| Commons Journal 259
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II
Page 662 2002-2003 Volume 259
[No. 151.] Monday 3rd November 2003.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—David Taylor reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections) (Amendment) Order 2003, the Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections and Periods of Suspension) Act 2003 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2696) and the Northern Ireland (Date of Next Assembly Poll) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2697). |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Sexual Offences Bill [Lords],—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Sexual Offences Bill [Lords], as amended in the Standing Committee. |
Ordered, That the Amendments to the Sexual Offences Bill [Lords], as amended, be considered in the following order, namely, new Clauses, Amendments relating to Clauses Nos. 1 to 56, Schedule No. 1, Clauses Nos. 57 to 72, Schedule No. 2, Clauses Nos. 73 to 80, Schedule No. 3, Clauses Nos. 81 to 93, Schedule No. 4, Clauses Nos. 94 to 104, Schedule No. 5, Clauses Nos. 105 to 138, Schedule No. 6, Clause No. 139, Schedule No. 7, Clauses Nos. 140 to 142, new Schedules.—(Mr Vernon Coaker.)
A Clause (Penalties for keeping a brothel)—(Paul Goggins)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.
Another Clause (Service Courts)—(Ms Harriet Harman)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.
Another Clause (Anonymity of suspects and defendants in certain cases (No. 2))—(Mr Dominic Grieve)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr George Osborne, Mr Mark Francois: 158.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Nick Ainger, Paul Clark: 276.
Another Clause (Disqualification)—(Sir Paul Beresford)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Clause (Encryption (No. 2))—(Sir Paul Beresford)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Clause (Sections 17 to 20: Exemption for same sex relationships)—(Dr Evan Harris)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Clause (Sexual activity in a public place)—(Dr Evan Harris)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
Amendment (No. 187) proposed to the Bill, in page 3, line 15, at the end, to insert the words—
‘(c) a person aged below 18 years at the time of the offence shall be assessed by a multi-disciplinary team and be eligible for treatment, even if he does not subsequently become subject to notification requirements.'.—(Annette Brooke.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Amendments (Nos. 1 to 6) made to the Bill.
Another Amendment (No. 116) proposed to the Bill, in page 5, line 34, to leave out ‘9' and insert ‘10', instead thereof.—(Annette Brooke.)
Question put, That the Amendment be made.
Page 663 Monday 3rd November 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr David Heath: 40.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Charlotte Atkins: 278.
It being after Nine o'clock, the Deputy Speaker, pursuant to Order [15th July], put the Question on the remaining Amendments moved by a Minister of the Crown to be disposed of at that hour.
Other Amendments (Nos. 7, 8, 82, 118, 10 to 15, 119, 17, 120, 19 to 43, 83, 84, 121 to 123, 47 to 51, 53, 52, 85, 86, 63 to 66, 68, 69, 111, 67, 87, 88, 124, 125, 89, 90, 126, 91 to 95, 127 to 131, 96, 97, 70 to 72, 98, 132, 99, 73, 100 to 104, 54 to 56, 133, 105, 57 to 60, 74, 134, 76, 77, 112, 78 to 80, 113 to 115, 81, 106 to 108, 62, 109 and 110) made to the Bill.
The Bill was read the third time, and passed, with Amendments.
| 3 | Family Law,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Child Support (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2003, which were laid before this House on 10th September, be approved—(Bridget Prentice):—It was agreed to. |
| 4 | Road Traffic,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2003, which were laid before this House on 15th October, be approved—(Bridget Prentice):—It was agreed to. |
| 5 | Reduced Rates of VAT,—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. 11817/03, draft Council Directive amending Directive 77/388/EEC as regards reduced rates of Value Added Tax; and supports the Government's position both that the proposals as they relate to zero rates are unacceptable in their current form and that it will not accept any proposals that would harm its social objectives or undermine the fairness of the United Kingdom's VAT system and the competitiveness of the UK economy—(Bridget Prentice):—It was agreed to. |
| 6 | Official Feed and Food Controls,—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. 6090/03, a draft Regulation on official feed and food controls; and supports the Government's view that the measure will improve the consistency and effectiveness of feed and food law enforcement throughout Europe thereby increasing consumer safety and protection and facilitating the functioning of the single market—(Bridget Prentice):—It was agreed to. |
| 7 | Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Thursday 6th November, the Speaker shall put the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the Motions in the name of Mr Peter Hain relating to Programming of Bills and Deferred Divisions not later than Six o'clock; such Questions shall include any Questions on Amendments selected by the Speaker which may then be moved; the Questions may be put after the moment of interruption; and the Orders of the House of 28th June 2001 and 29th October 2002 relating to Deferred Divisions shall not apply.—(Bridget Prentice.) |
| 8 | Home Affairs,—Ordered, That Mr David Cameron be discharged from the Home Affairs Committee and Mr John Bercow be added.—(Mr Peter Luff, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) |
| 9 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Bridget Prentice); |
And it being Ten o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.
| 10 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Jim Fitzpatrick); |
And the Motion having been made at 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, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.30 p.m.
Page 664 Monday 3rd November 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 31st October 2003 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O. No. 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Customs and Excise,—(1) Export of Goods, Transfer of Technology and Provision of Technical Assistance (Control) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2764), and |
(2) Trade in Goods (Control) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2765),
dated 30th October 2003 [Ms Secretary Hewitt].
| 2 | Education,—Education (Co-ordination of Admission Arrangements) (Primary Schools) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2751), dated 27th October 2003 [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 3rd November 2003:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 3 | Electronic Communications,—Draft Telephone Number Exclusion (Domain Names and Internet Addresses) Order 2003 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
| 4 | Fees and Charges,—Draft Department for Transport (Driver Licensing and Vehicle Registration Fees) Order 2003 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
Other Papers:
| 5 | Cereals Marketing,—Report and Accounts of the Home-Grown Cereals Authority for 2002–03 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 6 | National Audit,—Reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General on— |
(1) Department for International Development: Responding to humanitarian emergencies,
(2) Getting it right, putting it right: improving decision-making and appeals in social security benefits, and
(3) The Management of Suspensions of Clinical Staff in NHS Hospital and Ambulance Trusts in England
[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 1227, 1142 and 1143] [Clerk of the House].
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| Draft Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections) (Amendment) Order 2003, the Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections and Periods of Suspension) Act 2003 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2696) and the Northern Ireland (Date of Next Assembly Poll) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2697),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr David Clelland, Rob Marris, Lembit Opik and Mr Frank Roy from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order and Orders); and nominated in substitution Mr Alistair Carmichael, Huw Irranca-Davies, Gareth Thomas (Clwyd West) and Mr Anthony D. Wright. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Cetacean By-Catch Sub-Committee of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee [Cetacean By-Catch]; to be printed [No. 1244-i] [Mr David Curry]. |
| 2 | Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [Government Support for Nanotechnology]; to be printed [No. 1160-iii] [Dr Ian Gibson]. |
| 3 | Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [Support to businesses from Regional Development Agencies]; to be printed [No. 814-ii] [Mr Martin O'Neill]. |
Page 665 Monday 3rd November 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
[No. 152.] Tuesday 4th November 2003.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | London Local Authorities Bill [Lords],—Mr Richard Page reported from the Committee on the London Local Authorities Bill [Lords], That it had examined the allegations contained in the Preamble to the Bill and found the same to be true; and had gone through the Bill and made Amendments thereunto. |
Bill, as amended in the Committee, to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Bill,—Frank Cook reported from Standing Committee B, That it had gone through the European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Bill, and directed him to report the same, without Amendment. |
Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 1258].
| 3 | Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Win Griffiths reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Postal Services Act 2000 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2003. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Nigel Beard reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Communications Data) Order 2003, the draft Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Directed Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Sources) Order 2003 and the draft Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Intrusive Surveillance) Order 2003. |
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 agree to the Amendments made by this House to the Waste and Emissions Trading Bill, without Amendment.
The Lords agree to the Fire Services Bill, with Amendments; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
The Lords agree to the European Union (Accessions) Bill, with an Amendment; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
| 6 | Fire Services Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Fire Services Bill to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 172]. |
| 7 | European Union (Accessions) Bill,—Lords Amendment to the European Union (Accessions) Bill to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 173]. |
| 8 | Children's Television (Advertising) (No. 2),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to ban the advertising of high fat, high sugar and high salt content food and drinks during pre-school children's television programmes and related scheduling: And that Ms Debra Shipley, Linda Perham, Vera Baird, Ann Clwyd, Dr Brian Iddon, Glenda Jackson, Brian White, Mr Jim Cunningham, Geraint Davies, Andrew Mackinlay and Angela Eagle do prepare and bring it in. |
| 9 | Children's Television (Advertising) (No. 2) Bill,—Ms Debra Shipley accordingly presented a Bill to ban the advertising of high fat, high sugar and high salt content food and drinks during pre-school children's television programmes and related scheduling: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 21st November and to be printed [Bill 171]. |
| 10 | Adjournment (Quality of life in local communities),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Joan Ryan); |
And it being three hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion for the adjournment of the House, the Motion lapsed, without Question put, pursuant to Order [30th October].
| 11 | Adjournment (African development strategies),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Paul Clark); |
Page 666 Tuesday 4th November 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
And it being Seven o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put, pursuant to Order [30th October].
| 12 | Local Government Finance,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Local Government Finance Special Grant Report (No. 128) on Dealing with Disadvantage Grant, a copy of which was laid before this House on 14th October, be approved—(Bridget Prentice):—It was agreed to. |
| 13 | Dentists,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Dental Auxiliaries (Amendment) Regulations 2003, which were laid before this House on 15th October, be approved—(Bridget Prentice):—It was agreed to. |
| 14 | Broadcasting,—Ordered, That Mr James Gray be discharged from the Select Committee on Broadcasting and Gregory Barker be added.—(Bridget Prentice.) |
| 15 | Sittings in Westminster Hall,—Ordered, That, on Thursday 20th November, there shall be no sitting in Westminster Hall.—(Bridget Prentice.) |
| 16 | Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from— |
(1) the York group of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign for the imposition of trade sanctions on Israel; and
(2) residents of Dumfries and Galloway for upgraded digital television transmission in the area,
were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
| 17 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Bridget Prentice.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-nine minutes past Seven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 7.29 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | European Communities,—(1) Draft European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria) Order 2003, and |
(2) draft European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States and the Republic of Lebanon) Order 2003
[by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Mr Secretary Straw].
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Animals,—Horse Passports (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2780), dated 4th November 2003 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 3 | National Lottery,—National Lottery (Licence Fees) (Amendment) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2771), dated 3rd November 2003 [by Act] [Secretary Tessa Jowell]. |
| 4 | Value Added Tax,—Value Added Tax Tribunals (Amendment) Rules 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2757), dated 28th October 2003 [by Act] [Mr David Lammy]. |
| 5 | Weights and Measures,—Weighing Equipment (Automatic Catchweighing Instruments) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2761), dated 2nd November 2003 [by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
Other Papers:
| 6 | Criminal Justice,—Report and Accounts of the Parole Board for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1182] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 7 | Police Reform,—Paper, entitled The National Policing Plan 2004–07 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
Page 667 Tuesday 4th November 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Communications Data) Order 2003, draft Regulation on Investigatory Powers (Directed Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Sources) Order 2003 and the draft Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Intrusive Surveillance) Order 2003,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Colin Burgon, Mr Hilton Dawson, Mr Brian H. Donohoe, David Winnick and Derek Wyatt from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Orders); and nominated in substitution Janet Anderson, Mr Russell Brown, Ross Cranston, Mr David Crausby and Jon Trickett. |
| 2 | Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) Scheme 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2669),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Mark Simmonds from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Scheme); and nominated in substitution Mr Hugo Swire. |
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-iii] [Mr Gerald Kaufman]. |
| 2 | Foreign Affairs,—(1) Twelfth Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee [Foreign and Commonwealth Office Annual Report 2003], 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. 859]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Foreign Policy Aspects of the War against Terrorism]; to be printed [No. 1257-i]
[Donald Anderson].
| 3 | Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [The Rehabilitation of Prisoners]; to be printed [No. 1245-i] [Mr John Denham]. |
| 4 | Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Office of the Deputy Prime Minster: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee [The Fire Service]; to be printed [No. 1168-ii]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Coalfield Communities]; to be printed [No. 1169-II]
[Andrew Bennett].
| 5 | Scottish Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Scottish Affairs Committee [Coincidence of Parliamentary Constituency Boundaries in Scotland and the Consequences of Change]; to be printed [No. 1256-i] [Mrs Irene Adams]. |
| 6 | Statutory Instruments,—(1) Thirtieth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 96-xxx]; and |
(2) Fourth Report from the Select Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with a Memorandum laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 126-iv]
[Brian White].
| 7 | Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [Support to businesses from Regional Development Agencies]; to be printed [No. 814-iii and -iv] [Mr Martin O'Neill]. |
| 8 | Transport,—Ninth Report from the Transport Committee [Ports], 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. 783-I and -II] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody]. |
| 9 | Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [Transparency of Credit Card Charges]; to be printed [No. 962-vi] [Mr John McFall]. |
Page 668 Tuesday 4th November 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
[No. 152; WH, No. 100.]
Tuesday 4th November 2003.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Nine o'clock.
| Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Fraser Kemp.) |
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 4.29 p.m.
[No. 153.] Wednesday 5th November 2003.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Edward O'Hara reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) Scheme 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2669). |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Roger Gale reported from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Strategic Health Authorities Consultation on Changes Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1617). |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Road Traffic Regulations (Consultation),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to create full statutory public consultation procedures wheresoever road traffic management schemes are proposed by local authorities—(Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger); |
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):—It was agreed to.
Ordered, That Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger, Mr Kevan Jones, Andrew Rosindell, Mr Tim Boswell, Mr Andrew Turner, Mr John Burnett, John Thurso, Mr David Clelland and Mr Adrian Flook do prepare and bring in the Bill.
| 4 | Road Traffic Regulations (Consultation) Bill,—Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger accordingly presented a Bill to create full statutory public consultation procedures wheresoever road traffic management schemes are proposed by local authorities: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 21st November and to be printed [Bill 174]. |
| 5 | Opposition Day [6th allotted day: second part],—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. |
Confidentiality of Decommissioning in the Northern Ireland Peace Process,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House expresses its profound disquiet at the accounts given by the Prime Minister and by General de Chastelain on the issue of whether information on the latest IRA act of decommissioning, additional to that made public, was given by General de Chastelain to the UK and Irish Governments; believes that the credibility of both the Prime Minister and of General de Chastelain are of vital importance in the successful conclusion of the Northern Ireland peace process; and therefore considers it imperative that this matter should be clarified urgently and unambiguously—(Mr Quentin Davies);
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 the importance of confidentiality to effective decommissioning of weapons in Northern Ireland; expresses its gratitude for the professionalism of General de Chastelain and the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning; welcomes the further positive developments in the peace process set out by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in his statement to the House on 22nd October, including the calling of elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly on 26th November; calls on all parties in the House to engage
Page 669 Wednesday 5th November 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
constructively in furthering the peace process in Northern Ireland; and looks forward to further progress after the elections towards the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland on a stable and inclusive basis', instead thereof.—(Jane Kennedy.)
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, Angela Watkinson, Mr Mark Field: 186.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Bridget Prentice: 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 notes the importance of confidentiality to effective decommissioning of weapons in Northern Ireland; expresses its gratitude for the professionalism of General de Chastelain and the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning; welcomes the further positive developments in the peace process set out by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in his statement to the House on 22nd October, including the calling of elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly on 26th November; calls on all parties in the House to engage constructively in furthering the peace process in Northern Ireland; and looks forward to further progress after the elections towards the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland on a stable and inclusive basis.
| 6 | Water Bill [Lords] (Programme) (No. 3),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That— |
Procedure on Consideration and Third Reading
(1) Paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Programme Order of 8th September 2003 relating to the Water 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 on the day on which those proceedings are commenced at the time specified in the second column;
| Proceedings | Time for conclusion of proceedings |
| New Clauses and new Schedules relating to Part 1; Amendments relating to Part 1. | 5 hours before the moment of interruption. |
| New Clauses and new Schedules relating to Part 2; Amendments relating to Clause No. 34, Schedule No. 1, Clause No. 35, Schedule No. 2, Clause No. 36, Schedule No. 3, Clauses Nos. 37 to 56, Schedule No. 4. | 4 hours before the moment of interruption. |
| New Clauses and new Schedules relating to Part 3 (except new Clauses and new Schedules relating to fluoridation); Amendments relating to Clause No. 57, Clauses Nos. 59 to 85, Schedules Nos. 5 and 6, Clauses Nos. 86 to 98. | 3 hours before the moment of interruption. |
| New Clauses and new Schedules relating to fluoridation; Amendments relating to Clause No. 58; remaining new Clauses and new Schedules; Amendments relating to Clauses Nos. 99 and 100, Schedules Nos. 7 to 9, Clauses Nos. 101 to 104. | 1 hour before the moment of interruption. |
(3) proceedings on Third Reading shall, so far as not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at the moment of interruption on the day on which those proceedings are commenced—(Gillian Merron);
Page 670 Wednesday 5th November 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Bridget Prentice: 300.
Tellers for the Noes, Angela Watkinson, Mr Mark Field: 181.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 7 | Adjournment (Making a success of vocational education),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Gillian Merron); |
And it being Seven o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.
| 8 | Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections) (Amendment) Order 2003, which was laid before this House on 22nd October, be approved—(Bridget Prentice):—It was agreed to. |
| 9 | Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections and Periods of Suspension) Act 2003 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2696), dated 21st October 2003, a copy of which was laid before this House on 22nd October, be approved—(Bridget Prentice):—It was agreed to. |
| 10 | Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Northern Ireland (Date of Next Assembly Poll) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2697), dated 21st October 2003, a copy of which was laid before this House on 22nd October, be approved—(Bridget Prentice):—It was agreed to. |
| 11 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from the Restricted Growth Association against stereotyping and discrimination directed towards people of restricted growth was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 12 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Bridget Prentice); |
And the Motion having been made after Seven o'clock, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Speaker adjourned the House, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then twenty-nine minutes to Eight o'clock, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 7.31 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Taxes,—Stamp Duty and Stamp Duty Land Tax (Variation of the Finance Act 2003) (No. 2) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2816), dated 5th November 2003 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ruth Kelly]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Channel Tunnel,—Channel Tunnel (International Arrangements) (Amendment) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2799), dated 4th November 2003 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 3 | Financial Services and Markets,—Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Disclosure of Confidential Information) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2817), dated 4th November 2003 [by Act] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 4 | Tax Credits,—Tax Credits (Miscellaneous Amendments No. 2) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2815), dated 4th November 2003 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo]. |
| 5 | Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,—Statute, dated 11th October 2002, made by the Governing Body of Balliol College, Oxford, amending the Statutes of the College [by Act] [Mr David Lammy]. |
Other Papers:
| 6 | Justices of the Peace,—Report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of the Magistrates' Courts Service for 2002–03 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1119] [Mr Christopher Leslie]. |
Page 671 Wednesday 5th November 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
| 7 | School Standards and Framework,—Accounts of— |
(1) Astons & Nechells Education Action Zone,
(2) Clacton and Harwich Education Action Zone,
(3) East Basildon Education Action Zone,
(4) Herefordshire Education Action Zone,
(5) Leigh (Wigan) Education Action Zone,
(6) North Gillingham Education Action Zone,
(7) North Somerset (Weston-Super-Mare) Education Action Zone,
(8) Telford & Wrekin Education Action Zone, and
(9) Wolverhampton Education Action Zone,
for 2002–03, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 1246, 1247, 1248, 1249, 1250, 1251, 1252, 1253 and 1254] [Clerk of the House].
| 8 | Social Security Administration,—Reports by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council:— |
(1) on whether sufficient evidence exists to warrant adding osteoarthritis of the hip as a prescribed disease, and
(2) reviewing the prescription of conditions due to biological agents
in accordance with Section 171 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 [by Command] [Cms. 5977 and 5997] [Mr Secretary Smith].
| 9 | Treaty Series (No. 44, 2003),—Convention, done at Vilnius on 19th March 2001, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital Gains; and Protocol, done at London on 21st May 2002, amending the Convention [by Command] [Cm. 6003] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Education (Amendment of the Curriculum Requirements for the Fourth Key Stage) (England) Order 2003: |
(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: Mr Graham Brady, Mr Ian Cawsey, Mr James Clappison, Mr Ian Davidson, Mr Parmjit Dhanda, Helen Jones, Mr Tony McWalter, Mr David Miliband, Dr John Pugh, Geraldine Smith, Mark Tami, Mr Paul Truswell, Mr Andrew Turner, Derek Twigg, Angela Watkinson and Mr Phil Willis.
| 2 | Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections and Periods of Suspension) Act 2003 (Consequential Modifications No. 2) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2752): |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Order to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Richard Bacon, Richard Burden, Mr Alistair Carmichael, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Terry Davis, Mr Hilton Dawson, Mr Brian H. Donohoe, David Hamilton, Mr Tom Harris, Mr Doug Henderson, Lady Hermon, Mr John Lyons, Mr Andrew Mackay, Mr John Spellar, Mr John Taylor and Angela Watkinson.
| 3 | Draft Department of Transport (Driver Licensing and Vehicles Registration Fees) (England) Order 2003: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Harold Best, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Bob Blizzard, Mr David Borrow, Virginia Bottomley, Mr Christopher Chope, Mr Michael Connarty, Mr Stephen Dorrell, Mr Mark Field, Mr David Jamieson, Rob Marris, Mr Paul Marsden, Gillian Merron, Mr Austin Mitchell, Llew Smith and John Thurso.
Page 672 Wednesday 5th November 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
| 4 | Immigration (Leave to Remain) (Fees) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1711): |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Regulations to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Annette Brooke, Barbara Follett, Mr Barry Gardiner, Mrs Cheryl Gillan, Mr David Heath, Mr John Heppell, Beverley Hughes, Mr Brian Jenkins, Mr Peter Lilley, Mr Humfrey Malins, Mr Eric Martlew, Diana Organ, Sandra Osborne, Anne Picking, Mr John Randall and Mr Dennis Skinner.
| 5 | Fishing Vessels (Decommissioning) Scheme 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2669),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas, Mr John Denham and Christine Russell from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Scheme); and nominated in substitution Mr Martin Caton, Mr Jon Owen Jones and Albert Owen. |
| 6 | Strategic Health Authorities Consultation on Changes Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1617),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Martin Salter and Claire Ward from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Regulations); and nominated in substitution Jim Knight and Jonathan Shaw. |
European Standing Committees
| 7 | The European Scrutiny Committee has withdrawn its recommendations [3rd July and 18th December 2002] that European Union Documents Nos. 10288/01 and 14205/02, relating to Allocation of slots at Community airports, be further considered, and the documents no longer stand referred to European Standing Committee A. |
| 8 | European Union Document No. 12985/03, relating to Protection of groundwater against pollution, has been referred to European Standing Committee A. |
| 9 | European Union Documents Nos. 13297/03 and 13244/03 and Addendum 1, relating to Trans-European Networks, have been referred to European Standing Committee A together with European Union Document No. 12817/02 relating to the same subject, already referred to the Committee on 6th November 2002. |
| 10 | European Union Document No. 10965/3/03, relating to Security at European Council meetings and other comparable events, has been referred to European Standing Committee B. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Defence,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee [Lessons of Iraq]; to be printed [No. 695-xi]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Armed Forces Pension and Compensation]; to be printed [No. 1255]
[Rachel Squire].
| 2 | Education and Skills,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education and Skills Committee [The Work of Ofsted]; to be printed [No. 1260] [Valerie Davey]. |
| 3 | Environmental Audit,—(1) Thirteenth Report from the Environmental Audit Committee [Greening Government 2003]; together with an Appendix to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 961]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [GM Food—Evaluating the Farm Scale Trials]; to be printed [No. 1239-ii]
[Mr Peter Ainsworth].
| 4 | Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee [Water Pricing]; to be printed [No. 1240-ii] [Mr David Curry]. |
| 5 | European Scrutiny,—(1) Thirty-sixth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 63-xxxvi]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The Inter-Governmental Conference on the Draft Treaty on a Constitution for Europe]; to be printed [No. 1078-ii]
[Mr Jimmy Hood].
Page 673 Wednesday 5th November 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
| 6 | Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Introduction of the Aggregates Levy in Northern Ireland: One Year On]; to be printed [No.1101-ii] [Mr Michael Mates]. |
| 7 | Procedure,—Third Report from the Procedure Committee [Sessional Orders and Resolutions], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 855] [Sir Nicholas Winterton]. |
| 8 | Transport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Committee [The Future of the Railways]; to be printed [No. 875-vi] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody]. |
| 9 | Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Treasury Committee [Royal Mint Annual Report 2002–03]; to be printed [No. 1261-i] [Mr John McFall]. |
[No. 153; WH, No. 101.]
Wednesday 5th November 2003.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Nine o'clock.
| Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr John Heppell.) |
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 4.59 p.m.
[No. 154.] Thursday 6th November 2003.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Programming,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That Orders A to I relating to the Programming of Bills, made by the House on 28th June 2001, and programme orders of the current session of Parliament relating to bills which are carried over to the next session, shall continue to have effect in the next session of Parliament—(Peter Hain); |
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Nick Ainger, Gillian Merron: 232.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr George Osborne, Mr Mark Hoban: 87.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 2 | Deferred Divisions,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the Order relating to Deferred Divisions, made by the House on 28th June 2001, shall continue to have effect in the next session of Parliament—(Jim Fitzpatrick); |
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Nick Ainger, Gillian Merron: 242.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr George Osborne, Mr Mark Hoban: 80.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 3 | Immigration,—Ordered, That the Immigration (Leave to Remain) (Fees) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1711) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Jim Fitzpatrick.) |
| 4 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Mrs Rosemary Anne Horney against the misuse of the name of the Lord, in violation of the Third Commandment, in films, books and television programmes was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 5 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Jim Fitzpatrick.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till five minutes past Five o'clock, adjourned till Monday 10th November.
[Adjourned at 5.05 p.m.
Page 674 Thursday 6th November 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Agriculture,—Organic Products (Imports from Third Countries) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2821), dated 5th November 2003 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 2 | Charities,—Draft Charities (Alexandra Park and Palace) Order 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 3 | Consumer Protection,—Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2762), dated 29th October 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 4 | Financial Services and Markets,—Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (No. 3) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2822), dated 6th November 2003 [by Act] [Ruth Kelly]. |
Other Papers:
| 5 | Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the Petition [18th September] from residents of Knutsford, Alderley Edge and the surrounding area for international trade rules more favourable to the poorest nations [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Education (Amendment of the Curriculum Requirements for the Fourth Key Stage) (England) Order 2003,—The Speaker has appointed Mrs Marion Roe Chairman of the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order. |
| 2 | Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections and Periods of Suspension) Act 2003 (Consequential Modifications No. 2) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2752),—The Speaker has appointed David Taylor Chairman of the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Order. |
| 3 | Department for Transport (Driver Licensing and Vehicle Registration Fees) Order 2003,—The Speaker has appointed Mr James Cran Chairman of the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Order. |
| 4 | Immigration (Leave to Remain) (Fees) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 1711),—The Speaker has appointed David Taylor Chairman of the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Regulations. |
| 5 | Patients' Forums (Membership and Procedure) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2123) and the Patients' Forums (Functions) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2124),—The Speaker has appointed Mr Joe Benton Chairman of the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Regulations. |
| 6 | Draft Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Australia) Order 2003 and the draft Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Chile) Order 2003,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Nigel Beard Chairman of the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Orders. |
Grand Committees
| 7 | The Speaker has appointed Mrs Irene Adams Chairman of the Scottish Grand Committee in respect of its meeting on Wednesday 12th November. |
European Standing Committees
| 8 | The Speaker has appointed Mr Mike Hancock Chairman of European Standing Committee A in respect of European Union Document No. 5268/03 on Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds from Solvents used in Paints. |
| 9 | The Speaker has appointed Mr Alan Hurst Chairman of European Standing Committee A in respect of European Union Documents Nos. 12817/02, 13297/03 and 13244/03 and Addendum 1 on Trans-European Networks. |
| 10 | The Speaker has appointed Mrs Irene Adams Chairman of European Standing Committee C in respect of European Union Document No. 5007/03 and Unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum on Competition Policy: Mergers. |
| 11 | The Speaker has appointed Mr David Amess Chairman of European Standing Committee C in respect of European Union Document No. 10122/03 on Quality and Safety of Human Tissues. |
Page 675 Thursday 6th November 2003 2002-2003 Volume 259 Back to top
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee [Obesity]; to be printed [No. 755-vi] [Mr David Hinchliffe]. |
| 2 | International Development,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [The Autumn Meetings of the World Bank and the IMF]; to be printed, together with Appendices [No. 1266]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [The Autumn Meetings of the World Bank and the IMF]
[Tony Baldry].
| 3 | Public Administration,—(1) Sixth Report from the Select Committee on Public Administration [On Target? Government by Measurement: The Government's Response to the Committee's Fifth Report], together with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 1264]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [A Civil Service Act]; to be printed [No. 837-ii]
[Tony Wright].
[No. 154; WH, No. 102.]
Thursday 6th November 2003.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock.
| Adjournment (Export Controls—First and Second Joint Reports from the Defence, Foreign Affairs, International Development and Trade and Industry Committees, Session 2002–03, on the Government's proposals for secondary legislation under the Export Control Act 2002, and on Strategic Export Controls—Annual Report for 2001, Licensing Policy and Parliamentary Scrutiny; and the Government's responses thereto),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the sitting be now adjourned—(Charlotte Atkins); |
And the sitting having continued for three hours, it was adjourned without Question put, till Tuesday 11th November.
[Adjourned at 5.54 p.m.
|
