| Session 1999-2000 |
| Commons Journal 256
Chronological Index
Page 676 1999-2000 Volume 256 [No. 167.] Monday 27th November 2000. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
The Lords have agreed to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill, with Amendments; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House. The Lords insist on certain of their Amendments to the Transport Bill, to which this House has disagreed, for which insistence they assign their Reason, they do not insist on another Amendment to which the Commons have disagreed, but propose Amendments in lieu thereof, to which they desire the concurrence of this House. The Lords have agreed to the Amendments made by this House to the Race Relations (Amendment) Bill [Lords], without Amendment.
Lords Amendments 1.—(1) Proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Freedom of Information Bill shall be completed at today's sitting and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at midnight. (2) Proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill shall be completed on the allotted day and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 10.00 p.m. on that day. 2.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings on either of the Bills 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 their Amendment or (as the case may be) in their Amendment as amended. Page 677 Monday 27th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top (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— (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. 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 either of the Bills. (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. 4.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 3. (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 of the Crown 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. Reasons Committee 5. 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. 6.—(1) The Committee shall report before the conclusion of the sitting at which it is appointed. (2) Proceedings in the Committee shall, if not previously concluded, 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 7.—(1) The following paragraphs apply to— (a) proceedings at today's sitting on Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Freedom of Information Bill, (b) proceedings on the allotted day on Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill, (c) proceedings on any further message from the Lords on either of the Bills, and (d) proceedings at today's sitting or on the allotted day on the appointment, nomination and quorum of a Committee to draw up Reasons (and the appointment of its Chairman) and the Report of such a Committee. 8. Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) shall apply to the proceedings. 9. The proceedings shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House. 10. 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. Page 678 Monday 27th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top 11.—(1) If on a day on which any of the proceedings take place 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 stand over to Seven o'clock— (a) that Motion stands over until the conclusion of any of the proceedings which are to be brought to a conclusion at or before that time, and (b) the bringing to a conclusion of any of the proceedings which 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. (2) If a Motion for the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 stands over from an earlier day to such a day, the bringing to a conclusion of any of the proceedings on that day is postponed for a period of time equal to the duration of the proceedings on that Motion. 12. If the House is adjourned, or the sitting is suspended, before the expiry of the period at the end of which any of the 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. Interpretation 13. In this Order, “allotted day” means any day on which the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill is put down on the main business as first Government Order of the Day.—(Mr Secretary Straw.) And it being three hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Standing Order No. 83 (Allocation of time to bills). The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Clive Betts: 347. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 156. Ordered, That the following provisions shall apply to the remaining proceedings on the Freedom of Information Bill and the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill— Lords Amendments 1.—(1) Proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Freedom of Information Bill shall be completed at today's sitting and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at midnight. (2) Proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill shall be completed on the allotted day and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 10.00 p.m. on that day. 2.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings on either of the Bills 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 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. (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 Page 679 Monday 27th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top (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. 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 either of the Bills. (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. 4.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 3. (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 of the Crown 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. Reasons Committee 5. 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. 6.—(1) The Committee shall report before the conclusion of the sitting at which it is appointed. (2) Proceedings in the Committee shall, if not previously concluded, 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 7.—(1) The following paragraphs apply to— (a) proceedings at today's sitting on Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Freedom of Information Bill, (b) proceedings on the allotted day on Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill, (c) proceedings on any further message from the Lords on either of the Bills, and (d) proceedings at today's sitting or on the allotted day on the appointment, nomination and quorum of a Committee to draw up Reasons (and the appointment of its Chairman) and the Report of such a Committee. 8. Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) shall apply to the proceedings. 9. The proceedings shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House. 10. 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. 11.—(1) If on a day on which any of the proceedings take place 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 stand over to Seven o'clock— (a) that Motion stands over until the conclusion of any of the proceedings which are to be brought to a conclusion at or before that time, and Page 680 Monday 27th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top (b) the bringing to a conclusion of any of the proceedings which 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. (2) If a Motion for the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 stands over from an earlier day to such a day, the bringing to a conclusion of any of the proceedings on that day is postponed for a period of time equal to the duration of the proceedings on that Motion. 12. If the House is adjourned, or the sitting is suspended, before the expiry of the period at the end of which any of the 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. Interpretation 13. In this Order, “allotted day” means any day on which the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill is put down on the main business as first Government Order of the Day.
Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 3 were agreed to. Lords Amendment No. 4. An Amendment ((a)) was proposed to the Lords Amendment, in line 18, at the end, to insert the words— ‘(2A) In making any determination under subsection (1)(b) or (2)(b) in respect of information which is exempt by virtue of section 28 and which has at any time been held by an authority for the purposes of ascertaining the cause of an accident or for any investigation or proceedings relating to any requirement relating to the health, safety or welfare of members of the public or of persons at work or the protection of the environment— (a) the public interest in disclosing whether the public authority holds the information shall be regarded as outweighing the public interest in maintaining the exclusion of the duty to confirm or deny; and (b) the public interest in disclosing the information shall be regarded as outweighing the public interest in maintaining the exemption unless, in either case, to do so would or would be likely to prejudice any particular investigations or proceedings of the kind referred to in that section. (2B) Where— (a) disclosing whether information referred to in subsection (2A) is held, or (b) disclosing information referred to in subsection (2A) would or would be likely to have either of the effects referred to in that subsection, nothing in that subsection shall prejudice the generality of subsection (1)(b) or (2)(b).'.—(Mr Simon Hughes.) Question put, That the Amendment to the Lords Amendment be made. The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Sir Robert Smith, Mr Lembit Opik: 56. Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Jamieson, Mrs Anne McGuire: 343. So the Question was negatived. The Lords Amendment was 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—(Mr Mike O'Brien); Tuesday 28th November 2000 And it being midnight, the Deputy Speaker put the Question proposed from the Chair, pursuant to Order [27th November]. The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Don Touhig, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe: 368. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Stephen Day: 115. So the Question was agreed to. The Lords Amendment was accordingly agreed to. Page 681 Monday 27th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top The Deputy Speaker then put forthwith the Question, That this House agrees with the Lords in all the remaining Lords Amendments. The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Mr Don Touhig: 364. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 116. So the Question was agreed to. Lords Amendments Nos. 6 to 118 were accordingly agreed to.
And the Motion having been made after Ten o'clock on Monday evening, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then One o'clock on Tuesday morning, till this day. [Adjourned at 1 a.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Page 682 Monday 27th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top Other Papers:
APPENDIX II Standing Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Information Technology Provision for Members] [Mr Richard Allan].
[No. 168.] Tuesday 28th November 2000. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
I have received your Addresses praying that the Double Taxation Relief (Shipping Transport) (Hong Kong) Order 2000 and the Double Taxation Relief (Taxation on Income) (Norway) Order 2000 be made in the form of the drafts laid before your House. I will comply with your request.
Page 683 Tuesday 28th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top That, if the Bill is brought from the Lords in the next Session, a declaration signed by the agent shall be deposited in the Private Bill Office, stating that the Bill is the same in every respect as the Bill brought from the Lords in the present Session; That the Clerk in the Private Bill Office shall lay upon the Table of the House a certificate, that such a declaration has been deposited; 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; And objection being taken to further proceeding; Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Tuesday 12th December.
That, if the Bill is brought from the Lords in the next Session, a declaration signed by the agent shall be deposited in the Private Bill Office, stating that the Bill is the same in every respect as the Bill brought from the Lords in the present session; That the Clerk in the Private Bill Office shall lay upon the Table of the House a certificate, that such a declaration has been deposited; 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; And objection being taken to further proceeding; Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Tuesday 12th December.
The Lords have agreed to the Disqualifications Bill, with Amendments; to which they desire the concurrence of this House. The Lords have agreed to the Amendments made by this House to the Children (Leaving Care) Bill [Lords], without Amendment. The Lords do not insist on certain of their Amendments to the Criminal Justice and Court Services Bill to which this House has disagreed; they do not insist on certain other of their Amendments to which this House has disagreed, and agree, without Amendment, to the Amendments made by this House to the words so restored to the Bill; they do not insist on certain other of their Amendments to which this House has disagreed, and agree, without Amendment, to the Amendments made by this House in lieu thereof; they do not insist on the remaining Amendments to which this House has disagreed, but propose Amendments in lieu thereof, to which they desire the concurrence of this House; they agree, without Amendment, to the consequential Amendments made by this House to the Bill; and they agree, without Amendment, to the Amendments made by this House to their remaining Amendments.
Mark Phillip Hendrick, Esquire, Member for the Borough Constituency of Preston, was sworn. Adrian Edward Bailey, Esquire, Member for the Borough Constituency of West Bromwich West, was sworn. Page 684 Tuesday 28th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top
Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 18 were agreed to. Lords Amendment No. 19. An Amendment ((b)) was proposed to the Lords Amendment, in line 8, after the word ‘to', to insert the words ‘and appropriate points of access to,'.—(Mr James Paice.) Question put, That the Amendment to the Lords Amendment be made. The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr James Gray, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 156. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 327. So the Question was negatived. The Lords Amendment was agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges. Lords Amendments Nos. 20 to 98 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendments No. 33. Lords Amendment No. 99. An Amendment ((a)) was proposed to the Lords Amendment, in line 28, at the end to insert the words— ‘(ea) make specific provision in respect of premises constructed before 1906.'.—(Sir George Young.) Question proposed, That the Amendment to the Lords Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The Lords Amendment was agreed to. Lords Amendments Nos. 100 to 104 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendment No. 100. Lords Amendment No. 105. A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House agrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Michael Meacher); And it being Ten o'clock, the Speaker put the Question proposed from the Chair, pursuant to Order [yesterday]. The Lords Amendment was agreed to. The Speaker then put forthwith the Question, That this House agrees with the Lords in all the remaining Lords Amendments. Lords Amendments Nos. 106 to 281 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendments Nos. 124 and 268.
The Lords Reason for insisting on their Amendments Nos. 27 to 29 was read, as follows: Because the public-private partnership should be delayed until such time as it has a mandate from the electorate at a General Election. A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House insists on its disagreement with the Lords in their Amendments—(Mr Secretary Prescott); Page 685 Tuesday 28th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr David Jamieson: 305. Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Randall, Mr Peter Atkinson: 217. So the Question was agreed to. And it being more than one hour after the commencement of proceedings, the Speaker put forthwith the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings, pursuant to Order [15th November]. An Amendment ((a)) was proposed to the Bill, in lieu of Lords Amendment No. 27, in page 27, line 5, at the end to insert the words— ‘( ) No direction may be given under this section before the end of the period of three months starting with the day on which this Act is passed.'.—(Mr Nick Raynsford.) Question put, That the Amendment be made. The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe: 302. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Keith Simpson, Mr James Gray: 205. So the Question was agreed to. The Amendment in lieu of the Lords Amendment was accordingly made. Other Amendments ((b) and (c)) were made to the Bill, in lieu of Lords Amendments Nos. 28 and 29. Lords Amendments in lieu of Lords Amendment No. 31 were agreed to.
(1) citizens of the United Kingdom resident in Andorra for parity of pension provision for citizens at home and abroad, and (2) residents of Hastings and Rye against National Front marches were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
Wednesday 29th November 2000 And the Question being put; Resolved, That this House do now adjourn. And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till two minutes past Twelve o'clock on Wednesday morning, adjourned till this day. [Adjourned at 12.02 a.m. Page 686 Tuesday 28th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Other Papers:
(2) Paper, entitled Our countryside: the future—A fair deal for rural England [by Command] [Cms. 4910 and 4909] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
(2) Overseas Service Pensions Amendment (No. 2) Scheme 2000 [by Act] [Secretary Clare Short].
(1) the Secretary of State for Defence on the Petition [11th May] from citizens of the United Kingdom for the award of a medal to every conscripted National Serviceman and the erection of a national monument to peace, and (2) the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on the Petition [13th November] from residents of the constituency of Warrington North calling for residents to have a greater say in the siting of telecommunications masts [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].
APPENDIX II Standing Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Badgers and Bovine Tuberculosis: Follow-up; Flood and Coastal Defence: Follow-up; Horticulture Research International; Implementation of IACS in the European Union; Organic Farming ] [Mr David Curry]. Page 687 Tuesday 28th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top
(2) Memorandum laid before the Committee [Rail Manufacturing at Corus Rail, Workington] [Mr Martin O'Neill].
[No. 168; WH, No. 103.] Tuesday 28th November 2000. The House sitting in Westminster Hall [pursuant to Order of 24th May 1999]. The sitting commenced at Ten o'clock.
And it being One o'clock, the sitting was adjourned without Question put, till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 1 p.m. [No. 169.] Wednesday 29th November 2000. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 324].
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table. Page 688 Wednesday 29th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top
The Lords do not insist on their Amendments to the Transport Bill to which the Commons have disagreed and agree to the Amendments made by the Commons in lieu thereof without Amendment. The Lords have agreed to the Amendments made by this House to the Insolvency Bill [Lords], without Amendment.
And the Motion being opposed, after a brief explanatory statement from the Member who made the Motion and from a Member who opposed it, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Standing Order No. 23 (Motions for leave to bring in bills and nomination of select committees at commencement of public business). The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Eric Clarke, Mr Bill Tynan: 79. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Simon Burns, Mr Stephen O'Brien: 143. So the Question was negatived.
Lords Amendments 1.—(1) Proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill shall be completed at today's sitting and, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at midnight. (2) Proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Disqualifications Bill shall be completed in one allotted day and, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion three hours after their commencement. 2.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings on either Bill 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 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 689 Wednesday 29th 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. 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 either 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. 4.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 3. (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 of the Crown 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. Reasons Committee 5.—(1) This paragraph applies to any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, in relation to either Bill, for the appointment, nomination and quorum of a Committee to draw up Reasons and the appointment of its Chairman. (2) The Speaker shall put forthwith the Question on the Motion. (3) The Committee shall report before the conclusion of the sitting at which it is appointed. (4) Proceedings in the Committee shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion 30 minutes after their commencement. (5) For the purpose of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with sub-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. Miscellaneous 6.—(1) The following paragraphs apply to— (a) proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill, (b) proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Disqualifications Bill, (c) proceedings on any further Message from the Lords on either Bill, and (d) proceedings on the appointment, nomination and quorum of a Committee to draw up Reasons (and the appointment of its Chairman) and the Report of such a Committee. 7. Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) shall apply to the proceedings. 8. The proceedings shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House. 9. 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. Page 690 Wednesday 29th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top 10.—(1) If on a day on which any of the proceedings take place 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 stand over to Seven o'clock— (a) that Motion stands over until the conclusion of any of the proceedings which are to be brought to a conclusion at or before that time, and (b) the bringing to a conclusion of any of the proceedings which 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. (2) If a Motion for the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 stands over from an earlier day to such a day, the bringing to a conclusion of any of the proceedings on that day is postponed for a period of time equal to the duration of the proceedings on that Motion. 11. If the House is adjourned, or the sitting is suspended, before the expiry of the period at the end of which any of the 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. The allotted day 12. In this Order, “allotted day” means any day on which the Disqualifications Bill is put down on the main business as first Government Order of the Day.—(Mr Secretary Straw.) And it being three hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Standing Order No. 83 (Allocation of time to bills). The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Mike Hall: 358. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Luff, Mr James Gray: 177. So the Question was agreed to. Ordered, That the following provisions shall apply to the remaining proceedings on the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill and the Disqualifications Bill:— Lords Amendments 1.—(1) Proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill shall be completed at today's sitting and, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at midnight. (2) Proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Disqualifications Bill shall be completed in one allotted day and, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion three hours after their commencement. 2.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings on either Bill 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 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. (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 Page 691 Wednesday 29th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top (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. 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 either 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. 4.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 3. (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 of the Crown 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. Reasons Committee 5.—(1) This paragraph applies to any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, in relation to either Bill, for the appointment, nomination and quorum of a Committee to draw up Reasons and the appointment of its Chairman. (2) The Speaker shall put forthwith the Question on the Motion. (3) The Committee shall report before the conclusion of the sitting at which it is appointed. (4) Proceedings in the Committee shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion 30 minutes after their commencement. (5) For the purpose of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with sub-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. Miscellaneous 6.—(1) The following paragraphs apply to— (a) proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill, (b) proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Disqualifications Bill, (c) proceedings on any further Message from the Lords on either Bill, and (d) proceedings on the appointment, nomination and quorum of a Committee to draw up Reasons (and the appointment of its Chairman) and the Report of such a Committee. 7. Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) shall apply to the proceedings. 8. The proceedings shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House. 9. 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. 10.—(1) If on a day on which any of the proceedings take place 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 stand over to Seven o'clock— Page 692 Wednesday 29th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top (a) that Motion stands over until the conclusion of any of the proceedings which are to be brought to a conclusion at or before that time, and (b) the bringing to a conclusion of any of the proceedings which 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. (2) If a Motion for the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 stands over from an earlier day to such a day, the bringing to a conclusion of any of the proceedings on that day is postponed for a period of time equal to the duration of the proceedings on that Motion. 11. If the House is adjourned, or the sitting is suspended, before the expiry of the period at the end of which any of the 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. The allotted day 12. In this Order, “allotted day” means any day on which the Disqualifications Bill is put down on the main business as first Government Order of the Day.
Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 31 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendment No. 19. Lords Amendment No. 32. A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House agrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr David Clelland); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Jim Dowd, Mrs Anne McGuire: 380. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Peter Luff: 143. So the Question was agreed to. The Lords Amendment was accordingly agreed to. Lords Amendment No. 33 was agreed to. Lords Amendment No. 34. A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House agrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Paddy Tipping); Thursday 30th November 2000 And it being midnight, the Deputy Speaker put the Question proposed from the Chair, pursuant to Order. The Lords Amendment was agreed to. The Deputy Speaker then put forthwith the Questions necessary to dispose of the business to be concluded at that hour. Lords Amendment No. 130. Question put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Mike O'Brien); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Jim Dowd: 343. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 172. So the Question was agreed to. The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to. The Speaker then put forthwith the Question, That this House agrees with the Lords in all the remaining Lords Amendments. The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Jim Dowd: 370. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Peter Luff: 141. So the Question was agreed to. Page 693 Wednesday 29th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top Lords Amendments Nos. 35 to 129 and 131 to 666 were accordingly agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendments Nos. 71, 359 to 361 and 637. Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendment No. 130. That Mr Stephen Day, Mr Mike O'Brien, Mr Colin Pickthall, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe and Mr Robert Walter be members of the Committee. That Mr Mike O'Brien be the Chairman of the Committee. That three be the Quorum of the Committee. That the Committee do withdraw immediately.—(Mr Gerry Sutcliffe.)
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 130 for the following Reason:— Because it interferes with the public revenue, 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.
(1) residents of Essex and others for the continuation of breast screening services at the Lady McAdden Breast Screening Unit in Westcliff-on-Sea, and (2) members of the West Midlands Federation of Townswomen's Guilds against mixed-sex wards in hospitals were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till one minute past One o'clock, adjourned till this day. [Adjourned at 1.01 a.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Page 694 Wednesday 29th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top
Other Papers:
APPENDIX II Standing Committees
European Standing Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Committee [Rail Investment: Renewal, Maintenance and Development of the National Rail Network]; to be printed [No. 671-v] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].
(2) First Special Report from the Committee [Government Observations on the Seventeenth Report from the Committee, Session 1999–2000, on the 2000 Inter-Governmental Conference]; to be printed [No. 803] [Mr Jim Marshall]. Page 695 Wednesday 29th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top
(2) Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on 7th and 29th November [Annual Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank]; to be printed [Nos. 966-iii and-iv] [Mr Bowen Wells].
[No. 169; WH, No. 104.] Wednesday 29th November 2000. The House sitting in Westminster Hall [pursuant to Order of 24th May 1999]. The sitting commenced at half-past Nine o'clock.
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 1.59 p.m. [No. 170.] Thursday 30th November 2000. The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
The Lords have agreed to the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Bill, without Amendment. The Lords do not insist on their Amendment to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill, to which this House has disagreed.
Page 696 Thursday 30th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top
Lords Amendment No. 1. A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr George Howarth); Page 697 Thursday 30th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mrs Anne McGuire: 338. Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Randall, Mr Peter Atkinson: 129. So the Question was agreed to. The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to. It being more than three hours after the commencement of proceedings, the Deputy Speaker then put forthwith the Question he was required to put at that hour, pursuant to Order [yesterday]. And the Question being put, That this House agrees with the Lords in all the remaining Lords Amendments—It was agreed to. Lords Amendments Nos. 2 to 9 were accordingly agreed to. Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendment No. 1; That Mr James Cran, Jim Dowd, Mr George Howarth, Mr Tom Levitt and Mr John M. Taylor be members of the Committee; That Mr George Howarth be the Chairman of the Committee; That three be the quorum of the Committee; That the Committee do withdraw immediately.—(Jim Dowd.)
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 1 for the following Reason:— Because it is appropriate to remove the disqualification for membership of the House of Commons and Northern Ireland Assembly of members of the legislature of Ireland (the Oireachtas). The Reason was agreed to. Message to the Lords to communicate the said Reason, with the Bill.
Lords Amendment No. 121. The Lords Amendment in lieu of Lords Amendment No. 121 was agreed to. Lords Amendment No. 135. A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House agrees with the Lords in their Amendment in lieu of Lords Amendment No. 135; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Tony McNulty, Mr Mike Hall: 275. Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Randall, Mr James Gray: 116. So the Question was agreed to. The Lords Amendment in lieu of Lords Amendment No. 135 was accordingly agreed to.
The Lords do not insist on their Amendment to the Disqualifications Bill to which this House has disagreed.
Page 698 Thursday 30th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top to consider and report on: (a) matters relating to human rights in the United Kingdom (but excluding consideration of individual cases); (b) proposals for remedial orders, draft remedial orders and remedial orders made under section 10 of and laid under Schedule 2 to the Human Rights Act 1998; and (c) in respect of draft remedial orders and remedial orders, whether the special attention of the House should be drawn to them on any of the grounds specified in House of Lords Standing Order 73 (Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments); to report to the House: (a) in relation to any document containing proposals laid before the House under paragraph 3 of the said Schedule 2, its recommendation whether a draft order in the same terms as the proposals should be laid before the House; (b) in relation to any draft order laid under paragraph 2 of the said Schedule 2, its recommendation whether the draft order should be approved; and to have power to report to the House on any matter arising from its consideration of the said proposals or draft orders; and to report to the House in respect of any original order laid under paragraph 4 of the said Schedule 2, its recommendation whether: (a) the order should be approved in the form in which it was originally laid before Parliament; or (b) that the order should be replaced by a new order modifying the provisions of the original order; or (c) that the order should not be approved, and to have power to report to the House on any matter arising from its consideration of the said order or any replacement order, be now considered—(Paddy Tipping); And it being Seven o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned.
Mr Speaker, The Lords, authorised by virtue of Her Majesty's Commission, for declaring Her Royal Assent to several Acts agreed upon by both Houses, and under the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949 and for proroguing the present Parliament, desire the immediate attendance of this Honourable House in the House of Peers, to hear the Commission read. Accordingly the Speaker, with the House, went up to the House of Peers, where a Commission was read, giving, declaring and notifying the Royal Assent to several Acts, and for proroguing this present Parliament. The Royal Assent was given to the following Acts agreed upon by both Houses:— Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 Freedom of Information Act 2000 Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 Transport Act 2000 Insolvency Act 2000 Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 2000 Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 Disqualifications Act 2000 Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 Page 699 Thursday 30th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top The Royal Assent was given to the following Act, passed under the provisions of the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949: Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2000. (The said Bill having been endorsed by the Speaker with the following Certificate:— I certify, in reference to this Bill, that the provisions of section two of the Parliament Act 1911, as amended by section one of the Parliament Act 1949, have been duly complied with. Michael J. MartinSpeaker.) And afterwards Her Majesty's Most Gracious Speech was delivered to both Houses of Parliament by the Lord High Chancellor (in pursuance of Her Majesty's Command), as follows: My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, My Government has taken action to secure economic stability and steady growth, based on its long-term objectives for monetary and fiscal policy. The goal is high and stable levels of growth and employment. My Government has sought to secure the conditions which enable it to increase investment in public services. Improving education continues to be my Government's highest priority. An Act has been passed to establish a new Learning and Skills Council to secure high standards for post-16 education and training and a new emphasis on securing skills needed in the economy. Legislation has been passed to improve health and social care, reforming the system for protection of vulnerable people. My Government has published an NHS Plan, setting out a programme of investment and reform for the health service. The Plan will redesign NHS services to focus on the needs of patients, and will be supported by a sustained increase in NHS funding. To ensure high levels of employment, my Government is continuing the New Deal to help more young people and the long-term unemployed, and announced the creation of a new Working Age agency to continue the progress made on developing Welfare to Work policies. My Government is continually looking for ways to improve productivity, including in the public sector. The spending plans announced in July were accompanied by Public Service Agreements setting out targets for service improvement. An Act has been passed to introduce the latest accounting methods in Whitehall. My Government is committed to delivering a competitive and well-regulated economy. An Act has been passed which reforms the regulatory framework for the gas and electricity sectors in England and Wales. Legislation has been enacted to transform the Post Office into a plc owned by the Government. Legislation has also been passed to improve the regulation of financial services and markets, establishing the Financial Services Authority as the single statutory regulator. An Act has been passed to remove legal barriers and create a framework of trust to make it easier for commercial transactions and Government services to take place electronically. An Act has been passed to reform the child support system. It also reforms the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme through the introduction of a State Second Pension and provides for the withdrawal of benefits from offenders who fail to complete community sentences. Measures have been put forward to reduce crime. An Act has been passed to improve the protection of children from violent and sex offenders and to strengthen community sentences. Legislation has been enacted to provide new powers for the police and courts to tackle disorder connected with football matches. An Act has been passed to put in place permanent UK-wide legislation against terrorism. Legislation has also been passed to update and regulate law enforcement capabilities to address changes in technology and the introduction of the Human Rights Act. An Act has been passed which fulfils my Government's promise to legislate on a range of transport issues. This reforms air traffic control, railways and local transport services. My Government has published a ten-year plan for the modernisation of the country's transport system. My Government has continued its plans for the reform of local government. An Act has been passed to improve its accountability and innovation. Page 700 Thursday 30th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top An Act has been passed to give the public a new right of access to open countryside. It also improves the law on rights of way and the management of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Areas of Outstanding National Beauty and strengthens the enforcement of wildlife law. My Government has continued its programme of constitutional reform. Legislation has been enacted which will give the public a statutory right of access to information held by public authorities. An Act has been passed to regulate the funding of political parties and campaign expenditure and to ensure the fair conduct of referendums. My Government is determined to improve equality of opportunity. An Act has been passed outlawing race discrimination in certain public functions and placing a duty on specified public authorities to promote race equality. My Government has continued to co-operate with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the interests of all of the people in the United Kingdom. In Northern Ireland my Government has worked closely with the Irish Government to secure full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. It has fulfilled its commitment to transfer powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly in accordance with the wishes of the people as expressed in a referendum. An Act has been passed to implement recommendations of the Report of the Independent Commission on policing in Northern Ireland. My Government will continue to implement other parts of the Good Friday agreement within its responsibility. Members of the House of Commons, I thank you for the provision you have made for the work and dignity of the Crown and for the public service. My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, The Duke of Edinburgh and I were pleased to receive the State Visit of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe of Denmark and Prince Henrik in February. We recall with pleasure our visit to Australia in March. Similarly we were delighted to pay a State Visit to Italy and a Visit to the Holy See in October. My Government has continued to take a leading role in the European Union. The Special European Council in Lisbon signalled new developments in Europe's approach to economic and social reform. Preparing for enlargement is a challenge for the European Union, and my Government is playing a key role. My Government has worked for practical measures to strengthen the European Union's foreign and security policy and continues to work with our allies to strengthen and modernise NATO. My Government has made a large political, military and financial commitment to build peace and stability in the Balkans. It has played a leading role in helping to re-build Kosovo. My Government has taken decisive action in support of the United Nations operation in Sierra Leone, and continued to support the United Nations in bringing self-determination to the people of East Timor. In the G8 and other forums my Government has taken a leading role in tackling issues of poverty eradication, debt relief and the causes of conflict. My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may attend you. After which the Lord Chancellor said: My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, By virtue of Her Majesty's Commission which has now been read we do, in Her Majesty's name, and in obedience to Her Majesty's Commands, prorogue this Parliament to Wednesday the sixth day of December, to be then here holden, and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Wednesday the sixth day of December next. Page 701 Thursday 30th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top APPENDIX Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
(2) Draft Social Security (Contributions) (Re-rating and National Insurance Funds Payments) Order 2001 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo]. Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
(2) Education (Inner London Education Authority) (Property Transfer) (Modification) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 3161), dated 24th November 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].
Other Papers:
(2) Government Response to The Way Forward: The Final Report of the Cleaner Vehicles Task Force [by Command] [Cm. 4931 and 4932] Mr Secretary Prescott].
Paper withdrawn:
Page 702 Thursday 30th November 2000 1999-2000 Volume 256 Back to top [No. 170; WH, No. 105.] Thursday 30th November 2000. The House sitting in Westminster Hall [pursuant to Order of 24th May 1999]. The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock.
And the sitting having continued for three hours, it was adjourned without Question put. [Adjourned at 5.45 p.m.
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