| Session 2000-2001 |
| Commons Journal 257
Chronological Index
Page 59 2000-2001 Volume 257 [No. 17.] Monday 15th January 2001. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
(1) The Receipts and Payments in connection with the Fund in the year ended the 31st day of March 2000. (2) The Distribution of the Capital of the Fund at the commencement and close of the year; with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon.—(Mr David Clelland.)
(1) There shall be a Select Committee, to consist of seven Members, to join with the committee appointed by the Lords as the Joint Committee on Tax Simplification Bills, to consider tax simplification bills, and in particular to consider whether each bill committed to it preserves the effect of the existing law, subject to any minor changes which may be desirable. (2) The Committee shall have power to send for persons, papers and records, to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House, to report from time to time, and to appoint specialist advisers either to supply information which is not readily available or to elucidate matters of complexity within the committee's order of reference. (3) The quorum of the Committee shall be two. (4) Unless the House otherwise orders, each Member nominated to the committee shall continue to be a member of it for the remainder of the Parliament. (5) The procedure of the Joint Committee shall follow the procedure of select committees of this House when such procedure differs from that of select committees of the House of Lords. (6) The chairman shall have the like powers of selection as are given to the chairman of a standing committee under paragraph (3)(a) of Standing Order No. 89 (Procedure in standing committees)—(Dawn Primarolo); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Mike Hall: 279. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Eric Forth, Mr David Ruffley: 4. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That the following Standing Order be made— (1) There shall be a Select Committee, to consist of seven Members, to join with the committee appointed by the Lords as the Joint Committee on Tax Simplification Bills, to consider tax simplification bills, and in particular to consider whether each bill committed to it preserves the effect of the existing law, subject to any minor changes which may be desirable. (2) The Committee shall have power to send for persons, papers and records, to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House, to report from time to time, and to appoint specialist advisers either to supply information which is not readily available or to elucidate matters of complexity within the committee's order of reference. (3) The quorum of the Committee shall be two. (4) Unless the House otherwise orders, each Member nominated to the committee shall continue to be a member of it for the remainder of the Parliament. (5) The procedure of the Joint Committee shall follow the procedure of select committees of this House when such procedure differs from that of select committees of the House of Lords. (6) The chairman shall have the like powers of selection as are given to the chairman of a standing committee under paragraph (3)(a) of Standing Order No. 89 (Procedure in standing committees). Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith. Page 60 Monday 15th January 2001 2000-2001 Volume 257 Back to top
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:—It was agreed to. And the Question being accordingly put:—It was agreed to. Resolved, That Mr Joe Ashton, Mr Kenneth Clarke, Mr Edward Davey, Ms Ruth Kelly, Mr Richard Ottaway, Mr Chris Pond and Dawn Primarolo be members of the Select Committee appointed to join with a Committee of the Lords as the Joint Committee on Tax Simplification Bills.
A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the bill be now read a second time; And it being Ten o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned.
The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 291. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Eric Forth, Mr Christopher Chope: 8. So the Question was agreed to.
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 Gerry Sutcliffe, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 264. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Christopher Chope, Mr David Ruffley: 14. So the Question was agreed to. And the Question being accordingly put: The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe: 274. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Eric Forth, Mr Christopher Chope: 0. So the Question was agreed to. The Bill was accordingly read a second time and stood committed to the Joint Committee on Tax Simplification Bills.
The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe: 256. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Eric Forth, Mr David Ruffley: 0. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Capital Allowances Bill, it is expedient to authorise any incidental or consequential charges to tax which may arise from provisions restating, with minor changes, certain enactments relating to capital allowances. Page 61 Monday 15th January 2001 2000-2001 Volume 257 Back to top
the Lords Message [12th July 2000] communicating a Resolution relating to Human Rights (Joint Committee), be now considered; this House concurs with the Lords in the said Resolution; and the following Standing Order be made: (1) There shall be a Select Committee, to consist of six Members, to join with the Committee appointed by the Lords as the Joint Committee on Human Rights. (2) The Committee shall consider— (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 Standing Order No. 151 (Statutory Instruments (Joint Committee)); (3) The Committee shall 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; or (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 the Committee may report to the House on any matter arising from its consideration of the said proposals or draft orders. (4) The Committee shall 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 the Committee may report to the House on any matter arising from its consideration of the said order or any replacement order. (5) The quorum of the committee shall be three. (6) Unless the House otherwise orders, each Member nominated to the committee shall continue to be a member of it for the remainder of the Parliament. (7) The committee shall have power— (a) to send for persons, papers and records, to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House, to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom, to adjourn to institutions of the Council of Europe outside the United Kingdom no more than four times in any calendar year, and to report from time to time; and (b) to appoint specialist advisers either to supply information which is not readily available or to elucidate matters of complexity within the committee's order of reference—(Paddy Tipping); Tuesday 16th January 2001 And the Question being put; And the Deputy Speaker's opinion as to the decision of the Question being challenged, the division was deferred till Wednesday next, pursuant to Order [7th November].
And the Deputy Speaker's opinion as to the decision of the Question being challenged, the division was deferred till Wednesday next, pursuant to Order [7th November]. Page 62 Monday 15th January 2001 2000-2001 Volume 257 Back to top
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till one minute to Two o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 1.59 a.m. APPENDIX I Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 12th January 2001 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O., No. 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments): Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 15th January 2001: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Other Papers:
(2) draft Code of Practice for the exercise by an authorised officer of functions under Part III of the Terrorism Act 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw]; (3) draft Code of Practice for the exercise by examining officers of their functions under the Terrorism Act 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw]; and (4) draft Code of Practice for the video recording with sound of police interviews of persons detained under section 41 of, or Schedule 7 to, the Terrorism Act 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].
Page 63 Monday 15th January 2001 2000-2001 Volume 257 Back to top Paper withdrawn:
APPENDIX II Standing Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Major Projects Report 2000: Case Studies]; to be printed [No. 136-i] [Mr David Davis]. [No. 18.] Tuesday 16th January 2001. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read a second time; An Amendment was proposed to the Question, to leave out from the word ‘That' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘this House declines to give a Second Reading to the Children's Commissioner for Wales Bill because it fails to assert the importance of the family in protecting and nurturing children; it fails to give families confidence that the Children's Commissioner will protect the interests of their children whilst not impinging on the rights and responsibilities of parents in their relations with the public and other bodies within the scope of the Bill; because it will lead to duplication and confusion as to where responsibility for the welfare of children in schools lies; and fails to take account of the responsibility of UK public bodies and agencies which are not subject to oversight by the National Assembly for Wales', instead thereof.—(Mr Nigel Evans.) And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Keith Simpson, Mr James Gray: 139. Tellers for the Noes, Jim Dowd, Mr Clive Betts: 339. So the Question was negatived. And the Main Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 62 (Amendment on second or third reading):—It was agreed to. The Bill was accordingly read a second time. Page 64 Tuesday 16th January 2001 2000-2001 Volume 257 Back to top
Standing Committee 1. The Bill shall be committed to a Standing Committee. 2. Proceedings in the Standing Committee shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion on Thursday 1st February. 3. The Standing Committee shall have leave to sit twice on the first day on which it shall meet—(Mr David Hanson); And it being three-quarters of an hour after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [7th November]. The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Jim Dowd: 280. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr James Gray: 67. So the Question was agreed to. Ordered, That the following provisions shall apply to the Children's Commissioner for Wales Bill:— Standing Committee 1. The Bill shall be committed to a Standing Committee. 2. Proceedings in the Standing Committee shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion on Thursday 1st February. 3. The Standing Committee shall have leave to sit twice on the first day on which it shall meet.
A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Children's Commissioner for Wales Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable out of money so provided under any other Act—(Mr Don Touhig):—It was agreed to.
And it being half-past Eleven o'clock, the Deputy Speaker, being of opinion that owing to the lateness of the hour at which consideration of the Motion was entered upon the time for Debate had not been adequate, interrupted the business, pursuant to Standing Order No. 17 (Delegated legislation (negative procedure)), and the Debate stood adjourned till to-morrow.
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till one minute to Twelve o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 11.59 p.m. Page 65 Tuesday 16th January 2001 2000-2001 Volume 257 Back to top APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
(2) draft Terrorism Act 2000 (Code of Practice for Examining Officers) Order 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].
(2) draft Terrorism Act 2000 (Code of Practice on Video Recording of Interviews) (Northern Ireland) Order 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Mandelson]. Other Papers:
APPENDIX II Reports from Select Committees
(2) First Special Report from the Committee [Observations from the Government, the Post Office and the Postal Services Commission on the Thirteenth Report from the Trade and Industry Committee, Session 1999–2000, on the Post Office and the Future of the Network]; to be printed [No. 141] [Mr Martin O'Neill].
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Banking]; to be printed [No. 138-i]; (3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [2000 Pre-Budget Report]; and (4) Memoranda laid before the Sub-Committee of the Committee [National Statistics] [Mr Giles Radice]. Page 66 Tuesday 16th January 2001 2000-2001 Volume 257 Back to top
[No. 18; WH, No. 8.] Tuesday 16th January 2001. The House sitting in Westminster Hall [pursuant to Order of 20th November 2000]. The sitting commenced at half-past Nine o'clock.
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 2 p.m. [No. 19.] Wednesday 17th January 2001. 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.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. COM (99) 643, a Commission Communication entitled ‘Community Support Plan to Combat Doping in Sport', European Union Document No. COM (99) 644, the Helsinki Report on Sport, and the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum dated 23rd November 2000, submitted by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, relating to the Declaration on Sport; considers that the special nature and role of sport should be recognised in applying Community rules to sporting activity; and supports the Government's intention to ensure that Europe is effectively represented in the deliberations of the World Anti-Doping Agency. Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
The Lords concur with the Commons in their message of 21st December relating to the appointment of a Joint Committee on Tax Simplification Bills; They communicate that they have appointed a Select Committee of six Lords to join with a Committee appointed by the Commons as the Joint Committee on Tax Simplification Bills; They have ordered that the Committee have power to agree with the Commons in the appointment of a Chairman; That the quorum of the Committee shall be two; That the Committee have leave to report from time to time; That the Committee have power to appoint specialist advisers; Page 67 Wednesday 17th January 2001 2000-2001 Volume 257 Back to top That the minutes of evidence taken before the Committee shall, if the Committee think fit, be printed and delivered out; That the procedure of the Joint Committee shall follow the procedure of select committees of the House of Commons when such procedure differs from that of select committees of this House, and shall include the power of the chairman to select amendments; And they propose that the Committee do meet with a Committee appointed by the Commons on Thursday 18th January at half past ten o'clock in Committee Room 3.
Lords Message considered accordingly. Ordered, That the Committee appointed by this House do meet the Lords Committee as proposed by their Lordships. Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.
Page 68 Wednesday 17th January 2001 2000-2001 Volume 257 Back to top
Page 69 Wednesday 17th January 2001 2000-2001 Volume 257 Back to top
4. The following shall not apply in respect of proceedings in Committee of the whole House— (a) Sessional Order B (Programming Committees) made by the House on 7th November 2000, and (b) Sessional Order D (5) (Single question on successive provisions of the Bill) made by the House on that day—(Mr Gerry Sutcliffe):—It was agreed to.
(In the Committee) Clause No. 1 (Hunting with dogs: supervision). Question proposed, That the Clause stand part of the Bill;
Human Rights (Joint Committee),—That— the Lords Message [12th July 2000] communicating a Resolution relating to Human Rights (Joint Committee), be now considered; this House concurs with the Lords in the said Resolution; and the following Standing Order be made: (1) There shall be a Select Committee, to consist of six Members, to join with the Committee appointed by the Lords as the Joint Committee on Human Rights. (2) The Committee shall consider— (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 Standing Order No. 151 (Statutory Instruments (Joint Committee)); (3) The Committee shall 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; or (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 the Committee may report to the House on any matter arising from its consideration of the said proposals or draft orders. Page 70 Wednesday 17th January 2001 2000-2001 Volume 257 Back to top (4) The Committee shall 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 the Committee may report to the House on any matter arising from its consideration of the said order or any replacement order. (5) The quorum of the committee shall be three. (6) Unless the House otherwise orders, each Member nominated to the committee shall continue to be a member of it for the remainder of the Parliament. (7) The committee shall have power— (a) to send for persons, papers and records, to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House, to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom, to adjourn to institutions of the Council of Europe outside the United Kingdom no more than four times in any calendar year, and to report from time to time; and (b) to appoint specialist advisers either to supply information which is not readily available or to elucidate matters of complexity within the committee's order of reference. Ayes: 486. Noes: 3. So the Question was agreed to. Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith. Human Rights,—That Mr Desmond Browne, Sir Patrick Cormack, Jean Corston, Mr Robert Maclennan, Mr Andrew Miller and Mr Gareth Thomas (Clwyd West) be members of the Select Committee appointed to join with a Committee of the Lords as the Joint Committee on Human Rights. Ayes: 487. Noes: 2. So the Question was agreed to.
Question put. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Christopher Gill, Mr Andrew Robathan: 155. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Ian Cawsey, Mr Michael Foster: 399. Clause disagreed to. And it being after Ten o'clock, the Chairman put the Questions necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded, pursuant to Order [7th November and 20th December]. Clause No. 2 (Hunting with dogs: regulation). Question put, That the Clause stand part of the Bill. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Christopher Gill, Mrs Llin Golding: 182. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Ian Cawsey, Mr Michael Foster: 382. Clause disagreed to. Clause No. 3 (Hunting with dogs: prohibition). Question put, that the Clause stand part of the Bill. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Ian Cawsey, Mr Michael Foster: 387. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Andrew Robathan, Mr Christopher Gill: 174. Clause agreed to. Page 71 Wednesday 17th January 2001 2000-2001 Volume 257 Back to top Clause No. 4 (Commencement). Question put, that the Clause stand part of the Bill. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Eric Forth, Mr Douglas Hogg: 37. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 374. Clause disagreed to. A Clause (Commencement (No. 4))—(Mr Mike O'Brien)—brought up, and read the first time. Amendment (a) proposed to the Clause, in line 1, after the word ‘force' to insert the words ‘(a) as respects England'—(Mr Simon Thomas); Question put, That the Amendment be made. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Elfyn Llwyd, Mr Andrew Welsh: 68. Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 346. Question put, That the Clause be added to the Bill. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 365. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Eric Forth, Mr Douglas Hogg: 36. Whereupon the Chairman left the Chair to report the Bill (Clauses Nos. 1 to 4 and New Clauses), as amended, to the House, pursuant to Order [7th November and 20th December]. The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair; and Mr Don Touhig reported, That the Committee had gone through the Bill (Clauses Nos. 1 to 4 and New Clauses), and made Amendments thereunto. Bill (Clauses Nos. 1 to 4 and New Clauses), as amended in the Committee, to lie upon the Table.
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till fourteen minutes to twelve o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 11.46 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
(2) draft The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Trading Fund Order 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon].
(2) draft Representation of the People (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Mandelson]. Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Page 72 Wednesday 17th January 2001 2000-2001 Volume 257 Back to top Other Papers:
(2) Accounts of the National Savings Ordinary Deposits for 1999–2000, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 147 and 146] [Clerk of the House]. APPENDIX II Standing Committees
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee E, and has appointed Mr John Maxton Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated nineteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Adrian Bailey, Mr Ben Bradshaw, Dr Peter Brand, Mr Simon Burns, Mr Paul Burstow, Mr Hilton Dawson, Mr John Denham, Lorna Fitzsimons, Mr Michael Jabez Foster, Dr Liam Fox, Mr Philip Hammond, Mr John Hutton, Mr David Jamieson, Kali Mountford, Dr Doug Naysmith, Mr Gwyn Prosser, Mr Ian Stewart, Mr Desmond Swayne and Sir George Young.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee F, and has appointed Mr Barry Jones and Mr Bowen Wells Chairmen; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Nick Ainger, Mr Hilton Dawson, Mr Nigel Evans, Mr James Gray, Mr Win Griffiths, Mr David Hanson, Ms Ruth Kelly, Mr Richard Livsey, Mr Elfyn Llwyd, Ms Julie Morgan, Sir Raymond Powell, Mr Andrew Rowe, Mr Chris Ruane, Mr John Smith, Mr Don Touhig and Mr Robert Walter.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr John Butterfill Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr David Amess, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Harold Best, Mr John Burnett, Mr David Chaytor, Mr Christopher Chope, Mr Huw Edwards, Mr Nick Hawkins, Mr Eric Joyce, Mr Paul Keetch, Mr David Lock, Mr John McDonnell, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Gordon Marsden, Bridget Prentice and Dr Phyllis Starkey.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Order to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mrs Irene Adams Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Hilary Benn, Yvette Cooper, Mr David Drew, Maria Eagle, Mr David Faber, Mr Frank Field, Mr Mark Fisher, Dr Liam Fox, Sandra Gidley, Mr Doug Henderson, Mr David Jamieson, Ms Tess Kingham, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Andrew Mackinlay, Mr Desmond Swayne and Dr Jenny Tonge. Page 73 Wednesday 17th January 2001 2000-2001 Volume 257 Back to top
(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.: Ms Diane Abbott, Mr David Atkinson, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Gerald Bermingham, Mrs Helen Brinton, Mr John Burnett, Mr Paul Clark, Mr Christopher Gill, Mr Nick Hawkins, Mr David Lock, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Kevin McNamara, Mr Ken Maginnis, Alice Mahon, Judy Mallaber and Mr Stephen Pound. European Standing Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Implementation of IACS in the European Union]; to be printed [No. 150-i]; and (3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Implementation of IACS in the European Union; New Covent Garden Market; UK Pig Industry] [Mr David Curry].
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Employment Sub-Committee of the Committee [New Deal: An Evaluation]; to be printed [No. 58-iii] [Mr Derek Foster].
(2) Memoranda laid before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Committee [Draft Water Bill]; to be printed [No.145-II] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The Parades Commission]; to be printed [No. 120-ii] [Mr Peter Brooke].
Page 74 Wednesday 17th January 2001 2000-2001 Volume 257 Back to top (2) Part of the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Major Projects Report 2000]; to be printed [No. 136-ii] [Mr David Davis].
[No. 19; WH, No. 9.] Wednesday 17th January 2001. The House sitting in Westminster Hall [pursuant to Order of 20th November 2000]. The sitting commenced at half-past Nine o'clock.
And it being Two o'clock, the sitting was adjourned without Question put, till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 2 p.m. [No. 20.] Thursday 18th January 2001. The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
Ordered, That the Bill be further considered on Thursday 25th January.
Kent County Council Bill [Lords] and Medway Council Bill [Lords],—The Lords communicate that they have come to the following Resolutions in respect of the Kent County Council Bill [Lords] and the Medway Council Bill [Lords], viz.: That, notwithstanding anything in the Private Business Standing Orders or practice of the House of Lords, the promoters of the Bill, which originated in the House of Lords in Session 1998–99 and which has passed all its stages in the Lords but not in the Commons, may proceed with the Bill in the present Session; That the Petition for the Bill be deemed to have been deposited; That all Standing Orders applicable be deemed to have been complied with; That the Bill be deposited in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments not later than 3 p.m. on Monday 22nd January with a declaration annexed, signed by the agent, stating that it is the same in every respect as the Bill passed by the Lords; That the proceedings on the Bill in the present Session be pro forma in regard to every stage through which the Bill had passed in the last Session and that no new fees be charged.
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 16th March. Page 75 Thursday 18th January 2001 2000-2001 Volume 257 Back to top
Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Criminal Justice and Police Bill be printed [Bill 31–EN].
Teacher Supply and Standards in Education,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House views with deep concern the crisis of teacher shortages which is hitting schools across the country and which has led to some schools operating a four day week, children being sent home early, increased class sizes and the use of non-specialist and unqualified staff; deplores the Government's complacency in the face of this crisis; notes that many teachers are leaving the profession because of the increased red tape and bureaucratic burdens imposed by this Government; recognises that the teacher shortages are damaging standards in schools; and calls on the Government to revive the teaching profession by getting rid of the excessive bureaucratic burdens faced by teachers, setting schools free and letting teachers teach—(Mrs Theresa May); 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 ‘welcomes the enormous strides taken over the last three years to make teaching a more attractive profession; particularly welcomes the introduction of a new career structure and performance-related pay to assist retention, a greater emphasis on continuing professional development and the development of golden hellos in shortage subjects and teacher training salaries, which mean that there are more people training to be teachers now than at any time in the last eight years; further welcomes the practical steps taken by the Government to assist headteachers facing recruitment problems in some areas and the measures which have been taken to reduce needless bureaucracy in schools; applauds the improved achievement levels by both primary and secondary pupils, the big reduction in infant class sizes since 1997 and the substantial increase in teaching assistants and learning mentors to offer practical support to pupils and teachers; and notes that the number of teachers in post is higher than at any time in the last decade as a direct result of greater investment in education by the Government, and that the School Teachers' Review Body will report soon', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Blunkett.) And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John Randall, Mr Peter Atkinson: 128. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Don Touhig: 309. 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 Clive Betts: 278. Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Randall, Mr Peter Atkinson: 151. So the Question was agreed to. The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to. Resolved, That this House welcomes the enormous strides taken over the last three years to make teaching a more attractive profession; particularly welcomes the introduction of a new career structure and performance-related pay to assist retention, a greater emphasis on continuing professional development and the development of golden hellos in shortage subjects and teacher training salaries, which mean that there are more people training to be teachers now than at any time in the last eight years; further welcomes the practical steps taken by the Government to assist headteachers facing recruitment problems in some areas and the measures which have been taken to reduce needless bureaucracy in schools; applauds the improved achievement levels by both Page 76 Thursday 18th January 2001 2000-2001 Volume 257 Back to top primary and secondary pupils, the big reduction in infant class sizes since 1997 and the substantial increase in teaching assistants and learning mentors to offer practical support to pupils and teachers; and notes that the number of teachers in post is higher than at any time in the last decade as a direct result of greater investment in education by the Government, and that the School Teachers' Review Body will report soon. Maintenance of an Adequate Police Force,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House condemns the Government's failure to fulfil its manifesto commitment strongly to support the police; notes that police numbers in England and Wales were rising when the Government came into office; regrets the decline in police numbers of more than 2,500 since the General Election, including the loss of 1,900 constables, contrary to the Government's manifesto pledge to get more officers back on the beat; further regrets the dramatic decline of one third in the number of special constables; notes the comments of senior police figures that policing is in a state of crisis; condemns the Government's decision to release before serving half their prison sentences more than 200 criminals convicted of assaulting police officers; notes with regret the low level of police morale and the 60 per cent. rise in voluntary resignations from the police since the Government came to power; and calls on the Government urgently to take measures to improve morale in the police force, to restore police numbers at least to the levels they inherited, and to increase the visibility of the police in order better to protect the public at a time when violent crime is soaring—(Miss Ann Widdecombe); 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 ‘notes that the number of police officers in England and Wales fell by 1,476 between 1993 and 1997–98 under budgets set by the previous administration, whilst the strength of the Metropolitan Police Service was allowed to fall by 1,773 between 1993 and 1997–98; notes too that morale of the service was badly damaged by the 1993 Sheehy Report, and recruitment made difficult especially in London and the South East by the abolition in 1994 of the housing allowance for officers; welcomes the establishment of the crime fighting fund to bring officer numbers to record levels by 2003–04, the recent rise in police numbers, the 74 per cent. increase in the numbers of recruits entering training in the first nine months of this financial year compared to the same period last year, the 1,000 increase in civilian staff since March 1997, and the very substantial rise in police funding announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Spending Review 2000; and congratulates the police service on securing a 7 per cent. reduction in recorded crime since March 1997', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Straw.) And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John Randall, Mr Peter Atkinson: 154. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Tony McNulty: 265. 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 Kevin Hughes, Mr Tony McNulty: 266. Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Randall, Mr Peter Atkinson: 129. So the Question was agreed to. The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to. Resolved, That this House notes that the number of police officers in England and Wales fell by 1,476 between 1993 and 1997–98 under budgets set by the previous administration, whilst the strength of the Metropolitan Police Service was allowed to fall by 1,773 between 1993 and 1997–98; notes too that morale of the service was badly damaged by the 1993 Sheehy Report, and recruitment made difficult especially in London and the South East by the abolition in 1994 of the housing allowance for officers; welcomes the establishment of the crime fighting fund to bring officer numbers to record levels by 2003–04, the recent rise in police numbers, the 74 per cent. increase in the numbers of recruits entering training in the first nine months of this financial year compared to the same period last year, the 1,000 increase in civilian staff since March 1997, and the very substantial rise in police funding announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Spending Review 2000; and congratulates the police service on securing a 7 per cent. reduction in recorded crime since March 1997. Page 77 Thursday 18th January 2001 2000-2001 Volume 257 Back to top
And the Deputy Speaker's opinion as to the decision of the Question being challenged, the Division was deferred till Wednesday next, pursuant to Order [7th November].
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till seven minutes to Eight o'clock, adjourned till Monday 22nd January. [Adjourned at 7.53 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Other Papers:
(1) by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on the Petition [20th June, in the last Session of Parliament] from residents of the Burscough area in West Lancashire against the proposed BSE incinerator at Burscough; (2) by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the Petition [25th July, in the last Session of Parliament] from post office users in the Ravenstone area of North West Leicestershire for post offices to continue to pay benefits and pensions; and (3) by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the Petition [16th November, in the last Session of Parliament] from the Bourton-on-the-Water and Lechlade branches of the Women's Institute against the compulsory payment of benefits through banks [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].
Page 78 Thursday 18th January 2001 2000-2001 Volume 257 Back to top APPENDIX II Standing Committees
European Standing Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Public Health]; to be printed [No. 30-iv] [Mr David Hinchliffe]. [No. 20; WH, No. 10.] Thursday 18th January 2001. The House sitting in Westminster Hall [pursuant to Order of 20th November 2000]. The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock.
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 23rd January. [Adjourned at 5.54 p.m.
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