Order of Business for 30 March 2004

House of Commons

Session 2003 - 04
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Order of Business 30 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

Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

*1 Mr Crispin Blunt (Reigate):    What sanctions are available to the UK in response to unlawful killings by an occupying power (a) under the terms of the 4th Geneva Convention and (b) otherwise.

( 164108 )

*2 Mr Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North & Leith):    If he will make a statement on United Nations reform.

( 164121 )

*3 Mr Alistair Carmichael (Orkney & Shetland):    If he will make a statement on the current situation in Sri Lanka.

( 164122 )

*4 Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight):    If he will make a statement on recent ethnic conflict in former Yugoslavia.

( 164123 )

*5 Patrick Hall (Bedford):    What recent discussions he has had with the US Administration about the Israeli wall.

( 164124 )

*6 Simon Hughes (North Southwark & Bermondsey):    What action is being taken by the Government to assist in the restoration of freedom and democracy in Zimbabwe.

( 164125 )

*7 Mr Gordon Marsden (Blackpool South):    What recent discussions he has had with the governments of (a) Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia and (b) Russia about the future political status of Kosovo.

( 164126 )

*8 Mr Richard Shepherd (Aldridge - Brownhills):    If he will make a statement on negotiations concerning the proposed EU Constitution.

( 164127 )

*9 Mr Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire):    If he will make a statement on his assessment of relations between India and Pakistan.

( 164128 )

*10 Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire):    What travel advice he was issuing to visitors to Cyprus on 20th March 2003.

( 164130 )

*11 Mr David Stewart (Inverness East, Nairn & Lochaber):    What the extent is of British companies' involvement in the reconstruction of Iraq.

( 164131 )

*12 Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South):    What discussions his Department has had with the new Spanish Government; and if he will make a statement.

( 164132 )

*13 Mr Hugo Swire (East Devon):    If he will make a statement on the measures taken in the EU on the struggle against terrorism.

( 164133 )

*14 Jim Knight (South Dorset):    What discussions he has had with the governments of countries neighbouring Iraq about the cross-border movements of terrorist groups.

( 164134 )

*15 Mr Huw Edwards (Monmouth):    If he will make a statement on the collaboration with Japan in the reconstruction of Iraq.

( 164135 )

*16 Ann Winterton (Congleton):    If he will make a statement on prospects for the proposed Constitution for the European Union.

( 164136 )

*17 Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire):    What his Department's policy is on reform of the United Nations.

( 164137 )

*18 Tony Cunningham (Workington):    What assessment he has made of the situation in Eritrea.

( 164138 )

*19 Linda Gilroy (Plymouth, Sutton):    If he will make a statement on United Nations reform.

( 164140 )

*20 Sir Sydney Chapman (Chipping Barnet):    If he will make a statement on the latest security situation in Afghanistan.

( 164141 )

*21 Mr John Randall (Uxbridge):    If he will make a statement on the current situation in Serbia and Montenegro.

( 164142 )

*22 Claire Ward (Watford):    What representations he has made to the Israeli Government regarding continued incursions onto Palestinian land.

( 164143 )

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

Preliminary Business

Ten minute rule Motion

  1
CORPORATE KILLING

[Up to 20 minutes]

Mr Frank Doran

    That leave be given to bring in a Bill to create a new offence of corporate killing that applies to all companies and unincorporated bodies.

    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
OPPOSITION DAY [8th allotted day]


IMMIGRATION ENTRY CLEARANCE STANDARDS

Mr Michael Howard
David Davis
Mr Dominic Grieve
Mr Humfrey Malins
Patrick Mercer
David Maclean

    That this House condemns the Government's failure to maintain immigration entry clearance standards; regrets the confusion as to whom the relaxed guidance actually applies; notes the unwillingness of Ministers to take responsibility for the operation of immigration policies; expresses deep concern that, at a time when homeland security is paramount, current fast-tracking procedures do not enable full and thorough checks on applicants; applauds those public servants who bring the Home Office's failings and dishonest internal workings to the attention of honourable Members and the wider public; calls on Her Majesty' Government to reinstate those officials currently suspended from duty; recognises with regret that recent revelations have exposed grave deficiencies in the immigration service; and believes that the Government has lost both the confidence and the trust of the British people in its ability to control immigration policy.

      As an Amendment to Mr Michael Howard's proposed Motion (Immigration Entry Clearance Standards):

The Prime Minister
Mr Secretary Prescott
Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer
Mr Secretary Straw
Mr Secretary Blunkett
Beverley Hughes

    Line      1,      leave out from `House' to end and add `congratulates the Government on having embarked on radical end-to-end reform of the immigration and asylum system including strengthening border controls, reducing asylum intake by more than half, increasing immigration removals to record levels and speeding up the processing of applications for leave to remain in the UK; notes that, as indicated in a statement published by the Government on 29th March, all Governments have instituted reasonable and proportionate measures to deal with backlogs of applications by people already in this country for permission to extend their stay; and applauds the fact that the Government, by investing more staff resources than ever before, has reached the point where the Backlog Reduction Accelerated Clearance Exercise (BRACE) is no longer necessary.'.


CASE FOR A REFERENDUM ON THE PROPOSED EUROPEAN CONSTITUTION

Mr Michael Howard
Mr Michael Ancram
Mr James Arbuthnot
Mr Richard Spring
Mr Gary Streeter
David Maclean

    That this House believes that the draft European Constitution constitutes a fundamental change to the relationship between the European Union and the Member States and should only be ratified if the British people have freely consented to it in a referendum.

      As Amendments to Mr Michael Howard's proposed Motion (Case for a Referendum on the Proposed European Constitution):

The Prime Minister
Mr Secretary Prescott
Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer
Mr Secretry Straw
Mr Secretary Blunkett
Mr Peter Hain

    Line      1,      leave out from `House' to end and add `welcomes the intensified scrutiny of both Houses in respect of the draft Constitutional Treaty; believes that the Government's policy of active engagement within the EU is in Britain's national interests; supports its constructive approach to discussions within the Intergovernmental Conference to ensure that an enlarged Union works effectively; endorses paragraph 66 of the White Paper (Cm 5934) in respect of issues which must remain the province of the nation state; notes that provided there is a satisfactory outcome on these and other matters of concern, the proposals currently being discussed would not alter the fundamental constitutional relationship between the member states and the Union and therefore does not believe there is reason to depart from previous practice for constitutional treaties; and reaffirms the primacy of Parliament to decide on whether any future Constitutional Treaty should become part of UK law.'.

Mr Mark Fisher
Mr Frank Field
Kate Hoey
John Cryer
Mr Ian Davidson
Mr David Drew

Mr Kelvin Hopkins John McDonnell Mr Robert N. Wareing Alice Mahon   Mr Michael Clapham Denzil Davies Mr Terry Lewis Jeremy Corbyn   Alan Simpson Mr David Marshall Mr Colin Challen

    Line      1,      leave out from `the' to end and add `new European Constitution should be put to the British people in a referendum.'.

    The selection of the matters to be debated this day has been made by the Leader of the Opposition (Standing Order No. 14(2)).

Debate may continue until 7.00 p.m.

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 Sittings of the House and consideration of any Lords Message that may be received may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour.

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

+
DEFERRED DIVISIONS        [No debate]

The Prime Minister

    That, at this day's sitting, the Orders of the House of 28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 relating to deferred Divisions shall not apply to the Question on the Motion in the name of Mr Peter Hain relating to Sittings of the House.

    To be decided without debate (Paragraph 3 of Orders of 28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 relating to deferred Divisions).

+  3
SITTINGS OF THE HOUSE

[Until any hour]

Mr Peter Hain

    That—

    (1)   at this day's sitting the Speaker shall not adjourn the House until any Lords Messages have been received or until any Committee to draw up Reasons which has been appointed at this sitting has reported; and

    (2)   at the sittings on Wednesday 31st March and Thursday 1st April, the Speaker shall not adjourn the House until he has reported the Royal Assent to any Act agreed upon by both Houses.

    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.

+  4
SOCIAL SECURITY

[No debate]

Mr Secretary Smith

    That the draft Jobseeker's Allowance (Amendment) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 2nd March, be approved.

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

At the end of the sitting:

  5
ADJOURNMENT

    Proposed subject:      Proposed closure of sub-post offices in the Wakefield constituency (Mr David Hinchliffe).

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

Further to consider the Pensions Bill.

2 European Standing Committee A 2.00 p.m. Room 10 (public)

To consider EU Documents Nos. 5199/04 and 5205/04 relating to Recovery of Sole Stocks in the Western Channel and Bay of Biscay.

SELECT COMMITTEES

3 Constitutional Affairs 9.00 a.m.

9.15 a.m. The Grimond Room, Portcullis House (private)
(public)

Subject: Civil Legal Aid: adequacy of provision.

Witnesses: Citizens Advice, Advice Services Alliance and Law Centres Federation; Legal Aid practitioners (at approximately 10.00 a.m.).

4 Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions: Urban Affairs Sub-Committee 9.00 a.m.
9.15 a.m. Room 15 (private)
(public)

Subject: The Role and Effectiveness of the Housing Corporation.

Witnesses: Tenant Participation Advisory Service; Chapman Hendy HACAS and the Council of Mortgage Lenders (at approximately 9.40 a.m.); Audit Commission (at approximately 10.20 a.m.).

5 Trade and Industry 9.00 a.m.

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

Subject: Export Credits Guarantee Department.

Witnesses: British Consultants and Construction Bureau and British Exporters Association (BExA).

6 Regulatory Reform 9.30 a.m Room 19 (private)

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

8 Northern Ireland Affairs Sub-Committee 10.15 a.m.

10.30 a.m. Senate Chamber, Parliament Building, Stormont (private)
(public)

Subject: Social housing provision in Northern Ireland.

Witness: Department for Social Development.

9 Culture, Media and Sport 10.30 a.m. The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House (private)

10 Environmental Audit 10.45 a.m.
11.00 a.m. Room 8 (private)
(public)

Subject: Budget 2004.

Witnesses: Professor Sir David King, ScD FRS, Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government and Head of Office of Science and Technology.

11 Foreign Affairs 1.00 p.m.
1.15 p.m. Room 15 (private)
(public)

Subject: Foreign Policy Aspects of the War Against Terrorism.

Witnesses: Rt Hon Jack Straw MP, Secretary of State, Mr John Sawers CMG, Director General, Political, and Mr Edward Oakden CMG, Director, International Security, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

12 Trade and Industry 2.15 p.m.

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

Subject: The UK Automotive Industry.

Witnesses: Toyota; MG Rover (at approximately 3.15 p.m.); Ford Motor Company (at approximately 4.00 p.m.); The Automotive Distributive Federation (at approximately 4.45 p.m.).

13 Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Urban Affairs Sub-Committee 4.00 p.m.

4.15 p.m. The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House (private)
(public)

Subject: Supporting Vulnerable and Older People.

Witnesses: National Housing Federation; Women's Aid and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (at approximately 4.35 p.m.); Foundations and Hanover Housing Association (at approximately 4.55 p.m.); Yvette Cooper MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (at approximately 5.15 p.m.).

14 Statutory Instruments Immediately after JCSI Room 7 (private)

JOINT COMMITTEES

15 Draft Disability Discrimination Bill 2.30 p.m.

2.45 p.m. The Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House (private)
(public)

Witnesses: Mind and Royal College of Psychiatrists; Commission for Racial Equality and Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (at approximately 3.30 p.m.).

16 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 Health: Incomes based help with NHS charges and optical costs from April 2004.
2	Secretary of State for Health: Ministerial accountability for new arm's length bodies.
3	Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Charges for certain plant health, plant varieties and seeds and animal health services.
4	Secretary of State for Transport: Highways Agency Business Plan 2004-05.
5	Secretary of State for Northern Ireland: Amendment to the boundaries of Maghaberry Prison site as a result of the transfer of part of the site (formerly known as Maze Prison) to the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.
6	Secretary of State for Northern Ireland: Health and Safety Executive for Nothern Ireland Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for 2002-03.
7	Secretary of State for Defence: Business Process Review of Defence Housing.
8	Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: Households below average income.
9	Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: Employers' liability compulsory insurance—partial regulatory impact assessment.
10	Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: Business plans.

Main Business
2	OPPOSITION DAY [8th allotted day]
	IMMIGRATION ENTRY CLEARANCE STANDARDS
	Mr Michael Howard David Davis Mr Dominic Grieve Mr Humfrey Malins Patrick Mercer David Maclean
	That this House condemns the Government's failure to maintain immigration entry clearance standards; regrets the confusion as to whom the relaxed guidance actually applies; notes the unwillingness of Ministers to take responsibility for the operation of immigration policies; expresses deep concern that, at a time when homeland security is paramount, current fast-tracking procedures do not enable full and thorough checks on applicants; applauds those public servants who bring the Home Office's failings and dishonest internal workings to the attention of honourable Members and the wider public; calls on Her Majesty' Government to reinstate those officials currently suspended from duty; recognises with regret that recent revelations have exposed grave deficiencies in the immigration service; and believes that the Government has lost both the confidence and the trust of the British people in its ability to control immigration policy.
	As an Amendment to Mr Michael Howard's proposed Motion (Immigration Entry Clearance Standards):
	The Prime Minister Mr Secretary Prescott Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Secretary Straw Mr Secretary Blunkett Beverley Hughes
	Line 1, leave out from `House' to end and add `congratulates the Government on having embarked on radical end-to-end reform of the immigration and asylum system including strengthening border controls, reducing asylum intake by more than half, increasing immigration removals to record levels and speeding up the processing of applications for leave to remain in the UK; notes that, as indicated in a statement published by the Government on 29th March, all Governments have instituted reasonable and proportionate measures to deal with backlogs of applications by people already in this country for permission to extend their stay; and applauds the fact that the Government, by investing more staff resources than ever before, has reached the point where the Backlog Reduction Accelerated Clearance Exercise (BRACE) is no longer necessary.'.
	CASE FOR A REFERENDUM ON THE PROPOSED EUROPEAN CONSTITUTION
	Mr Michael Howard Mr Michael Ancram Mr James Arbuthnot Mr Richard Spring Mr Gary Streeter David Maclean
	That this House believes that the draft European Constitution constitutes a fundamental change to the relationship between the European Union and the Member States and should only be ratified if the British people have freely consented to it in a referendum.
	As Amendments to Mr Michael Howard's proposed Motion (Case for a Referendum on the Proposed European Constitution):
	The Prime Minister Mr Secretary Prescott Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Secretry Straw Mr Secretary Blunkett Mr Peter Hain
	Line 1, leave out from `House' to end and add `welcomes the intensified scrutiny of both Houses in respect of the draft Constitutional Treaty; believes that the Government's policy of active engagement within the EU is in Britain's national interests; supports its constructive approach to discussions within the Intergovernmental Conference to ensure that an enlarged Union works effectively; endorses paragraph 66 of the White Paper (Cm 5934) in respect of issues which must remain the province of the nation state; notes that provided there is a satisfactory outcome on these and other matters of concern, the proposals currently being discussed would not alter the fundamental constitutional relationship between the member states and the Union and therefore does not believe there is reason to depart from previous practice for constitutional treaties; and reaffirms the primacy of Parliament to decide on whether any future Constitutional Treaty should become part of UK law.'.
	Mr Mark Fisher Mr Frank Field Kate Hoey John Cryer Mr Ian Davidson Mr David Drew
	Mr Kelvin Hopkins John McDonnell Mr Robert N. Wareing Alice Mahon Mr Michael Clapham Denzil Davies Mr Terry Lewis Jeremy Corbyn Alan Simpson Mr David Marshall Mr Colin Challen
	Line 1, leave out from `the' to end and add `new European Constitution should be put to the British people in a referendum.'.
	The selection of the matters to be debated this day has been made by the Leader of the Opposition (Standing Order No. 14(2)).
	Debate may continue until 7.00 p.m.

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 Sittings of the House and consideration of any Lords Message that may be received may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour.
	To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 15).

+	DEFERRED DIVISIONS [No debate]
	The Prime Minister
	That, at this day's sitting, the Orders of the House of 28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 relating to deferred Divisions shall not apply to the Question on the Motion in the name of Mr Peter Hain relating to Sittings of the House.
	To be decided without debate (Paragraph 3 of Orders of 28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 relating to deferred Divisions).

+ 3	SITTINGS OF THE HOUSE [Until any hour]
	Mr Peter Hain
	That—
	(1) at this day's sitting the Speaker shall not adjourn the House until any Lords Messages have been received or until any Committee to draw up Reasons which has been appointed at this sitting has reported; and
	(2) at the sittings on Wednesday 31st March and Thursday 1st April, the Speaker shall not adjourn the House until he has reported the Royal Assent to any Act agreed upon by both Houses.
	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.

+ 4	SOCIAL SECURITY [No debate]
	Mr Secretary Smith
	That the draft Jobseeker's Allowance (Amendment) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 2nd March, be approved.
	To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 118(6)).
At the end of the sitting:
5	ADJOURNMENT
	Proposed subject: Proposed closure of sub-post offices in the Wakefield constituency* (Mr David Hinchliffe).*
	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 B	9.30 a.m. 2.30 p.m.	Room 11 (public)
	Further to consider the Pensions Bill.
2	European Standing Committee A	2.00 p.m.	Room 10 (public)
	To consider EU Documents Nos. 5199/04 and 5205/04 relating to Recovery of Sole Stocks in the Western Channel and Bay of Biscay.
SELECT COMMITTEES
3	Constitutional Affairs	9.00 a.m. 9.15 a.m.	The Grimond Room, Portcullis House (private) (public)
	Subject: Civil Legal Aid: adequacy of provision.
	Witnesses: Citizens Advice, Advice Services Alliance and Law Centres Federation; Legal Aid practitioners (at approximately 10.00 a.m.).
4	Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions: Urban Affairs Sub-Committee	9.00 a.m. 9.15 a.m.	Room 15 (private) (public)
	Subject: The Role and Effectiveness of the Housing Corporation.
	Witnesses: Tenant Participation Advisory Service; Chapman Hendy HACAS and the Council of Mortgage Lenders (at approximately 9.40 a.m.); Audit Commission (at approximately 10.20 a.m.).
5	Trade and Industry	9.00 a.m. 9.15 a.m.	The Wilson Room, Portcullis House (private) (public)
	Subject: Export Credits Guarantee Department.
	Witnesses: British Consultants and Construction Bureau and British Exporters Association (BExA).
6	Regulatory Reform	9.30 a.m	Room 19 (private)
7	Standards and Privileges	9.30 a.m.	Room 13 (private)
8	Northern Ireland Affairs Sub-Committee	10.15 a.m. 10.30 a.m.	Senate Chamber, Parliament Building, Stormont (private) (public)
	Subject: Social housing provision in Northern Ireland.
	Witness: Department for Social Development.
9	Culture, Media and Sport	10.30 a.m.	The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House (private)
10	Environmental Audit	10.45 a.m. 11.00 a.m.	Room 8 (private) (public)
	Subject: Budget 2004.
	Witnesses: Professor Sir David King, ScD FRS, Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government and Head of Office of Science and Technology.
11	Foreign Affairs	1.00 p.m. 1.15 p.m.	Room 15 (private) (public)
	Subject: Foreign Policy Aspects of the War Against Terrorism.
	Witnesses: Rt Hon Jack Straw MP, Secretary of State, Mr John Sawers CMG, Director General, Political, and Mr Edward Oakden CMG, Director, International Security, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
12	Trade and Industry	2.15 p.m. 2.30 p.m.	The Wilson Room, Portcullis House (private) (public)
	Subject: The UK Automotive Industry.
	Witnesses: Toyota; MG Rover (at approximately 3.15 p.m.); Ford Motor Company (at approximately 4.00 p.m.); The Automotive Distributive Federation (at approximately 4.45 p.m.).
13	Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Urban Affairs Sub-Committee	4.00 p.m. 4.15 p.m.	The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House (private) (public)
	Subject: Supporting Vulnerable and Older People.
	Witnesses: National Housing Federation; Women's Aid and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (at approximately 4.35 p.m.); Foundations and Hanover Housing Association (at approximately 4.55 p.m.); Yvette Cooper MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (at approximately 5.15 p.m.).
14	Statutory Instruments	Immediately after JCSI	Room 7 (private)
JOINT COMMITTEES
15	Draft Disability Discrimination Bill	2.30 p.m. 2.45 p.m.	The Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House (private) (public)
	Witnesses: Mind and Royal College of Psychiatrists; Commission for Racial Equality and Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (at approximately 3.30 p.m.).
16	Statutory Instruments	4.15 p.m.	Room 7 (private)
[The decision of a Committee to sit in public may be rescinded without notice.]

Preliminary Business

Main Business

COMMITTEES

STANDING COMMITTEES

SELECT COMMITTEES

JOINT COMMITTEES

Written Ministerial Statements to be made today