Session 2001-2002

Commons Journal 258

Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II


Previous Next

Page 25            2001-2002      Volume 258      

[No. 8.]

Monday 25th June 2001.

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

1The Speaker's Absence,—The House being met, the Clerk at the Table informed the House of the Speaker's absence from this day's sitting, pursuant to leave given [21st June].

Whereupon Sir Alan Haselhurst, the Chairman of Ways and Means, proceeded to the Table.

PRAYERS.

2The Chairman of Ways and Means took the Chair as Deputy Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order No. 3 (Deputy Speaker).

3Member makes Affirmation,—The following Member made the Affirmation required by law:

John William Patrick Smith   ...   ...   ...   for Vale of Glamorgan.

4Queen's Speech (Motion for an Address),—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed [20th June], That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, as follows:

Most Gracious Sovereign,

We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Majesty for the Gracious Speech which Your Majesty has addressed to both Houses of Parliament;

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

The Speaker resumed the Chair.

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

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed to-morrow.

5Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Tony McNulty.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-nine minutes past Ten o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 10.29 p.m.


APPENDIX

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1International Immunities and Privileges,—Draft Specialized Agencies of the United Nations (Immunities and Privileges of UNESCO) Order 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Children and Young Persons,—Parental Responsibility Agreement (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 2262), dated 19th June 2001 [by Act] [Ms Rosie Winterton].

3Criminal Procedure (Northern Ireland),—Criminal Appeal (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Rules 2001 (S.R. (N.I.), 2001, No. 250), dated 22nd June 2001 [by Act] [Ms Rosie Winterton].

4London Government,—Road User Charging (Charges and Penalty Charges) (London) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 2285), dated 22nd June 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

5Road Traffic,—Road Traffic (Permitted Parking Area and Special Parking Area) (City of Brighton & Hove) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 2272), dated 21st June 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

Other Papers:

6Broadcasting,—Accounts of the Broadcasting Standards Commission for 2000–01, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 70] [Clerk of the House].

Page 26      Monday 25th June 2001       2001-2002      Volume 258      Back to top

7Criminal Appeal,—Accounts of the Criminal Cases Review Commission for 2000–2001, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 69] [Clerk of the House].

8Defence,—Ministry of Defence Minute, dated 25th June 2001, concerning a contingent liability consequent upon the proposed granting of a temporary indemnity to QinetiQ Limited [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hoon].

9Further and Higher Education,—Account of the Higher Education Funding Council for England for 2000–01, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 71] [Clerk of the House].

10School Standards and Framework,—Accounts of the:—

(1) East Basildon Education Action Zone,

(2) Leigh Education Action Zone,

(3) New Addington Education Action Zone,

(4) Preston Education Action Zone, and

(5) Sheffield North East Education Action Zone,

for 1999–2000, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 61, 72, 64, 63 and 62] [Clerk of the House].


[No. 9.]

Tuesday 26th June 2001.

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

PRAYERS.

1Private Bills [Lords] (Revival),—Ordered, That the Lords Message [21st June] relating to the Barclays Group Reorganisation Bill [Lords] and the National Australia Group Europe Bill [Lords] be now considered.

The House accordingly proceeded to consider the said Message.

Resolved, That this House concurs with the Lords in their Resolution.—(The Chairman of Ways and Means.)

Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.

2Sessional Returns,—Ordered, That there be laid before this House Returns for Session 2000–01 of information and statistics relating to—

(1) Business of the House;

(2) Closure of Debate, Proposal of Question and Allocation of Time (including Programme Motions);

(3) Sittings of the House;

(4) Private Bills and Private Business;

(5) Public Bills;

(6) Delegated Legislation and Deregulation Orders;

(7) European Legislation, &c.;

(8) Grand Committees;

(9) Chairmen's Panel; and

(10) Select Committees.—(The Chairman of Ways and Means.)

3Export Control Bill,—Ms Secretary Hewitt, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Secretary Prescott, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Secretary Straw, Secretary Clare Short, Mr Secretary Hoon, Secretary Tessa Jowell and Nigel Griffiths presented a Bill to make provision enabling controls to be imposed on the exportation of goods, the transfer of technology, the provision of technical assistance overseas and activities connected with trade in controlled goods; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 5].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Bill be printed [Bill 5–EN].

Page 27      Tuesday 26th June 2001       2001-2002      Volume 258      Back to top

4Queen's Speech (Motion for an Address),—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed [20th June], That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, as follows:

Most Gracious Sovereign,

We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Majesty for the Gracious Speech which Your Majesty has addressed to both Houses of Parliament;

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

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, at the end, to add the words ‘but humbly regret that the Gracious Speech makes no reference to agriculture and the countryside, contains no proposals to assist farming, tourism and the rest of the rural economy to recover from foot-and-mouth disease, does not include any commitment to establish an independent public inquiry into the origins and handling of the epidemic, and does not explain how the new Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, from whose title agriculture is regrettably excluded, will protect the countryside and the environment without changes in planning policy to prevent excessive development on greenfield sites, to the detriment of balanced development of the inner cities; regret that specific measures to improve transport are notable by their absence from the Gracious Speech; and have no confidence that the Government will achieve the world-class public services that they promised prior to the general election.'.—(Mr Tim Yeo.)

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Peter Luff, Mr John Randall: 198.

Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Ian Pearson: 331.

So the Question was negatived.

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

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed to-morrow.

5Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Angela Smith.)

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

[Adjourned at 10.46 p.m.


APPENDIX

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Northern Ireland,—Draft Life Sentences (Northern Ireland Consequential Amendments) Order 2001, and

(2) Draft Life Sentences (Northern Ireland) Order 2001

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Education,—Education (Grants for Disabled Postgraduate Students) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 2300), dated 25th June 2001 [by Act] [Secretary Estelle Morris].

3Legal Aid, Advice and Assistance,—Legal Aid in Criminal Proceedings (Costs) (Amendment) Rules (Northern Ireland) 2001 (S.R. (N.I.), 2001, No. 251), dated 25th June 2001 [by Act] [Ms Rosie Winterton].

4Value Added Tax,—Value Added Tax (Conversion of Buildings) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 2305), dated 26th June 2001 [by Act] [Mr Paul Boateng].

Other Papers:

5Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall,—Financial Statements of the Duchy of Cornwall for 2000–01 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 10] [Mr Paul Boateng].

Page 28      Tuesday 26th June 2001      2001-2002      Volume 258      Back to top

6School Teachers,—Paper, entitled School Teachers' Review Body: Special Review of the Welcome Back Bonus for Returners to Teaching in England [by Command] [Cm. 5174] [The Prime Minister].

7Statutory 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:

Prison and Young Offenders Centre (Amendment) Rules (Northern Ireland) 2001 (S.R. (N.I.), 2001, No. 221)

[by Standing Order] [The Speaker].

8Wildlife and Countryside,—Report and Accounts of the Countryside Agency for 1999–2000, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 26] [Clerk of the House].


CHAIRMEN'S PANEL

 In pursuance of Standing Order No. 4 (Chairmen's Panel), the Speaker nominated Mrs Irene Adams, Mr David Amess, Mr Joe Benton, Mr John Butterfill, Mr Frank Cook, Mr John Cummings, Mr Roger Gale, Mr Win Griffiths, Mr Mike Hancock, Mr Jimmy Hood, Mr Eric Illsley, Mr John McWilliam, Mr Humfrey Malins, Mr Bill O'Brien, Mr Edward O'Hara, Mr Bill Olner, Mr Peter Pike, Mrs Marion Roe, Mr Jonathan Sayeed, Mr George Stevenson and Mr Nicholas Winterton to be members of the Chairmen's Panel during this Session.


[No. 10.]

Wednesday 27th June 2001.

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

PRAYERS.

1Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

Statutory Instruments (Joint Committee),—The Lords communicate that they have appointed a Select Committee of seven Lords to join with a Committee appointed by the Commons as the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments.

2Member takes the Oath,—The following Member took and subscribed the Oath:

Eleanor Fulton Laing   ...   ...   ...   for Epping Forest.

3Welsh Grand Committee,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Orders Nos. 107 (Welsh Grand Committee (matters relating exclusively to Wales)) and 108 (Welsh Grand Committee (sittings)), That—

1. The matter of the Government's legislative programme, as outlined in the Queen's Speech as it relates to Wales, be referred to the Welsh Grand Committee for its consideration;

2. The Committee shall meet on Tuesday 3rd July at half-past Ten o'clock and between Four o'clock and Six o'clock at Westminster to take questions under Standing Order No. 103 (Welsh Grand Committee (questions for oral answer)) and to consider the matter of the Government's legislative programme as outlined in the Queen's Speech as it relates to Wales, under Standing Order No. 107 (Welsh Grand Committee (matters relating exclusively to Wales))—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to.

4Sittings of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 12 (House not to sit on certain Fridays), That the House will not sit on the following Fridays: 29th June, 6th July, 7th and 14th December 2001, and 15th February, 22nd March, 3rd and 17th May, 14th and 28th June 2002—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to.

5Queen's Speech (Motion for an Address),—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed [20th June], That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, as follows:

Most Gracious Sovereign,

We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Majesty for the Gracious Speech which Your Majesty has addressed to both Houses of Parliament;

Page 29      Wednesday 27th June 2001      2001-2002      Volume 258      Back to top

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

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, at the end, to add the words ‘but humbly regret that the Gracious Speech does not contain the Bills on victims' rights and reform of the licensing laws promised in the Government's manifesto, nor any measures to make prisons more purposeful, to improve the asylum system to ensure that the United Kingdom fulfils its obligations to genuine refugees, and to introduce honesty in sentencing; note that the Gracious Speech makes no mention of the cuts in police numbers that have occurred since 1997 and the crisis in police morale; further regret that the Government has failed to outline detailed proposals to alter the procedures or composition of either House of Parliament, and failed to guarantee suitable opportunities for the participation of all political parties in any consideration about the future of Parliament; further note that the Gracious Speech contains no plans to increase the democratic accountability of Her Majesty's Government and its servants, and makes no reference to the need to address the problems caused by the increased diminution of the authority of this place since 1997 and of the falling participation rates in national elections; and further regret that the Government intends to introduce ratification of the Nice Treaty without allowing the people an opportunity to express their views in a referendum.'.—(Miss Ann Widdecombe.)

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 150.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Tony McNulty, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe: 403.

So the Question was negatived.

Another Amendment was proposed to the Question, at the end, to add the words ‘but humbly regret that the Gracious Speech fails to include any measures to address the problems faced by rural communities in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis or remove the bureaucracy stifling British agriculture and rural enterprise; are dismayed by the Government's failure to place environmental concerns at the heart of its legislative programme, to address the crisis in our public transport system and to reform the basis for local government funding; believe that the Government's proposals for education will not adequately address the continuing crisis in teacher recruitment and retention; further believe that tuition fees remain the greatest bar to a university education for many; further believe that while reform of the criminal justice system is necessary, there is no justification for undermining fundamental civil liberties of our citizens, in particular their right to a fair trial; urge the establishment of a standing Royal Commission to report on policies dealing with all drugs; regret the continued failure of the Government to provide for referendums on a fair voting system for the House of Commons and the European Single Currency and to bring forward wide-ranging proposals for modernisation of both Houses of Parliament; regret the lack of provision for personal care for elderly and disabled people, and for preventive healthcare; and call on the Government to take bold steps to tackle the steep inequalities of opportunity and access to essential services which afflict the most disadvantaged members in society.'.—(Mr Simon Hughes.)

And the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 33 (Calling of amendments at end of debate), That the Amendment be made;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Sir Robert Smith, Mr Andrew Stunell: 57.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Tony McNulty, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe: 344.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Main Question being put;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Tony McNulty, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe: 334.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 207.

So the Question was agreed to.

Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, as follows:

Most Gracious Sovereign,

We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Majesty for the Gracious Speech which Your Majesty has addressed to both Houses of Parliament.

Address to be presented to Her Majesty by such Members of this House as are of Her Majesty's most honourable Privy Council or of Her Majesty's Household.

Page 30      Wednesday 27th June 2001      2001-2002      Volume 258      Back to top

6Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Angela Smith.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till one minute past Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 11.01 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Damages,—Damages (Personal Injury) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 2301), dated 25th June 2001 [by Act] [Mr Michael Wills].

2Financial Services and Markets,—Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Transitional Provisions) (Ombudsman Scheme and Complaint Scheme) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 2326), dated 27th June 2001 [by Act] [Ruth Kelly].

3Highways,—Trunk Road Charging Schemes (Bridges and Tunnels) (England) Procedure Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 2303), dated 25th June 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

4London Government,—Road User Charging (Enforcement and Adjudication) (London) Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 2313), dated 26th June 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

5Supreme Court (Northern Ireland),—Crown Court (Amendment) Rules (Northern Ireland) 2001 (S.R. (N.I.), 2001, No. 253), dated 23rd June 2001 [by Act] [Ms Rosie Winterton].

Other Papers:

6Broadcasting,—(1) Report, and

(2) Statement of Accounts

of S4C for 2000 [by Act] [Secretary Tessa Jowell].

7Employment Relations,—Report of the Central Arbitration Committee for 2000–01 [by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

8Industrial Organisation and Development,—Report and Accounts of the Horticultural Development Council for 1999–2000 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

9Isle of Man,—Account of Receipts and Payments for 1999–2000 of Commissioners of Customs and Excise in Account with the Government of the Isle of Man, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Paul Boateng].

10Parliamentary Commissioner,—(1) First Report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, Session 2001–02: Annual Report 2000–01, and

(2) Second Report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, Session 2001–02: Selected Cases and Summaries of Completed Investigations, October 2000 to March 2001

[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 5 and 6] [Clerk of the House].

11Slovenia (No. 1, 2001),—Agreement, done at Ljubljana on 18th December 2000, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Slovenia on the Establishment and Activities of Cultural Centres, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 5179] [Mr Secretary Straw].

12Treaty Series (No. 31, 2001),—International Convention, done at Rio de Janeiro on 14th May 1966, with related Protocol, done at Paris on 10th July 1984, for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas [by Command] [Cm. 5183] [Mr Secretary Straw].

APPENDIX II

Grand Committees

Welsh Grand Committee,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Win Griffiths Chairman of the Welsh Grand Committee in respect of its meeting on Tuesday 3rd July.

Page 31      Wednesday 27th June 2001      2001-2002      Volume 258      Back to top


CHAIRMEN'S PANEL

 In pursuance of Standing Order No. 4 (Chairmen's Panel), the Speaker has nominated Derek Conway and Mr Alan Hurst to be members of the Chairmen's Panel during this Session of Parliament.


[No. 11.]

Thursday 28th June 2001.

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

PRAYERS.

1Electoral Fraud (Northern Ireland) Bill,—Mr Secretary Reid, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Secretary Blunkett, Mr Secretary Byers and Mr Desmond Browne, presented a Bill to provide for the supply to the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland of the signatures and dates of birth of electors and persons seeking registration as electors in Northern Ireland; for the use of that information in connection with elections in Northern Ireland; for the issue of electoral identity cards by the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland; for the modification in relation to voters with disabilities of certain rules about voting procedure in Northern Ireland; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Monday next and to be printed [Bill 6].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Electoral Fraud (Northern Ireland) Bill be printed [Bill 6–EN].

2Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That, at this day's sitting, the Speaker shall put the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the Motions in the name of Mr Robin Cook relating to Programming of Legislation and Deferred Divisions not later than half-past Six o'clock; and such Questions shall include the Questions on any Amendments selected by the Speaker which may then be moved; and those Questions may be decided, though opposed, after the expiration of the time for opposed business—(Mr Stephen Twigg);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Tony McNulty, Mr Ian Pearson: 307.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Randall, Mr James Gray: 118.

So the Question was agreed to.

3Programming of Bills,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That in the current Session of Parliament Orders A to I below shall have effect:

A. Programme Motions

(1) If, before second reading of a bill, notice of a motion providing—

(a) for committal of the bill, and

(b) for any proceedings on the bill to be programmed,

is given by a Minister of the Crown, the motion may be made immediately after second reading, and Standing Order No. 63 (Committal of bills) shall not apply to the bill.

(2) Such a motion is to be called a programme motion.

(3) An order made by the House as a result of a programme motion is to be called a programme order.

(4) A motion to vary or supplement a programme order is also to be called a programme motion.

(5) A programme motion may provide for the allocation of time for any proceedings on a bill.

(6) Except in the following three cases, or where paragraph (8) of Sessional Order B (Programming Committees) applies, the question on a programme motion is to be put forthwith.

Page 32      Thursday 28th June 2001       2001-2002      Volume 258      Back to top

(7) The first exception is where—

(a) a Standing Committee has reported a resolution under paragraph (11) of Sessional Order C (Programming Sub-Committees) proposing an alteration of the date by which the bill is to be reported to the House, and

(b) the motion made under paragraph (12) of Sessional Order C (Programming Sub-Committees) does not give effect to the Standing Committee's proposal.

(8) The second exception is where the motion makes further provision for proceedings on consideration and third reading of the bill otherwise than in accordance with a resolution of a Programming Committee under paragraph (5) of Sessional Order B (Programming Committees) or a resolution of a Standing Committee under paragraph (13) of Sessional Order C (Programming Sub-Committees).

(9) The third exception is where the motion reduces the amount of time allocated under a programme order for any proceedings on the bill (whether or not it also increases the amount of time allocated for other proceedings on the bill).

(10) In an excepted case, any question necessary to dispose of proceedings on a programme motion is to be put not later than three-quarters of an hour after the commencement of proceedings on the motion.

(11) Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted Business) applies to procedings on a programme motion.

(12) Standing Order No. 83 (Allocation of Time) does not apply to a programme motion.

(13) If a programme order applies to a bill, neither Standing Order No. 82 (Business Committee) nor Standing Order No. 120 (Business Sub-Committee) applies to the bill.

B. Programming Committees

(1) This order applies if proceedings in committee of the whole House or on consideration and third reading are subject to a programme order.

(2) There is to be a committee for the bill consisting of—

(a) the Chairman of Ways and Means (who is to be chairman of the committee); and

(b) not more than eight other Members, nominated by the Speaker.

(3) The committee is to be called the Programming Committee.

(4) The quorum of the Programming Committee is four.

(5) The Programming Committee shall consider the allocation of time to proceedings in committee of the whole House or on consideration and third reading and report any resolution which it makes to the House.

(6) Proceedings in the Programming Committee shall be brought to a conclusion not later than two hours after their commencement.

(7) For the purposes of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph (6), the chairman shall—

(a) first put forthwith any question which has been proposed from the chair and not yet decided; and

(b) then put successively questions on any motions made by a Minister of the Crown.

(8) On a motion being made in the House relating to a resolution of the Programming Committee, any question necessary to dispose of proceedings on the motion shall be put not later than three-quarters of an hour after the commencement of those proceedings.

(9) If such a motion is agreed to, its provisions shall have effect as if they were included in the programme order for the bill.

(10) Proceedings on a motion made under paragraph (8) may be entered upon and decided, though opposed, at any hour.

(11) Resolutions of the Programming Committee—

(a) may be reported from time to time; and

(b) subject to the powers of the Speaker or Chairman to select the amendments, new clauses and new schedules to be proposed, may include alterations in the order in which specified proceedings on the bill are to be taken.

Page 33      Thursday 28th June 2001      2001-2002      Volume 258      Back to top

C. Programming Sub-Committees

(1) If a bill is subject to a programme order which commits it to a standing committee, the order stands referred to the committee and shall be considered by a sub-committee of the committee.

(2) The sub-committee is to be called the Programming Sub-Committee.

(3) The Programming Sub-Committee shall consist of—

(a) the chairman or one of the chairmen of the committee (who is to be chairman of the sub-committee); and

(b) seven members of the committee, nominated by the Speaker.

(4) The quorum of the Programming Sub-Committee is four.

(5) The Programming Sub-Committee shall report to the committee any resolution which it makes about—

(a) the number of sittings to be allotted to the consideration of the bill in the committee;

(b) the allocation of the proceedings to each sitting;

(c) the time at which any proceedings, if not previously concluded, are to be brought to a conclusion;

(d) the date by which the bill is to be reported to the House;

(e) the programming of consideration and third reading.

(6) Proceedings in the Programming Sub-Committee shall be brought to a conclusion not later than two hours after their commencement.

(7) For the purposes of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph (6), the chairman shall—

(a) first put forthwith any question which has been proposed from the chair and not yet been decided; and

(b) then put forthwith successively questions on any motions made by a Minister of the Crown.

(8) Resolutions of the Programming Sub-Committee—

(a) may be reported from time to time; and

(b) subject to the powers of the chairman to select the amendments, new clauses and new schedules to be proposed, may include alterations in the order in which specified proceedings are to be taken.

(9) On a motion in the terms of a resolution of the Programming Sub-Committee being made in the committee, any question necessary to dispose of proceedings on the motion is to be put not later than half an hour after the commencement of those proceedings.

(10) If the provisions of a resolution of the Programming Sub-Committee under sub-paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of paragraph (5) are agreed to (with or without modification) by the committee, the provisions (or the provisions as modified) are to have effect as if they were included in the programme order for the bill.

(11) Any resolution of the committee—

(a) proposing an alteration to the date by which the Bill is to be reported to the House; or

(b) making a recommendation about the programming of the Bill on consideration and third reading;

shall be reported to the House.

(12) If a resolution is reported proposing an alteration to the date by which the Bill is to be reported to the House, a supplemental programme motion shall be set down for a day not later than the fifth sitting day after the day when the report was made which may—

(a) give effect to the Committee's proposal;

(b) otherwise alter or supplement the provisions of the original programme of the bill; or

(c) confirm the date set in the original programme order for the bill.

Page 34      Thursday 28th June 2001      2001-2002      Volume 258      Back to top

(13) If a resolution is reported making a recommendation about the programming of the bill on consideration and third reading, a supplemental programme motion shall be set down before the consideration of the bill on report which may—

(a) give effect to the Committee's recommendations;

(b) otherwise alter or supplement the provisions of the original programme of the bill; or

(c) confirm the original programme order for the bill.

D. Programme orders: conclusion of proceedings in Standing Committee
or in Committee of the whole House

(1) This order applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings in standing committee or in committee of the whole House to a conclusion in accordance with a programme order.

(2) The chairman shall put forthwith the following questions (but no others)—

(a) any question already proposed from the chair;

(b) any question necessary to bring to a decision a question so proposed;

(c) the question on any amendment, new clause or new schedule selected by the chairman for separate division;

(d) the question on any amendment moved or motion made by a Minister of the Crown;

(e) any other question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded.

(3) On a motion made for a new clause or a new schedule, the chairman shall put only the question that the clause or schedule be added to the bill.

(4) If two or more questions would fall to be put under paragraph (2)(d) on successive amendments moved or motions made by a Minister of the Crown, the chairman shall instead put a single question in relation to those amendments or motions.

(5) If two or more questions would fall to be put under paragraph (2)(e) in relation to successive provisions of the bill, the chairman shall instead put a single question in relation to those provisions.

(6) On conclusion of the proceedings in a committee, the chairman shall report the bill (or such of the bill's provisions as were committed to it) to the House without putting any question.

E. Programme orders: conclusion of proceedings on consideration or third reading

(1) This order applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings on consideration and third reading to a conclusion in accordance with a programme order.

(2) The Speaker shall put forthwith the following questions (but no others)—

(a) any question already proposed from the chair;

(b) any question necessary to bring to a decision a question so proposed;

(c) the question on any amendment, new clause or new schedule selected by the Speaker for separate division;

(d) the question on any amendment moved or motion made by a Minister of the Crown;

(e) any other question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded.

(3) On a motion made for a new clause or a new schedule, the Speaker shall put only the question that the clause or schedule be added to the bill.

(4) If two or more questions would fall to be put under paragraph (2)(d) on successive amendments moved or motions made by a Minister of the Crown, the Speaker shall instead put a single question in relation to those amendments or motions.

F. Programme orders: conclusion of proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments

(1) This order applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments to a conclusion in accordance with a programme order.

(2) The Speaker shall first put forthwith any question which has been proposed from the chair and not yet decided.

Page 35      Thursday 28th June 2001      2001-2002      Volume 258      Back to top

(3) If that question is for the amendment of a Lords Amendment, the Speaker shall then put forthwith—

(a) a single question on any further amendments of the Lords Amendment moved by a Minister of the Crown; and

(b) the question on any motion made by a Minister of the Crown that this House agrees or disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment or (as the case may be) in their Amendment as amended.

(4) The Speaker shall then put forthwith—

(a) a single question on any amendments moved by a Minister of the Crown to a Lords Amendment; and

(b) the question on any motion made by a Minister of the Crown that this House agrees or disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment or (as the case may be) in their Amendment as amended.

(5) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the question on any motion made by a Minister of the Crown that this House disagrees with the Lords in a Lords Amendment.

(6) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the question that this House agrees with the Lords in all the remaining Lords Amendments.

(7) As soon as the House has—

(a) agreed or disagreed with the Lords in any of their Amendments; or

(b) disposed of an amendment relevant to a Lords Amendment which has been disagreed to,

the Speaker shall put forthwith a single question on any amendments moved by a Minister of the Crown relevant to the Lords Amendment.

G. Programme orders: conclusion of proceedings on further messages from the Lords

(1) This order applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings on any further message from the Lords to a conclusion in accordance with a programme order.

(2) The Speaker shall first put forthwith any question which has been proposed from the chair and not yet decided.

(3) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the question on any motion made by a Minister of the Crown which is related to the question already proposed from the chair.

(4) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the question on any motion made by a Minister on or relevant to any of the remaining items in the Lords message.

(5) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the question that this House agrees with the Lords in all of the remaining Lords proposals.

H. Programme orders: Reasons Committee

(1) This order applies in relation to any Committee to be appointed to draw up Reasons after proceedings have been brought to a conclusion in accordance with a programme order.

(2) The Speaker shall put forthwith the question on any motion made by a Minister of the Crown for the appointment, nomination and quorum of a Committee to draw up Reasons and the appointment of its chairman.

(3) The Committee shall report before the conclusion of the sitting at which it is appointed.

(4) Proceedings in the Committee shall be brought to a conclusion not later than half an hour after their commencement.

(5) For the purpose of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph (4), the chairman shall—

(a) first put forthwith any question which has been proposed from the chair and not yet decided; and

(b) then put forthwith successively questions on motions which may be made by a Minister of the Crown for assigning a Reason for disagreeing with the Lords in any of their Amendments.

(6) The proceedings of the Committee shall be reported without any further question being put.

Page 36      Thursday 28th June 2001      2001-2002      Volume 258      Back to top

I. Programme orders: supplementary provisions

(1) The provisions of this order apply to proceedings in the House or in Committee of the whole House on a bill which is subject to a programme order.

(2) Standing Order No. 15(1) (Exempted business) applies to the proceedings for any period after ten o'clock (or on Thursday, seven o'clock) allocated to them in accordance with the programme order.

(3) The proceedings may not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House.

(4) If, on a day on which the bill has been set down to be taken as an order of the day, a motion for the adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 (Adjournment on specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration) would, apart from this order, stand over to seven o'clock—

(a) that motion stands over until the conclusion of any proceedings on the bill which, in accordance with the programme order, are to be brought to conclusion at or before that time; and

(b) the bringing to a conclusion of any proceedings on the bill which, in accordance with the programme order, are to be brought to a conclusion after that time is postponed for a period of time equal to the duration of the proceedings on that motion.

(5) If a day on which the bill has been set down to be taken as an order of the day is one to which a motion for the adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 stands over from an earlier day, the bringing to a conclusion of any proceedings on the bill which, in accordance with the programme order, are to be brought to a conclusion on that day is postponed for a period equal to the duration of the proceedings on that motion.

(6) No dilatory motion may be made in relation to the proceedings except by a Minister of the Crown; and the question on any such motion is to be put forthwith.

(7) If at any sitting the House is adjourned, or the sitting is suspended, before the expiry of the period at the end of which proceedings are to be brought to a conclusion under a programme order, no notice is required of a motion made at the next sitting by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of the programme order—(Mr Robin Cook);

And it being half-past Six o'clock, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [this day].

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Ivor Caplin, Jim Fitzpatrick: 265.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Edward Leigh, Mr Gerald Howarth: 125.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Deputy Speaker then put the remaining Question which she was directed to put at that hour.

Deferred Divisions,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That in the current Session of Parliament the following Order shall have effect:

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), Standing Order No. 38 (Procedure on divisions) shall not apply if, after the time for the interruption of business, the opinion of the Speaker as to the decision on a question is challenged in respect of any question.

(2) Standing Order No. 38 (Procedure on divisions) shall apply (and this order shall not apply) to questions—

(a) on motions or amendments in the course of proceedings on bills or allocating time to or programming such proceedings;

(b) on motions which may be made without notice;

(c) on motions to be disposed of immediately following the disposal of amendments proposed thereto, and on such amendments;

(d) on motions made under—

(i) paragraph (2) of Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business);

(ii) paragraph (3) of Standing Order No. 51 (Ways and means motions);

(iii) sub-paragraph (1)(a) of Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills);

(iv) paragraph (5) of Standing Order No. 54 (Consideration of estimates); and

Page 37      Thursday 28th June 2001      2001-2002      Volume 258      Back to top

(v) paragraph (1) of Standing Order No. 55 (Questions on voting of estimates, &c.); and

(e) on motions made under paragraph (3) below or to which an order made under that paragraph applies.

(3) After the moment of interruption and the conclusion of proceedings under any other Standing Order which fall to be taken immediately after it, a Minister of the Crown may make a motion to the effect that this order shall not apply to questions on any specified motions; such motion may be proceeded with, though opposed, and the question thereon shall be put forthwith.

(4) If the opinion of the Speaker is challenged under paragraph (1) of this order, he shall defer the division until half-past Three o'clock on the next Wednesday on which the House shall sit.

(5) On any Wednesday to which a division has been deferred under paragraph (4) above—

(a) Members may record their votes on the question under arrangements made by the Speaker;

(b) votes may be recorded for one and a half hours after half-past Three o'clock, no account being taken of any period during which the House or Committee proceeds to a division; and

(c) the Speaker, or the Chairman, shall announce the result of the deferred division as soon as may be after the expiry of the period mentioned in sub-paragraph (b) above—(Mr John Heppell);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Ivor Caplin, Jim Fitzpatrick: 268.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Edward Leigh, Mr Gerald Howarth: 130.

So the Question was agreed to.

4Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That Private Members' Bills shall have precedence over Government business on 26th October, 2nd, 23rd and 30th November 2001, 11th, 18th and 25th January, 15th March, 12th and 19th April, 10th May, 21st June and 19th July 2002—(Mr John Heppell);

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

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Monday next.

5Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr John Heppell.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-nine minutes past Seven o'clock, adjourned till Monday 2nd July.

[Adjourned at 7.29 p.m.


APPENDIX

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Contracting Out,—Draft Contracting Out of Functions (Tribunal Staff) Order 2001 [by Act] [Ms Rosie Winterton].

2Town and Country Planning,—Draft Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications and Deemed Applications) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

3Environmental Protection,—Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 2315), dated 25th June 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

4Plant Health,—Plant Health (England) (Amendment) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 2342), dated 26th June 2001 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

5Social Security,—Discretionary Housing Payments (Grants) Order 2001 (S.I., 2001, No. 2340), dated 27th June 2001 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

6Supreme Court (Northern Ireland),—Rules of the Supreme Court (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) 2001 (S.R. (N.I.), 2001, No. 254), dated 23rd June 2001 [by Act] [Ms Rosie Winterton].

Page 38      Thursday 28th June 2001      2001-2002      Volume 258      Back to top

Other Papers:

7Appropriations in Aid,—Treasury Minute, dated 28th June 2001, directing the application of certain receipts as appropriations in aid of the services specified in the Summer Summary Supplementary Request for Supply for 2001–02 [by Act] [Mr Andrew Smith].

8Industrial Development,—Report for 2000–01 by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, the First Minister of the Scottish Parliament and the First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales under the Industrial Development Act 1982 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 83] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

9National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Income Tax Self Assessment [by Act]; to be printed [No. 56] [Clerk of the House].

10Northern Ireland,—Proposal for a draft Criminal Injuries Compensation (Northern Ireland) Order 2001, with an Explanatory Document [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].

11Public Processions (Northern Ireland),—Report and Statement of Accounts of the Parades Commission for Northern Ireland for 2000–01 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 55] [Mr Secretary Reid].

12Regulatory Reform,—Proposal under the Regulatory Reform Act 2001 for the Regulatory Reform (Special Occasions Licensing) Order 2001, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

13Supply Estimates, 2001–02,—(1) Summer Supplementary Estimates and Summary Supplementary Request for Supply for 2001–02 for Central Government [by Command]; to be printed [No. 46] [Mr Andrew Smith]; and

(2) Summer Supplementary Estimates for 2001–02 for—

(a) British Trade International [by Command] [Cm. 5178] [Ms Secretary Hewitt];

(b) the Cabinet Office [by Command] [Cm. 5215] [Mr Secretary Prescott];

(c) the Department for Culture, Media and Sport [by Command] [Cm. 5203] [Secretary Tessa Jowell];

(d) the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions [by Command] [Cm. 5195] [Mr Secretary Byers];

(e) the Food Standards Agency [by Command] [Cm. 5200] [Mr Secretary Milburn];

(f) the Home Office [by Command] [Cm. 5214] [Mr Secretary Blunkett];

(g) the Intervention Board Executive Agency [by Command] [Cm. 5196] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]; and

(h) the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food [by Command] [Cm. 5202] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].


[No. 11; WH, No. 1.]

Thursday 28th June 2001.

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

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

Adjournment (Road Safety),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mrs Anne McGuire.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 3rd July.

[Adjourned at 5.28 p.m.



Previous Chronological Index Next
  Part I Alphabetical Index
Part II Alphabetical Index
 

 
House of Commons home page Houses of Parliament home page House of Lords home page search page enquiries index

© Parliamentary copyright 2006
Prepared 30 October 2006