Commons Journal 256 Chronological Index Alphabetical Index - Part I Alphabetical Index - Part II Previous Next Page 614            1999-2000      Volume 256       [No. 152.] Monday 6th November 2000. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS. 1 Greenham and Crookham Commons Bill,—Ordered, That the promoters of the Greenham and Crookham Commons Bill shall have leave to suspend proceedings thereon in order to proceed with it, if they think fit, in the next Session of Parliament, provided that notice of their intention to do so is lodged in the Private Bill Office not later than the day before the close of the present session and that all fees due up to that date have been paid; That on the fifth sitting day in the next Session the Bill shall be presented to the House by deposit in the Private Bill Office; That a declaration signed by the agent shall be annexed to the Bill, stating that it is the same in every respect as the Bill presented in this House in the present Session; That on the next sitting day following presentation, the Clerk in the Private Bill Office shall lay the Bill on the Table of the House; That in the next Session the Bill shall be deemed to have passed through every stage through which it has passed in the present Session, and shall be recorded in the Journal of the House as having passed those stages; That no further fees shall be charged to such stages; That all petitions relating to the Bill which stand referred to the Committee on the Bill, shall stand referred to the Committee on the Bill in the next session; That no petitioners shall be heard before the Committee unless their petition has been presented within the time provided for petitioning or has been deposited pursuant to Private Business Standing Order 126(b); That, in relation to the Bill, Private Business Standing Order 127 shall have effect as if the words ‘under Standing Order 126 (Reference to committee of petitions against bill)' were omitted.—(The Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means.) Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith. 2 Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: Private Bills [Lords](Suspension),—The Lords communicate that they have come to the following Resolution in respect of the Colchester Borough Council Bill [Lords], to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House, viz.: That the promoters of the Bill have leave to suspend any further proceedings thereon in order to proceed with it, if they think fit, in the next Session of Parliament, provided that notice of their intention to do so is lodged in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than 12 noon on Monday 27th November and that all fees due on or before that day have been paid; That the Bill be deposited in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than noon on the second sitting day in the next session with a declaration annexed, signed by the agent, stating that the Bill is the same in every respect as the Bill at the last stage of the proceedings thereon in this House in the present Session; That the proceedings on the Bill in the next Session of Parliament be pro forma in regard to every stage through which the Bill has passed in the present Session, and that no new fees be charged to such stages; That the Private Business Standing Orders apply to the Bill in the next Session only in regard to any stage through which the Bill has not passed during the present Session. 3 Opposition Day [19th allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the leader of the second largest opposition party in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider Opposition business. Pensions and Pensioners,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House believes that pensioners have been betrayed by both Conservative and Labour Governments over the last twenty years; notes that the Conservatives devalued the basic state pension, slashed future SERPS entitlements and oversaw the scandalous mis-selling of personal pensions; notes that the Labour Manifesto promised that pensioners would ‘share fairly in the increasing prosperity of the nation', but that the Government now spends a smaller share of national income on pensioners than when Labour came to power; notes that pensioner poverty rose by 400,000 in the first two years of the present Government and that there were nearly 50,000 excess winter deaths in 1998–99 alone, mainly among pensioners; further notes that this year's 75p pension rise Page 615      Monday 6th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top was an insult to pensioners and that despite a multi-million pound take-up campaign half a million pensioners still do not receive the means-tested assistance to which they are entitled; believes that the failure to adopt the recommendations of the Royal Commission on long-term care will still leave tens of thousands of pensioners having to sell their homes to pay for care; is concerned that hundreds of thousands of pensioners have faced delays in receiving their pension because of the Government's failure to deal with the problems of the NIRS2 computer system; and therefore calls upon the Chancellor of the Exchequer to announce a substantial increase in the rate of the basic state pension, with additional increases for the oldest pensioners, and to apologise for failing to deliver a decent pension to all pensioners—(Steve Webb); An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘endorses the Government's approach to pensions and other policies for pensioners; notes that the Government has already committed £6½ billion more to pensioner benefits during this Parliament than was planned by the Conservatives, while ensuring that this additional expenditure is funded prudently and consistently with the Government's fiscal rules; strongly agrees with the Government that the basic state pension should be retained as the foundation of pension provision, and that most should be done for those pensioners who need most help through the Minimum Income Guarantee; supports the additional help for pensioner households, including winter fuel payments, which now gives them the equivalent of a further £3 a week and free TV licences for the over 75s, which were introduced from 1st November 2000; also supports the wide range of other measures taken by the Government for pensioners, the record investment in the National Health Service, free eye tests, help with home insulation and concessionary public transport fares and reductions in income taxation; and further agrees with the Government that the next priority should be to help pensioners with moderate savings and small occupational pensions to ensure that their thrift is rewarded and that they are able to share in the rising prosperity of the nation' instead thereof.—(Mr Jeff Rooker.) And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Tom Brake, Sir Robert Smith: 38. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Don Touhig, Mr David Jamieson: 280. So the Question was negatived. And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Don Touhig, Mr David Jamieson: 266. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr John Randall: 81. So the Question was agreed to. The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to. Resolved, That this House endorses the Government's approach to pensions and other policies for pensioners; notes that the Government has already committed £6½ billion more to pensioner benefits during this Parliament than was planned by the Conservatives, while ensuring that this additional expenditure is funded prudently and consistently with the Government's fiscal rules; strongly agrees with the Government that the basic state pension should be retained as the foundation of pension provision, and that most should be done for those pensioners who need most help through the Minimum Income Guarantee; supports the additional help for pensioner households, including winter fuel payments, which now gives them the equivalent of a further £3 a week and free TV licences for the over 75s, which were introduced from 1st November 2000; also supports the wide range of other measures taken by the Government for pensioners, the record investment in the National Health Service, free eye tests, help with home insulation and concessionary public transport fares and reductions in income taxation; and further agrees with the Government that the next priority should be to help pensioners with moderate savings and small occupational pensions to ensure that their thrift is rewarded and that they are able to share in the rising prosperity of the nation. Privatisation,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes public concern about the effects of railway privatisation and about current plans to privatise National Air Traffic Services and London Underground and opposes the dogmatic pursuit of privatisation in public services—(Mr Don Foster); An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 1, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘deplores the previous Government's incompetent privatisation of the railways which left the network fragmented, cost taxpayers billions of pounds and brought rail travellers hours of delays; Page 616      Monday 6th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top welcomes the Government's creation of the Strategic Rail Authority to give direction to the industry from an industry-wide perspective rather than from the narrow interests of individual companies; recognises that the Government's 10-year plan is delivering the largest investment programme for the railways for generations to tackle the problems caused by years of under-investment in the public and private sectors; welcomes the Government's pragmatic policy of developing Public Private Partnerships for National Air Traffic Services and the London Underground, enabling much needed investment and private sector financial and management skills to be introduced to the public services while safeguarding safety and the public interest; and regrets the official Opposition's dogmatic pursuit of privatisation for the London Underground and the National Air Traffic Services', instead thereof.—(Mr Keith Hill.) And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question; Mr Paul Tyler rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put. And the Question being put, That the Question be now put—It was agreed to. And the Question being accordingly put; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Heath, Sir Robert Smith: 43. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Clive Betts, Jim Dowd: 272. So the Question was negatived. And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Clive Betts, Jim Dowd: 260. Tellers for the Noes, Sir Robert Smith, Mr David Heath: 68. So the Question was agreed to. The Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to. Resolved, That this House deplores the previous Government's incompetent privatisation of the railways which left the network fragmented, cost taxpayers billions of pounds and brought rail travellers hours of delays; welcomes the Government's creation of the Strategic Rail Authority to give direction to the industry from an industry-wide perspective rather than from the narrow interests of individual companies; recognises that the Government's 10-year plan is delivering the largest investment programme for the railways for generations to tackle the problems caused by years of under-investment in the public and private sectors; welcomes the Government's pragmatic policy of developing Public Private Partnerships for National Air Traffic Services and the London Underground, enabling much needed investment and private sector financial and management skills to be introduced to the public services while safeguarding safety and the public interest; and regrets the official Opposition's dogmatic pursuit of privatisation for the London Underground and the National Air Traffic Services. 4 Social Policy Agenda,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees), That the House takes note of European Union Document No. 9964/00, a European Commission Communication on a European Social Policy Agenda for the next five years; and supports the Government's welcome for the Commission's analysis of the challenges facing employment and social policy in the next five years and for the emphasis placed on increasing employability, on combating social exclusion, on promoting entrepreneurship, whilst opposing proposals that impose unnecessary burdensome new legislation particularly upon business, and remaining convinced of the need for proposals to codify, adapt or improve existing legislation or for new legislation 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 the need to raise employment rates across the Community —(Mr Don Touhig):—It was agreed to. 5 Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from residents of Truro and St Austell for the basic state pension to reflect a real share of the nation's wealth was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. Page 617      Monday 6th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top 6 Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Don Touhig); And the Motion having been made after 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, it being then six minutes to Eleven o'clock, till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 10.54 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 3rd November 2000 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O., No. 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 158 (Presentation of command papers): 1 Comprehensive Spending Review,—Paper, entitled Spending Review 2000: Service Delivery Agreements 2001–04: A Guide [Cm. 4915] [Mr Andrew Smith]. 2 Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Government Response to the Eighteenth Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee, Session 1999–2000, on Air Service Agreement between the United Kingdom and the United States [Cm. 4907] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 3 Environment, Transport and the Regions,—Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Minute, dated 4th October 2000, concerning a contingent liability consequent upon an agreement with Midland Main Line Limited entered into by the Director of Passenger Rail Franchising (and Chief Executive of the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority) [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 4 European Communities (No. 1, 2000),—Agreement, done at Luxembourg on 21st June 1999, between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Swiss Confederation, of the other, on the Free Movement of Persons, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Cm. 4904] [Mr Secretary Cook]. Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 3rd November 2000 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O., No. 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments): Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 5 Disabled Persons,—Rail Vehicle Accessibility (South West Trains Class 170/3 Vehicles) Exemption Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2953), dated 2nd November 2000 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 6 Electricity,—Utilities Act 2000 (Supply of Information) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2956), dated 1st November 2000 [Mr Secretary Byers]. 7 Family Proceedings,—Family Proceedings (Amendment) Rules (Northern Ireland) 2000 (S.R. (N.I.), 2000, No. 329), dated 1st November 2000 [Mr David Lock]. 8 Road Traffic,—Community Drivers' Hours (Tankers) (Temporary Exception) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2960), dated 3rd November 2000 [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 9 Social Security,—Social Security Amendment (Employment Zones) (No. 2) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2910), dated 28th October 2000 [Mr Secretary Darling]. Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 6th November 2000: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution: 10 Social Security,—Draft Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 11 National Health Service,—(1) National Clinical Assessment Authority (Establishment and Constitution) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2961), and (2) National Clinical Assessment Authority Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2962) dated 6th November 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn]. 12 Pensions,—Sharing of State Scheme Rights (Provision of Information and Valuation) (No. 2) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2914), dated 26th October 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. Page 618      Monday 6th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top Other Papers: 13 Food,—Statement by the Food Standards Agency on General Objectives and Practices [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn]. 14 Health,—Department of Health Minute, dated 4 November 2000, concerning a contingent liability consequent upon an investigation into the backlog of histopathology samples at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital [by Command] [Mr Secretary Milburn]. 15 Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions,—Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions (Non-Effective Benefits and Family Pensions) Order 2000, dated 11th October 2000 [by Act] [Margaret Beckett]. 16 Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on the Petition [27th July] from residents of the Don Valley constituency and others concerning the planning application for the proposed Doncaster Finningley Airport [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House]. 17 Race Relations,—Annual Report of the Commission for Racial Equality for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw]. 18 Water,—(1) Water Bill—Consultation on draft legislation [by Command] [Cm. 4908], and (2) Draft Water Bill—Regulatory, Environmental and Equal Treatment Appraisals [by Command] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. APPENDIX II Standing Committees Farm Waste Grant (Nitrate Vulnerable Zones) (England) (No. 2) Scheme 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2911),—The Speaker has appointed Mr Bill Olner Chairman of the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (in respect of the Scheme) in place of Mr Jim Cunningham. APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [UK Steel Industry]; to be printed [No. 965-i] [Mr Martin O'Neill]. [No. 153.] Tuesday 7th November 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 Tuesday 14th November. 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 Tuesday 14th November. 3 Insolvency Bill [Lords],—Mr Roger Gale reported from Standing Committee B, That it had gone through the Insolvency Bill [Lords], and made Amendments thereunto. Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 179]. Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 972]. 4 Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bill Olner reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Farm Waste Grant (Nitrate Vulnerable Zones) (England) (No. 2) Scheme 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2911). Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table. Page 619      Tuesday 7th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top 5 Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That at today's sitting the Speaker shall put the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the Motions in the name of Margaret Beckett relating to Programming of Bills and Deferred Divisions not later than Ten o'clock, and such Questions shall include the Questions on any amendments selected by the Speaker which may then be moved; and those Questions may be decided, though opposed, after the expiration of the time for opposed business—(Margaret Beckett); Mr Keith Bradley rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put. And the Question being put, That the Question be now put; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe: 251. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Eric Forth, Sir Archie Hamilton: 164. So the Question was agreed to. And the Question being accordingly put; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe: 251. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Eric Forth, Sir Archie Hamilton: 168. So the Question was agreed to. Ordered, That at today's sitting the Speaker shall put the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the Motions in the name of Margaret Beckett relating to Programming of Bills and Deferred Divisions not later than Ten o'clock, and such Questions shall include the Questions on any amendments selected by the Speaker which may then be moved; and those Questions may be decided, though opposed, after the expiration of the time for opposed business. 6 Programming of Bills,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That in the next Session of Parliament Orders A to I below shall have effect: A. Programme Motions (1) If, before second reading of a bill, notice of a motion providing for— (a) committal of the bill, and (b) an allocation of time to proceedings in committee on the bill, is given by a Minister of the Crown, the motion may be made immediately after second reading and Standing Order No. 63 (committal of bills) shall not apply to the bill. (2) Such a motion is to be called a programme motion. (3) An order made by the House as the result of a programme motion is to be called a programme order. (4) A motion to vary or supplement a programme order is also to be called a programme motion. (5) The question on a programme motion to vary or supplement a programme order shall be put forthwith unless paragraph (7) applies. (6) Otherwise, any question necessary to dispose of proceedings on a programme motion shall be put not later than three-quarters of an hour after the commencement of the proceedings. (7) This paragraph applies to a programme motion to— (a) reduce the amount of time allocated under a programme order for any proceedings on the bill (whether or not it also increases the amount of time allocated for other proceedings on the bill); (b) bring forward the date on which the bill is to be reported to the House in accordance with a programme order; or (c) add to the proceedings to which a programme order applies. (8) Standing Order No. 15(1) (exempted business) applies to proceedings on a programme motion. (9) Standing Order No. 83 (allocation of time) does not apply to a programme motion. (10) If a programme order applies to a bill, neither Standing Order No. 82 (Business Committee) nor Standing Order No. 120 (Business Sub-Committee) applies to the bill. Page 620      Tuesday 7th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top B. Programming Committees (1) This order applies if a bill is subject to a programme order which makes provision for proceedings in committee of the whole House or on consideration and third reading. (2) There is to be a committee for the bill consisting of— (a) the Chairman of Ways and Means (who is to be chairman of the committee); and (b) not more than eight other Members, nominated by the Speaker. (3) The committee is to be called the Programming Committee. (4) The quorum of the Programming Committee is four. (5) The Programming Committee shall— (a) consider the allocation of periods of time to such of the proceedings in committee of the whole House (or on consideration and third reading) as it thinks appropriate to designate; and (b) report any resolution which it makes to the House. (6) On a motion being made in the House in the terms of a resolution of the Programming Committee, any question necessary to dispose of proceedings on the motion shall be put not later than half an hour after the commencement of those proceedings. (7) If such a motion is agreed to, its provisions shall have effect as if they were included in the programme order for the bill. (8) Proceedings on a motion made under paragraph (6) may be entered upon and decided, though opposed, at any hour. (9) Resolutions of the Programming Committee— (a) may be reported from time to time; and (b) subject to the powers of the Speaker or Chairman to select the amendments, new clauses and new schedules to be proposed, may include alterations in the order in which designated proceedings on the bill are to be taken. C. Programming Sub-Committees (1) If a bill is subject to a programme order which commits it to a standing committee, the order stands referred to the committee and shall be considered by a sub-committee of the committee. (2) The sub-committee is to be called the Programming Sub-Committee. (3) The Programming Sub-Committee shall consist of— (a) the chairman or one of the chairmen of the committee (who is to be chairman of the sub-committee); and (b) seven members of the committee, nominated by the Speaker. (4) The quorum of the Programming Sub-Committee is four. (5) The Programming Sub-Committee shall report to the committee any resolution which it makes about— (a) the number of sittings to be allotted to the consideration of the bill in the committee; (b) the allocation of the proceedings to each sitting; (c) the time at which any proceedings, if not previously concluded, are to be brought to a conclusion. (6) On a motion being made in the committee in the terms of a resolution of the Programming Sub-Committee, any question necessary to dispose of proceedings on the motion shall be put not later than half an hour after the commencement of those proceedings. (7) If such a motion is agreed to, its provisions shall have effect as if they were included in the programme order for the bill. (8) Resolutions of the Programming Sub-Committee— (a) may be reported from time to time; and (b) subject to the powers of the chairman to select the amendments, new clauses and new schedules to be proposed, may include alterations in the order in which specified proceedings are to be taken. Page 621      Tuesday 7th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top D. Programme orders: conclusion of proceedings in Standing Committee or in Committee of the whole House (1) This order applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings in standing committee or in committee of the whole House to a conclusion in accordance with a programme order. (2) The chairman 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, new clause or new schedule selected by the chairman for separate division; (d) the question on any amendment moved or motion made by a Minister of the Crown; (e) any other question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded. (3) On a motion made for a new clause or a new schedule, the chairman shall put only the question that the clause or schedule be added to the bill. (4) If two or more questions would fall to be put under paragraph (2)(d) on successive amendments moved or motions made by a Minister of the Crown, the chairman shall instead put a single question in relation to those amendments or motions. (5) If two or more questions would fall to be put under paragraph (2)(e) in relation to successive provisions of the bill, the chairman shall instead put a single question in relation to those provisions. (6) On conclusion of the proceedings in a committee, the chairman shall report the bill (or such of the bill's provisions as were committed to it) to the House without putting any question. E. Programme orders: conclusion of proceedings on consideration or third reading (1) This order applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings on consideration and third reading to a conclusion in accordance with a programme order. (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, new clause or new schedule selected by the Speaker for separate division; (d) the question on any amendment moved or motion made by a Minister of the Crown; (e) any other question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded. (3) On a motion made for a new clause or a new 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 fall to be put under paragraph (2)(d) on successive 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. F. Programme orders: conclusion of proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments (1) This order applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments to a conclusion in accordance with a programme order. (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 their 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. Page 622      Tuesday 7th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top (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— (a) agreed or disagreed with the Lords in any of their Amendments, or (b) 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. G. Programme orders: conclusion of proceedings on further messages from the Lords (1) This order applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings on any further message from the Lords to a conclusion in accordance with a programme order. (2) The Speaker shall first put forthwith any question which has been proposed from the chair and not yet decided. (3) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the question on any motion made by a Minister of the Crown which is related to the question already proposed from the chair. (4) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the question on any motion made by a Minister on or relevant to any of the remaining items in the Lords message. (5) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the question that this House agrees with the Lords in all the remaining Lords proposals. H. Programme orders: Reasons Committee (1) This order applies in relation to any Committee to be appointed to draw up Reasons after proceedings have been brought to a conclusion in accordance with a programme order. (2) 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. (3) The Committee shall report before the conclusion of the sitting at which it is appointed. (4) Proceedings in the Committee shall be brought to a conclusion not later than half an hour after their commencement. (5) For the purpose of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph (4), 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. (6) The proceedings of the Committee shall be reported without any further question being put. I. Programme orders: supplementary provisions (1) The provisions of this order apply to proceedings in the House or in Committee of the whole House on a bill which is subject to a programme order. (2) Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) applies to the proceedings for any period after Ten o'clock (or on Thursday, seven o'clock) allocated to them in accordance with the programme order. (3) The proceedings may not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House. (4) If, on a day on which the bill has been set down to be taken as an order of the day, a motion for the adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 (Adjournment on specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration) would, apart from this order, stand over to Seven o'clock— (a) that motion stands over until the conclusion of any proceedings on the bill which, in accordance with the programme order, are to be brought to conclusion at or before that time; and (b) the bringing to a conclusion of any proceedings on the bill which, in accordance with the programme order, are to be brought to a conclusion after that time is postponed for a period of time equal to the duration of the proceedings on that motion. (5) If a day on which the bill has been set down to be taken as an order of the day is one to which a motion for the adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 Page 623      Tuesday 7th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top stands over from an earlier day, the bringing to a conclusion of any proceedings on the bill which, in accordance with the programme order, are to be brought to a conclusion on that day is postponed for a period equal to the duration of the proceedings on that motion. (6) No dilatory motion may be made in relation to the proceedings except by a Minister of the Crown; and the question on any such motion is to be put forthwith. (7) If at any sitting 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 a programme order, no notice is required of a motion made at the next sitting by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of the programme order—(Margaret Beckett); And it being Ten o'clock, the Speaker put the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the Motions on Programming of Bills and Deferred Divisions, pursuant to Order [this day]. An Amendment ((g)) was proposed to the Question, in line 30, at the end to insert the words— ‘(11) On a day on which a programme motion is to be moved, the Speaker shall put the Question on a second reading of the bill to which that Motion applies not later than 9.30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 6.30 p.m. on Thursdays.'.—(Mrs Anne Campbell.) And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Lorna Fitzsimons, Mr Frank Doran: 174. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Keith Simpson, Mr James Gray: 253. So the Question was negatived. And the Main Question being put forthwith; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Mike Hall: 296. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Keith Simpson, Mr James Gray: 137. So the Question was agreed to. Ordered, That in the next Session of Parliament Orders A to I below shall have effect: A. Programme Motions (1) If, before second reading of a bill, notice of a motion providing for— (a) committal of the bill, and (b) an allocation of time to proceedings in committee on the bill, is given by a Minister of the Crown, the motion may be made immediately after second reading and Standing Order No. 63 (committal of bills) shall not apply to the bill. (2) Such a motion is to be called a programme motion. (3) An order made by the House as the result of a programme motion is to be called a programme order. (4) A motion to vary or supplement a programme order is also to be called a programme motion. (5) The question on a programme motion to vary or supplement a programme order shall be put forthwith unless paragraph (7) applies. (6) Otherwise, any question necessary to dispose of proceedings on a programme motion shall be put not later than three-quarters of an hour after the commencement of the proceedings. (7) This paragraph applies to a programme motion to— (a) reduce the amount of time allocated under a programme order for any proceedings on the bill (whether or not it also increases the amount of time allocated for other proceedings on the bill); (b) bring forward the date on which the bill is to be reported to the House in accordance with a programme order; or (c) add to the proceedings to which a programme order applies. (8) Standing Order No. 15(1) (exempted business) applies to proceedings on a programme motion. Page 624      Tuesday 7th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top (9) Standing Order No. 83 (allocation of time) does not apply to a programme motion. (10) If a programme order applies to a bill, neither Standing Order No. 82 (Business Committee) nor Standing Order No. 120 (Business Sub-Committee) applies to the bill. B. Programming Committees (1) This order applies if a bill is subject to a programme order which makes provision for proceedings in committee of the whole House or on consideration and third reading. (2) There is to be a committee for the bill consisting of— (a) the Chairman of Ways and Means (who is to be chairman of the committee); and (b) not more than eight other Members, nominated by the Speaker. (3) The committee is to be called the Programming Committee. (4) The quorum of the Programming Committee is four. (5) The Programming Committee shall— (a) consider the allocation of periods of time to such of the proceedings in committee of the whole House (or on consideration and third reading) as it thinks appropriate to designate; and (b) report any resolution which it makes to the House. (6) On a motion being made in the House in the terms of a resolution of the Programming Committee, any question necessary to dispose of proceedings on the motion shall be put not later than half an hour after the commencement of those proceedings. (7) If such a motion is agreed to, its provisions shall have effect as if they were included in the programme order for the bill. (8) Proceedings on a motion made under paragraph (6) may be entered upon and decided, though opposed, at any hour. (9) Resolutions of the Programming Committee— (a) may be reported from time to time; and (b) subject to the powers of the Speaker or Chairman to select the amendments, new clauses and new schedules to be proposed, may include alterations in the order in which designated proceedings on the bill are to be taken. C. Programming Sub-Committees (1) If a bill is subject to a programme order which commits it to a standing committee, the order stands referred to the committee and shall be considered by a sub-committee of the committee. (2) The sub-committee is to be called the Programming Sub-Committee. (3) The Programming Sub-Committee shall consist of— (a) the chairman or one of the chairmen of the committee (who is to be chairman of the sub-committee); and (b) seven members of the committee, nominated by the Speaker. (4) The quorum of the Programming Sub-Committee is four. (5) The Programming Sub-Committee shall report to the committee any resolution which it makes about— (a) the number of sittings to be allotted to the consideration of the bill in the committee; (b) the allocation of the proceedings to each sitting; (c) the time at which any proceedings, if not previously concluded, are to be brought to a conclusion. (6) On a motion being made in the committee in the terms of a resolution of the Programming Sub-Committee, any question necessary to dispose of proceedings on the motion shall be put not later than half an hour after the commencement of those proceedings. (7) If such a motion is agreed to, its provisions shall have effect as if they were included in the programme order for the bill. (8) Resolutions of the Programming Sub-Committee— (a) may be reported from time to time; and (b) subject to the powers of the chairman to select the amendments, new clauses and new schedules to be proposed, may include alterations in the order in which specified proceedings are to be taken. Page 625      Tuesday 7th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top D. Programme orders: conclusion of proceedings in Standing Committee or in Committee of the whole House (1) This order applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings in standing committee or in committee of the whole House to a conclusion in accordance with a programme order. (2) The chairman 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, new clause or new schedule selected by the chairman for separate division; (d) the question on any amendment moved or motion made by a Minister of the Crown; (e) any other question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded. (3) On a motion made for a new clause or a new schedule, the chairman shall put only the question that the clause or schedule be added to the bill. (4) If two or more questions would fall to be put under paragraph (2)(d) on successive amendments moved or motions made by a Minister of the Crown, the chairman shall instead put a single question in relation to those amendments or motions. (5) If two or more questions would fall to be put under paragraph (2)(e) in relation to successive provisions of the bill, the chairman shall instead put a single question in relation to those provisions. (6) On conclusion of the proceedings in a committee, the chairman shall report the bill (or such of the bill's provisions as were committed to it) to the House without putting any question. E. Programme orders: conclusion of proceedings on consideration or third reading (1) This order applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings on consideration and third reading to a conclusion in accordance with a programme order. (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, new clause or new schedule selected by the Speaker for separate division; (d) the question on any amendment moved or motion made by a Minister of the Crown; (e) any other question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded. (3) On a motion made for a new clause or a new 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 fall to be put under paragraph (2)(d) on successive 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. F. Programme orders: conclusion of proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments (1) This order applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments to a conclusion in accordance with a programme order. (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 their 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. Page 626      Tuesday 7th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top (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— (a) agreed or disagreed with the Lords in any of their Amendments, or (b) 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. G. Programme orders: conclusion of proceedings on further messages from the Lords (1) This order applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings on any further message from the Lords to a conclusion in accordance with a programme order. (2) The Speaker shall first put forthwith any question which has been proposed from the chair and not yet decided. (3) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the question on any motion made by a Minister of the Crown which is related to the question already proposed from the chair. (4) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the question on any motion made by a Minister on or relevant to any of the remaining items in the Lords message. (5) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the question that this House agrees with the Lords in all the remaining Lords proposals. H. Programme orders: Reasons Committee (1) This order applies in relation to any Committee to be appointed to draw up Reasons after proceedings have been brought to a conclusion in accordance with a programme order. (2) 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. (3) The Committee shall report before the conclusion of the sitting at which it is appointed. (4) Proceedings in the Committee shall be brought to a conclusion not later than half an hour after their commencement. (5) For the purpose of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph (4), 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. (6) The proceedings of the Committee shall be reported without any further question being put. I. Programme orders: supplementary provisions (1) The provisions of this order apply to proceedings in the House or in Committee of the whole House on a bill which is subject to a programme order. (2) Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) applies to the proceedings for any period after Ten o'clock (or on Thursday, seven o'clock) allocated to them in accordance with the programme order. (3) The proceedings may not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House. (4) If, on a day on which the bill has been set down to be taken as an order of the day, a motion for the adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 (Adjournment on specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration) would, apart from this order, stand over to Seven o'clock— (a) that motion stands over until the conclusion of any proceedings on the bill which, in accordance with the programme order, are to be brought to conclusion at or before that time; and (b) the bringing to a conclusion of any proceedings on the bill which, in accordance with the programme order, are to be brought to a conclusion after that time is postponed for a period of time equal to the duration of the proceedings on that motion. (5) If a day on which the bill has been set down to be taken as an order of the day is one to which a motion for the adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 Page 627      Tuesday 7th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top stands over from an earlier day, the bringing to a conclusion of any proceedings on the bill which, in accordance with the programme order, are to be brought to a conclusion on that day is postponed for a period equal to the duration of the proceedings on that motion. (6) No dilatory motion may be made in relation to the proceedings except by a Minister of the Crown; and the question on any such motion is to be put forthwith. (7) If at any sitting 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 a programme order, no notice is required of a motion made at the next sitting by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of the programme order. 7 Deferred Divisions,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Order [this day], That in the next Session of Parliament the following Order shall have effect: (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), Standing Order No. 38 (Procedure on divisions) shall not apply if, after the time for the interruption of business, the opinion of the Speaker as to the decision on a question is challenged in respect of any question. (2) Standing Order No. 38 (Procedure on divisions) shall apply (and this order shall not apply) to questions— (a) on motions or amendments in the course of proceedings on bills or allocating time to or programming such proceedings; (b) on motions which may be made without notice; (c) on motions to be disposed of immediately following the disposal of amendments proposed thereto, and on such amendments; (d) on motions made under— (i) paragraph (2) of Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business); (ii) paragraph (3) of Standing Order No. 51 (Ways and means motions); (iii) sub-paragraph (1)(a) of Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills); (iv) paragraph (5) of Standing Order No. 54 (Consideration of estimates); and (v) paragraph (1) of Standing Order No. 55 (Questions on voting of estimates, &c.); and (e) on motions made under paragraph 3 below or to which an order made under that paragraph applies. (3) After the moment of interruption and the conclusion of proceedings under any other Standing Order which fall to be taken immediately after it, a Minister of the Crown may make a motion to the effect that this order shall not apply to questions on any specified motions; such motion may be proceeded with, though opposed, and the question thereon shall be put forthwith. (4) If the opinion of the Speaker is challenged under paragraph (1) of this order, he shall defer the division until half-past Three o'clock on the next Wednesday on which the House shall sit. (5) On any Wednesday to which a division has been deferred under paragraph (4) above— (a) Members may record their votes on the question under arrangements made by the Speaker; (b) votes may be recorded for one and a half hours after half-past Three o'clock, no account being taken of any period during which the House or committee proceeds to a division; and (c) the Speaker, or the Chairman, shall announce the result of the deferred division as soon as may be after the expiry of the period mentioned in sub-paragraph (b) above—(Margaret Beckett); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Mike Hall: 271. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr John Randall: 152. So the Question was agreed to. 8 Public Accounts,—Ordered, That Mr Charles Wardle and Mr David Curry be discharged from the Committee of Public Accounts and Mr Simon Burns and Mr David Faber be added to the Committee.—(Mr Gerry Sutcliffe.) Page 628      Tuesday 7th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top 9 Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from residents of Carshalton and Wallington urging the Secretary of State to increase the basic state pension was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. 10 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Gerry Sutcliffe.) And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till seven minutes past Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 11.07 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 1 Agriculture,—Rural Development Grants (Agriculture and Forestry) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2907), dated 25th October 2000 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 2 Social Security,—Tax Credits Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendments No.4) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2978), dated 7th November 2000 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo]. 3 Social Security (Northern Ireland),—Tax Credits Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendments No.4) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2979), dated 7th November 2000 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo]. Other Papers: 4 Foreign Affairs,—Government Response to the Fifth Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee, Session 1999–2000, on Annual Reports of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and British Trade International 2000 [by Command] [Cm. 4894] [Mr Secretary Cook]. 5 Mental Health (Scotland),—Report and Financial Statement of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. 6 National Heritage,—Report and Accounts of English Heritage for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. 7 National Heritage (Scotland),—Review and Accounts of National Galleries of Scotland for 1997B1999 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. APPENDIX II Standing Committees 1 Draft Jobseeker's Allowance (Joint Claims: Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2000, and the draft Social Security (New Deal Pilot) Regulations 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr John Hayes and Ms Fiona Jones from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Graham Brady and Mr Tom Pendry. 2 Draft Companies Act 1985 (Electronic Communications) Order 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mrs Louise Ellman and Mr Kerry Pollard from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Order); and nominated in substitution Mrs Janet Dean and Mr Gwyn Prosser. 3 Draft Consular Fees Act 1980 (Fees) Order 2000,—The Speaker has appointed Mr John Cummings Chairman of the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order, in place of Mr Eric Illsley. APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees 1 Education and Employment,—Eighth Special Report from the Education and Employment Committee [Government Response to the Eighth Report from the Committee, Session 1999–2000, on New Deal for Young People: Two Years On]; to be printed [No. 969] [Mr Derek Foster]. 2 Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Delivering Sustainable Waste Management]; to be printed [No. 903-iii] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett]. Page 629      Tuesday 7th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top 3 Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [Physical Controls at UK Ports of Entry]; to be printed [No. 570-iv] [Mr Robin Corbett]. 4 International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [Annual Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank]; to be printed [No. 966-i] [Mr Bowen Wells]. 5 Statutory Instruments,—Thirtieth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 47-xxx] [Mr David Tredinnick]. 6 Trade and Industry,—(1) Thirteenth Report from the Trade and Industry Committee [The Post Office and the Future of the Network], 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. 724]; and (2) Fourteenth Report from the Committee [What Would the Euro Cost UK Business?], 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. 755] [Mr Martin O'Neill]. 7 Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [Financial Services Authority]; to be printed [No. 336-ii] [Mr Giles Radice]. [No. 153; WH, No. 94.] Tuesday 7th November 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 Don Touhig.) And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 12.59 p.m. [No. 154.] Wednesday 8th November 2000. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS. 1 Private Bills [Lords] (Suspension),—Ordered, That so much of the Lords Message [6th November] as relates to the Colchester Borough Council Bill [Lords] be now considered. Resolved, That this House concurs with the Lords in their Resolution.—(The Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means.) Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith. 2 Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr John Cummings reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Consular Fees Act 1980 (Fees) Order 2000. Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table. 3 Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mrs Irene Adams reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Jobseeker's Allowance (Joint Claims: Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2000 and the draft Social Security (New Deal Pilot) Regulations 2000. Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table. 4 Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Sir David Madel reported from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Companies Act 1985 (Electronic Communications) Order 2000. Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table. Page 630      Wednesday 8th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top 5 Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: The Lords have agreed to the Criminal Justice and Court Services Bill, with Amendments; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House. 6 Criminal Justice and Court Services Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Criminal Justice and Court Services Bill to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 180]. 7 Lifelong Learning (Paid Study Time),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to establish an entitlement to a national minimum time allowance for training and educational purposes for people in employment: And that Mr David Chaytor, Charlotte Atkins, Mr Hilary Benn, Mr John Cryer, Mr Kelvin Hopkins, Alice Mahon, Judy Mallaber, Mr Gordon Marsden, Mr Allan Rogers and Ms Debra Shipley do prepare and bring it in. 8 Lifelong Learning (Paid Study Time) Bill,—Mr David Chaytor accordingly presented a Bill to establish an entitlement to a national minimum time allowance for training and educational purposes for people in employment: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 17th November and to be printed [Bill 178]. 9 Trustee Bill [Lords],—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Trustee Bill [Lords], not amended in the Standing Committee. A Motion being made, That the Bill be now read the third time; Mrs Helen Liddell, by Her Majesty's Command, acquainted the House, That Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, gives her Consent, as far as Her Majesty's interest is concerned, That the House may do therein as it shall think fit. Mrs Helen Liddell, by Command of the Prince of Wales, acquainted the House, That His Royal Highness, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, gives his Consent, as far as the Prince of Wales's interest is concerned, That the House may do therein as it shall think fit. And the Question being put—It was agreed to. The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed, without Amendment. 10 Adjournment (Proposed Public Private Partnership for BNFL),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Greg Pope); And it being Ten o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put. 11 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Gerry Sutcliffe.) And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-eight minutes past Ten o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 10.28 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution: 1 Constitutional Law,—Draft Scotland Act 1998 (Modifications of Schedule 5) Order 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 2 Animals,—Cattle (Identification of Older Animals) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2976), dated 6th November 2000 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 3 Charities,—Draft Charities (Most Honourable and Loyal Society of Ancient Britons (Known as St. David's School)) Order 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw]. 4 Civil Aviation,—Yugoslavia (Prohibition of Flights) (No. 2) (Revocation) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2981), dated 6th November 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 5 Disabled Persons,—Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Taxis) (Carrying of Guide Dogs etc.) (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2990), dated 8th November 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. 6 Food,—Dairy Produce Quotas (Amendment) (England) (No. 2) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2977), dated 5th November 2000 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 7 Legal Services,—Collective Conditional Fee Agreements Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2988), dated 7th November 2000 [by Act] [Mr David Lock]. Page 631      Wednesday 8th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top 8 Plant Health,—Potatoes Originating in Egypt (Amendment) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2963), dated 2nd November 2000 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown]. 9 Social Security,—Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment (Temporary Increase) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2997), dated 7th November 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. 10 Supreme Court,—Crown Court (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2987), dated 7th November 2000 [by Act] [Mr David Lock]. Other Papers: 11 Pre-Budget Report,—(1) Paper, entitled Pre-Budget Report, November 2000: Building long-term prosperity for all [by Command] [Cm. 4917] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer]. (2) Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Audit of Assumptions for the Pre-Budget 2000 Report [by Act]; to be printed [No. 959] [Clerk of the House]. 12 Sierra Leone (No. 1, 2000),—Agreement, done at Freetown on 13th January 2000, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone, for the Promotion and Protection of Investments, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 4896] [Mr Secretary Cook]. APPENDIX II Standing Committees 1 Draft Broadcasting (Limit on the Holding of Licences to Provide Television Multiplex Services) Order 2000: (1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Roger Gale Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Janet Anderson, Norman Baker, Mr Hilary Benn, Mr Crispin Blunt, Mr Brian Cotter, Mr Tam Dalyell, Mr Terry Davis, Jim Dowd, Mrs Louise Ellman, Mr Mark Fisher, Mr Christopher Fraser, Mr John Greenway, Mr Win Griffiths, Mr Peter Kilfoyle, Fiona Mactaggart and Mr Owen Paterson. 2 Draft Terrorism Act 2000 (Video recording of interviews) Order 2000: (1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Sir David Madel Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Tony Baldry, Mr Desmond Browne, Mr James Cran, Mr Geraint Davies, Jim Dowd, Mr Frank Field, Mr Stephen Hepburn, Mr Gerald Howarth, Mr Adam Ingram, Mrs Jackie Lawrence, Mr Lembit Opik, Dr Phyllis Starkey, Dr Gavin Strang, Mr John M. Taylor, Mr William Thompson and Mr David Winnick. 3 Value Added Tax (Reduced Rate) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2954): (1) The Speaker has allocated the Order to the Fourth 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.: Mr Graham Allen, Mr Ronnie Campbell, Mr James Clappison, Mrs Ann Cryer, Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas, Dr Evan Harris, Mr David Lammy, Mr David Lepper, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Austin Mitchell, Ms Julie Morgan, Mr Patrick Nicholls, Mr Chris Pond, Dawn Primarolo, Mr William Ross and Mr Nicholas Soames. 4 Draft Double Taxation Relief (Shipping Transport) (Hong Kong) Order 2000, and the draft Double Taxation Relief (Taxation on Income) (Norway) Order 2000: (1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Graham Allen, Mr David Atkinson, Miss Anne Begg, Mr James Clappison, Mr David Crausby, Mr Edward Davey, Mr Frank Dobson, Mr Christopher Gill, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Kevin McNamara, Mr Chris Pond, Dawn Primarolo, Mr Dennis Skinner, Mr Matthew Taylor, Ms Claire Ward and Mr Shaun Woodward. 5 Draft Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2000: (1) The Speaker has allocated the Regulations to the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Dr Ashok Kumar Chairman; and Page 632      Wednesday 8th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Tony Banks, Mr Hugh Bayley, Mr Gerald Bermingham, Mr Tim Boswell, Mr Richard Burden, Mr Paul Burstow, Mr Hilton Dawson, Mr Kevin Hughes, Glenda Jackson, Mr Alan Keen, Mr Fraser Kemp, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Dr Julian Lewis, Dr Desmond Turner and Steve Webb. APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees 1 Agriculture,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Agriculture Committee [Organic Farming]; to be printed [No. 681-v]; and (2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Badgers and Bovine Tuberculosis: Follow-up; Organic Farming] [Mr David Curry]. 2 Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee [The Reserve Forces]; to be printed [No. 976-i][Mr Bruce George]. 3 Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Recent Developments at National Air Traffic Services]; to be printed [No. 974-i] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody]. 4 Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee [Public Expenditure and the National Plan]; to be printed [No. 957-ii] [Mr David Hinchliffe]. 5 International Development,—Tenth Report from the International Development Committee [After Seattle—The World Trade Organisation and Developing Countries], 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. 227] [Mr Bowen Wells]. 6 Modernisation of the House of Commons,—Fourth Report from the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons [Sittings in Westminster Hall], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 906] [Margaret Beckett]. 7 Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Prison Service in Northern Ireland]; to be printed [No. 931-iii] [Mr Peter Brooke]. 8 Public Accounts,—(1) Thirty-eighth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [The Sheep Annual Premium Scheme in England]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 362]; (2) Forty-second Report [The Management and Control of Hospital Acquired Infection in Acute NHS Trusts in England] together with an Appendix 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. 306]; and (3) Forty-third Report [Hip Replacements: Getting it right first time]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 513] [Mr David Davis]. 9 Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Public Administration Committee [Making Government Work]; to be printed [No. 238-vii] [Tony Wright]. 10 Scottish Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Scottish Affairs Committee [The Drinks Industry in Scotland]; to be printed [No. 973-i] [Mr David Marshall]. [No. 154; WH, No. 95.] Wednesday 8th November 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 David Jamieson.) And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 12.55 p.m. Page 633      Wednesday 8th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top [No. 155.] Thursday 9th November 2000. The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS. 1 Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: Private Bills (Suspension),—The Lords concur with the Commons in their Message [2nd November] relating to the City of London (Ward Elections) Bill, and in their Message [6th November] relating to the Greenham and Crookham Commons Bill. 2 Adjournment (First Report from the Liaison Committee, 1999–2000: Shifting the Balance—Select Committees and the Executive),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Gerry Sutcliffe); And it being Seven o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put. 3 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Kevin Hughes.) And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-nine minutes past Seven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 7.29 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 1 Taxes,—Stamp Duty and Stamp Duty Reserve Tax (Investment Exchanges and Clearing Houses) (Jiway Limited) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2995), dated 8th November 2000 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson]. 2 Telecommunications,—Telecommunications (Licence Modifications) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2998), dated 9th November 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers]. Other Papers: 3 Air Force (Constitution),—(1) Designation of Officers (Royal Air Force) (Reduction in Rank) Regulations 2000; and (2) Amendment list 2 to the Regulations for the Reserve Air Forces (Air Publication 3392 Volume 7 (First Edition)) dated 16th October 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. 4 Child Support, Pensions and Social Security,—Report by the Government Actuary on the cost of uprating the basic retirement pension in line with the general level of earnings [by Command] [Cm. 4920] [Mr Secretary Darling]. 5 National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on The Millennium Dome [by Act]; to be printed [No. 936] [Clerk of the House]. 6 Reserve Forces,—Change 7 to the Regulations for the Naval and Marine Reserves (BR 64) [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. 7 School Standards and Framework,—Accounts of the Salford and Trafford Education Action Zone for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 977] [Clerk of the House]. 8 Social Security,—Paper, entitled The Pension Credit: a consultation paper [by Command] [Cm. 4900] [Mr Secretary Darling]. 9 Sports Councils,—Financial Statements of the United Kingdom Sports Council for 1999–2000 [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith]. 10 Treasury Executive Agencies,—Resource Accounts of the Intervention Board for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 833] [Mr Stephen Timms]. Page 634      Thursday 9th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top APPENDIX II Reports from Select Committees 1 Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [The Operation of the National Lottery]; to be printed [No. 958-i] [Mr Gerald Kaufman]. 2 Home Affairs,—(1) Fourth Report from the Home Affairs Committee [Blantyre House Prison], 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. 904]; (2) Part of the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on 17th October [Blantyre House Prison]; to be printed [No. 904-i]; and (3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Blantyre House Prison] [Mr Robin Corbett]. 3 Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Treasury Committee [HM Treasury]; to be printed [No. 492-vi] [Mr Giles Radice]. [No. 155; WH, No. 96.] Thursday 9th November 2000. The House sitting in Westminster Hall [pursuant to Order of 24th May 1999]. The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock. Adjournment (Electronic Conveyancing),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Don Touhig.) And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 14th November. [Adjourned at 4.37 p.m. [No. 156.] Friday 10th November 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 Transport Bill, with Amendments; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House. 2 Transport Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Transport Bill to be considered on Monday 13th November; and to be printed [Bill 181]. 3 Sex Discrimination (Amendment) Bill,—Ordered, That the Sex Discrimination (Amendment) Bill be read a second time on Friday 24th November. 4 Adjournment,—(Government Support for Sport)—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Kevin Hughes); The Motion was, with the leave of the House, withdrawn. 5 Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Jim Dowd); And it being half-past Two o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put. 6 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Jim Dowd.) And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till eighteen minutes to Three o'clock, adjourned till Monday 13th November. [Adjourned at 2.42 pm Page 635      Friday 10th November 2000       1999-2000      Volume 256      Back to top APPENDIX Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 1 Education,—Teachers' Pensions (Sharing of Pensions on Divorce or Annulment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 3028), dated 8th November 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 2 Medicines,—Medicines (Products for Human Use—Fees) Amendment Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 3031), dated 9th November 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn]. 3 National Health Service,—National Health Service (Optical Charges and Payments) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 3029), dated 9th November 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn]. 4 Pensions,—(1) Judicial Pensions Act 1981 (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2985), dated 2nd November 2000, (2) Judicial Pensions and Retirement Act 1993 (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2986), dated 1st November 2000, (3) Judicial Pensions (Implementation of Pension Credits) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2983), dated 2nd November 2000, and (4) Judicial Pensions (Specification of Alternative Scheme) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2984), dated 2nd November 2000 [by Act] [Mr David Lock]; and (5) Local Government Pension Scheme (Pension Sharing on Divorce) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 3025), dated 9th November 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]; and (6) Pension Sharing (Contracting-out) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 2975), dated 5th November 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. 5 Pensions (Scotland),—Sheriffs' Pensions (Scotland) Act 1961 (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 3032), dated 2nd November 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. Other Papers: 6 Police,—Report and Financial Statements of the Police Complaints Authority for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 905][Mr Secretary Straw]. 7 Science and Technology,—Paper, entitled Science, Engineering and Technology Statistics 2000 [by Command] [Cm. 4902] [Mr Secretary Byers]. 8 Treaty Series (No. 125, 2000),—European Convention, done at Strasbourg on 18th March 1986, for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and other Scientific Purposes [by Command] [Cm. 4906] [Mr Secretary Cook]. Previous Chronological Index Next   Part I Alphabetical Index Part II Alphabetical Index     © Parliamentary copyright 2006 Prepared 12 October 2006