Session 2000-2001

Commons Journal 257

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Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II


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Page 199            2000-2001      Volume 257      

[No. 49.]

Monday 12th March 2001.

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

PRAYERS.

1Criminal Justice and Police Bill,—Minutes of Proceedings of Standing Committee F, in respect of the Criminal Justice and Police Bill, to be printed [No. 325].

2First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Peter L. Pike reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft British Waterways Board (Limit for Borrowing) Order 2001.

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

3Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Jonathan Sayeed reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (Amendment of Schedule 18) (England) Order 2001.

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

4Welsh Grand Committee,—Mr Barry Jones reported from the Welsh Grand Committee, That it had considered the matter of the Budget Statement and its implications for Wales, referred to it on 1st March, and had directed him to report accordingly to the House.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 35].

5Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

Social Security Fraud Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to make provision, for the purposes of the law relating to social security, about the obtaining and disclosure of information; and to make provision for restricting the payment of social security benefits and war pensions in the case of persons convicted of offences relating to such benefits or pensions and about the institution of proceedings for such offences; and for connected purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

6Social Security Fraud Bill [Lords],—The Social Security Fraud Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 60].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Social Security Fraud Bill [Lords] be printed [Bill 60–EN].

7Air Travellers (Provision of Health Information),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require air carriers to provide information to passengers on health risks associated with flying and to contribute to research into such risks: And that Mr John Smith, Dr Ian Gibson, Dr Ashok Kumar, Dr Doug Naysmith, Dr Howard Stoate, Dr Brian Iddon, Dr Desmond Turner and Dr David Clark do prepare and bring it in.

8Air Travellers (Provision of Health Information) Bill,—Mr John Smith accordingly presented a Bill to require air carriers to provide information to passengers on health risks associated with flying and to contribute to research into such risks: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 6th April and to be printed [Bill 59].

9Ways and Means,—Amendment of the Law,—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed on 7th March,

(1) That it is expedient to amend the law with respect to the National Debt and the public revenue and to make further provision in connection with finance.

(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) to (6) below, this Resolution does not extend to the making of any amendment with respect to value added tax so as to provide—

(a) for zero-rating or exempting a supply, acquisition or importation;

(b) for refunding an amount of tax;

(c) for varying any rate at which that tax is at any time chargeable;

(d) for any relief, other than a relief which—

(i) so far as it is applicable to goods, applies to goods of every description, and

(ii) so far as it is applicable to services, applies to services of every description.

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(3) Paragraph (2) above does not exclude the making of amendments with respect to value added tax—

(a) providing for refunds of the kind specified in paragraph (4) below;

(b) providing for that tax to be charged at a reduced rate of 5 per cent. on supplies of the descriptions specified in paragraph (5) below (and on equivalent acquisitions and importations); or

(c) making provision of the kind authorised by paragraph (6) below.

(4) The refunds mentioned in paragraph (3)(a) above are refunds of value added tax where—

(a) that tax is chargeable on a supply to, or an acquisition or importation by, a museum or gallery, and

(b) the supply, acquisition or importation is attributable to supplies of free rights of admission to the museum or gallery.

(5) The supplies mentioned in paragraph (3)(b) above are—

(a) supplies, in the course of a conversion of a building (or part of a building), of services related to the conversion if after the conversion the building (or part) contains living accommodation;

(b) supplies, in the course of the renovation or alteration (including the extension) of a dwelling that has been unoccupied for at least three years, of services related to the renovation or alteration;

(c) supplies of goods by a person making a supply of services within sub-paragraph (a) or (b) above if—

(i) those services include the incorporation of the goods into the building concerned (or its site), and

(ii) the goods are building materials within the meaning of Group 5 of Schedule 8 to the Value Added Tax Act 1994;

(d) supplies of children's car seats.

(6) The provision authorised by this paragraph is provision re-enacting, without altering any person's liability to value added tax or the amount of any such liability, provisions providing for that tax to be charged at a reduced rate of 5 per cent. on certain supplies, acquisitions and importations;

And the Question being again proposed:—The House resumed the adjourned Debate.

And it being Ten o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned.

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed to-morrow.

10Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business), That, at this day's sitting, the Motion relating to the Criminal Justice and Police Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr Kevin Hughes);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Ian Pearson, Mr Clive Betts: 266.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Eric Forth, Mr Gerald Howarth: 134.

So the Question was agreed to.

11Criminal Justice and Police Bill,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That, following the Report of the Chairman of Standing Committee F on 9th March, the Criminal Justice and Police Bill shall be deemed to have been reported to the House, as amended by the Committee, and as if those Clauses and Schedules the consideration of which had not been completed by the Committee had been ordered to stand part of the Bill, with the outstanding Amendments which stood on the Order paper in the name of Mr Charles Clarke—(Mr Charles Clarke);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 3, to leave out from the word ‘be' to the end of the Question, and to add the words ‘recommitted to Standing Committee F for consideration of all remaining clauses, schedules and amendments not so far debated in Standing Committee without limit of time for further consideration; that a week shall elapse between the completion of Committee Stage and the commencement of Report Stage; and that notwithstanding the Order of the House of 29th January, Report Stage do continue without limit of time until completion; and that one day be allocated for the Third Reading of the Bill', instead thereof.—(Mr Simon Hughes.)

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

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Tuesday 13th March 2001

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 Kevin Hughes, Mrs Anne McGuire: 240.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Owen Paterson: 142.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Adrian Sanders: 143.

Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Kevin Hughes: 240.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Main Question being put;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Don Touhig, Jim Dowd: 238.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Owen Paterson: 142.

So the Question was agreed to.

Ordered, That, following the Report of the Chairman of Standing Committee F on 9th March, the Criminal Justice and Police Bill shall be deemed to have been reported to the House, as amended by the Committee, and as if those Clauses and Schedules the consideration of which had not been completed by the Committee had been ordered to stand part of the Bill, with the outstanding Amendments which stood on the Order paper in the name of Mr Charles Clarke.

Bill, as amended in Standing Committee F and pursuant to Order [this day], to be considered this day; and to be printed [Bill 58].

12Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Mike Hall.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-eight minutes to Three o'clock on Tuesday morning, adjourned till this day.

[Adjourned at 2.32 a.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Justices of the Peace,—Draft Justices and Justices' Clerks (Costs) Regulations 2001 [by Act] [Mr David Lock].

2Local Government Finance,—Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 77) on 2000/2001 Special Grant for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children [by Act]; to be printed [No. 315] [Mr Secretary Straw].

3Supreme Court of England and Wales,—Draft General Commissioners of Income Tax (Costs) Regulations 2001 [by Act] [Mr David Lock].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

4Animals,—(1) Foot-and-Mouth Disease (Export of Vehicles) (Disinfection of Tyres) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 887),

(2) Import and Export Restrictions (Foot-and-Mouth Disease) (No. 2) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 885), and

(3) Import and Export Restrictions (Foot-and-Mouth Disease) (No. 3) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 886),

dated 9th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

5Climate Change Levy,—Climate Change Levy (General) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 838), dated 9th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Stephen Timms].

6Customs and Excise,—(1) Aircraft Operators (Accounts and Records) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 837), and

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(2) Air Passenger Duty (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 836)

dated 8th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Stephen Timms].

7Education,—Financing of Maintained Schools (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 907), dated 10th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

8Housing,—Housing Renewal Grants (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 739), dated 5th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

9Immigration,—(1) Immigration (European Economic Area) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 865),

(2) Immigration and Asylum Appeals (One-Stop Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 867), and

(3) Immigration and Asylum Appeals (Notices) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 868),

dated 8th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

10Income Tax,—Individual Savings Account (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 908), dated 12th March 2001 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson].

11Legal Services Commission,—(1) Criminal Defence Service (Funding) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 855),

(2) Criminal Defence Service (Recovery of Defence Costs Orders) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 856), and

(3) Legal Services Commission (Disclosure of Information) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 857),

dated 8th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr David Lock].

12Northern Ireland,—Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (Accounts and Audit) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 852), dated 23rd February 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].

13Pensions,—Local Government Pension Scheme (Miscellaneous) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 770), dated 7th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

14Road Traffic,—Road Traffic (Permitted Parking Area and Special Parking Area) (City of Salford) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 894), dated 9th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

15Savings Banks,—National Savings Bank (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 858), dated 9th March 2001 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson].

16Social Security,—Tax Credits (Miscellaneous Amendments No. 3) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 892), dated 9th March 2001 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

17Social Security (Northern Ireland),—Tax Credits (Miscellaneous Amendments No. 3) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 893), dated 9th March 2001 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

Other Papers:

18National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Maximising the benefits of defence equipment co-operation [by Act]; to be printed [No. 300] [Clerk of the House].

19Railways,—Report of the Rail Users' Consultative Committee for Wales, 1999–2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

20Statutory Instruments (Notification),—Communication declaring that the undermentioned Statutory Instrument had come into operation before copies were laid before Parliament, and explaining why such copies had not been so laid before the Instrument came into operation:

Import and Export Restrictions (Foot-and-Mouth Disease) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 665)

[by Standing Order] [The Speaker].

21Supply Estimates, 1999–2000,—Statement of the sums required to be granted in order to make good excesses on certain grants for 1999–2000 [by Command]; to be printed [No. 323] [Mr Stephen Timms].

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APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1International Development Bill,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Bowen Wells from Standing Committee B (nominated in respect of the Bill); and nominated in substitution Mr Andrew Rowe.

2Draft British Waterways Board (Limit for Borrowing) Order 2001,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ann Clwyd from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr David Winnick.

3Draft Criminal Defence Service (Choice in Very High Cost Cases) Regulations 2001, the draft Criminal Defence Service (Representation Order Appeals) Regulations 2001, and the Code of Conduct for Employees of the Legal Services Commission who provide services as part of the Criminal Defence Service,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Nick Hawkins from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations and the Code of Conduct); and nominated in substitution Mr Edward Garnier.

4Draft Street Works (Charges for Unreasonably Prolonged Occupation of the Highways) (England) Regulations 2001,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Barbara Follett and Helen Southworth from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Mike Hendrick and Mr Derek Twigg.

5Draft Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (Decisions and Appeals) Regulations 2001 and the draft Social Security Commissioners (Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations 2001,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Tony Clarke and Mr Bob Laxton from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Alice Mahon and Mr Alan Simpson.

6Draft Limited Liability Partnerships Regulations 2001, and the Limited Liability (Fees) Regulations 2001,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mrs Anne Campbell from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Ivan Lewis.

7Draft Pensions Appeals Tribunals (Additional Rights of Appeal) Regulations 2001, and the draft Pensions Appeals Tribunals (Late Appeals) Regulations 2001,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Terry Lewis from the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Glenda Jackson.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Public Accounts,—(1) Eighth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Maintaining the Royal Palaces], together with an Appendix to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 77];

(2) Ninth Report from the Committee [Managing Finances in English Further Education Colleges]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 283];

(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The Radiocommunications Agency's Joint Venture with CMG] [No. 324-i]

[Mr David Davis].

2Science and Technology,—Fourth Report from the Science and Technology Committee [Scientific Advisory System], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 257] [Dr Michael Clark].


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[No. 50.]

Tuesday 13th March 2001.

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

PRAYERS.

1Kent County Council Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read for consideration of the Kent County Council Bill [Lords], as amended by the Chairman of Ways and Means;

Ordered, That the Bill be considered on Thursday 22nd March at Four o'clock.

2Medway Council Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read for consideration of the Medway Council Bill [Lords], as amended by the Chairman of Ways and Means;

Ordered, That the Bill be considered on Thursday 22nd March at Four o'clock.

3Deregulation Committee,—Mr Peter L. Pike reported from the Deregulation Committee the following Resolution:

That, in respect of the proposal for the Deregulation (Disposals of Dwelling-Houses by Local Authorities) Order 2001, which was laid before this House on 31st January, the proposal should be amended before a draft Order is laid before the House.

4Armed Forces Bill,—Rachel Squire reported from the Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill, That it had gone through the Bill, and made Amendments thereunto.

Ordered, That the Bill, as amended in the Select Committee, be recommitted to a Committee of the whole House; and be printed [Bill 62].

Committee to-morrow.

5First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Peter L. Pike reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Regulation of Investigatory Powers (British Broadcasting Corporation) Order 2001 and the draft Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Designation of Public Authorities for the Purposes of Intensive Surveillance) Order 2001.

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

6Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr David Amess reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (Decisions and Appeals) Regulations 2001 and the draft Social Security Commissioners (Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations 2001.

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

7Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Edward O'Hara reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Offshore Combustion Installations (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Regulations 2001.

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

8Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bill O'Brien reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft European Parliamentary Election (Franchise of Relevant Citizens of the Union) Regulations 2001.

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

9Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Jim Cunningham reported from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Limited Liability Partnerships Regulations 2001 and the Limited Liability Partnerships (Fees) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 529).

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

10Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr John Cummings reported from the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Pensions Appeal Tribunals (Additional Rights of Appeal) Regulations 2001 and the draft Pensions Appeal Tribunals (Late Appeals) Regulations 2001.

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

11Crown Employment (Nationality) Bill,—Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Crown Employment (Nationality) Bill be printed [Bill 29–EN].

12Recycling (Doorstep Collection),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision for the doorstep collection of recyclable waste from all residential properties in England and Wales; to set 20-year targets for increasing levels of recycling in accordance

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  with European Union requirements; and for connected purposes: And that Mr Paul Marsden, Mr David Chaytor, Mr Lembit Opik, Sir Sydney Chapman, Valerie Davey, Mr Don Foster, Dr Doug Naysmith, Mr Tom Brake, Joan Walley and Mr Simon Thomas do prepare and bring it in.

13Recycling (Doorstep Collection) Bill,—Mr Paul Marsden accordingly presented a Bill to make provision for the doorstep collection of recyclable waste from all residential properties in England and Wales; to set 20-year targets for increasing levels of recycling in accordance with European Union requirements; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 6th April and to be printed [Bill 61].

14Ways and Means,—Amendment of the Law,—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed [7th March],—

(1) That it is expedient to amend the law with respect to the National Debt and the public revenue and to make further provision in connection with finance.

(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) to (6) below, this Resolution does not extend to the making of any amendment with respect to value added tax so as to provide—

(a) for zero-rating or exempting a supply, acquisition or importation;

(b) for refunding an amount of tax;

(c) for varying any rate at which that tax is at any time chargeable;

(d) for any relief, other than a relief which—

(i) so far as it is applicable to goods, applies to goods of every description, and

(ii) so far as it is applicable to services, applies to services of every description.

(3) Paragraph (2) above does not exclude the making of amendments with respect to value added tax—

(a) providing for refunds of the kind specified in paragraph (4) below;

(b) providing for that tax to be charged at a reduced rate of 5 per cent. on supplies of the descriptions specified in paragraph (5) below (and on equivalent acquisitions and importations); or

(c) making provision of the kind authorised by paragraph (6) below.

(4) The refunds mentioned in paragraph (3)(a) above are refunds of value added tax where—

(a) that tax is chargeable on a supply to, or an acquisition or importation by, a museum or gallery, and

(b) the supply, acquisition or importation is attributable to supplies of free rights of admission to the museum or gallery.

(5) The supplies mentioned in paragraph (3)(b) above are—

(a) supplies, in the course of a conversion of a building (or part of a building), of services related to the conversion if after the conversion the building (or part) contains living accommodation;

(b) supplies, in the course of the renovation or alteration (including the extension) of a dwelling that has been unoccupied for at least three years, of services related to the renovation or alteration;

(c) supplies of goods by a person making a supply of services within sub-paragraph (a) or (b) above if—

(i) those services include the incorporation of the goods into the building concerned (or its site), and

(ii) the goods are building materials within the meaning of Group 5 of Schedule 8 to the Value Added Tax Act 1994;

(d) supplies of children's car seats.

(6) The provision authorised by this paragraph is provision re-enacting, without altering any person's liability to value added tax or the amount of any such liability, provisions providing for that tax to be charged at a reduced rate of 5 per cent. on certain supplies, acquisitions and importations;

And the Question being again proposed:—The House resumed the adjourned Debate.

And the Question being put:—It was agreed to.

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The Deputy Speaker then, pursuant to paragraph (3) of Standing Order No. 51 (Ways and Means motions), put forthwith the Questions necessary to dispose of the further Motions, which were made by Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer.

2. Hydrocarbon oil (rates of duty)

Resolved, That—

(1) In section 6 (1A) of the Hydrocarbon Oil Duties Act 1979—

(a) in paragraph (a), for “£0.4782” there shall be substituted “£0.4582”; and

(b) in paragraph (c), for “£0.4882” there shall be substituted “£0.4582”.

(2) That subsection shall have effect until midnight on 14th June 2001 as if for paragraph (b) there were substituted—

“(ba) £0.5268 in the case of unleaded petrol other than ultra low sulphur petrol;

(bb) £0.5468 in the case of light oil not within paragraph (a) or (ba) above;”.

After that, paragraph (b) shall have effect as it did before.

(3) In section 8(3) of the Hydrocarbon Oil Duties Act 1979 for “£0.1500” there shall be substituted “£0.0900”.

(4) This Resolution shall have effect as from 6 o'clock in the evening of 7th March 2001.

And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968.

3. Hydrocarbon oil (rebate on unleaded petrol)

Resolved, That—

(1) For section 13A of the Hydrocarbon Oil Duties Act 1979 there shall be substituted—

“Rebate on unleaded petrol.

13A.—(1) On unleaded petrol, other than ultra low sulphur petrol, charged with the excise duty on hydrocarbon oil and delivered for home use there shall be allowed at the time of delivery a rebate of duty at the rate of £0.0586 a litre.

(2) Rebate is not allowed under this section in a case where a rebate is allowed under section 14 below.”.

(2) In paragraph 1(1) of Schedule 2A to that Act—

(a) for paragraphs (a) and (b) there shall be substituted—

“(ab) adding lead to unleaded petrol in respect of which a rebate has been allowed under section 13A;”; and

(b) in paragraph (c)—

(i) for “paragraph (a)” there shall be substituted “paragraph (aa)”, and

(ii) for “paragraph (b)” there shall be substituted “paragraph (ab)”.

(3) For paragraph 2A of that Schedule there shall be substituted—

“2A.—(1) A mixture which is unleaded petrol is produced in contravention of this paragraph if the mixture is produced by mixing—

(a) petrol on which duty has been paid at the rate specified in section 6(1A)(a), and

(b) petrol in respect of which a rebate has been allowed under section 13A,

and the mixture produced is unleaded petrol that is not ultra low sulphur petrol.

(2) This paragraph is subject to any direction given under paragraph 3.”.

(4) In paragraph 8 of that Schedule, for sub-paragraph (3A) there shall be substituted—

“(3A) In the case of a mixture produced in contravention of paragraph 2A above, the rate is that produced by deducting from the rate in force under section 6(1A)(b) at the time the mixture is produced the rebate which at that time is in force under section 13A.”.

(5) This Resolution shall have effect as from 6 o'clock in the evening of 7th March 2001.

And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968.

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4. Tobacco products (rates of duty)

Resolved, That—

(1) For the Table of rates of duty in Schedule 1 to the Tobacco Products Duty Act 1979 there shall be substituted—

“TABLE

1. Cigarettes An amount equal to 22 per cent. of the retail price plus £92.25 per thousand cigarettes.
2. Cigars £134.69 per kilogram.
3. Hand-rolling tobacco £96.81 per kilogram.
4. Other smoking tobacco and chewing tobacco £59.21 per kilogram.”.

(2) This Resolution shall have effect as from 6 o'clock in the evening of 7th March 2001.

And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968.

5. Dilution etc. of cider

Resolved, That provision may be made authorising regulations under section 62(5) of the Alcoholic Liquor Duties Act 1979 to make provision about adding substances to, mixing, or carrying out other operations on or in relation to, cider.

6. General betting duty

Resolved, That provision may be made about general betting duty.

7. Vehicle excise duty (general rate)

Resolved, That—

(1) In paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 to the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994, in sub-paragraphs (2) and (2A) for “1,200 cubic centimetres” there shall be substituted “1,549 cubic centimetres”.

This amendment shall apply to licences issued on or after 1st July 2001.

(2) Refunds shall be made by the Secretary of State, in accordance with the following provisions of this Resolution, in respect of licences—

(a) issued in the period beginning with 1st November 2000 and ending with 30th June 2001, and

(b) not surrendered before the end of that period,

where the amount of vehicle excise duty chargeable on the licence would have been less if the amendment in paragraph (1) of this Resolution had applied.

(3) The amount of the refund shall be—

(a) £55 for a 12 month licence, and

(b) £27.50 for a 6 month licence.

(4) The person entitled to the refund shall be—

(a) in the case of a licence in force on 30th June 2001, the keeper of the vehicle on that date;

(b) in the case of a licence that has ceased to be in force before that date, the keeper of the vehicle when the licence expired.

(5) For the purposes of paragraph (4) of this Resolution the keeper of the vehicle shall be taken to be—

(a) the person registered as keeper of the vehicle on the date in question, or

(b) if the Secretary of State has received notification of a change of ownership of the vehicle as a result of which another person is on that date entitled to be registered as the new keeper of the vehicle, that person.

(6) A refund shall only be made if an application is made for it in such form, and containing such particulars and supported by such documents, as the Secretary of State may require.

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(7) The Secretary of State shall give notice in writing to any person appearing to him to be entitled to a refund—

(a) informing him that he appears to be entitled to a refund,

(b) enclosing an application form, and

(c) specifying the particulars and supporting documents to be provided.

(8) An application for, or the making of, a refund under this Resolution in respect of a licence shall not affect the validity of the licence.

(9) For the purposes of section 19 of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 as it applies to the surrender on or after 1st July 2001 of a licence in respect of which a refund under this Resolution has been made, or applied for, the annual rate of duty chargeable on the licence shall be taken to be that which would have been chargeable if the amendment in paragraph (1) of this Resolution had applied.

(10) Section 45 of that Act shall apply to a declaration in connection with an application for a refund under this Resolution as it applies to a declaration in connection with an application for a vehicle licence.

(11) In the application of this Resolution to Northern Ireland, references to registration as the keeper of a vehicle shall be read as references to registration as the owner of the vehicle.

(12) This Resolution comes into force on 1st July 2001.

And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968.

8. Vehicle excise duty (goods vehicles)

Resolved, That provision may be made increasing rates of duty set out in Part VIII of Schedule 1 to the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994.

9. Vehicle excise duty (mobile pumping vehicles)

Resolved, That provision may be made for mobile pumping vehicles to be special vehicles to which Part IV of Schedule 1 to the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 applies and for old mobile pumping vehicles not to be exempt vehicles for the purposes of that Act.

10. Vehicle excise duty (exemption of agricultural vehicles etc.)

Resolved, That—

(1) The vehicles that are exempt vehicles for the purposes of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 (”the 1994 Act”) shall include—

(a) the vehicles that would, apart from this Resolution, be special concessionary vehicles for the purposes of Part IVA of Schedule 1 to the 1994 Act, and

(b) motorcycles (within the meaning given by paragraph 2 of that Schedule) that are electrically propelled vehicles for the purposes of the 1994 Act.

(2) Part IVA of that Schedule shall cease to have effect.

(3) In Part II of that Schedule, paragraph 2 shall be amended as follows—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1)(a), omit “or the motorcyle is an electrically propelled vehicle”, and

(b) in sub-paragraph (3), in the definition of “motorcyle”, after “motortricycle” insert “but does not include an electrically propelled vehicle”.

(4) The provisions of paragraphs (1) to (3) above apply to licences issued on or after 1st April 2001.

(5) Paragraph (6) below applies where a licence—

(a) is issued before 1st April 2001 for a relevant vehicle, and

(b) is in force on 1st April 2001 or comes into force after 1st April 2001.

(6) The licence shall, during the period—

(a) beginning with the later of 1st April 2001 and the day when it comes into force, and

(b) ending with the expiry of the period for which it is issued,

be deemed to be a nil licence for the purposes of the 1994 Act.

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(7) A refund shall be made by the Secretary of State, in accordance with the following provisions of this Resolution, in respect of a licence for a relevant vehicle that—

(a) is issued before 1st March 2001, in force on 1st March 2001 and not surrendered before 1st April 2001,

(b) is issued before 1st March 2001, comes into force after 1st March 2001 and is not surrendered before 1st April 2001, or

(c) is issued in March 2001 and not surrendered before 1st April 2001.

(8) The amount of the refund is one-twelfth of the annual rate of duty chargeable on the licence for—

(a) in the case of a licence issued before 1st March 2001, each whole month after February 2001 that forms part of the period for which the licence was issued, and

(b) in the case of a licence issued on or after 1st March 2001, each whole month of the period for which the licence is issued.

(9) The person entitled to the refund is the person registered as the keeper of the relevant vehicle on 30th April 2001.

(10) The provisions of sections 10(2) and 19 of the 1994 Act do not apply to a licence in respect of which a person is entitled to a refund under this Resolution.

(11) In the application of this Resolution to Northern Ireland, references to registration as the keeper of a vehicle shall be read as references to registration as the owner of the vehicle.

(12) In paragraphs (5) to (9) above “relevant vehicle” means a vehicle of the description mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) of paragraph (1) above.

(13) This Resolution comes into force on 1st April 2001.

And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968.

11. Aggregates levy

The Question being put, That provision may be made for charging a levy, to be known as aggregates levy, on aggregate subjected to commercial exploitation in the United Kingdom;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Clive Betts: 353.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr James Gray, Mr Keith Simpson: 160.

So the Question was agreed to.

12. Income tax (charge and rates for 2001–02)

The Question being put, That income tax shall be charged for the year 2001–02, and for that year—

(a) the starting rate shall be 10 per cent.;

(b) the basic rate shall be 22 per cent.; and

(c) the higher rate shall be 40 per cent.

And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Clive Betts: 326.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Adrian Sanders: 41.

So the Question was agreed to.

13. Income tax (starting rate limit for 2001–02)

Resolved, That—

(1) For the year 2001–02 the amount specified in section 1(2)(aa) of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 shall be £1,880.

(2) Accordingly, section 1(4) of that Act, so far as it relates to the amount so specified, shall not apply for that year.

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(3) Nothing in this Resolution shall require any change to be made in the amounts deductible or repayable under section 203 of that Act before 18th May 2001.

And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968.

14. Children's tax credit

Resolved, That—

(1) In section 257AA(2) of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 for “£4,420” there shall be substituted “£5,200”.

(2) This Resolution has effect for the year 2001–02.

(3) Nothing in this Resolution shall require any change to be made in the amounts deductible or repayable under section 203 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 before 18th May 2001.

And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968.

15. Corporation tax (charge and rate for 2002)

Resolved, That, for the financial year 2002, corporation tax shall be charged at the rate of 30 per cent.

16. Corporation tax (small companies' rate for 2001)

Resolved, That, for the financial year 2001—

(a) the small companies' rate shall be 20 per cent., and

(b) the fraction mentioned in section 13(2) of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 shall be one fortieth.

17. Corporation tax (starting rate for 2001)

Resolved, That, for the financial year 2001—

(a) the corporation tax starting rate shall be 10 per cent., and

(b) the fraction mentioned in section 13AA(3) of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 shall be one fortieth.

18. Employee share ownership plans

Resolved, That provision (including retrospective provision) may be made about employee share ownership plans.

19. Enterprise investment scheme

Resolved, That provision may be made amending Chapter III of Part VII of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.

20. Loss relief on shares in trading companies

Resolved, That provision may be made about the circumstances in which companies that are wound up are to be treated as qualifying trading companies for the purposes of sections 573 to 576 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.

21. Corporate venturing scheme

Resolved, That provision may be made amending Schedule 15 to the Finance Act 2000.

22. Capital allowances

Resolved, That provision (including retrospective provision) may be made about capital allowances.

23. Repeal of certain reliefs

Resolved, That provision may be made for the repeal of sections 534, 535, 537A and 538 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.

24. Payments to employers out of pension funds

Resolved, That provision may be made as to the amount recoverable under section 601(2) of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.

25. Deductions for deemed manufactured payments

Resolved, That—

(1) Section 736B of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 shall be amended as follows.

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(2) In subsection (2), after “shall apply” there shall be inserted “, subject to subsection (2A) below,”.

(3) After that subsection there shall be inserted—

“(2A) The borrower is not entitled, by virtue of anything in Schedule 23A or any provision of regulations under that Schedule, or otherwise—

(a) to any deduction in computing profits or gains for the purposes of income tax or corporation tax, or

(b) to any deduction against total income or, as the case may be, total profits,

in respect of any such deemed requirement or payment as is provided for by subsection (2) above.

Where the borrower is a company, an amount may not be surrendered by way of group relief if a deduction in respect of it is prohibited by this subsection.”.

(4) This Resolution shall apply to payments treated under section 736B as made on or after 3rd October 2000.

26. Double taxation relief

Resolved, That provision may be made amending Part XVIII of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.

27. Controlled foreign companies

Resolved, That provision may be made amending Part I of Schedule 25 to the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.

28. Life policies etc.

Resolved, That provision may be made about gains arising in connection with policies of life assurance, contracts for life annuities and capital redemption policies.

29. Deduction of tax (payments between companies etc.)

Resolved, That—

(1) After section 349 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 there shall be inserted—

“Exceptions to section 349 for payments between companies etc.

349A.—(1) The provisions specified in subsection (3) below (which require tax to be deducted on making certain payments) do not apply to a payment made by a company if, at the time the payment is made, the company reasonably believes that one of the conditions specified in section 349B is satisfied.

(2) Subsection (1) above has effect subject to any directions under section 349C.

(3) The provisions are—

section 349(1) (certain annuities and other annual payments, and royalties and other sums paid for use of UK patents),

section 349(2)(a) and (b) (UK interest),

section 349(3A) (dividend or interest on securities issued by building societies), and

section 524(3)(b) (which provides for section 349(1) to apply to proceeds of sale of UK patent rights).

(4) References in subsection (3) above to any provision of section 349 do not include that provision as applied—

(a) under section 777(9) (directions applying section 349(1) to certain payments to non-residents), or

(b) by paragraph 4(2) of Schedule 23A (manufactured overseas dividends to be treated as annual payments within section 349).

(5) References in this section to the company by which a payment is made do not include a company acting as trustee or agent for another person.

(6) For the purposes of this section, a payment by a partnership is treated as made by a company if any member of the partnership is a company.

The conditions mentioned in section 349A(1).

349B.—(1) The first of the conditions mentioned in section 349A(1) is that the person beneficially entitled to the income in respect of which the payment is made is—

(a) a company resident in the United Kingdom, or

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(b) a partnership each member of which is a company resident in the United Kingdom.

(2) The second of those conditions is that—

(a) the person beneficially entitled to the income in respect of which the payment is made is a company not resident in the United Kingdom (”the non-resident company”),

(b) the non-resident company carries on a trade in the United Kingdom through a branch or agency, and

(c) the payment falls to be brought into account in computing the chargeable profits (within the meaning given by section 11(2)) of the non-resident company.

Directions disapplying section 349A(1).

349C.—(1) The Board may give a direction to a company directing that section 349A(1) is not to apply in relation to any payment that—

(a) is made by the company after the giving of the direction, and

(b) is specified in the direction or is of a description so specified.

(2) A direction under this section may be varied or revoked by a subsequent such direction.

(3) In this section “company” includes a partnership of which any member is a company.

Section 349A(1): consequences of reasonable but incorrect belief.

349D.—(1) Where—

(a) a payment is made by a company without an amount representing the income tax on the payment being deducted from the payment,

(b) at the time the payment is made, the company reasonably believes that one of the conditions specified in section 349B is satisfied,

(c) if the company did not so believe, tax would be deductible from the payment under section 349, and

(d) neither of the conditions specified in section 349B is satisfied at the time the payment is made,

section 350 applies as if the payment were within section 349 (and Schedule 16 applies as if tax were deductible from the payment under section 349).

(2) In this section “company” includes a partnership of which any member is a company.”.

(2) In section 98 of the Taxes Management Act 1970, after subsection (4) there shall be inserted—

“(4A) If—

(a) a failure to comply with section 350(1) of, or Schedule 16 to, the principal Act arises from a person's failure to deliver an account, or show the amount, of a payment, and

(b) the payment is within subsection (4B) below,

subsection (1) above shall have effect as if for “£300” there were substituted “£3,000” and as if for “£60” there were substituted “£600”.

(4B) A payment is within this subsection if—

(a) the payment is made by a company without an amount representing the income tax on the payment being deducted from the payment,

(b) at the time the payment is made, the company—

(i) does not believe that either of the conditions specified in section 349B of the principal Act is satisfied, or

(ii) where it believes that either of those conditions is satisfied, could not reasonably so believe,

(c) the payment is one from which tax is deductible under section 349 of the principal Act unless the company reasonably believes that one of those conditions is satisfied, and

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(d) neither of those conditions is satisfied at the time the payment is made.

(4C) In subsection (4B) above “company” includes a partnership of which any member is a company.”.

(3) In section 338(4) of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988, after paragraph (a) there shall be inserted—

“(aa) the person beneficially entitled to the income in respect of which the payment is made is a company not resident in the United Kingdom (”the non-resident company”), the non-resident company carries on a trade in the United Kingdom through a branch or agency and the payment falls to be brought into account in computing the chargeable profits (within the meaning given by section 11(2)) of the non-resident company, or”.

(4) This Resolution applies to payments made on or after 1st April 2001.

And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968.

30. Deduction of tax (payments between group members)

Resolved, That provision may be made for repealing sections 247 and 248 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.

31. Provisional repayments

Resolved, That provision may be made for section 438A of, and Schedule 19AB to, the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 to cease to apply in relation to income tax borne by deduction.

32. Payments where return amended

Resolved, That provision may be made about payments due as a result of the amendment of a return.

33. Stamp duty reserve tax (unit trust schemes)

Resolved, That—

(1) Schedule 19 to the Finance Act 1999 shall be amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph 2(4), after “6” there shall be inserted “, 6A”.

(3) In paragraph 4, at the end there shall be inserted—

“(6) If a certificate is given in accordance with paragraph 6A(1)(c) in respect of a period which includes the relevant two-week period in the case of the unit in question in sub-paragraph (1), there shall be left out of account in applying this paragraph in relation to that unit—

(a) any issue of a unit which is to be held within an individual pension account, and

(b) any surrender of a unit which, immediately before the surrender, was held within an individual pension account.

(7) “Individual pension account” has the same meaning in sub-paragraph (6) as it has in paragraph 6A.”.

(4) After paragraph 6 there shall be inserted—

“Exclusion of charge in case of individual pension accounts

6A.—(1) There is no charge to tax under this Part of this Schedule on the surrender of the unit if—

(a) immediately before the surrender, the unit is held within an individual pension account,

(b) not all the units under the unit trust scheme are so held at that time, and

(c) a certificate pursuant to sub-paragraph (2) is contained in, or provided with, the relevant monthly tax return.

(2) The certificate must be given by the persons making the relevant monthly tax return and must state—

(a) that at all times in the period to which the return relates the trustees or managers were able to identify which of the units under the scheme were held within individual pension accounts, and

(b) that at no time in that period have the trustees or managers imposed any charge on, or recovered any amount from, an IPA unit holder which included

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        an amount directly or indirectly attributable to tax payable by the trustees under this Part of this Schedule.

(3) In sub-paragraph (2), “IPA unit holder” means—

(a) a person acquiring, or who has acquired, a unit under the unit trust scheme, where the unit is to be held within an individual pension account,

(b) a person holding a unit under the scheme, where the unit is held within an individual pension account, or

(c) a person surrendering, or who has surrendered, a unit under the scheme, where immediately before the surrender the unit is or was held within an individual pension account.

(4) In this paragraph—

“individual pension account” has the same meaning as in regulations under section 638A of the Taxes Act 1988 (as at 6th April 2001, see regulation 4 of the Personal Pension Schemes (Restriction on Discretion to Approve) (Permitted Investments) Regulations 2001);

“the relevant monthly tax return”, in the case of any surrender, means the notice required by regulations under section 98 of the Finance Act 1986 to be given by the managers (or, failing that, the trustees) under the unit trust scheme to the Commissioners of Inland Revenue containing among other things details of all surrenders in the relevant two-week period;

“the relevant two-week period” has the meaning given by paragraph 4(2).”.

(5) The amendment made by paragraph (3) of this Resolution shall have effect where the relevant two-week period mentioned in paragraph 4(1) of Schedule 19 to the Finance Act 1999 ends after 6th April 2001.

(6) The other amendments made by this Resolution shall have effect in relation to surrenders made or effected on or after 6th April 2001.

And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968.

34. Stamp duty reserve tax (open-ended investment companies)

Resolved, That—

(1) Where there are two or more classes of shares in an open-ended investment company and the company's instrument of incorporation—

(a) provides that shares of one or more of those classes (”the IPA classes”) may only be held within an individual pension account, and

(b) does not make such provision in relation to shares of at least one other class,

there is no charge to stamp duty reserve tax under Part II of Schedule 19 to the Finance Act 1999 on the surrender of a share of any of the IPA classes.

(2) References in this Resolution to provisions of Schedule 19 to the Finance Act 1999 are references to those provisions as they have effect in relation to open-ended investment companies by virtue of regulations from time to time in force under section 152 of the Finance Act 1995.

(3) In this Resolution—

“individual pension account” has the same meaning as it has in regulations from time to time in force under section 638A of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988;

“open-ended investment company” has the meaning given by paragraph 14(2) of Schedule 19 to the Finance Act 1999;

“surrender”, in relation to a share in an open-ended investment company, has the same meaning as it has in Part II of Schedule 19 to the Finance Act 1999.

(4) This Resolution shall have effect in relation to surrenders made or effected on or after 6th April 2001.

And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968.

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35. Petroleum revenue tax

Resolved, That provision may be made for the purposes of petroleum revenue tax about—

(a) the expenditure allowable under section 3 of the Oil Taxation Act 1975; and

(b) the amounts allowable as unrelievable field losses.

36. Landfill tax (rate)

The Question being put, That—

(1) In section 42(1)(a) and (2) of the Finance Act 1996, for “£11” there shall be substituted “£12”.

(2) This Resolution has effect in relation to taxable disposals made, or treated as made, on or after 1st April 2001.

And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Clive Betts: 359.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Randall, Mr James Gray: 146.

So the Question was agreed to.

37. Climate change levy

Resolved, That—

(1) In Schedule 6 to the Finance Act 2000, after paragraph 11 there shall be inserted—

“Exemption: supplies by Northern Ireland gas utilities

11A. A supply of any gas is exempt from the levy if—

(a) the supply is made by a gas utility, and

(b) the person to whom the supply is made intends to cause the gas to be burned in Northern Ireland.”.

(2) In paragraph 14(2) of that Schedule, at the end there shall be inserted “, and

(c) uses the electricity produced otherwise than in exemption-retaining ways.”.

(3) For paragraph 14(3)(c) of that Schedule, there shall be substituted—

“(c) uses the electricity produced otherwise than in exemption-retaining ways.”.

(4) In paragraph 14 of that Schedule, after sub-paragraph (3) there shall be inserted—

“(3A) For the purposes of this paragraph, electricity is used in an “exemption-retaining” way if it is used—

(a) in making supplies that are excluded under paragraphs 8 to 10 or exempt under any of paragraphs 11, 12 and 18, or

(b) in any of the ways mentioned in sub-paragraphs (i) to (iv) of paragraph 13(b).”.

(5) In paragraph 15 of that Schedule—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1)(a), for “the commodity is to be used by that person” there shall be substituted “that person intends to cause the commodity to be used”; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (2)(b), the words “by that person” shall be omitted.

(6) This Resolution shall have effect in relation to supplies made on or after 1st April 2001.

And it is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968.

38. Relief from tax (incidental and consequential charges)

Resolved, That it is expedient to authorise any incidental or consequential charges to any duty or tax (including charges having retrospective effect) which may arise from provisions designed in general to afford relief from taxation.

Procedure (Remediation of Contaminated Land),—Resolved, That, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice of the House relating to the matters that may be included in Finance Bills, any Finance Bill of the present Session may contain provision

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for allowing the making of payments in respect of the surrender of losses the amounts of which are determined by reference to expenditure incurred in connection with the remediation of contaminated land.

Procedure (Trading Funds: Limits on Borrowing And Public Dividend Capital),—Resolved, That, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice of the House relating to the matters that may be included in Finance Bills, any Finance Bill of the present Session may contain provision amending section 2C(3) and (4) of the Government Trading Funds Act 1973.

Procedure (Future Taxation),—Resolved, That, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice of the House relating to the matters that may be included in Finance Bills, any Finance Bill of the present Session may contain the following provisions taking effect in a future year—

(a) provision about children's tax credit;

(b) provision for corporation tax to be charged for the financial year 2002;

(c) provision about mileage allowances;

(d) provision withdrawing capital allowances in respect of vehicles provided by employees and office-holders;

(e) provision about works bus services;

(f) provision amending section 48(2)(a) of the Finance (No. 2) Act 1997;

(g) provision as to the obligations of insurers to provide information in connection with policies of life assurance, contracts for life annuities and capital redemption policies; and

(h) provision relating to Schedule 19AB to the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 as applied in relation to provisional repayments to insurance companies and friendly societies in respect of tax credits.

Finance [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Finance [Money];

Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Finance Bill, it is expedient to authorise—

(a) the payment out of money provided by Parliament of sums payable by the Secretary of State by virtue of provisions of that Act relating to vehicle excise and registration;

(b) the deduction of sums from the gross revenues of the department of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue for the purpose of making payments in respect of the surrender of losses the amounts of which are determined by reference to expenditure incurred in connection with the remediation of contaminated land; and

(c) any increase in the sums—

(i) payable out of the National Loans Fund or out of money provided by Parliament, or

(ii) payable into the National Loans Fund or the Consolidated Fund,

that is attributable to any provisions of that Act relating to limits on the borrowing and public dividend capital of trading funds.

Ordered, That a Bill be brought in upon the foregoing Resolutions: And that the Chairman of Ways and Means, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Secretary Prescott, Mr Secretary Straw, Mr Secretary Blunkett, Mr Secretary Darling, Mr Secretary Byers, Mr Secretary Milburn, Mr Andrew Smith, Dawn Primarolo, Mr Stephen Timms and Miss Melanie Johnson do prepare and bring it in.

15Finance Bill,—Mr Stephen Timms accordingly presented a Bill to grant certain duties, to alter other duties, and to amend the law relating to the National Debt and the Public Revenue, and to make further provision in connection with Finance: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and ordered to be printed [Bill 63].

16Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business), That, at this day's sitting, the Business of the House Motion in the name of Margaret Beckett, and the Motions on Sittings in Westminster Hall and Delegated Legislation may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr David Clelland):—It was agreed to.

17Motions to sit in private,—Mr Andrew Dismore moved, That the House sit in private.

The Deputy Speaker put the Question forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 163 (Motions to sit in private).

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The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Andrew Dismore, Mr Keith Darvill: 0.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Lawrie Quinn, Mr John McWilliam: 364.

So the Question was negatived.

18Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the draft Terrorism Act 2000 (Proscribed Organisations) (Amendment) Order 2001, which was laid before this House on 28th February, be approved—(Mr Secretary Straw);

Wednesday 14th March 2001

And the Question being put;

And the Speaker's opinion as to the decision of the Question being challenged, the division was deferred till this day, pursuant to Order [7th November].

19Science and Technology,—Ordered, That Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas be discharged from the Science and Technology Committee and Mr Tony McWalter be added to the Committee.—(Mr John McWilliam, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

20Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That—

(1) at the sitting on 22nd March the Speaker shall put the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on any Motion in the name of Margaret Beckett relating to Election of a Speaker not later than Four o'clock, and such Questions shall include the Questions on any amendment selected by the Speaker which may then be moved; and

(2) if proceedings on any such Motion have not been completed before Four o'clock, the Private Business set down by direction of the Chairman of Ways and Means for consideration at that hour may be proceeded with, though opposed, for three hours after it has been entered upon—(Paddy Tipping);

And the Deputy Speaker's opinion as to the decision of the Question being challenged, the division was deferred till this day, pursuant to Order [7th November].

21High Hedges Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to High Hedges Bill [Money];

Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the High Hedges Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—

(a) any expenses incurred by the Secretary of State in consequence of the Act; and

(b) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable out of money so provided by virtue of any other Act.—(Mrs Anne McGuire.)

22Sittings in Westminster Hall,—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed [23rd January], That, following the Order [20th November 2000], Mr Nicholas Winterton, Mr John McWilliam, Mr Barry Jones and Frank Cook be appointed to act as additional Deputy Speakers at sittings in Westminster Hall during this Session;

And the Question being again proposed:—The House resumed the adjourned Debate.

And the Question being put:—It was agreed to.

23Delegated Legislation,—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed [28th February], That the Motions in the name of Mr Secretary Straw relating to the Electoral Commission shall be treated as if they related to instruments subject to the provisions of Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation) in respect of which notice has been given that the instruments be approved;

And the Question being again proposed:—The House resumed the adjourned Debate.

And the Question being put:—It was agreed to.

24Local Government Finance,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 75) (House of Commons Paper No. 228), which was laid before this House on 8th February, be approved—(Mrs Anne McGuire):—It was agreed to.

25Local Government Finance,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 76) (House

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  of Commons Paper No. 233), which was laid before this House on 15th February, be approved—(Mrs Anne McGuire):—It was agreed to.

26Transport,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft British Waterways Board (Limit for Borrowing) Order 2001, which was laid before this House on 15th February, be approved—(Mrs Anne McGuire):—It was agreed to.

27Education,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (Amendment of Schedule 18) (England) Order 2001, which was laid before this House on 26th February, be approved—(Mrs Anne McGuire):—It was agreed to.

28Animal by-products,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees), That this House takes note of European Union Documents Nos. 12648/00, a draft Council Regulation laying down the health rules concerning animal by-products not intended for human consumption, and 12646/00, a draft Council Directive amending Council Directives 90/425/EEC and 92/118/EEC as regards health requirements for animal by-products; and supports the Government's objective of achieving a revised Regulation to protect animal and public health whilst ensuring that controls are proportionate to the risk they are designed to address—(Mrs Anne McGuire);

And the Deputy Speaker's opinion as to the decision of the Question being challenged, the division was deferred till this day, pursuant to Order [7th November].

29Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mrs Anne McGuire.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-six minutes to Three o'clock, adjourned till this day.

[Adjourned at 2.34 a.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Local Government,—Draft Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) Regulations 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Criminal Law,—(1) Fixed Penalty (Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 926), and

(2) Road Traffic (Owner Liability) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 925),

dated 10th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

3Government Trading Funds,—Buying Agency Trading Fund (Amendment) (Change of Name) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 922), dated 13th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer].

4Income Tax,—Personal Equity Plan (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 923), dated 13th March 2001 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson].

5Social Security,—Social Security (Crediting and Treatment of Contributions, and National Insurance Numbers) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 769), dated 7th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Other Papers:

6Fraud (Northern Ireland),—Paper, entitled Combating Electoral Fraud in Northern Ireland [by Command] [Cm. 5080] [Mr Secretary Reid].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1International Development Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Bill O'Brien an additional Chairman of Standing Committee B in respect of the Bill.

2Draft Regulation of Investigatory Powers (British Broadcasting Corporation) Order 2001, and the draft Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Designation of Public Authorities for

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  the Purposes of Intrusive Surveillance) Order 2001,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Hilton Dawson, Mr John Smith and Mr Paul Stinchcombe from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Orders); and nominated in substitution Mr Andrew Love, Mr Paul Truswell and Mr Derek Twigg.

3Draft Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (Decisions and Appeals) Regulations 2001 and the draft Social Security Commissioners (Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations 2001,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mrs Jackie Lawrence from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Jane Griffiths.

4Draft Pensions Appeal Tribunals (Additional Rights of Appeal) Regulations 2001, and the draft Pensions Appeal Tribunals (Late Appeals) Regulations 2001,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ms Dari Taylor from the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Alan Simpson.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Armed Forces Bill,—(1) Special Report from the Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill, together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee [No. 154]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee

[Rachel Squire].

2Deregulation,—(1) Third Report from the Deregulation Committee [Proposal for the Deregulation (Disposals of Dwelling-Houses by Local Authorities) Order 2001]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 327]; and

(2) First Special Report from the Committee [The Handling of Regulatory Reform Orders]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 328]

[Mr Peter L. Pike].

3Education and Employment,—(1) Fifth Report from the Education and Employment Committee [New Deal: An Evaluation], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Employment Sub-Committee of the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 58] [Mr Derek Foster];

(2) Sixth Report from the Committee [Higher Education: Student Retention], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 124]; and

(3) Memoranda laid before the Education Sub-Committee of the Committee [Higher Education: Student Retention] [Mr Barry Sheerman].

4Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Local Authority Governance]; to printed [No. 225-ii] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett].

5Statutory Instruments,—Tenth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 46-x] [Mr David Tredinnick].

6Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [Telecoms Masts]; to be printed [Nos. 330-i and ii] [Mr Martin O'Neill].

7Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [2001 Budget]; to printed [No. 326-i] [Mr Giles Radice].

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[No. 50; WH, No. 29.]

Tuesday 13th March 2001.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall [pursuant to Order of 20th November 2000].

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

Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the sitting be now adjourned—(Mr Gerry Sutcliffe);

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

[Adjourned at 2 p.m.


[No. 51.]

Wednesday 14th March 2001.

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

PRAYERS.

1Colchester Borough Council Bill [Lords],—The First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means reported from the Committee on Unopposed Bills, That it had examined the allegations contained in the Preamble to the Colchester Borough Council Bill [Lords] and found the same to be true; and had gone through the Bill and had directed her to report the same without Amendment.

Bill to be read the third time.

2Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Sir David Madel reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Criminal Defence Service (Choice in Very High Cost Cases) Regulations 2001, the draft Criminal Defence Service (Representation Order Appeals) Regulations 2001, and the Code of Conduct for Employees of the Legal Services Commission who provide services as part of the Criminal Defence Service.

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

3Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Joe Benton reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Street Works (Charges for Unreasonably Prolonged Occupation of the Highways) (England) Regulations 2001.

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

4Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Eric Illsley reported from the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Part-Time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2001 and the draft National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 (Amendment) Regulations 2001.

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

5Bribery of Foreign Public Officials,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision for combating the bribery of foreign public officials in international business transactions by implementing the OECD Convention of 1997; to amend the Prevention of Corruption Acts 1889 to 1916; to make further provision for the investigation of, and about the jurisdiction of courts in England and Wales in relation to, certain bribery offences; to amend the Criminal Justice Acts 1987 and 1993; to make provision about the powers of the Attorney General in relation to such offences; and for connected purposes—(Mr Tony Colman);

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):—It was agreed to.

Ordered, That Mr Tony Colman, Mr Bowen Wells, Ann Clwyd, Dr Vincent Cable, Barbara Follett, Mr Nigel Jones, Ms Oona King, Ms Tess Kingham, Mr Andrew Rowe and Mr Tony Worthington do prepare and bring in the Bill.

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6Bribery of Foreign Public Officials Bill,—Mr Tony Colman accordingly presented a Bill to make provision for combating the bribery of foreign public officials in international business transactions by implementing the OECD Convention of 1997; to amend the Prevention of Corruption Acts 1889 to 1916; to make further provision for the investigation of, and about the jurisdiction of courts in England and Wales in relation to, certain bribery offences; to amend the Criminal Justice Acts 1987 and 1993; to make provision about the powers of the Attorney General in relation to such offences; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 20th July and to be printed [Bill 64].

7Estimates,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 145 (Liaison Committee), That this House agrees with the Report [8th March] of the Liaison Committee—(Mr Gerry Sutcliffe):—It was agreed to.

8Criminal Justice and Police Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Criminal Justice and Police Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee and pursuant to Order [12th March].

A Clause (Collective harassment)—(Mr Charles Clarke)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Exclusion of prisoners convicted of assaulting police officers, other emergency service workers and NHS staff from power to release short-term prisoners on licence)—(Mr Oliver Heald)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 183.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mike Hall, Mr Don Touhig: 286.

Another Clause (Enticing a child to engage in indecent conduct: Amendment of section 1 of the Indecency with Children Act 1960)—(Miss Ann Widdecombe)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr James Gray, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 162.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Ian Pearson, Mr David Jamieson: 282.

Another Clause (Independent counsel to be present during searches to assess whether seized material is legally privileged)—(Mr Nick Hawkins)—brought up and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time.

And it being half-past Eight o'clock, the Deputy Speaker put forthwith the Questions necessary to bring proceedings on consideration to a conclusion, pursuant to Order [29th January].

Question, That the Clause be read a second time, put and negatived.

Amendments (Nos. 45 to 52 and 44) made to the Bill.

The Bill was read the third time, and passed.

9Deferred Divisions,—The Deputy Speaker announced the results of divisions which had been deferred to this day, pursuant to the Order of the House [7th November]:

Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism,—That the draft Terrorism Act 2000 (Proscribed Organisations) (Amendment) Order 2001, which was laid before this House on 28th February, be approved.

Ayes: 396.

Noes: 17.

So the Question was agreed to.

Business of the House,—That—

(1) at the sitting on 22nd March the Speaker shall put the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on any Motion in the name of Margaret Beckett relating to Election of a Speaker not later than Four o'clock, and such Questions shall include the Questions on any amendment selected by the Speaker which may then be moved; and

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(2) if proceedings on any such Motion have not been completed before Four o'clock, the Private Business set down by direction of the Chairman of Ways and Means for consideration at that hour may be proceeded with, though opposed, for three hours after it has been entered upon.

Ayes: 341.

Noes: 122.

So the Question was agreed to.

Animal By-Products,—That this House takes note of European Union Documents Nos. 12648/00, a draft Council Regulation laying down the health rules concerning animal by-products not intended for human consumption, and 12646/00, a draft Council Directive amending Council Directives 90/425/EEC and 92/118/EEC as regards health requirements for animal by-products; and supports the Government's objective of achieving a revised Regulation to protect animal and public health whilst ensuring that controls are proportionate to the risk they are designed to address.

Ayes: 348.

Noes: 10.

So the Question was agreed to.

10Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business), That, at this day's sitting, the Motion relating to Weights and Measures (Metrication Amendments) Regulations may be proceeded with, though opposed, until half-past Eleven o'clock—(Mr Kevin Hughes):—It was agreed to.

11Weights and Measures (S.I., 2001, No. 85),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the Weights and Measures (Metrication Amendments) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 85), dated 16th January 2001, a copy of which was laid before this House on 17th January, be revoked—(Mr David Heathcoat-Amory);

And the Deputy Speaker's opinion as to the decision of the Question being challenged, the Division was deferred till Wednesday 21st March, pursuant to Order [7th November].

12Partnerships,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Limited Liability Partnerships Regulations 2001, which were laid before this House on 15th January, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

13Social Security,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Social Security Commissioners (Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations 2001, which were laid before this House on 14th February, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

14Social Security,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (Decisions and Appeals) Regulations 2001, which were laid before this House on 14th February, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

15Pensions,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Pensions Appeals Tribunals (Additional Rights of Appeal) Regulations 2001, which were laid before this House on 26th February, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

16Pensions,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Pensions Appeals Tribunals (Late Appeals) Regulations 2001, which were laid before this House on 26th February, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

17Investigatory Powers,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Regulation of Investigatory Powers (British Broadcasting Corporation) Order 2001, which was laid before this House on 26th February, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

18Investigatory Powers,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Designation of Public Authorities for the Purposes of Intrusive Surveillance) Order 2001, which was laid before this House on 26th February, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

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19Representation of the People,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft European Parliamentary Elections (Franchise of Relevant Citizens of the Union) Regulations 2001, which were laid before this House on 26th February, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

20Environmental Protection,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Offshore Combustion Installations (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Regulations 2001, which were laid before this House on 26th February, be approved—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

21Northern Ireland Grand Committee,—Ordered, That—

(1) the proposals for a draft Life Sentences (Northern Ireland) Order 2001 and a draft Financial Investigations (Northern Ireland) Order 2001, being legislative proposals relating exclusively to Northern Ireland, be referred to the Northern Ireland Grand Committee;

(2) the Committee shall meet at Westminster on Thursday 22nd March at 9.15 a.m. to consider the proposal for a draft Life Sentences (Northern Ireland) Order 2001, referred to it under paragraph (1) above, and the Chairman shall interrupt proceedings at that meeting at 11.15 a.m.; and

(3) the Committee shall meet at Westminster on Thursday 22nd March at 2.30 p.m. to consider the proposal for a draft Financial Investigations (Northern Ireland) Order 2001, referred to it under paragraph (1) above, and the Chairman shall interrupt proceedings at that meeting at 4.30 p.m.—(Mr Clive Betts.)

22Scottish Grand Committee,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 100 (Scottish Grand Committee (sittings)), That the Scottish Grand Committee shall meet at Westminster on Wednesday 28th March at half-past Ten o'clock to consider a substantive Motion for the adjournment of the Committee—(Mr Clive Betts):—It was agreed to.

23Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Rural Lewes against the abolition of hunting with dogs was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

24Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Clive Betts.)

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

[Adjourned at 11.54 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Partnerships,—Limited Liability Partnerships (Fees) (No. 2) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 969), dated 14th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Betting, Gaming and Lotteries,—Gaming Act (Variation of Monetary Limits) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 757), dated 6th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

3Companies,—Companies (Disqualification Orders) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 967), dated 13th March 2001 [by Act ] [Mr Secretary Byers].

4Education,—Education (Student Support) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 951), dated 13th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

5Legal Services Commission,—Community Legal Service (Financial) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 950), dated 9th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr David Lock].

6Road Traffic,—(1) Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 937), and

(2) Vehicle Excise Duty (Immobilisation, Removal and Disposal of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 936),

dated 13th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

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7Social Security,—Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 (Modification of Section 10 (7)) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 966), dated 14th March 2001 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

8Social Security (Northern Ireland),—Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992 (Modification of Section 10 (7)) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 965), dated 14th March 2001 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

9Taxes,—Stamp Duty and Stamp Duty Reserve Tax (Definition of Unit Trust Scheme and Open-ended Investment Company) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 964), dated 14th March 2001 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson].

Other Papers:

10Employment,—Paper, entitled Towards full employment in a modern society [by Command] [Cm. 5084] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

11London Regional Transport,—Statement of Guarantee given by the Treasury on 13th March 2001 in respect of temporary borrowing by London Regional Transport from HSBC Bank plc [by Act] [Mr Stephen Timms].

12Transport,—Statement of Guarantee given by the Treasury on 13th March 2001 in respect of temporary borrowing by the British Waterways Board from National Westminster Bank plc [by Act] [Mr Stephen Timms].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1High Hedges Bill:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee C; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Robert Ainsworth, Sir Sydney Chapman, Mr Andrew Dismore, Caroline Flint, Mr Don Foster, Mr Kelvin Hopkins, Mr Lindsay Hoyle, Mr Alan Hurst, Lynne Jones, Mr Stephen McCabe, Sir David Madel, Mr Stephen Pound, Mr Terry Rooney, Mr Andrew Rowe, Mr John M. Taylor and Mr Dafydd Wigley.

2Draft Weights and Measures (Intoxicating Liquor) (Amendment) Order 2001:

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr David Atkinson, Norman Baker, Mr Tony Baldry, Mrs Anne Campbell, Mr David Chaytor, Mr Frank Dobson, Mr David Drew, Mr Mike Gapes, Mr Nick Gibb, Mr James Gray, Mr Fabian Hamilton, Dr Kim Howells, Mr Nigel Jones, Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews, Mr Greg Pope and Ms Rosie Winterton.

3Draft Social Security (Reduced Rates of Class 1 Contributions) (Salary Related Contracted-out Schemes) Order 2001, the draft Social Security (Minimum Contribution to Appropriate Personal Pension Schemes) Order 2001, and the draft Social Security (Reduced Rates of Class 1 Contributions and Rebates) (Money Purchase Contracted-out Schemes) Order 2001:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Orders to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Edward O'Hara Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Paul Burstow, Ann Coffey, Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas, Mr Doug Henderson, Mr David Kidney, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Mrs Jackie Lawrence, Mr Edward Leigh, Mr Stephen McCabe, Mr Ian Pearson, Ms Linda Perham, Mr Andrew Robathan, Mr Jeff Rooker, Mr John Smith and Steve Webb.

4Draft Social Security (Inherited SERPS) Regulations 2001,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Anthony D. Wright from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Terry Davis.

5Draft Postal Services Act 2000 (Determination of Turnover for Penalties) Order 2001, and the draft Postal Services Act 2000 (Consequential Modifications No.1) Order 2001:

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Ms Diane Abbott, Mr Crispin Blunt, Mr Julian Brazier, Mr Roger Casale, Mr Ben Chapman, Mr Harry Cohen, Tom Cox, Jim Dowd, Dr Evan Harris, Mr

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David Heath, Mr Alan Johnson, Mr Richard Page, Mr Owen Paterson, Mr Jonathan R. Shaw, Ms Dari Taylor and Mr Jon Trickett.

6Remuneration and Expenses of the Electoral Commissioners, and Remuneration and Expenses of the Chairman of the Electoral Commission:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Remuneration and Expenses of the Electoral Commissioners, and the Remuneration and Expenses of the Chairman of the Electoral Commission to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Dr Michael Clark Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Peter Bradley, Mr Christopher Fraser, Mrs Linda Gilroy, Mrs Teresa Gorman, Mr Mike Hall, Mr Nick Hawkins, Mr Tom Levitt, Mr Robert Maclennan, Kali Mountford, Dr Doug Naysmith, Mr Mike O'Brien, Mr Gwyn Prosser, Mr Keith Simpson, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Stephen Twigg and Mr Shaun Woodward.

7Draft Criminal Defence Service (Choice in Very High Cost Cases) Regulations 2001, the draft Criminal Defence Service (Representation Order Appeals) Regulations 2001, and the Code of Conduct for Employees of the Legal Services Commission who provide services as part of the Criminal Defence Service,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Alan Simpson from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Tony Banks.

8Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 77) on 2000–01 Special Grant for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (House of Commons Paper No. 315):

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Report to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Jim Cunningham Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Richard Allan, Mr Simon Burns, Mr Christopher Gill, Mr Simon Hughes, Helen Jones, Lynne Jones, Mr Tom Levitt, Mr David Lidington, Chris McCafferty, Mr Alan Meale, Mrs Barbara Roche, Mr Keith Simpson, Mr Gerry Steinberg, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Mr Paul Truswell and Mr Anthony D. Wright.

9Salary of the Information Commissioner,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ms Harriet Harman from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Salary of the Information Commissioner); and nominated in substitution Mr Paul Stinchcombe.

10Draft Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) Order 2001:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mrs Marion Roe Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Jackie Ballard, Mr John Bercow, Mr Harold Best, Mr John Burnett, Mr Charles Clarke, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mrs Ann Cryer, Julia Drown, Mr Nigel Griffiths, Mr Mike Hall, Mr John Horam, Miss Julie Kirkbride, Mr George Mudie, Mr Jim Murphy, Mr Colin Pickthall and Mr Llew Smith.

11Draft Climate Change Levy (Use as Fuel) Regulations 2001, the draft Climate Change Levy (Combined Heat and Power Stations) Prescribed Conditions and Efficiency Percentages Regulations 2001, the draft Climate Change Agreements (Energy-intensive Installations) Regulations 2001, the draft Climate Change Levy (Electricity and Gas) Regulations 2001, the draft Climate Change Levy (Solid Fuel) Regulations 2001,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Andrew Dismore and Mr Bob Laxton from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Andrew Miller and Dr Nick Palmer.

12Draft Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Designation of Public Authorities) Order 2001:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Peter L. Pike Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Ms Candy Atherton, Dr David Clark, Mr James Cran, Mr David Crausby, Jim Dowd, Dr Ian Gibson, Mr George Howarth, Mr Andrew Hunter, Helen Jackson, Mr Peter Kilfoyle, Mr Tony Lloyd, Mr Stephen O'Brien, Mr Lembit Opik, Ms Debra Shipley, Mr John M. Taylor and Mr William Thompson.

13Draft Channel Tunnel (International Arrangements) (Amendment No. 3) Order 2001:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Nicholas Winterton Chairman; and

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(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Michael Clapham, Mr Michael Fabricant, Mr Michael Fallon, Mrs Llin Golding, Mrs Eileen Gordon, Mr Mike Hall, Mr Simon Hughes, Mr Tom Levitt, Mr Terry Lewis, Mr David Lidington, Mr Mark Oaten, Mr Gordon Prentice, Mrs Barbara Roche, Mr Keith Simpson, Dr Phyllis Starkey and Derek Wyatt.

14Draft Defence Aviation Repair Agency Trading Fund Order 2001,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Edward O'Hara Chairman of the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order.

15Draft Defence Aviation Repair Agency Trading Fund Order 2001,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Dr Nick Palmer and Ms Linda Perham from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Barbara Follett and Mr Stephen Pound.

16Draft Open Ended Investment Companies Regulations 2001:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Jonathan Sayeed Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Graham Allen, Mr John Burnett, Dr Vincent Cable, Mr Jim Cousins, Mr Howard Flight, Mr John Healey, Mr Stephen Hesford, Mr Michael Jack, Mr Robert Jackson, Miss Melanie Johnson, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Ernie Ross, Helen Southworth, Mrs Betty Williams, Mr Mike Wood and Mr Tony Worthington.

17Draft Tax Credits Up-rating Order 2001,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Bill O'Brien Chairman of the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order.

18Draft Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2001, the draft Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Professions) (Non-exempt Activities) Order 2001, and the draft Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Designated Professional Bodies) Order 2001:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Orders to the Eighth 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 Graham Allen, Dr Vincent Cable, Mr Brian Cotter, Mr Clive Efford, Mr Howard Flight, Mr John Healey, Miss Melanie Johnson, Mr Fraser Kemp, Mr David Lammy, Mr David Lepper, Mr Peter Luff, Siobhain McDonagh, Sir Michael Spicer, Sir Teddy Taylor, Dr George Turner and Mr Brian White.

19Draft Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Trading Fund Order 2001,—The Speaker has appointed Mr George Stevenson Chairman of the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order.

20Draft Jobseeker's Allowance (Amendment) Regulations 2001:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr David Amess Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Richard Allan, Mr Clive Betts, Mrs Louise Ellman, Mr Jeff Ennis, Dr Evan Harris, Mr Jon Owen Jones, Tessa Jowell, Mr Denis Murphy, Mr James Plaskitt, Mr John Randall, Mr Ted Rowlands, Christine Russell, Mr Nick St Aubyn, Mr Marsha Singh, Mr Robert Syms and Mr John Townend.

21Draft Alterations to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Frank Dobson and Mr Mike Hall from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Alterations to the Scheme); and nominated in substitution Mr Clive Betts and Mr Barry Gardiner.

22Draft Greater London Road Traffic (Various Provisions) Order 2001:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Sir David Madel Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Gerald Bermingham, Mr Roger Berry, Mr Peter Bottomley, Mr Tom Brake, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Tony Colman, Mr Neil Gerrard, Mr Keith Hill, Mr Kelvin Hopkins, Mr Kevin Hughes, Mr Alan Keen, Sir Peter Lloyd, Mr Michael Moore, Mr Robert Syms, Ms Claire Ward and Mr Phil Woolas.

23Draft New Opportunities Fund (Specification of Initiatives) Order 2001:

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

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(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Ms Karen Buck, Mr Christopher Chope, Jim Dowd, Ms Harriet Harman, Kate Hoey, Mr Nigel Jones, Miss Anne McIntosh, Fiona Mactaggart, Judy Mallaber, Mr Austin Mitchell, Mr Patrick Nicholls, Mr Owen Paterson, Bob Russell, Mr Brian Sedgemore, Dr Desmond Turner and Mr David Winnick.

24Draft Scotland Act 1998 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2001, and the draft Scotland Act 1998 (Modification of Schedule 5) Order 2001:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Orders to the Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Jim Cunningham Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Ian Bruce, Mr William Cash, Mr George Foulkes, Maria Fyfe, Dr Norman A. Godman, Mr Dominic Grieve, Mr Eric Joyce, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Alasdair Morgan, Ms Sandra Osborne, Mr John Robertson, Mr Mohammad Sarwar, Sir Robert Smith, Mr Bill Tynan and Mr Jimmy Wray.

European Standing Committees

25European Union Document No. 13119/00, relating to a common asylum procedure and a uniform status for persons granted asylum, has been referred to European Standing Committee B.

26European Union Document No. 14174/00, relating to general principles and requirements of food law, has been referred to European Standing Committee C, to be debated with European Union Document No. 10427/00 already referred to the Committee on 18th January.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Agriculture,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Agriculture Committee [New Covent Garden Market]; to be printed [No. 173-iii]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [New Covent Garden Market]

[Mr David Curry].

2Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Staging International Sporting Events]; to be printed [No. 286-iii] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].

3Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee [Higher Education: Access (follow-up)]; to be printed [No. 329] [Mr Barry Sheerman].

4Environmental Audit,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee [Budget 2001]; to be printed [No. 333-i]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Renewable Energy]; to be printed [No. 334]

[Mr John Horam].

5Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) Fifth Report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [Delivering Sustainable Waste Management], with the Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 36-I and -II]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Walking in Towns and Cities]; to be printed [No.167-v]

[Mr Andrew F. Bennett]; and

(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Committee [Opportunities and Development Prospects at Major Ports]; to be printed [No. 244-ii] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

6European Scrutiny,—Eighth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 28-viii] [Mr Jimmy Hood].

7Joint Committee on Human Rights,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on Human Rights [Implementation of the Human Rights Act 1998]; to be printed [No. 332-i] [Jean Corston].

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8Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [How English Further Education Colleges can Improve Student Retention and Achievement] [No. 336-i] [Mr David Davis].

9Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [Wave and Tidal Energy]; to be printed [No. 291-i] [Dr Michael Clark].

10Social Security,—(1) Second Report from the Social Security Committee [Integrated Child Credit], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 72]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Integrated Child Credit]

[Mr Archy Kirkwood].


[No. 51; WH, No. 30.]

Wednesday 14th March 2001.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall [pursuant to Order of 20th November 2000].

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

Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Kevin Hughes.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 1.59 p.m.


[No. 52.]

Thursday 15th March 2001.

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

PRAYERS.

1City of London (Ward Elections) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for further consideration of the City of London (Ward Elections) Bill, as amended by the Chairman of Ways and Means;

Ordered, That the Bill be further considered on Thursday 22nd March.

2International Development Bill,—Mr John Butterfill reported from Standing Committee B, That it had gone through the International Development Bill; and reported the same, without Amendment, pursuant to Order [7th November].

Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 337].

3First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr John Cummings reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Social Security (Inherited SERPS) Regulations 2001.

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

4Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr John McWilliam reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Salary of the Information Commissioner.

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

5Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bill O'Brien reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Climate Change Levy (Use as Fuel) Regulations 2001, the draft Climate Change Levy (Combined Heat and Power Stations) Prescribed Conditions and Efficiency Percentages Regulations 2001, the draft Climate Change Agreements (Energy-Intensive Installations) Regulations 2001, the draft Climate Change Levy (Electricity and Gas) Regulations 2001, and the draft Climate Change Levy (Solid Fuel) Regulations 2001.

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

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6Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Mike Hancock reported from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Alterations to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

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

7Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Humfrey Malins reported from the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 544), the draft Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Carrying on Regulated Activities by Way of Business) Order 2001, and the draft Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Exemption) Order 2001.

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

8Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

Private Security Industry Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to make provision for the regulation of the private security industry; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

9Private Security Industry Bill [Lords],—The Private Security Industry Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 67].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Private Security Industry Bill [Lords] be printed [Bill 67–EN].

10Adoption and Children Bill,—Mr Secretary Milburn, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Secretary Straw, Mr Secretary Murphy, Mr John Hutton and Jane Kennedy presented a Bill to restate and amend the law about adoption and amend the Children Act 1989: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 66].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Adoption and Children Bill be printed [Bill 66–EN].

11Estimates Day [2nd allotted day],—The House proceeded, pursuant to Resolution [14th March] to consider the Estimate appointed for consideration under Standing Order No. 54 (Consideration of estimates).

Vote on Account, 2001–02,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That resources, not exceeding £410,620,000, be authorised, on account, for use during the year ending on 31st March 2002, and that a sum, not exceeding £508,690,000 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund, on account, for the year ending on 31st March 2002 for expenditure by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office—(Mr Kevin Hughes);

And it being Seven o'clock, the Deputy Speaker, pursuant to paragraph (5) of Standing Order No. 54 (Consideration of estimates), put the Question:—It was agreed to.

12Estimates,—The Speaker then put the Questions which he was required to put, pursuant to paragraph (1) of Standing Order No. 55 (Questions on voting of estimates, &c.) and Order [27th February].

Estimates, 2001–02 (Navy) Vote A

Resolved, That during the year ending on 31st March 2002 a number not exceeding 46,025 all ranks be maintained for Naval Service, a number not exceeding 17,340 for service in the Reserve Naval and Marine Forces, and a number not exceeding 250 for service as Special Members of the Reserve Naval Forces under Part V of the Reserve Forces Act 1996.

Estimates, 2001–02 (Army) Vote A

Resolved, That during the year ending on 31st March 2002 a number not exceeding 128,195 all ranks be maintained for Army Service, a number not exceeding 84,000 for service in the Reserve Land Forces, and a number not exceeding 6,000 for service as Special Members of the Reserve Land Forces under Part V of the Reserve Forces Act 1996.

Estimates, 2001–02 (Air) Vote A

Resolved, That during the year ending on 31st March 2002 a number not exceeding 57,485 all ranks be maintained for the Air Force Service, a number not exceeding 23,750 for service in the Reserve Air Forces, and a number not exceeding 430 for service as Special Members of the Reserve Air Forces under Part V of the Reserve Forces Act 1996.

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Estimates, Excesses, 1999–2000

Resolved, That a sum not exceeding £447,616.60 be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to make good excesses of certain grants for Civil Services for the year ended on 31st March 2000, as set out in House of Commons Paper No. 323.

Supplementary Estimates, 2000–01

Resolved, That a further supplementary sum not exceeding £2,327,637,000, be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to complete or defray the charges for Defence and Civil Services for the year ending on 31st March 2001, as set out in House of Commons Papers Nos. 255 and 256.

Estimates, 2001–02 (Vote on Account)

Resolved, That further resources, not exceeding £120,516,064,000 be authorised on account, for use for Defence and Civil Services for the year ending 31st March 2002, and that a sum, not exceeding £120,348,528,000, be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund, on account, to meet the costs of Defence and Civil Services for the year ending on 31st March 2002, as set out in House of Commons Papers Nos. 251, 252, 253 and 254.

Ordered, That a Bill be brought in upon the foregoing Resolutions relating to Estimates, Excesses, Supplementary Estimates and Estimates (Vote on Account): And that The Chairman of Ways and Means, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Andrew Smith, Dawn Primarolo, Mr Stephen Timms and Miss Melanie Johnson do prepare and bring it in.

13Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Bill,—Mr Stephen Timms accordingly presented a Bill to authorise the use of resources for the service of the year ending on 31st March 2002 and to apply certain sums out of the Consolidated Fund to the service of the years ending on 31st March 2000, 2001 and 2002: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 65].

14Motor Vehicle Distribution and Servicing,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees), That this House takes note of European Document No. 13889/00, a Commission report on the evaluation of Regulation (EC) No. 1475/95 on the application of Article 85(3) of the Treaty to certain categories of motor vehicle distribution and servicing agreements; notes its conclusion that the ‘natural link' between sales and after-sales service seems no longer to exist; notes further its conclusions that the objective of increasing the commercial independence of dealers has been achieved ‘to only a limited extent', that independent repairers are being denied access to technical information, and that they offer services at least as good and generally cheaper than dealers; notes further that car buyers still face difficulties when they try to purchase new vehicles in another member state; and, in view of the Commission's clear finding that the justifications advanced in 1995 for the block exemption are no longer valid, calls on the European Commission, in line with the views of the UK Competition Commission, to allow the block exemption to expire in September 2002—(Mr David Clelland):—It was agreed to.

15Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from the Electors of the Group of Thirteen Parishes of South Oxfordshire, against demands for the calling-in of Oxfordshire County Council's decision to develop the town of Didcot to the west was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

16Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr David Clelland.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till half-past Seven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 7.30 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Local Government,—Draft Local Authorities (Alternative Arrangements) (England) Regulations 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

2Local Government Finance,—Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 78) on the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund [by Act]; to be printed [No. 335] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

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Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

3Agriculture,—Milk and Milk Products (Pupils in Educational Establishments) (England) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 994), dated 15th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

4Education,—(1) Birmingham (Kitts Green and Shard End) Education Action Zone (Variation) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 972), dated 7th March 2001,

(2) Bristol Education Action Zone (Variation) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 973), dated 7th March 2001,

(3) Education (Student Loans) (Repayment) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 971), dated 13th March 2001, and

(4) Epicentre LEAP Ellesmere Port Cheshire Education Action Zone (Amendment) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 1000), dated 7th March 2001

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

5Financial Services,— Financial Markets and Insolvency (Settlement Finality) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 997), dated 14th March 2001 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson].

6Financial Services and Markets,—(1) Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Prescribed Markets and Qualifying Investments) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 996), dated 15th March 2001, and

(2) Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Recognition Requirements for Investment Exchanges and Clearing Houses) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 995), dated 15th March 2001

[by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson].

7Legal Aid and Advice,—(1) Legal Advice and Assistance (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 (S.R. (N.I.), 2001, No. 113),

(2) Legal Advice and Assistance (Financial Conditions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 (S.R. (N.I.), 2001, No. 112), and

(3) Legal Aid (Financial Conditions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 (S.R. (N.I.), 2001, No. 111)

dated 14th March 2001[by Act] [Mr David Lock].

8Pensions,—(1) Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Perpetuities and Contracting-out) Amendment Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 943), and

(2) Stakeholder Pension Schemes (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 934),

dated 13th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

9Pensions (Northern Ireland),—Pensions Appeal Tribunals (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Rules 2001 (S.R. (N.I.), 2001, No. 109), dated 14th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr David Lock].

10Social Security,—(1) New Deal (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 970), dated 13th March 2001[by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]; and

(2) Social Security (Contributions) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 1004), dated 15th March 2001[by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

Other Papers:

11Chemical Weapons,—Report for 2000 by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the operation of the Chemical Weapons Act 1996 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

12Marshall Aid Commemoration,—Report of the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission for 1st October 1999 to 30th September 2000 [by Command] [Cm. 5069] [Mr Secretary Cook].

13National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Measuring the Performance of Government Departments [by Act]; to be printed [No. 301] [Clerk of the House].

14Public Accounts,—Treasury Minute on the Forty-fourth and the Forty-fifth Reports from the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 1999–2000 [by Command] [Cm. 5078] [Mr Stephen Timms].

15United Nations,—(1) Liberia (United Nations Sanctions) (Channel Islands) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 949), and

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(2) Liberia (United Nations Sanctions) (Isle of Man) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 948),

dated 14th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw]; and

(3) Liberia (United Nations Sanctions) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 947), and

(4) Liberia (United Nations Sanctions) (Overseas Territories) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 946),

dated 14th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Cook].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1High Hedges Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mrs Ray Michie Chairman of Standing Committee C in respect of the Bill.

2Salary of the Information Commissioner,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Martin Linton and Mr Alan Meale from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Salary of the Information Commissioner); and nominated in substitution Dr Ian Gibson and Mr Andrew Miller.

3Draft Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) Order 2001,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Miss Julie Kirkbride from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Laurence Robertson.

4Draft Jobseeker's Allowance (Amendment) Regulations 2001,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Robert Syms from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Graham Brady.

Grand Committees

5Northern Ireland Grand Committee,—The Speaker has appointed Mr John McWilliam Chairman of the Northern Ireland Grand Committee in respect of its meetings on Thursday 22nd March.

6Scottish Grand Committee,—The Speaker has appointed Mr John Maxton Chairman of the Scottish Grand Committee in respect of its meeting on Wednesday 28th March.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee [Head Injury: Rehabilitation]; to be printed [No. 307-i] [Mr David Hinchliffe].

2Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [2001 Budget]; to be printed [No. 326-ii] [Mr Giles Radice].


[No. 52; WH, No. 31.]

Thursday 15th March 2001.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall [pursuant to Order of 20th November 2000].

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

Adjournment (Housing Benefit—Sixth Report of the Social Security Committee, Session 1999–2000, House of Commons Paper No. 385),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mrs Anne McGuire.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 20th March.

[Adjourned at 5.29 p.m.


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[No. 53.]

Friday 16th March 2001.

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

PRAYERS.

1Rating (Former Agricultural Premises and Rural Shops) Bill,—Mr Secretary Prescott, supported by Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Nicholas Brown, Hilary Armstrong, Mr Michael Meacher and Ms Beverley Hughes, presented a Bill to make provision about non-domestic rating in respect of hereditaments including land or buildings which were formerly agricultural and in respect of food stores in rural settlements: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Monday 19th March and to be printed [Bill 68].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Rating (Former Agricultural Premises and Rural Shops) Bill be printed [Bill 68–EN].

2Christmas Day (Trading) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Christmas Day (Trading) Bill;

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the Bill be now read a second time;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mrs Llin Golding, Mr Win Griffiths: 37.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Eric Forth, Mr Edward Leigh: 0.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

3Transplant of Human Organs Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Transplant of Human Organs Bill;

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the Bill be now read a second time;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Kelvin Hopkins, Mr Kenneth Clarke: 12.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Barry Gardiner, Mr John Heppell: 0.

And it appearing on the report of the Division that fewer than forty Members had taken part in the Division, the Deputy Speaker declared that the Question was not decided, and the business under consideration stood over until the next sitting of the House.

4Private Dental Practitioners Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Private Dental Practitioners Bill;

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

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

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 23rd March.

5Crown Employment (Nationality) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Crown Employment (Nationality) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 30th March.

6Rail Passenger Services Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Rail Passenger Services Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 23rd March.

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

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 23rd March.

8Vaccination of Children (Parental Choice) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Vaccination of Children (Parental Choice) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 23rd March.

9Climate Change Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Climate Change Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 23rd March.

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10Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr David Clelland.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till Three o'clock, adjourned till Monday 19th March.

[Adjourned at 3 p.m.


APPENDIX

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Financial Services and Markets,—Draft Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2001 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Education,—Education (Nursery Education Training Grant) (England) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 1030), dated 10th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

3Health and Safety,—Biocidal Products Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 880), dated 7th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

4National Assistance Services,—National Assistance (Sums for Personal Requirements) (England) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 1005), dated 14th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn].

5National Health Service,—(1) National Health Service (Charges for Drugs and Appliances) Amendment Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 746),

(2) National Health Service (Dental Charges) Amendment Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 707),

(3) National Health Service (Optical Charges and Payments) Amendment Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 749), and

(4) National Health Service (Travelling Expenses and Remission of Charges) Amendment Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 742),

dated 15th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn].

6Northern Ireland,—Jobseeker's Allowance (Members of the Forces) (Joint Claims: Consequential Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (S.I., 2001, No. 998), dated 15th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].

7Social Security,—(1) Social Security Amendment (New Deal) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 1029), dated 15th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett], and

(2) Social Security (Hospital In-Patients) Amendment Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 944), dated 13th March 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

8Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,—Statutes, dated 31st October 2000, made by the Governing Body of Oxford University, amending the Statutes of the University [by Act] [Margaret Beckett].

Other Papers:

9Senior Salaries,—(1) Forty-Seventh Report of the Review Body on Senior Salaries: Review of the Parliamentary Pension Scheme [by Command] [Cm. 4996] [Margaret Beckett], and

(2) Forty-Eighth Report of the Review Body on Senior Salaries: Review of parliamentary pay and allowances [by Command] [Cm. 4997-I and -II] [The Prime Minister].

10Treaty Series (No. 16, 2001),—Exchange of Notes, done at Rabat on 28th August and Nouakchott on 26th November 2000, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania concerning Certain Commercial Debts (The United Kingdom/Mauritania Debt Agreement No. 7 (2000)) [by Command] [Cm. 5083] [Mr Secretary Cook].

Papers withdrawn:

11Financial Services and Markets,—Draft Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2001 [laid 27th February].



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