| Commons Journal 259
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II
Page 313 2002-2003 Volume 259
[No. 79.] Monday 7th April 2003.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Nigel Beard reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 117) (House of Commons Paper No. 537) on 2003–04 Special Grant for Driving Local Authority Planning Performance. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Peter Pike reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Northern Ireland Act 2000 (Modification) Order 2003. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
The Lords have agreed to the European Parliament (Representation) Bill, with Amendments; to which they desire the concurrence of this House.
| 4 | European Parliament (Representation) Bill,—Lords Amendments to the European Parliament (Representation) Bill to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 89]. |
| 5 | Trade Union and Labour Relations,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service draft Code of Practice on Time Off for Trade Union Duties and Activities, which was laid before this House on 10th February, be approved—(Derek Twigg):—It was agreed to. |
| 6 | Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Local Elections (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 2003, which was laid before this House on 31st March, be approved—(Derek Twigg):—It was agreed to. |
| 7 | Agriculture,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Farm Waste Grant (Nitrate Vulnerable Zones) (England) Scheme 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 562), dated 6th March 2003, a copy of which was laid before this House on 10th March, be approved—(Derek Twigg):—It was agreed to. |
| 8 | Fees and Charges,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Department of Transport (Fees) (Amendment) Order 2003, which was laid before this House on 11th March, be approved—(Derek Twigg):—It was agreed to. |
| 9 | Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Terrorism Act 2000 (Code of Practice on Video Recording of Interviews) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, which was laid before this House on 12th March, be approved—(Derek Twigg):—It was agreed to. |
| 10 | Police (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords] (Programme) (No. 5),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Orders [28th June 2001 and 29th October 2002], That the following provisions shall apply to the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords] for the purpose of supplementing the Orders of 10th February 2003, 4th March 2003, 5th March 2003 and 26th March 2003: |
Consideration of Lords Message
1. Proceedings on consideration of the Lords Message shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion two hours after their commencement.
Subsequent stages
2. Any further Message from the Lords may be considered forthwith without any Question put.
3. Proceedings on any further Message from the Lords shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour after their commencement—(Derek Twigg):—It was agreed to.
Page 314 Monday 7th April 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
| 11 | Police (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords],—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to certain Commons Amendments to the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]. |
Lords Amendments Nos. 48ZA, 48A and 49A were agreed to.
| 12 | Industrial Development (Financial Assistance) Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Industrial Development (Financial Assistance) Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee. |
Amendment (No. 1) proposed to the Bill, in page 1, line 4, to leave out the words ‘The limit shall be £3,700 million' and insert the words ‘The said limit shall be £3,440 million', instead thereof.—(Mr Andrew Lansley.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
The Bill was read the third time, and passed.
| 13 | High Hedges (No. 2) Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to High Hedges (No. 2) Bill [Money]; |
Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the High Hedges (No. 2) Bill (‘the Act'), it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—
(1) any expenses incurred by the Secretary of State in consequence of the Act; and
(2) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums which are payable out of money so provided by virtue of any other Act.—(Mr Tony McNulty.)
| 14 | Broadcasting,—Ordered, That Mr Brian Jenkins be discharged from the Broadcasting Committee and Jim Sheridan be added.—(Mr Jim Murphy.) |
| 15 | Standards and Privileges,—Ordered, That Mr Alan Williams be discharged from the Committee on Standards and Privileges.—(Mr Jim Murphy.) |
| 16 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Jim Murphy.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till six minutes to Nine o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 8.54 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Health and Safety,—Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 978), dated 31st March 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
| 2 | Local Government,—(1) Local Authorities (Goods and Services) (Public Bodies) (England) (No. 2) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1018), dated 4th April 2003, and |
(2) Local Authorities (Members' Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1021), dated 7th April 2003
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
| 3 | Pensions,—Local Government Pension Scheme and Discretionary Compensation (Local Authority Members in England) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1022), dated 7th April 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 4 | Road Traffic,—Motor Vehicle (EC Type Approval) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1019), dated 3rd April 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 5 | Supreme Court of England and Wales,—Common Investment (Closure of High Yield Fund) (Amendment) Scheme 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1027), dated 5th April 2003 [by Act] [Ms Rosie Winterton]. |
| 6 | Town and Country Planning,—Town and Country Planning (Prescription of County Matters) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1033), dated 7th April 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
Other Papers:
| 7 | Broadcasting,—Report and Accounts of the Independent Television Commission for 2002 [by Act] [Secretary Tessa Jowell]. |
Page 315 Monday 7th April 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
| 8 | National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on the Procurement of Vaccines by the Department of Health [by Act]; to be printed [No. 625] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 9 | School Standards and Framework,—Accounts of— |
(1) Barnsley Education Action Zone,
(2) Barrow Education Action Zone,
(3) Greenwich Education Action Zone,
(4) Kingston-upon-Hull Education Action Zone,
(5) Leigh (Wigan) Education Action Zone,
(6) Middlesbrough Education Action Zone,
(7) North Gillingham Education Action Zone,
(8) North Islington Education Action Zone,
(9) Sheffield Education Action Zone,
(10) South Bradford Education Action Zone,
(11) South East England Virtual Education Action Zone,
(12) South East Sheffield Education Action Zone,
(13) South Tyneside Education Action Zone, and
(14) Wednesbury Education Action Zone
for 2001–02, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 594, 595, 596, 597, 598, 599, 600, 609, 601, 610, 602, 603, 604 and 605] [Clerk of the House].
APPENDIX II
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Education and Skills,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education and Skills Committee [Secondary Education: Pupil Achievement]; to be printed [No. 513-iii] [Mr Barry Sheerman]. |
| 2 | Human Rights,—Eighth Report from the Joint Committee on Human Rights [Scrutiny of Bills: Further Progress Report], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 634] [Jean Corston]. |
| 3 | Public Accounts,—(1) Sixteenth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Improving Public Services through Innovation: The Invest to Save Budget]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 170]; |
(2) Seventeenth Report from the Committee [Helping victims and witnesses: the work of Victim Support]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 635]; and
(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The construction of nuclear submarine facilities at Devonport]; to be printed [No. 636-i]
[Mr Edward Leigh].
THE SPEAKER'S CERTIFICATE
| | The Speaker certified that the Industrial Development (Financial Assistance) Bill is a Money Bill within the meaning of the Parliament Act 1911. |
Page 316 Monday 7th April 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
[No. 80.] Tuesday 8th April 2003.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Mersey Tunnels Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for consideration of the Mersey Tunnels Bill, as amended in the Committee; |
Ordered, That the Bill be considered on Tuesday 29th April.
| 2 | European Standing Committee C,—Mr John McWilliam reported from European Standing Committee C the following Resolution: |
That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 12228/02, Commission Communication, draft Directives and draft Council Decision relating to security of energy supply; and supports the Government's aim of securing practical and proportionate legislation which takes into account the Government's international obligations in the petroleum sector and contributes to the security of gas supplies within the context of a single energy market.
Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
London Local Authorities Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to confer further powers upon local authorities in London; and for related purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
| 4 | London Local Authorities Bill [Lords],—The London Local Authorities Bill [Lords] was read the first time. |
Bill referred to the Examiners of Petitions for Private Bills.
| 5 | Community Prosecution Lawyers Bill,—Mr Frank Field, supported by Kate Hoey, Mr Michael Connarty and Derek Wyatt, presented a Bill to establish the post of Community Prosecution Lawyer for each parliamentary constituency in England and Wales; to provide for the direct election of such Lawyers; to make arrangements for the role of such Lawyers in the prosecution of offences relating to anti-social behaviour; to establish the relationship between such Lawyers and the Crown Prosecution Service; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 20th June and to be printed [Bill 90]. |
| 6 | Anti-social Behaviour Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Anti-social Behaviour Bill; |
And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read a second time;
| 7 | Royal Assent,—The Deputy Speaker notified the House, in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967, That Her Majesty had signified her Royal Assent to the following Acts, agreed upon by both Houses: |
Health (Wales) Act 2003
Community Care (Delayed Discharges etc.) Act 2003
Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2003.
| 8 | Anti-social Behaviour Bill,—The Question being again proposed, That the Anti-social Behaviour Bill be now read a second time; |
And the Question being put:—It was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read a second time.
| 9 | Anti-social Behaviour Bill (Programme),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Orders [28th June 2001 and 29th October 2002], That the following provisions shall apply to the Anti-social Behaviour Bill: |
Committal
1. The Bill shall be committed to a Standing Committee.
Proceedings in Standing Committee
2. Proceedings in the Standing Committee shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion on Thursday 22nd May 2003.
3. The Standing Committee shall have leave to sit twice on the first day on which it meets.
Page 317 Tuesday 8th April 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
Consideration and Third Reading
4. Proceedings on consideration shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour before the moment of interruption on the day on which those proceedings are commenced.
5. Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the moment of interruption on the day on which proceedings on consideration are commenced.
6. Sessional Order B (programming committees) made by the House on 28th June 2001 shall not apply to proceedings on consideration and Third Reading.
Other proceedings
7. Any other proceedings on the Bill (including any proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments or on any further messages from the Lords) may be programmed—(Mr Fraser Kemp);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Dan Norris, Gillian Merron: 338.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mark Hoban, Mr Robert Syms: 147.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 10 | Anti-social Behaviour Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Anti-social Behaviour Bill [Money]; |
A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Anti-social Behaviour Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—
(a) amounts ordered to be paid in respect of loss incurred in consequence of prohibition of access to, or the closure of, premises;
(b) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable out of money so provided under any other enactment—(Joan Ryan):—It was agreed to.
| 11 | Deferred Divisions,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Orders of the House of 28th June 2001 and 29th October 2002 relating to deferred Divisions, That, at this day's sitting, the Orders of the House of 28th June 2001 and 29th October 2002 relating to deferred Divisions shall not apply to the Question on the Motion relating to Northern Ireland—(Joan Ryan):—It was agreed to. |
| 12 | Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Northern Ireland Act 2000 (Modification) Order 2003, which was laid before this House on 27th March, be approved—(Joan Ryan):—It was agreed to. |
| 13 | Housing,—Ordered, That the Housing (Right to Buy) (Limits on Discount) (Amendment) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 498) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Joan Ryan.) |
| 14 | Social Care,—Ordered, That the Care Homes (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 534) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Joan Ryan.) |
| 15 | Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from— |
(1) residents of Stafford constituency against unrestricted opening of pharmacies able to dispense NHS prescriptions; and
(2) Mrs Beryl Rudman and others against unrestricted opening of pharmacies able to dispense NHS prescriptions
were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
| 16 | Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from— |
(1) residents of Chesham and Amersham for stronger controls on transfers of arms between countries; and
(2) residents of Chesham and Amersham against unrestricted opening of pharmacies able to dispense NHS prescriptions
were presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
Page 318 Tuesday 8th April 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
| 17 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Joan Ryan.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till thirteen minutes to Eight o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 7.47 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Agriculture,—Fee for Initial Assessment for Active Substances for Pesticides Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1052), dated 7th April 2003 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 2 | Education,—General Teaching Council for England (Deduction of Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 985), dated 27th March 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
| 3 | Local Government,—Public Airport Companies (Capital Finance) (Amendment) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1035), dated 6th April 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 4 | Public Passenger Transport,—Bus Service Operators Grant (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1036), dated 6th April 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 5 | Water Resources,—Surface Waters (Fishlife) (Classification) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1053), dated 2nd April 2003 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
Other Papers:
| 6 | Air Force (Constitution),—Amendment List 19 to Air Publication 1269A—The Royal Air Force Manual of Assessment of Medical Fitness [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. |
| 7 | Audit Commission,—Accounts of the Audit Commission for Local Authorities and the National Health Service in England and Wales for the year ended 31st October 2002, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 628] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 8 | Care Standards,—Accounts of the National Care Standards Commission for 2001–02, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 630] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 9 | Civil Aviation,—Statement of Guarantee given by the Treasury on 8th April 2003 on loans proposed to be raised by the Civil Aviation Authority from the National Westminster Bank plc [by Act] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 10 | Learning and Skills,—First Report and Accounts of the Learning and Skills Council for the period ended 31st March 2002, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 585] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 11 | Museums and Galleries,—Account of the Wallace Collection for 2001–02, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 631] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 12 | National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Improving access to, and education about, the moving image through the British Film Institute [by Act]; to be printed [No. 593] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 13 | National Heritage,—Account of the Board of Trustees of the Armouries for 2001–02, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 629] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 14 | Public Petitions,—(1) Observations by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on: |
(i) the Petition [14th January] from St Columba's High School, Dunfermline, Amnesty International Group for the strengthening of controls on arms exports, and
(ii) the Petition [30th January] from Amnesty International, Reading Group, for measures to bring an end to human rights violations in Chechnya, and
(2) Observations by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the Petition [13th March] from residents of Coventry for stricter controls on the sale and use of fireworks
[by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].
Page 319 Tuesday 8th April 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
| 15 | Reserve Forces,—Report under section 56(7) of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 of a call-out order under section 56(1) of that Act [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. |
| 16 | Standards in Public Life,—Ninth Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life: Defining the Boundaries within the Executive: Ministers, Special Advisers and the permanent Civil Service [by Command] [Cm. 5775] [The Prime Minister]. |
APPENDIX II
European Standing Committees
| | The Speaker has appointed Mr John McWilliam Chairman of European Standing Committee C in respect of European Union Document No. 12228/02 on the Security of Energy Supply, in place of David Taylor. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Privacy and Media Intrusion]; to be printed [No. 458-vi] [Mr Gerald Kaufman]. |
| 2 | Defence,—Third Report from the Defence Committee [Arms Control and Disarmament (Inspections) Bill], together with an Appendix to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 321] [Mr Bruce George]. |
| 3 | Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Broadband in Rural Areas Sub-Committee of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee [Broadband in Rural Areas]; to be printed [No. 587-ii] [Mr David Borrow]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Delivery of Education in Rural Areas Sub-Committee of the Committee [Delivery of Education in Rural Areas]; to be printed [No. 467-iii] [Diana Organ].
| 4 | International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [Trade and Development: Aspects of the Doha Agenda]; to be printed [No. 400-viii] [Tony Baldry]. |
| 5 | Lord Chancellor's Department,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on the Lord Chancellor's Department [Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS)]; to be printed [No. 614-i] [Mr A. J. Beith]. |
| 6 | Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee [Reducing Regional Disparities in Prosperity]; to be printed [No. 492-iv] [Andrew Bennett]. |
| 7 | Statutory Instruments,—Seventeenth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 96-xvii] [Mr David Tredinnick]. |
[No. 80; WH, No. 49.]
Tuesday 8th April 2003.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Nine o'clock.
| Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Gerry Sutcliffe.) |
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 4.28 p.m.
Page 320 Tuesday 8th April 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
[No. 81.] Wednesday 9th April 2003.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Transas Group Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Transas Group Bill; |
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Wednesday 30th April.
| 2 | Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report and Financial Statement and Budget Report,—Ordered, That there be laid before this House a copy of the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report and Financial Statement and Budget Report, April 2003, as laid before this House by Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer when opening the Budget.—(Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer.) |
| 3 | Ways and Means,—Provisional Collection of Taxes,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 51 (Ways and means motions), That, pursuant to section 5 of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968, provisional statutory effect shall be given to the following Motions:— |
(a) Rates of tobacco products duty (Motion No. 2);
(b) Rate of duty on beer (Motion No. 3);
(c) Rate of duty on wine and made-wine (Motion No. 4);
(d) Hydrocarbon oil duties (rebates) (Motion No. 6);
(e) Vehicle excise duty (tractive units) (Motion No. 12);
(f) Value added tax (requirement of evidence or security) (Motion No. 13);
(g) Joint and several liability for unpaid VAT of another trader (Motion No. 14);
(h) Value added tax (face-value vouchers) (Motion No. 15);
(i) Employment income (provision of services through intermediary) (Motion No. 28);
(j) Personal pension schemes (limits on contributions) (Motion No. 45)— (Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer):—It was agreed to.
| 4 | Ways and Means,—Amendment of the Law,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed,— |
(1) That it is expedient to amend the law with respect to the National Debt and the public revenue and to make further provision in connection with finance.
(2) This Resolution does not extend to the making of any amendment with respect to value added tax so as to provide—
(a) for zero-rating or exempting a supply, acquisition or importation;
(b) for refunding an amount of tax;
(c) for any relief, other than a relief that—
(i) so far as it is applicable to goods, applies to goods of every description, and
(ii) so far as it is applicable to services, applies to services of every description—(Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer);
And it being Seven o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned.
Ordered, That the Debate be resumed to-morrow.
| 5 | Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from— |
(1) residents of South Oxhey and others against the development of a hostel for homeless young persons in Gosforth Lane,
(2) constituents of Rayleigh against the removal of restrictions on the opening of pharmacies able to dispense NHS prescriptions,
(3) residents of the Vale of York against the removal of restrictions on the opening of pharmacies able to dispense NHS prescriptions,
(4) the users of dispensing chemists in the Westbury constituency against the removal of restrictions on the opening of pharmacies able to dispense NHS prescriptions,
(5) users of the Parley Cross Pharmacy in the Christchurch constituency against the removal of restrictions on the opening of pharmacies able to dispense NHS prescriptions, and
Page 321 Wednesday 9th April 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
(6) residents of the Isle of Wight and others against the closure of the Accident and Emergency Department and certain other services at St Mary's Hospital, Newport
were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
| 6 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Fraser Kemp.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-three minutes to Eight o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 7.37 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Value Added Tax,—Value Added Tax (Supply of Services) (Amendment) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1055), dated 9th April 2003 [by Act]; with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [John Healey]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Agriculture,—Feeding Stuffs (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1026), dated 3rd April 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn]. |
| 3 | Children and Young Persons,—Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults and Care Standards Tribunal (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1060), dated 8th April 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn]. |
| 4 | Education,—Education (Pupil Information) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1006), dated 2nd April 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
| 5 | Local Government,—District of Adur (Scheme for Elections of Specified Council) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 984), dated 1st April 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 6 | Pensions,—Superannuation (Admission to Schedule 1 to the Superannuation Act 1972) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1073), dated 9th April 2003 [by Act] [Mr Douglas Alexander]. |
| 7 | Social Security,—Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1059), dated 9th April 2003 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo]. |
| 8 | Taxes,—Stamp Duty (Disadvantaged Areas) (Application of Exemptions) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1056), dated 9th April 2003 [by Act] [John Healey]. |
| 9 | Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,—Statute, dated 3rd December 2002, made by the University of Oxford, amending Statute VI [by Act] [Dr John Reid]. |
| 10 | Value Added Tax,—(1) Value Added Tax (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1069), dated 8th April 2003 [by Act] [Ruth Kelly] and |
(2) Value Added Tax (Consideration for Fuel Provided for Private Use) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1057) and
(3) Value Added Tax (Increase of Registration Limits) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1058),
dated 9th April 2003 [by Act] [John Healey].
Other Papers:
| 11 | Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report and Financial Statement and Budget Report,—Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report and Financial Statement and Budget Report, April 2003, entitled Building a Britain of economic strength and social justice [pursuant to Order this day]; to be printed [No. 500] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 12 | Finance,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Audit of Assumptions for Budget 2003 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 627] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 13 | Miscellaneous (No. 2, 2003),—Protocol, done at Aarhus on 24th June 1998, to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Persistent Organic Pollutants, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 5794] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
Page 322 Wednesday 9th April 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
| 14 | National Audit (Northern Ireland),—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland on the Use of Operating Theatres in the Northern Ireland Health and Personal Social Services [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 552] [Mr Secretary Murphy]. |
| 15 | Public Accounts,—Treasury Minute on the Fourth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 2002–03 [by Command] [Cm. 5789] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 16 | Superannuation,—(1) Civil Service Supplementary (Earnings Cap) Pension Scheme (Amendment) Scheme 2003 [by Act] [Mr Douglas Alexander]; and |
(2) Civil Service Compensation Scheme (Amendment) Scheme 2003,
(3) Civil Service Injury Benefits Scheme (Amendment) Scheme 2003,
(4) Partnership Pension Account Death Benefits Scheme,
(5) Partnership Pension Account Ill Health Benefits Scheme, and
(6) Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (Amendment) Scheme 2003,
[by Command] [Mr Douglas Alexander].
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Sustainable Energy Bill: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee C; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Gregory Barker, Mr Crispin Blunt, Sir Sydney Chapman, Mr David Chaytor, Sue Doughty, Mr David Drew, Mr Huw Edwards, Dr Ian Gibson, Dr Brian Iddon, Alan Simpson, Bob Spink, Ian Stewart, Mr Andrew Stunell, Brian White, Dr Alan Whitehead and Mr Brian Wilson.
| 2 | Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Deceased Fathers) Bill: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee C; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Janet Anderson, Mr Roy Beggs, Ms Hazel Blears, Mr Tim Boswell, Peter Bottomley, Mr Tony Clarke, Mrs Janet Dean, Jim Dowd, Dr Evan Harris, Mr Andrew Love, Mr Stephen McCabe, Rosemary McKenna, Mr Andrew Mitchell, Ms Debra Shipley, Mr Hugo Swire and Tony Wright.
| 3 | Anti-social Behaviour Bill: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee G; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated nineteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Bob Ainsworth, Mrs Liz Blackman, Annette Brooke, Mr James Clappison, Paul Clark, Mr Vernon Coaker, Caroline Flint, Mr Mark Francois, Matthew Green, Mr Nick Hawkins, Mr John Heppell, Siobhain McDonagh, Shona McIsaac, Mr Tony McNulty, Laura Moffatt, Mr James Paice, Mr John Randall, Ms Dari Taylor and David Wright.
| 4 | Care Homes (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 534): |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Regulations to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: John Austin, Gregory Barker, Mr John Bercow, Mr Simon Burns, Mr Paul Burstow, Mrs Patsy Calton, Mrs Helen Clark, John Cryer, Jim Fitzpatrick, Mr Stephen Hepburn, Stephen Hesford, Mr Andrew Love, Mr Eric Martlew, Ms Debra Shipley, Jacqui Smith and Angela Watkinson.
| 5 | Sea Fisheries (Restrictions on Days at Sea) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No.229),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Nick Ainger, Rosemary McKenna, Mr Martin Salter, Dr Gavin Strang and Dr Alan Whitehead from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Order); and nominated in substitution Mrs Anne Campbell, Mr Tony Colman, Judy Mallaber, Ms Meg Munn and Mr Gerry Sutcliffe. |
| 6 | Draft Electricity and Gas (Energy Efficiency Obligations) (Amendment) Order 2003,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Sue Doughty and Mr John Hayes from the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr James Gray and Sir Robert Smith. |
Page 323 Wednesday 9th April 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | European Scrutiny,—Eighteenth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 63-xviii] [Mr Jimmy Hood]. |
| 2 | Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee on 8th April 2003 [Sexual Offences Bill]; to be printed [No. 639-i] [Mr Chris Mullin]. |
| 3 | International Development,—Memoranda laid before the International Development Committee [The Operation of the Special Court for Sierra Leone] [Tony Baldry]. |
| 4 | Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions,—(1) Seventh Report from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee [The Effectiveness of Government Regeneration Initiatives]; with the Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 76-I]; |
(2) Eighth Report from the Committee [Planning for Sustainable Housing and Communities: Sustainable Communities in the South East]; with the Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee relating to the Report [No. 77-I]; and
(3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Exchange of letters between Andrew Bennett MP and Rt Hon John Prescott MP with regards to the pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Housing Bill]
[Andrew Bennett].
| 5 | Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [A Safer Place to Work: Protecting NHS Hospital and Ambulance Staff from Violence and Aggression]; to be printed [No. 641-i] [Mr Edward Leigh]. |
| 6 | Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [UK Science and Europe: Value for Money?]; to be printed [No. 386-iii] [Dr Ian Gibson] |
| 7 | Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [Empowering Children and Young People in Wales]; to be printed [No. 433-vi] [Mr Martyn Jones]. |
| 8 | Work and Pensions,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Work and Pensions Committee [Childcare for Working Parents]; to be printed [No. 564-iv] [Sir Archy Kirkwood]. |
[No. 81; WH, No. 50.]
Wednesday 9th April 2003.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Nine o'clock.
| Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the sitting be now adjourned—(Jim Fitzpatrick); |
And it being half-past Eleven o'clock, the sitting was adjourned without Question put, pursuant to Order [26th March], till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 11.30 a.m.
Page 324 Wednesday 9th April 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
[No. 82.] Thursday 10th April 2003.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | London Local Authorities and Transport for London Bill [Lords],—The London Local Authorities and Transport for London Bill [Lords] was read a second time and committed. |
| 2 | Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Miss Ann Widdecombe reported from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Sea Fishing (Restrictions on Days at Sea) Order (S.I., 2003, No. 229). |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr James Cran reported from the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Electricity and Gas (Energy Efficiency Obligations) (Amendment) Order 2003. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
The Lords have agreed to the Electricity (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill with Amendments, to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
| 5 | Electricity (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Electricity (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill to be considered to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 91]. |
| 6 | Ways and Means,—Amendment of the Law,—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed yesterday,— |
(1) That it is expedient to amend the law with respect to the National Debt and the public revenue and to make further provision in connection with finance.
(2) This Resolution does not extend to the making of any amendment with respect to value added tax so as to provide—
(a) for zero-rating or exempting a supply, acquisition or importation;
(b) for refunding an amount of tax;
(c) for any relief, other than a relief that—
(i) so far as it is applicable to goods, applies to goods of every description, and
(ii) so far as it is applicable to services, applies to services of every description;
And the Question being again proposed:—The House resumed the adjourned Debate.
And it being Six o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned.
Ordered, That the Debate be resumed to-morrow.
| 7 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from residents of Golborne, Lowton, Ashton and the surrounding districts for a new railway station in Golborne was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 8 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Gerry Sutcliffe.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-seven minutes past Six o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 6.27 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Prisons,—Draft Release of Short-Term Prisoners on Licence (Amendment of Requisite Period) Order 2003 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Charities,—Draft Charities (The Shrubbery) Order 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
Page 325 Thursday 10th April 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
| 3 | Health and Safety,—Ammonium Nitrate Materials (High Nitrogen Content) Safety Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1082), dated 9th April 2003 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 4 | National Debt,—Premium Savings Bonds (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1085), dated 9th April 2003 [by Act] [Ruth Kelly]. |
Papers subject to Special Parliamentary Procedure:
| 5 | Marriage,—Marriages Validity (Harrogate District Hospital) Order 2003, dated 31st March 2003, together with a Certificate by the Lord Chancellor under section 2 of the Statutory Orders (Special Procedure) Act 1945 [by Act] [Ms Rosie Winterton]. |
Other Papers:
| 6 | Industrial Organisation and Development,—Report and Accounts of the Apple and Pear Research Council for 2001–02 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 7 | National Audit,—Reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General on— |
(1) Getting the evidence: Using research in policy making, and
(2) An international review on Governments' research procurement strategies
[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 586-I and -II] [Clerk of the House].
| 8 | Parliamentary Commissioner,—Third Report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, Session 2002–03, on Individual Learning Accounts [by Act]; to be printed [No. 633] [Clerk of the House]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Fireworks Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Joe Benton Chairman of Standing Committee C in respect of the Bill. |
| 2 | Marine Safety Bill,—The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee E (transferred from Standing Committee C) and has appointed Mr Alan Hurst Chairman. |
| 3 | Care Homes (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 534),—The Speaker has appointed Miss Ann Widdecombe Chairman of the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Regulations. |
| 4 | Health Protection Agency (Yr Asiantaeth Diogelu Iechyd) (Establishment) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 505) and the Health Protection Agency (Yr Asiantaeth Diogelu Iechyd) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 506),—The Speaker has appointed Mr Win Griffiths Chairman of the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Regulations. |
| 5 | Draft Electricity and Gas (Energy Efficiency Obligations) (Amendment) Order 2003,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Bob Blizzard, Chris McCafferty and Mr Shaun Woodward from the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Vera Baird, Julia Drown and Rob Marris. |
European Standing Committees
| 6 | The Speaker has appointed Mr John Cummings Chairman of European Standing Committee A in respect of European Union Document No. 13789/02 on the Quality of Bathing Water. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Environmental Audit,—Fifth Report from the Environmental Audit Committee [Waste—An Audit], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 99] [Mr John Horam]. |
| 2 | Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration [Ministerial Powers and the Prerogative]; to be printed [No. 642-i] [Tony Wright]. |
Page 326 Thursday 10th April 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
[No. 82; WH, No. 51.]
Thursday 10th April 2003.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock.
| Adjournment (National Institute for Clinical Excellence—Second Report from the Health Committee, Session 2001–02, and the Government's response thereto),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the sitting be now adjourned—(Mr Phil Woolas); |
And the sitting having continued for three hours, it was adjourned without Question put, till Tuesday 29th April, pursuant to Resolution [1st April].
[Adjourned at 5.30 p.m.
[No. 83.]
Friday 11th April 2003.
The House met at half-past Nine o'clock.
| 1 | The Speaker's Absence,—The House being met, and the Speaker having leave of absence pursuant to paragraph (3) of Standing Order No. 3 (Deputy Speaker), Sylvia Heal, the First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means, proceeded to the Table. |
PRAYERS.
| 2 | The First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means took the Chair as Deputy Speaker. |
| 3 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from electors within the Parliamentary constituency of Brentwood and Ongar against the unrestricted opening of pharmacies able to dispense NHS prescriptions was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 4 | Regulation of Child Care Providers Bill,—Geraint Davies, supported by Ms Debra Shipley, Jane Griffiths, Ms Karen Buck, Mr Brian H. Donohoe, John Austin, Julia Drown, Frank Cook, Chris McCafferty, Linda Perham, Ms Oona King and Siobhain McDonagh, presented a Bill to make provision about child care providers: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 13th June and to be printed [Bill 92]. |
| 5 | Ways and Means,—Amendment of the Law,—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed on 9th April,— |
(1) That it is expedient to amend the law with respect to the National Debt and the public revenue and to make further provision in connection with finance.
(2) This Resolution does not extend to the making of any amendment with respect to value added tax so as to provide—
(a) for zero-rating or exempting a supply, acquisition or importation;
(b) for refunding an amount of tax;
(c) for any relief, other than a relief that—
(i) so far as it is applicable to goods, applies to goods of every description, and
(ii) so far as it is applicable to services, applies to services of every description;
And the Question being again proposed:—The House resumed the adjourned Debate.
Ordered, That the Debate be now adjourned.—(Jim Fitzpatrick.)
Debate to be resumed on Monday 14th April.
| 6 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Jim Fitzpatrick); |
And the Motion having been made at half-past Two o'clock, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, till Monday 14th April.
[Adjourned at 3 p.m.
Page 327 Thursday 10th April 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
APPENDIX
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Local Government Finance,—Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 121) on Invest to Save Budget Round 5 Projects, Local e-Government Programme and e-Voting [by Act]; to be printed [No. 640] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Education,—Education (Student Support) (No. 2) Regulations 2002 (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1065), dated 7th April 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
| 3 | Financial Services and Markets,—Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Disclosure of Confidential Information) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1092), dated 10th April 2003 [by Act] [Ruth Kelly]. |
Other Papers:
| 4 | Competition Commission,—Report by the Competition Commission on the supply within the United Kingdom of prescription-only veterinary medicines [by Command] [Cm. 5781-I and -II] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
| 5 | Home Affairs,—Government Response to the Fourth Report from the Home Affairs Committee, Session 2001–02, on The Conduct of Investigations into Past Cases of Abuse in Children's Homes [by Command] [Cm. 5799] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 6 | Miscellaneous (No. 4, 2003),—Draft Agreement concerning the Shipwrecked Vessel RMS Titanic, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 5798] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 7 | Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on the Petition [26th March] from residents of Northern Ireland against the decision to stand down the Band of the Police Service of Northern Ireland [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House]. |
|
