Commons Journal 256 Chronological Index Alphabetical Index - Part I Alphabetical Index - Part II Previous Next Page 536            1999-2000      Volume 256       [No. 139.] Monday 24th July 2000. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS. 1 First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Sir David Madel reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation: The Salary of the Data Protection Commissioner, from 1st April 2000. Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table. 2 Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Jonathan Sayeed reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 65): Invest to Save Grant (House of Commons Paper No. 707). Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table. 3 European Standing Committee C,—Mr Roger Gale reported from European Standing Committee C the following Resolution: That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 13540/99, a draft Council Directive establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation; and supports the Government's welcome for the principle of such action whilst remaining convinced of the need for the proposals to be made clear and workable; and notes the Government's intention to negotiate to this end, and to ensure that the proposals take proper account of the legitimate concerns of employers and make a real difference to the lives of those whom they are designed to protect. Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table. 4 Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: The Lords have agreed to the Sea Fishing Grants (Charges) Bill, without Amendment. The Lords have agreed to certain of the Amendments made by this House to the Local Government Bill [Lords], without Amendment; they have agreed to another of the Amendments made by this House and propose Amendments in lieu of the words so left out of the Bill, to which they desire the concurrence of this House; they have disagreed to certain other of the Amendments made by this House, for which disagreement they assign their Reasons; they have agreed to certain other of the Amendments made by this House, with Amendments, to which they desire the concurrence of this House; and they have agreed to the remaining Amendment made by this House, and have made a consequential Amendment to the Bill, to which they desire the concurrence of this House. 5 Local Government Bill [Lords],—Lords Amendments in lieu of words left out of the Local Government Bill [Lords] by a Commons Amendment to which the Lords have agreed, Lords Reasons for disagreeing to certain other Commons Amendments, Lords Amendments to certain other Commons Amendments, and a Lords consequential Amendment to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 169]. 6 Juvenile Justice Bill,—Ordered, That the Juvenile Justice Bill be read a second time on Friday 27th October. 7 Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes Bill,—Mr Andrew Mackinlay, supported by Dr Norman A. Godman, presented a Bill to provide for the implementation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court respecting genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 28th July and to be printed [Bill 166]. 8 Patents,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Patents Regulations 2000, which were laid before this House on 3rd July, be approved—(Mr David Clelland):—It was agreed to. 9 Consumer Protection,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Consumer Protection Act 1987 (Product Liability) (Modification) Order 2000, which was laid before this House on 3rd July, be approved—(Mr David Clelland):—It was agreed to. Page 537      Monday 24th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top 10 Constitutional 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 Scotland Act 1998 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2000, which was laid before this House on 7th July, be approved—(Mr David Clelland):—It was agreed to. 11 Broadcasting,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Order [7th July] and Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Amendment (Cm. 4797), dated 3rd July 2000, to the Agreement (Cm. 3152), dated 25th January 1996, between the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and the British Broadcasting Corporation, a copy of which Amendment was laid before this House on 4th July, be approved—(Mr David Clelland):—It was agreed to. 12 Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider Lords Amendments to the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill. Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 16 were agreed to. Lords Amendment No. 17. A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Jeff Rooker); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Jim Dowd: 287. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Donald Gorrie, Mr Andrew Stunell: 26. So the Question was agreed to. The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to. Lords Amendment No. 18 was disagreed to. Lords Amendments Nos. 19 to 25 were agreed to. Lords Amendment No. 26 was disagreed to. Lords Amendments Nos. 27 to 84 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendment No. 39. Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendments Nos. 17, 18 and 26.—(Mr Clive Betts.) Ordered, That Mr Richard Burden, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Mr John Randall and Mr Jeff Rooker be members of the Committee.—(Mr Clive Betts.) Ordered, That Mr Jeff Rooker be the Chairman of the Committee.—(Mr Clive Betts.) Ordered, That three be the quorum of the Committee.—(Mr Clive Betts.) Ordered, That the Committee do withdraw immediately.—(Mr Clive Betts.) 13 Government Resources and Accounts Bill [Money] (No. 2),—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Government Resources and Accounts Bill [Money] (No. 2); Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Government Resources and Accounts Bill, it is expedient to authorise refunds of money paid into the National Loans Fund as the result of an error.—(Mr Clive Betts.) 14 Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill,—Mr Jeff Rooker reported from the Committee appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to certain of their Amendments to the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill, That it had drawn up the following Reason, which it had directed him to report to the House: The Commons disagree to Lords Amendments Nos. 17, 18 and 26, for the following Reason:— Because they would involve charges on public funds; and the Commons do not offer any further Reason, trusting that this Reason may be deemed sufficient. The Reason was agreed to. Message to the Lords to communicate the said Reason, with the Bill and Amendments. 15 Government Resources and Accounts Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider Lords Amendments to the Government Resources and Accounts Bill. Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 4 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendments Nos. 3 and 4. Page 538      Monday 24th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top Lords Amendment No. 5. 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 Don Touhig, Mr Clive Betts: 311. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Peter Atkinson: 158. So the Question was agreed to. The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to. Lords Amendment No. 6 was disagreed to. Lords Amendment No. 7 was disagreed to. Amendments ((a) and (b)) were made to the Bill, in lieu of the Lords Amendment disagreed to. Lords Amendment No. 8 was disagreed to. Lords Amendments Nos. 9 to 15 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges. Lords Amendment No. 16. A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House agrees with the Lords in their Amendment; And it being Ten o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned. 16 Business 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 Government Resources and Accounts Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr Graham Allen); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Don Touhig, Mr Tony McNulty: 296. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Andrew Stunell: 104. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That, at this day's sitting, the Government Resources and Accounts Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour. 17 Government Resources and Accounts Bill,—The House again proceeded to consider Lords Amendments to the Government Resources and Accounts Bill. Lords Amendment No. 16. The House resumed the adjourned Debate on the Question, That the House agrees with the Lords in their Amendment; And the Question being put:—It was agreed to. The Lords Amendment was accordingly agreed to. Lords Amendments Nos. 17 to 26 agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendments Nos. 17 to 23 and 26. Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendments Nos. 5, 6 and 8.—(Mr Graham Allen.) Ordered, That Mr Graham Allen, Mr John Healey, Miss Melanie Johnson, Mr Oliver Letwin and Mr Keith Simpson be members of the Committee.—(Mr Graham Allen.) Ordered, That Miss Melanie Johnson be the Chairman of the Committee.—(Mr Graham Allen.) Ordered, That three be the quorum of the Committee.—(Mr Graham Allen.) Ordered, That the Committee do withdraw immediately.—(Mr Graham Allen.) 18 Government Resources and Accounts Bill,—Miss Melanie Johnson reported from the Committee appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendments Nos. 5, 6 and 8 to the Government Resources and Accounts Bill, That it had drawn up the following Reason, which it had directed her to report to the House: Page 539      Monday 24th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top The Commons disagree to Lords Amendments Nos. 5, 6 and 8, for the following Reason:— Because the Amendments would alter the financial accounting and audit arrangements made by the Commons; and the Commons do not offer any further Reason, hoping that the above Reason may be deemed sufficient. The Reason was agreed to. Message to the Lords to communicate the said Reason, with the Bill. 19 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Graham Allen.) And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till ten minutes to Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 10.50 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 1 Betting, Gaming and Lotteries,—Gaming Clubs (Hours and Charges) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1879), dated 17th July 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw]. 2 Criminal Law,—Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Reviews of Sentencing) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1924), dated 17th July 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw]. 3 Disabled Persons,—Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1970), dated 20th July 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 4 European Communities,—European Communities (Designation) (No. 2) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1813), dated 12th July 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Cook]. 5 Housing,—Housing (Service Charge Loans) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1963), dated 21st July 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 6 Ministers of the Crown,—Transfer of Functions (Agriculture and Fisheries) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1812), dated 12th July [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 7 Road Traffic,—Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1971), dated 20th July 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 8 Terms and Conditions of Employment,—Employment Relations (Offshore Employment) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1828), dated 12th July 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers]. Other Papers: 9 Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 632] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 10 Aliens' Employment,—Cabinet Office Minute, dated 13th July 2000, under section 1(4) of the Aliens' Employment Act 1955 relating to aliens employed in the Civil Service during 1999–2000 [by Act] [Marjorie Mowlam]. 11 Atomic Energy,—Report and Accounts of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 847] [Clerk of the House]. 12 British Library,—Report of the British Library for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. 13 Criminal Procedure (Scotland),—Accounts of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 845] [Clerk of the House]. 14 Defence Executive Agencies,—Reports and Accounts of the— (1) Logistic Information Systems Agency, and (2) Royal Air Force Personnel Management Agency for 1999–2000, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 716 and 686] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. Page 540      Monday 24th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top 15 Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland),—Accounts of Scottish Enterprise for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 836] [Clerk of the House]. 16 Environmental Protection,—Report and Financial Statements of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 17 Environment, Transport and the Regions Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 688] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 18 Further and Higher Education (Scotland),—Accounts of the— (1) Scottish Further Education Funding Council, and (2) Scottish Higher Education Funding Council, for 1999–2000, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 838 and 840] [Clerk of the House]. 19 Government Trading Funds,—Report and Accounts of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 744] [Clerk of the House]. 20 Home Office Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of HM Prison Service for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 622] [Mr Secretary Straw]. 21 Housing,—Reports and Accounts of— (1) Castle Vale Housing Action Trust, (2) Liverpool Housing Action Trust, and (3) Tower Hamlets Housing Action Trust for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 22 Housing (Scotland),—Accounts of Scottish Homes for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 839] [Clerk of the House]. 23 National Lottery,—Accounts of the— (1) Arts Council of Wales Lottery Distribution, and (2) Scottish Arts Council National Lottery Distribution Fund, for 1999–2000, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 846 and 837] [Clerk of the House]. 24 Science and Technology,—Report and Financial Statement of the Medical Research Council for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers]. 25 Treasury Solicitor's Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Government Property Lawyers for 1997–98, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 728] [Mr Solicitor General]. 26 Treaty Series (No. 92, 2000),—Convention, adopted at New York on 9th December 1994, on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel [by Command] [Cm. 4803] [Mr Secretary Cook]. 27 Treaty Series (No. 93, 2000),—Exchange of Notes, done at Beijing on 14th April 1999, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the People's Republic of China on establishing a Consulate-General at Chongqing [by Command] [Cm. 4804] [Mr Secretary Cook]. APPENDIX II Standing Committees The Salary of the Data Protection Commissioner, from 1st April 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ms Hazel Blears, Mr Huw Edwards and Ms Harriet Harman from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Salary of the Data Protection Commissioner); and nominated in substitution Dr David Clark, Mr Terry Davis and Mr Neil Turner. Page 541      Monday 24th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees Trade and Industry,—(1) Ninth Special Report from the Trade and Industry Committee [Government Observations on the Ninth Report from the Committee, Session 1999–2000, on Proposed Public Private Partnership for BNFL]; to be printed [No. 848]; (2) Tenth Special Report from the Committee [Government Observations on the Third Report from the Committee, Session 1999–2000, on the Future of the Export Credits Guarantee Department]; to be printed [No. 849]; and (3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Post Office Services: Progress Report]; to be printed [No. 724-iii] [Mr Martin O'Neill]. [No. 140.] Tuesday 25th July 2000. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS. 1 City 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 Wednesday 25th October. 2 Alliance & Leicester Group Treasury plc (Transfer) Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Alliance & Leicester Group Treasury plc (Transfer) Bill [Lords]; Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Wednesday 25th October. 3 Made in Britain Mark,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to establish a standard Made in Britain mark to be used on goods predominantly manufactured and foodstuffs produced in the United Kingdom; to provide for regulation of the use of the mark; and for connected purposes: And that Mr Tim Loughton, Mrs Angela Browning, Mr James Gray, Miss Julie Kirkbride, Mr Stephen O'Brien, Mr Robert Syms, Mr Peter Bottomley, Mr Nicholas Soames, Mrs Ann Winterton, Mr Andrew Tyrie, Mr Andrew Robathan and Mr Graham Brady do prepare and bring it in. 4 Made in Britain Mark Bill,—Mr Tim Loughton accordingly presented a Bill to establish a standard Made in Britain mark to be used on goods predominantly manufactured and foodstuffs produced in the United Kingdom; to provide for regulation of the use of the mark; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Monday 13th November and to be printed [Bill 170]. 5 A General Framework for Equal Treatment in Employment and Occupation,—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. 13540/99, a draft Council Directive establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation; and supports the Government's welcome for the principle of such action whilst remaining convinced of the need for the proposals to be made clear and workable; and notes the Government's intention to negotiate to this end, and to ensure that the proposals take proper account of the legitimate concerns of employers and make a real difference to the lives of those whom they are designed to protect—(Mr Gerry Sutcliffe); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Mr Mike Hall: 302. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Stephen Day: 115. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That this House takes note of European Union Document No. 13540/99, a draft Council Directive establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation; and supports the Government's welcome for the principle of such action whilst remaining convinced of the need for the proposals to be made clear and workable; and notes the Government's intention to negotiate to this end, and to ensure that the proposals take proper account of the legitimate concerns of employers and make a real difference to the lives of those whom they are designed to protect. Page 542      Tuesday 25th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top 6 Local 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. 67) on Heads', Deputies' and Advanced Skills Teachers' Performance Pay Progression and Deputies' Assimilation (House of Commons Paper No. 569), which was laid before this House on 28th June, be approved—(Mr Greg Pope); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Mike Hall: 337. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Peter Atkinson: 115. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 67) on Heads', Deputies' and Advanced Skills Teachers' Performance Pay Progression and Deputies' Assimilation (House of Commons Paper No. 569), which was laid before this House on 28th June, be approved. 7 Local 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. 68) on the 2000/2001 Special Grant for Kosovan Evacuees (House of Commons Paper No. 636), which was laid before this House on 6th July, be approved—(Mr Greg Pope); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Clelland, Mr David Jamieson: 351. Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Randall, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 113. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 68) on the 2000/2001 Special Grant for Kosovan Evacuees (House of Commons Paper No. 636), which was laid before this House on 6th July, be approved. 8 Local 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. 65): Invest to Save Grant (House of Commons Paper No. 707), which was laid before this House on 12th July, be approved—(Mr Greg Pope); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Clelland, Mr David Jamieson: 353. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr John Randall: 112. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 65): Invest to Save Grant (House of Commons Paper No. 707), which was laid before this House on 12th July, be approved. 9 Data Protection,—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Data Protection; A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation) and Order [17th July], That, in respect of service from 1st April 2000, the Data Protection Commissioner shall be paid a salary of £68,212 per annum—(Mr Greg Pope); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr David Clelland: 359. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Stephen Day: 113. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That, in respect of service from 1st April 2000, the Data Protection Commissioner shall be paid a salary of £68,212 per annum. 10 Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) (No. 2) Bill (Allocation of Time),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the following provisions shall apply to the remaining proceedings on the Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) (No. 2) Bill— Page 543      Tuesday 25th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top Timetable 1. Proceedings on Consideration and Third Reading of the Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) (No. 2) Bill shall be completed at today's sitting and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion five hours after the commencement of proceedings on this Motion. Questions to be put 2.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings on the Bill to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 1. (2) The Speaker shall put forthwith the following Questions (but no others)— (a) any Question already proposed from the Chair; (b) any Question necessary to bring to a decision a Question so proposed; (c) the Question on any amendment moved or Motion made by a Minister of the Crown; (d) any other Question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded. (3) On a Motion made for a new Clause or Schedule, the Speaker shall put only the Question that the Clause or Schedule be added to the Bill. (4) If two or more Questions would otherwise fall to be put under sub-paragraph (2)(c) on amendments moved or Motions made by a Minister of the Crown, the Speaker shall instead put a single Question in relation to those amendments or Motions. Miscellaneous 3. Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) shall apply at today's sitting to proceedings to which this Order applies. 4. Proceedings to which this Order applies shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House. 5. No Motion shall be made to alter the order in which proceedings on the Bill are taken or to recommit the Bill. 6. No dilatory Motion shall be made in relation to the Bill except by a Minister of the Crown; and the Question on any such Motion shall be put forthwith. 7.—(1) This paragraph applies if— (a) a Motion for the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 (Adjournment on specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration) has been stood over to Seven o'clock; and (b) proceedings on this Motion have begun before then. (2) The bringing to a conclusion of any proceedings which, under this Order, are to be brought to a conclusion after that time, shall be postponed for a period equal to the duration of the proceedings on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House. 8. Standing Order No. 82 (Business Committee) shall not apply to the Bill. Supplemental orders 9. The proceedings on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of this Order shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion one hour after they have been commenced; and Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) shall apply to those proceedings. 10. If at today's sitting 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— (Mr Secretary Straw); An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 6, to leave out the word ‘five', and to insert the word ‘eight', instead thereof.—(Mr Edward Garnier.) And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Peter Atkinson: 170. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Clive Betts, Jim Dowd: 311. So the Question was negatived. Page 544      Tuesday 25th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top And the Main Question being put; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Clive Betts, Jim Dowd: 306. Tellers for the Noes, Sir Robert Smith, Mr Stephen Day: 180. So the Question was agreed to. Ordered, That the following provisions shall apply to the remaining proceedings on the Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) (No. 2) Bill— Timetable 1. Proceedings on Consideration and Third Reading of the Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) (No. 2) Bill shall be completed at today's sitting and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion five hours after the commencement of proceedings on this Motion. Questions to be put 2.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings on the Bill to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 1. (2) The Speaker shall put forthwith the following Questions (but no others)— (a) any Question already proposed from the Chair; (b) any Question necessary to bring to a decision a Question so proposed; (c) the Question on any amendment moved or Motion made by a Minister of the Crown; (d) any other Question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded. (3) On a Motion made for a new Clause or Schedule, the Speaker shall put only the Question that the Clause or Schedule be added to the Bill. (4) If two or more Questions would otherwise fall to be put under sub-paragraph (2)(c) on amendments moved or Motions made by a Minister of the Crown, the Speaker shall instead put a single Question in relation to those amendments or Motions. Miscellaneous 3. Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) shall apply at today's sitting to proceedings to which this Order applies. 4. Proceedings to which this Order applies shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House. 5. No Motion shall be made to alter the order in which proceedings on the Bill are taken or to recommit the Bill. 6. No dilatory Motion shall be made in relation to the Bill except by a Minister of the Crown; and the Question on any such Motion shall be put forthwith. 7.—(1) This paragraph applies if— (a) a Motion for the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 (Adjournment on specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration) has been stood over to Seven o'clock; and (b) proceedings on this Motion have begun before then. (2) The bringing to a conclusion of any proceedings which, under this Order, are to be brought to a conclusion after that time, shall be postponed for a period equal to the duration of the proceedings on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House. 8. Standing Order No. 82 (Business Committee) shall not apply to the Bill. Supplemental orders 9. The proceedings on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of this Order shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion one hour after they have been commenced; and Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) shall apply to those proceedings. 10. If at today's sitting 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. 11 Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) (No. 2) Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) (No. 2) Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee. A Clause (Committal for sentence)—(Mr David Kidney)—was brought up and read the first time. Page 545      Tuesday 25th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time—Clause, by leave, withdrawn. Amendment (No. 5) proposed to the Bill, in page 1, line 12, at the end, to insert the words— ‘(aa) any written representations from the victim;'.—(Mr Humfrey Malins.) Question proposed, That the Amendment be made; And it being Ten o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned. 12 Business 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 Local Government Bill [Lords] and the Learning and Skills Bill [Lords], may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Jim Dowd)—It was agreed to. 13 Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) (No. 2) Bill,—The House again proceeded to consider the Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) (No. 2) Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee. Question again proposed, That the Amendment (No. 5) be made; And it being five hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) (No. 2) Bill (Allocation of Time), the Deputy Speaker put forthwith the Question already proposed from the Chair. Question, that the Amendment be made, put and negatived. The Deputy Speaker then put forthwith the remaining Question necessary to dispose of the business to be concluded at that hour. Question put, That the Bill be now read the third time. The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 282. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Stephen Day: 199. So the Question was agreed to. The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed. 14 Local Government Bill [Lords],—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider Lords Amendments in lieu of words left out by a Commons Amendment to which the Lords have agreed, Lords Reasons for disagreeing to certain Commons Amendments, Lords Amendments to certain other Commons Amendments and a Lords Consequential Amendment to the Local Government Bill [Lords]. Lords Amendments in lieu of words left out of the Bill by Commons Amendment No. 10 (Nos. 2 to 12) agreed to. Lords Reason for disagreeing to Commons Amendments Nos. 71 to 73 (Nos. 13 to 15) considered; Resolved, That this House does not insist on its Amendments to which the Lords have disagreed.—(Hilary Armstrong.) Lords Amendments to Commons Amendments No. 74, 120 and 121 (Nos. 17, 19, 21 and 22) agreed to. Lords Reason for disagreeing to Commons Amendment No. 225 (No. 23) considered; Resolved, That this House does not insist on its Amendment to which the Lords have disagreed.—(Hilary Armstrong.) Lords Amendment to the Bill consequential on Commons Amendment No. 371 (No. 25) agreed to. Lords Reason for disagreeing to Commons Amendment No. 377 (No. 26) considered; A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House does not insist on its Amendment to which the Lords have disagreed—(Hilary Armstrong); Wednesday 26th July 2000 And the Question being put; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Tony McNulty, Mr Don Touhig: 381. Tellers for the Noes, Mr John McDonnell, Dr Evan Harris: 36. So the Question was agreed to. Page 546      Tuesday 25th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top Resolved, That this House does not insist on its Amendment to which the Lords have disagreed.—(Hilary Armstrong.) Lords Reason for disagreeing to Commons Amendments Nos. 378, 388 and 389 (Nos. 27 to 29) considered; Resolved, That this House does not insist on its Amendments to which the Lords have disagreed.—(Hilary Armstrong.) Lords Amendments to Commons Amendments Nos. 437, 456, 474 and (Nos. 31 to 35, 37, 39 and 40) agreed to. Lords Reason for disagreeing to Commons Amendment No. 482 (No. 41) considered; Resolved, That this House does not insist on its Amendment to which the Lords have disagreed.—(Hilary Armstrong.) 15 Learning and Skills Bill [Lords],—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider Lords Amendments to certain Commons Amendments to the Learning and Skills Bill [Lords]. Lords Amendments to Commons Amendments Nos. 180 and 182 agreed to. 16 Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from post office users in the Ravenstone area of North West Leicestershire for post offices to continue to pay benefits and pensions was presented and read: and was ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. 17 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Clive Betts.) And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till ten minutes to Four o'clock on Wednesday morning, adjourned till this day. [Adjourned at 3.50 a.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 1 Charities,—Draft Charities (The Rochester Bridge Trust) Order 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw]. 2 Disabled Persons (Scotland),—Disability Rights Commission (Expenses) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1888), dated 17th July 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. Other Papers: 3 Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Executive Agencies,—Reports and Accounts of the— (1) Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, (2) Meat Hygiene Service, and (3) Veterinary Laboratories Agency for 1999–2000, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 752, 693 and 815] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 4 Culture, Media and Sport Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Royal Parks Agency for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 631] [Mr Secretary Smith]. 5 Defence Executive Agencies,—Reports and Accounts of the— (1) Defence Vetting Agency, and (2) Ministry of Defence Police Chief Constable for 1999–2000, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 718 and 609] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. 6 Education,—Accounts of the Teacher Training Agency for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 853] [Clerk of the House]. 7 Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland),—Report of the Scottish Enterprise Network for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. Page 547      Tuesday 25th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top 8 Environment, Transport and the Regions Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Vehicle Certification Agency for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 828] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 9 Export Credits Guarantee Department,—Papers, entitled— (1) KPMG: HM Treasury and ECGD–ECGD Risk Management Review (2) NERA–National Economic Research Associates: The Economic Rationale for the Public Provision of Export Credit Insurance by ECGD (3) Report on the Provision of ECGD Reinsurance for Exports Sold on Short Terms of Payment, and (4) Review of ECGD's Mission and Status [by Command] [Cm. 4792, 4791, 4793 and 4790] [Mr Secretary Byers]. 10 Government Trading Funds,—Reports and Accounts of— (1) Companies House, (2) the Forensic Science Service, and (2) the Vehicle Inspectorate for 1999–2000, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 651, 655 and 626] [Clerk of the House]. 11 Hong Kong,—Six-monthly Report on Hong Kong, January–June 2000 [by Command] [Cm. 4809] [Mr Secretary Cook]. 12 Law Commission (Scotland),—Report of the Scottish Law Commission for 1998–99 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 736] [Mr Secretary Reid]. 13 Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development,—Report and Financial Statements of English Partnerships for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 14 National Lottery,—(1) Account of the Sports Council for Wales Lottery Distribution for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 855] [Clerk of the House]; and (2) Report of the National Lottery Commission for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. 15 Northern Ireland,—Report of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission for 1999–2000 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 715] [Mr Secretary Mandelson]. 16 Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors,—Report and Accounts of the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn]. 17 Post Office,—Report of the Post Office Users' National Council for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers]. 18 Public Accounts,—Northern Ireland Department of Finance and Personnel Memorandum on the Eighteenth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 1999–2000 [by Command] [Cm. 4822] [Mr Secretary Mandelson]. 19 Public Works Loans,—Report of the Public Works Loan Board for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson]. 20 Race Relations,—Account of the Commission for Racial Equality for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 854] [Clerk of the House]. 21 Railways,—Report and Financial Statements of the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 22 Science and Technology,—Accounts of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 852] [Clerk of the House]. 23 Scottish Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Scottish Court Service for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 729] [Mr Secretary Reid]. 24 Social Security Executive Agencies,—Reports and Accounts of the— (1) Benefits Agency, (2) Child Support Agency, Page 548      Tuesday 25th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top (3) Information Technology Services Agency, and (4) War Pensions Agency for 1999–2000, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 618, 658, 680 and 615] [Mr Secretary Darling]. APPENDIX II Reports from Select Committees 1 Education and Employment,—(1) Sixth Special Report from the Education and Employment Committee [Government Response to the Fifth Report from the Committee, Session 1999–2000, on Work Permits for Overseas Footballers]; to be printed [No. 860]; (2) Seventh Special Report from the Committee [Government's and OFSTED's Response to the Sixth Report from the Committee on Standards and Quality in Education: the Annual Report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools 1998–99]; to be printed [No. 861]; and (3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee [Higher Education]; to be printed [No. 400-xiv] [Mr Barry Sheerman]. 2 Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [The Implications of the European Commission Ruling on Gap Funding Schemes for Urban Regeneration in England]; to be printed [No. 714-ii] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett]. 3 Foreign Affairs,—(1) Eighth Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee [Weapons of Mass Destruction], 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. 407]; and (2) Ninth Report from the Committee [Gibraltar: Follow Up], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 863] [Mr Donald Anderson]. 4 Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [Lord Chancellor's Department: Annual Report 1999–2000 and Spending Plans 2000–01]; to be printed [No. 856-i] [Mr Robin Corbett]. 5 International Development,—(1) Eighth Report from the International Development Committee [Department for International Development: 2000 Departmental Report], 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. 475]; (2) Sixth Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the First Report from the Committee, on The Export Credits Guarantee Department—Developmental Issues]; to be printed [No. 862]; and (3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [HIV/AIDS and Social and Economic Development]; to be printed [No. 558-vii] [Mr Bowen Wells]. 6 Science and Technology,—(1) Sixth Report from the Science and Technology Committee [Cancer Research—A Fresh Look], 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. 332-I]; and (2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Cancer Research—A Fresh Look] [Dr Michael Clark]. 7 Statutory Instruments,—Twenty-seventh Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 47-xxvii] [Mr David Tredinnick]. 8 Treasury,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [Spending Review 2000]; to be printed [No. 485-iii]; and (2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Economic and Monetary Union]; to be printed [No. 573-vi] [Mr Giles Radice]. Page 549      Tuesday 25th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top [No. 140; WH, No. 85.] Tuesday 25th July 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 Tony McNulty.) And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 12.57 p.m. [No. 141.] Wednesday 26th July 2000. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS. 1 Hundredth Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother,—The Vice-Chamberlain of the Household reported to the House, That their Address of 19th July relating to the Hundredth Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother had been presented to Her Majesty; and that Her Majesty had been pleased to receive the same very graciously and to give the following Answer: I have received your Address concerning the One Hundredth Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. It give me great pleasure to hear of the loyal affection of the House and the nation on this special occasion and to ensure that your message is conveyed to Queen Elizabeth. 2 City of London (Ward Elections) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for further consideration of the City of London (Ward Elections) Bill, as amended by the Chairman of Ways and Means; Ordered, That the Bill be further considered on Wednesday 25th October. 3 Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: The Lords do not insist on their Amendments to the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill, to which this House has disagreed. The Lords do not insist on certain of their Amendments to the Government Resources and Accounts Bill, to which this House has disagreed, and do not insist on their remaining Amendment to that Bill, and have agreed without Amendment to the Amendments proposed by this House in lieu of that Amendment. The Lords have agreed to the Football (Disorder) Bill, with Amendments; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House. 4 Football (Disorder) Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Football (Disorder) Bill to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 172]. 5 Genetically Modified Food and Producer Liability Bill,—The Genetically Modified Food and Producer Liability Bill was withdrawn. 6 National Lottery (Community Chest),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the National Lottery Act 1998 to require a proportion of revenue from ticket sales to be kept in a community chest: And that Derek Wyatt, Mrs Diana Organ, Mr Alan Meale and Mr Lawrie Quinn do prepare and bring it in. 7 National Lottery (Community Chest) Bill,—Derek Wyatt accordingly presented a Bill to amend the National Lottery Act 1998 to require a proportion of revenue from ticket sales to be kept in a community chest: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 3rd November and to be printed [Bill 171]. 8 Retirement of Madam Speaker,—Madam Speaker addressed the House, as follows: In 1992, when this House elected me to be Speaker, I pledged two things: to do my best to justify its confidence, and to do all in my powers to preserve and to cherish its traditions. Now, as I prepare to lay down this great office, it is for you to judge my performance against those promises. Be assured that on this occasion I shall not rule you out of order! Page 550      Wednesday 26th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top For my part, being Speaker has afforded me a unique opportunity to serve Parliament, for which I am immensely grateful. However, before I go further, I wish to thank those who have given me such loyal service throughout the years. Although—thank goodness for me, and for you too—I have not come anywhere near Speaker Onslow's record of 31 years in this Chair, I have nevertheless seen three Clerks of the House, each giving invaluable service—Sir Clifford Boulton, Sir Donald Limon and the current occupant, Bill McKay. To each of them I owe a very great deal. I also wish to pay tribute to my two Secretaries. Sir Peter Kitcatt steered me through the first very strange and very demanding days of my new job and gave me absolutely splendid support. I was very fortunate, too, in his successor, Nicolas Bevan, who came new to the House, but swiftly acquired an encyclopaedic knowledge not only of Members' names and interests, but of the ways of Westminster. Since 1993 he has been constantly at my side, whether in this House or on visits abroad—never tiring, never ruffled, but showing great patience, great loyalty and personal commitment. My very best thanks go to Nicolas. I owe a debt of thanks also to the others who have served on my office and constituency staff, and on my personal staff in Speaker's House—and, of course, to the Deputy Speakers who throughout the years have supported me so well. When I first entered the House, the Speaker was Selwyn Lloyd, and I recall his leaving speech. He paid very generous tribute to the Members of those days, but he went out of his way to mention what he described as their “collective faults”. He summed those up as “long-windedness, sedentary interruptions, points of order that are not points of order, and an inability to scrutinise Bills and statutory instruments as they should be scrutinised”. Things do not change much, do they? One of the privileges of the Speaker is to be able to represent this House abroad, both at Speaker's Conferences and on bilateral visits. I am glad to have been able to accept invitations to represent Westminster in every continent, and to have visited many countries, both large and small, on your behalf. What has always come across clearly to me is the respect felt abroad for the British system of parliamentary democracy. It comes across especially among the emerging democracies of central and eastern Europe, where there is a very keen desire to learn from our experience as they develop their own systems of governance. I know that the advice and assistance that we are able to give at both parliamentary and staff level is enormously appreciated. Sadly, however, I have to say that the high reputation of Westminster abroad is not entirely reflected at home. I know from my postbag how much disillusionment about the political process there is among the general public. The level of cynicism about Parliament, and the accompanying alienation of many of the young from the democratic process, is troubling. It is an issue on which every Member of the House should wish to reflect. It is our responsibility, each and every one of us, to do what we can to develop and build public trust and confidence. Let us make a start by remembering that the function of Parliament is to hold the Executive to account. That is the role for which history has cast the Commons. It is the core task of Members—not merely to act as the representatives of their constituents, important though that certainly is. It is in Parliament in the first instance that Ministers must explain and justify their policies. Since becoming Speaker in 1992, I have made my views known about that, both publicly and behind the scenes to both Governments. I have taken action to ensure that those who advise Ministers should never overlook the primacy of Parliament. This is the chief forum of the nation—today, tomorrow and, I hope, for ever. Question time offers a prime opportunity to hold Ministers to account. I share the disappointment at the slow progress that is made. Too many backbench Members are being deprived, by the long-windedness of colleagues, of their chance to question Ministers. We are not moving down the Order Paper as we should. There is also an issue of quality as well as quantity. There is, from time to time, a risk that engagement with the real issues is seen to be overshadowed by political point-scoring simply for its own sake. Parliament's other prime function is the scrutiny of Government legislation. There is, I believe, throughout the House a general recognition that this is an area ripe for improvement. Committees of the House, as well as outside bodies, are making a substantial contribution to the debate. The issues are serious and complex, and there is no simple solution. The debate should not be conducted, however, on party lines—nor on the simplistic basis of the Executive versus the rest of us. The objective, to my mind, must be improved scrutiny leading to better legislation, perhaps through the greater use of pre-legislative arrangements; I think that they might be useful to us. In addition, the issue is as much one of quality of scrutiny as of quantity. Furthermore, the House must be prepared to put in the hours necessary to carry out effective examination of the Government's legislative programme. If that means long days, or rearrangement of the parliamentary year, so be it. Of course, I have been here Page 551      Wednesday 26th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top long enough to recognise the importance of enabling parliamentarians to enjoy a domestic life. It should not be impossible to meet both objectives—but where there is a clash, the requirements of effective scrutiny and the democratic process must take priority over the convenience of Members. Those of you who were here when I submitted myself to the will of the House in 1992 will recall that I said, in all honesty, that for me the Commons had never been just a career, it had been my life. Now, after eight and a half years as Speaker, that is more true than ever. Quite apart from the honour of being Speaker, and the many fascinations of the work, I have enjoyed the job, every minute of it—well, almost every minute of it. That has been helped by the fact that I have presided over a House containing so many characters and so many stalwart Members, on whom it depends so much. I have not had a boring day in my working life, and for all that, I am grateful to all of you. When I came to the conclusion that it was right for me to go, my thoughts went to that famous passage in the Book of Ecclesiastes, about there being “a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance”. Well, my dancing days are long past, and I promise the House that I shall not weep, but I shall certainly mourn the fact that an all-important phase of my life has come to a natural end. However, it is time for laughter as well, as we remember all the lighter moments that we have enjoyed. I say to you, rejoice in your inheritance, defend your rights and remember always that the privileges the House enjoys were dearly won and must never be squandered. You elected me in the springtime and I shall retire in the autumn, which marks a fitting seasonal conclusion to my period in office. Therefore I say to you all, in a phrase that you all know well, but which has never been more true than now: ”Time's up”. Resolved, nemine contradicente, That this House records its appreciation of the great distinction with which the Right Honourable Betty Boothroyd has occupied the office of Speaker; congratulates her on the skilful manner in which she has upheld the authority and dignity of this House; appreciates the wisdom, good humour and skill with which she has presided over its affairs, which are universally admired both in this country and abroad; and accordingly expresses its warmest thanks to the Right Honourable Member for her many services to this House; and unites in wishing her a long and happy retirement.—(The Prime Minister.) 9 Trustee Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Trustee Bill [Lords]; A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 90 (Second reading committees), That the Bill be now read a second time—It was agreed to. The Bill was accordingly read a second time and stood committed to a Standing Committee. 10 Census (Amendment) Bill [Lords],—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Census (Amendment) Bill [Lords], as amended in the Standing Committee. Amendment (No. 1) proposed to the Bill, in page 1, line 12, after the word ‘religion', to insert the words ‘or for giving a false answer to that question'.—(Mr Richard Ottaway.) Question put, That the Amendment be made; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Keith Simpson, Mrs Eleanor Laing: 184. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 331. A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the Bill be now read the third time; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Kevin Hughes: 355. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Eric Forth, Dr Evan Harris: 4. So the Question was agreed to. The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed, with an Amendment. 11 Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill [Money] (No. 2),—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill [Money] (No. 2); Page 552      Wednesday 26th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of— (a) any expenditure attributable to arrangements under the Act for the making of contributions towards costs incurred by persons for purposes connected with, or with the provision of assistance in relation to, interception warrants; and (b) any allowances payable under the Act to the Intelligence Services Commissioner.—(Mr Mike Hall.) 12 Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider Lords Amendments to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill. Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 163 agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendments Nos. 17 to 19, 86, 88 and 97. 13 Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from— (1) residents of Cambridge and the County of Cambridgeshire against the current Education Standard Spending Assessment scheme, and (2) residents of Aylesbury 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. 14 Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Jim Dowd); And it being Ten o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put. 15 Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Jim Dowd); And the Motion having been made at Ten o'clock, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 10.30 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution: 1 Prisons,—Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 (Amendment of Section 10) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2024), dated 25th July 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Mandelson]. Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 2 Employment Tribunals,—(1) Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1987), and (2) Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1988), dated 24th July 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers]. 3 Mental Health,—Court of Protection (Amendment) Rules 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2025), dated 25th July 2000 [by Act] [Mr David Lock]. 4 Public Procurement,—Public Contracts (Works, Services and Supply) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2009), dated 25th July 2000 [by Act] [Mr Andrew Smith]. Other Papers: 5 Defence Executive Agencies,—Reports and Accounts of— (1) Queen Victoria School, and (2) Royal Air Force Signals Engineering Establishment for 1999–2000, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 703 and 672] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. Page 553      Wednesday 26th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top 6 Devolution,—Paper entitled, Memorandum of Understanding and Supplementary Agreements between the United Kingdom Government, Scottish Ministers, the Cabinet of the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Executive Committee [by Command] [Cm. 4806] [Mr David Lock]. 7 Government Trading Funds,—Reports and Accounts of— (1) Registers of Scotland, and (2) the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office for 1999–2000, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 649 and 633] [Clerk of the House]. 8 Legal Aid (Scotland),—(1) Report and Accounts of the Scottish Legal Aid Board for 1999–2000, and (2) Statement of Accounts for the Scottish Legal Aid Board for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. 9 Local Government,—Report and Accounts of the London Pensions Fund Authority for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 10 Merchant Shipping,—Report and Accounts of the General Lighthouse Fund for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to printed [No. 851] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 11 National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Shadow Strategic Rail Authority: Action to Improve Passenger Rail Services [by Act]; to be printed [No. 842] [Clerk of the House]. 12 Post Office,—Report of the Post Office Users' Council for Wales for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers]. 13 Prisons (Scotland),—Report and Accounts of the Scottish Prison Service for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 619] [Mr Secretary Reid]. 14 Science and Innovation,—Paper entitled, Excellence and Opportunity: a science and innovation policy for the 21st century [by Command] [Cm. 4814] [Mr Secretary Byers]. 15 Scottish Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the— (1) Scottish Agricultural Science Agency, (2) Scottish Public Pensions Agency for 1999–2000, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 749 and 738] [Mr Secretary Reid]. 16 Standards in Public Life,—Government Response to the Sixth Report from the Committee on Standards in Public Life [by Command] [Cm. 4817] [The Prime Minister]. 17 Treasury Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the United Kingdom Debt Management Office for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 579] [Miss Melanie Johnson]. 18 Treaty Series (No. 94, 2000),—Exchange of Notes, done at Jakarta on 3rd and 5th April 2000, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia concerning Certain Commercial Debts (The United Kingdom/Indonesia Debt Agreement No. 2 (1998)) [by Command] [Cm. 4810] [Mr Secretary Cook]. 19 Treaty Series (No. 95, 2000),—Exchange of Notes, done at Lusaka on 5th August 1999, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Zambia concerning Certain Commercial Debts (The United Kingdom/Zambia Debt Agreement No. 7 (1999)) [by Command] [Cm. 4811] [Mr Secretary Cook]. APPENDIX II Standing Committees 1 Trustee Bill [Lords]: (1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee A; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Peter Atkinson, Mrs Liz Blackman, Mr John Burnett, Mr Paul Clark, Mr Tony Colman, Mr Edward Garnier, Mr Nick Hawkins, Mr Lindsay Hoyle, Page 554      Wednesday 26th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top Mr Alan Hurst, Ms Jenny Jones, Mr Piara S. Khabra, Mr Elfyn Llwyd, Mr David Lock, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Patrick Nicholls and Mr Bill Tynan. 2 Dangerous Substances and Preparations (Nickel) (Safety) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1668): (1) The Speaker has allocated the Regulations to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Dr Ashok Kumar Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Norman Baker, Sir Paul Beresford, Mr Tom Brake, Julia Drown, Mr Barry Gardiner, Mr Nick Gibb, Dr Ian Gibson, Ms Harriet Harman, Dr Kim Howells, Mr Michael Jack, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Greg Pope, Mr Mohammad Sarwar, Mr Marsha Singh, Mr Jon Trickett and Mr Derek Twigg. 3 Education (National Curriculum) (Attainment Target and Programmes of Study in Citizenship) (England) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1603), and the Education (National Curriculum) (Attainment Targets and Programmes of Study in History) (England) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1606): (1) The Speaker has allocated the Orders to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Eric Illsley Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Richard Allan, Mr Clive Betts, Mr David Borrow, Mrs Helen Brinton, Mr James Clappison, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr David Curry, Mr Christopher Fraser, Mrs Llin Golding, Mr Ivan Henderson, Mr Lawrie Quinn, Jacqui Smith, Rachel Squire, Mr Paul Stinchcombe, Mr Phil Willis and Mr David Winnick. 4 Rutland Sixth Form College, Oakham (Dissolution) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1684): (1) The Speaker has allocated the Order to the Third 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 Richard Allan, Mr Clive Betts, Mrs Liz Blackman, Ms Hazel Blears, Mr Tim Boswell, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Quentin Davies, Mr Hilton Dawson, Mr Alan Duncan, Dr Evan Harris, Mr Alan Hurst, Ms Jenny Jones, Mr Piara S. Khabra, Mr Bill Rammell, Dr Alan Whitehead and Mr Malcolm Wicks. European Standing Committees 5 European Document No. 9964/00, relating to Social Policy Agenda, has been referred to European Standing Committee C. APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees 1 Agriculture,—(1) Eighth Report from the Agriculture Committee [Genetically Modified Organisms and Seed Segregation], 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. 812]; (2) Ninth Report from the Committee [MAFF/Intervention Board Departmental Report 2000], 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. 610]; (3) Sixth Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the Fifth Report from the Committee, on the Government's Proposals for Organophosphate Sheep Dips], together with Appendices; to be printed [No. 865]; and (4) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Genetically Modified Organisms and Seed Segregation; Organic Farming] [Mr David Curry]. 2 Culture, Media and Sport,—(1) Eighth Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Marking the Millennium in the United Kingdom], 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. 578]; (2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Marking the Millennium in the United Kingdom]; (3) Ninth Report from the Committee [Report and Accounts of the BBC for 1999–2000]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 719]; and Page 555      Wednesday 26th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top (4) Third Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the Sixth Report from the Committee on Public Libraries]; to be printed [No. 867] [Mr Gerald Kaufman]. 3 Defence,—(1) Twelfth Report from the Defence Committee [The Adaptation of the Treaty on Conventional Forces in Europe], 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. 295]; and (2) Thirteenth Report from the Committee [Iraqi No-Fly Zones], 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. 453] [Mr Bruce George]. 4 Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee [Higher Education]; to be printed [No. 400-xv] [Mr Barry Sheerman]. 5 Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) Sixteenth Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [The Implications of the European Commission Ruling on Gap Funding Schemes for Urban Regeneration in England], 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. 714]; (2) Seventeenth Report from the Committee [The Departmental Annual Report 2000 and Expenditure Plans 2000–01 to 2001–02], 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. 471]; (3) Eighteenth Report from the Committee [Air Service Agreements between the United Kingdom and the United States], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 532]; (4) Third Special Report from the Committee [Environment Agency Response to the Sixth Report from the Committee, on The Environment Agency] [No. 870]; (5) Fourth Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the Ninth Report from the Committee, on Travelling Fairs] [No. 871]; (6) Fifth Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the Eighth Report from the Committee, on Light Rapid Transit Systems] [No. 872]; and (7) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Committee [Ten-Year Plan for Transport]; to be printed [No. 726-i] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody]. 6 European Scrutiny,—Twenty-sixth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 23-xxvi] [Mr Jimmy Hood]. 7 Northern Ireland Affairs,—(1) Fourth Report from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Northern Ireland Railways: Financial Provision for New Rolling Stock in 2000–01], 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. 512]; (2) Fifth Report from the Committee [Public Expenditure in Northern Ireland: Inward Investment], 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. 198]; and (3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Miscellaneous] [Mr Peter Brooke]. 8 Public Administration,—(1) Third Report from the Select Committee on Public Administration [The Review of Public Sector Ombudsmen]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 612]; and (2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Special Advisers]; to be printed [No. 821-ii] [Tony Wright]. Page 556      Wednesday 26th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top 9 Social Security,—(1) Seventh Report from the Social Security Committee [Pensioner Poverty], 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. 606]; (2) Fourth Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the Fourth Report from the Committee, on Social Security and Child Support Commissioners]; to be printed [No. 868]; and (3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Pensioner Poverty] [Mr Archy Kirkwood]. 10 Treasury,—Sixth Special Report from the Treasury Committee [Government Response to the Sixth Report from the Committee, on The Government's Cash and Debt Management]; to be printed [No. 869]; (2) Eighth Report from the Committee [Economic and Monetary Union], 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. 573]; and (3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Economic and Monetary Union] [Mr Giles Radice]. [No. 141; WH, No. 86.] Wednesday 26th July 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 Kevin Hughes.) And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 1.59 p.m. [No. 142.] Thursday 27th July 2000. The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS. 1 Mersey 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 26th October. 2 Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr John McWilliam reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Rutland College, Oakham (Dissolution) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1684). 3 Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: The Lords have agreed to the Amendment made by this House to the Census (Amendment) Bill [Lords], without Amendment. Insolvency Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to amend the law about insolvency; to amend the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986; and for connected purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House. 4 Insolvency Bill [Lords],—The Insolvency Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 173]. Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Insolvency Bill [Lords] be printed [Bill 173–EN]. 5 Suspension of Hospital Medical Practitioners Bill [Lords],—The Suspension of Hospital Medical Practitioners Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 3rd November and to be printed [Bill 174]. 6 Football (Disorder) Bill (Supplemental Allocation of Time),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the Order of the House of 17th July be supplemented as follows: Page 557      Thursday 27th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top 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 two hours after the commencement of proceedings on this Order. 2.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 1. (2) The Speaker shall first put forthwith any Question which has 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) a single Question on any further Amendments 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 their Amendment or (as the case may be) in their Amendment as amended. (4) The Speaker shall then put forthwith— (a) a single Question on any Amendments 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 their 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 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 of the remaining items in the Lords Message. (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. 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 been proposed from the Chair and not yet decided; and Page 558      Thursday 27th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top (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 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 and on any further Message from the Lords on the Bill. (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.—(1) This paragraph applies if— (a) a Motion for the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 (Adjournment on specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration) has been stood over to Seven o'clock; and (b) proceedings on this Motion have begun before then. (2) The bringing to a conclusion of any proceedings which, under this Order, are to be brought to a conclusion after that time, shall be postponed for a period equal to the duration of the proceedings on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House—(Mr David Jamieson); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Clelland, Mr Mike Hall: 276. Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Randall, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 141. So the Question was agreed to. Ordered, That the Order of the House of 17th July 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 two hours after the commencement of proceedings on this Order. 2.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 1. (2) The Speaker shall first put forthwith any Question which has 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) a single Question on any further Amendments 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 their Amendment or (as the case may be) in their Amendment as amended. (4) The Speaker shall then put forthwith— (a) a single Question on any Amendments 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 their 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. Page 559      Thursday 27th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top (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 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 of the remaining items in the Lords Message. (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. 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 been proposed from the Chair and not yet 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 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 and on any further Message from the Lords on the Bill. (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.—(1) This paragraph applies if— (a) a Motion for the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 (Adjournment on specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration) has been stood over to Seven o'clock; and (b) proceedings on this Motion have begun before then. (2) The bringing to a conclusion of any proceedings which, under this Order, are to be brought to a conclusion after that time, shall be postponed for a period equal to the duration of the proceedings on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House. Page 560      Thursday 27th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top 7 Football (Disorder) Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Football (Disorder) Bill. Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 4 were agreed to. Lords Amendment No. 5. A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House agrees with the Lords in their Amendment; And it being two hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to Football (Disorder) Bill (Supplemental Allocation of Time), the Deputy Speaker, pursuant to Order [this day] put the Question already proposed from the Chair. Question, That this House agrees with the Lords in their Amendment (No. 5), put and agreed to. The Deputy Speaker then put the Question necessary to dispose of the business to be concluded at that hour. Lords Amendments Nos. 6 to 22 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendments Nos. 16 and 17. 8 Utilities Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Utilities Bill. Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 11 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendments Nos. 8, 9 and 11. Lords Amendment No. 12. A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House agrees with the Lords in the said Amendment; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 281. Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Randall, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 116. So the Question was agreed to. Lords Amendments Nos. 13 to 72 were agreed to. And it being Seven o'clock, further consideration of the Lords Amendments stood adjourned. 9 Business 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 Utilities Bill and the Postal Services Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr Greg Pope)—It was agreed to. 10 Utilities Bill,—The House again proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Utilities Bill. Lords Amendment No. 73 was agreed to. Lords Amendment No. 74. An Amendment ((c)) was proposed to the Lords Amendment, in line 3, to leave out from the word ‘holder' to the end of line 8 and to insert the words ‘the turnover being determined on the applicable turnover for the business year preceding the date when the infringement ended and shall in any case not exceed a period of 12 months'.—(Mr Nick Gibb.) Question put, That the Amendment be made to the Lords Amendment. The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr John Randall: 120. Tellers for the Noes, Jim Dowd, Mr Don Touhig: 257. The Lords Amendment was agreed to. Lords Amendments Nos. 75 to 245 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendment No. 203. 11 Postal Services Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Postal Services Bill. Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 65 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendments Nos. 33 and 34. Page 561      Thursday 27th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top Lords Amendment No. 66. An Amendment ((a)) was proposed to the Lords Amendment, in line 4, to leave out from the word ‘calculated' to the end and to insert the words ‘in accordance with market rates'.—(Mr John Bercow.) Question put, That the Amendment be made to the Lords Amendment. The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John Randall, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 107. Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe: 226. The Lords Amendment was agreed to. Lords Amendments Nos. 67 to 171 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendments Nos. 124, 125, 149 and 154. 12 Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund,—Resolved, That Bernard Harold Ian Halley Stewart, Baron Stewartby of Portmoak, shall be appointed as a Managing Trustee of the Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund, in pursuance of Section 1 of the Parliamentary and other Pensions Act 1987.—(Mr Clive Betts.) 13 Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from— (1) residents of the Don Valley constituency and others for the proposed Doncaster Finningley Airport, and (2) residents of Thorrington and others against the housing of asylum seekers at Silver Springs in Thorrington were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. 14 Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from the residents of Blackburn and others opposing discrimination by the broadcasting authorities against religious bodies was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. 15 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Robert Ainsworth.) And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till seventeen minutes past Nine o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 9.17 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 1 Competition,—Competition Act 1998 (Consequential and Supplemental Provisions) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2031), dated 25th July 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers]. 2 Education,—Education Maintenance Allowance (Pilot Areas) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2012), dated 24th July 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 3 Road Traffic,—Motor Vehicles (Approval) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1972), dated 20th July 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 4 Social Security,—(1) Jobseeker's Allowance (Joint Claims) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1978), and (2) Social Security (Joint Claims: Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1982), dated 24th July 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. 5 Supreme Court of England and Wales,—Criminal Appeal (Amendment) Rules 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2036), dated 25th July 2000 [by Act] [Mr David Lock]. 6 Supreme Court (Northern Ireland),—Rules of the Supreme Court (Northern Ireland) (Amendment No. 2) 2000 (S.R.(N.I.) No. 243), dated 24th July 2000 [by Act] [Mr David Lock]. Other Papers: 7 Administration of Justice,—Accounts of the National Debt Commissioners Northern Ireland Court Service Investment Account for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 881] [Clerk of the House]. Page 562      Thursday 27th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top 8 Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Intervention Board for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 643] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 9 Building Societies,—Report of the Building Societies Commission for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson]. 10 Cabinet Office Executive Agencies,—Reports and Accounts of the— (1) Civil Service College, and (2) Government Car and Despatch Agency for 1999–2000, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 829 and 816] [Marjorie Mowlam]. 11 Coal Industry,—Report and Accounts of the Coal Authority for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers]. 12 Criminal Procedure (Scotland),—Report and Accounts of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. 13 Crown Agents,—Accounts of the Crown Agents Holding and Realisation Board for l999, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 876] [Clerk of the House]. 14 Defence Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the— (1) Defence Analytical Services Agency, and (2) Defence Storage and Distribution Agency (3) Disposal Sales Agency for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 827, 654 and 711] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. 15 Education and Employment Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Employment Service for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 756] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 16 Electoral Law (Northern Ireland),—Report of the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland for 1999–2000 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 873] [Mr Secretary Mandelson]. 17 El Salvador (No.1, 2000),—Agreement, done at London on 14th October 1999, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of El Salvador for the Promotion and Protection of Investments, with Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 4820] [Mr Secretary Cook]. 18 Environment,—Report and Accounts of the Environment Agency for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 19 Environmental Audit,—Government Response to the Fifth and Sixth Reports of the Environmental Audit Committee, on the first annual report of the Green Ministers and on the Greening Government Initiative [by Command] [Cm. 4819] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 20 Environment, Transport and the Regions Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Planning Inspectorate Executive Agency for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 648] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 21 European Community Finances,—Statement on the 2000 EC Budget and measures to counter fraud and financial mismanagement [by Command] [Cm.4771] [Miss Melanie Johnson]. 22 Foreign and Commonwealth Office Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of Wilton Park for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 676] [Mr Secretary Cook]. 23 Friendly Societies,—Report of the Friendly Societies Commission for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson]. 24 Further and Higher Education,—Accounts of the Further Education Funding Council for England for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No.879] [Clerk of the House]. Page 563      Thursday 27th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top 25 Health,—(1) Account of the Commission for Health Improvement for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 875] [Clerk of the House]; and (2) Paper, entitled The NHS Plan: a plan for investment, a plan for reform, and (3) Paper, entitled The NHS Plan: The Government's Response to the Royal Commission on Long Term Care [by Command] [Cm. 4818-I and—II] [Mr Secretary Milburn]. 26 Health Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the NHS Pensions Agency for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 701] [Mr Secretary Milburn]. 27 Insurance Companies,—Report on Insurance for 1999 pursuant to section 98 of the Insurance Companies Act 1982 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson]. 28 Legal Aid, Advice and Assistance (Northern Ireland),—Account of the Legal Aid Fund (Northern Ireland) for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 591] [Clerk of the House]. 29 National Audit,—Reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General on— (1) The Acquisition of German Parcel, (2) The Cancellation of the Benefits Payment Card Project, and (3) Supporting Innovation: managing risk in government departments [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 858, 857 and 864] [Clerk of the House]. 30 National Health Service,—Accounts of the Public Health Laboratory Service Board for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 874] [Clerk of the House]. 31 National Health Service (Scotland),—Summarised Accounts of the Health Boards in Scotland, NHS Trusts in Scotland, the Common Services Agency for the Scottish Health Service, the Health Education Board for Scotland, the State Hospital Management Committee, State Hospital, Carstairs, the Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education and the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 850] [Clerk of the House]. 32 Northern Ireland Office Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Forensic Science Agency of Northern Ireland for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 844] [Mr Secretary Mandelson]. 33 Police,—Report of the Police Information Technology Organisation for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw]. 34 Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions on the Petition [13th April] from Prestonville Community Association for the protection of allotment land and wildlife areas in urban environments [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House]. 35 Public Records,—Report of the Keeper of Public Records on the work of the Public Record Office, and Accounts of the Public Record Office for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon, and the Report of the Advisory Council on Public Records for 1999–2000 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 679] [Mr David Lock]. 36 Regional Development Agencies,—Reports and Accounts of— (1) Advantage West Midlands: West Midlands Regional Development Agency, (2) East of England Development Agency, (3) East Midlands Development Agency, (4) Northwest Development Agency, (5) One North East: North East of England Regional Development Agency, (6) SEEDA: South East of England Regional Development Agency, (7) South West of England Regional Development Agency, and (8) Yorkshire Forward: Yorkshire and Humber Regional Development Agency for 1999–2000, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; [Mr Secretary Prescott]. Page 564      Thursday 27th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top 37 Registration Service,—Marriage, divorce and adoption statistics: Review of the Registrar General on marriages, divorces and adoptions in England and Wales, 1998 [by Act] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer]. 38 School Standards and Framework,—Account of the Leicester Education Action Zone for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 877] [Clerk of the House]. 39 Scottish Office Executive Agencies,—Reports and Accounts of— (1) Fisheries Research Services for 1999–2000, (2) Historic Scotland for 1999–2000, with Corporate Plan for 2000–2001, and (3) the Student Awards Agency for Scotland for 1999–2000, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 750, 712 and 737] [Mr Secretary Reid]. 40 Trade and Industry Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 621] [Mr Secretary Byers]. 41 Trade Union and Labour Relations,—Accounts of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, the Certification Officer and the Central Arbitration Committee for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 878] [Clerk of the House]. 42 Training and Enterprise Councils,—Account of the Training and Enterprise Councils and Chambers of Commerce, Training and Enterprise in England for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 700] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 43 Treasury Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of Property Advisers to the Civil Estate (PACE) for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 751] [Mr Andrew Smith]. 44 Treaty Series (No. 96, 2000),—Exchange of Notes, done at Belgrade on 9th and 17th March 2000, between the Federative Republic of Brazil, on behalf of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia reviving the Agreement concerning Air Services signed at London on 3rd February 1959, as amended [by Command] [Cm. 4815] [Mr Secretary Cook]. APPENDIX II Standing Committees 1 Trustee Bill [Lords],—The Speaker appointed Mrs Irene Adams Chairman of Standing Committee A in respect of the Bill. 2 Rutland College, Oakham (Dissolution) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1684),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Hilton Dawson from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Order); and nominated in substitution Mr David Kidney. APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees 1 Agriculture,—(1) Tenth Report from the Agriculture Committee [Regional Service Centres], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings relating to the Report [No. 509]; and (2) Memorandum laid before the Committee [Genetically Modified Organisms and Seed Segregation] [Mr David Curry]. 2 International Development,—Ninth Report from the International Development Committee [The Effectiveness of EC Development Assistance], 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. 669] [Mr Bowen Wells]. 3 Science and Technology,—Seventh Report from the Science and Technology Committee [Government Expenditure on Research and Development: The Forward Look—The Government's Reply]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 723] [Dr Michael Clark]. Page 565      Thursday 27th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top [No. 142; WH, No. 87.] Thursday 27th July 2000. The House sitting in Westminster Hall [pursuant to Order of 24th May 1999]. The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock. Adjournment (Crime Reduction Partnerships),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Jim Dowd.) And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 24th October. [Adjourned at 5.44 p.m. [No. 143.] Friday 28th July 2000. The House met at half-past Nine o'clock. PRAYERS. 1 Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: The Lords have agreed to the Finance Bill, without Amendment. 2 Adjournment (Matters to be considered before the forthcoming adjournment),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Kevin Hughes); And it being half-past Two o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put. 3 Royal Assent,—The Deputy Speaker notified the House, in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967, That her Majesty had signified her Royal Assent to the following Acts, agreed upon by both Houses, and to the following Measure passed under the provisions of the Church of England (Assembly Powers) Act 1919: Finance Act 2000 Sea Fishing Grants (Charges) Act 2000 Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 2000 Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 Learning and Skills Act 2000 Local Government Act 2000 Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 Census (Amendment) Act 2000 Football (Disorder) Act 2000 Postal Services Act 2000 Utilities Act 2000 Church of England (Miscellaneous Provisions) Measure 2000. 4 Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from— (1) residents of the city of Chichester for aid to be directed to education for child labourers, and (2) Sea"n Woodward and others for changes in the valuation of land purchased for road schemes were presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. 5 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Tony McNulty.) And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till two minutes to Three o'clock, adjourned till Monday 23rd October, pursuant to Order [19th July]. [Adjourned at 2.58 p.m. Page 566      Friday 28th July 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution: 1 Social Security,—Draft Jobseeker's Allowance (Joint Claims: Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 2 Industrial Development,—Assisted Areas Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2038), dated 27th July 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers]. 3 Immigration,—Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules [by Act]; to be printed [No. 704] [Mr Secretary Straw]. 4 Social Security,—Social Security (Therapeutic Earnings Limits) Amendments Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2028), dated 26th July 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. 5 Telegraphs,—Wireless Telegraphy (Broadband Fixed Wireless Access Licences) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2039), dated 27th July 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers]. Other Papers: 6 Agricultural Marketing,—Report and Accounts of Food from Britain for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 7 Broadcasting,—Report and Accounts of Comataidh Craolaidh Ga¬idhlig, the Gaelic Broadcasting Committee, for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. 8 Comprehensive Spending Review,—Paper, entitled 2000 Spending Review: Public Service Agreements 2001–2004 [by Command] [Cm. 4808] [Mr Andrew Smith]. 9 Disability Rights,—Report of the Disability Rights Commission for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 10 Education and Employment,—Department for Education and Employment Minute, dated 28th July 2000, concerning a contingent liability in respect of arrangements to provide indemnities to TEC National Council, Training and Enterprise Councils and Chambers of Commerce, Training and Enterprise for liabilities which arise after their licence with government ceases [by Command] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 11 Home Affairs,—Government Response to the Second Report from the Home Affairs Committee, Session 1998–99, on Freemasonry in Public Life [by Command] [Cm. 4813] [Mr Secretary Straw]. 12 Income and Corporation Taxes,—Treasury Minute, dated 28th July 2000, amending the Treasury General Consents 1988 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo]. 13 National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Ministry of Defence: Training New Pilots [by Act]; to be printed [No. 880] [Clerk of the House]. 14 National Heritage (Scotland),—Accounts of the Royal Botanical Garden, Edinburgh, for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 866] [Clerk of the House]. 15 Police,—Report of the Chief Surveillance Commissioner for 1999–2000 [by Command] [Cm. 4816] [The Prime Minister]. 16 Railways,—Report of the Rail Regulator for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 17 Treasury Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Office for National Statistics for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 834] [Miss Melanie Johnson]. APPENDIX II Standing Committees First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—The Speaker has appointed Sir David Madel Chairman of the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Dangerous Substances (Nickel) (Safety) Regulations 2000, in place of Dr Ashok Kumar. Previous Chronological Index Next   Part I Alphabetical Index Part II Alphabetical Index     © Parliamentary copyright 2006 Prepared 12 October 2006