| Session 2002-2003 |
| Commons Journal 259
Chronological Index
Page 595 2002-2003 Volume 259 [No. 136.] Monday 15th September 2003. The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Northern Ireland (Monitoring Commission etc.) Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to make provision in connection with the establishment under international law of an independent commission with monitoring functions in relation to Northern Ireland; to make further provision about exclusion from Ministerial office in Northern Ireland; to make provision about reduction of remuneration of members of the Northern Ireland Assembly; to make provision about reduction of financial assistance under the Financial Assistance for Political Parties Act (Northern Ireland) 2000; to make provision about censure resolutions of the Northern Ireland Assembly; and for connected purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House. Patients' Protection Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to prohibit the withdrawal or withholding of sustenance with the intention of causing the death of a patient; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House. Fireworks Bill,—The Lords have agreed to the Fireworks Bill, without Amendment.
The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Vernon Coaker, Bridget Prentice: 240. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mark Francois, Mr John Randall: 98. So the Question was agreed to.
Consideration of Lords Amendments 1. Proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the moment of interruption at this day's sitting. 2. Those proceedings shall be taken in the order shown in the first column of the following Table, and each part of those proceedings shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the time shown in the second column.
Page 596 Monday 15th September 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top Subsequent stages 3. Any further Message from the Lords may be considered forthwith without any Question put. 4. The 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 Nick Raynsford); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Vernon Coaker, Bridget Prentice: 237. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mark Francois, Mr John Randall: 140. So the Question was agreed to.
Mr Nick Raynsford, by Her Majesty's Command, acquainted the House, That Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, gives her consent, so far as Her Majesty's interest is concerned, That the House may do therein as it shall think fit. The House proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Local Government Bill. Lords Amendment No. 3. A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Nick Raynsford); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Vernon Coaker, Bridget Prentice: 258. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mark Field, Mr Mark Francois: 154. So the Question was agreed to. The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to. Lords Amendment No. 6. A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Nick Raynsford); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Gillian Merron, Mr John Heppell: 256. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mark Francois, Mr John Randall: 144. So the Question was agreed to. The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to. It being more than two and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to Local Government Bill (Programme) (No. 4), the Deputy Speaker put the remaining Questions necessary to dispose of the business to be concluded at that hour, pursuant to Order [this day]. Lords Amendment No. 20. Amendments (a) and (b) were made to the Lords Amendment. The Lords Amendment, as amended, was agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges. Amendments (c), (d), (e) and (f), consequential to Lords Amendment No. 20, were made to the Bill. Lords Amendment No. 19 was disagreed to. Lords Amendments Nos. 2, 4, 5, 7 to 18 and 21 to 42 were agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendments Nos. 18, 21, 22 and 27. Lords Amendment No. 43. A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House agrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Nick Raynsford); And it being Ten o'clock, the Speaker put the Question already proposed from the Chair, pursuant to Order [this day]. Lords Amendment No. 43 was agreed to. The Speaker then put forthwith the Question on the remaining Lords Amendments. Page 597 Monday 15th September 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top Lords Amendments Nos. 44 to 56 agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges in respect of Lords Amendments Nos. 47, 48, 49, 53 and 54. Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendments Nos. 3, 6 and 19; That Paul Clark, Mr Edward Davey, Linda Gilroy, Mr Philip Hammond and Phil Hope be members of the Committee; That Phil Hope be the Chairman of the Committee; That three be the Quorum of the Committee; That the Committee do withdraw immediately.—(Paul Clark.)
(1) There shall be a standing committee, called the Standing Committee on the Inter-Governmental Conference on the Future of Europe. (2) At any sitting of the standing committee, the chairman may permit a Minister or Ministers to make statements on the Inter-Governmental Conference, and questions may then be put thereon by Members: Provided that no proceedings under this paragraph may continue after the expiry of a period of one and a half hours from their commencement, except with the leave of the Chairman. (3) At the conclusion of proceedings under paragraph (2), the committee may consider either of the following— (a) when a written report has been laid before Parliament by a Minister or Ministers, a Motion proposed from the chair ‘That the committee has considered the report of [date] on the Inter-Governmental Conference'; or (b) a Motion for the adjournment of the committee, provided that a Minister of the Crown has given notice of a subject relating to the Inter-Governmental Conference for the debate on the adjournment not later than five days before the sitting. (4)(a) The chairman shall put any Questions necessary to dispose of the proceedings on any Motion under paragraph (3)(a), if not previously concluded, when the committee shall have sat for two and a half hours; and the chairman shall thereupon report that the committee has considered the report of [date] on the Inter-Governmental Conference, without putting any further Question; (b) in case of a Motion under paragraph (3)(b), the chairman shall adjourn the committee without putting any question, not later than two and a half hours after the committee has begun sitting. (5)(a) Notwithstanding Standing Order No. 86, the standing committee shall consist of those Members of the House nominated for the time being to the European Scrutiny Committee (appointed under Standing Order No. 143) and to the Foreign Affairs Committee (appointed under Standing Order No. 152); and (b) any Member of the House, not being a member of the committee, may take part in the proceedings of the committee and be counted in the quorum, but shall not vote or make any motion, except that any member of the government may move a Motion under paragraph (3)(b). (6) Members of the House of Lords may participate in the committee's proceedings, but no member of that House may vote or make any motion or be counted in the quorum. That this Order be a Standing Order of the House until the end of the next Session of Parliament.—(Gillian Merron.) Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith. Page 598 Monday 15th September 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 3 for the following Reason:— Because it would alter the financial arrangements made by the Commons, and the Commons do not offer any further Reason, trusting that this reason may be deemed sufficient. The Commons disagree to Lords Amendments No. 6 for the following Reason:— Because it would affect the levy of local revenues, and the Commons do not offer any further Reason, trusting that this reason may be deemed sufficient. The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 19 for the following Reason:— Because it would alter the area of taxation, and the Commons do not offer any further Reason, trusting that this reason may be deemed sufficient. The Reasons were agreed to. Message to the Lords to communicate the said Reasons, with the Bill and Amendments.
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-seven minutes past Ten o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 10.27 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 12th September 2003 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O. No. 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 158 (Presentation of command papers):
Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 12th September 2003 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O. No. 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments): Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
(2) State Pension Credit (Transitional and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2274), dated 7th September 2003 [Mr Secretary Smith]. Page 599 Monday 15th September 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 15th September 2003: Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
(2) National Health Service (Travel Expenses and Remission of Charges) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2382) dated 14th September 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].
(2) Social Security (Third Party Deductions and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2325), dated 9th September 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. Other Papers:
APPENDIX II Standing Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
Page 600 Monday 15th September 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
[No. 137.] Tuesday 16th September 2003. The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
Amendments made to the Bill. Bill to be read the third time.
Ordered, That the Bill be further considered on Tuesday 14th October.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
National Lottery (Funding of Endowments) Bill,—The Lords have agreed to the National Lottery (Funding of Endowments) Bill, without Amendment.
Security of the Electricity Supply and London Underground,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House is greatly concerned about the security of the electricity supply; recognises the crucial importance of reliable supplies to every aspect of domestic and business life, including transport; believes that the Government Page 601 Tuesday 16th September 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top is neglecting the risk of power cuts this winter and in the longer term; condemns the Government's Energy White Paper for planning to make Britain dependent on gas imports from unreliable sources and for not balancing the need for secure supplies with environmental responsibilities; notes that the consequences of the recent power cut on the London Underground may have been worsened by the inadequacies of the Public Private Partnership negotiated and imposed by the Government; and calls for urgent action to ensure no repetition of the alarming experiences endured by hundreds of thousands of people in London and the South East—(Mr Tim Yeo); 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 ‘regrets the problems that have recently occurred on the National Grid and the disruption that was caused particularly to transport services; further notes that the report published by the National Grid last Wednesday shows that the problem was not caused by under-investment on the network, shortage of capacity or its contractual relationship with any of its customers but rather by a local transmission failure; notes that security of supply is one of the key responsibilities of the regulator, that Ofgem is considering the incident in the light of the National Grid's licence obligations and will be reporting at the end of September; and further notes that the Government's engineering inspectorate will also be conducting its own investigation', instead thereof.—(Mr Stephen Timms.) And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Syms, Mr Mark Francois: 124. Tellers for the Noes, Gillian Merron, Joan Ryan: 332. 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 regrets the problems that have recently occurred on the National Grid and the disruption that was caused particularly to transport services; further notes that the report published by the National Grid last Wednesday shows that the problem was not caused by under-investment on the network, shortage of capacity or its contractual relationship with any of its customers but rather by a local transmission failure; notes that security of supply is one of the key responsibilities of the regulator, that Ofgem is considering the incident in the light of the National Grid's licence obligations and will be reporting at the end of September; and further notes that the Government's engineering inspectorate will also be conducting its own investigation. Referendum on the EU Constitution,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House believes that the draft Constitution, presented by the Convention on the Future of Europe to the Inter-Governmental Conference on 20th June at Thessalonica, constitutes a fundamental change to the relationship between the European Union and the Member States and should therefore only be implemented if the British people have freely consented to it in a referendum—(Mr Michael Ancram); 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 commitment to keeping Parliament fully informed of the progress of the IGC negotiations, including through the publication of a White Paper, and to continued intense Parliamentary scrutiny of the draft Constitutional Treaty; believes the proposals from the Convention on the Future of Europe are a good starting point for discussions between the elected governments of the EU's member states; further believes that, as the proposals do not alter the fundamental constitutional relationship between the EU and its Member States, and the role of national parliaments is strengthened, there is no reason to depart from the precedent set by previous governments, which rejected referendums on previous constitutional treaties; and notes that it will be for Parliament to decide on whether it should become part of UK law', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Straw.) 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 Mark Francois, Mr Robert Syms: 177. Tellers for the Noes, Charlotte Atkins, Derek Twigg: 250. So the Question was negatived. Page 602 Tuesday 16th September 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top 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, Derek Twigg, Charlotte Atkins: 241. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mark Francois, Mr Robert Syms: 165. So the Question 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 commitment to keeping Parliament fully informed of the progress of the IGC negotiations, including through the publication of a White Paper, and to continued intense Parliamentary scrutiny of the draft Constitutional Treaty; believes the proposals from the Convention on the Future of Europe are a good starting point for discussions between the elected governments of the EU's member states; further believes that, as the proposals do not alter the fundamental constitutional relationship between the EU and its Member States, and the role of national parliaments is strengthened, there is no reason to depart from the precedent set by previous governments, which rejected referendums on previous constitutional treaties; and notes that it will be for Parliament to decide on whether it should become part of UK law.
And the Deputy Speaker's decision as to the decision of the Question being challenged, the Division was deferred till to-morrow, pursuant to Orders [28th June 2001 and 29th October 2002].
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till eight minutes to Eight o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 7.52 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Other Papers:
Page 603 Tuesday 16th September 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
APPENDIX II Standing Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Legal Services Commission Annual Report 2002–03]; to be printed [No. 1106-i]; and (3) Further Memoranda laid before the Committee [Asylum and Immigration Appeals]; to be printed [No. 772-II] [Mr A. J. Beith].
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Development Assistance and the Occupied Palestinian Territories]; to be printed [No. 1107-i]; and (3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Development Assistance and the Occupied Palestinian Territories] [Tony Baldry].
(2) Fourth Special Report from the Committee [Government Observations on the Eleventh Report from the Committee, on People, Pensions and Post Offices: The impact of ‘Direct Payment' on post offices and their customers]; to be printed [No. 1102]; (3) Fifth Special Report from the Committee [Government Observations on the Ninth Report from the Committee, on UK Steel 2003]; to be printed [No. 1103]; and (4) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Electricity companies' responses to the storms of October 2002]; to be printed [No. 1104-i] [Mr Martin O'Neill]. Page 604 Tuesday 16th September 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
[No. 137; WH, No. 88.] Tuesday 16th September 2003. The House sitting in Westminster Hall The sitting commenced at half-past Nine o'clock.
And the sitting having continued for two and a half hours after Two o'clock, it was adjourned without Question put, till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 4.40 p.m. [No. 138.] Wednesday 17th September 2003. The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
Bill, as amended in the Committee, to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
The Lords do not insist on certain of their Amendments to the Local Government Bill to which this House has disagreed; they agree to the Amendments proposed by this House to another Lords Amendment, and they agree to the consequential Amendments made by this House to the Bill; and they do not insist on their remaining Amendment to which this House has disagreed, but propose an Amendment in lieu thereof. The Lords communicate that they have resolved that any Lord may participate in the proceedings of the Standing Committee on the Inter-Governmental Conference appointed by the Commons, but may not vote or move any Motion or be counted in the Quorum, as proposed in this House's message of 16th September.
Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Bill be printed [Bill 160–EN].
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Timetable 1. Proceedings on Second Reading, in Committee, on consideration and on Third Reading shall be completed at this day's sitting and shall be brought to a conclusion, if not previously concluded, nine hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion for this Order. Timing of proceedings and Questions to be put 2. When the Bill has been read a second time— (a) it shall, notwithstanding Standing Order No. 63 (Committal of bills), stand committed to a Committee of the whole House without any Question being put; (b) proceedings on the Bill shall stand postponed while the Question is put, in accordance with paragraph (1) of Standing Order No. 52 (Money and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), on any financial resolutions relating to the Bill; (c) on the conclusion of proceedings on any financial resolutions relating to the Bill, proceedings on the Bill shall be resumed and the Speaker shall leave the Chair whether or not notice of an Instruction has been given. 3. On the conclusion of proceedings in Committee the Chairman shall report the Bill to the House without putting any Question and, if the Bill is reported with amendments, the House shall proceed to consider the Bill as amended without any Question being put. 4. For the purpose of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 1 the Speaker or Chairman shall forthwith put the following Questions (but no others)— (a) any Question already proposed from the Chair; (b) any Question necessary to bring to a decision a Question so proposed; (c) the Question on any amendment moved, or Motion made, by a Minister of the Crown; (d) any other Question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded. 5. On a Motion so made for a new Clause or a new Schedule, the Chairman or Speaker shall put only the Question that the Clause or Schedule be added to the Bill. Subsequent stages 6.—(1) Any further Message from the Lords on the Bill shall be considered forthwith without any Question being put. (2) Proceedings on any further Message from the Lords shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion one hour after their commencement. 7.—(1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 6. (2) The Speaker shall first put forthwith any Question which has already been proposed from the Chair and not yet decided. (3) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown which is related to the Question already proposed from the Chair. (4) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown on, or relevant to, any of the remaining items in the Lords Message. (5) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question, That this House agrees with the Lords in all the remaining Lords Proposals. Reasons Committee 8.—(1) The Speaker shall put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for the appointment, nomination and quorum of a Committee to draw up Reasons in relation to the Bill and the appointment of its Chairman. (2) A Committee appointed to draw up Reasons shall report before the conclusion of the sitting at which it is appointed. (3) Proceedings in the Committee shall, if not previously brought to a conclusion, be brought to a conclusion 30 minutes after their commencement. (4) For the purpose of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with sub-paragraph (3) the Chairman shall— (a) first put forthwith any Question which has been proposed from the Chair but not yet decided, and Page 606 Wednesday 17th September 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top (b) then put forthwith successively Questions on motions which may be made by a Minister of the Crown for assigning a Reason for disagreeing with the Lords in any of their Amendments. (5) The proceedings of the Committee shall be reported without any further Question being put. Miscellaneous 9. Paragraph (1) of Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business) shall apply to any proceedings to which this Order applies. 10. The proceedings on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of this Order shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion one hour after their commencement and paragraph (1) of Standing Order No. 15 shall apply to those proceedings. 11. Standing Order No. 82 (Business Committee) shall not apply in relation to any proceedings to which this Order applies. 12. No Motion shall be made to alter the order in which any proceedings on the Bill are taken or to re-commit the Bill. 13. No dilatory Motion shall be made in relation to proceedings to which this Order applies except by a Minister of the Crown; and the Question on any such Motion shall be put forthwith. 14.—(1) This paragraph applies if— (a) a Motion for the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 (Adjournment on specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration) has been stood over to Four o'clock, Three o'clock or Seven o'clock (as the case may be), but (b) proceedings to which this Order applies have begun before then. (2) Proceedings on that Motion shall stand postponed until the conclusion of those proceedings. 15. If the House is adjourned, or the sitting is suspended, before the conclusion of any proceedings to which this Order applies, no notice shall be required of a Motion made at the next sitting by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of this Order. 16. Proceedings to which this Order applies shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House—(Mr Secretary Murphy); The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Jim Murphy, Charlotte Atkins: 243. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Nigel Dodds, David Burnside: 21. So the Question was agreed to.
And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read a second time;
Implementation of and Compliance with the Common Fisheries Policy,—That this House takes note of European Union Documents No. 7623/03, Commission Communication towards uniform and effective implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy, and No. 10509/03, Commission Communication on compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy: ‘Compliance work plan and scoreboard'; takes note of the Government's support for the work plan; and supports the Government's objective of playing a constructive part in detailed discussion of the proposals to improve co-operation between enforcement agencies and of the feasibility study on the proposed Community Fisheries Control Agency. Ayes: 235. Noes: 155. So the Question was agreed to.
And it being Seven o'clock, the Deputy Speaker interrupted the proceedings. Page 607 Wednesday 17th September 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
And the Question being put; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Vernon Coaker, Gillian Merron: 325. Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Iris Robinson, Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson: 7. So the Question was agreed to. The Bill was accordingly read a second time. Further proceedings stood postponed, pursuant to Order [this day].
A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Northern Ireland (Monitoring Commission etc.) Bill [Lords], it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of— (a) any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State under the Act, and (b) any amount refunded under the Act in respect of any tax or duty—(Derek Twigg):—It was agreed to.
(In the Committee) Clause No. 1 (The Monitoring Commission). Amendment (No. 64) proposed, in page 1, line 4, to leave out from the word ‘established' to the word ‘to' in line 6.—(Mr Gregory Campbell.) Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Another Amendment (No. 1) proposed, in page 1, line 11, at the end, to insert the words— ‘(1A) But, notwithstanding the provisions of that agreement, the Monitoring Commission shall consist of two members only, who shall be appointed by Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, and of whom one shall be from Northern Ireland.'.—(David Burnside.) Question put, That the Amendment be made. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Gregory Campbell, The Reverend Martin Smyth: 7. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Gillian Merron: 321. Question put, That the Clause stand part of the Bill. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Gillian Merron, Mr Fraser Kemp: 330. Tellers for the Noes, David Burnside, Mrs Iris Robinson: 7. Clauses Nos. 2 and 3 agreed to. Clause No. 4 (Resolutions about exclusion). Page 608 Wednesday 17th September 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top Amendment (No. 22) proposed, in page 3, line 20, at the end, to insert the words— ‘(6A) In subsection (5) (motion for resolution not to be moved unless certain conditions are satisfied), for “Presiding Officer in pursuance of a notice” there is substituted “Secretary of State”.'—(Andrew Mackinlay.) Question proposed, That the Amendment be made. And it being nine hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to Northern Ireland (Monitoring Commission etc.) Bill [Lords] (Allocation of Time), the Chairman, pursuant to Order [this day], put the Question already proposed from the Chair:—It was negatived. The Chairman then proceeded to put the remaining Questions necessary to bring proceedings in Committee to a conclusion. Question put, That the Clause stand part of the Bill. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Gillian Merron, Mr Fraser Kemp: 338. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Andrew Hunter, Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson: 8. Clauses Nos. 5 to 11 agreed to. Clause No. 12 (Short title, commencement and repeals). Amendment (No. 81) made. Clause, as amended, agreed to. Whereupon the Chairman left the Chair to report the Bill, as amended, to the House. The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair; and Mr Vernon Coaker reported, That the Committee had gone through the Bill, and made an Amendment thereunto. The House, pursuant to Order [this day], proceeded to consider the Bill, as amended in the Committee. A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Order [this day], That the Bill be now read the third time; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Gillian Merron: 334. Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Iris Robinson, Mr Nigel Dodds: 9. So the Question was agreed to. The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed, with an Amendment.
Lords Amendment No. 3B. A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Nick Raynsford); Thursday 18th September 2003 And the Question being put; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Nick Ainger, Bridget Prentice: 221. Tellers for the Noes, Angela Watkinson, Mr Mark Field: 112. So the Question was agreed to. The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to. Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to draw up a Reason to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendment No. 3B. That Paul Clark, Mr Edward Davey, Linda Gilroy, Mr Philip Hammond and Phil Hope be members of the Committee. That Phil Hope be the Chairman of the Committee. That three be the Quorum of the Committee. That the Committee do withdraw immediately.—(Paul Clark.)
(1) Patrick Iddenden, Zena Gould and others for those on disability benefits to qualify for winter fuel allowance, Page 609 Wednesday 17th September 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top (2) residents of Chenies, Buckinghamshire, and others against the installation of a telecommunications mast at Chenies, and (3) residents of Jordans, Buckinghamshire, and others against proposed changes in school catchment areas affecting children living in Jordans were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 3B for the following Reason:— Because it would alter the financial arrangements made by the Commons, and the Commons do not offer any further Reason, trusting that this Reason may be deemed sufficient. The Reason was agreed to. Message to the Lords to communicate the said Reason, with the Bill.
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till ten minutes to One o'clock on Thursday morning, adjourned till this day. [Adjourned at 12.50 a.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
(2) draft Regulatory Reform (Gaming Machines) Order 2003, together with a statement by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport [by Act] [Secretary Tessa Jowell]. Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Other Papers:
(2) Report and Accounts of National Savings and Investments for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1053] [Ruth Kelly].
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(1) the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1094] [Clerk of the House], and of (2) the Scottish Arts Council National Lottery Distribution Fund, and (3) sportscotland National Lottery Fund for 2002–03 [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 1057 and 1056] [Mr Secretary Darling].
(2) Supplementary Pension Scheme, for Mr David Calvert-Smith in respect of his appointment as Director of Public Prosecutions, dated 17th September 2003 [by Act] [Mr Douglas Alexander].
APPENDIX II Standing Committees
(1) The Speaker has appointed Mr Mike Hancock an additional Chairman of Standing Committee A in respect of the Bill; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Clive Betts, Sir Sydney Chapman, Paul Clark, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Yvette Cooper, Mr Edward Davey, Barbara Follett, Dr Hywel Francis, Mr Mark Francois, Matthew Green, Keith Hill, Siobhain McDonagh, Mr Terry Rooney, Mr Don Touhig, Mr Andrew Turner and Dr Alan Whitehead.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Janet Anderson, Charlotte Atkins, Peter Bottomley, Dr Vincent Cable, Mr Iain Coleman, Derek Conway, Brian Cotter, Ross Cranston, Jon Cruddas, Michael Fabricant, Mr Mark Field, Mr Michael Meacher, Chris Mole, Ian Stewart, Mr Stephen Timms and Dr Rudi Vis.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Regulations to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Charlotte Atkins, Mr Henry Bellingham, Mr Keith Bradley, Dr Vincent Cable, Brian Cotter, Mr Jonathan Djanogly, Mr Mark Field, Mr Nick Gibb, Ann McKechin, Judy Mallaber, Mr Greg Pope, Mr Clive Soley, Ian Stewart, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Brian White and Mrs Betty Williams. Page 611 Wednesday 17th September 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: David Cairns, Mr David Clelland, Mr Bill Etherington, Mr Paul Goodman, Paul Holmes, Mr Andrew Lansley, Mr Peter Lilley, Chris McCafferty, Margaret Moran, Mr Chris Pond, Ms Debra Shipley, Dr Gavin Strang, Ms Gisela Stuart, Mr Robert Syms, Steve Webb and Derek Wyatt.
Grand Committees
European Standing Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Alternative Uses for Crops (Biofuels)]; to be printed [No. 929-iv] [Mr David Curry].
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Improving Service Delivery: The Veterans Agency]; to be printed [No. 1113-i] [Mr Edward Leigh]. Page 612 Wednesday 17th September 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
(2) Eighth Report from the Committee [The Highways Agency], 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. 453] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].
[No. 138; WH, No. 89.] Wednesday 17th September 2003. The House sitting in Westminster Hall The sitting commenced at half-past Nine o'clock.
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 4.44 p.m. [No. 139.] Thursday 18th September 2003. The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
That this Committee takes note of European Union Documents No. 9081/03, draft Council Regulation establishing measures for the recovery of cod stocks, and No. 10980/03, draft Council Regulation establishing measures for the recovery of the Northern hake stock; welcomes the Government's support of the adoption of recovery plans for cod and hake in which effort control and other measures can play a part, and also supports the Government's intention to ensure a close dialogue with the fishing industry in developing these plans. Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
The Lords have agreed to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Deceased Fathers) Bill, without Amendment. The Lords have agreed without Amendment to the Amendment made by the Commons to the Northern Ireland (Monitoring Commission etc.) Bill. The Lords do not insist on their Amendment to the Local Government Bill to which the Commons have disagreed.
Page 613 Thursday 18th September 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
Fireworks Act 2003 National Lottery (Funding of Endowments) Act 2003 Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Deceased Fathers) Act 2003 Northern Ireland (Monitoring Commission etc.) Act 2003 Local Government Act 2003.
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-six minutes past Four o'clock, adjourned till Tuesday 14th October, pursuant to Resolution [9th September]. [Adjourned at 4.26 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Other Papers:
Page 614 Thursday 18th September 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top APPENDIX II Standing Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Afghanistan], together with Appendices; to be printed [No. 1117-i] [Tony Baldry].
[No. 139; WH, No. 90.] Thursday 18th September 2003. The House sitting in Westminster Hall The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock.
And the sitting having continued for three hours, it was adjourned, without Question put, till Tuesday 14th October. [Adjourned at 5.30 p.m.
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