Commons Journal

Session 2002-2003

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

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[No. 123.]
Monday 7th July 2003.

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

1 Selection,—Ordered, That Phil Hope be discharged from the Committee of Selection and Lawrie Quinn be added to the Committee.—(Mr Bob Ainsworth.)

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

The Lords have agreed to the Marine Safety Bill, without Amendment.

3 First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Peter Pike reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Asylum (Designated States) (No. 2) Order 2003.

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

4 Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Miss Anne Begg reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Port Waste Reception Facilities) Regulations 2003.

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

5 Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr James Cran reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease (England and Wales) Order 2003.

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

6 Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mrs Marion Roe reported from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (Database Protection Agreement Between the United Kingdom on behalf of the Isle of Man and the European Community) Order 2003.

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

7 Opposition Day [13th 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.

Government Targets,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes the abject failure of the Government to meet its targets for delivery on public services; believes the current public service agreement regime to be deeply flawed; is concerned in particular that the volume of targets and their rigid and centralised structure have stifled local initiative, diminished professional responsibility, distorted priorities and diverted time and attention away from the task of improving public services; regrets that the Government has used targets as a substitute for real reform; and calls on the Government to embrace the principles of professional autonomy, decentralisation, diversity and choice in the public services, in order to end its policy of taxing and spending and failing—(Mr Michael Howard);

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 ‘welcomes the Government's record extra investment in health, education and Britain's other vital public services; supports the Government's agenda of linking this investment to public service reform through Public Service Agreements to build high quality public services for all; welcomes the attainment of economic stability, with low inflation, low interest rates, and low unemployment; believes that the achievement of this platform of stability has made record extra investment in public services possible; supports the Government's determination to do nothing to put this stability at risk; believes that after years of neglect between 1979 and 1997 it is even more important to invest in our public services and that to fail to invest in health, education, and other vital public services would be deeply damaging; and supports this Government's resistance to any attempt at this time of global economic uncertainty to cut public spending', instead thereof.—(Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer.)

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.

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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 John Randall, Mr Mark Francois: 178.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Nick Ainger, Bridget Prentice: 336.

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 welcomes the Government's record extra investment in health, education and Britain's other vital public services; supports the Government's agenda of linking this investment to public service reform through Public Service Agreements to build high quality public services for all; welcomes the attainment of economic stability, with low inflation, low interest rates, and low unemployment; believes that the achievement of this platform of stability has made record extra investment in public services possible; supports the Government's determination to do nothing to put this stability at risk; believes that after years of neglect between 1979 and 1997 it is even more important to invest in our public services and that to fail to invest in health, education, and other vital public services would be deeply damaging; and supports this Government's resistance to any attempt at this time of global economic uncertainty to cut public spending.

Tax Credits Scheme,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House condemns the Government for failing to pay the new tax credits on time to millions of entitled families, including those who applied before the January deadline; is concerned that many families are still waiting to receive the money they are owed; regrets the serious financial difficulties suffered by many of these families; condemns the clumsy arrangements for paying overdue tax credits; calls on ministers to explain why the Inland Revenue computer system has proved so unreliable; shares the widespread concern that take-up of the new tax credits is likely to be low; regrets the quality of information available on the new tax credits; and calls on the Government to set up a system of emergency Social Fund loans to people who are still waiting for the correct tax credit payment—(Mr David Willetts);

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 ‘notes that the introduction of the Child Tax Credit is the biggest single change in support for families since the Beveridge reforms of the 1940s, and a more radical change than the introduction of Child Benefit 25 years ago; notes that the new tax credits represent the biggest ever investment in families with children, with no government ever having spent so much on children and families; welcomes the fact that 90 per cent. of families with children are eligible for the Child Tax Credit; further welcomes the fact that tax credits are now being paid to 4.2 million families; notes that in addition 1.3 million families with children on Income Support and Jobseekers' Allowance are already benefiting from the increased level of support through their benefits; welcomes the fact that 5.5 million families are therefore now benefiting from tax credits, with more and more being paid every week; and believes that these figures belie the persistent criticism that people would not claim, and that those who said that families would not apply for the new tax credits, and that take up would be low, have been proved wrong', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Smith.)

And the Question being 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 John Randall, Mr Mark Francois: 186.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Mr Vernon Coaker: 329.

So the Question was negatived.

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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, Mr Fraser Kemp, Mr Vernon Coaker: 325.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mark Francois, Mr John Randall: 179.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

Resolved, That this House notes that the introduction of the Child Tax Credit is the biggest single change in support for families since the Beveridge reforms of the 1940s, and a more radical change than the introduction of Child Benefit 25 years ago; notes that the new tax credits represent the biggest ever investment in families with children, with no government ever having spent so much on children and families; welcomes the fact that 90 per cent. of families with children are eligible for the Child Tax Credit; further welcomes the fact that tax credits are now being paid to 4.2 million families; notes that in addition 1.3 million families with children on Income Support and Jobseekers' Allowance are already benefiting from the increased level of support through their benefits; welcomes the fact that 5.5 million families are therefore now benefiting from tax credits, with more and more being paid every week; and believes that these figures belie the persistent criticism that people would not claim, and that those who said that families would not apply for the new tax credits, and that take up would be low, have been proved wrong.

8 Electricity,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Electricity and Gas (Modification of Standard Conditions of Licences) Order 2003, which was laid before this House on 12th June, be approved—(Mr Jim Murphy):—It was agreed to.

9 Contracting Out,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Contracting Out (Function in relation to the Management of Crown Lands) Order 2003, which was laid before this House on 11th June, be approved—(Mr Jim Murphy):—It was agreed to.

10 Value Added Tax,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Value Added Tax (Finance) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1568), dated 16th June 2003, a copy of which was laid before this House on 16th June, be approved—(Mr Jim Murphy):—It was agreed to.

11 Representation of the People,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Representation of the People (Form of Canvass) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2003, which were laid before this House on 13th June, be approved—(Mr Jim Murphy):—It was agreed to.

12 Community Care,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Community Care Plans (Disapplication) (England) Order 2003, which was laid before this House on 12th June, be approved—(Mr Jim Murphy):—It was agreed to.

13 Additives in Animal Nutrition,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees), That this House takes note of European Union Document No. 7505/02, draft Regulation on additives for use in animal nutrition; and supports the Government's view that the measure will enhance the protection of consumers of livestock products and rationalise authorisation procedures—(Mr Jim Murphy):—It was agreed to.

14 Adjournment (Summer),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 25 (Periodic adjournments), That this House, at its rising on Thursday 17th July, do adjourn till Monday 8th September—(Mr Jim Murphy):—It was agreed to.

15 Modernisation of the House of Commons,—Ordered, That Dr John Reid and Caroline Flint be discharged from the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons and Peter Hain and Martin Linton be added.—(Mr Jim Murphy.)

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16 Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Mrs Stella Lilley, Mr Edward McCabe, Mr Francis McFadyen and others against the proposed broadcasting of the television programme, ‘Popetown' by the BBC was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

17 Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Mrs Stella Lilley, Mr Edward McCabe, Mr Francis McFadyen and others against the proposed broadcasting of the television programme, ‘Popetown' by the BBC was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

18 Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Jim Murphy);

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 five minutes past Eleven o'clock, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 11.05 p.m.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1 Northern Ireland,—Draft Partnerships etc. (Removal of Twenty Member Limit) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Murphy].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2 Disabled Persons,—Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Festiniog Railway Company Vehicle Number 122) Exemption Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1687), dated 3rd July 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

3 Road Traffic,—Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1690), dated 4th July [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Other Papers:

4 Broadcasting,—Account of the Broadcasting Standards Commission for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 944] [Clerk of the House].

5 Courts and Legal Services,—(1) Report and Summary Financial Statement of the Legal Services Ombudsman for 2002–03 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 791] and

(2) Accounts of the Legal Services Ombudsman for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]

[David Lammy].

6 Criminal Appeal,—Report of the Criminal Cases Review Commission for 2002–03 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

7 Electoral Law (Northern Ireland),—Report of the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland for 2002–03 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 795] [Mr Secretary Murphy].

8 Further and Higher Education,—Account of the Higher Education Funding Council for England for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 943] [Clerk of the House].

9 Health,—Government Response to the Second Report from the Health Committee, Session 2002–03, on NHS Foundation Trusts [by Command] [Cm. 5876] [Mr Secretary Reid].

10 Merchant Shipping,—Report by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency of prosecutions and intervention under sections 131 and 137 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 during the period 1st January to 31st December 2002 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

11 Northern Ireland,—Report and Accounts of the Special EU Programmes Body for Northern Ireland for 2001 [by Statutory Instrument] [Mr Secretary Murphy].

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APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Draft Asylum (Designated States) (No. 2) Order 2003,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Derek Foster and Mr Graham Stringer from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Tony Clarke and Mr Anthony D. Wright.

2 Draft Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Port Waste Reception Facilities) Regulations 2003,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr David Borrow, Helen Jones and Mr Paul Truswell from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Harry Barnes, Roger Casale and Dr Nick Palmer.

3 Draft Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease (England and Wales) Order 2003,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Tony Baldry, Dr Ian Gibson and Julie Morgan from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Russell Brown, Mr James Plaskitt and Andrew Selous.

4 Draft Social Security (Jobcentre Plus Interviews for Partners) Regulations 2003,—The Committee of Selection has discharged John Austin, Mr Paul Goodman, Kate Hoey, Linda Perham, Mr Brian Sedgemore and Mr Tom Watson from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Valerie Davey, Mr Hilton Dawson, Mr Michael Jabez Foster, Patrick Hall, Mr Oliver Heald and Kali Mountford.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 Education and Skills,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education and Skills Committee [Secondary Education: Teacher Retention]; to be printed [No. 714-v] [Mr Barry Sheerman].

2 International Development,—Seventh Report from the International Development Committee [Trade and Development at the WTO: Issues for Cancu"n], 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. 400-I and -II] [Tony Baldry].

3 Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration [Ministerial Powers and the Prerogative]; to be printed [No. 642-v] [Tony Wright].

4 Science and Technology,—(1) Fifth Report from the Science and Technology Committee [The Work of the Natural Environment Research Council], 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. 674]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The Work of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council]; to be printed [No. 936-i]

[Dr Ian Gibson].

5 Welsh Affairs,—Memorandum laid before the Welsh Affairs Committee [The Government Response to the Fourth Report from the Committee, on The Primary Legislative Process as it affects Wales] [Mr Martyn Jones].

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[No. 124.]
Tuesday 8th July 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;

Ordered, That the Bill be further considered on Tuesday 15th July.

2 Private Bills [Lords] (No Standing Order not previously inquired into applicable),—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, originating in the Lords and referred after the First Reading thereof, no Standing Order not previously inquired into is applicable thereto:

Hereford Markets Bill [Lords].

Bill to be read a second time.

3 Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Peter Atkinson reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Social Security (Jobcentre Plus Interviews for Partners) Regulations 2003.

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

4 Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mrs Irene Adams reported from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Education (School Organisation Proposals) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1229) and the Education (School Organisation Plans) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1201).

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

5 Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr John Butterfill reported from the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Immigration (Provision of Physical Data) Regulations 2003.

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

6 Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Alan Hurst reported from the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Official Secrets Act 1989 (Prescription) (Amendment) Order 2003.

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

7 Northern Ireland Grand Committee,—Mr John McWilliam reported from the Northern Ireland Grand Committee, That it had considered the proposal for a draft Employment (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, referred to it on 23rd June.

8 European Standing Committee B,—Mr Joe Benton reported from European Standing Committee B the following Resolution:

That the Committee takes note of the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum from HM Treasury dated 5th June relating to the Preliminary Draft General Budget of the European Communities for the financial year 2004, and European Union Document No. 7229/03, Commission Communication on the Annual Policy Strategy for 2004; and supports the Government's efforts to maintain budget discipline in the Community.

Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.

9 House of Lords (Exclusion of Hereditary Peers),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to repeal section 2 of the House of Lords Act 1999—(Mr David Winnick);

And the Motion being opposed, after a brief explanatory statement from the Member who made the Motion and from a Member who opposed it, the Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Standing Order No. 23 (Motions for leave to bring in bills and nomination of select committees at commencement of public business).

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Kevin Brennan, Ian Lucas: 171.

Tellers for the Noes, Eric Joyce, John Robertson: 73.

So the Question was agreed to.

Ordered, That Mr David Winnick, Angela Eagle, John Cryer, Andrew Mackinlay, Mr Marsha Singh, Mr Khalid Mahmood, Mr John Battle, Ms Candy Atherton, Rob Marris, Alice Mahon, Ian Lucas and Mr John Smith do prepare and bring in the Bill.

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10 House of Lords (Exclusion of Hereditary Peers) Bill,—Mr David Winnick accordingly presented a Bill to repeal section 2 of the House of Lords Act 1999: 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 144].

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

(a) the matter of the Draft Public Audit (Wales) Bill be referred to the Welsh Grand Committee for its consideration;

(b) the Committee shall meet at Westminster on Tuesday 15th July at five minutes to Nine o'clock to consider the matter of the Draft Public Audit (Wales) Bill under Standing Order No. 107 (Welsh Grand Committee (matters relating exclusively to Wales))—(Mr Vernon Coaker):—It was agreed to.

12 Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill (Programme) (No. 2),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That—

(1) Paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Programme Order of 7th May 2003 relating to the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill shall be omitted.

(2) Proceedings on consideration shall be taken in the order shown in the following table, and each part of the proceedings shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the time specified in the second column.

Proceedings Time for conclusion of proceedings

Amendments relating to Clauses in Part 1; new Clauses relating to Part 1; new Schedules relating to Part 1; Amendments relating to Schedules 1 to 4. 3¼ hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion for this Order.

New Clauses relating to Part 2; Amendments relating to Clauses in Part 2; new Schedules relating to Part 2; Amendments relating to Schedules Nos. 5 to 8. 4¾ hours after the commencement of those proceedings.

New Clauses relating to Part 4; Amendments relating to Clauses in Part 4; new Schedules relating to Part 4; Amendments relating to Schedule No. 10. 6½ hours after the commencement of those proceedings.

New Clauses relating to Part 3; Amendments relating to Clauses in Part 3; new Schedules relating to Part 3; Amendments relating to Schedule No. 9; new Clauses relating to Part 5; Amendments relating to Clauses in Part 5; new Schedules relating to Part 5; Amendments relating to Schedules Nos. 11 and 12; new Clauses relating to Part 6; Amendments relating to Clauses in Part 6; new Schedules relating to Part 6; Amendments relating to Schedule No. 13; remaining New Clauses and new Schedules; remaining proceedings on consideration. 7 hours after the commencement of those proceedings.

(3) Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion 8 hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion for this Order—(Mr John Hutton);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Gillian Merron, Mr Nick Ainger: 314.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Robert Syms, Mr Mark Francois: 164.

So the Question was agreed to.

13 Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

Amendment (No. 164) proposed to the Bill, in page 1, line 4, to leave out Clause No. 1.—(Mr David Hinchliffe.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr George Stevenson, Angela Eagle: 251.

Tellers for the Noes, Paul Clark, Mr Fraser Kemp: 286.

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It being more than three and a quarter hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill (Programme) (No. 2), the Deputy Speaker, pursuant to Order [this day], put the Questions on an Amendment and a new Clause selected by the Speaker for separate Division.

Another Amendment (No. 96) proposed to the Bill, in page 1, line 12, after the word ‘Foundation', to insert the words ‘and Community'.—(Mr Andrew Lansley.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Syms, Mr Mark Hoban: 194.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Derek Twigg: 339.

A Clause (Foundation patients' fora)—(Mr Paul Burstow)—brought up.

Question put, That the Clause be added to the Bill.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Annette Brooke, Sir Robert Smith: 194.

Tellers for the Noes, Derek Twigg, Mr Fraser Kemp: 340.

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

Amendments (Nos. 245, 233, 355, 356, 246 to 251 and 357) made to the Bill.

A Clause (Audit)—(Mr John Hutton)—brought up and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Mergers)—(Mr John Hutton)—brought up and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Section (Mergers): supplementary)—(Mr John Hutton)—brought up and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Representative membership)—(Mr John Hutton)—brought up and added to the Bill.

A Schedule (Audit of accounts of NHS foundation trusts)—(Mr John Hutton)—brought up and added to the Bill.

Other Amendments (Nos. 253 to 260, 354, 261 to 263, 242 to 244, 234, 264 to 266, 358 and 267) made to the Bill.

Another Clause (Complaints about health care)—(Dr Stephen Ladyman)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Complaints about social services)—(Dr Stephen Ladyman)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Complaints regulations: supplementary)—(Dr Stephen Ladyman)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Representations relating to special guardianship support services)—(Dr Stephen Ladyman)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Joint annual reviews)—(Dr Stephen Ladyman)—brought up and read the first time.

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

And it being four and three quarter hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill (Programme) (No. 2), the Deputy Speaker put the Question already proposed from the Chair:—It was agreed to.

Clause added to the Bill.

The Deputy Speaker then put the Question on a new Clause selected by the Speaker for separate Division.

Another Clause (Duty of the CHAI to prepare standards guidance relating to health care)—(Chris Grayling)—brought up.

Question put, That the Clause be added to the Bill.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr George Osborne, Mr John Randall: 189.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Derek Twigg: 344.

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

Other Amendments (Nos. 359 to 386, 301 to 310, 387 to 394, 311, 395, 396, 312 and 316 to 318) made to the Bill.

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Another Clause (Provision of primary medical services)—(Mr John Hutton)—brought up and read the first time.

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

And it being six and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill (Programme) (No. 2), the Deputy Speaker put the Question already proposed from the Chair:—It was agreed to.

Clause added to the Bill.

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

Another Clause (General medical services contracts)—(Mr John Hutton)—brought up and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (General medical services: transitional)—(Mr John Hutton)—brought up and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Abolition of pilot schemes)—(Mr John Hutton)—brought up and added to the Bill.

Other Amendments (Nos. 270 to 299) made to the Bill.

Other Amendments (Nos. 235 to 237, 252, 268, 269 and 238 to 241) made to the Bill.

It being seven hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill (Programme) (No. 2), the Deputy Speaker put the Questions on the remaining new Clause and Amendments moved by a Minister of the Crown to be disposed of at that hour.

Another Clause (Replacement of the Welfare Food Schemes: Northern Ireland)—(Jim Fitzpatrick)—brought up, and added to the Bill.

Other Amendments (Nos. 313 to 315, 231, 232, 319 and 300) made to the Bill.

A Motion being made, That the Bill be now read the third time;

Mr Secretary Reid, by Her Majesty's Command, acquainted the House, That Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, gives her Consent, as far as Her Majesty's interest is concerned, That the House may do therein as it shall think fit.

Mr Secretary Reid, by Command of the Prince of Wales, acquainted the House, That His Royal Highness, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, gives his Consent, as far as the Prince of Wales's interest is concerned, That the House may do therein as it shall think fit.

And the Question being proposed;

And it being eight hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill (Programme) (No. 2), the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [this day].

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Charlotte Atkins, Paul Clark: 306.

Tellers for the Noes, Tom Brake, Sir Robert Smith: 57.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

14 Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business), That, at this day's sitting, proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments to the Railways and Transport Safety Bill and the Licensing Bill [Lords] may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr John Heppell):—It was agreed to.

15 Railways and Transport Safety Bill (Programme) (No. 2),—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 Railways and Transport Safety Bill for the purpose of supplementing the Order of 28th January 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.

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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—(Mr John Heppell):—It was agreed to.

16 Railways and Transport Safety Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Railways and Transport Safety Bill.

Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 9 were agreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 10 was disagreed to.

An Amendment ((a)) was made to the Bill in lieu of Lords Amendment No. 10 disagreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 11 and 12 were agreed to.

17 Licensing Bill [Lords],—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Message [3rd July] relating to the Licensing Bill [Lords].

Lords Amendments Nos. 62C to 62H and 62J to Commons Amendment No. 62B were agreed to.

It being one hour after the commencement of proceedings on consideration of the Lords Message, the Deputy Speaker, pursuant to Order [24th June] put the Question remaining to be disposed of at that hour.

Lords Amendment No. 62L in lieu of words left out of the Bill by Commons Amendment No. 62 was agreed to.

18 Income Tax,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Canada) Order 2003 be made in the form of the draft laid before this House on 18th June—(Jim Fitzpatrick):—It was agreed to.

Address to be presented to Her Majesty by such Members of the House as are of Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council or of Her Majesty's Household.

19 Income Tax,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Mauritius) Order 2003 be made in the form of the draft laid before this House on 18th June—(Jim Fitzpatrick):—It was agreed to.

Address to be presented to Her Majesty by such Members of the House as are of Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council or of Her Majesty's Household.

20 London Government,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Greater London Authority Elections (Election Addresses) Order 2003, which was laid before this House on 18th June, be approved—(Jim Fitzpatrick):—It was agreed to.

21 Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 115 (Northern Ireland Grand Committee (delegated legislation)), That the draft Budget (No. 2) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, which was laid before this House on 17th June, be approved—(Jim Fitzpatrick):—It was agreed to.

22 Animals,—Ordered, That the Animal By-Products Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1482) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Jim Fitzpatrick.)

23 Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Mr Kevin Preen, Mrs Wendy Preece and others for a review of social care funding was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

24 Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Jim Fitzpatrick);

And the Motion having been made after Seven 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 minutes to Twelve o'clock, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 11.40 p.m.

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APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1 Dangerous Drugs,—Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1653), dated 26th June 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

2 Education,—(1) Education (School Teachers' Qualifications) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1662),

(2) Education (Specified Work and Registration) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1663), and

(3) Norton College (Change to School Session Times) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1671),

dated 2nd July 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke].

3 Environmental Protection,—Pollution Prevention and Control (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1699), dated 6th July 2003 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

4 Road Traffic,—(1) International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1693), dated 4th July 2003; and

(2) Motor Vehicles (Tests) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1698), dated 7th July 2003

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

5 Transport,—(1) Merseyrail Electrics Network Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1696), and

(2) Railways (Rail Passengers' Council and Rail Passengers' Committees) (Exemptions) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1695),

dated 7th July 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Other Papers:

6 Care Standards,—Account of the General Social Care Council for 2001–02, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 952] [Clerk of the House].

7 Coal Industry,—Account of the Coal Authority for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 953] [Clerk of the House].

8 Crown Estate,—(1) Account of the Crown Estate Commissioners for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 945], and

(2) Report and Accounts of the Crown Estate Commissioners for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]

[Clerk of the House].

9 Environmental Protection,—Report of English Nature for 2002–03 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

10 Foreign and Commonwealth,—Paper, entitled A Draft Constitution for the European Union [by Command] [Cm. 5872] [Mr Secretary Straw].

11 National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on The Office of Telecommunications: Helping consumers benefit from competition in the telecommunications market [by Act]; to be printed [No. 768] [Clerk of the House].

12 National Statistics,—Report of the Statistics Commission for 2002–03 [by Command] [Cm. 5845] [John Healey].

13 Office of the Deputy Prime Minister,—Government's Response to the Seventh Report of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee, Session 2002–03, on The Effectiveness of Government Regeneration Initiatives [by Command] [Cm. 5865] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

14 Parliamentary Commissioner,—Fifth Report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, Session 2002–03: Annual Report 2002–03 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 847] [Clerk of the House].

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15 Public Petitions,—Observations by the Deputy Prime Minister on the Petition [25th June] from residents of Watchet, Somerset, for amendment of the plans for housing development on Severn Terrace Fields [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

16 Race Relations,—Report of the Independent Race Monitor for 2002–03 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

17 Sex Discrimination,—Draft Code of Practice on Equal Pay [by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

18 Transport,—Report and Accounts of British Waterways for 2002–03 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Draft Representation of the People (Form of Canvass) (Scotland) Regulations 2003 and the draft Representation of the People (Form of Canvass) (England and Wales) Regulations 2003,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Pete Wishart from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Annabelle Ewing.

2 Education (School Organisation Proposals) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1229) and the Education (School Organisation Plans) (England) (Amendment) Regulations (S.I., 2003, No. 1201),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr David Chaytor and Llew Smith from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Graham Stringer and Mr Dave Watts.

3 Draft Official Secrets Act 1989 (Prescription) (Amendment) Order 2003,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Janet Anderson, Mr David Crausby and Siobhain McDonagh from the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Bob Blizzard, Sandra Osborne and Dr Nick Palmer.

4 Draft Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) (No. 2) Order 2003,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Annabelle Ewing from the Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Pete Wishart.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Cultural Objects]; to be printed [No. 950-i] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].

2 Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [The Work of the Police Standards Unit]; to be printed [No. 963-i] [David Winnick].

3 Liaison,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Liaison Committee [The Prime Minister]; to be printed [No. 334-ii] [Mr Alan Williams].

4 Lord Chancellor's Department,—Memorandum laid before the Committee on the Lord Chancellor's Department [The Lord Chancellor's Departments Departmental Report 2002–03]; to be printed [No. 971-i] [Mr A. J. Beith].

5 Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Planning, Local Government and the Regions,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee [The Draft Housing Bill]; to be printed [No. 751-v] [Andrew Bennett].

6 Procedure,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Procedure Committee [Sessional Orders and Resolutions]; to be printed [No. 855-ii] [Sir Nicholas Winterton].

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

8 Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [Pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Nuclear Sites and Radioactive Substances Bill]; to be printed [No. 968-i] [Mr Martin O'Neill].

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

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[No. 124; WH, No. 79.]

Tuesday 8th July 2003.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall

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

Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Joan Ryan.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 4.19 p.m.

[No. 125.]
Wednesday 9th July 2003.

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

1 Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Roger Gale reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Representation of the People (Form of Canvass) (Scotland) Regulations 2003 and the draft Representation of the People (Form of Canvass) (England and Wales) Regulations 2003.

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

2 Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Joe Benton reported from the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1418).

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

3 Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr John Cummings reported from the Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers Etc.) (No. 2) Order 2003.

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

4 European Standing Committee A,—Miss Anne Begg reported from European Standing Committee A the following Resolution:

That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 15829/02, draft Council Regulation establishing a system for the identification and registration of ovine and caprine animals and amending Regulation (EEC) No. 3508/92; and supports the Government's view that this proposal does not take account of the way in which the United Kingdom sheep and goat industry operates, nor of the enhanced system of identification and traceability already in place in the UK, which is sufficient for animal health disease control purposes until an economical and affordable electronic identification system is available.

Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.

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

The Lords have agreed to the Communications Bill, with Amendments; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

The Lords have agreed to the Sunday Working (Scotland) Bill and the Aviation (Offences) Bill, without Amendment.

6 Communications Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Communications Bill to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 146].

7 Local Government Procurement,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to establish a national approved list of organisations that have the capability to perform local authority contracts under Best Value guidance; to make provision for companies to qualify for the approved list; to issue companies with a Certificate of Registration valid for every local authority if they meet the criteria set; to make provision to make the approved list of registered companies available to every local authority; and for connected purposes: And that Tony Baldry, Mr Henry Bellingham, Mr John Bercow, Mr Andrew Lansley, Mr Edward Leigh, Mr John Maples and Mr Francis Maude do prepare and bring it in.

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8 Local Government Procurement Bill,—Tony Baldry accordingly presented a Bill to establish a national approved list of organisations that have the capability to perform local authority contracts under Best Value guidance; to make provision for companies to qualify for the approved list; to issue companies with a Certificate of Registration valid for every local authority if they meet the criteria set; to make provision to make the approved list of registered companies available to every local authority; 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 145].

9 Convention on the Future of Europe (No. 2),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House believes that the draft Constitutional Treaty produced by the Convention on the Future of Europe is a good basis for starting in the Intergovernmental Conference; agrees that the procedures of an enlarged European Union require reform, and welcomes the commitment of the Convention to a Union which respects the national identities of its Member States and which has only those powers explicitly conferred on it by them; congratulates the UK parliamentary, government and European Parliament representatives on the Convention for their contributions, and notes the valuable work of the relevant parliamentary committees of both Houses; notes the Government's decision to table as a Command Paper Parts I, II and IV; recalls that decisions on what is included in any forthcoming Treaty will be made by unanimity by the elected governments of all EU member states; and reaffirms Parliament's role in scrutinising and approving legislation required to give effect to any future Treaty's provisions—(Mr Secretary Straw);

An Amendment ((b)) 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 ‘notes the draft Constitutional Treaty produced by the Convention on the Future of Europe; and believes that no constitutional European Treaty agreed by the Intergovernmental Conference should be ratified without a referendum', instead thereof.—(Mr Michael Ancram.)

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mark Hoban, Mr Mark Field: 205.

Tellers for the Noes, Charlotte Atkins, Margaret Moran: 315.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Main Question being put;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Charlotte Atkins, Margaret Moran: 359.

Tellers for the Noes, Angela Watkinson, Mr George Osborne: 164.

So the Question was agreed to.

Resolved, That this House believes that the draft Constitutional Treaty produced by the Convention on the Future of Europe is a good basis for starting in the Intergovernmental Conference; agrees that the procedures of an enlarged European Union require reform, and welcomes the commitment of the Convention to a Union which respects the national identities of its Member States and which has only those powers explicitly conferred on it by them; congratulates the UK parliamentary, government and European Parliament representatives on the Convention for their contributions, and notes the valuable work of the relevant parliamentary committees of both Houses; notes the Government's decision to table as a Command Paper Parts I, II and IV; recalls that decisions on what is included in any forthcoming Treaty will be made by unanimity by the elected governments of all EU member states; and reaffirms Parliament's role in scrutinising and approving legislation required to give effect to any future Treaty's provisions.

10 Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business), That, at this day's sitting, proceedings on the Hunting (Re-committed) Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Gillian Merron):—It was agreed to.

11 Hunting (Re-committed) Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Hunting (Re-committed) Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

A Clause (Compensation)—(Mr James Gray)—brought up and read the first time.

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

And it being two hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Bill, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Orders [16th December 2002 and 1st July].

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The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Hugo Swire, Gregory Barker: 145.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Mr Vernon Coaker: 282.

A Motion being made, That the Bill be now read the third time;

Mr Alun Michael, by Her Majesty's Command, acquainted the House, That Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, gives her Consent, as far as Her Majesty's interest is concerned, That the House may do therein as it shall think fit.

Mr Alun Michael, by Command of the Prince of Wales, acquainted the House, That His Royal Highness, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, gives his Consent, as far as the Prince of Wales's interest is concerned, That the House may do therein as it shall think fit.

And the Question being proposed;

And it being one hour after the commencement of proceedings on the Third Reading of the Bill, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Orders [16th December 2002 and 1st July].

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Nick Ainger, Mr John Heppell: 317.

Tellers for the Noes, Gregory Barker, Mr Hugo Swire: 145.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

12 Merchant Shipping,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Port Waste Reception Facilities) Regulations 2003, which were laid before this House on 19th June, be approved—(Paul Clark):—It was agreed to.

13 European Communities,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (Database Protection Agreement between the United Kingdom on behalf of the Isle of Man and the European Community) Order 2003, which was laid before this House on 9th June, be approved—(Paul Clark):—It was agreed to.

14 Animals,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease (England and Wales) Order 2003, which was laid before this House on 25th June, be approved—(Paul Clark):—It was agreed to.

15 Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from the constituents of Angus for an end to the imbalance in international trade was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

16 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Paul Clark.)

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

[Adjourned at 11.28 p.m.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1 Disabled Persons,—Rail Vehicle Accessibility (South West Trains Class 444 and Class 450 Vehicles) Exemption Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1704), dated 7th July 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].

2 Medicines,—Unlicensed Medicinal Products for Human Use (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies) (Safety) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1680), dated 2nd July 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].

Other Papers:

3 Air Force (Constitution),—(1) Amendment List 8 to Air Publication 1269—The Royal Air Force Manual of Medical Management and Administration, and

(2) Amendment to the Queen's Regulations for the Royal Air Force (Fifth Edition)

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon].

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4 Children,—Report for 2002 by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on the Children Act 1989 pursuant to section 83 of that Act [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke].

5 Education and Skills,—Paper, entitled 21st Century Skills: Realising Our Potential: Individuals, Employers, Nation [by Command] [Cm. 5810] [Mr Secretary Clarke].

6 Gaming,—Report of the Gaming Board for Great Britain for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 820] [Secretary Tessa Jowell].

7 Government Trading Funds,—Report and Accounts of HM Land Registry for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 891] [Clerk of the House].

8 Parliamentary Commissioner,—Sixth Report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, Session 2002–03: Access to Official Information: Investigations Completed, November 2002 to June 2003 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 951] [Clerk of the House].

9 Prisons,—Report of the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman for England and Wales for 2002–03 [by Command] [Cm. 5851] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

10 Public Accounts,—Treasury Minutes on the Sixteenth to the Eighteenth Reports from the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 2002–03 [by Command] [Cm. 5823] [John Healey].

11 Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Transport on the Petition [18th June] from residents of Sutton Close, Felpham, Bognor Regis for the erection of a no-entry sign at the entrance to Sutton Close restricting access to residents and tradesmen only [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

12 Social Security,—Report by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the Social Fund for 2002–03 [by Command] [Cm. 5807] [Mr Secretary Smith].

13 Treaty Series (No. 21, 2003),—Convention, done at London on 4th July 2002, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of South Africa for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital Gains with Exchange of Notes [by Command] [Cm. 5871] [Mr Secretary Straw].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Draft Representation of the People (Form of Canvass) (Scotland) Regulations 2003 and the draft Representation of the People (Form of Canvass) (England and Wales) Regulations 2003,—The Committee of Selection has discharged John Robertson from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Terry Rooney.

2 Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) (Amendments No. 4) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1418),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ms Hazel Blears, Clare Short and Dr Gavin Strang from the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Russell Brown, Mr Michael Foster and Paul Goggins.

3 Draft Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) (No. 2) Order 2003,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mrs Helen Liddell, Mr David Stewart and Mr James Wray from the Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution David Cairns, Mr Tom Harris and Mr Eric Joyce.

4 Special Grant Report (No. 125) (House of Commons Paper No. 776) on the Preserved Rights Grant for 2003–09, the Special Grant Report (No. 124) (House of Commons Paper No. 777) on the Delayed Discharges Grant Report for 2003–04 and the Special Grant Report (No. 123) (House of Commons Paper No. 778) on the Social Services (High Performers No. 2) Grant for 2003–04,—The Committee of Selection has discharged John Baron from the Fourteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Reports); and nominated in substitution Mr Tim Loughton.

5 Education (Outturn Statements) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1153),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Michael Meacher and Joan Ruddock from the Fifteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Bob Laxton and Mrs Lorna Fitzsimons.

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APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 Defence,—(1) Eighth Report from the Defence Committee [Defence Procurement], 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. 694] [Gerald Howarth];

(2) Third Special Report from the Committee [Government's Response to the Sixth Report from the Committee, Session 2002–03, on A New Chapter to the Strategic Defence Review] to be printed [No. 975] [Mr Gerald Howarth]; and

(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Lessons of Iraq]; to be printed [No. 695-viii] [Mr Syd Rapson].

2 Education and Skills,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education and Skills Committee [Secondary Education: Teacher Retention]; to be printed [No. 714-vi] [Mr Barry Sheerman].

3 Environmental Audit,—(1) Seventh Report from the Environmental Audit Committee [The Export Credits Guarantee Department and Sustainable Development], together with an Appendix to the Minute of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 689]; and

(2) Eighth Report from the Committee [The Energy White Paper: Empowering Change?] 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. 618]

[Mr John Horam].

4 Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [The Illegal Drugs Trade and Drug Culture in Northern Ireland]; to be printed [No. 353-viii] [Mr Michael Mates].

5 Standards and Privileges,—Fourth Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges [Complaints against Mr Henry McLeish], together with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 946] [Sir George Young].

6 Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [The use of retentions in the construction industry: the Government reply to the Committee's Second Report]; to be printed [No. 976-i] [Mr Martin O'Neill].

7 Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [Transparency of Credit Card Charges]; to be printed [No. 962-ii] [Mr John McFall].

8 Work and Pensions,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Work and Pensions Committee [Jobcentre plus]; to be printed [No. 913-i] [Sir Archy Kirkwood].

[No. 125; WH, No. 80.]

Wednesday 9th July 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—(Derek Twigg);

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 4.30 p.m.

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[No. 126.]
Thursday 10th July 2003.

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

1 Nottingham City Council Bill [Lords],—The Nottingham City Council Bill [Lords] was read the third time, and passed, without Amendment.

2 Courts Bill [Lords],—Mr Bill O'Brien reported from Standing Committee D, That it had gone through the Courts Bill [Lords], and made Amendments thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 147].

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 985].

3 Eleventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Alan Hurst reported from the Eleventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Insolvency Act 1986 (Amendment) (Administrative Receivership and Urban Regeneration etc.) Order 2003.

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

4 Fifteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Joe Benton reported from the Fifteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Education (Outturn Statements) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1153).

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

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

The Lords do not insist on their Amendment to the Railways and Transport Safety Bill, to which this House has disagreed, and agree with the Amendment proposed by this House in lieu thereof.

6 Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill [Lords],—The Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 148].

7 Adjournment (Economic and Monetary Union),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Vernon Coaker);

8 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, and to the following Measure passed under the provisions of the Church of England (Powers) Act 1919:

Appropriation Act 2003

Finance Act 2003

Co-operatives and Community Benefit Societies Act 2003

Marine Safety Act 2003

Licensing Act 2003

Sunday Working (Scotland) Act 2003

Aviation (Offences) Act 2003

Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003

Nottingham City Council Act 2003

Clergy Discipline Measure 2003.

9 Adjournment (Economic and Monetary Union),—The Question being again proposed, That this House do now adjourn;

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

10 Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business), That, at this day's sitting the Motion in the name of the Prime Minister may be proceeded with, though opposed, until Seven o'clock—(Charlotte Atkins):—It was agreed to.

11 Adjournment (Economic and Monetary Union),—The Question being again proposed, That this House do now adjourn;

And it being Seven o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.

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12 Draft Mental Incapacity Bill (Joint Committee),—Ordered, That the Lords Message of 13th June relating to a Joint Committee of both Houses to consider and report on any draft Mental Incapacity Bill presented to both Houses by a Minister of the Crown be now considered.

That this House concurs with the Lords that it is expedient that a Joint Committee of Lords and Commons be appointed to consider and report on any draft Mental Incapacity Bill presented to both Houses by a Minister of the Crown, and proposes that the Committee should report on the draft Bill by the end of November 2003.

That a Select Committee of eight honourable Members be appointed to join with the Committee appointed by the Lords to consider any draft Mental Incapacity Bill.

That the Committee shall have power—

(i) to send for persons, papers and records;

(ii) to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House;

(iii) to report from time to time;

(iv) to appoint specialist advisers;

(v) to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom; and

That Mr John Bercow, Mrs Angela Browning, Mr Paul Burstow, Jim Dowd, Stephen Hesford, Mrs Joan Humble, Huw Irranca-Davies and Laura Moffatt be members of the Committee—(Charlotte Atkins.)

Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.

13 Draft Civil Contingencies Bill (Joint Committee),—Ordered, That the Lords Message of 13th June relating to a Joint Committee of both Houses to consider and report on any draft Civil Contingencies Bill presented to both Houses by a Minister of the Crown be now considered.

That this House concurs with the Lords that it is expedient that a Joint Committee of Lords and Commons be appointed to consider and report on any draft Civil Contingencies Bill presented to both Houses by a Minister of the Crown, and proposes that the Committee should report on the draft Bill by the end of November 2003.

That a Select Committee of eleven honourable Members be appointed to join with the Committee appointed by the Lords to consider any draft Civil Contingencies Bill.

That the Committee shall have power—

(i) to send for persons, papers and records;

(ii) to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House;

(iii) to report from time to time;

(iv) to appoint specialist advisers;

(v) to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom; and

That Mr Richard Allan, Mr Adrian Bailey, David Cairns, Mr James Clappison, Mr Kevan Jones, Mr Elfyn Llwyd, Patrick Mercer, Chris Mole, Dr Lewis Moonie, Kali Mountford and David Wright be members of the Committee—(Charlotte Atkins.)

Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.

14 Draft Gambling Bill (Joint Committee),—Ordered, That the Lords Message of 2nd July relating to a Joint Committee of both Houses to consider and report on any Clauses of a draft Gambling Bill presented to both Houses by a Minister of the Crown be now considered.

That this House concurs with the Lords in their Resolution relating to the said Joint Committee.

That a Select Committee of eight honourable Members be appointed to join with the Committee appointed by the Lords to consider any clauses of a draft Gambling Bill.

That the Committee shall have power—

(i) to send for persons, papers and records;

(ii) to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House;

(iii) to report from time to time;

(iv) to appoint specialist advisers;

(v) to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom; and

That Janet Anderson, Mr Tony Banks, Jeff Ennis, Mr John Greenway, Mr Alan Meale, Mr Richard Page, Dr John Pugh and Mr Anthony D. Wright be members of the Committee—(Charlotte Atkins.)

Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.

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15 Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from—

(1) pupils, teachers and helpers of Wentworth High School, Eccles, for justice in international trade,

(2) West Herts College Student Union and residents and parents of Hemel Hempstead for the maintenance of the current provision of courses at the Dacorum Campus of West Herts College at Hemel Hempstead, and

(3) residents of Humberstone Village, Leicester, against the closure of Humberstone Post Office

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

16 Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from—

(1) customers of Paydens Pharmacists of Cheriton High Street, Kent, and

(2) customers of Taylors Pharmacists of Cheriton High Street, Kent,

against the unrestricted opening of pharmacies able to dispense NHS prescriptions were presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

17 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Jim Murphy.)

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

[Adjourned at 7.31 p.m.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1 Aviation Security,—Draft Policing of Airports (Belfast City) Order 2003 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Murphy].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2 Education,—(1) Education (School Teachers' Pay and Conditions) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1708), and

(2) Education (School Teachers' Prescribed Qualifications, etc.) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1709),

dated 10th July 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke].

3 Food,—Food (Brazil Nuts) (Emergency Control) (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1722), dated 10th July 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].

4 Local Government,—Local Authorities (Members' Allowances) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1692), dated 7th July 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

5 Immigration,—(1) Immigration (Leave to Remain) (Fees) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1711), and

(2) Immigration (Leave to Remain) (Prescribed Forms and Procedures) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1712),

dated 9th July 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

Other Papers:

6 Access to Justice,—(1) Corporate Plan of the Legal Services Commission for 2003–04 [by Act], and

(2) Report and Financial Statements of the Legal Services Commission for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 743]

[Mr David Lammy].

7 Chemical Weapons,—Report for 2002 by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the operation of the Chemical Weapons Act 1996 [by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

8 Environmental Protection,—Report and Financial Statements of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee for 2002–03 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

9 Government Resources and Accounts,—(1) Reports and Accounts of the Army Personnel Centre for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 872] [Mr Secretary Hoon],

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(2) Report and Accounts of the Valuation Office Agency for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 759] [Dawn Primarolo], and

(3) Resource Accounts of the National Audit Office for 2002–03 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 974] [Mr Alan Williams].

10 Government Trading Funds,—Reports and Accounts of—

(1) Ordnance Survey, and

(2) the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office

for 2002–03, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 734 and 881] [Clerk of the House].

11 Industrial Training,—Report and Financial Statements of the Construction Industry Training Board for 2002 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke].

12 Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the Petitions [19th June] [two Petitions] from residents of Wimbledon; and residents of Chesham and Amersham; [23rd June] [one Petition] from residents of Wilmslow, Nether Alderley, Northwick, Barnton, Alderley Edge and the surrounding areas; [24th June] [one Petition] from residents of Pudsey constituency and others; and [25th June] [one Petition] from 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 [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

13 Science and Technology,—Report and Accounts of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 803] [Clerk of the House].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Draft Northern Ireland Act 2000 (Modification) (No. 2) Order 2003:

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Peter Bottomley, Mr Nicholas Brown, Mr Alistair Carmichael, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr David Crausby, Lady Hermon, Huw Irranca-Davies, Mr Kevan Jones, Jane Kennedy, Andy King, Mr Mark Lazarowicz, Dr Doug Naysmith, Mr John Taylor, Mr Michael Trend, Angela Watkinson and Dr Alan Whitehead.

2 Draft National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 (Amendment) Regulations 2003:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Roger Gale Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Charlotte Atkins, Gregory Barker, Mr Henry Bellingham, Mr Roger Berry, Ms Karen Buck, Dr Vincent Cable, Brian Cotter, Mr David Drew, Mr Mark Field, Dr Ian Gibson, Nigel Griffiths, Mr Fabian Hamilton, Mr David Kidney, Mr Andrew Love, Richard Ottaway and Mr Sio(r)n Simon.

3 Animal By-Products Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1482):

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Regulations to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Roger Gale Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Nick Ainger, John Austin, Virginia Bottomley, Mr Ben Bradshaw, Jon Cruddas, Andrew George, Mr John Hayes, Mr Robert Jackson, Mr Iain Luke, Siobhain McDonagh, Mr George Osborne, Dr Nick Palmer, John Robertson, Ms Debra Shipley, Dr Gavin Strang and Mr Roger Williams.

4 Special Grant Report (No. 125) (House of Commons Paper No. 776) on the Preserved Rights Grant for 2003–04, Special Grant Report (No. 124) (House of Commons Paper No. 777) on the Delayed Discharges Grant for 2003–04 and Special Grant Report (No. 123) (House of Commons Paper No. 778) on the Social Services (High Performers No. 2) Grant for 2003–04,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Joe Benton Chairman of the Fourteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Reports.

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Grand Committees

5 The Speaker has appointed Mr Win Griffiths Chairman of the Welsh Grand Committee in respect of its meeting on Tuesday 15 July.

European Standing Committees

6 The Speaker has appointed Mr Alan Hurst Chairman of European Standing Committee A in respect of European Union Document No. 7623/03 on Implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy.

7 The Speaker has appointed Mr Joe Benton Chairman of European Standing Committee A in respect of European Union Document No. 9081/03 on Recovery of Cod Stocks.

8 European Union Document No. 8566/03 relating to maritime transport security, has been referred to European Standing Committee A.

9 European Union Document No. 10509/03, relating to Compliance with Common Fisheries Policy, has been referred to European Standing Committee A, together with European Union Document No. 7623/03 relating to the Implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), already referred to the Committee on 7th May.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 European Scrutiny,—Twenty-ninth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 63-xxix] [Mr Michael Connarty].

2 Health,—(1) Eighth Report from the Health Committee [Inequalities in Access to Maternity Services], 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. 696];

(2) Ninth Report from the Committee [Choice in Maternity Services], 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. 796]; and

(3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Inequalities in Access to Maternity Services; Choice in Maternity Services]

[Mr David Hinchliffe].

3 Public Administration,—Fifth Report from the Select Committee on Public Administration [On Target? Government by Measurement], 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. 62-I and -II] [Tony Wright].

4 Transport,—(1) Sixth Report from the Transport Committee [Aviation], 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. 454-I and -II]; and

(2) Memorandum laid before the Committee [Key European Hubs: Comparison of Aviation Policy]

[Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

5 Welsh Affairs,—Third Special Report from the Welsh Affairs Committee [The Government Response to the Fourth Report of the Committee: The Primary Legislative Process as it affects Wales]; to be printed [No. 989] [Mr Martyn Jones].

[No. 126; WH, No. 81.]

Thursday 10th July 2003.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall

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

Adjournment (Financing of terrorism in Northern Ireland—Fourth Report from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, Session 2001–02, and the Government's response thereto),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Vernon Coaker.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 15th July.

[Adjourned at 5.15 p.m.

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[No. 127.]
Friday 11th July 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), Sir Michael Lord, the Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means, proceeded to the Table.

PRAYERS.

2 The Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means took the Chair as Deputy Speaker.

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

Water Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to amend the Water Resources Act 1991 and the Water Industry Act 1991; to make provision with respect to compensation under section 61 of the Water Resources Act 1991; to provide for the establishment and functions of the Water Services Regulation Authority and the Consumer Council for Water, and for the abolition of the office of Director General of Water Services; to make provision in connection with land drainage and flood defence; to amend the Reservoirs Act 1975; to make provision about contaminated land so far as it relates to the pollution of controlled waters; to confer on the Coal Authority functions in relation to the discharge of water from coal mines; to extend the functions of the Environment Agency in relation to the Rivers Esk, Sark and Tweed and their tributaries so far as they are in England; to repeal section 1 of the Metropolis Water Act 1852; and for connected purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

Joint Committee on the draft Civil Contingencies Bill,—The Lords communicate that they have appointed a Committee of eleven Lords to join with the Committee appointed by the Commons, to consider and report on any draft Civil Contingencies Bill presented to both Houses by a Minister of the Crown; they have ordered that the Committee have power to agree with the Commons in the appointment of a Chairman; that the Committee have leave to report from time to time; that the Committee have power to appoint specialist advisers; that the Committee have power to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom; that the reports of the Committee from time to time shall be printed, notwithstanding any adjournment of the House; that the Committee do report on the draft Bill by the end of November 2003; and they propose that the Committee do meet with the Committee appointed by the Commons on Tuesday 15th July at half-past Three o'clock in Committee Room G.

Joint Committee on the draft Mental Incapacity Bill,—The Lords communicate that they have appointed a Committee of eight Lords to join with the Committee appointed by the Commons, to consider and report on any draft Mental Incapacity Bill presented to both Houses by a Minister of the Crown; they have ordered that the Committee have power to agree with the Commons in the appointment of a Chairman; that the Committee have leave to report from time to time; that the Committee have power to appoint specialist advisers; that the Committee have power to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom; that the reports of the Committee from time to time shall be printed, notwithstanding any adjournment of the House; that the Committee do report on the draft Bill by the end of November 2003; and they propose that the Committee do meet with the Committee appointed by the Commons on Tuesday 15th July at half-past Three o'clock in Committee Room 5.

4 Water Bill [Lords],—The Water Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Monday 14th July and to be printed [Bill 149].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Water Bill [Lords] be printed [Bill 149–EN].

5 Ragwort Control Bill (changed from Equine Welfare (Ragwort Control) Bill),—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Ragwort Control Bill (changed from Equine Welfare (Ragwort Control) Bill), as amended in the Standing Committee.

Amendment (No. 3) proposed to the Bill, in page 1, line 4, to leave out the word ‘may' and insert the word ‘shall', instead thereof.—(Sir Paul Beresford.)

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

The Bill was read the third time, and passed.

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6 Household Waste Recycling Bill (changed from Municipal Waste Recycling Bill),—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Household Waste Recycling Bill (changed from Municipal Waste Recycling Bill), as amended in the Standing Committee.

A Clause (Power to apply section 45A to Welsh waste collection authorities)—(Mr Elliot Morley)—brought up, read the first and second time and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Definitions)—(Sir Paul Beresford)—brought up and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Amendment (No. 1) made to the Bill.

The Bill was read the third time, and passed.

7 Female Genital Mutilation Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Female Genital Mutilation Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee.

A Clause (Offence of advocating female genital mutilation)—(Mr David Wilshire)—brought up and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Amendment (No. 8) proposed to the Bill, in page 1, line 5, to leave out the words ‘or mental'.—(Mr David Wilshire.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 10) proposed to the Bill, in page 2, line 10, to leave out paragraph (a).—(Mr David Wilshire.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 6) proposed to the Bill, in page 3, line 13, leave out from the word ‘on' to the end of line 14 and insert the words ‘the day after this Act receives Royal Assent', instead thereof.—(Mr David Wilshire.)

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

The Bill was read the third time, and passed.

8 Retirement Income Reform Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Retirement Income Reform Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

A Clause (Definition of ‘dependant' and ‘surviving spouse')—(John Healey)—brought up and read the first time.

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

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

9 High Hedges (No. 2) Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded further to consider the High Hedges (No. 2) Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee.

It being after half-past Two o'clock, and objection having been taken to further proceeding, the Deputy Speaker interrupted the proceedings.

Ordered, That the Bill be read the third time on Friday 14th November.

10 Animals (Electric Shock Collars) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Animals (Electric Shock Collars) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 14th November.

11 Food Labelling Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed on 7th March, That the Food Labelling Bill be now read a second time;

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 14th November.

12 Medical Practitioners and Dentists (Professional Negligence Insurance) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists (Professional Negligence Insurance) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 14th November.

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13 Draft Constitutional Treaty on the Future of Europe (Referendum) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Draft Constitutional Treaty on the Future of Europe (Referendum) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 21st November.

14 Greenbelt Protection Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed on 13th June, That the Greenbelt Protection Bill be now read a second time;

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 14th November.

15 Harbours Bill [Lords],—The Harbours Bill [Lords] was, according to Order, read a second time and stood committed to a Standing Committee.

16 Corporate Responsibility Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Corporate Responsibility Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 21st November.

17 Pensions (Winding-up) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Pensions (Winding-up) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 21st November.

18 Housing (Overcrowding) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Housing (Overcrowding) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 14th November.

19 Health and Safety at Work (Offences) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Health and Safety at Work (Offences) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 14th November.

20 Food Colouring and Additives Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Food Colouring and Additives Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 14th November.

21 Road Safety Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Road Safety Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 14th November.

22 Aviation Health Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Aviation Health Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 14th November.

23 Telecommunications Masts (Railways) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Telecommunications Masts (Railways) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 21st November.

24 Local Communities Sustainability Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Local Communities Sustainability Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 21st November.

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

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday 11th September.

26 Government Powers (Limitations) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Government Powers (Limitations) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 14th November.

27 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Margaret Moran.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till seven minutes past Three o'clock, adjourned till Monday 14th July.

[Adjourned at 3.07 p.m.

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APPENDIX

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1 Contracting Out,—Draft Contracting Out (Local Education Authority Functions) (England) (Amendment) Order 2003 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Clarke].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2 Acquisition of Land,—Home Loss Payments (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1706), dated 8th July 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

3 Consumer Protection,—Medical Devices (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1697), dated 4th July 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].

4 Mental Health,—Court of Protection (Amendment) Rules 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1733), dated 10th July 2003 [by Act] [Mr David Lammy].

5 National Health Service,—National Health Service (General Dental Services) and (General Dental Services Supplementary List) Amendment Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1702), dated 8th July 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].

6 Social Security,—Social Security Amendment (Students and Income-related Benefits) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1701), dated 8th July 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

Other Papers:

7 Government Resources and Accounts,—(1) Report and Accounts of the Defence Bills Agency for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 757] [Mr Secretary Hoon].

(2) Report and Accounts of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 833] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

8 Financial Reporting to Parliament,—Departmental Report 2003: The Government's Expenditure Plans for 2003–04 to 2004–05 for the Department of Health [by Command] [Cm. 5904] [Mr Secretary Reid].

9 Gender Recognition,—Paper, entitled Draft Gender Recognition Bill [by Command] [Cm. 5875] [Mr David Lammy].

10 Government Trading Funds,—Report and Accounts of the Driving Standards Agency for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 808] [Clerk of the House].

11 Human Rights (Northern Ireland),—Report of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission for 2003 [by Command] [Cm. 5866] [Mr Secretary Murphy].

12 Judicial Statistics,—Report by the Lord Chancellor on Judicial Statistics for 2002 [by Command] [Cm. 5863] [Mr Christopher Leslie].

13 Learning and Skills,—Account of the Adult Learning Inspectorate for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 853] [Mr Secretary Clarke].

14 Northern Ireland,—Report and Accounts of the—

(1) Business Development Service,

(2) Northern Ireland Child Support Agency,

(3) Rivers Agency,

for 2002–03 [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [Nos. 849, 773 and 876] [Mr Secretary Murphy].

15 Trade Union and Labour Relations,—Report of the Certification Officer for Trades Unions and Employers' Associations for 2002–03 [by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

16 Transport,—Department of Transport Minute, dated 11th July 2003, concerning proposed contingent liabilities in support of the Strategic Rail Authority: South West Trains Rail Franchise [by Command] [Mr Secretary Darling].

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Prepared 24 October 2006