Commons Journal 256 Chronological Index Alphabetical Index - Part I Alphabetical Index - Part II Previous Next Page 177            1999-2000      Volume 256       [No. 49.] Monday 21st February 2000. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS. 1 Road Traffic Bill,—The Order for reading the Road Traffic Bill a second time on Friday 3rd March was read and discharged. Bill to be read a second time on Friday 10th March. 2 Opposition day [5th allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the Leader of the Opposition in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider Opposition business. Education,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes the Government's failure to meet its manifesto commitment to spend a higher proportion of national income on education than the previous government, despite the Prime Minister's pledge that education would continue to have “the first call on public resources”; deplores the Government's complacency in the face of the damage being done to excellence in education by increased bureaucracy, interference in schools, abolition of grant maintained status, introduction of grammar school ballots, obsession with targets and diversion of funds to meet political goals rather than the needs of schools; views with concern the Government's disregard for parental choice or student need; and calls on the Government to introduce common sense policies to improve standards by setting schools free, letting parents choose and trusting the professionals—(Mrs Theresa May); An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 1, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘welcomes the Government's commitment to raising standards and achieving excellence for all from the early years to life-long learning after 18 years of neglect; recognises that education spending will rise as a share of national income over the course of this Parliament, in contrast to a decline of 0.3 per cent. between 1991-92 and 1996-97; recognises the early success in lowering class sizes in the early years and the achievement of introducing literacy and numeracy strategies which, with the hard work and commitment of teachers, have raised standards; supports the promotion of diversity which will deliver excellence for the many and not the few; recognises the role of specialist schools and the importance of excellence in cities; supports the drive to raise standards in secondary schools through the extension of the literacy and numeracy strategies and an expanded programme of summer schools; recognises the value of teachers and supports the new proposals for performance-related promotion; recognises the role of school leaders; notes the increase of £1.8 billion in funding for schools and Local Education Authorities in England for the coming year and the role of the fair funding framework in tackling excessive bureaucracy and ensuring that increased funding benefits classroom services; notes the increased resources made available to expand access and improve quality in further and higher education; and supports the Government's determination to build a socially inclusive knowledge economy in which learning and skills are the foundation of success and prosperity', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Blunkett.) And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Peter Luff: 123. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Greg Pope, Mr David Clelland: 300. So the Question was negatived. And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments):—It was agreed to. The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to. Resolved, That this House welcomes the Government's commitment to raising standards and achieving excellence for all from the early years to life-long learning after 18 years of neglect; recognises that education spending will rise as a share of national income over the course of this Parliament, in contrast to a decline of 0.3 per cent. between 1991-92 and 1996-97; recognises the early success in lowering class sizes in the early years and the achievement of introducing the literacy and numeracy strategies which, with the hard work and commitment of teachers, have raised standards; supports the promotion of diversity which will deliver excellence for the many and not the few; recognises the role of specialist schools and the importance of excellence in cities; supports the drive to raise Page 178      Monday 21st February 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top standards in secondary schools through the extension of the literacy and numeracy strategies and an expanded programme of summer schools; recognises the value of teachers and supports the new proposals for performance-related promotion; recognises the role of school leaders; notes the increase of £1.8 billion in funding for schools and Local Education Authorities in England for the coming year and the role of the fair funding framework in tackling excessive bureaucracy and ensuring that increased funding benefits classroom services; notes the increased resources made available to expand access and improve quality in further and higher education; and supports the Government's determination to build a socially inclusive knowledge economy in which learning and skills are the foundation of success and prosperity. Millennium Dome,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House deplores the fact that Government interference in the Millennium Dome has rendered it a source of national embarrassment, a wasted opportunity to celebrate Britain and the Millennium and poor value for Lottery players' money—(Mr Peter Ainsworth); An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘believes that the Millennium Experience—and the many other Millennium activities—represent both an excellent celebration for the people of this country and a tangible and enduring legacy for future generations; further welcomes the announcement that the New Millennium Experience Company team will be introducing improvements which deliver even greater value for money both to the paying visitor and to the Millennium Commission; and, in particular, notes the record attendances at the Dome in the week commencing 7th February and the recent high satisfaction ratings amongst visitors', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Smith.) And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question; Mr James Arbuthnot rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put. And the Question being put, That the Question be now put:—It was agreed to. And the Question being accordingly put; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Peter Luff: 141. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr David Jamieson: 275. So the Question was negatived. And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 261. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Peter Luff: 138. So the Question was agreed to. The Speaker forthwith declared the main Question, as amended, to be agreed to. Resolved, That this House believes that the Millennium Experience—and the many other Millennium activities—represent both an excellent celebration for the people of this country and a tangible and enduring legacy for future generations; further welcomes the announcement that the New Millennium Experience Company team will be introducing improvements which deliver even greater value for money both to the paying visitor and to the Millennium Commission; and, in particular, notes the record attendances at the Dome in the week commencing 7th February and the recent high satisfaction ratings amongst visitors. 3 House of Commons Commission,—Ordered, That Sir Peter Lloyd and Dr Lewis Moonie be discharged from the House of Commons Commission and Mr Eric Forth and Mr Stuart Bell be appointed members of the Commission under the House of Commons (Administration) Act 1978.—(Mr Kevin Hughes.) 4 Social Security,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Social Security (Contributions) (Re-rating and National Insurance Funds Payments) Order 2000, which was laid before this House on 31st January, be approved—(Mr Kevin Hughes); Page 179      Monday 21st February 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Mike Hall: 248. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Peter Luff: 124. Resolved, That the draft Social Security (Contributions) (Re-rating and National Insurance Funds Payments) Order 2000, which was laid before this House on 31st January, be approved. 5 Overseas Development and Co-operation,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Draft African Development Fund (Eighth Replenishment) Order 1999, which was laid before this House on 31st January, be approved—(Mr Kevin Hughes):—It was agreed to. 6 Administration,—Ordered, That Mr Oliver Heald be discharged from the Administration Committee and Mr Stephen Day be added to the Committee.—(Mr John McWilliam, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) 7 Agriculture,—Ordered, That Mr Peter Luff be discharged from the Agriculture Committee and Mr Owen Paterson be added to the Committee.—(Mr John McWilliam, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) 8 Defence,—Ordered, That Mr Crispin Blunt be discharged from the Defence Committee and Mr Peter Viggers be added to the Committee.—(Mr John McWilliam, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) 9 Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Ordered, That Mr John Randall be discharged from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee and Mr Crispin Blunt be added to the Committee.—(Mr John McWilliam, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) 10 Treasury,—Ordered, That Dr Lewis Moonie be discharged from the Treasury Committee and Mr Nigel Beard be added to the Committee.—(Mr John McWilliam, on behalf of the Committee of Selection,) 11 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Kevin Hughes.) And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-two minutes to Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 10.38 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 18th February 2000 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O., No. 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 158 (Presentation of command papers): 1 Miscellaneous (No. 2, 2000),—Protocol, adopted at Kingston on 27th March 1998, on the Privileges and Immunities of the International Seabed Authority, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Cm. 4592] [Mr Secretary Cook]. Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 21st February 2000: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution: 2 Legal Services Commission,—(1) Draft Community Legal Service (Cost Protection) Regulations 2000, and (2) draft Community Legal Service (Scope) Regulations 2000 [by Act] [Mr David Lock]. 3 Legal Services,—Draft Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2000 [by Act] [Mr David Lock]. Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 4 London Government,—Greater London Authority Act 1999 (Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles) (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 412), dated 21st February 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. Page 180      Monday 21st February 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top Other Papers: 5 London Regional Transport,—Report and Accounts of the London Regional Passengers Committee for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 6 National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Inpatient Admissions and Bed management in NHS acute hospitals [by Act]; to be printed [No. 254] [Clerk of the House]. APPENDIX II Standing Committees 1 Armed Forces Discipline Bill [Lords],—The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee D, and has appointed Mr Joe Benton and Mr Humfrey Malins Chairmen; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated eighteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Crispin Blunt, Mr David Clelland, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Mike Gapes, Mrs Sylvia Heal, Mr David Heath, Mr Stephen Hepburn, Mr Paul Keetch, Jane Kennedy, Mr Robert Key, Mr Stephen McCabe, Gillian Merron, Laura Moffatt, Dr Lewis Moonie, Dr Doug Naysmith, Mr Mark Todd, Mr Peter Viggers and Mr Dave Watts. 2 Postal Services Bill,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr David Chidgey from Standing Committee B (nominated in respect of the Bill); and nominated in substitution Mr Brian Cotter. APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham]; to be printed [No. 207] [Dr Michael Clark]. [No. 50.] Tuesday 22nd February 2000. The House met at half-past Eleven 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 29th February. 2 Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) (No. 2) Bill,—Mr Secretary Straw, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Secretary Prescott, Mr Secretary Smith, Mr Secretary Murphy, Jane Kennedy and Mr Charles Clarke presented a Bill to make provision for determining the mode of trial in the case of offences triable either summarily or on indictment; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Monday 28th February and to be printed [Bill 73]. Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) (No. 2) Bill be printed [Bill 73–EN]. 3 Television Licence Fee (Abolition),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 to remove the requirement for the obtaining of certain wireless telegraphy licences; to make provision with respect to the funding of the British Broadcasting Corporation; and for connected purposes—(Mr Christopher Chope); And the Question being opposed, after a brief explanatory statement from the Member who made the Motion and from a Member who opposed it, the Speaker put the Question pursuant to Standing Order No. 23 (Motions for leave to bring in bills and nomination of select committees at commencement of public business):—It was agreed to. Ordered, That Mr Christopher Chope, Miss Julie Kirkbride, Mr Ian Bruce, Mr Eric Forth, Mr Michael Fallon, Mr Edward Leigh, Mr Owen Paterson and Mr Christopher Fraser do prepare and bring in the Bill. Page 181      Tuesday 22nd February 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top 4 Television Licence Fee (Abolition) Bill,—Mr Christopher Chope accordingly presented a Bill to amend the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 to remove the requirement for the obtaining of certain wireless telegraphy licences; to make provision with respect to the funding of the British Broadcasting Corporation; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 7th April and to be printed [Bill 72]. 5 Defence White Paper,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House approves the 1999 Defence White Paper (Cm. 4446)—(Mr Secretary Hoon); And it being Seven o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned. Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Monday 28th February. 6 Finance and Services Committee,—Ordered, That Dr Lewis Moonie be discharged from the Finance and Services Committee and Mr Stuart Bell be added to the Committee.— (Mr David Clelland.) 7 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr David Clelland.) And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-nine minutes past Seven o'clock, adjourned till Monday 28th February. [Adjourned at 7.29 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution: 1 Constitutional Law,—Draft Scotland Act 1998 (Cross-Border Public Authorities) (Forestry Commissioners) Order 2000 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 2 Pensions,—Draft Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Penalties) Regulations 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 3 Education,—(1) North West Shropshire Education Action Zone (No. 2) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 422), and (2) South of England Virtual Education Action Zone (No. 2) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 423), dated 21st February 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 4 Food,—Food (Peanuts from Egypt) (Emergency Control) (England and Wales) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 375), dated 21st February 2000 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 5 Social Security,—Tax Credits Schemes Amendment (Education Maintenance Allowance) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 421), dated 21st February 2000 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo]. Other Papers: 6 Appropriations in Aid,—Treasury Minute, dated 22nd February 2000, directing the application of certain receipts as appropriations in aid of the Votes specified in the Spring Supplementary Estimates for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Stephen Timms]. 7 Defence (Votes A), 2000–2001,—Estimates of the maximum numbers of personnel to be maintained for service with the Armed Forces for 2000–2001 [by Command]; to be printed [No. 163] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. 8 Health,—Departmental Minute, dated 22nd February 2000, concerning a contingent liability consequent upon the proposed commercial partnership between the National Blood Authority and Haemacure [by Command] [Mr Secretary Milburn]. 9 Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on the Petition [18th January] from Robert Hannington and others calling for pressure to be placed on the Burmese Government to prevent the persecution of Christians [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House]. Page 182      Tuesday 22nd February 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top 10 Science and Technology,—Report and Financial Summary of the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils for 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers]. 11 Supply Estimates, 2000–2001,—Estimates for the Lord Chancellor's and Law Officers' Departments (Class V), for which a Vote on Account is required for 2000–2001 [by Command]; to be printed [No. 244] [Mr Stephen Timms]. 12 Supply Estimates, 1999–2000,—(1) Spring Supplementary Estimates for 1999–2000 [by Command]; to be printed [No. 243] [Mr Stephen Timms]; and (2) Spring Supplementary Estimate (Class XVIII, A, House of Commons) for 1999–2000 [by Command]; to be printed [No. 242] [The Speaker]. APPENDIX II Standing Committees Armed Forces Discipline Bill [Lords],—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr David Heath from Standing Committee D (nominated in respect of the Bill); and nominated in substitution Mr Martin Bell. APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees Home Affairs,—Second Special Report from the Home Affairs Committee [Government Reply to the Fifth Report from the Committee, Session 1998–99, on Drugs and Prisons]; to be printed [No. 271] [Mr Robin Corbett]. [No. 50; WH, No. 29] Tuesday 22nd February 2000. The House sitting in Westminster Hall [pursuant to Order of 24th May 1999]. The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock. 1 Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr David Jamieson.) And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 29th February. [Adjourned at 4.59 p.m. Previous Chronological Index Next   Part I Alphabetical Index Part II Alphabetical Index     © Parliamentary copyright 2006 Prepared 11 October 2006