of a litre of petrol which go to the Exchequer by way of tax and duty: 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 62].

5 Northern Ireland Bill (Programme),—Ordered, That the following provisions shall apply to proceedings on the Northern Ireland Bill:—

Timing of proceedings

1.—(1) Proceedings on the Bill shall be completed at today's sitting.

(2) Proceedings on Second Reading shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion four hours after the commencement of proceedings on this Motion.

(3) Proceedings in Committee shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion six hours after the commencement of proceedings on this Motion.

(4) Remaining proceedings on the Bill shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion seven hours after the commencement of proceedings on this Motion.

2.—(1) When the Bill has been read a second time—

(a) it shall, notwithstanding Standing Order No. 63 (Committal of bills), stand committed to a Committee of the whole House without any Question being put,

(b) proceedings on the Bill shall stand postponed while the Question is put, in accordance with Standing Order No. 52(1) (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), on any financial resolution relating to the Bill,

(c) on the conclusion of proceedings on any financial resolution relating to the Bill, proceedings on the Bill shall be resumed and the Speaker shall leave the Chair whether or not notice of an instruction has been given.

(2) On the conclusion of proceedings in Committee the Chairman shall report the Bill to the House without putting any Question; and if he reports the Bill with Amendments, the House shall proceed to consider the Bill as amended without any Question being put.

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Questions to be put

3.—(1) For the purposes of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 1 the Chairman or Speaker shall forthwith put the following Questions (but no others)—

(a) any Question already proposed from the Chair;

(b) any Question necessary to bring to a decision a Question so proposed;

(c) the Question on any amendment moved or Motion made by a Minister of the Crown;

(d) any other Question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded;

and on a Motion for a new Clause or Schedule, the Chairman or Speaker shall put only the Question that the Clause or Schedule be added to the Bill.

(2) If two or more Questions would otherwise fall to be put by the Chairman or Speaker under sub-paragraph (1)(d) in relation to successive provisions of the Bill, the Chairman or Speaker shall instead put a single Question in relation to those provisions.

Lords Amendments

4.—(1) Any Lords amendments to the Bill shall be considered forthwith without any Question being put.

(2) Proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments shall be brought to a conclusion, if not previously concluded, one hour after their commencement.

5.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of concluding in accordance with paragraph 4 any proceedings on any message received from the Lords relating to the Bill.

(2) The Speaker shall first put forthwith any Question already proposed from the Chair and not yet decided.

(3) If that Question is for the amendment of a Lords Amendment the Speaker shall then put forthwith—

(a) the Question on any further amendment of the Lords Amendment moved by a Minister of the Crown, and

(b) the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House agrees or disagrees to the Lords Amendment or (as the case may be) to the Lords Amendment as amended.

(4) The Speaker shall then put forthwith—

(a) the Question on any Amendment moved by a Minister of the Crown to a Lords Amendment, and

(b) the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House agrees or disagrees to the Lords Amendment or (as the case may be) to the Lords Amendment as amended.

(5) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House disagrees to a Lords Amendment.

(6) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question, That this House agrees to all the remaining Lords Amendments.

(7) As soon as the House has agreed or disagreed to a Lords Amendment, or disposed of an Amendment relevant to a Lords Amendment which has been disagreed to, the Speaker shall put forthwith a separate Question on any other Amendment which is moved by a Minister of the Crown and relevant to the Lords Amendment.

Subsequent Stages

6.—(1) Any further Message from the Lords on the Bill shall be considered forthwith without any Question being put.

(2) Proceedings on any further Message from the Lords shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion one hour after their commencement.

7.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purposes of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 6.

(2) The Speaker shall first put forthwith any Question which has already been proposed from the Chair and not yet decided.

(3) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown which is related to the Question already proposed from the Chair.

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(4) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown on any item.

(5) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question, That this House agrees with the Lords in all the remaining Lords Proposals.

Reasons Committee

8.—(1) The Speaker shall put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for the appointment, nomination and quorum of a Committee to draw up Reasons and the appointment of its Chairman.

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

Miscellaneous

9.—(1) This paragraph applies if—

(a) a Motion for the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 (Adjournment on specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration) has been stood over to Seven o'clock; but

(b) proceedings to which this Order applies have begun before then.

(2) Proceedings on that Motion shall stand postponed until the conclusion of those proceedings.

10.—(1) No Motion shall be made to alter the order in which any proceedings on the Bill are taken.

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

(3) No debate shall be permitted on any Motion to recommit the Bill (whether as a whole or otherwise), and the Speaker shall put forthwith any Question necessary to dispose of the Motion, including the Question on any Amendment.

11. Standing Order No. 82 (Business Committee) shall not apply to this Order.

12.—(1) The Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of this Order shall be put forthwith.

(2) Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) shall apply to the proceedings to which this Order applies.

(3) If the House is adjourned, or the sitting is suspended, before the time at which any proceedings are to be brought to a conclusion under paragraph 1, 4 or 6, no notice shall be required of a Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of this Order.

13. Proceedings to which this Order applies shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House.—(Mr Secretary Mandelson.)

6 Northern Ireland Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Northern Ireland Bill;

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

Mr Secretary Mandelson acquainted the House, That he had it in command from the Queen to acquaint the House that Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, has consented to place Her prerogative so far as it is affected by the Bill, at the disposal of Parliament for the purposes of the Bill.

And the Question being proposed;

And it being four hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to Northern Ireland Bill (Programme), the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [this day].

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Greg Pope, Mr Tony McNulty: 352.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Michael Connarty, Mr John McDonnell: 11.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Bill was accordingly read a second time, and stood committed to a Committee of the whole House, pursuant to Order [this day].

Further proceedings stood postponed, pursuant to Order.

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

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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 Northern Ireland Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—

(1) any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State attributable to the Act;

(2) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable out of money so provided under any other Act—(Mr Thomas McAvoy):—It was agreed to.

8 Northern Ireland Bill,—The House, pursuant to Order, immediately resolved itself into a Committee.

(In the Committee)

Clause No. 1 (Suspension of devolved government in Northern Ireland).

Amendment (No. 2) proposed, in page 1, line 13, to leave out subsection (5).—(Mr John McDonnell.)

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

Clause agreed to.

Clause No. 2 (Ending suspension).

Amendment (No. 15) proposed, in page 1, line 22, to leave out subsection (1).—(Mr William Ross.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The Committee divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, The Reverend Martin Smyth, Mr Andrew Robathan: 10.

Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Tony McNulty: 301.

And it being more than six hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion on Northern Ireland Bill (Programme), the Chairman put the Question necessary to dispose of remaining proceedings in Committee.

Question, That Clauses Nos 2 to 9 stand part of the Bill, and that the Schedule be the Schedule to the Bill, put and agreed to.

Whereupon the Chairman left the Chair to report the Bill to the House.

The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair; and Mr David Clelland reported, that the Committee had gone through the Bill and directed him to report the same, without Amendment.

A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read the third time;

And it being seven hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion on Northern Ireland Bill (Programme), the Deputy Speaker put the Question necessary to bring to a conclusion remaining proceedings on the Bill.

Question put, That the Bill be now read the third time.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr David Jamieson: 326.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr John McDonnell, Mr Tony Benn: 7.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

9 Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on 10th February, the House shall not adjourn until the Speaker shall have reported the Royal Assent to any Act agreed upon by both Houses.—(Jim Dowd.)

10 Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn.—(Jim Dowd.)

And the Motion having been made after Ten o'clock on Tuesday evening, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then twenty-four minutes past Eleven o'clock, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 11.24 p.m.

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APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1 Competition,—(1) Competition Act 1998 (Concurrency) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 260),

(2) Competition Act 1998 (Notification of Excluded Agreements and Appealable Decisions) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 263),

(3) Competition Act 1998 (Small Agreements and Conduct of Minor Significance) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 262), and

(4) Competition Commission Appeal Tribunal Rules 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 261),

dated 7th February 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

2 Data Protection,—Data Protection Tribunal (National Security Appeals) Rules 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 206), dated 2nd February 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

3 Food,—(1) Meat (Enhanced Enforcement Powers) (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 225), and

(2) Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) (Charges) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 224),

dated 3rd February 2000 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

4 Gas,—Gas Act 1995 (Standards of Performance) (Extension of Period) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 245), dated 5th February 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

5 London Government,—Greater London Authority Elections Rules 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 208), dated 1st February 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

6 National Health Service,—National Health Service (Functions of Health Authorities and Administration Arrangements) Amendment Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 267), dated 7th February 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn].

7 Value Added Tax,—(1) Value Added Tax (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 258) [by Act] [Mr Stephen Timms]; and

(2) Value Added Tax (Deemed Supply of Goods) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 266), dated 8th February 2000 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

Other Papers:

8 Air Force (Constitution),—Regulations of the Defence Council amending Air Publication 400B–0001 (First Edition), relating to the Royal Air Force Reserve and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon].

9 Environment, Transport and the Regions,—Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Departmental Minute, dated 8th February 2000, concerning a contingent liability consequent upon the proposed indemnification of ship owners or operators under the NATO Marine War Risks Insurance Scheme [by Command] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

10 National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Ministry of Defence: Accepting equipment off-contract and into service [by Act]; to be printed [No. 204] [Clerk of the House].

11 School Inspections,—Report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools for 1998–99 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 157] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

Papers withdrawn:

12 Environment, Transport and the Regions,—Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Departmental Minute, dated 20th January 2000, concerning a contingent liability consequent upon the proposed indemnification of ship owners or operators under the NATO Marine War Risks Insurance Scheme [laid 26th January].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Local Authorities (Funds) (England) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Peter Temple-Morris and Derek Wyatt from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Regulations); and nominated in substitution Ms Debra Shipley and David Taylor.

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2 Draft Foundation Subject (Amendment) (England) Order 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Ian Pearson from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Jane Griffiths.

3 Draft Data Protection (Subject Access Modification) (Social Work) Order 2000, the draft Data Protection (Subject Access Modification) (Health) Order 2000, the draft Data Protection (Subject Access Modification) (Education) Order 2000, the draft Data Protection (Processing of Sensitive Personal Data) Order 2000, the draft Data Protection (Miscellaneous Subject Access Exemptions) Order 2000, the draft Data Protection (Designated Codes of Practice) Order 2000, and the draft Data Protection (Crown Appointments) Order 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr John Greenway from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Orders); and nominated in substitution Mr Oliver Heald.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 Environmental Audit,—Third Report from the Environmental Audit Committee [Comprehensive Spending Review: Government Response and Follow-up], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 233] [Mr John Horam].

2 Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Kosovo]; to be printed [No. 28-iv] [Mr Donald Anderson].

3 Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [The Double Jeopardy Rule]; to be printed [No. 190-ii] [Mr Robin Corbett].

4 International Development,—First Special Report from the International Development Committee [Government Observations on the Seventh Report from the Committee, Session 1998–99, on Women and Development]; to be printed [No. 54] [Mr Bowen Wells].

5 Statutory Instruments,—(1) Ninth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 47-ix]; and

(2) First Report from the Select Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 235-i]

[Mr Brian White].

6 Trade and Industry,—Fourth Special Report from the Trade and Industry Committee [Government Observations on the First and Second Reports from the Committee, Session 1999–2000, on Government's Response to the Thirteenth Report from the Committee, Session 1998–99, on Small Businesses and Enterprise; Draft Insolvency Bill]; to be printed [No. 237] [Mr Martin O'Neill].

7 Treasury,—(1) Second Report from the Treasury Committee [HM Customs and Excise], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 53];

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The Council of Economic and Finance Ministers (ECOFIN)]; to be printed [No. 232-i]; and

(3) Memoranda laid before the Sub-Committee [HM Customs and Excise]

[Mr Giles Radice].

8 Welsh Affairs,—First Report from the Welsh Affairs Committee [European Structural Funds], 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. 46] [Mr Martyn Jones].

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[No. 41; WH, No. 23]

Tuesday 8th February 2000.

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

The sitting commenced at Ten o'clock.

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

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 12.59 p.m.

[No. 42.]
Wednesday 9th February 2000.

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

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

Ordered, That the Bill be further considered on Wednesday 16th February.

2 First Standing Committee on Delegated Legisation,—Mr Barry Jones reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Local Authorities (Funds) (England) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 1999 (S.I., 1999, No. 3459).

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

3 Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr John Maxton reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Foundation Subject (Amendment) (England) Order 2000.

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

4 European Standing Committee B,—Mr Humfrey Malins reported from European Standing Committee B the following Resolution:

That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 13523/2/99, the Common Strategy on Ukraine, and the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum dated 31st January 2000 from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on the Presidency's work plan on the implementation of the Common Strategy of the European Union on Ukraine; supports the Government's objective of developing closer, constructive relations with Ukraine; and agrees that the Common Strategy has the potential to make a significant contribution towards strengthening the EU-Ukraine relationship.

Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.

5 European Standing Committee C,—Mr John McWilliam reported from European Standing Committee C the following Resolution:

That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 10948/99, Commission report on the application of the Community rules for State Aid to the coal industry in 1996 and 1997; and supports the Government's actions in pressing the European Commission to interpret the Coal State Aid Code strictly.

Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.

6 Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill,—Mr Secretary Straw, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Secretary Prescott, Mr Secretary Cook, Mr Secretary Mandelson, Mr Secretary Hoon and Mr Charles Clarke, presented a Bill to make provision for and about the interception of communications, the acquisition and disclosure of data relating to communications, the carrying out of surveillance, the use of covert human intelligence sources and the acquisition of the means by which electronic data protected by encryption or passwords may be decrypted or accessed; to provide for the establishment of a tribunal with jurisdiction in relation to those matters, to entries on and interferences with property or with wireless telegraphy and to the carrying out of their functions by the Security Service, the Secret Intelligence Service and the Government Communications Headquarters; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 64].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill be printed [Bill 64–EN].

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7 Emissions Trading,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to establish emissions trading; to create an emissions trading authority; to require the corporate disclosure of emissions; and for related purposes: And that Mr Gareth R. Thomas (Harrow West), Mr Andrew Love, Mr Stephen Hesford, Mr Stephen Twigg, Mr James Plaskitt, Ms Karen Buck, Mr Colin Burgon, Mr Gareth Thomas (Clwyd West), Mr Phil Hope, Gillian Merron and Jim Fitzpatrick do prepare and bring it in.

8 Emissions Trading Bill,—Mr Gareth R. Thomas (Harrow West) accordingly presented a Bill to establish emissions trading; to create an emissions trading authority; to require the corporate disclosure of emissions; and for related purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 21st July and to be printed [Bill 65].

9 Financial Services and Markets Bill (Programme),—Ordered, That the following provisions shall apply to proceedings on the Financial Services and Markets Bill:—

Timetable

1.—(1) Remaining proceedings on Consideration and proceedings on Third Reading shall be completed at today's sitting.

(2) Proceedings on Consideration shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at Nine o'clock.

(3) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), each part of proceedings on Consideration shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at the time specified in the second column of the Table.

TABLE

Proceedings Time for conclusion of proceedings

Remaining New Clauses; amendments to Clauses 1 to 9 and 11 to 18. One hour after commencement of proceedings on this Order.

Amendments to Clause 19. Two hours after commencement of proceedings on this Order.

Amendments to Clauses 20 to 51 and 53 to 94. Three hours after commencement of proceedings on this Order.

Amendments to Clauses 95 to 203. Four hours after commencement of proceedings on this Order.

Remaining proceedings on Consideration. Five hours after commencement of proceedings on this Order.

(4) Proceedings on Third Reading shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at Ten o'clock.

Questions to be put

2.—(1) For the purpose of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 1 the Speaker shall forthwith put the following Questions (but no others)—

(a) any Question already proposed from the Chair;

(b) any Question necessary to bring to a decision a Question so proposed;

(c) the Question on any amendment moved or Motion made by a Minister of the Crown;

(d) any other Question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded;

and on a Motion for a new Clause or Schedule, the Speaker shall put only the Question that the Clause or Schedule be added to the Bill.

(2) If two or more Questions would otherwise fall to be put under sub-paragraph (1)(c) on amendments moved or Motions made by a Minister of the Crown, the Speaker shall instead put a single Question in relation to those amendments or Motions.

Miscellaneous

3.—(1) This paragraph applies if—

(a) a Motion for the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 (Adjournment on specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration) has been stood over to Seven o'clock; but

(b) proceedings to which this Order applies have begun before then.

(2) Proceedings on that Motion shall stand postponed until the conclusion of those proceedings.

4.—(1) No Motion shall be made to alter the order in which any proceedings on the Bill are taken.

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

(3) No debate shall be permitted on any Motion to recommit the Bill (whether as a whole or otherwise), and the Speaker shall put forthwith any Question necessary to dispose of the Motion, including the Question on any Amendment.

5. Standing Order No. 82 (Business Committee) shall not apply to this Order.

6. Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) shall apply to the proceedings to which this Order applies.

7. Proceedings to which this Order applies shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House.

Supplemental orders

8.—(1) If any motion is made by a Minister of the Crown to amend this Order so as to provide a greater amount of time for proceedings on the Bill under paragraph 1 of this Order, the Question thereon shall be put forthwith and may be decided, though opposed, at any hour.

(2) If any Motion is made by a Minister of the Crown to supplement the provisions of this Order in respect of proceedings on any Lords Amendments or any subsequent message from the Lords relating to the Bill, such Motion may be proceeded with, though opposed, at any hour and the proceedings shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion three quarters of an hour after they have been commenced.

(3) If at any day's sitting the House is adjourned, or if the sitting is suspended, before the time at which any proceedings are to be brought to a conclusion under this Order, no notice shall be required of a Motion made at the next sitting by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of this Order.—(Jim Dowd.)

10 Financial Services and Markets Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded further to consider the Financial Services and Markets Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

Another Clause (Matters to be included in orders under section 20)—(Mr Howard Flight)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question, That the Clause be read a second time, put and negatived.

Amendment (No. 240) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 456) proposed to the Bill, in page 2, line 18, at the end to insert the words—

‘(g) the need to facilitate access to appropriate financial services for disadvantaged consumers.'.—(Dr Vincent Cable.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Adrian Sanders, Mr Tom Brake: 38.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr David Clelland: 305.

So the Question was negatived.

Other Amendments (Nos. 241 and 242) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 235) proposed to the Bill, in page 2, line 26, at the end to insert the words—

‘(4A) The Authority must ensure that its staff responsible for or involved in—

(a) monitoring, investigating or disciplining authorised or approved persons or,

(b) investigating persons suspected of engaging in, or of requiring or encouraging another person to engaged in, market abuse or any offence for which it can institute proceedings, and

(c) drafting, or giving instructions to the draftsman of, rules, statements of principle or codes

shall be suitably competent and shall have sufficient knowledge of the relevant financial sector to fulful their functions.'.—(Mr David Heathcoat-Amory.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made;

And it being one hour after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to Financial Services and Markets Bill (Programme), the Deputy Speaker put the Question already proposed from the Chair, pursuant to Order [this day].

Question, That the Amendment be made, put and negatived.

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The Deputy Speaker then put the remaining Question he was required to put at that hour.

Other Amendments (Nos. 405 and 67) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 4) proposed to the Bill, in page 8, line 21, leave out from the word ‘communicate' to the word ‘activity' in line 22 and to insert the words ‘or cause to be communicated—

(a) an invitation to engage in investment activity; or

(b) information which is intended or might reasonably be presumed to be intended to lead directly or indirectly to engagement in such'.—(Mr David Heathcoat-Amory.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Amendment (No. 5) proposed to the Bill, in page 8, line 28, to leave out the words ‘capable of having an effect' and to insert the words ‘intended to be acted on by a person', instead thereof.—(Mr David Heathcoat-Amory.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Keith Simpson, Mr John Randall: 175.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Clelland, Mr Kevin Hughes: 312.

So the Question was negatived.

Other Amendments (Nos. 68, 406, and 243 to 248) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 34) proposed to the Bill, in page 13, line 29, at the end to insert the words—

‘(cc) a person qualifying for authorisation under Schedule 5,'.—(Mr Howard Flight.)

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

Other Amendments (Nos. 69 to 78) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 199) proposed to the Bill, in page 15, line 14, at the end to insert the words—

‘(5) No exemption order to which subsection (7) applies may be made unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

(6) An exemption order to which subsection (7) does not apply shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(7) This subsection applies to an exemption order which:

(a) is the first order to be made under this section in respect of a particular person; or

(b) varies an order previously made so as to vary or remove an exemption.'.—(Mr Howard Flight.)

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

Other Amendments (Nos. 79 to 88) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 206) proposed to the Bill, in page 17, line 27, after the word ‘if' to insert the words ‘after receiving representations'.—(Mr Howard Flight.)

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

Other Amendments (Nos. 89 to 114, 407, 116, 117, 249 to 279, 408 to 414, 280 to 284 and 415 to 417) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 457) proposed to the Bill, in page 43, line 20, to leave out the words ‘in relation to the market'.—(Mr Howard Flight.)

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

Other Amendments (Nos. 285 to 297, 118 to 120, 298 to 315, 418, 419, 316, 317, 447, 318, 319, 448, 121 to 130, 320 to 329 and 131 to 135) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 237) proposed to the Bill, in page 103, line 18, to leave out subsections (4) to (7) and to insert the words—

‘(4) The ombudsman's determination shall be binding on the respondent and the complainant and shall be final.

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(5) The ombudsman's statement must:

(a) give the ombudsman's reasons for his determination; and

(b) be signed by him.', instead thereof.—(Mr Howard Flight.)

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

Other Amendments (Nos. 449 to 454, 136 to 145, 330 to 342, 146 to 153, 343, 344, 420, 154 to 157, 421 to 435, 455 and 436) made to the Bill.

A Schedule (Transfer schemes: certificates)—(Miss Melanie Johnson)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Schedule (Role of the Competition Commission)—(Miss Melanie Johnson)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Other Amendments (Nos. 345 to 363) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 483) proposed to the Bill, in page 202, line 4, at the end, to insert the words—

‘Value for money examinations

22. Section 6 of the National Audit Office Act 1983 (which enables the Comptroller and Auditor General to conduct examinations into the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which certain departments, authorities and bodies have used their resources) shall apply to the Authority.'.—(Mr David Davis.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 444) proposed, in page 205, line 12, at the end, to insert the words—

‘Mortgages for house purchase

23A. The provision of loans for the purchase of property for residential use, where the obligation of the borrower to repay the lender is secured on the value of the property in question.'.—(Dr Vincent Cable.)

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

Other Amendments (Nos. 158 to 177, 442, 178, 179, 443, 180 and 181) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 1) proposed to the Bill, in page 239, line 5, at the end to insert the words—

‘7A. In section 13 (control of subsidiaries and other bodies corporate),—

(a) in subsection (2)(a) for “of the activities specified in Schedule 7 to this Act” substitute “activities authorised by the Commission”; and

(b) omit subsection (8).

7B. In section 52 (applications to court), in subsection (2)(d) for “mentioned in Schedule 7 to” substitute “authorised by virtue of section 13(2)(a) of”.

7C. Omit Schedule 7 (activities which may be carried on by a subsidiary of or body jointly controlled by an incorporated friendly society).'.—(Dr Vincent Cable.)

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

Other Amendments (Nos. 182 and 183) made to the Bill.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the Bill be now read the third time;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe: 340.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Keith Simpson, Mrs Eleanor Laing: 128.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

11 Scottish Grand Committee,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 100(1), That the Scottish Grand Committee shall meet—

(a) on Tuesday 29th February at half-past Ten o'clock at Westminster to consider a substantive Motion for the adjournment of the Committee;

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(b) on Wednesday 5th April at half-past Ten o'clock at Westminster to consider a substantive Motion for the adjournment of the Committee—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

12 Public Administration,—Ordered, That Helen Jones be discharged from the Select Committee on Public Administration and Mr Neil Turner be added to the Committee.—(Mr Clive Betts.)

13 Modernisation of the House of Commons,—Ordered, That Mr Stephen Twigg be discharged from the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons and Ann Coffey be added to the Committee.—(Mr Clive Betts.)

14 Broadcasting,—Ordered, That Mr Andrew Stunell be discharged from the Broadcasting Committee and Norman Baker be added to the Committee.—(Mr Clive Betts.)

15 Environmental Audit,—Ordered, That Norman Baker be discharged from the Environmental Audit Committee and Mr Paul Keetch be added to the Committee.—(Mr Clive Betts.)

16 Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from residents of Hardwicke and Haresfield against the building of new houses on agricultural land at Colethrop Farm, Haresfield, was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

17 Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Clive Betts);

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 seventeen minutes to Eleven o'clock, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 10.43 p.m.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1 Competition,—Competition Act 1998 (Director's rules) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 293), dated 9th February 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

2 Consumer Credit,—(1) Consumer Credit (Conduct of Business) (Credit References) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 291), and

(2) Consumer Credit (Credit Reference Agency) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 290),

dated 8th February 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

3 Education,—(1) Education (Exclusion from School) (Prescribed Periods) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 294), dated 8th February 2000,

(2) Education (Pupil Information) (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 297), dated 9th February 2000,

(3) North West Shropshire Education Action Zone Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 295), dated 8th February 2000, and

(4) South of England Virtual Education Action Zone Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 296), dated 8th February 2000

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

4 Environmental Protection,—(1) Contaminated Land (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 227), and

(2) Financial Assistance for Environmental Purposes Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 207)

dated 2nd February 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

5 Income Tax,—Special Commissioners (Jurisdiction and Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 288), dated 8th February 2000 [by Act] [Mr David Lock].

6 Medicines,—Medicines for Human Use (Marketing Authorisations Etc.) Amendment Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 292), dated 8th February 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn].

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7 Powers of Attorney,—Enduring Powers of Attorney (Welsh Language Prescribed Form) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 289), dated 1st February 2000 [by Act] [Mr David Lock].

Other Papers:

8 Forestry,—Accounts of the Forestry Fund for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 240] [Clerk of the House].

9 Public Accounts,—Treasury Minute on the Forty-first Report from the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 1998–99 [by Command] [Cm. 4593] [Mr Stephen Timms].

10 Telecommunications,—Paper, entitled Amendments to the Agreement and the Operating Agreement relating to the European Telecommunications Satellite Organization (EUTELSAT) [by Command] [Cm. 4572] [Mr Secretary Byers].

11 Treaty Series (No. 6, 2000),—Exchange of Notes, done at Panama City on 25th March and 5th May 1999, extending the Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Panama for the Promotion and Protection of Investments signed at Panama City on 7th October 1983 to the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey [by Command] [Cm. 4590] [Mr Secretary Cook].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Carers and Disabled Children Bill:

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr David Amess, Mr Andrew F. Bennett, Mrs Virginia Bottomley, Mr Paul Burstow, Mr Tom Clarke, Maria Eagle, Mr Huw Edwards, Mr Andrew George, Mrs Llin Golding, Mr Philip Hammond, Mrs Sylvia Heal, Mr John Hutton, Mr Tom Pendry, Mr Lawrie Quinn, Mr Robert Syms and Dr Desmond Turner.

2 Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Nicholas Winterton and Mrs Ray Michie additional Chairmen of Standing Committee F in respect of the Bill.

3 Draft Social Security (Contributions) (Re-rating and National Insurance Funds Payments) Order 2000:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and has appointed Mr Eric Illsley Chairman: and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Graham Allen, Mr David Curry, Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas, Barbara Follett, Mr Andrew George, Mr John Horam, Dr Brian Iddon, Helen Jones, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Mr Stephen McCabe, Dan Norris, Mr Chris Pond, Dawn Primarolo, Mr John Randall, Mr Peter Temple-Morris and Steve Webb.

4 Draft African Development Fund (Eighth Replenishment) Order 1999:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Mike Hancock Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Brian H. Donohoe, Mr Bill Etherington, Mr George Foulkes, Dr Ian Gibson, Dr Norman A. Godman, Mr David Heath, Mr Robert Jackson, Lynne Jones, Dr Ashok Kumar, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr David Ruffley, Mr Brian Sedgemore, Mr Gary Streeter, Dr Jenny Tonge and Mr Dennis Turner.

5 Draft Greater London Authority (Disqualification) Order 2000:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and has appointed Mr Mike Hancock Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Tom Brake, Mr Iain Coleman, Mr Jeremy Corbyn, Mr Keith Darvill, Mr Edward Davey, Mr Neil Gerrard, Ms Harriet Harman, Mr Keith Hill, Mr Bernard Jenkin, Sir Peter Lloyd, Mr John McDonnell, Joan Ruddock, Mr John Wilkinson and Mr Phil Woolas.

6 Draft Foundation Subject (Amendment) (England) Order 2000,—The Speaker has appointed Mr John Maxton an additional Chairman of the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order.

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7 Draft Data Protection (Subject Access Modification) (Social Work) Order 2000, the draft Data Protection (Subject Access Modification) (Health) Order 2000, the draft Data Protection (Subject Access Modification) (Education) Order 2000, the draft Data Protection (Processing of Sensitive Personal Data) Order 2000, the draft Data Protection (Miscellaneous Subject Access Exemptions) Order 2000, the draft Data Protection (Designated Codes of Practice) Order 2000, and the draft Data Protection (Crown Appointments) Order 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Mike Hall and Mr Tony Lloyd from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Orders); and nominated in substitution Mr David Jamieson and Mr Syd Rapson.

European Standing Committees

8 The Speaker has appointed Mr John Butterfill Chairman of European Standing Committee C in respect of European Union Documents Nos. 14320/98, 12838/99, 12839/99 and 12840/99, relating to the 1999 Review of Telecommunications Legislation and Radio Spectrum Policy.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 Agriculture,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Agriculture Committee [Implications for UK Agriculture and EU Agricultural Policy of Trade Liberalisation and the WTO Round]; to be printed [No. 246-i]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Environmental Regulation and Farming]

[Mr Austin Mitchell].

2 Education and Employment,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee [General Teaching Council]; to be printed [No. 239] [Mr Barry Sheerman]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Employment Sub-Committee of the Committee [Work Permits for Overseas Footballers]; to be printed [No. 218-ii] [Mr Derek Foster].

3 European Scrutiny,—Eighth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 23-viii] [Mr Jim Marshall].

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

5 Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [Ministry of Defence: Major Projects Report 1998]; to be printed [No. 247-i] [Mr David Davis].

6 Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Public Administration Committee [Making Government Work: Civil Service Reform]; to be printed [No. 238-i] [Dr Tony Wright].

7 Science and Technology,—(1) Third Report from the Science and Technology Committee [Scientific Advisory System: Diabetes and Driving Licences], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee in the last Session of Parliament; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 206]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Scientific Advisory System: Diabetes and Driving Licences]

[Dr Michael Clark].

8 Scottish Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Scottish Affairs Committee [Poverty in Scotland]; to be printed [No. 59-v] [Mr David Marshall].

9 Social Security,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Social Security Committee [Medical Services]; to be printed [No. 183-iv] [Mr Archy Kirkwood].

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

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[No. 42; WH, No. 24]

Wednesday 9th February 2000.

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

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

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

And it being Two o'clock, the sitting was adjourned without Question put, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 2.00 p.m.

[No. 43.]
Thursday 10th February 2000.

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

1 Kent County Council Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Kent County Council Bill [Lords];

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday 17th February.

2 Medway Council Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Medway Council Bill [Lords];

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday 17th February.

3 Mersey Tunnels Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Mersey Tunnels Bill [Lords];

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday 17th February.

4 Freedom of Information Bill,—Mr Edward O'Hara reported from Standing Committee B, That it had gone through the Freedom of Information Bill, and made Amendments thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 66].

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 252].

5 Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Nicholas Winterton reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Data Protection (Subject Access Modification) (Social Work) Order 2000, the draft Data Protection (Subject Access Modification) (Health) Order 2000, the draft Data Protection (Subject Access Modification) (Education) Order 2000, the draft Data Protection (Processing of Sensitive Personal Data) Order 2000, the draft Data Protection (Miscellaneous Subject Access Exemptions) Order 2000, the draft Data Protection (Designated Codes of Practice) Order 2000 and the draft Data Protection (Crown Appointments) Order 2000.

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

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

The Lords have agreed to the Northern Ireland Bill, without Amendment.

The Lords have agreed to the Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar (Eriskay Causeway) Order Confirmation Bill, without Amendment.

7 Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill;

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Tony McNulty, Jim Dowd: 263.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Gerald Howarth, Mr David Maclean: 102.

So the Question was agreed to.

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The Bill was accordingly read a second time.

Bill to be read the third time to-morrow, pursuant to Order [7th February].

8 Royal Assent,—The Deputy Speaker notified the House, in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967, That Her Majesty had signified her Royal Assent to the following Acts, agreed upon by both Houses:

Northern Ireland Act 2000

Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar (Eriskay Causeway) Order Confirmation Act 2000

United Reformed Church Act 2000

Alliance & Leicester plc (Group Reorganisation) Act 2000

Baxi Partnership Limited Trusts Act 2000.

9 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Clive Betts.)

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

[Adjourned at 7.29 p.m.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1 Competition,—Competition Act 1998 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplemental Provisions) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 311), dated 10th February 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

2 Open Spaces,—Draft Greenwich Park (Vehicle Parking) Regulations 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

3 Social Security,—Jobseeker's Allowance (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 239), dated 7th February 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

Other Papers:

4 Hong Kong,—Six-monthly Report on Hong Kong, July–December 1999 [by Command] [Cm. 4594] [Mr Secretary Cook].

5 Industrial Organisation and Development,—Report and Accounts of the Milk Development Council for 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

6 Social Security Administration,—Report by the Social Security Advisory Committee preceded by a statement by the Secretary of State for Education and Employment and the Secretary of State for Social Security on the Jobseeker's Allowance (Amendment) Regulations 2000 [by Command] [Cm. 4549] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Draft Social Security (Contributions) (Re-rating and National Insurance Funds Payments) Order 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas, Barbara Follett, Dr Brian Iddon, Mrs Jacqui Lait and Mr John Randall from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Alan Hurst, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mr Andrew Love, Mr Ian Pearson and Mr Keith Simpson.

2 Draft African Development Fund (Eighth Replenishment) Order 1999,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Dr Ashok Kumar from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Gwyn Prosser.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Libraries]; to be printed [No. 241-i] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].

2 Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee [Armed Forces Discipline Bill [Lords]]; to be printed [No. 253] [Mr Bruce George].

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3 International Development,—Fourth Report from the International Development Committee [Debt Relief—Further Developments and the Government Response to the Fourth Report of the Committee, Session 1998–99], 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. 251] [Mr Bowen Wells].

[No. 43; WH, No. 25]

Thursday 10th February 2000.

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

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

1 Adjournment (Badgers and Bovine Tuberculosis),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Tony McNulty.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 15th February.

[Adjourned at 5.29 p.m.

[No. 44.]
Friday 11th February 2000.

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

1 Licensing (Young Persons) Bill,—The Licensing (Young Persons) Bill was, according to Order, read a second time and stood committed to a Standing Committee.

2 Sex Discrimination (Amendment) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Sex Discrimination (Amendment) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 5th May.

3 Newspaper and Magazine Recycling Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Newspaper and Magazine Recycling Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 9th June.

4 Health and Safety at Work (Offences) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Health and Safety at Work (Offences) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 9th June.

5 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Tony McNulty.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till four minutes to Three o'clock, adjourned till Monday 14th February.

[Adjourned at 2.56 p.m.

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