Commons Journal 259 Chronological Index Alphabetical Index - Part I Alphabetical Index - Part II   Next J O U R N A L S OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS Session 2002–03 The Fifty-Third Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. [No. 1.] Wednesday 13th November 2002. The House met at twenty-five minutes past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS. 1 Message to attend Her Majesty,—A Message from Her Majesty was delivered by the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod. Mr Speaker, The Queen commands this Honourable House to attend Her Majesty immediately, in the House of Peers. Accordingly, the Speaker, with the House, went up to attend Her Majesty:—And having returned; The Speaker resumed the Chair at half-past Two o'clock. 2 Elections,—Ordered, That all Members who are returned for two or more places in any part of the United Kingdom do make their Election for which of the places they will serve, within one week after it shall appear that there is no question upon the Return for that place; and if any thing shall come in question touching the Return or Election of any Member, he is to withdraw during the time the matter is in debate; and that all Members returned upon double Returns do withdraw till their Returns are determined. Resolved, That if it shall appear that any person has been elected or returned a Member of this House, or endeavoured so to be by bribery, or any other corrupt practices, this House will proceed with the utmost severity against all such persons as shall have been wilfully concerned in such bribery or other corrupt practices. 3 Witnesses,—Resolved, That if it shall appear that any person has been tampering with any witness, in respect of his evidence to be given to this House, or any Committee thereof, or directly or indirectly has endeavoured to deter or hinder any person from appearing or giving evidence, the same is declared to be a high crime and misdemeanour; and this House will proceed with the utmost severity against such offender. Resolved, That if it shall appear that any person has given false evidence in any case before this House, or any Committee thereof, this House will proceed with the utmost severity against such offender. 4 Metropolitan Police,—Ordered, That the Commissioner of the Police of the Metropolis do take care that during the Session of Parliament the passages through the streets leading to this House be kept free and open and that no obstruction be permitted to hinder the passage of Members to and from this House, and that no disorder be allowed in Westminster Hall, or in the passages leading to this House, during the Sitting of Parliament, and that there be no annoyance therein or thereabouts; and that the Serjeant at Arms attending this House do communicate this Order to the Commissioner aforesaid. Page 2            2002-2003      Volume 259      Back to top 5 Votes and Proceedings,—Ordered, That the Votes and Proceedings of this House be printed, being first perused by the Speaker. 6 Outlawries,—A Bill for the more effectual preventing Clandestine Outlawries was read the first time and ordered to be read a second time. 7 Standing Orders (Public Business),—Ordered, That the Standing Orders relating to Public Business be printed [No. 2]. 8 Queen's Speech,—The Speaker reported Her Majesty's Speech and directed that it be entered in the Journal, as follows: My Lords and members of the House of Commons, My Government's main priorities are economic stability, investment and reform in public services and a constructive foreign policy. To this end, my Government will maintain sound public finances and will continue to take action to secure high levels of employment. This approach will enable my Government to continue to invest in the public services, while supporting major programmes of reform on health, education, transport and crime. At the heart of my Government's legislative programme is a commitment to reform and rebalance the criminal justice system to deliver justice for all and to safeguard the interests of victims, witnesses and communities. A Bill will be introduced to reform sentencing arrangements and criminal procedures. Sentencing will be reformed to ensure that the punishment is appropriate for the offender. New types of sentence will be introduced to protect the public from dangerous offenders, help reduce re-offending and deal with young offenders. The Bill will also allow retrials for those acquitted of serious offences where new and compelling evidence emerges. It will also simplify the rules of evidence to allow judge and jury to hear all the facts, including relevant previous convictions of a defendant. Legislation will also be introduced to reform the courts system. It will bring together Magistrates' Courts and the Crown Court to work more effectively under a single organisation. New sanctions will allow courts to enforce the payment of fines more efficiently. My Government will introduce a Bill to tackle anti-social behaviour that damages communities. A Bill will be brought forward to modernise the laws on sexual offences and to strengthen the framework of penalties for sex offenders to protect the public. A Bill will also be introduced to improve international co-operation in tackling crime, including drugs trafficking, and to modernise the arrangements for international mutual assistance to catch criminals. My Government will bring forward legislation to streamline the licensing system for premises selling alcohol. This will abolish fixed opening hours and introduce a range of measures to reduce anti-social behaviour. My Government will continue to modernise the delivery of healthcare based on the founding principles of the National Health Service. Legislation will be brought forward to devolve power and resources to frontline staff; give greater freedom to successful hospitals while increasing their accountability to local communities; and to introduce an independent health inspectorate. A Bill will also be introduced to help ensure that local authorities support older people awaiting discharge from hospital. Raising educational standards remains my Government's main priority for Britain's future prosperity. Secondary school reform will continue to promote opportunity and choice through greater diversity for parents and pupils. University reform proposals will be published to improve access and build on excellence. My Government wants to create a welfare state based on giving people rights and responsibilities. They will pursue proposals that focus on the importance of work as part of our social security system. They will also bring forward proposals to tackle problems of truancy. A Bill will be brought forward to establish a Railway Accident Investigation Branch in the light of Lord Cullen's recommendations on transport safety and reform the way railways are regulated to improve services for the public. Page 3            2002-2003      Volume 259      Back to top My Government will introduce a Bill to modernise local government by improving the delivery of local services through better financial management and greater freedom for councils based on performance. Legislation will also be introduced to provide for the holding of referendums on the issue of regional governance in England. Legislation will be brought forward to reform the broadcasting and telecommunications industry by promoting competition and investment and giving powers to the Office of Communications. Measures will be brought forward to protect our environment including legislation on the conservation and proper management of water. My Government will also introduce legislation to speed up the planning system while improving the involvement of local communities. Members of the House of Commons, Estimates for the Public Services will be laid before you. My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, In Northern Ireland, my Government will continue to work closely with the political parties and the Irish Government to secure the full implementation of the Belfast Agreement. Legislation will be brought forward on policing in Northern Ireland. My Government maintains its commitment to devolution in Scotland and Wales. A Bill will be introduced to reform the provision of health services in Wales. A Bill will be introduced to enable Parliament to reach a conclusion on hunting with dogs. Parliament will be invited to scrutinise legislation in draft on a number of measures, reflecting the importance that my Government places on pre-legislative scrutiny by Parliament. Legislation in draft will be published to improve both housing standards and standards of management of private rented accommodation by landlords. Draft legislation will be published on the management of nuclear liabilities. A draft Bill will also be published to reform the laws on corruption. My Government looks forward to considering the report from the Joint Committee on House of Lords Reform. Other measures will be laid before you. My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, The Duke of Edinburgh and I look forward to paying a visit to Belgium next spring and to receiving the state visit of His Excellency the President of Russia next summer. My Government will work for rapid progress on enlargement of the European Union, notably at next month's European Council meeting in Copenhagen. Legislation will be introduced to enable the United Kingdom to ratify the Accession Treaty with prospective member states. My Government will make a decision on whether to recommend entry into the single currency on the basis of the assessment of the Five Economic Tests to be completed by next June. The forthcoming NATO Summit in Prague will emphasise the Alliance's continuing role as the cornerstone of Britain's national security. My Government will continue work for an enlarged and even more effective NATO, enjoying a close partnership with Russia. My Government will continue to play a leading role in combating terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, which are among the most serious threats to the security of the United Kingdom and our allies. My Government will continue to work with the international community to ensure the implementation of all United Nations Security Council Resolutions. My Government will work for rapid and effective implementation of the agreements reached at the recent World Summit for Sustainable Development in Johannesburg and will focus on tackling climate change and finding new ways to meet our energy needs. My Government will continue to work for a more effective global effort to reduce poverty, building on the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and on progress achieved at the recent Monterrey Conference on Financing for Development. Britain's aid budget will be increased and we will work to implement the Africa Action Plan in response to the New Partnership for Africa's Development. My Government will work for a successful outcome to the current round of world trade negotiations that benefits industrialised and developing countries alike. Page 4            2002-2003      Volume 259      Back to top My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels. 9 Queen's Speech (Motion for an Address),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, 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—(Mr George Foulkes); Ordered, That the Debate be now adjourned.—(Mr Nick Ainger.) Debate to be resumed to-morrow. 10 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Nick Ainger.) 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 I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers presented by Her Majesty's Command and delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office during the Prorogation of Parliament pursuant to Standing Order No. 158 (Presentation of command papers): Friday 8th November 2002 1 Competition Commission,—Report by the Competition Commission on the proposed merger between Vivendi Water UK PLC and First Aqua (JVCo) Limited [Cm. 5681] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. 2 Treaty Series (No. 47, 2002),—Exchange of Notes, done at Bangkok on 5th and 25th June 2002, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand concerning the reciprocal granting of Licences to Amateur Radio Operators [Cm. 5670] [Mr Secretary Straw]. Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on the undermentioned dates during the Prorogation of Parliament pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments): Papers subject to Negative Resolution: Friday 8th November 2002 3 Education,—(1) Dudley Partnership for Achievement Education Action Zone (Extension) Order 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2768), dated 7th November 2002, (2) Education (London Residuary Body) (Property Transfer) (Amendment No. 2) Order 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2760), dated 5th November 2002, (3) East Manchester Education Action Zone (Extension) Order 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2770), dated 7th November 2002, (4) Financing of Maintained Schools (England) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2763), dated 7th November 2002, (5) Hackney Education Action Zone (Extension) Order 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2764), dated 7th November 2002, (6) Hastings and St Leonards Education Action Zone (Extension) Order 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2774), dated 7th November 2002, (7) Heart of Slough Education Action Zone (Extension) Order 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2775), dated 7th November 2002, (8) New Horizons Kent-Somerset Virtual Education Action Zone (Extension) Order 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2772), dated 7th November 2002, (9) North East Derbyshire Coalfields Education Action Zone (Extension) Order 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2765), dated 7th November 2002, (10) Southend Education Action Zone (Extension) Order 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2766), dated 7th November 2002, Page 5            2002-2003      Volume 259      Back to top (11) Telford and Wrekin Education Action Zone (Extension) Order 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2767), dated 7th November 2002, (12) Wednesbury Education Action Zone (Extension) Order 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2773), dated 7th November 2002, (13) Widening Horizons-North Islington Education Action Zone (Extension) Order 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2769), dated 7th November 2002, and (14) Wythenshawe Education Action Zone (Extension) Order 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2771), dated 7th November 2002 [Mr Secretary Clarke]. 4 Road Traffic,—(1) Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2778), dated 8th November 2002, and (2) Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2742), dated 4th November 2002 [Mr Secretary Darling]. Monday 11th November 2002 5 Magistrates' Courts,—(1) Magistrates' Courts (Anti-Social Behaviour Orders) Rules 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2784), dated 8th November 2002; and (2) Magistrates' Courts (Sex Offender Orders) Rules 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2782), dated 7th November 2002 [Yvette Cooper]. 6 Legal Services Commission,—Criminal Defence Service (General) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2785), dated 11th November 2002 [Ms Rosie Winterton]. 7 Road Traffic,—Removal and Disposal of Vehicles (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2777), dated 7th November 2002 [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 8 Supreme Court of England and Wales,—Crown Court (Amendment) Rules 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2783), dated 8th November 2002 [Yvette Cooper]. Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Wednesday 13th November 2002: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution: 9 Legal Services,—Draft Access to Justice Act 1999 (Solicitors' Practising Certificates) Order 2002 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Rosie Winterton]. 10 Police,—Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (Codes of Practice) (Statutory Powers of Stop and Search) Order 2002 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. Other Papers: 11 Cereals Marketing,—Report and Accounts of the Home-Grown Cereals Authority for 2001–02 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. 12 National Audit,—Reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General on— (1) Facing the Challenge: NHS Emergency Planning in England, and (2) Tackling Pensioner Poverty: Encouraging take-up of entitlements [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 36 and 37] [Clerk of the House]. 13 National Lottery,—Accounts of the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts for 2001–02, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 45] [Clerk of the House]. 14 Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Transport on the Petition [28th October, in the last Session of Parliament] from Mrs Susan Penney and others for legislation to prohibit the use of mobile telephones by drivers [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House]. 15 Suriname (No. 1, 2002),—Agreement, done at Paramaribo on 29th June 2002, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Suriname on the Transfer of Prisoners [by Command] [Cm. 5679] [Mr Secretary Straw]. Page 6            2002-2003      Volume 259      Back to top APPENDIX II Reports from Select Committees Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [Towards a Non-Carbon Fuel Economy: Research, Development and Demonstration]; to be printed [No. 55-i] [Dr Ian Gibson]. CHAIRMEN'S PANEL   In pursuance of Standing Order No. 4 (Chairmen's Panel), the Speaker has nominated Mrs Irene Adams, Mr David Amess, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Nigel Beard, Miss Anne Begg, Mr Joe Benton, Mr John Butterfill, Mr David Chidgey, Derek Conway, Frank Cook, Mr James Cran, Mr John Cummings, Mr Roger Gale, Mr Win Griffiths, Mr Mike Hancock, Mr Jimmy Hood, Mr Alan Hurst, Mr Eric Illsley, Mr John McWilliam, Mr Bill O'Brien, Mr Edward O'Hara, Mr Bill Olner, Mr Peter Pike, Mrs Marion Roe, Mr George Stevenson, David Taylor, Miss Ann Widdecombe and Sir Nicholas Winterton to be members of the Chairmen's Panel during this Session. [No. 2.] Thursday 14th November 2002. The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS. 1 Selection (Standing Committees),—Mr John McWilliam reported from the Committee of Selection the following Resolution: That, after a Bill has been under consideration in a Standing Committee, no application for changes in the composition of that Committee in respect of that Bill will be entertained by this Committee except where a Member is incapacitated from attendance by illness, or where he has been appointed or ceased to be a Member of the Government or has changed his office for another, or has acquired other duties, or ceased to hold or changed such duties. Report to lie upon the Table. 2 Selection (Select Committees),—Mr John McWilliam reported from the Committee of Selection the following Resolution: That Motions to alter the membership of Select Committees may be tabled on behalf of the Committee of Selection only if previously approved at a meeting of the Committee of Selection. Report to lie upon the Table. 3 Chairmen's Panel (Parliament Act 1911),—Mr John McWilliam reported from the Committee of Selection, That, in pursuance of section 1(3) of the Parliament Act 1911, it had appointed Mr John McWilliam and Sir Nicholas Winterton to be the two Members whom the Speaker shall consult, if practicable, before certifying a Bill to be a Money Bill. 4 Standing Committee C,—Mr John McWilliam reported from the Committee of Selection, That it had designated Standing Committee C as the Standing Committee on which Government Bills do not have precedence. 5 Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: The Lords have come to the following Resolution to which they desire the agreement of this House: That it is expedient that a Joint Committee of Lords and Commons be appointed— (1) to consider issues relating to House of Lords reform, including the composition and powers of the Second Chamber and its role and authority within the context of Parliament as a whole, having regard in particular to the impact which any proposed changes would have on the existing pre-eminence of the House of Commons, such consideration to include the implications of a House composed of more than one ‘category' of member and the experience and expertise which the House of Lords in its present form brings to its function as the revising Chamber; and Page 7      Thursday 14th November 2002       2002-2003      Volume 259      Back to top (2) having regard to paragraph (1) above, to report on options for the composition and powers of the House of Lords and to define and present to both Houses options for composition, including a fully nominated and fully elected House, and intermediate options; and to consider and report on— (a) any changes to the relationship between the two Houses which may be necessary to ensure the proper functioning of Parliament as a whole in the context of a reformed Second Chamber, and in particular, any new procedures for resolving conflict between the two Houses; and (b) the most appropriate and effective legal and constitutional means to give effect to any new Parliamentary settlement; and in all the foregoing considerations, to have regard to— (i) the Report of the Royal Commission on House of Lords Reform (Cm. 4534); (ii) the White Paper The House of Lords—Completing the Reform (Cm. 5291), and the responses received thereto; (iii) debates and votes in both Houses of Parliament on House of Lords reform; and (iv) the House of Commons Public Administration Select Committee report The Second Chamber: Continuing the Reform, including its consultation of the House of Commons, and any other relevant select committee reports. 6 Health (Wales) Bill,—Secretary Peter Hain, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Secretary Prescott, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Secretary Blunkett, Mr Secretary Milburn, Mr Secretary Murphy, Mr Secretary Smith, Mrs Secretary Liddell and Mr Don Touhig, presented a Bill to make provision about Community Health Councils in Wales; to establish and make provision about the Wales Centre for Health; and to make provision for the establishment of, and otherwise about, Health Professions Wales: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 1]. Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Health (Wales) Bill be printed [Bill 1–EN]. 7 Extradition Bill,—Mr Secretary Blunkett, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Secretary Prescott, Mr Secretary Straw, Mr Secretary Murphy, Mrs Secretary Liddell, Secretary Peter Hain and Mr Bob Ainsworth, presented a Bill to make provision about extradition: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 2]. Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Extradition Bill be printed [Bill 2–EN]. 8 Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill,—Mr Secretary Prescott, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Secretary Blunkett, Secretary Margaret Beckett, Mr Secretary Darling, Mr Secretary Milburn, Ms Secretary Hewitt, Mr Secretary Clarke, Mr Nick Raynsford and Mr Christopher Leslie, presented a Bill to make provision for the holding of referendums about the establishment of elected assemblies for the regions of England (except London); for reviewing the structure of local government in regions where the holding of a referendum is under consideration; for implementing the recommendations of such reviews; for the Electoral Commission to give advice in connection with the establishment of assemblies; for payment of grant in connection with the activities of regional chambers; and for incurring expenditure in preparation for assemblies and in connection with the transfer of functions to them: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 3]. Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill be printed [Bill 3–EN]. 9 Community Care (Delayed Discharges etc.) Bill,—Mr Secretary Milburn, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Secretary Prescott, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Secretary Smith, Secretary Peter Hain, Mr Paul Boateng and Jacqui Smith, presented a Bill to make provision requiring social services authorities to make payments in cases where the discharge of patients is delayed for reasons relating to the provision of community care services; and to enable the Secretary of State and the National Assembly for Wales to require certain community care services provided by social services authorities to be free of charge to persons receiving those services: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 4]. Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Community Care (Delayed Discharges etc.) Bill be printed [Bill 4–EN]. Page 8      Thursday 14th November 2002       2002-2003      Volume 259      Back to top 10 Welsh Grand Committee,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Orders No. 107 (Welsh Grand Committee (Matters relating exclusively to Wales)) and No. 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 at Westminster on Thursday 21st November at five minutes to Nine o'clock and at Two o'clock, to take questions under Standing Order No. 103 (Welsh Grand Committee (questions for oral answer)), and to consider 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)); and (3) at the meeting— (a) the Chairman shall interrupt proceedings at Four o'clock; and (b) at the conclusion of those proceedings a Motion for the adjournment of the Committee may be made by a Minister of the Crown pursuant to Standing Order No. 108(5) (Welsh Grand Committee (sittings))—(Mr John Heppell):—It was agreed to. 11 Queen's Speech (Motion for an Address),—The Order of the Day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed yesterday, 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. Ordered, That the Debate be now adjourned.—(Mr Nick Ainger.) Debate to be resumed to-morrow. 12 Sittings 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 shall not sit on the following Fridays: 22nd and 29th November and 6th and 13th December 2002—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to. 13 Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from the people of the fishing communities of Scotland against recent EU proposals affecting the future of the Scottish fishing industry was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. 14 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Joan Ryan.) 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: 1 Environmental Protection,—Draft Air Quality (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. 2 Health Care and Associated Professions,—Draft Medical Act 1983 (Amendment) Order 2002 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Milburn]. 3 Local Government Finance,—(1) Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 107) on Special Grant for Activities Undertaken by Beacon Councils [by Act]; to be printed [No. 60] [Mr Secretary Prescott]; and (2) Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 109) on Special Grant for addressing the costs of EC Regulation 2037/00 on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment) [by Act]; to be printed [No. 15] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 4 Value Added Tax,—Value Added Tax (Drugs, Medicines, Aids for the Handicapped and Charities Etc) Order 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2813), dated 14th November 2002 [by Act] [John Healey]. Page 9      Thursday 14th November 2002       2002-2003      Volume 259      Back to top Other Papers: 5 Animals,—Report of the Animal Procedures Committee for 2001 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 8] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 6 Immigration and Asylum,—Draft Code of Practice on Civil Penalty (Level of Penalty) [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 7 Law Commission,—Report of the Law Commission on Sharing Homes: A Discussion Paper [by Command] [Cm. 5666] [Ms Rosie Winterton]. 8 National Lottery,—(1) Annual Report and Accounts of the Millennium Commission 2001–02 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 12] [Secretary Tessa Jowell]; and (2) Scottish Arts Council National Lottery Distribution Fund Account [by Act]; to be printed [No. 34] [Mrs Secretary Liddell]. 9 Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions,—Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions (Hong Kong Locally Engaged Ratings' Service Gratuities and Attributable Disablement and Death Awards) Order 2002, dated 22nd October 2002 [by Act] [Mr Robin Cook]. 10 Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Health on the Petition [16th October, in the last Session of Parliament] from residents of the Boston and Skegness Constituency and others for the continuation of the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House]. APPENDIX II Standing Committees 1 Draft Functions of Traffic Wardens (Amendment) Order 2002: (1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Richard Bacon, Mr John Burnett, Geraint Davies, Mr John Denham, Mr Nick Gibb, Mr David Heath, Mr John Heppell, Kate Hoey, Mr Piara S. Khabra, Siobhain McDonagh, John McDonnell, Mr James Paice, Mr Malcolm Savidge, Dr Howard Stoate, Mr Desmond Swayne and David Winnick. 2 Draft Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Designation of Public Authorities) Order 2002: (1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Peter Bottomley, Mr Desmond Browne, Mr Chris Bryant, Mr Alistair Carmichael, Barbara Follett, Mr Mark Hendrick, Lady Hermon, Mr Kelvin Hopkins, Mrs Joan Humble, Mr David Kidney, Shona McIsaac, Gillian Merron, Mr Sio(r)n Simon, Mr Hugo Swire, Mr John Taylor and Mr David Wilshire. 3 Excise Duties (Personal Reliefs) (Revocation) Order 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2691): (1) The Speaker has allocated the Order to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Harold Best, Angela Eagle, Clive Efford, Mr John Grogan, John Healey, Mr Michael Jack, Ann Keen, Norman Lamb, Mr David Laws, Mr Stephen O'Brien, Anne Picking, Hugh Robertson, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Mrs Betty Williams, Mr David Wilshire and Mr James Wray. 4 Draft Release of Short-Term Prisoners on Licence (Amendment of Requisite Period) Order 2002: (1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Hilary Benn, Annette Brooke, Mr John Burnett, David Cairns, Mr David Crausby, Mr Barry Gardiner, Mr Roger Godsiff, Mr Dominic Grieve, Mr John Heppell, Mr John Horam, Mr Stephen McCabe, Patrick Mercer, Mr Gwyn Prosser, Mr Gerry Steinberg, Mr Desmond Swayne and Dr Rudi Vis. 5 Draft Potato Industry Development Council (Amendment) Order 2002: (1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and Page 10      Thursday 14th November 2002       2002-2003      Volume 259      Back to top (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Nick Ainger, Mr Michael Clapham, Andrew George, Chris Grayling, Mr John Hayes, Mr Stephen Hepburn, Mr David Heyes, Norman Lamb, Mr Calum MacDonald, Mr Khalid Mahmood, Mr Elliot Morley, Mr George Mudie, James Purnell, Mr Andy Reed, Mr Andrew Rosindell and Mr David Ruffley. 6 Draft Contracting Out (Functions in Relation to Applications for Patents) Order 2002: (1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Martin Caton, Brian Cotter, Mr Frank Dobson, Mr Huw Edwards, Mr Paul Goodman, Mr Mark Hoban, Glenda Jackson, Miss Melanie Johnson, Lynne Jones, Ms Oona King, John Mann, Mr Jim Murphy, Mr Mark Prisk, Mr Andrew Robathan, Rachel Squire and Richard Younger-Ross. Grand Committees 7 Northern Ireland Grand Committee,—The Committee of Selection has nominated twenty-two additional Members to serve on the Northern Ireland Grand Committee: Mr Harry Barnes, Mr James Cran, Mrs Louise Ellman, Mike Gapes, Phil Hope, Mr Andrew Hunter, Helen Jackson, Shona McIsaac, Mr Andrew Mackay, Mr Kevin McNamara, Mr Tony McWalter, Margaret Moran, Mr Bill O'Brien, Lembit Opik, Sandra Osborne, Mr Stephen Pound, Mr Andrew Robathan, Mr Martin Salter, Mark Tami, Mr Ian Taylor, Mr John Taylor and Mr Gareth Thomas. 8 Welsh Grand Committee,—The Committee of Selection has nominated two additional members to serve on the Welsh Grand Committee: Mr Nigel Evans and Mr Bill Wiggin. 9 Standing Committee on Regional Affairs,—The Committee of Selection has nominated thirteen Members representing English constituencies to serve on the Standing Committee on Regional Affairs: Ms Candy Atherton, Mr Henry Bellingham, Ms Karen Buck, Ross Cranston, Mrs Louise Ellman, Mr Nigel Evans, Andrew George, Norman Lamb, John Mann, Mr Denis Murphy, Lawrie Quinn, Mr Anthony Steen and Derek Wyatt. Private Business 10 Committee on Unopposed Bills (Panel),—Mr John McWilliam reported from the Committee of Selection, That it had appointed seventeen members to be the Panel of Members to serve on the Committee on Unopposed Bills under Standing Order 111 relating to Private Business (Reference to committees of opposed and unopposed bills): John Austin, Mr Adrian Bailey, Mr Nigel Beard, Peter Bottomley, Mr John Butterfill, Mr Colin Challen, Mr Parmjit Dhanda, Paul Farrelly, Mr Brian Jenkins, Helen Jones, John Mann, Siobhain McDonagh, Sir Robert Smith, Jon Trickett, Sir Peter Tapsell, Mr Robert Walter and Ann Winterton. 11 Provisional Orders (Scotland) (Panel),—The Committee of Selection, in pursuance of Standing Order 228 relating to Private Business (Parliamentary Panel), has selected thirteen Members to form the Parliamentary Panel of Members of this House to act as Commissioners under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1936: Miss Anne Begg, David Cairns, Mr Peter Duncan, David Hamilton, Mr Iain Luke, Mr Calum MacDonald, Mr John McDougall, Rosemary McKenna, Mr Michael Moore, Anne Picking, Mr Alan Reid, John Robertson and Mr Mohammed Sarwar. APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees 1 Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Prague NATO Summit]; to be printed [No. 66-i] [Donald Anderson]. 2 Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Control of Firearms in Northern Ireland and the draft Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 2002]; to be printed [No. 67-i] [Mr Michael Mates]. 3 Public Administration,—(1) First Special Report from the Select Committee on Public Administration [Government Response to the Seventh Report from the Committee, Session 2001–02, on The Public Service Ethos]; to be printed [No. 61]; (2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Public Service Targets]; to be printed [No. 62-i] [Tony Wright]. 4 Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [The Financial Services Authority]; to be printed [No. 64-i] [Mr John McFall]. Page 11      Thursday 14th November 2002       2002-2003      Volume 259      Back to top [No. 3.] Friday 15th November 2002. The House met at half-past Nine o'clock. PRAYERS. 1 Queen's Speech (Motion for an Address),—The Order of the Day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed on 13th November, 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. Ordered, That the Debate be now adjourned.—(Dan Norris.) Debate to be resumed on Monday 18th November. 2 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Dan Norris.) And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till seven minutes to Three o'clock, adjourned till Monday 18th November. [Adjourned at 2.53 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution: 1 Northern Ireland,—(1) Draft Housing Support Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2002, and (2) draft Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 [by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Mr Secretary Murphy]. Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 2 Education,—(1) Draft School Admissions Code of Practice, and (2) draft School Admission Appeals Code of Practice [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke]. 3 Health and Safety,—Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2776), dated 7th November 2002 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. 4 Immigration and Asylum,—(1) Carriers' Liability (Clandestine Entrants) (Level of Penalty: Code of Practice) Order 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2816), and (2) Carriers' Liability Regulations 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2817), dated 15th November 2002 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. 5 Social Security,—(1) Social Security Benefit (Computation of Earnings) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2823), dated 14th November 2002 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo], and (2) Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay (Adminstration) Regulations 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2820), (3) Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay (General) Regulations 2002 (S.I., No. 2822), (4) Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay (National Health Service Employees) Regulations 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2819), and Page 12      Friday 15th November 2002       2002-2003      Volume 259      Back to top (5) Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay (Persons Abroad and Mariners) Regulations 2002 (S.I., 2002, No. 2821), dated 13th November 2002 [by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. Other Papers: 6 Northern Ireland,—Resource Accounts of— (1) the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, (2) the Department of Education, (3) the Department of Education—Teachers' Superannuation, (4) the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, (5) the Office for the Regulation of Electricity and Gas, (6) the Department of the Environment, (7) the Department for Regional Development, (8) the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, (9) the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Health and Personal Social Services Superannuation, (10) the Department for Social Development, (11) the Department of Finance and Personnel: Superannuation and Other Allowances, (12) the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, (13) the Northern Ireland Assembly, (14) the Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints, and (15) the Northern Ireland Audit Office, for 2001–02, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of Northern Ireland thereon [by Command]; to be printed [Nos. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33] [Mr Secretary Murphy]. 7 Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on the Petition [23rd July, in the last Session of Parliament] from the Islamic Education and Cultural Society of Hayes and others for action by Her Majesty's Government to secure the rights of Palestinians [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House]. 8 Treaty Series (No. 48, 2002),—Exchange of Notes, done at Accra on 20th May and 15th July 2002, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Ghana concerning Certain Commercial Debts (The United Kingdom/Ghana Debt Agreement No. 2 (2001)) [by Command] [Cm. 5682] [Mr Secretary Straw]. APPENDIX II Standing Committees 1 Draft Functions of Traffic Wardens (Amendment) Order 2002: (1) The Speaker has appointed Mr Alan Hurst Chairman of the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Order; and (2) The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Desmond Swayne from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Mark Francois. 2 Draft Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Designation of Public Authorities) Order 2002,—The Speaker has appointed Mr James Cran Chairman of the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Order. 3 Draft Excise Duties (Personal Reliefs) (Revocation) Order 2002: (1) The Speaker has appointed Mr Eric Illsley Chairman of the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Order; and (2) The Committee of Selection has discharged Hugh Robertson from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Adrian Flook. Page 13      Friday 15th November 2002       2002-2003      Volume 259      Back to top 4 Draft Release of Short-Term Prisoners on Licence (Amendment of Requisite Period) Order 2002: (1) The Speaker has appointed David Taylor Chairman of the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Order; and (2) The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Desmond Swayne from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Mark Francois. 5 Draft Potato Industry Development Council (Amendment) Order 2002: (1) The Speaker has appointed Mr John Butterfill Chairman of the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Order; and (2) The Committee of Selection has discharged Chris Grayling from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Hugh Robertson. 6 Draft Contracting Out (Functions in Relation to Applications for Patents) Order 2002: (1) The Speaker has appointed Mr David Amess Chairman of the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Order; and (2) The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Mark Hoban and Mr Mark Prisk from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr George Osborne and Hugh Robertson. European Standing Committees 7 The Speaker has appointed Mr Joe Benton Chairman of European Standing Committee A in respect of European Community Document No. 14394/01, on Greenhouse Gas Emission Trading. 8 The Speaker has appointed Miss Ann Widdecombe Chairman of European Standing Committee B in respect of European Community Document No. 12839/02, the Enlargement, and Addenda 1–13, the Reports on progress by applicant countries. Grand Committees 9 Welsh Grand Committee,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Win Griffiths Chairman of the Welsh Grand Committee in respect of its meetings on Thursday 21st November.   Chronological Index Next   Part I Alphabetical Index Part II Alphabetical Index     © Parliamentary copyright 2006 Prepared 20 October 2006