Commons Journal

Session 2002-2003

Commons Journal 259
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II

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[No. 114.]
Monday 23rd June 2003.

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

1 First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Peter Pike reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Release of Short-Term Prisoners on Licence (Repeal of Age Restriction) Order 2003.

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

2 Opposition Day [10th allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the leader of the second largest opposition party in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider Opposition business.

Student finance,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House calls on the Government not to allow universities to introduce top-up fees—(Mr Phil Willis);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘congratulates the Government on its plan to abolish up-front tuition fees and to raise the threshold for repayment of loans from £10,000 to £15,000; endorses the further steps that the Government is taking to widen participation amongst students from deprived backgrounds—the establishment of the Office for Fair Access, the introduction from 2004–05 of a £1,000 grant for students from the poorest backgrounds and better support for part-time students; welcomes the sustained investment in higher education through annual increases of 6 per cent. in real terms over the next three years; and recognises the need to maintain UK universities at the forefront of world research and to equip the UK workforce with the high level skills needed to compete in the global marketplace', instead thereof.—(Alan Johnson.)

And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Annette Brooke, Mr Alan Reid: 193.

Tellers for the Noes, Margaret Moran, Mr John Heppell: 267.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Margaret Moran, Mr John Heppell: 281.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mark Hoban, Hugh Robertson: 175.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.

Resolved, That this House congratulates the Government on its plan to abolish up-front tuition fees and to raise the threshold for repayment of loans from £10,000 to £15,000; endorses the further steps that the Government is taking to widen participation amongst students from deprived backgrounds—the establishment of the Office for Fair Access, the introduction from 2004–05 of a £1,000 grant for students from the poorest backgrounds and better support for part-time students; welcomes the sustained investment in higher education through annual increases of 6 per cent. in real terms over the next three years; and recognises the need to maintain UK universities at the forefront of world research and to equip the UK workforce with the high level skills needed to compete in the global marketplace.

Transport,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House believes that for the duration of the crisis in transport the country requires a full-time Secretary of State for Transport—(Mr Don Foster);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 1, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘recognises the importance of transport infrastructure to continued growth and prosperity; welcomes the Government's commitment to a sustained improvement in the transport system; acknowledges that it inherited a legacy of decades of under-investment which continues to have severe adverse consequences for transport performance; notes the additional pressures which economic growth since 1997 is putting on the transport networks; welcomes the Government's continuing commitment to investment of £180 billion through the Ten Year Transport Plan and to its policies of balanced improvements to all modes of transport consistent with wider environmental objectives; recognises
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achievements already evident in, for example, improved rail rolling stock, falling numbers of road accidents and increased bus patronage; and believes that the Government has put the appropriate ministerial arrangements in place for further improvement', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Darling.)

And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;

Sir Robert Smith rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put.

And the Question being put, That the Question be now put:—It was agreed to.

And the Question being accordingly put;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Alan Reid, Richard Younger-Ross: 180.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Nick Ainger, Gillian Merron: 304.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Joan Ryan, Mr Nick Ainger: 300.

Tellers for the Noes, Richard Younger-Ross, Mr Alan Reid: 174.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.

Resolved, That this House recognises the importance of transport infrastructure to continued growth and prosperity; welcomes the Government's commitment to a sustained improvement in the transport system; acknowledges that it inherited a legacy of decades of under-investment which continues to have severe adverse consequences for transport performance; notes the additional pressures which economic growth since 1997 is putting on the transport networks; welcomes the Government's continuing commitment to investment of £180 billion through the Ten Year Transport Plan and to its policies of balanced improvements to all modes of transport consistent with wider environmental objectives; recognises achievements already evident in, for example, improved rail rolling stock, falling numbers of road accidents and increased bus patronage; and believes that the Government has put the appropriate ministerial arrangements in place for further improvement.

3 Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) (No. 2) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) (No. 2) Bill;

And a Motion being made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 56 (Consolidated Fund Bills), That the Bill be now read a second time;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Nick Ainger, Joan Ryan: 286.

Tellers for the Noes, Angela Watkinson, Mr Mark Francois: 137.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Bill was accordingly read a second time.

And the Question being put forthwith, That the Bill be now read the third time;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Nick Ainger, Joan Ryan: 275.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Robert Syms, Hugh Robertson: 116.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.

4 Religion or Belief Discrimination,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003, which were laid before this House on 8th May, be approved—(Derek Twigg):—It was agreed to.

5 Sexual Orientation Discrimination,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003, which were laid before this House on 8th May, be approved—(Derek Twigg);

And the Deputy Speaker's opinion as to the decision of the Question being challenged, the Division was deferred till Wednesday 25th June, pursuant to Orders [28th June 2001 and 29th October 2002].

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6 Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Thursday 26th June, the Speaker shall put the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the Motions in the name of Peter Hain relating to Standards and Privileges, Standards and Privileges: Amendments to Standing Orders and Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards: Term of Office not later than Six o'clock; the Questions shall include the Questions on any Amendments selected by the Speaker which may then be moved; the Questions may be decided after the moment of interruption; and the Orders of the House of 28th June 2001 and 29th October 2002 relating to deferred Divisions shall not apply.—(Derek Twigg.)

7 Northern Ireland Grand Committee,—Ordered, That—

(1) the proposal for a draft Employment (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 be referred to the Northern Ireland Grand Committee;

(2) the Committee shall meet at Westminster on Tuesday 8th July at half-past Two o'clock; and

(3) at that sitting—

(a) the Committee shall consider the legislative proposal referred to it under paragraph (1) above;

(b) the Chairman shall interrupt proceedings not later than two and a half hours after their commencement; and

(c) 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 paragraph (5) of Standing Order No. 116 (Northern Ireland Grand Committee (sittings)).—(Derek Twigg.)

8 Foreign Affairs,—Ordered, That Sir Patrick Cormack be discharged from the Foreign Affairs Committee and Richard Ottaway be added to the Committee.—(Mr John McWilliam, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

9 Accommodation and Works,—Ordered, That Keith Hill be discharged from the Accommodation and Works Committee and Mr Bob Ainsworth be added to the Committee.—(Mr John McWilliam, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

10 Health,—Ordered, That Sandra Gidley be discharged from the Health Committee and Mr Paul Burstow be added to the Committee.—(Mr John McWilliam, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

11 Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from residents of Wilmslow, Nether Alderley, Northwick, Barnton, Alderley Edge and surrounding areas 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.

12 Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Derek Twigg);

And the Motion having been made after Ten 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, it being then twenty-seven minutes to Twelve o'clock, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 11.33 p.m.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1 Education,—Education (Grants for Disabled Postgraduate Students) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1588), dated 16th June 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke].

2 Immigration,—Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) (Amendment) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1598), dated 18th June 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

3 London Government,—(1) Croydon Tramlink (Penalty Fares) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1614),

(2) Transport for London (Consequential Provisions) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1615), and

(3) Transport for London (Reserved Services) (London Underground Limited) Exception Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1613)

dated 20th June 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

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Other Papers:

4 Criminal Appeal,—Account of the Criminal Cases Review Commission for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 845] [Clerk of the House].

5 Defence,—Ministry of Defence Minute, dated 23rd June 2003, concerning contingent liabilities relating to the gifting of non-core Ministry of Defence sites in Northern Ireland to the Office of the First Minister/Deputy First Minister [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hoon].

6 Government Trading Funds,—Accounts of the Meteorological Office for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 638] [Clerk of the House].

7 Peru (No. 1, 2003),—Agreement, done at Lima on 7th March 2003, between the Government of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland and the Government of Peru on the Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 5852] [Mr Secretary Straw].

8 Work and Pensions,—Department of Work and Pensions Minute, dated 23rd June 2003, concerning contingent liabilities relating to an extension to Remploy's overdraft limit [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Draft Release of Short-Term Prisoners on Licence (Repeal of Age Restriction) Order 2003,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Stephen McCabe from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Tony Colman.

2 Section 5 of the European Communities Act 1993 (Government's Assessment as set out in Budget 2003),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Gerry Sutcliffe from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Assessment); and nominated in substitution Jim Fitzpatrick.

3 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 Committee of Selection has discharged Ms Hazel Blears and Jim Fitzpatrick from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Orders); and nominated in substitution Miss Melanie Johnson and Joan Ryan.

4 Tobacco Products (Description of Products) Order 2003,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Barbara Follett, Mr Peter Mandelson and Helen Southworth from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Order); and nominated in substitution Mrs Lorna Fitzsimons, Huw Irranca-Davies and Kali Mountford.

5 Draft Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (Juxtaposed Controls) Order 2003,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr David Cameron from the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Jonathan Sayeed.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 Education and Skills,—(1) Fifth Report from the Education and Skills Committee [The Future of Higher Education], with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 425];

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Secondary Education: Teacher Retention]; to be printed [No. 714-iv]; and

(3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [The Future of Higher Education]

[Mr Barry Sheerman].

2 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 [The Draft Housing Bill]; to be printed [No. 751-iii] [Andrew Bennett].

3 Public Accounts,—(1) Thirty-second Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [The Highways Agency: Maintaining England's Motorways and Trunk Roads]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 556];

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(2) Thirty-third Report from the Committee [Ensuring the effective discharge of older patients from NHS acute hospitals]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 459];

(3) Thirty-fourth Report from the Committee [Office of Fair Trading: Progress in protecting consumers' interests]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 546]; and

(4) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The Department of Trade and Industry: Regional Grants in England]; to be printed [No. 857-i]

[Mr Edward Leigh].

THE SPEAKER'S CERTIFICATE

The Speaker certified that the Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) (No. 2) Bill is a Money Bill within the meaning of the Parliament Act 1911.

[No. 115.]
Tuesday 24th June 2003.

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

1 Mersey Tunnels Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for further consideration of the Mersey Tunnels Bill, as amended in the Committee;

Ordered, That the Bill be further considered on Tuesday 1st July.

2 London Local Authorities and Transport for London Bill [Lords],—David Hamilton reported from the Committee on the London Local Authorities and Transport for London Bill [Lords], That it had examined the allegations contained in the Preamble of the Bill and found the same to be true; and had gone through the Bill and made Amendments thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Committee, to lie upon the Table.

3 Sustainable Energy Bill,—Mr Eric Illsley reported from Standing Committee C, That it had gone through the Sustainable Energy Bill, and made Amendments thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered on Friday 4th July; and to be printed [Bill 133].

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 858].

4 Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Alan Hurst reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Amendment) Regulations 2003.

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

5 Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Miss Anne Begg reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Tobacco Products (Description of Products) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1471).

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

6 Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Roger Gale reported from the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) (Amendment) Order 2003, the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (No. 1) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1475), the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1476) and the draft Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Exemption) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2003.

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

7 Welsh Grand Committee,—Mr Win Griffiths reported from the Welsh Grand Committee, That it had considered the matter of the Economy in Wales, referred to it on 19th May.

8 Road Safety,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to provide local traffic authorities with powers to develop urban safety hierarchies; to identify 20 mph zones and Home Zones; to require the Secretary of State to issue guidance on the setting of speed limits; and for connected purposes: And that Mr Mark Lazarowicz, Helen Jackson, Julia Drown, Peter Bottomley, Joan Walley, Mr David Kidney, Mr Andrew Dismore, Mr Brian H. Donohoe, Mr Don Foster, Tom Brake, Rob Marris and David Wright do prepare and bring it in.

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9 Road Safety Bill,—Mr Mark Lazarowicz accordingly presented a Bill to provide local traffic authorities with powers to develop urban safety hierarchies; to identify 20 mph zones and Home Zones; to require the Secretary of State to issue guidance on the setting of speed limits; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 11th July and to be printed [Bill 132].

10 Anti-social Behaviour Bill (Programme) (No. 2),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the Programme Order of 8th April 2003 in relation to the Anti-social Behaviour Bill be varied as follows—

Consideration and Third Reading

1. Paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Order shall be omitted.

2. Proceedings on consideration shall be taken in the order shown in the first column of the following Table.

3. The proceedings shown in the first column of the Table shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the time specified in the second column of the Table.

Proceedings Time for conclusion of proceedings

Amendments to Part 1, new Clauses relating to Part 1, new Schedules relating to Part 1, Amendments to Clauses Nos. 12 to 14, Schedule No. 1 and Clauses Nos. 15 to 17, new Clauses relating to Part 2, new Schedules relating to Part 2, Amendments to Part 3, new Clauses relating to Part 3, new Schedules relating to Part 3. An hour and three quarters after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion for this Order.

Amendments to Part 4, new Clauses relating to Part 4, new Schedules relating to Part 4, Amendments to Clauses Nos. 36 to 39, Schedule No. 2 and Clauses Nos. 40 and 41, new Clauses relating to Part 5, new Schedules relating to Part 5. Three and a quarter hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion for this Order.

Amendments to Part 6, new Clauses relating to Part 6, new Schedules relating to Part 6, Amendments to Part 7, new Clauses relating to Part 7, new Schedules relating to Part 7, remaining new Clauses, remaining new Schedules, Amendments to Clause 56, Schedule No. 3 and Clauses Nos. 57 to 61, remaining proceedings on the Bill. Five hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion for this Order.

4. Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion six hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion for this Order—(Ms Hazel Blears);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Derek Twigg, Mr Vernon Coaker: 282.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mark Hoban, Mr Mark Francois: 175.

So the Question was agreed to.

11 Anti-social Behaviour Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Anti-social Behaviour Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

Amendment (No. 62) proposed to the Bill, in page 1, line 8, after ‘A', to insert the words ‘B or C'.—(Mr Nick Hawkins.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Amendments (Nos. 30 and 10 to 12) made to the Bill.

It being an hour and three quarters after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to Anti-social Behaviour Bill (Programme) (No. 2), the Deputy Speaker, pursuant to Order [this day], put the Questions on the Amendments and new Clause moved by a Minister of the Crown to be disposed of at that hour.

Other Amendments (Nos. 13 to 23, 1, 41 to 45, 35, 46 to 49, 36 and 37) made to the Bill.

A Clause (Parenting orders under the 1998 Act)—(Mr John Heppell)—brought up and added to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 82) proposed to the Bill, in page 24, line 28, to leave out Clause No. 29.—(Simon Hughes.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Alan Reid, Tom Brake: 48.

Tellers for the Noes, Joan Ryan, Mr Fraser Kemp: 415.

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It being more than three and a quarter hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to Anti-social Behaviour Bill (Programme) (No. 2), the Deputy Speaker put the Question on the Amendments moved by a Minister of the Crown to be disposed of at that hour.

Other Amendments (Nos. 38 to 40, 31 and 33) made to the Bill.

Other Amendments (Nos. 3 to 8) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 24) proposed to the Bill, in page 38, line 18, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(2A) In the case of a relevant offence falling within section 49(1)(f), an authorised officer may not give a notice to a person under subsection (1) in relation to the display of an advertisement unless he has reason to believe that that person personally affixed or placed the advertisement to, against or upon the land or object on which the advertisement is or was displayed.'.—(Ms Hazel Blears.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made.

And it being five hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to Anti-social Behaviour Bill (Programme) (No. 2), the Deputy Speaker put the Question already proposed from the Chair:—It was agreed to.

The Deputy Speaker then put the Questions on the Amendments and new Clauses moved by a Minister of the Crown to be disposed of at that hour.

Other Amendments (Nos. 25 and 26) made to the Bill.

Another Clause (Graffiti removal notices)—(Mr John Heppell)—brought up and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Exemption from liability in relation to graffiti removal notices)—(Mr John Heppell)—brought up and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Power to remove trespassers: alternative site available)—(Mr John Heppell)—brought up and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Failure to comply with direction: offences)—(Mr John Heppell)—brought up and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Failure to comply with direction: seizure)—(Mr John Heppell)—brought up and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Common land: modifications)—(Mr John Heppell)—brought up and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Interpretation)—(Mr John Heppell)—brought up and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Aggravated trespass)—(Mr John Heppell)—brought up and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Public assemblies)—(Mr John Heppell)—brought up and added to the Bill.

Other Amendments (Nos. 9, 79, 34, 32 and 78) made to the Bill.

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Bridget Prentice, Margaret Moran: 419.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Andrew Stunell, Annette Brooke: 43.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.

12 Licensing Bill [Lords] (Programme) (No. 3),—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 Licensing Bill [Lords] for the purpose of supplementing the Orders of 24th March 2003 and 16th June 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 one hour after their commencement.

2. Those proceedings shall be taken in the following order, namely, the Lords Amendment in lieu of Commons Amendment No. 62, the Lords Reasons for disagreeing to Commons Amendments Nos. 6, 15, 16, 20 and 21 and the Lords Amendment in lieu of words left out of the Bill by Commons Amendment No. 50.

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Subsequent stages

3. Any further message from the Lords may be considered forthwith without any Question put.

4. 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—(Mr Jim Murphy);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Bridget Prentice, Margaret Moran: 274.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mark Hoban, Angela Watkinson: 158.

So the Question was agreed to.

13 Licensing Bill [Lords],—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments and Reasons relating to the Licensing Bill [Lords].

Commons Amendment No. 62.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House insists on its Amendment No. 62 to which the Lords have disagreed and disagrees to the Amendment (No. 62A) proposed by the Lords instead of that Amendment—(Mr Richard Caborn);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Jim Murphy, Paul Clark: 268.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mark Hoban, Mr Mark Francois: 159.

So the Question was agreed to.

It being more than one hour after the commencement of proceedings on the Lords Amendments and Reasons, the Deputy Speaker, pursuant to Order [this day], put the Questions necessary to dispose of the business to be concluded at that hour.

An Amendment ((a)) was made to the Bill in lieu of Lords Amendment No. 62A disagreed to.

Commons Amendment No. 21.

Resolved, That this House does not insist on its Amendment No. 21, to which the Lords have disagreed.—(Mr Nick Ainger.)

Amendments ((a) to (h)) were made to the Bill in lieu of Commons Amendment No. 21.

Resolved, That this House does not insist on its Amendments Nos. 6, 15, 16 and 20, to which the Lords have disagreed, and agrees to Lords Amendment No. 50A, in lieu of Commons Amendment No. 50.—(Mr Nick Ainger.)

14 Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from residents of Pudsey Constituency and others 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.

15 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Joan Ryan.)

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

[Adjourned at 10.01 p.m.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1 Constitutional Law,—Draft Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) (No. 2) Order 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2 Food,—Condensed Milk and Dried Milk (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1596), dated 17th June 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].

3 Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,—(1) Statute, dated 1st December 2001, made by the Governing Body of All Souls College, Oxford, amending the Statutes of the College, and

(2) Statute, dated 15th May 2002, made by the Governing Body of Wadham College, Oxford, amending the Statutes of the College

[by Act] [Mr Christopher Leslie].

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Other Papers:

4 Caribbean and North Atlantic Territories,—Cayman Islands (Constitution) (Amendment) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1515), dated 12th June 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

5 Government Trading Funds,—Report and Accounts of the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 731] [Clerk of the House].

6 Health,—Paper, entitled Our Inheritance, Our Future—Realising the potential of genetics in the NHS [by Command] [Cms. 5791-I and -II] [Mr Secretary Reid].

7 Health Service Commissioner,—Fourth Report of the Health Service Commissioner, Session 2002–03: Annual Report for 2002–03; and

(2) Fifth Report of the Health Service Commissioner, Session 2002–03: Investigations Completed—December 2002–March 2003

[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 760 and 787] [Clerk of the House].

8 Proceeds of Crime,—Report of the Appointed Person for England and Wales and Northern Ireland under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 for 2002–03 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

9 Public Petitions,—Observations from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on the Petition [11th June] from the residents of the Martins Wood ward of the town of Stevenage against the sale for development of a play area between Martins Wood and Vardons Road [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

10 Trade and Industry,—Draft Nuclear Sites and Radioactive Substances Bill, with explanatory notes [by Command] [Cm. 5858] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

Papers withdrawn:

11 Constitutional Law,—Draft Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) (No. 2) Order 2003 [laid 19th June].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Courts Bill [Lords],—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Fraser Kemp from Standing Committee D (nominated in respect of the Bill); and nominated in substitution Bridget Prentice.

2 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 Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Nigel Evans from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Orders); and nominated in substitution Chris Grayling.

3 Draft Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Amendment) Regulations 2003,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr John Baron, Jim Dobbin and Diana Organ from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Paul Goodman, Valerie Davey and Mr James Plaskitt.

4 Draft Army, Air Force and Naval Discipline Acts (Continuation) Order 2003 and the draft Armed Forces (Review of Search and Seizure) Order 2003,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr James Plaskitt and Roger Berry from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Orders); and nominated in substitution Mr Anthony D. Wright.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [British Film Industry]; to be printed [No. 667-vii] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].

2 Foreign Affairs,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [FCO Annual Report 2003]; to be printed [No. 859-i]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The Decision to go to War in Iraq]; to be printed [No. 813-vii and -viii]

[Donald Anderson].

3 Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Maternity Services Sub-Committee of the Health Committee [Choice in Maternity Services]; to be printed [No. 796-ii] [Julia Drown].

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4 Home Affairs,—Fifth Report from the Home Affairs Committee [Sexual Offences Bill], with the Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings relating to the Report [No. 639] [David Winnick].

5 International Development,—Memoranda laid before the International Development Committee [Trade and Development: Aspects of the Doha Agenda] [Tony Baldry].

6 Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions,—(1) Ninth Report from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee [Reducing Regional Disparities in Prosperity]; 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. 492-I]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The Draft Housing Bill]; to be printed [No. 751-iv]

[Andrew Bennett].

7 Statutory Instruments,—Twenty-third Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 96-xxiii] [Mr David Tredinnick].

8 Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [Bank of England May 2003 Inflation Report]; to be printed [No. 817-ii] [Mr John McFall].

[No. 115; WH, No. 73.]

Tuesday 24th June 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—(Mr Fraser Kemp);

And the sitting having continued for two and a half hours after Two o'clock, it was adjourned without Question put, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 4.40 p.m.

[No. 116.]
Wednesday 25th June 2003.

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

1 Female Genital Mutilation Bill,—Mr Roger Gale reported from Standing Committee C, That it had gone through the Female Genital Mutilation Bill, and directed him to report the same, without Amendment.

Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered on Friday 4th July.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 879].

2 Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—David Taylor reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 122) on local authorities with autonomy on formulaic capital allowances.

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

3 Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Miss Anne Begg reported from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Army, Air Force and Naval Discipline Acts (Continuation) Order 2003 and the draft Armed Forces (Review of Search and Seizure) Order 2003.

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

4 Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Peter Pike reported from the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (Juxtaposed Controls) Order 2003.

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

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5 Historic Counties (Traffic Signs and Mapping),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the law so as to require the Ordnance Survey of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to mark the boundaries of the historic counties on its maps; to require traffic authorities to cause traffic signs to be placed on or near roads for the purpose of indicating the location of historic county boundaries; and for connected purposes: And that Mr John Randall, Mr David Amess, Mr Harry Barnes, Mr David Curry, Mr Nigel Evans, Mr Adrian Flook, Mr David Hinchliffe, Mr Elfyn Llwyd, Andrew Rosindell, Mr Hugo Swire, Mr David Wilshire and Sir Nicholas Winterton do prepare and bring it in.

6 Historic Counties (Traffic Signs and Mapping) Bill,—Mr John Randall accordingly presented a Bill to amend the law so as to require the Ordnance Survey of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to mark the boundaries of the historic counties on its maps; to require traffic authorities to cause traffic signs to be placed on or near roads for the purpose of indicating the location of historic county boundaries; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 11th July and to be printed [Bill 134].

7 Opposition Day [11th allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the Leader of the Opposition in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider Opposition business.

University Tuition Fees,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes the views of the National Union of Students about university tuition fees; and believes that the consequence of the Government's proposal relating to tuition fees will be to act as a severe deterrent to many students from hard-working but less well-off families, who will not be eligible for the £1,000 maintenance grant, from applying to university—(Mr Damian Green);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘rejects any proposal to abolish the existing fee of £1,100, which would lead to substantial reductions in the numbers of places in higher education and, as a consequence, fewer lecturers and a lower quality higher education experience; congratulates the Government on its plan to abolish up front tuition fees and to raise the threshold for repayment of loans from £10,000 to £15,000; welcomes the steps that the Government is taking to widen participation amongst students from deprived backgrounds, the establishment of the Office for Fair Access, the introduction from 2004–05 of a £1,000 grant for students from the poorest backgrounds and better support for part-time students; condemns any proposal to withdraw the funding that is already being spent on widening participation, which would lead to fewer students from deprived backgrounds entering higher education and completing their degrees; and supports the continued expansion in participation planned by the Government and the part to be played by foundation degrees designed in collaboration with employers as an appropriate strategy to equip the UK workforce with the high level skills needed to compete in the global marketplace', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Clarke.)

And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;

8 Deferred Divisions,—The Deputy Speaker announced the results of the Division which had been deferred to this day, pursuant to the Orders of the House [28th June 2001 and 29th October 2002]:

Sexual Orientation Discrimination,—That the draft Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003, which were laid before this House on 8th May, be approved.

Ayes: 267.

Noes: 54.

So the Question was agreed to.

9 Opposition Day,—University Tuition Fees,—The Question being again proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;

Mr Patrick McLoughlin rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put.

And the Question being put, That the Question be now put:—It was agreed to.

And the Question being accordingly put;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Laurence Robertson, Mr Mark Francois: 191.

Tellers for the Noes, Paul Clark, Jim Fitzpatrick: 293.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments):—It was agreed to.

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The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.

Resolved, That this House rejects any proposal to abolish the existing fee of £1,100, which would lead to substantial reductions in the numbers of places in higher education and, as a consequence, fewer lecturers and a lower quality higher education experience; congratulates the Government on its plan to abolish up front tuition fees and to raise the threshold for repayment of loans from £10,000 to £15,000; welcomes the steps that the Government is taking to widen participation amongst students from deprived backgrounds, the establishment of the Office for Fair Access, the introduction from 2004–05 of a £1,000 grant for students from the poorest backgrounds and better support for part-time students; condemns any proposal to withdraw the funding that is already being spent on widening participation, which would lead to fewer students from deprived backgrounds entering higher education and completing their degrees; and supports the continued expansion in participation planned by the Government and the part to be played by foundation degrees designed in collaboration with employers as an appropriate strategy to equip the UK workforce with the high level skills needed to compete in the global marketplace.

Fair Terms for International Trade,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House shares the concern of the Trade Justice Movement about the plight of the poorest people in the world, and congratulates the Movement on bringing their conditions to the attention of the public; notes with concern the fact that a billion people live on less than a dollar a day, that life expectancy in many African countries is declining, and that 30 million people in Africa have HIV/AIDS; believes that rising levels of international trade and trade liberalisation offer the best hope of alleviating poverty in the developing world; calls for high quality legal and economic advice for developing countries on trade issues; further believes that the Government has failed to do enough to promote trade liberalisation, to reform agricultural subsidies and to phase out European trade barriers; and further calls on the Government to use the World Trade Organisation meeting at Cancun to do more to reform the international trade rules to give poor countries a fair deal on international trade—(Mrs Caroline Spelman);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘congratulates the Trade Justice Movement on bringing the plight of the poorest people in the world to the attention of the public; notes with concern the fact that a billion people live on less than a dollar a day, that life expectancy in many African countries is declining, and that 30 million people in Africa have HIV/AIDS; reaffirms the commitment made in the 2000 White Paper “Eliminating World Poverty: A Challenge for the 21st Century” to improving international trade rules so that they work for all countries, and especially the poorest, in helping to reduce poverty; notes that the successful pursuit of trade reform through the Doha round of multilateral negotiations could contribute substantially to the Millennium Development Goals; welcomes the substantial efforts the Government is making to promote trade liberalisation, reform agricultural subsidies and phase out European trade barriers; believes that significant progress must be made to improve access for developing countries to developed country markets; further believes that a solution to the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and public health negotiations is urgently needed; and welcomes the commitment to ensuring that the Doha round produces real benefits for the poor', instead thereof.—(Hilary Benn.)

And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;

David Maclean rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put.

And the Question being put, That the Question be now put:—It was agreed to.

And the Question being accordingly put;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Wilshire, Mr Mark Francois: 177.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Jim Murphy, Charlotte Atkins: 295.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments):—It was agreed to.

The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.

Resolved, That this House congratulates the Trade Justice Movement on bringing the plight of the poorest people in the world to the attention of the public; notes with concern the fact that a billion people live on less than a dollar a day, that life expectancy in many African countries is declining, and that 30 million people in Africa have HIV/AIDS; reaffirms the commitment made in the 2000 White Paper ‘Eliminating World Poverty: A Challenge for the 21st Century' to improving international trade rules so that they work
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for all countries, and especially the poorest, in helping to reduce poverty; notes that the successful pursuit of trade reform through the Doha round of multilateral negotiations could contribute substantially to the Millennium Development Goals; welcomes the substantial efforts the Government is making to promote trade liberalisation, reform agricultural subsidies and phase out European trade barriers; believes that significant progress must be made to improve access for developing countries to developed country markets; further believes that a solution to the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and public health negotiations is urgently needed; and welcomes the commitment to ensuring that the Doha round produces real benefits for the poor.

10 Prisons,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Release of Short-Term Prisoners on Licence (Repeal of Age Restriction) Order 2003, which was laid before this House on 5th June, be approved—(Derek Twigg):—It was agreed to.

11 Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from—

(1) pupils of Ashdown School, Poole, for improved funding for schools,

(2) customers of pharmacies in Petts Wood, Biggin Hill, Crofton Road and St Paul's Cray against the unrestricted opening of pharmacies able to dispense NHS prescriptions,

(3) Jeff White, Kate Knight and others for the return of two geese removed from the banks of the River Parrett at Bridgwater, and

(4) residents of Watchett, Somerset, for amendment of the plans for housing development on Severn Terrace Fields

were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

12 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Derek Twigg.)

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 Affirmative Resolution:

1 Animals,—Draft Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease (England and Wales) Order 2003 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

2 Social Security,—Draft Social Security (Jobcentre Plus Interviews for Partners) Regulations 2003 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

3 Pensions (Northern Ireland),—Pensions Appeal Tribunals (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Rules 2003 (S.R. (N.I.), 2003, No. 316), dated 20th June 2003 [by Act] [Mr Christopher Leslie].

4 Sports Grounds and Sporting Events,—Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No. 2) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1637), dated 24th June 2003 [by Act] [Secretary Tessa Jowell].

5 Social Security,—Social Security (Back to Work Bonus and Lone Parent Run-on) (Amendment and Revocation) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1589), dated 17th June 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

Other Papers:

6 Audit (Northern Ireland),—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland on the Investigation of Suspected Fraud in the Water Service [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 735] [The Clerk of the House].

7 Broadcasting,—(1) Report, and

(2) Statement of Accounts

of S4C for 2002 [by Act] [Secretary Tessa Jowell].

8 Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration,—Supplement to the Thirty-second Report for 2003 of the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration [by Command] [Cm. 5722] [The Prime Minister].

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9 Environmental Pollution,—Twenty-fourth Report of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, on Chemicals in Products: Safeguarding the Environment and Human Health [by Command] [Cm. 5827] [Mr David Lammy].

10 Health,—Department of Health Minute, dated 25th June 2003, concerning a proposed contingent liability for a review into the efficacy and safety of treatments offered by the Breakspear Hospital [by Command] [Mr Secreatry Reid].

11 Public Accounts,—Treasury Minute on the Thirteenth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 2002–03 [by Command] [Cm. 5849] [John Healey].

12 Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the Petitions [15th May] [one Petition] from United Kingdom citizens; [16th May] [two Petitions] from residents of Ilford North; and electors within the Parliamentary constituency of Ryedale; [20th May] [two Petitions] from residents of Buckinghamshire; and users of Knights Pharmacy, Longbridge, Birmingham and other residents; [21st May] [one Petition] from Ruth M Ingham and others; [22nd May] [one Petition] from residents of South Swindon; [five Petitions] from residents of Newcastle-under-Lyme; Michael Morrell; Richard Else; Anthony Milward; Judith Hogan and users of Hollowood Chemists; and [11th June] [one Petition] from residents of Reading and Woodley against the unrestricted opening of pharmacies able to dispense NHS prescriptions [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

13 Romania (No. 1, 2003),—Agreement, done at Bucharest on 20th February 2003, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Romania on the Readmission of Persons—Protocol for the implementation of the Agreement, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 5856] [Mr Secretary Straw].

14 Treaty Series (No. 59, 2002),—Third Supplementary List of Ratifications, Accessions, Withdrawals, etc., for 2002 [Cm. 5855] [Mr Secretary Straw].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Female Genital Mutilation Bill,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Hilary Benn and Paul Clark from Standing Committee C (in respect of the Bill); and nominated in substitution Paul Goggins and Helen Jackson.

2 Draft Asylum (Designated States) (No. 2) Order 2003:

(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: Annette Brooke, David Cairns, Mr James Clappison, Mr Wayne David, Angela Eagle, Paul Flynn, Mr Derek Foster, Mr Mark Francois, Mr Barry Gardiner, Mr Dominic Grieve, Mr John Heppell, Beverley Hughes, Simon Hughes, Mr Richard Page, Mr Sion Simon and Mr Graham Stringer.

3 Draft Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Port Waste Reception Facilities) Regulations 2003:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Ms Diane Abbott, Ann Coffey, Paul Farrelly, Mr Don Foster, Andrew George, Mr Nick Gibb, Mr David Heyes, Helen Jackson, Mr David Jamieson, Helen Jones, Miss Anne McIntosh, Gillian Merron, Mr George Osborne, Mr Ken Purchase, Mr Robert Syms and Mr Paul Truswell.

4 Draft Electricity and Gas (Modification of Standard Conditions of Licences) Order 2003:

(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: Charlotte Atkins, Mr Roger Berry, Dr Vincent Cable, Mr Jonathan Djanogly, Mr Bill Etherington, Mr Mark Field, Barbara Follett, Patrick Hall, Tony Lloyd, Mr Alan Meale, Mr Austin Mitchell, Mr Andrew Robathan, Hugh Robertson, Ian Stewart, Mr Andrew Stunell and Mr Stephen Timms.

5 Draft Contracting Out (Function in relation to the Management of Crown Lands) Order 2003:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and

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(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Vera Baird, Mr Ben Chapman, Michael Fabricant, Mr Adrian Flook, Nick Harvey, Mr Mark Hoban, Dr Brian Iddon, Mr Fraser Kemp, Mr Peter Mandelson, Julie Morgan, Estelle Morris, Mr Malcolm Moss, Dr Nick Palmer, Mr Adrian Sanders, Mark Tami and David Winnick.

6 Value Added Tax (Finance) Order 2003:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the 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 Bob Blizzard, Mrs Helen Clark, Jim Dobbin, Jim Fitzpatrick, John Healey, Lynne Jones, Norman Lamb, Mr David Laws, Mr Stephen O'Brien, Linda Perham, Mr David Ruffley, Helen Southworth, Mr Andrew Tyrie, Mr Tom Watson, Brian White and Mr David Wilshire.

7 Draft Representation of the People (Form of Canvass) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2003:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Nicholas Brown, Mr Kenneth Clarke, Ann Clwyd, Mr Vernon Coaker, Denzil Davies, Mr Dai Havard, Lady Hermon, Mr John Horam, Ms Sally Keeble, Shona McIsaac, Mr Jim Marshall, Lembit Opik, Mr John Spellar, Mr Gerry Steinberg, Mr John Taylor and Mr David Wilshire.

8 Draft Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Canada) Order 2003 and the draft Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Mauritius) Order 2003:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Orders to the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr John Burnett, John Cryer, Mr Jim Cunningham, Mr Parmjit Dhanda, Jim Fitzpatrick, Alan Howarth, Norman Lamb, Mr David Lepper, Ann McKechin, Dawn Primarolo, Mr Mark Prisk, Mrs Barbara Roche, Mr Richard Shepherd, Helen Southworth, Mr Michael Trend and Mr David Wilshire.

9 Draft Greater London Authority Elections (Election Addresses) Order 2003:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Tom Brake, Mr Colin Challen, Mr Michael Clapham, Paul Clark, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Iain Coleman, Clive Efford, Mr Mark Field, Linda Gilroy, Matthew Green, Keith Hill, Glenda Jackson, Chris McCafferty, Dr Doug Naysmith, Mr John Randall and Mr Andrew Rosindell.

10 Draft Insolvency Act 1986 (Amendment) (Administrative Receivership and Urban Regeneration etc.) Order 2003:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Eleventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Charlotte Atkins, Mr Henry Bellingham, Dr Vincent Cable, Harry Cohen, Brian Cotter, Mr Jim Cousins, Mr Robert Jackson, Mr Peter Kilfoyle, Rosemary McKenna, Mr David Marshall, Patrick Mercer, Mr Andrew Miller, Mr Denis Murphy, Dan Norris, Hugh Robertson and Mr Gerry Sutcliffe.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee [Defence Procurement and Lessons of Iraq]; to be printed [Nos. 694-iii and 695-v] [Mr Bruce George].

2 Education and Skills,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education and Skills Committee [Public Expenditure]; to be printed [No. 864-i] [Mr Barry Sheerman].

3 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—(1) Tenth Report from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee [Horticulture Research International]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 873]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Lord Haskins' Rural Delivery Review]; to be printed [No. 874]

[Mr David Curry].

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4 European Scrutiny,—(1) Twenty-sixth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee [The Convention's proposals on criminal justice], 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. 63-xxvi]; and

(2) Twenty-seventh Report from the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 63-xxvii]

[Mr Jim Marshall].

5 Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [The Decision to go to War in Iraq]; to be printed [No. 813-ix] [Donald Anderson].

6 Transport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Committee [Leadership and Regulation in the Rail Industry?]; to be printed [No. 875-i] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

7 Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Treasury Committee [The UK Debt Management Office]; to be printed [No. 884-i] [Mr John McFall].

8 Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [Wales Office Departmental Report 2003]; to be printed [No. 883] [Mr Martyn Jones].

9 Work and Pensions,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Work and Pensions Committee [European Social Fund]; to be printed [No. 680-iii] [Sir Archy Kirkwood].

[No. 116; WH, No. 74.]

Wednesday 25th June 2003.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall

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

Adjournment,—A Motion made, and the Question being proposed, That the sitting be now adjourned—(Charlotte Atkins);

And the sitting having continued for two and a half hours after Two o'clock, it was adjourned without Question put, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 4.45 p.m.

[No. 117.]
Thursday 26th June 2003.

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

1 Private Bills (Standing Orders not previously inquired into complied with),—The Speaker laid upon the Table a Report from one of the Examiners of Petitions for Private Bills, That in the case of the following Bill, referred after the Second Reading thereof, the Standing Orders not previously inquired into, which are applicable thereto, have been complied with:

Transas Group Bill.

Bill committed.

2 Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Win Griffiths reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the 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).

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

3 Smoking (Restaurants) Bill,—The Order for reading the Smoking (Restaurants) Bill a second time on Friday 11th July was read and discharged.

Bill withdrawn.

4 Standards and Privileges,—Resolved, That this House takes note of the Eighth Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life (Cm. 5663), the Response to that Report by the House of Commons Commission (House of Commons Paper No. 422), and the Second Report of the Committee on Standards and Privileges (House of Commons Paper No. 403); and agrees with the recommendation in paragraph 50 of that Report that, in appropriate cases, the House should impose a penalty of withholding a Member's salary for a specified period without suspending the Member.—(Mr Peter Hain.)

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5 Standards and Privileges: Amendments to Standing Orders,—Ordered, That—

(1) Standing Order No. 149 (Committee on Standards and Privileges) be amended in line 39, after second ‘time', by inserting ‘, to appoint legal advisers'; and

(2) Standing Order No. 150 (Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards) be amended as follows:

(a) line 33, at end add ‘unless the provisions of paragraph (2A) apply.

(2A) No report shall be made by the Commissioner if, in any case where the Member concerned has agreed that he has failed to register or declare an interest, it is the Commissioner's opinion that the interest involved is minor, or the failure was inadvertent, and the Member concerned has taken such action by way of rectification as the Commissioner may have required within any procedure approved by the Committee for this purpose.

(2B) The Commissioner may at any time in the course of investigating a complaint, and if so requested by the Committee on Standards and Privileges shall, appoint an Investigatory Panel to assist him in establishing the facts relevant to the investigation.

(2C) An Investigatory Panel shall—

(a) consist of the Commissioner, who shall be Chairman of the Panel, and two assessors, one of whom shall be a legally qualified person appointed by the Commissioner and the other shall be a Member, who shall not be a member of the Committee on Standards and Privileges, appointed by the Speaker; and

(b) meet in private.

(2D) The Commissioner—

(a) shall determine the procedures of the Panel, subject to the provisions of this Order; and

(b) may appoint counsel for the purpose of assisting the Panel.

(2E) Any report that the Commissioner may have made to the Committee on Standards and Privileges in relation to the complaint before the appointment of the Panel shall be made available to the Panel by the Committee.

(2F) Any Member who is the subject of the complaint under investigation shall, if he so requests, be heard by the Panel; may call witnesses; and may examine other witnesses.

(2G) When the Panel has completed its proceedings—

(a) the Commissioner shall report as in paragraph (2)(e);

(b) the legal assessor shall report to the Committee on Standards and Privileges his opinion as to the extent to which its proceedings have been consistent with the principles of natural justice; and

(c) the Member assessor may report to the Committee on Standards and Privileges his opinion as to the extent to which its proceedings have had regard to the customs and practice of the House and its Members.

(2H) The Commissioner shall report each year to the House on the exercise by him of his functions.'.

(b) line 34, leave out paragraph (3) and add—

‘(3) The Commissioner may be dismissed only following a resolution of the House, moved for by a Member of the House of Commons Commission, after the Committee on Standards and Privileges has reported to the House that it is satisfied that the Commissioner is unfit to hold his office or unable to carry out his functions; and any such report shall include a statement of the Committee's reasons for its conclusion.'.—(Mr Phil Woolas.)

6 Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards: Term of Office,—Resolved, That this House agrees with the proposals of the House of Commons Commission in paragraphs 8 to 10 of its response to the Eighth Report from the Committee on Standards in Public Life (House of Commons Paper No. 422), that—

(a) any future appointment to the office of Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards shall be for a period of five years, and shall not be renewable; and

(b) notwithstanding the Resolution of the House of 13th February 2002, the appointment of the current Commissioner shall expire on 25th June 2008, and shall not be renewable.—(Mr Phil Woolas.)

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7 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Jim Fitzpatrick.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-three minutes past Four o'clock, adjourned till Monday 30th June.

[Adjourned at 4.23 p.m.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1 Education,—(1) Merrist Wood College (Dissolution) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1611), and

(2) Rycotewood College, Oxford College of Further Education and North Oxfordshire College and School of Art (Dissolution) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1610)

dated 18th June 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke].

2 Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping (Port State Control) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1636), dated 24th June 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

3 Tax Credits,—Tax Credits (Provision of Information) (Functions Relating to Health) (No. 2) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1650), dated 25th June 2003 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

Other Papers:

4 Industrial Development,—Report for 2002–03 by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, the First Minister of the Scottish Executive and the First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales under the Industrial Development Act 1982 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 852] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

5 Northern Ireland Office Executive Agencies,—Report of Forensic Science Northern Ireland for 2001–02 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 744] [Mr Secretary Murphy].

6 Police (Northern Ireland),—Report of the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland for 2002–03 [by Command] [Mr Secretary Murphy].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Retirement Income Reform Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Peter Atkinson Chairman of Standing Committee C in respect of the Bill.

2 Courts Bill [Lords],—The Speaker has appointed Mr Eric Illsley an additional Chairman of Standing Committee D in respect of the Bill.

3 Draft Asylum (Designated States) (No. 2) Order 2003,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Peter Pike Chairman of the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order.

4 Draft Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Port Waste Reception Facilities) Regulations 2003:

(1) The Speaker has appointed Miss Anne Begg Chairman of the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Regulations and

(2) The Committee of Selection has discharged Ann Coffey and Gillian Merron from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Charlotte Atkins and Mr David Borrow.

5 Draft Community Care Plans (Disapplication) (England) Order 2003,—The Speaker has appointed Mrs Marion Roe Chairman of the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order, in place of Mr Bill Olner.

6 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 Committee of Selection has discharged Hugh Bayley, Mr Russell Brown, Bridget Prentice and Mr Graham Stringer from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Order and Regulations); and nominated in substitution Tony Cunningham, Dr Brian Iddon, Mr Kelvin Hopkins and Mr Kevin Hughes.

7 Draft Representation of the People (Form of Canvass) (Scotland) Regulations 2003 and draft Representation of the People (Form of Canvass) (England and Wales) Regulations 2003,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Roger Gale Chairman of the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Regulations.

Page 491      Thursday 26th June 2003       2002-2003      Volume 259      Back to top

8 Draft Electricity and Gas (Modification of Standard Conditions of Licences) Order 2003,—The Speaker has appointed Derek Conway Chairman of the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order.

9 Draft Contracting Out (Function in relation to management of Crown Lands) Order 2003,—The Speaker has appointed Miss Anne Begg Chairman of the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order.

10 Value Added Tax (Finance) Order 2003:

(1) The Speaker has appointed Mr Alan Hurst Chairman of the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Order; and

(2) The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr David Ruffley from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Jonathan Sayeed.

11 Draft Representation of the People (Form of Canvass) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2003:

(1) The Speaker has appointed Mr Roger Gale Chairman of the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Regulations.

(2) The Committee of Selection has discharged Shona McIsaac from the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Tom Harris.

12 Draft Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Canada) Order 2003 and the draft Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Mauritius) Order 2003,—The Speaker has appointed Derek Conway Chairman of the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Orders.

13 Draft Greater London Authority Elections (Election Addresses) Order 2003,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown from the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Philip Hammond.

14 Draft Insolvency Act 1986 (Amendment) (Administrative Receivership and Urban Regeneration etc.) Order 2003,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Win Griffiths Chairman of the Eleventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order.

Grand Committees

15 The Speaker has appointed Mr John McWilliam Chairman of the Northern Ireland Grand Committee in respect of its meeting on Thursday 3rd July.

16 The Speaker has appointed Mr John McWilliam Chairman of the Northern Ireland Grand Committee in respect of its meeting on Tuesday 8th July.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee [Obesity]; to be printed [No. 755-ii] [Mr David Hinchliffe].

2 Public Administration,—Fourth Report from the Select Committee on Public Administration [Government by Appointment: Opening up the Patronage State], together with the Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 165-I and -II] [Tony Wright].

[No. 117; WH, No. 75.]

Thursday 26th June 2003.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall

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

Adjournment (Humanitarian Crisis in Southern Africa—Third Report from the International Development Committee, and the Government's response thereto),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Hilary Benn.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 1st July.

[Adjourned at 5.09 p.m.

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Prepared 24 October 2006