Order of Business for 16 March 2004

House of Commons

Session 2003 - 04
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Order of Business 16 March 2004

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Notes:
* indicates a question for oral answer.
[R] indicates that the Member has declared a relevant interest.
Questions for oral answer not reached receive a written answer.
Supplementary questions will also be asked. Other Ministers may also answer.

+ indicates Government business.
Timings are indicative only.

At 11.30 a.m.      Prayers

Afterwards

Private Business

    Note: Private Business is not debated at this time, and may not be proceeded with if opposed.

Consideration of Bill ordered to lie upon the Table

London Local Authorities Bill [LORDS].

[Amendments to be proposed by the Promoters.]

[A copy of the proposed Amendments may be inspected in the Private Bill Office.]

Afterwards

Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Scotland

*1 Mr Alex Salmond (Banff & Buchan):    What recent representations he has had from the Scottish fishing industry on the Common Fisheries Policy; and if he will make a statement.

( 160301 )

*2 Pete Wishart (North Tayside):    When he last met the Chancellor of the Exchequer to discuss the introduction of whisky strip stamps.

( 160302 )

*3 Mr George Foulkes (Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley):    When he expects to announce the membership of his commission on common boundaries and electoral systems.

( 160303 )

*4 John Mann (Bassetlaw):    What assessment he has made of the use of (a) subutex, (b) naltraxone and (c) methadone in the treatment of heroin addicts in Scotland.

( 160304 )

*5 Jim Sheridan (West Renfrewshire):    What assessment he has made of the recent performance of the financial sector in Scotland.

( 160305 )

*6 David Cairns (Greenock & Inverclyde):    What recent discussions he has had with Network Rail Scotland on the Gourock Transport Interchange.

( 160306 )

*7 Bob Spink (Castle Point):    If he will make a statement on the level of economic inactivity in Scotland.

( 160307 )

*8 Miss Anne Begg (Aberdeen South):    If he will make a statement on employment levels in Scotland.

( 160308 )

*9 Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire):    When he expects to announce the chairman of his commission on boundary differences and voting systems in Scotland.

( 160309 )

*10 Mr Bill Tynan (Hamilton South):    What discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive regarding the introduction of new election systems.

( 160310 )

*11 Mr Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North & Leith):    What discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding fiscal measures to encourage the provision of affordable housing in Scotland.

( 160311 )

*12 Mr David Marshall (Glasgow Shettleston):    What recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive on the performance of the financial sector in Scotland.

( 160312 )

*13 Sir Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield):    What plans he has to visit the Scottish Parliament to discuss the implications of Common Agricultural Policy reform.

( 160314 )

*14 Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire):    When he expects to announce the chairman of his commission on boundary differences and voting systems in Scotland.

( 160315 )

At 11.55 a.m.

Oral Questions to the Advocate General

*15 Mr Alan Reid (Argyll & Bute):    What devolution issues have been raised with her since 10th February.

( 160317 )

*16 Annabelle Ewing (Perth):    What devolution issues have been raised since 10th February.

( 160318 )

*17 Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York):    What devolution issues she has considered since 10th February.

( 160319 )

At 12 noon

Oral Questions to the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs

*18 Mr Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow):    What representations the Department has had from Scottish lawyers on the establishment of a supreme court.

( 161258 )

*19 Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West):    If he will make a statement on the progress of plans to establish a supreme court.

( 161259 )

*20 Mr David Kidney (Stafford):    What the timetable is for establishing a supreme court.

( 161260 )

*21 Simon Hughes (North Southwark & Bermondsey):    What plans there are for the amalgamation of courts in London.

( 161261 )

*22 Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test):    What plans the Department has to undertake a review of the current arrangements for recording those eligible to vote.

( 161262 )

*23 Mr Gordon Marsden (Blackpool South):    What assessment has been made of the adequacy of employee protection for those called for jury service.

( 161263 )

*24 Angela Watkinson (Upminster):    What action has been taken to prevent fraud in all-postal voting pilots.

( 161264 )

*25 Tony Wright (Cannock Chase):    If he will make a statement on reform of the second chamber.

( 161265 )

*26 Mr Simon Burns (West Chelmsford):    If he will make a statement on the establishment of a supreme court.

( 161266 )

*27 Andrew Rosindell (Romford):    If he will make a statement on the continued existence of the office of Lord Chancellor.

( 161267 )

*28 Mr George Osborne (Tatton):    When Ministers in the Department last met the Lord Chief Justice to discuss plans to abolish the position of Lord Chancellor.

( 161269 )

*29 Jane Griffiths (Reading East):    What measures he plans to encourage witnesses and victims to come forward and give evidence in court.

( 161270 )

*30 David Taylor (North West Leicestershire):    When proposals for completing the reform of the House of Lords will be published; and if he will make a statement.

( 161271 )

*31 Chris Grayling (Epsom & Ewell):    If he will make a statement on the proposed supreme court.

( 161272 )

At 12.20 p.m.

Oral Questions to the Leader of the House and the honourable Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission

*32 Mr Eric Illsley (Barnsley Central):    What proposals he has submitted to the Select Committee on the Modernisation of the House of Commons on the provision of personal digital assistants to honourable Members.

( 161273 )

*33 Mr David Heath (Somerton & Frome):    Whether the ministerial statement under section 19 of the Human Rights Act 1998, of compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights, is reviewed at each stage of consideration of a bill.

( 161274 )

*34 Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West):    If he will propose to the Select Committee on the Modernisation of the House of Commons that it examine ways of simplifying standing committee papers.

( 161275 )

*35 Norman Baker (Lewes):    If he will make a statement on the maintenance of the Great Westminster Clock, popularly known as Big Ben.

( 161276 )

*36 Mr Graham Allen (Nottingham North):    What recent steps he has taken to promote the use of pre-legislative scrutiny on-line for all proposals for legislation; and if he will make a statement.

( 161277 )

*37 Mr Simon Burns (West Chelmsford):    What studies he has conducted on the impact of the changes in the working hours of the House on the efficiency of the work of the House.

( 161278 )

*38 Hugh Bayley (York, City of):    How the Government decides into which House to introduce a Bill.

( 161279 )

*39 Sir Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield):    What plans he has to improve the availability of tours of the House by constituents.

( 161280 )

At 12.30 p.m. Urgent Questions (if any)
Ministerial Statements (if any)

Preliminary Business

Ten minute rule Motion

  1
PREVENTION OF HOMELESSNESS

[Up to 20 minutes]

Mr Mohammad Sarwar

    That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision about homelessness.

    The Member moving and a Member opposing this Motion may each speak for up to ten minutes (Standing Order No. 23).

Note: Provision has been made for a Business Motion to be moved at 7.00 p.m. (Standing Order No. 15).

Main Business

+  2
SOCIAL SECURITY

[No debate]

Mr Secretary Smith

    That the draft Social Security (Basic Skills Training Pilot) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 12th February, be approved.

To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 118(6)).

+  3
SOCIAL SECURITY

[No debate]

Mr Secretary Smith

    That the draft Social Security (Intensive Activity Period 50 to 59 Pilot) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 12th February, be approved.

To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 118(6)).

+  4
SOCIAL SECURITY

[No debate]

Mr Secretary Smith

    That the draft Social Security (Intensive Activity Period 50 to 59 Pilot) (No. 2) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 12th February, be approved.

To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 118(6)).

+  5
VALUE ADDED TAX

[No debate]

Dawn Primarolo

    That this House takes note of European Union document No. 13853/03, Commission Communication on the review and update of VAT strategy priorities; and welcomes both the progress made so far and the United Kingdom Government's continued aim to ensure a fair, responsive and robust VAT system based on unanimous agreement amongst Member States.

To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 119(9)).

+  6
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT BILL: As amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered.

[Until 7.00 p.m.]

For Amendments, see separate Paper.

Third Reading will also be taken.

Proceedings on consideration shall, so far as not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 6.00 p.m. and proceedings on Third Reading shall, so far as not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 7.00 p.m. (Order of 5th January).

At 7.00 p.m.

+
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE        [No debate]

The Prime Minister

    That, at this day's sitting, proceedings on the Motion in the name of Mr Peter Hain relating to the Business of the House may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour.

To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 15).

+  7
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

[Until any hour]

Mr Peter Hain

    That, at the sittings on Tuesday 16th, Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th March—

(1)   consideration of any Lords Message relating to a Government Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour; and

(2)   the Speaker shall not adjourn the House until any Lords Message relating to such a Bill has been received or any Reasons Committee appointed at that sitting has reported.

Debate may continue until any hour, if the 7.00 p.m. Business Motion is agreed to.

    Note: The House may be asked to consider any Lords Message which may be received.

At the end of the sitting:

  8
ADJOURNMENT

    Proposed subject:      Global threat of nuclear weapons (Llew Smith).

    Debate may continue until 7.30 p.m., or for half an hour, whichever is later (Standing Order No. 9 and Order of 29th October 2002).

COMMITTEES

STANDING COMMITTEES

1 Standing Committee A 9.30 a.m.
2.30 p.m. Room 10
(public)

Further to consider the Gender Recognition Bill [Lords].

2 Standing Committee B 9.30 a.m.
2.30 p.m. Room 11 (public)

Further to consider the Pensions Bill.

3 Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation 2.30 p.m. Room 9 (public)

To consider the draft Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 (Destination of Fixed Penalties in Scotland) Order 2004 and the draft Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2004 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2004.

SELECT COMMITTEES

4 Treasury 9.15 a.m.

9.30 a.m. The Wilson Room, Portcullis House (private)
(public)

Subject: Equitable Life.

Witnesses: Rt Hon Lord Penrose; Ruth Kelly MP, Financial Secretary, Mr Phil Wynn Owen, Director, Financial Services, Mr Paul Kirkman and Mr John Breckenridge, Savings and Investment Product Team, HM Treasury (at approximately 10.30 a.m.).

5 Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions. 9.00 a.m.
9.15 a.m. Room 15 (private)
(public)

Subject: Postal Voting.

Witnesses: H S Chapman Society and the Electoral Reform Society; Metropolitan Police Special Branch (at approximately 9.45 a.m.); SCOPE and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) (at approximately 10.10 a.m.); Royal Mail Group plc, Electoral Reform Services (ERS) Ltd, De La Rue Security Products and Document Technology Ltd (at approximately 10.40 a.m.).

6 Standards and Privileges 9.30 a.m. Room 13 (private)

7 Scottish Affairs 9.30 a.m. Machrie Hotel, Port Ellen, Islay (public)

Subject: The Proposed Whisky Strip Stamp.

Witnesses: Ardbeg Distillery, Bowmore Distillery, Bruichladdich Distillery and Kilchoman Distillery.

8 Foreign Affairs 2.30 p.m.
3.00 p.m. Room 15 (private)
(public)

Subject: Foreign Policy Aspects of the War against Terrorism.

Witnesses: Dr Gary Samore, International Institute for Strategic Studies, Dr Zafar Cheema, St Antony's College, Oxford University; Mr Peter Marsden, Refugee Council and the British Agencies Afghanistan Group, and Kate Clark, BBC (at approximately 4.00 p.m.).

9 Statutory Instruments Immediately after JCSI Room 7 (private)

10 Home Affairs 2.15 p.m.

2.30 p.m. The Grimond Room, Portcullis House (private)
(public)

Subject: Rehabilitation of Prisoners.

Witnesses: HM Prison Service, National Grid Transco Foundation and The Howard League for Penal Reform.

11 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 2.15 p.m.

2.30 p.m. The Wilson Room, Portcullis House (private)
(public)

Subject: Gangmasters.

Witnesses: Jim Sheridan MP, Geraldine Smith MP, and the Transport and General Workers Union; Association of Chief Police Officers; Zad Padda, Fusion Personnel.

JOINT COMMITTEE

12 Statutory Instruments 4.15 p.m. Room 7 (private)

[The decision of a Committee to sit in public may be rescinded without notice.]

Written Ministerial Statements to be made today
1	Secretary of State for Northern Ireland: Alternatives to the Baton Rounds: Medical statement and ACPO guidelines on the use of water cannon.
2	Deputy Prime Minister: e-Innovations Fund—announcement of successful bids.
3	Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Publication of the 2003 Annual Report on Progress towards Sustainable Development.
4	Minister for the Cabinet Office: Referendum guidance.
5	Secretary of State for Education and Skills: Degree awarding powers and university title criteria.
6	Secretary of State for Education and Skills: Secretary of State's response to STRB recommendations.

Private Business

Consideration of Bill ordered to lie upon the Table

London Local Authorities Bill [LORDS].

[Amendments to be proposed by the Promoters.]

[A copy of the proposed Amendments may be inspected in the Private Bill Office.]

Preliminary Business

Main Business

COMMITTEES

STANDING COMMITTEES

SELECT COMMITTEES

JOINT COMMITTEE

Written Ministerial Statements to be made today

Main Business
+ 2	SOCIAL SECURITY [No debate]
	Mr Secretary Smith
	That the draft Social Security (Basic Skills Training Pilot) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 12th February, be approved.
	To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 118(6)).
+ 3	SOCIAL SECURITY [No debate]
	Mr Secretary Smith
	That the draft Social Security (Intensive Activity Period 50 to 59 Pilot) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 12th February, be approved.
	To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 118(6)).
+ 4	SOCIAL SECURITY [No debate]
	Mr Secretary Smith
	That the draft Social Security (Intensive Activity Period 50 to 59 Pilot) (No. 2) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 12th February, be approved.
	To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 118(6)).
+ 5	VALUE ADDED TAX [No debate]
	Dawn Primarolo
	That this House takes note of European Union document No. 13853/03, Commission Communication on the review and update of VAT strategy priorities; and welcomes both the progress made so far and the United Kingdom Government's continued aim to ensure a fair, responsive and robust VAT system based on unanimous agreement amongst Member States.
	To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 119(9)).
+ 6	TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT BILL: As amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered. [Until 7.00 p.m.]
	*For Amendments, see separate Paper.*
	Third Reading will also be taken.
	Proceedings on consideration shall, so far as not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 6.00 p.m. and proceedings on Third Reading shall, so far as not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 7.00 p.m. (Order of 5th January).


At 7.00 p.m.
+	BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE [No debate]
	The Prime Minister
	That, at this day's sitting, proceedings on the Motion in the name of Mr Peter Hain relating to the Business of the House may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour.
	To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 15).

+ 7	BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE [Until any hour]
	Mr Peter Hain
	That, at the sittings on Tuesday 16th, Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th March—
	(1) consideration of any Lords Message relating to a Government Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour; and
	(2) the Speaker shall not adjourn the House until any Lords Message relating to such a Bill has been received or any Reasons Committee appointed at that sitting has reported.
	Debate may continue until any hour, if the 7.00 p.m. Business Motion is agreed to.

	Note: The House may be asked to consider any Lords Message which may be received.

At the end of the sitting:
8	ADJOURNMENT
	Proposed subject: Global threat of nuclear weapons* (Llew Smith).*
	Debate may continue until 7.30 p.m., or for half an hour, whichever is later (Standing Order No. 9 and Order of 29th October 2002).

COMMITTEES
STANDING COMMITTEES
1	Standing Committee A	9.30 a.m. 2.30 p.m.	Room 10 (public)
	Further to consider the Gender Recognition Bill [Lords].
2	Standing Committee B	9.30 a.m. 2.30 p.m.	Room 11 (public)
	Further to consider the Pensions Bill.
3	Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation	2.30 p.m.	Room 9 (public)
	To consider the draft Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 (Destination of Fixed Penalties in Scotland) Order 2004 and the draft Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2004 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2004.
SELECT COMMITTEES
4	Treasury	9.15 a.m. 9.30 a.m.	The Wilson Room, Portcullis House (private) (public)
	Subject: Equitable Life.
	Witnesses: Rt Hon Lord Penrose; Ruth Kelly MP, Financial Secretary, Mr Phil Wynn Owen, Director, Financial Services, Mr Paul Kirkman and Mr John Breckenridge, Savings and Investment Product Team, HM Treasury (at approximately 10.30 a.m.).
5	Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions.	9.00 a.m. 9.15 a.m.	Room 15 (private) (public)
	Subject: Postal Voting.
	Witnesses: H S Chapman Society and the Electoral Reform Society; Metropolitan Police Special Branch (at approximately 9.45 a.m.); SCOPE and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) (at approximately 10.10 a.m.); Royal Mail Group plc, Electoral Reform Services (ERS) Ltd, De La Rue Security Products and Document Technology Ltd (at approximately 10.40 a.m.).
6	Standards and Privileges	9.30 a.m.	Room 13 (private)
7	Scottish Affairs	9.30 a.m.	Machrie Hotel, Port Ellen, Islay (public)
	Subject: The Proposed Whisky Strip Stamp.
	Witnesses: Ardbeg Distillery, Bowmore Distillery, Bruichladdich Distillery and Kilchoman Distillery.
8	Foreign Affairs	2.30 p.m. 3.00 p.m.	Room 15 (private) (public)
	Subject: Foreign Policy Aspects of the War against Terrorism.
	Witnesses: Dr Gary Samore, International Institute for Strategic Studies, Dr Zafar Cheema, St Antony's College, Oxford University; Mr Peter Marsden, Refugee Council and the British Agencies Afghanistan Group, and Kate Clark, BBC (at approximately 4.00 p.m.).
9	Statutory Instruments	Immediately after JCSI	Room 7 (private)
10	Home Affairs	2.15 p.m. 2.30 p.m.	The Grimond Room, Portcullis House (private) (public)
	Subject: Rehabilitation of Prisoners.
	Witnesses: HM Prison Service, National Grid Transco Foundation and The Howard League for Penal Reform.
11	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs	2.15 p.m. 2.30 p.m.	The Wilson Room, Portcullis House (private) (public)
	Subject: Gangmasters.
	Witnesses: Jim Sheridan MP, Geraldine Smith MP, and the Transport and General Workers Union; Association of Chief Police Officers; Zad Padda, Fusion Personnel.
JOINT COMMITTEE
12	Statutory Instruments	4.15 p.m.	Room 7 (private)
[The decision of a Committee to sit in public may be rescinded without notice.]