Session 1999-2000

Commons Journal 256

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


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Page 336            1999-2000      Volume 256      

[No. 85.]

Monday 17th April 2000.

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

PRAYERS.

1First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Jimmy Hood reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Youth Justice Board for England and Wales Order 2000.

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

2Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bowen Wells reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 61) on Special Grants for School Standards, Support of School Budgets and Costs of Transitional Funding (House of Commons Paper No. 399).

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

3Finance Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Finance 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 declines to give a Second Reading to the Finance Bill because its 558 pages impose more complex regulations, introduce further taxes and fail to reverse the increasing burdens of taxation on families, on homeowners, on motorists, on consumers, on savers and on businesses', instead thereof.—(Mr David Heathcoat-Amory.)

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Peter Atkinson: 136.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr David Jamieson: 342.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Main Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 62 (Amendment on second or third reading):— It was agreed to.

The Bill was accordingly read a second time.

Ordered, That—

(1) Clauses Nos. 1, 12, 30, 31, 59, 102 and 113 be committed to a Committee of the whole House;

(2) The remainder of the Bill be committed to a Standing Committee;

(3) When the provisions of the Bill considered, respectively, by the Committee of the whole House and by the Standing Committee have been reported to the House, the Bill be proceeded with as if the Bill had been reported as a whole to the House from the Standing Committee—(Dawn Primarolo):—It was agreed to.

Committee to-morrow.

4White Paper on Food Safety,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees), That this House takes note of European Union Document No. 5761/00, a White Paper on Food Safety in the European Union; and supports the Government's view that consumer concerns and the complexity of current arrangements demand urgent action to develop a coherent EU policy for the foodstuffs sector; to this end, welcomes the establishment of a European Food Authority; and notes the Government's commitment to identifying the most appropriate terms and structure for such an Authority with the objective of improving and enhancing food safety and the associated EU regulatory process—(Jim Dowd);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr David Jamieson: 305.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Peter Atkinson: 170.

So the Question was agreed to.

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Resolved, That this House takes note of European Union Document No. 5761/00, a White Paper on Food Safety in the European Union; and supports the Government's view that consumer concerns and the complexity of current arrangements demand urgent action to develop a coherent EU policy for the foodstuffs sector; to this end, welcomes the establishment of a European Food Authority; and notes the Government's commitment to identifying the most appropriate terms and structure for such an Authority with the objective of improving and enhancing food safety and the associated EU regulatory process.

5Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Jim Dowd.)

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

[Adjourned at 10.55 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Local Government,—(1) Local Authorities (Capital Finance, Approved Investments and Contracts) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1033), and

(2) Local Authorities (Goods and Services) (Public Bodies) (No. 2) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1027),

dated 10th April 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

2London Government,—(1) Greater London Authority (Limitation of Salaries) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1032), dated 10th April 2000, and

(2) Transport for London (Preliminary Arrangements) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1045), dated 13th April 2000

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

3Medicines,—Medicines (Sale or Supply) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1070), dated 14th April 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn].

4Osteopaths,—General Osteopathic Council (Restoration to the Register of Conditionally Registered Osteopaths) Rules Order of Council 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1037), dated 13th April 2000 [by Act] [Margaret Beckett].

5Taxes,—Petroleum Revenue Tax (Nomination Scheme for Disposals and Appropriations) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1072), dated 14th April 2000 [by Act] [Mr Stephen Timms].

Other Papers:

6Culture, Media and Sport,—Department of Culture, Media and Sport Minute, dated 17th April 2000, concerning the proposed gifting of the freeholds of 24 Brooklands Avenue, Cambridge and Shelley House, Acomb Road, York to the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England (English Heritage) [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith].

7National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Hip replacements: Getting it right first time [by Act]; to be printed [No. 417] [Clerk of the House].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 61) on Special Grants for School Standards, Support of School Budgets and Costs of Transitional Funding (House of Commons Paper No. 399),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Geoffrey Robinson from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Report), and nominated in substitution Mr Andrew Dismore.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee [Higher Education]; to be printed [No. 400-iv] [Mr Barry Sheerman].

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2Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Funding of London Underground]; to be printed [No. 411-iii] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

3Public Accounts,—(1) Sixteenth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Vehicle Emissions Testing]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 189]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Courts Funds Office—Funds in Court: Unclaimed Balances: Public Trust Office Accounts 1998-99]; to be printed [No. 439-i]

[Mr David Davis].

4Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [Social Exclusion in Wales]; to be printed [No. 365-iii] [Mr Martyn Jones].


[No. 86.]

Tuesday 18th April 2000.

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

PRAYERS.

1City of Newcastle upon Tyne Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Third Reading of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne Bill [Lords];

Ordered, That the Bill be read the third time on Tuesday 2nd May.

2Greenham 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 2nd May.

3Nuclear Safeguards Bill [Lords],—Mrs Marion Roe reported from Standing Committee A, That it had gone through the Nuclear Safeguards Bill [Lords], and directed her to report the same, without Amendment.

Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 446].

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

Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to consolidate certain enactments relating to the powers of courts to deal with offenders and defaulters and to the treatment of such persons, with amendments to give effect to recommendations of the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

5Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Bill [Lords],—The Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 115].

6Halogen Lamp Regulation (Motor Vehicles) Bill,—The Order for reading the Halogen Lamp Regulation (Motor Vehicles) Bill a second time on Friday 12th May was read and discharged.

7Marine Wildlife Protection Bill,—Ordered, That the Marine Wildlife Protection Bill be read a second time on Friday 9th June.

8Corporate Homicide,—Ordered, That leave to given to bring in a Bill to create a new offence of corporate killing to replace the offence of manslaughter in certain cases where death is caused without the intention of causing death or serious injury: And that Mr Andrew Dismore, Mr Matin Salter, Ms Karen Buck, Mr Michael Clapham, Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody, Mr Gordon Prentice, Mr Andrew Miller, Mr Lawrie Quinn, Ms Claire Ward, Mr Iain Coleman, Mr Stephen Pound and Siobhain McDonagh do prepare and bring it in.

9Corporate Homicide Bill,—Mr Andrew Dismore accordingly presented a Bill to create a new offence of corporate killing to replace the offence of manslaughter in certain cases where death is caused without the intention of causing death or serious injury: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 5th May and to be printed [Bill 114].

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10Postal Services Bill [Money] (No. 2),—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Postal Services Bill [Money] (No. 2);

Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Postal Services Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any expenditure incurred in consequence of the Act by the body to be known as the Postal Services Commission.—(Mrs Anne McGuire.)

11Postal Services Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Postal Services Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

A Clause (Subsidy for public post offices)—(Mr Secretary Byers)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Recovery of costs of the Council etc.)—(Mr Alan Johnson)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Application of customs and excise enactments to certain postal packets)—(Mr Alan Johnson)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Power to detain postal packets containing contraband)—(Mr Secretary Byers)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Tax)—(Mr Secretary Byers)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Amendment (No. 60) proposed to the Bill, in page 4, line 36, to leave out ‘£1' and to insert ‘50p'.—(Mr Richard Page.)

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

Amendments (Nos. 30 to 33, 1 to 9, 34, 10, 11, 35, 12 to 18, 79 to 81, 36 to 38 and 19 to 22) made to the Bill.

And it being Ten o'clock, further consideration of the Bill stood adjourned.

12Business 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 Postal Services Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

13Postal Services Bill,—The House again proceeded to consider the Postal Services Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

Another Amendment (No. 75) proposed to the Bill, in page 62, line 16, at the end to insert the words ‘and—

(c) make provision for any person to seek and secure any reasonable correction in their details.'—(Mr Richard Page.)

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

Other Amendments (Nos. 39 to 43, 82, and 44 to 47) made to the Bill.

A Schedule (Transfer to the Post Office Company: Tax)—(Mr Clive Betts)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Other Amendments (Nos. 48, 83, 84, 23 to 28, 85, 49, 29, 50 to 53, 86, 87, 54 and 88) made to the Bill.

A Motion being made, That the Bill be now read the third time;

Mr Secretary Byers, by Her Majesty's Command, acquainted the House, That Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, gives her consent, as far as Her Majesty's interest is concerned, That the House may do therein as it shall think fit.

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

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

14Criminal Law,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Youth Justice Board for England and Wales Order 2000, which was laid before this House on 3rd April, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

15Local Government Finance,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 61) on Special Grants for School Standards, Support of School Budgets and Costs of Transitional

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  Funding (House of Commons Paper No. 399), which was laid before this House on 6th April, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

16Adjournment,—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 six minutes to Twelve o'clock, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 11.54 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table.

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Clean Air,—Smoke Control Areas (Authorised Fuels) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000, No. 1077), dated 17th April 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

2Education,—(1) Education (School Performance Information) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1089), and

(2) Financing of Maintained Schools (England) (No. 2) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1090),

dated 17th April 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

Other Papers

3Audit (Northern Ireland),—Reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland on Grants Paid to Irish Sport Horse Genetic Testing Unit Ltd; Road Service: Bridge Assessment and Strengthening Programme—A Progress Report; and Health and Personal Social Services: Executive Directors' and Senior Managers' Pay [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 396] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

4Competition Commission,—Report by the Competition Commission on the merger situation between Vivendi SA and British Sky Broadcasting Group plc [by Command] [Cm. 4691] [Mr Secretary Byers].

5Development of Tourism,—Statement of the salaries payable to the Chairman and members of the Board of the British Tourist Authority [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

6Government Trading Funds,—Report and Accounts of the Buying Agency for 1999, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 405] [Clerk of the House].

7Modernising Government,—Paper, entitled Modernising Government in Action: Realising the Benefits of Y2K [by Command] [Cm. 4703] [Margaret Beckett].

8Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Health on the Petition [10th January] from Simon Dolby of the East Kent Gazette and Irene Stock calling for greater protection for the elderly from untrained or unsuitable care workers [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

9Regulatory Reform,—Paper, entitled Publication of the draft Regulatory Reform Bill, with the Government's response to the consultation exercise on proposed amendments to section 5 of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 [by Command] [Cm. 4713] [Marjorie Mowlam].

10Treasury Executive Agencies,—National Savings Product Accounts for 1998–99, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 418] [Miss Melanie Johnson].

APPENDIX II

Reports from Select Committees

1Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Cultural Property: Return and Illicit Trade]; to be printed [No. 371-iii] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].

2Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Travelling Fairs; The Planning Inspectorate and Public Inquiries]; to be printed [Nos. 284-iii and 364-iv]; and

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(2) Memoranda laid before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Committee [UK Biodiversity]; to be printed [No. 441-II]

[Mr Andrew F. Bennett].

3Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee [Environmental Audit and Accountability]; to be printed [No. 444-i] [Mr John Horam].

4Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Zimbabwe]; to be printed [No. 447-i] [Mr Donald Anderson].

5Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [The Future of the Public Trust Office], together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 445-i] [Mr Robin Corbett].

6Statutory Instruments,—Seventeenth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 47-xvii] [Mr David Tredinnick].

7Treasury,—(1) Second Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the Second Report from the Committee, on HM Customs and Excise]; to be printed [No. 442]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Banking]; to be printed [No. 443-i]

[Mr Giles Radice].


[No. 86; WH, No. 51.]

Tuesday 18th April 2000.

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

The sitting commenced at Ten o'clock.

Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Robert Ainsworth.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 12.59 p.m.


[No. 87.]

Wednesday 19th April 2000.

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

PRAYERS.

1City 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 3rd May.

2Recycled Content of Newsprint Bill,—Mr Bill O'Brien reported from Standing Committee C, That it had gone through the Recycled Content of Newsprint Bill, and made an Amendment thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered upon Friday 5th May; and to be printed [Bill 118].

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 448].

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3School Admissions (Amendment) Bill,—Mr Paul Burstow, supported by Mr Tom Brake, Mr Edward Davey, Dr Jenny Tonge, Mr Simon Hughes and Dr Vincent Cable presented a Bill to amend the law relating to school admission arrangements for maintained schools to allow admission authorities to give precedence to pupils seeking admission who live within the area of the local education authority; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time, and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 5th May and to be printed [Bill 116].

4Concessionary Parking Scheme (Extension),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require local authorities to extend concessionary parking arrangements available to disabled people to health and social services professionals on duty: And that Mr Christopher Fraser, Mr Ian Taylor, Miss Julie Kirkbride, Mr Andrew Robathan, Mr Howard Flight, Mr Anthony Steen, Mr David Prior, Mr Andrew Tyrie, Mr Desmond Swayne, Dr Julian Lewis and Mr John Bercow do prepare and bring it in.

5Concessionary Parking Scheme (Extension) Bill,—Mr Christopher Fraser accordingly presented a Bill to require local authorities to extend concessionary parking arrangements available to disabled people to health and social services professionals on duty: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 12th May and to be printed [Bill 117].

6Utilities Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for consideration of the Utilities Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee;

A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be re-committed to the former Committee—(Mrs Angela Browning);

And the Motion 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. 74 (Re-committal of bill).

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Keith Simpson: 137.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Tony McNulty, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 282.

So the Question was negatived.

The House accordingly proceeded to consider the Bill.

A Clause (Interpretation)—(Mrs Helen Liddell)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Sources of electricity generation)—(Mr Nick Gibb)—brought up and read the first time.

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

Amendment (No. 22) proposed to the Bill, in page 6, line 15, to leave out the words ‘wherever appropriate'.—(Mr Nick Gibb.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made;

And it being Seven o'clock, and there being Private Business set down by direction of the Chairman of Ways and Means under Standing Order No. 20 (Time for taking private business), further proceedings stood postponed, but no Motion being made for the Second Reading of the Mersey Tunnels Bill, the House again proceeded to consider the Utilities Bill.

Question again proposed, That the Amendment (No. 22) be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Amendment (No. 24) proposed to the Bill, in page 8, line 2, after the word ‘Parliament', to insert the words ‘together with an impact assessment of the extent to which any additional costs incurred by the Authority, Council or licence holders consequent on implementing the guidance will be passed on to consumers.', instead thereof.—(Mr Nick Gibb.)

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

Amendments (Nos. 1 and 2) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 28) proposed to the Bill, in page 48, line 36, at the end, to insert the words—

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‘(c) to facilitate the development of embedded generation;

(d) to support the achievement of the Government's national renewable energy targets by facilitating small-scale renewable generation through net metering.'.—(Mr Andrew Stunell.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Heath, Dr Jenny Tonge: 31.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Mr Tony McNulty: 261.

Another Amendment (No. 26) proposed to the Bill, in page 54, line 46, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(9) No penalty fixed by the Authority under this section may exceed 5 per cent. of the turnover of the licence holder (determined in accordance with such provisions as may be specified in an order made by the Secretary of State).'.—(Mr Nick Gibb.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 3) proposed to the Bill, in page 60, to leave out lines 37 to 40.—(Mr Greg Pope.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Mrs Anne McGuire: 260.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr David Heath: 30.

Another Amendment (No. 4) made to the Bill.

Ordered, That Clause No. 107 be transferred to the end of line 29 on page 76.—(Mr Greg Pope.)

Another Amendment (No. 6) made to the Bill.

Ordered, That Clause No. 108 be transferred to the end of line 7 on page 36.—(Mr Greg Pope.)

Other Amendments (Nos. 8 to 10) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 39) proposed to the Bill, in page 117, line 28, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(2A) The Council shall maintain staff in each region for which there is a Government Office for the Regions.'.—(Mr Jim Cousins.)

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

Other Amendments (Nos. 11 to 21) made to the Bill.

Title accordingly amended, as follows: A Bill to provide for the establishment and functions of the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority, and the Gas and Electricity Consumer Council; to amend the legislation regulating the gas and electricity industries; and for connected purposes.

The Bill was read the third time and passed.

7Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from residents of Shropshire and Mid Wales for fair and equitable access to infertility treatment was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

8Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mrs Anne McGuire.)

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

[Adjourned at 9.49 p.m.


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APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1London Government,—Draft Greater London Authority (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Education,—(1) Education (Student Support) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1120), and

(2) Education (Student Support) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1121),

dated 18th April 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

3Family Law,—Divorce etc. (Pensions) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1123), dated 14th April 2000 [by Act] [Mr David Lock].

4Gas,—Gas Act 1986 (General Restrictions on Disclosure of Information) (Modification) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1122), dated 18th April 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

5Income Tax,—(1) Retirement Benefits Schemes (Restriction on Discretion to Approve) (Additional Voluntary Contributions) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1088),

(2) Retirement Benefits Schemes (Restriction on Discretion to Approve) (Excepted Provisions) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1087),

(3) Retirement Benefits Schemes (Restriction on Discretion to Approve) (Small Self-administered Schemes) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1086), and

(4) Retirement Benefits Schemes (Sharing of Pensions on Divorce or Annulment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1085),

dated 14th April 2000 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson].

6Legal Profession,—European Communities (Lawyer's Practice) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1119), dated 8th April 2000 [by Act] [Mr David Lock].

7London Government,—(1) Greater London Authority Act 1999 (Commencement No. 6 and Preliminary Arrangements for the Metropolitan Police Authority) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1095), dated 16th April 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw]; and

(2) Woolwich Ferry Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1044), dated 12th April 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

8Pensions,—(1) Divorce etc. (Notification and Treatment of Pensions) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1050),

(2) Pension Sharing (Implementation and Discharge of Liability) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1053),

(3) Pension Sharing (Pension Credit Benefit) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1054),

(4) Pension Sharing (Safeguarded Rights) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1055),

(5) Pension Sharing (Valuation) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1052),

(6) Pensions on Divorce etc. (Charging) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1049),

(7) Pensions on Divorce etc. (Pension Sharing) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1051), and

(8) Pensions on Divorce etc. (Provision of Information) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1048),

dated 13th April 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

9Sea Fisheries,—Sea Fishing (Enforcement of Community Conservation Measures) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1081), dated 14th April 2000 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

10Social Security,—(1) Income-related Benefits (Subsidy to Authorities) Amendment Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No.1091), and

(2) Social Security (National Insurance Number Information: Exemption) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1082),

dated 17th April 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Other Papers:

11Cabinet Office Executive Agencies,—Reports and Accounts of—

(1) The Occupational Health and Safety Agency for 1st April–18th September 1996, and

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(2) Recruitment and Assessment Services for 1st April–30th September 1996

with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 249 and 250] [Marjorie Mowlam].

12Environment, Transport and the Regions,—Government Response to the Third Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee on The Proposed Public-Private Partnership for National Air Traffic Services Limited [by Command] [Cm. 4702] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

13National Audit,—Reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General on—

(1) Financial Management of the European Union, and

(2) Managing reductions in the number of vacant family quarters

[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 437 and 435] [Clerk of the House].

14Ombudsman (Northern Ireland),—Report of the Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints for 1999–2000 [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 436] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Local Government Bill [Lords]:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee A, and has appointed Mrs Ray Michie and Mr Bill O'Brien Chairmen; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated twenty Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Hilary Armstrong, Mr Peter Atkinson, Sir Paul Beresford, Mr David Curry, Mrs Janet Dean, Mr Don Foster, Mr Patrick Hall, Mr David Hanson, Ms Beverley Hughes, Mr Brian Jenkins, Ms Sally Keeble, Mr Tim Loughton, Ms Margaret Moran, Ms Julie Morgan, Mr Adrian Sanders, Mr Phil Sawford, Mr Neil Turner, Mr Stephen Twigg and Mr Nigel Waterson.

2Finance Bill (except Clauses 1, 12, 30, 31, 59, 102 and 113):

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee H, and has appointed Mr Frank Cook and Dr Michael Clark Chairmen; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated thirty-eight Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Graham Allen, Norman Baker, Mr Harold Best, Mr John Burnett, Mr Roger Casale, Mr Ian Cawsey, Mr Michael Clapham, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Tony Colman, Mr Edward Davey, Mr Stephen Dorrell, Mr David Faber, Mr Howard Flight, Mr Barry Gardiner, Mr John Healey, Mr David Heathcoat-Amory, Mr Michael Jack, Miss Melanie Johnson, Mr Fraser Kemp, Mrs Jackie Lawrence, Mr Christopher Leslie, Mr Oliver Letwin, Judy Mallaber, Kali Mountford, Mr Richard Ottaway, Dr Nick Palmer, Mr Chris Pond, Dawn Primarolo, Mr Bill Rammell, Joan Ryan, Mr Nick St. Aubyn, Mr Keith Simpson, Mr Andrew Smith, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Stephen Timms, Mr Bill Tynan, Mr Andrew Tyrie and Ms Rosie Winterton.

3Draft Development Commission (Dissolution) Order 2000:

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Ian Bruce, Mr John Burnett, Mr Denzil Davies, Mr Damian Green, Mr Nigel Griffiths, Mr John McDonnell, Mr Chris Mullin, Mr Lembit Opik, Mr Geoffrey Robinson, Mr Terry Rooney, Mr John Smith, Mr Peter Snape, Dr Gavin Strang and Mr David Wilshire.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Defence,—(1) Sixth Report from the Defence Committee [The MoD Chief Scientific Adviser], 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. 318];

(2) Seventh Report from the Committee [Gulf Veterans' Illnesses], 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. 125];

(3) Eighth Report from the Committee [European Security and Defence], 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. 264];

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(4) Seventh Special Report from the Committee [Government Observations on the Second Report of the Committee: Ministry of Defence Annual Reporting Cycle]; to be printed [No. 452];

(5) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Iraqi No Fly Zones]; to be printed [No. 453-i]; and

(6) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on 29th March [Lessons of Kosovo]; to be printed [No. 347-iii]

[Mr Bruce George].

2Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Proposed Urban White Paper]; to be printed [No. 185-vii] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Committee [Road Safety]; to be printed [No. 449-i] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

3European Scrutiny,—Fifteenth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 23-xv] [Mr Jimmy Hood].

4International Development,—Fifth Report from the International Development Committee [Mozambique], 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. 326] [Mr Bowen Wells].

5Northern Ireland Affairs,—(1) Third Report from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [The Northern Ireland Office 2000 Departmental Report]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 450]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Public Expenditure—Inward Investment in Northern Ireland]; to be printed [No. 198-vi]

[Mr Peter Brooke].

6Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration [The Report of the Commissioner for Public Appointments on Public Appointments to NHS Trusts and Health Authorities]; to be printed [No. 410-ii] [Dr Tony Wright].

7Science and Technology,—First Special Report from the Science and Technology Committee [Government Response to the Second Report from the Committee on Engineering and Physical Sciences Based Innovation]; to be printed [No. 451] [Dr Michael Clark].


[No. 87; WH, No. 52.]

Wednesday 19th April 2000.

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

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

Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mrs Anne McGuire.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 2nd May.

[Adjourned at 1.59 p.m.


[No. 88.]

Thursday 20th April 2000.

The House met at half-past Nine o'clock, pursuant to Order [23rd March].

PRAYERS.

1Mersey Tunnels Bill,—Ordered, That the Mersey Tunnels Bill be read a second time on Thursday 4th May.

2Contingencies Fund 1998–99,—Ordered, That there be laid before this House Accounts of the Contingencies Fund, 1998–99, showing—

(1) the receipts and payments in connection with the Fund in the year ended the 31st day of March 1999.

(2) the distribution of the capital of the Fund at the commencement and close of the year; with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon—(Mr Don Touhig.)

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3School Crossings (Amendment) Bill,—Ordered, That the School Crossings (Amendment) Bill be read a second time on Friday 9th June.

4Adjournment,—A Motion was made, pursuant to Order [23rd March], That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Don Touhig);

And the Question being proposed;

And it being Eleven o'clock, the Speaker interrupted the proceedings to permit a Ministerial statement to be made;

And the Question being again proposed;

And it being half-past Twelve o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.

5Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from people in London for aid to be directed to education for child labourers was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

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

And it being One o'clock, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House, without Question put, till Tuesday 2nd May, pursuant to Orders [1st and 23rd March].

[Adjourned at 1 p.m.


APPENDIX

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Civil Aviation,—Air Navigation (Cosmic Radiation) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1104), dated 19th April 2000 [by Act] [Margaret Beckett].

2Education,—Education (National Curriculum) (Exceptions at Key Stage 4) (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1140), dated 19th April 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

Other Papers:

3Contingencies Fund, 1998–99,—Accounts of the Contingencies Fund for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [pursuant to Order this day]; to be printed [No. 438] [Mr Stephen Timms].

4Treaty Series (No. 42, 2000),—Exchange of Notes, done at London on 31st January 2000, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Italian Republic extending the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters to the Isle of Man [by Command] [Cm. 4684] [Mr Secretary Cook].

5Treaty Series (No. 43, 2000),—Partnership and Co-operation Agreement, done at Luxembourg on 22nd April 1996, between the European Communities and their Member States of the one part, and Georgia of the other part, with Final Act [by Command] [Cm. 4685] [Mr Secretary Cook].

6United Nations,—United Nations (Sanctions) (Amendment) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1106) dated 19th April 2000 [by Act] [Margaret Beckett].



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