Session 1999-2000

Commons Journal 256

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Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II


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Page 408            1999-2000      Volume 256      

[No. 107.]

Monday 5th June 2000.

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

PRAYERS.

1Financial Services and Markets Bill (Supplemental Allocation of Time),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the Order of the House [9th February] be supplemented as follows:

Lords Amendments

1. Proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments shall be completed at today's sitting and, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at Eleven o'clock.

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

(2) The Speaker shall first put forthwith any Question which has already been 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 with the Lords in the Amendment or (as the case may be) in the 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 with the Lords in the Amendment or (as the case may be) in the 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 with the Lords in a Lords Amendment.

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

(7) As soon as the House has agreed or disagreed with the Lords in any of their Amendments, or disposed of an Amendment relevant to a Lords Amendment which has been disagreed to, the Speaker shall put forthwith a single Question on any Amendments moved by a Minister of the Crown relevant to the Lords Amendment.

Subsequent Stages

3.—(1) The Speaker shall put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for the consideration forthwith of any further Message from the Lords on the Bill.

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

(3) Sub-paragraphs (4) to (7) apply for the purpose of bringing those proceedings to a conclusion.

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

(5) 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.

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

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

Reasons Committee

4. 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.

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

(2) Proceedings in the Committee shall, if not previously brought to a conclusion, be brought to a conclusion 30 minutes after their commencement.

(3) For the purpose of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with sub-paragraph (2) the Chairman shall—

(a) first put forthwith any Question which has already been proposed from the Chair and has not yet been decided; and

(b) then put forthwith successively Questions on motions which may be made by a Minister of the Crown for assigning a Reason for disagreeing with the Lords in any of their Amendments.

(4) The proceedings of the Committee shall be reported without any further Question being put.

Miscellaneous

6. If the House is adjourned, or the sitting is suspended, before the expiry of the period at the end of 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.

7.—(1) In this paragraph “the proceedings” means proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments, on any further Message from the Lords on the Bill, on the appointment and quorum of a Committee to draw up Reasons and the Report of such a Committee.

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

(3) The proceedings shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House.

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

8. If proceedings on a Motion for the Adjournment of the House would, by virtue of Standing Order No. 24 (Adjournment on specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration), commence at a time when proceedings to which paragraph 7 applies are in progress, proceedings on the Motion shall be postponed to the conclusion of those proceedings—(Miss Melanie Johnson);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Clelland, Mr Kevin Hughes: 244.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 126.

So the Question was agreed to.

2Financial Services and Markets Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Financial Services and Markets Bill.

Lords Amendments Nos. 1 and 2 were agreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 3.

An Amendment was proposed to the Lords Amendment, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘to' to the end of the Lords Amendment, and to insert the words ‘all relevant generally accepted principles of good corporate governance and in discharging its functions the Authority must act in a way which is fair, reasonable, open and proportionate'.—(Mr David Heathcoat-Amory.)

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

The Lords Amendment was agreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 4 and 5 were agreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 6.

An Amendment was proposed to the Lords Amendment, in line 8, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(4) The Authority's statement must be published in such manner as the Authority considers appropriate.'.—(Mr Howard Flight.)

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

The Lords Amendment was agreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 7 to 58 were agreed to.

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Lords Amendment No. 59.

An Amendment was proposed to the Lords Amendment, in line 30, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(10) Subsections (6) and (9) and section 383(1) do not apply if the exercise of the Authority's power under section 40(7)(a) is made at the request of the applicant.'.—(Mr Howard Flight.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made to the Lords Amendment.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 141.

Tellers for the Noes, Jim Dowd, Mrs Anne McGuire: 250.

So the Question was negatived.

The Lords Amendment was agreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 60 to 130 were agreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 131.

An Amendment was proposed to the Lords Amendment, in line 9, after the word ‘subsection' to insert the words ‘; or—

(c) he did not intend to give anyone a false or misleading impression falling within section 109(2)(b) and in engaging in the relevant behaviour he was not reckless as to whether he might give anyone that false or misleading impression; or

(d) where the relevant behaviour fell within section 109(2)(b) and was engaged in by a person other than an individual, the impression given by his behaviour was misleading only because of information which the individual who engaged in that behaviour on his behalf did not know about and that individual was an individual to whom subsection ( ) applies.

( ) This subsection applies to an individual if the information was withheld from him in circumstances permitted by control of information rules and he was not directly or indirectly required to engage in that behaviour by a person who did know the information.'.—(Mr David Heathcoat-Amory.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made to the Lords Amendment.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Peter Luff: 112.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Greg Pope, Mr Mike Hall: 301.

So the Question was negatived.

The Lords Amendment was agreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 132 to 179 were agreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 180.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Miss Melanie Johnson);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Mike Hall: 304.

Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Peter Luff: 110.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.

An Amendment ((a)) was proposed to the Bill, in lieu of Lords Amendment No. 180 disagreed to.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Graham Allen: 302.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Peter Luff: 110.

So the Question was agreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 181 and 182 were agreed to.

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Lords Amendment No. 183.

An Amendment was proposed to the Lords Amendment, in line 9, after the word ‘position', to insert the words ‘, or of prejudicing the competitive position of the United Kingdom,'.—(Mr David Heathcoat-Amory.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made to the Lords Amendment.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 129.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Graham Allen: 283.

So the Question was negatived.

The Lords Amendment was agreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 184 to 269 were agreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 270.

An Amendment ((a)) was proposed to the Lords Amendment, in line 12, to leave out from the word ‘would' to the word ‘his' in line 14, and to insert the words ‘at the time he decides to participate in the scheme—

(a) expect that he would be able to realise within a reasonable period (otherwise than on a liquidation or default of BC or a default of the investor)'.—(Mr Howard Flight.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment to the Lords Amendment be made:

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Lords Amendments Nos. 271 to 588 agreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 589.

An Amendment was made to the Lords Amendment.

The Lords Amendment, so amended, was agreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 590 and 591 were agreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 592.

A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House agrees with the Lords in their Amendment;

And it being Eleven o'clock, the Deputy Speaker put the Question already proposed from the Chair, pursuant to Order [this day].

The Lords Amendment was agreed to.

The Deputy Speaker then put forthwith the Question, That this House agrees with the Lords in all the remaining Lords Amendments.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Clive Betts: 287.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr John Randall: 114.

So the Question was agreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 593 to 675 were accordingly agreed to.

3Section 5 of the European Communities (Amendment) Act 1993,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Order [11th May] and Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That this House takes note with approval of the Government's assessment as set out in Financial Statement and Budget Report 2000–01 and the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report 2000–01 for the purposes of section 5 of the European Communities (Amendment) Act 1993—(Mr David Clelland):—It was agreed to.

4Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr David Clelland.)

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

[Adjourned at 11.40 p.m.


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APPENDIX I

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

Thursday 1st June 2000

1Miscellaneous (No. 13, 2000),—Sixth Protocol to the General Agreement on Privileges and Immunities of the Council of Europe, opened for signature at Strasbourg on 5th March 1996, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Cm. 4727] [Mr Secretary Cook].

2Miscellaneous (No. 14, 2000),—European Agreement relating to Persons Participating in Proceedings of the European Court of Human Rights, opened for signature at Strasbourg on 5th March 1996, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Cm. 4728] [Mr Secretary Cook].

3Treaty Series (No. 59, 2000),—Exchange of Notes, done at Colombo on 10th March and 12th April 1999, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Sri Lanka amending the Air Services Agreement, signed at Colombo on 22nd April 1988 [Cm. 4719] [Mr Secretary Cook].

4Treaty Series (No. 60, 2000),—Agreement, done at London on 8th March 2000, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden on the Reciprocal Holding of Stocks of Crude Oil and/or Petroleum Products [Cm. 4720] [Mr Secretary Cook].

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

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

Friday 26th May 2000

5Education,—(1) Education (Mandatory Awards) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1425), dated 25th May 2000, and

(2) Education (Student Support) (European Institutions) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1407), dated 23rd May 2000.

[Mr Secretary Blunkett].

6Justices of the Peace,—Commission Areas (Thames Valley) Order 2000 (S.I. 2000, No. 1429), dated 22nd May 2000 [Mr David Lock].

Wednesday 31st May 2000

7Pensions,—Local Government (Early Termination of Employment) Discretionary Compensation) (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000, No. 1410), dated 24th May 2000 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

8Public Passenger Transport,—Public Service Vehicles (Conditions of Fitness, Equipment, Use and Certification) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000, No. 1431), dated 25th May 2000 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

9Road Traffic,—(1) Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1433), dated 25th May 2000,

(2) Motor Vehicles (Tests) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1432), dated 25th May 2000, and

(3) Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1434), dated 26th May 2000

[Mr Secretary Prescott].

Thursday 1st June 2000

10Disabled Persons,—Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Central Trains Class 170/5 and Class 170/6 Vehicles) Exemption Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1441), dated 31st May 2000 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Friday 2nd June 2000

11Education,—General Teaching Council for England (Constitution) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1447), dated 31st May 2000 [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

12Social Security,—Income Support (General) and Jobseeker's Allowance Amendment Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1444), dated 1st June 2000 [Mr Secretary Darling].

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13Terms and Conditions of Employment,—Employment Code of Practice (Access to Workers during Recognition and Derecognition Ballots) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1443), dated 26th May 2000 [Mr Secretary Byers].

Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 5th June 2000:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

14Contracts,—Draft Contracts (Applicable Law) Act 1990 (Amendment) Order 2000 [by Act] [Mr David Lock].

15Judgments,—Draft Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982 (Amendment) Order 2000 [by Act] [Mr David Lock].

16Northern Ireland,—(1) Northern Ireland Act 2000 (Modification) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1446), and

(2) Northern Ireland Act 2000 (Restoration of Devolved Government) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1445),

dated 27th May 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

17Family Law,—Divorce etc. (Pensions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (S.R. (N.I.), 2000, No. 210), dated 27th May 2000 [by Statutory Instrument] [Mr David Lock].

18Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,—Statute, dated 11th January 2000, made by the University of Cambridge, amending the Statutes of the University [by Act] [Margaret Beckett].

Other Papers:

19Criminal Appeal,—Accounts of the Criminal Cases Review Commission for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 544] [Clerk of the House].

20Defence,—Paper, entitled Kosovo: Lessons from the Crisis [by Command] [Cm. 4724] [Mr Secretary Hoon].

21Employment Relations,—Report of the Central Arbitration Committee for 1st January 1999 to 31st March 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

22National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Kosovo: The Financial Management of Military Operations [by Act]; to be printed [No. 530] [Clerk of the House].

23Reserve Forces,—Regulations, dated 17th May 2000, amending the Territorial Army Regulations 1978 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon].

24School Standards and Framework,—Account of the Kingston upon Hull Education Action Zone for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 545] [Clerk of the House].

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-vii] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].

2Foreign Affairs,—Memoranda laid before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Gibraltar] [Mr Donald Anderson].

3Health,—(1) Second Report from the Health Committee [The Tobacco Industry And The Health Risks of Smoking], 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. 27]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [The Tobacco Industry And The Health Risks of Smoking]

[Mr David Hinchliffe].


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[No. 108.]

Tuesday 6th June 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 13th June.

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 13th June.

3Railtrack (Waverley Station) Order Confirmation Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Railtrack (Waverley Station) Order Confirmation Bill.

Bill to be read the third time to-morrow.

4Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate Bill [Lords],—Mr Bill Olner reported from Standing Committee B, That it had gone through the Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate Bill [Lords], and made an Amendment thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 552].

5Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) (No. 2) Bill,—Mr John Maxton reported from Standing Committee D, That it had gone through the Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) (No. 2) Bill; and directed him 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. 555].

6Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill,—Mr Jonathan Sayeed reported from Standing Committee E, That it had gone through the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill, and directed him 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. 553].

7Learning and Skills Bill [Lords],—Mr Joe Benton reported from Standing Committee F, That it had gone through the Learning and Skills Bill [Lords], and made Amendments thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 136].

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 554].

8Welsh Grand Committee,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 107 (Welsh Grand Committee (matters relating exclusively to Wales)), That the matter of Social Exclusion in Wales be referred to the Welsh Grand Committee for its consideration—(Mr Gerry Sutcliffe):—It was agreed to.

9Taxation (Right to Know),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require the Treasury to send to each household and business an annual statement of the rates of each tax and excise duty; and for connected purposes: And that Mr John Bercow, Mr Graham Brady, Mr David Davis, Mr Alan Duncan, Mr Michael Fallon, Mr Nick Hawkins, Miss Julie Kirkbride, Dr Julian Lewis, Miss Anne McIntosh, Mr Owen Paterson, Mr David Prior and Mr David Ruffley do prepare and bring it in.

10Taxation (Right to Know) Bill,—Mr John Bercow accordingly presented a Bill to require the Treasury to send to each household and business an annual statement of the rates of each tax and excise duty; and for connected 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 137].

11Police (Northern Ireland) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill;

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

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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 the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill a Second Reading as it fails to preserve the proud title and insignia of the Royal Ulster Constabulary; enables the political representatives of paramilitary organisations to sit on the Policing Board and District Policing Partnerships without a start to the decommissioning of illegally-held arms and explosives; provides inadequate safeguards against people convicted of terrorist offences serving on the Policing Board or the District Policing Partnerships; and threatens significantly to increase the politicisation of policing in Northern Ireland', instead thereof.—(Mr Andrew MacKay.)

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Peter Atkinson: 142.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Tony McNulty, 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);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Tony McNulty, Mr David Jamieson: 329.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr William Ross, Mr Roy Beggs: 14.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

12Police (Northern Ireland) Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Police (Northern Ireland) Bill [Money];

A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—

(a) any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State under the Act; and

(b) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable out of money so provided under any other enactment—(Mr Kevin Hughes):—It was agreed to.

13Welsh Grand Committee,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 108 (Welsh Grand Committee (sittings)), That the Welsh Grand Committee shall meet on Tuesday 20th June at half-past Ten o'clock and between Four o'clock and Six o'clock at Westminster to take questions under Standing Order No. 103 (Welsh Grand Committee (questions for oral answer)), and to consider the matter of Social Exclusion in Wales, under Standing Order No. 107 (Welsh Grand Committee (matters relating exclusively to Wales))—(Mr Kevin Hughes):—It was agreed to.

14International Development,—Ordered, That Mr Tony Colman be added to the International Development Committee.—(Mr John McWilliam, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

15Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from residents of Plymouth and the South West supporting the development of the Langage Energy Park was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

16Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Kevin Hughes.)

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

[Adjourned at 10.57 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Census,—Census Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1473), dated 5th June 2000 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson].

2Criminal Law,—Burma (Freezing of Funds) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1472), dated 5th June 2000 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson].

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3Environmental Protection,—Sulphur Content of Liquid Fuels (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1460), dated 5th June 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

4Health and Safety (Northern Ireland),—Transport of Explosives (Safety Advisers) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (S.R.(N.I.), 2000, No. 171), dated 10th May 2000 [by Statutory Instrument] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

5Road Traffic,—(1) International Transport of Goods under Cover of TIR Carnets (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1464), and

(2) Passenger and Goods Vehicles (Recording Equipment) (Approval of Fitters and Workshops) (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1465),

dated 5th June 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Papers subject to Special Parliamentary Procedure:

6Pipe-Lines,—Devil's Dyke Brighton and Hove Compulsory Rights Order 2000, dated 14th May 2000, together with a Certificate by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under section 2 of the Statutory Orders (Special Procedure) Act 1945 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

Other Papers:

7Culture, Media and Sport,—Department for Culture, Media and Sport Minute concerning the proposed gifting of the Natural History Museum, South Kensington, to the Board of Trustees of the Natural History Museum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith].

8Erskine Bridge Tolls,—Accounts of the Scottish Office Development Department: Erskine Bridge for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 547] [Clerk of the House].

9Statutory Instruments (Notification),—Communication declaring that the undermentioned Statutory Instruments had come into operation before copies were laid before Parliament and explaining why such copies had not been so laid before the Instruments came into operation:

Northern Ireland Act 2000 (Modification) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1446), and

Northern Ireland Act 2000 (Restoration of Devolved Government) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1445)

[by Standing Order] [The Speaker].

10Supreme Court of England and Wales,—Civil Courts (Amendment) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1482), dated 6th June 2000 [by Act] [Mr David Lock].

11Treaty Series (No. 61, 2000),—Euro-Mediterranean Agreement, done at Brussels on 26th February 1996, establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, on the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part, with Final Act [by Command] [Cm. 4725] [Mr Secretary Cook].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

Education (Student Support) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1120) and the Education (Student Support) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1121),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr James Clappison from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Tim Boswell.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [UK Biodiversity]; to be printed [No. 441-iii] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].

2Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry Committees meeting concurrently, pursuant to paragraph (4)(e) of Standing Order No. 152 (Select committees related to government departments) [The Work of British Trade International]; to be printed [No. 550-i] [Mr Martin O'Neill].

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3Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [Social Exclusion in Wales]; to be printed [No. 365-vii] [Mr Martyn Jones].


[No. 108; WH, No. 64.]

Tuesday 6th June 2000.

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

The sitting commenced at Ten o'clock.

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

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

[Adjourned at 1 p.m.


[No. 109.]

Wednesday 7th June 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 14th June.

2Railtrack (Waverley Station) Order Confirmation Bill,—The Railtrack (Waverley Station) Order Confirmation Bill was read the third time, and passed.

3Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr John Cummings reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Social Security and Child Support (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2000.

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

4Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Andrew Welsh reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Local Authority (Stocks and Bonds) (Amendment) Regulations 2000, and the draft Uncertificated Securities (Amendment) Regulations 2000.

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

5Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Amendment),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 with regard to the status of the father of a child conceived posthumously: And that Ms Debra Shipley, Mrs Llin Golding, Mr Simon Burns, Jackie Ballard, Barbara Follett, Mr Geraint Davies, Mrs Joan Humble, Mr Jim Cunningham, Mr Laurence Robertson, Dr Jenny Tonge and Christine Russell do prepare and bring it in.

6Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Amendment) Bill,—Ms Debra Shipley accordingly presented a Bill to amend the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 with regard to the status of the father of a child conceived posthumously: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 9th June and to be printed [Bill 138].

7Opposition Day [12th allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the leader of the second largest opposition party in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider Opposition business.

Equal opportunities in Britain,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House believes that the Chancellor of the Exchequer was being simplistic and divisive in attacking the admissions procedure of Oxford University on the basis of a single, individual case; regrets the lack of action by the Government to promote freedom and opportunity for all the people of the United Kingdom; and calls on the Government to match its rhetoric with action, by removing government obstacles to the less well-off entering university, significantly increasing investment in education, taking those on low incomes out of income tax, tackling pensioner poverty, improving the

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quality of healthcare for all, and ensuring access to basic services in both rural and urban communities.—(Mr Charles Kennedy.)

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 ‘believes that true opportunity for all requires that access to higher education should be based on merit not background; welcomes the measures the Government has implemented to widen access as part of the record increase in education spending of 8 per cent. in real terms in this year alone; and welcomes the many initiatives taken to help those in society whose needs are greatest, including an extra £950 a year for older pensioners on low incomes and a record increase in NHS spending of an extra £2 billion this year, plus 6.1 per cent. average growth year on year until 2004', instead thereof—(Mr Malcolm Wicks);

And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Tom Brake: 41.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 249.

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 believes that true opportunity for all requires that access to higher education should be based on merit not background; welcomes the measures the Government has implemented to widen access as part of the record increase in education spending of 8 per cent. in real terms in this year alone; and welcomes the many initiatives taken to help those in society whose needs are greatest, including an extra £950 a year for older pensioners on low incomes and a record increase in NHS spending of an extra £2 billion this year, plus 6.1 per cent. average growth year on year until 2004.

Britain's Strategic Interests,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House believes that the strategic interests of the United Kingdom will best be served by collective action through the United Nations, NATO, the Commonwealth, the European Security and Defence Identity and similar political, economic and military institutions and initiatives; is concerned that the opportunities for a reduction in nuclear weapons have been prejudiced by the refusal of the United States Senate to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and by the proposal that the United States should deploy a system of National Missile Defence, if necessary in breach of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty; welcomes the ‘unequivocal' declaration of the five permanent members of the Security Council that they will seek to eliminate all nuclear weapons in fulfilment of their obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; calls upon Her Majesty's Government to state, first, what its policy is towards the United States proposal for National Missile Defence and, secondly, what steps it proposes to take to fulfil its pledge to seek to eliminate nuclear weapons; congratulates the armed forces of the Crown on their successful military campaigns in Kosovo and Sierra Leone but expresses disappointment that in the latter case Her Majesty's Government has chosen to deploy UK forces independently of the United Nations peacekeeping force and not as part of it and thereby failed to strengthen the UN effort and to enhance its credibility; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government to publish the policy criteria by which it determines that there is a need for intervention—(Mr Menzies Campbell);

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 ‘believes that the strategic interests of the United Kingdom are normally best served through collective action through the United Nations, NATO, the Commonwealth, the European Security and Defence Identity, and similar political, economic and military institutions and initiatives, and with allies, but that the United Kingdom should reserve the right to act independently where absolutely necessary; notes that the United States has not yet taken a decision to deploy a National Missile Defence, and that Her Majesty's Government has made clear, both to the US and to Russia, that it wishes to see the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, and strategic stability, preserved; welcomes Her Majesty's Government's intention to pursue its pledge to seek to eliminate nuclear weapons through bilateral and multilateral negotiations, including through the Non-Proliferation Treaty machinery; and recalls that a principal aim of the deployment of British forces to Sierra Leone was to allow the deployment of additional UN forces, which is now well under way, and to support the UN effort there, and as such has been welcomed by the UN Secretary General', instead thereof.—(Mr Peter Hain.)

Question put, That the original words stand part of the Question.

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The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Bob Russell, Mr Andrew Stunell: 40.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Tony McNulty, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe: 229.

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 Tony McNulty, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe: 209.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Andrew Stunell, Bob Russell: 41.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.

Resolved, That this House believes that the strategic interests of the United Kingdom are normally best served through collective action through the United Nations, NATO, the Commonwealth, the European Security and Defence Identity, and similar political, economic and military institutions and initiatives, and with allies, but that the United Kingdom should reserve the right to act independently where absolutely necessary; notes that the United States has not yet taken a decision to deploy a National Missile Defence, and that Her Majesty's Government has made clear, both to the US and to Russia, that it wishes to see the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, and strategic stability, preserved; welcomes Her Majesty's Government's intention to pursue its pledge to seek to eliminate nuclear weapons through bilateral and multilateral negotiations, including through the Non-Proliferation Treaty machinery; and recalls that a principal aim of the deployment of British forces to Sierra Leone was to allow the deployment of additional UN forces, which is now well under way, and to support the UN effort there, and as such has been welcomed by the UN Secretary General.

8Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Kevin Hughes);

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

[Adjourned at 10.52 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Education,—Education (Student Support) Regulations 2000 (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1490), dated 7th June 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

2Legal Aid, Advice and Assistance,—Legal Aid in Criminal Proceedings (Costs) (Amendment) Rules (Northern Ireland) 2000 (S.R.(N.I.), 2000, No. 212), dated 7th June 2000 [by Statutory Instrument] [Mr David Lock].

3London Government,—(1) London Transport Users' Committee (Transitional Provisions) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1484),

(2) Metropolitan Police (Capital Finance) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1474), and

(3) Regulation of Bus Services in Greater London (Transitional Provisions) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1462),

dated 5th June 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

4Road Traffic,—Motor Cycles (Eye Protectors) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1489), and

(2) Motor Cycles (Protective Helmets) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1488),

dated 6th June 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

5Trade Union and Labour Relations,—Draft Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures, proposed to be issued by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), and as approved by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to

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  section 200 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

Other Papers:

6Dentists,—Accounts of the General Dental Council for 1999 [by Act] [Margaret Beckett].

7Development of Tourism,—Statement of appointment and salary of Sue Lawley as a member of the English Tourism Council [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

8National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on The Gaming Board: Better Regulation [by Act]; to be printed [No. 537] [Clerk of the House].

9National Statistics,—Paper, entitled Framework for National Statistics [by Command] [Miss Melanie Johnson].

10Roads,—Report for 1999 under section 18 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Police (Northern Ireland) Bill:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee B, and has appointed Mr Edward O'Hara and Mr Humfrey Malins Chairmen; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated twenty Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Desmond Browne, Mr Keith Darvill, Jim Dowd, Mr Dominic Grieve, Mr George Howarth, Mr Andrew Hunter, Mr Adam Ingram, Helen Jackson, Mr Eddie McGrady, Mr Tony McWalter, Mr Ken Maginnis, Mr Seamus Mallon, Mr Lembit O­pik, Mr Stephen Pound, Mr Malcolm Savidge, Mr John M. Taylor, Mr Peter Temple-Morris, Mr William Thompson, Dr Jenny Tonge and Mr Shaun Woodward.

2Limited Liability Partnership Bill [Lords]:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee F, and has appointed Mr George Stevenson Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr John Burnett, Mr Brian Cotter, Mr David Crausby, Mr Jim Dobbin, Mr Michael Fabricant, Mr Nick Gibb, Dr Kim Howells, Mr Lindsay Hoyle, Helen Jones, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Dr Doug Naysmith, Mr Stephen O'Brien, Mr Greg Pope, Mr Alan Simpson, Mr Derek Twigg and Mr Brian White.

3Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 62) on Private Finance Initiative (House of Commons Paper No. 458):

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Report to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Bowen Wells Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas, Mr Edward Davey, Mr Don Foster, Mrs Llin Golding, Ms Harriet Harman, Ms Beverley Hughes, Ms Sally Keeble, Mr David Kidney, Mr Tim Loughton, Mr Denis Murphy, Sir Michael Spicer, Mr John Townend, Mr Jon Trickett and Mr Shaun Woodward.

4Draft Horticultural Development Council (Amendment) Order 2000:

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Tony Baldry, Mr Tom Brake, Mrs Helen Brinton, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Jim Cousins, Mrs Ann Cryer, Dr Ian Gibson, Mrs Teresa Gorman, Mr David Heath, Mr Brian Jenkins, Lynne Jones, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Alan Meale, Mr James Paice, Mr Gordon Prentice and Ms Joyce Quin.

5Draft Social Security and Child Support (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Jon Trickett and Mr Shaun Woodward from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Marsha Singh and Mr Ian Stewart.

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Grand Committees

6The Speaker has appointed Mr Barry Jones Chairman of the Welsh Grand Committee for its meetings on Tuesday 20th June.

European Standing Committees

7The Speaker has appointed Mrs Marion Roe Chairman of European Standing Committee B in respect of European Union Document No. 7828/00, the Commission's Recommendation for the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines for 2000.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Defence,—(1) Ninth Report from the Defence Committee [The Future of DERA], with the 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. 462]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The Lessons of Kosovo]; to be printed [No. 347-viii]

[Mr Bruce George].

2Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Employment Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee [Recruiting Unemployed People]; to be printed [No. 533-ii] [Mr Derek Foster].

3Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Air Service Agreements between the United Kingdom and the United States]; to be printed [No. 532-ii] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

4European Scrutiny,—Twentieth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 23-xx] [Mr Roger Casale].

5Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Feira European Council]; to be printed [No. 68-ii] [Mr Donald Anderson].

6Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Public Expenditure—Inward Investment in Northern Ireland]; to be printed [No. 198-viii] [Mr Peter Brooke].

7Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [Progress on Resource Accounting and Preparations for Resource Based Supply]; to be printed [No. 556-i] [Mr David Davis].

8Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration [Making Government Work]; to be printed [No. 238-iv] [Dr Tony Wright].

9Social Security,—(1) Fifth Report from the Social Security Committee [the Contributory Principle], 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. 56]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Housing Benefit]; to be printed [No. 385-vi]

[Mr Archy Kirkwood].


[No. 109; WH, No. 65.]

Wednesday 7th June 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.—(Mr Greg Pope.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 1.59 p.m.


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[No. 110.]

Thursday 8th June 2000.

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

PRAYERS.

1London Local Authorities Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for consideration of the London Local Authorities Bill [Lords], as amended in the Committee;

Ordered, That the Bill be considered on Thursday 15th June.

2Mersey Tunnels Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Mersey Tunnels Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday 15th June.

3Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Sir David Madel reported from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Education (Student Support) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1120) and the Education (Student Support) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1121).

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

4Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr George Stevenson reported from the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Northern Ireland (Emergency and Prevention of Terrorism Provisions) (Continuance) Order 2000.

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

5Control of Hedgerows in Residential Areas Bill,—The Order for reading the Control of Hedgerows in Residential Areas Bill a second time to-morrow was read and discharged.

Bill to be read a second time on Friday 21st July.

6Opposition Day [13th 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.

Pensions,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House believes that the Government's policy towards pensioners is patronising and confusing; recognises that pensioners want the dignity of receiving social security through their basic state pension as an entitlement and not through complicated special payments; urges therefore that the winter fuel payment, free TV licence, and the age addition, along with funds from abolishing the failed New Deal for Lone Parents and other savings, should all be put into a substantial increase in the basic state pension for 2001/2002 of £5.50 for a single pensioner under 75, £7 for a couple under 75, £7.50 for a single pensioner over 75, and £10 for a couple over 75, together with a commensurate increase in thresholds for benefits and tax allowances, so that the value of the increase is passed on to all pensioners, ensuring that they are better off than at present under this Government's muddled and incompetent policies—(Mr David Willetts);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘condemns the Opposition for making no commitment to the welfare of either today's or tomorrow's pensioners, opposing every step the Government has taken to help pensioners and producing proposals for next year's basic pension uprating which amount to bribing pensioners with money which is already theirs; recognises the legacy of increasing pensioner poverty left by the last Government; applauds the Government for doing more to help all pensioners, spending £6½ billion more than planned by the last Government, but most for those who need help most by concentrating half the additional money on the poorest quarter of pensioners; congratulates the Government for tackling poverty directly with the Minimum Income Guarantee, helping take-up through better publicity and simplified claims procedures; supports the Government's plans to help those pensioners who just fail to qualify for the Minimum Income Guarantee by raising the capital limits to £12,000 from April 2001 and committing itself to bringing forward proposals for a Pensioner Credit which will reward thrift; congratulates the Government for helping all pensioners with their costs, including Winter Fuel Payments and free television licences for people aged 75 and over; and applauds the Government's strategy for ensuring that, in the future, nobody who has put in a lifetime of work or caring need retire onto means-tested benefits, including a commitment to the basic state pension, a state second pension which does more for 18 million people including those on low and moderate pay, with caring responsibilities or broken work records because of disability, and new flexible, low cost, stakeholder pensions', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Darling.)

And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;

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The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John Randall, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 121.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr Don Touhig: 301.

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 condemns the Opposition for making no commitment to the welfare of either today's or tomorrow's pensioners, opposing every step the Government has taken to help pensioners and producing proposals for next year's basic pension uprating which amount to bribing pensioners with money which is already theirs; recognises the legacy of increasing pensioner poverty left by the last Government; applauds the Government for doing more to help all pensioners, spending £6½ billion more than planned by the last Government, but most for those who need help most by concentrating half the additional money on the poorest quarter of pensioners; congratulates the Government for tackling poverty directly with the Minimum Income Guarantee, helping take-up through better publicity and simplified claims procedures; supports the Government's plans to help those pensioners who just fail to qualify for the Minimum Income Guarantee by raising the capital limits to £12,000 from April 2001 and committing itself to bringing forward proposals for a Pensioner Credit which will reward thrift; congratulates the Government for helping all pensioners with their costs, including Winter Fuel Payments and free television licences for people aged 75 and over; and applauds the Government's strategy for ensuring that, in the future, nobody who has put in a lifetime of work or caring need retire onto means-tested benefits, including a commitment to the basic state pension, a state second pension which does more for 18 million people including those on low and moderate pay, with caring responsibilities or broken work records because of disability, and new flexible, low cost, stakeholder pensions.

Genetically-modified Crops,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House deplores the Government's mishandling of the consequences of the presence of GM seeds in a batch of conventional oil seed rape seeds imported to Britain from Canada, which were subsequently planted for commercial purposes; and condemns the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food's response which has led to a collapse in public confidence and unnecessary difficulties for the agricultural industry—(Mr Tim Yeo);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘endorses Her Majesty's Government's approach to the development of GM technology in agriculture; believes that the Government has responded in a responsible, open, considered and proportionate way to the recent discovery of the adventitious presence of GM seed in conventional oilseed rape seed; supports the priority the Government has given and continues to give to the protection of public health and the environment, and its continued determination to act on the best available scientific advice; applauds the creation of the new, independent Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission to provide strategic advice on GM issues; welcomes the announcement by the seed company Advanta, following discussions with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, that they will provide a fair and equitable compensation package to affected farmers; and commends the Government for the action it is taking at both national and international level to minimise the risk of a similar incident occurring in the future', instead thereof.—(Mr Nicholas Brown.)

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 John Randall: 144.

Tellers for the Noes, Jim Dowd, Mr Clive Betts: 267.

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);

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The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Jim Dowd, Mr Clive Betts: 253.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Randall, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 125.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.

Resolved, That this House endorses Her Majesty's Government's approach to the development of GM technology in agriculture; believes that the Government has responded in a responsible, open, considered and proportionate way to the recent discovery of the adventitious presence of GM seed in conventional oilseed rape seed; supports the priority the Government has given and continues to give to the protection of public health and the environment, and its continued determination to act on the best available scientific advice; applauds the creation of the new, independent Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission to provide strategic advice on GM issues; welcomes the announcement by the seed company Advanta, following discussions with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, that they will provide a fair and equitable compensation package to affected farmers; and commends the Government for the action it is taking at both national and international level to minimise the risk of a similar incident occurring in the future.

7Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from—

(1) residents of Derbyshire and elsewhere calling for control on the activities of sex offenders against children; and

(2) residents of Gainsborough and surrounding areas opposing discrimination by the broadcasting authorities against religious bodies

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

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

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

[Adjourned at 7.41 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Local Government,—Draft London Local Authorities (Charges for Stopping Up Orders) Regulations 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

2Northern Ireland,—Draft Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Designation of Public Authorities) Order 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

3Environmental Protection,—Highway Litter Clearance and Cleaning (Transfer of Responsibility) (A13 Trunk Road) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1508), dated 7th June 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

4Food,—(1) Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1509), and

(2) Processed Cereal-based Foods and Baby Foods for Infants and Young Children (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1510),

dated 7th June 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn].

5Legal Services Commission,—Community Legal Service (Funding) (Amendment) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1541), dated 6th June 2000 [by Act] [Mr David Lock].

6London Government,—(1) Greater London (Penalty Fares) (Croydon Tramlink Designation) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1442), dated 24th May 2000, and

(2) Transport for London (Transitional Provisions) (Croydon Tramlink) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1506), dated 2nd June 2000

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

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7Road Traffic,—Disabled Persons (Badges for Motor Vehicles) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1507), dated 7th June 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

8Sea Fisheries,—(1) Undersized Lobsters Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1503), and

(2) Undersized Spider Crabs Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1502),

dated 7th June 2000 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

9Value Added Tax,—(1) Value Added Tax (Protective Helmets) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1517), dated 8th June 2000, and

(2) Value Added Tax (Refund of Tax) (No. 2) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1515), dated 7th June 2000

[by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

Other Papers:

10Armed Forces' Pay,—Supplement to the Twenty-ninth Report of the Armed Forces' Pay Review Body: Service Medical and Dental Officers [by Command] [Cm. 4566] [Mr Secretary Hoon].

11Education,—Account of the Funding Agency for Schools for 1st April to 31st October 1999, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 560] [Clerk of the House].

12Government Trading Funds,—Report and Accounts of the Meteorological Office for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 517] [Clerk of the House].

13Public Petitions,—Observations by the Department of Health on the Petition [19th April] from residents of Shropshire and Mid Wales for fair and equitable access to infertility treatment [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

14School Standards and Framework,—Account of the Sheffield North East Education Action Zone for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 559] [Clerk of the House].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 62) on Private Finance Initiative (House of Commons Paper No. 458),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mrs Llin Golding from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Report); and nominated in substitution Chris McCafferty.

2Education (Student Support) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1120) and the Education (Student Support) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1121),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Andrew Love from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Brian White.

European Standing Committees

3The Speaker has appointed Mr Jonathan Sayeed Chairman of European Standing Committee A in respect of European Union document No. 6320/00, a Commission White Paper on Environmental Liability.

APPENDIX III

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-viii] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].

2Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee [Environmental Audit and Accountability]; to be printed [No. 444-ii] [Mr John Horam].

3Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [Report of the Independent Inquiry into the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971]; to be printed [No. 561-i] [Mr Robin Corbett].

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4International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [HIV/AIDS and Social and Economic Development]; to be printed [No. 558-i] [Mr Bowen Wells].


[No. 110; WH, No. 66.]

Thursday 8th June 2000.

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

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

Adjournment (Gibraltar),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Don Touhig.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 13th June.

[Adjourned at 5.44 p.m.


[No. 111.]

Friday 9th June 2000.

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

PRAYERS.

1Licensing (Young Persons) Bill,—The Licensing (Young Persons) Bill was, according to Order, read the third time, and passed.

2Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for consideration of the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee;

Ordered, That the Bill be considered on Friday 21st July.

3Recycled Content of Newsprint Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Recycled Content of Newsprint Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

Amendment (No. 26) proposed to the Bill, in page 1, line 5, to leave out the words ‘shall within one year of the passing of this Act' and insert the word ‘may', instead thereof.—(Mr David Chaytor.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made;

And it being half-past Two o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned.

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 21st July.

4Medical Treatment (Prevention of Euthanasia) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed on 14th April, on consideration of the Medical Treatment (Prevention of Euthanasia) Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, That the Clause (Consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions) be read a second time;

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 21st July.

5Health 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 21st July.

6Food Labelling Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed on 3rd March, That the Food Labelling Bill be now read a second time;

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 21st July.

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

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 21st July.

8Residential Care Homes and Nursing Homes (Medical Records) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Residential Care Homes and Nursing Homes (Medical Records) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 21st July.

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9Licensing (Cannabis) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Licensing (Cannabis) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 21st July.

10Marine Wildlife Protection Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Marine Wildlife Protection Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 21st July.

11Property Transactions Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Property Transactions Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 21st July.

12Census (Amendment) Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Census (Amendment) Bill [Lords];

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Monday next.

13Corporate Homicide Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Corporate Homicide Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 21st July.

14Zoo Licensing (Amendment) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Zoo Licensing (Amendment) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 21st July.

15Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Amendment) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Amendment) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 21st July.

16Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Greg Pope.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till two minutes past Three o'clock, adjourned till Monday 12th June.

[Adjourned at 3.02 p.m.


APPENDIX

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

1County Courts,—County Court Fees (Amendment No. 3) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No.1546), dated 8th June 2000 [by Act] [Mr David Lock].

2Environment, Transport and the Regions,—Government Response to the Twenty-Second Report from the House of Lords Select Committee on European Communities, Session 1998–99, on Biodiversity in the European Union [by Command] [Cm. 4712] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

3Miscellaneous (No. 17, 2000),—Amendments, adopted during the Ninth Plenary Meeting of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency on 1st October 1999, of Articles VI and XIV of the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 4754] [Mr Secretary Cook].

4Supreme Court of England and Wales,—Supreme Court Fees (Amendment No. 3) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1544), dated 8th June 2000 [by Act] [Mr David Lock].

5Treaty Series (No. 62, 2000),—Exchange of Notes, done at Stockholm on 4th January and 28th February 2000, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden extending the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters to the Isle of Man [by Command] [Cm. 4726] [Mr Secretary Cook].



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