| Commons Journal 260
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II
Page 111 2003-2004 Volume 260
[No. 32.] Monday 2nd February 2004.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | European Standing Committee A,—Mr Kevin Hughes reported from European Standing Committee A the following Resolution: |
That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. COM (03) 132, Commission Communication on developing the trans-European transport network: innovative funding solutions and interoperability of electronic toll collections systems and draft Directive on the widespread introduction and interoperability of electronic road toll systems in the Community; and endorses the Government's approach to discussions on this document.
Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Horserace Betting and Olympic Lottery Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Horserace Betting and Olympic Lottery Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee. |
Amendment (No. 10) made to the Bill.
Another Amendment (No. 5) proposed to the Bill, in page 3, line 22, at the end, to insert the words—
‘(1A) The Secretary of State shall not nominate any person unless satisfied that the person nominated will use all surpluses generated by the company for the support or improvement of horseracing.'.—(Mr James Paice.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Other Amendments (Nos. 11 and 12) made to the Bill.
Another Amendment proposed to the Bill, in page 5, line 16, to leave out from the word ‘Crown' to the end of line 17 and insert the words—
‘(d) shall appoint prior to the expiry of the exclusive licence an independent inquiry to advise him whether a further exclusive licence should be issued and whether such a further licence, if issued, should be issued to the successor company or another body.', instead thereof.—(Mr James Paice.)
Question put, That the Amendment be made.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Hugh Robertson, Mr Mark Francois: 136.
Tellers for the Noes, Joan Ryan, Margaret Moran: 285.
Other Amendments (Nos. 13 and 19) made to the Bill.
Another Amendment (No. 3) proposed to the Bill, in page 10, line 26, at the end, to insert the words—
‘(4) The Secretary of State shall not make an order under section 15(1)(d) providing for the Horserace Betting Levy Board to cease to exist unless the order also makes provision, or an earlier order under section 15(1) has made provision, for a “transfer scheme” under this section.'.—(Mr James Paice.)
Question put, That the Amendment be made.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr James Gray, Mr Mark Francois: 134.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Heppell, Mr Jim Murphy: 289.
Another Amendment (No. 9) proposed to the Bill, in page 17, line 6, at the end, to insert the words—
‘(4A) For the purposes of subsection (4)(b)(ii) the Mayor of London must have regard to the equal importance of the Olympic Bid 2012 and the regeneration of the Lower Lea Valley area.'.—(Mr Nick Hawkins.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Other Amendments (Nos. 14 to 18) made to the Bill.
The Bill was read the third time, and passed.
| 3 | Adjournment (February),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 25 (Periodic adjournments), That this House, at its rising on Thursday 12th February, do adjourn till Monday 23rd February—(Mr John Heppell):—It was agreed to. |
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| 4 | 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 Betting and Gaming (Northern Ireland) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 12th January, be approved—(Mr John Heppell):—It was agreed to. |
| 5 | National Election Expenditure,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft European Parliamentary Elections (Combined Region and Campaign Expenditure) (United Kingdom and Gibraltar) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 15th January, be approved—(Mr John Heppell):—It was agreed to. |
| 6 | Energy,—Ordered, That the Sustainable Energy (CHP Provisions) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2987) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr John Heppell.) |
| 7 | Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Thursday 5th February, notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order No. 16 (Proceedings under an Act or on European Union documents), the Speaker shall put the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the Motion in the name of Mr Secretary Blunkett relating to the Police Grant Report not later than two hours after their commencement, and put the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the Motion in the name of Mr Secretary Prescott relating to Local Government Finance not later than Six o'clock or four hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to the Police Grant Report, whichever is the later; proceedings may continue after the moment of interruption; and the Orders of the House of 28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 relating to deferred Divisions shall not apply.—(Mr John Heppell.) |
| 8 | Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Wednesday 11th February, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (2)(c)(i) of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), proceedings on the Motion in the name of Mr Michael Howard may continue, though opposed, for three hours and shall then lapse if not previously disposed of; and the Orders of the House of 28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 relating to deferred Divisions shall not apply.—(Mr John Heppell.) |
| 9 | Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Thursday 12th February, the Speaker shall put the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the Motion in the name of Mr Edward Leigh relating to Public Accounts not later than three hours after their commencement; proceedings may continue after the moment of interruption; and the Orders of the House of 28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 relating to deferred Divisions shall not apply.—(Mr John Heppell.) |
| 10 | Finance and Services,—Ordered, That Michael Fabricant be discharged from the Finance and Services Committee and Mr Robert Key be added.—(Mr John Heppell.) |
| 11 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr John Heppell.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till nineteen minutes past Eight o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 8.19 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Agriculture,—Integrated Administration and Control System (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 189), dated 2nd February 2004 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 2 | Disabled Persons,—Disability Discrimination (Employment Field) (Leasehold Premises) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 153), dated 26th January 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
| 3 | Education,—Education (Student Support) (No. 2) Regulations 2002 (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 161), dated 28th January 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
| 4 | Magistrates' Courts,—Magistrates' Courts (Special Measures Directions) (Amendment) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 184), dated 1st February 2004 [by Act] [Mr Christopher Leslie]. |
| 5 | Rates,—Rates (Regional Rates) Order (Northern Ireland) 2004 (S.R. (N.I.), 2004, No. 24), dated 26th January 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Murphy]. |
| 6 | Social Security,—Council Tax Benefit (Abolition of Restrictions) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 154), dated 26th January 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
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| 7 | Supreme Court of England and Wales,—Crown Court (Special Measures Directions and Directions Prohibiting Cross-examination) (Amendment) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 185), dated 1st February 2004 [by Act] [Mr Christopher Leslie]. |
Other Papers:
| 8 | National Audit,—Reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General on— |
(1) Risk Management: The Nuclear Liabilities of British Energy plc, and
(2) the Strategic Rail Authority: Improving passenger rail services through new trains
[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 264 and 263] [Clerk of the House].
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| Sustainable and Secure Buildings Bill,—The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee C. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Education and Skills,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education and Skills Committee [National Skills Strategy: 14–19 Education]; to be printed [No. 197-ii] [Mr Barry Sheerman]. |
| 2 | Human Rights,—(1) Fourth Report from the Joint Committee on Human Rights [Scrutiny of Bills: Second Progress Report]; together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 303]; and |
(2) Fifth Report from the Committee [Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Bill]; together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 304]
[Jean Corston].
| 3 | Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [The Separation of Paramilitary Prisoners at HMP Maghaberry], on 22nd and 29th October, 3rd, 12th, 19th and 20th November, in the last Session of Parliament, and parts of the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on 4th November, in the last Session of Parliament, and 10th December; together with the Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence; to be printed [No. 302-i to -viii] [Mr Michael Mates]. |
| 4 | Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Urban Affairs Sub-Committee of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee [The Role of Historic Buildings in Urban Regeneration]; to be printed [No. 47-ii] [Chris Mole]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Decent Homes]; to be printed [No. 46-v] [Andrew Bennett].
| 5 | Public Accounts,—(1) Ninth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Review of grants made to the National Coalition of Anti-Deportation Campaigns]; to be printed, together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 305]; |
(2) Tenth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Purchasing and Managing Software Licences]; to be printed, together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 306]; and
(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Youth Offending: The delivery of community and custodial sentences]; to be printed [No. 307-i]
[Mr Edward Leigh].
| 6 | Science and Technology,—(1) Third Report from the Science and Technology Committee [The work of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council]; together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 6]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [EU Chemicals Legislation]; to be printed [No. 172-ii and -iii]
[Dr Ian Gibson].
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[No. 33.] Tuesday 3rd February 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Contingencies Fund 2002–03,—Ordered, That there be laid before this House the Accounts of the Contingencies Fund, 2002–03, showing— |
(1) the receipts and payments in connection with the Fund in the year ended 31st March 2003;
(2) the distribution of the capital of the Fund at the commencement and close of the year; together with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon.—(Gillian Merron.)
| 2 | Highways (Obstruction by Body Corporate) Bill,—Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Highways (Obstruction by Body Corporate) Bill be printed [Bill 30–EN]. |
| 3 | Organ Donation (Presumed Consent and Safeguards),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to provide for the removal of organs for transplantation purposes, after death has been confirmed in a person aged 16 or over, except where a potential donor previously registered an objection or where a close relative objects—(Siobhain McDonagh); |
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 Deputy 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 Siobhain McDonagh, David Cairns, Mr Tom Watson, Laura Moffatt, Mr Stephen Pound, Mr Tam Dalyell, Mr Alistair Carmichael, Mr Kenneth Clarke, Dr Evan Harris, John Austin, Mark Tami and Dr Nick Palmer do prepare and bring in the Bill.
| 4 | Organ Donation (Presumed Consent and Safeguards) Bill,—Siobhain McDonagh accordingly presented a Bill to provide for the removal of organs for transplantation purposes, after death has been confirmed in a person aged 16 or over, except where a potential donor previously registered an objection or where a close relative objects: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 30th April and to be printed [Bill 47]. |
| 5 | Child Trust Funds Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Child Trust Funds Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee. |
A Clause (NC1) (Early withdrawal, etc, for disabled children)—(Mr David Cameron)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Clause (NC3) (Opening by responsible person without voucher)—(Mr George Osborne)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Clause (NC4) (Reduction of age of majority in respect of child trust funds)—(Mr George Osborne)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Clause (NC6) (Additional contributions by Inland Revenue for children in care)—(Mr George Osborne)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Clause (NC7) (Prohibition on publicity in pre-election period)—(Mr David Laws)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
Amendments (Nos. 31 and 32) made to the Bill.
Another Amendment (No. 56) proposed to the Bill, in page 2, line 31, at the end, to insert the words—
‘(1A) Regulations shall not require account providers to provide equity-based accounts, and shall make provision for cash deposit accounts, including provision for such accounts provided by building societies.'.—(Mr David Laws.)
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Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Other Amendments (Nos. 33 to 51) made to the Bill.
Another Amendment (No. 81) proposed to the Bill, in page 15, line 17, at the end, to insert the words—
‘(4) No order may be made under subsection (1) before the dissolution of the present Parliament.'.—(Mr George Osborne.)
Question put, That the Amendment be made.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mark Field, Angela Watkinson: 193.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Vernon Coaker, Jim Fitzpatrick: 328.
It being after Six o'clock, the Deputy Speaker, pursuant to Order [15th December], put the Question on the remaining Amendments moved by a Minister of the Crown.
Other Amendments (Nos. 52 to 55) made to the Bill.
A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the Bill be now read the third time;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Vernon Coaker, Jim Fitzpatrick: 415.
Tellers for the Noes, Richard Younger-Ross, Mr David Heath: 45.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.
| 6 | Common Agricultural Policy: Reform of the Tobacco, Olive Oil, Cotton and Sugar Sectors,—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. 12965/03, Commission Communication ‘Accomplishing a sustainable agricultural model for Europe through the reformed Common Agricultural Policy—the tobacco, olive oil, cotton and sugar sectors'; and supports the Government's objective of securing reform of these subsidy regimes, in line with the reforms agreed in June this year for other sectors, which will pave the way for a more sustainable, market oriented and less trade distorting system of agriculture in the European Union—(Mr John Heppell):—It was agreed to. |
| 7 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr John Heppell); |
And the Motion having been made at Seven o'clock, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 7.30 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Investigatory Powers,—(1) Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Conditions for the Lawful Interception of Persons outside the United Kingdom) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 157), and |
(2) Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Designation of an International Agreement) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 158),
dated 27th January 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].
| 2 | Representation of the People,—European Parliamentary Elections (Appointed Day of Poll) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 217), dated 29th January 2004 [by Act] [Mr Christopher Leslie]. |
| 3 | Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,—Statute, dated 23rd September 2003, made by the University of Cambridge, amending the Statutes of the University [by Act] [Mr Christopher Leslie]. |
Other Papers:
| 4 | Air Force (Constitution),—(1) Amendment List 23 to Air Publication 1269A—The Royal Air Force Manual of Assessment of Medical Fitness (Third Edition); and |
(2) Amendment list 8 to Queen's Regulations for the Royal Air Force (Fifth Edition)
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon].
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| 5 | Census,—Paper, entitled Census 2001: National report for England and Wales Part 2 [by Act] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 6 | Contingencies Fund, 2002–03,—Accounts of the Contingencies Fund for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [pursuant to Order this day]; to be printed [No. 292] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 7 | Foreign Affairs,—Further Response of the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to the Ninth Report of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Session 2002–03, on The Decision to go to War in Iraq [by Command] [Cm. 6123] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 8 | Intelligence Services,—Government Response to the Report of the Intelligence and Security Committee on Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction—Intelligence and Assessments 11th September 2003 [by Command] [Cm. 6118] [The Prime Minister]. |
| 9 | Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions,—Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions (Non-Effective Benefits and Family Pensions) Order 2003, dated 10th December 2003 [by Act] [Mr Christopher Leslie]. |
| 10 | Public Petitions,—Observations by the Deputy Prime Minister on the Petition [27th November] from residents of Westbury Constituency against rises in council tax and for safeguarding the interests of pensioners [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House]. |
| 11 | Work and Pensions,—Paper entitled, Simplicity, security and choice: Informed choices for working and saving [by Command] [Cm. 6111] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
APPENDIX II
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Constitutional Affairs,—(1) First Report from the Constitutional Affairs Committee [Judicial appointments and a Supreme Court (court of final appeal)]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 48]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Asylum and Immigration Appeals]; to be printed [No. 211-iii]
[Mr A. J. Beith].
| 2 | Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [National Lottery Reform]; to be printed [No. 196-iv] [Mr Gerald Kaufman]. |
| 3 | Draft Gambling Bill,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on the Draft Gambling Bill; to be printed [No. 139-xii and -xiii] [Mr John Greenway]. |
| 4 | Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [Identity Cards]; to be printed [No. 130-ii] [Mr John Denham]. |
| 5 | International Development,—Third Report from the International Development Committee [Annual Report 2003]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 312] [Tony Baldry]. |
| 6 | Liaison,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Liaison Committee [The Prime Minister]; to be printed [No. 310-i] [Mr Alan Williams]. |
| 7 | Northern Ireland Affairs,—Second Report from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [The Separation of Paramilitary Prisoners at HMP Maghaberry]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 302-I] [Mr Michael Mates]. |
| 8 | Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee [Social Cohesion]; to be printed [No. 45-ii] [Andrew Bennett]. |
| 9 | Statutory Instruments,—Seventh Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 82-vii] [Mr David Tredinnick]. |
| 10 | Trade and Industry,—Second Report from the Trade and Industry Committee [UK Broadband Market], together with Appendices to the Report; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 321] [Mr Martin O'Neill]. |
| 11 | Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [Regional Productivity]; to be printed [No. 308-i] [Mr John McFall]. |
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| 12 | Work and Pensions,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Work and Pensions Committee on 2nd February [Inquiry into DWP's Administration of IT Projects]; to be printed [No. 311-i] [Sir Archy Kirkwood]. |
[No. 33; WH, No. 18]
Tuesday 3rd February 2004.
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 4.17 p.m.
[No. 34.] Wednesday 4th February 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | London Local Authorities Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned debate on the Question proposed on 7th January, That the promoters of the London Local Authorities Bill [Lords] may, notwithstanding anything in the Standing Orders or practice of this House, proceed with the Bill in the present Session; and the Petition for the Bill shall be deemed to have been deposited and all Standing Orders applicable to it shall be deemed to have been complied with; |
That, if the Bill is brought from the Lords in the present Session, a declaration signed by the agent shall be deposited in the Private Bill Office, stating that the Bill is the same in every respect as the Bill brought from the Lords in the last Session;
That the Clerk in the Private Bill Office shall lay upon the Table of the House a certificate, that such a declaration has been deposited;
That in the present session the Bill shall be deemed to have passed through every stage through which it passed in the last Session, and shall be recorded in the Journal of the House as having passed those stages;
That no further fees shall be charged to such stages;
And the Question being again proposed;
And objection being taken to further proceeding, the Debate stood adjourned.
Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Wednesday 11th February.
| 2 | European Communities (Deregulation),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision in respect of the effect on persons and businesses of regulations made under section 2 of the European Communities Act 1972: And that Mr Jonathan Djanogly, Mr Stephen O'Brien, Mr James Arbuthnot, Mr Henry Bellingham, Mr Laurence Robertson, Mr Andrew Mitchell, Michael Fabricant, Mr Peter Atkinson and Mr Mark Field do prepare and bring it in. |
| 3 | European Communities (Deregulation) Bill,—Mr Jonathan Djanogly accordingly presented a Bill to make provision in respect of the effect on persons and businesses of regulations made under section 2 of the European Communities Act 1972: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 26th March and to be printed [Bill 48]. |
| 4 | Adjournment (Lord Hutton's Report),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Paul Clark); |
The Speaker directed that the Public Galleries be cleared because of misconduct by Strangers.
And it being Seven o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.
| 5 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Margaret Moran.) |
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.
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APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Social Security,—(1) Draft Children (Leaving Care) Social Security Benefits (Scotland) Regulations 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith]; |
(2) draft Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith]; and
(3) draft Social Security (Contributions) (Re-rating and National Insurance Funds Payments) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Dawn Primarolo].
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Customs and Excise,—Democratic Republic of Congo (Financing and Financial Assistance and Technical Advice, Assistance and Training) (Penalties and Licences) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 221), dated 2nd February 2004 [by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
| 3 | Education,—(1) Education (Parenting Orders) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 182), and |
(2) Education (Penalty Notices) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 181),
dated 29th January 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke].
| 4 | Social Security,—Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 220), dated 3rd February 2004 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo]. |
| 5 | Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,—Statute, dated 9th October 2003, made by the Governing Body of Robinson College, Cambridge, amending the Statutes of the College [by Act] [Mr Christopher Leslie]. |
Other Papers:
| 6 | Foreign Affairs,—Government Response to the Twelfth Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee, Session 2002–03, on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Annual Report 2003 [by Command] [Cm. 6107] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 7 | Marshall Aid Commemoration,—Report of the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission for 1st October 2002 to 30th September 2003 [by Command] [Cm. 6094] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 8 | Miscellaneous (No. 1, 2004),—Rotterdam Convention, adopted at Rotterdam on 10th September 1998, on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 6119] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 9 | National Audit (Northern Ireland),—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland on The Private Finance Initiative: A Review of Funding and Management of Three Projects in the Health Sector [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 205] [Mr Secretary Murphy]. |
| 10 | Transport,—Department for Transport Minutes concerning (1) non-statutory contingent liabilities in support of Network Rail Limited, and |
(2) statutory contingent liabilities in support of Network Rail Limited
dated 4th February 2004 [by Command] [Mr Secretary Darling].
| 11 | School Inspections,—Report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools for 2002–03 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 170] [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
| 12 | Social Security,—Report by the Government Actuary on the drafts of the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2004 and the Social Security (Contributions) (Re-rating and National Insurance Funds Payments) Order 2004 [by Command] [Cm. 6117] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Fire and Rescue Services Bill: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee G, and has appointed Sir Nicholas Winteron and Mr Edward O'Hara Chairmen; and
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(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated eighteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Adrian Bailey, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr David Drew, Mrs Louise Ellman, Mr Adrian Flook, Barbara Follett, Linda Gilroy, Mr Philip Hammond, Phil Hope, Mrs Joan Humble, Jim Knight, Mr Stephen McCabe, Mr Jim Murphy, Dr John Pugh, Mr Nick Raynsford, Mr Hugo Swire, Mr John Wilkinson and Richard Younger-Ross.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee H, and has appointed Mr Roger Gale and Mr Jimmy Hood Chairmen; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated twenty-five Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Graham Allen, Mr Tim Boswell, Mrs Anne Campbell, Mr David Chaytor, Mr James Clappison, Mr Tim Collins, Mr Michael Foster, Dr Hywel Francis, Mr Mark Francois, Chris Grayling, Patrick Hall, Alan Johnson, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Mr Bob Laxton, Mr Ivan Lewis, Kali Mountford, Mr George Mudie, Mr James Plaskitt, James Purnell, Mr David Rendel, Jonathan Shaw, Mr Simon Thomas, Mr Don Touhig, Derek Twigg and Mr Phil Willis.
| 3 | Financing of Maintained Schools (England) (No. 2) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 3247) and the LEA Budget, Schools Budget and Individual Schools Budget (England) Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003 (S.I., 3170): |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Regulations to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Jonathan Sayeed Chairman; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Ms Karen Buck, Mr Ian Cawsey, Mr Michael Clapham, Mr Mark Fisher, Mr Mark Francois, Mr Nick Gibb, Mr Mark Hoban, Mr Kevan Jones, Mr John MacDougall, Mr Peter Mandelson, Mr David Miliband, Dr John Pugh, Joan Ruddock, Mr Andrew Turner, Derek Twigg and Mr Phil Willis.
| 4 | Draft Immigration (Leave to Enter and Remain) (Amendment) Order 2004 and the Draft Immigration (Provision of Physical Data) (Amendment) Regulations 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Kevin Hughes Chairman; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Richard Bacon, Mr Bob Blizzard, Annette Brooke, Ross Cranston, Mr Ian Davidson, Mr Hilton Dawson, Mr Barry Gardiner, Mr Edward Garnier, Mr Dominic Grieve, Mr John Heppell, Mr Lindsay Hoyle, Beverley Hughes, Mr Tony McWalter, Dan Norris, Mr Mark Oaten and Angela Watkinson.
| 5 | Draft Milk Development Council (Amendment) Order 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed David Taylor Chairman; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Nick Ainger, Virginia Bottomley, Peter Bradley, Jeff Ennis, Andrew George, Mr Neil Gerrard, Kate Hoey, Alun Michael, Mr James Plaskitt, Mr Sio¤n Simon, Ms Gisela Stuart, Sir Teddy Taylor, Mr John Whittingdale, Mrs Betty Williams, Mr Roger Williams and Mr David Wilshire.
| 6 | Draft Industrial Training Levy (Construction Board) Order 2004 and the draft Industrial Training Levy (Engineering Construction Board) Order 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Orders to the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Alan Hurst Chairman; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Harold Best, Sir Sydney Chapman, Jim Dobbin, Clive Efford, Mr Mark Francois, Mr Roger Godsiff, Mr Bob Laxton, Mr Ivan Lewis, Mr Iain Luke, Mr Michael Meacher, Dr John Pugh, Mr Mark Simmonds, Jon Trickett, Derek Twigg, Mr Robert Walter and Mr Phil Willis.
| 7 | Sustainable Energy (CHP Provisions) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2987): |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Order to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Alan Hurst Chairman; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Nick Ainger, Norman Baker, Mr Keith Bradley, Tony Cunningham, Denzil Davies, Mr Jonathan Djanogly, Mr Michael Fallon, Dr Hywel Francis, Mr Fabian Hamilton, Ann McKechin, Mr Elliot Morley, Mr John Smith, Mr Clive Soley, Mrs Caroline Spelman, Mr Andrew Stunell and Mr David Wilshire.
Page 120 Wednesday 4th February 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
European Standing Committees
| 8 | Unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum dated 30th January 2004, submitted by HM Treasury, relating to the Activity of the European Anti-Fraud Office, has been referred to European Standing Committee B together with unnumbered Explanatory Memoranda dated 7th January 2004 and 20th October 2003, submitted by HM Treasury, and European Union Documents Nos. 11954/03 and 11993/03 relating to the Activities of OLAF and the fight against fraud, already referred to the Committee on 15th and 29th October 2003 and 14th January 2004. |
| 9 | European Union Document No. 15409/03 relating to the Registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals (REACH), has been referred to European Standing Committee A. |
| 10 | European Union Document No. 5188/04 relating to the Review of the Working Time Directive, has been referred to European Standing Committee C. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Accommodation and Works and Administration,—First Report from the Accommodation and Works Committee, and First Report from the Administration Committee [Visitor Facilities: Access to Parliament], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committees relating to the Reports [No. 324] [Derek Conway; Mrs Marion Roe]. |
| 2 | Environmental Audit,—(1) Second Special Report from the Environmental Audit Committee [Government Response to the Eleventh Report from the Committee, Session 2002–03, on The Sustainable Development Headline Indicators 2002]: to be printed [No. 320]; |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Pre-Budget Report 2003]; to be printed [No. 233-ii]
[Mr Peter Ainsworth].
| 3 | European Scrutiny,—(1) Ninth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 42-ix]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Implementation of EC development assistance]; to be printed [No. 322-i]
[Mr Jimmy Hood].
| 4 | Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [Identifying and Tracking Livestock in England]; to be printed [No. 326-i] [Mr Edward Leigh]. |
| 5 | Transport,—(1) Third Report from the Transport Committee [The Regulation of Licensed Taxis and Private Hire Vehicle Services in the UK]; to be printed, together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 251-I]; |
(2) Fourth Report from the Committee [The Transport Committee Annual Report for 2003]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 317]; and
(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [School Transport]; to be printed [No. 318-i]
[Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].
| 6 | Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Treasury Committee [The Administrative Costs of Tax Compliance]; to be printed [No. 269-ii] [Mr John McFall]. |
| 7 | Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [Manufacturing and Trade in Wales]; to be printed [No. 323-i] [Mr Martyn Jones]. |
| 8 | Work and Pensions,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Work and Pensions Committee [Child Poverty in the UK]; to be printed [No. 85-v] [Sir Archy Kirkwood]. |
Page 121 Wednesday 4th February 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
[No. 34; WH, No. 19]
Wednesday 4th February 2004.
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 p.m.
[No. 35.] Thursday 5th February 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Human Tissue Bill,—Mr Alan Hurst reported from Standing Committee G, That it had gone through the Human Tissue Bill, and made Amendments thereunto. |
Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 49].
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 327].
| 2 | First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Martin Caton reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Terrorism Act 2000 (Continuance of Part VII) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Kevin Hughes reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Criminal Service (Choice in Very High Cost Cases) (Amendment) Regulations 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | European Standing Committee B,—Mr David Chidgey reported from European Standing Committee B the following Resolution: |
That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 14686/03, amended draft Council Directive on minimum standards on procedures in Member States for granting and withdrawing refugee status; notes that this forms part of the package of measures creating a Common European Asylum System, and supports the Government's position that the Directive should properly take into account the needs of Member States to adapt policies in response to changing situations.
Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
| 5 | Higher Education Bill (Programme) (No. 2),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Orders [28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 (Programming of Bills)], That the Programme Order of 27th January in relation to the Higher Education Bill shall be amended by the substitution in paragraph 2 (time for conclusion of proceedings in Standing Committee) for the words ‘Thursday 26th February' of the words ‘Thursday 4th March'—(Charlotte Atkins); |
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Mr John Heppell: 230.
Tellers for the Noes, Angela Watkinson, Mr John Randall: 160.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 6 | Police,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the Police Grant Report (England and Wales) 2004–05, House of Commons Paper No. 277, a copy of which was laid before this House on 30th January, be approved—(Ms Hazel Blears); |
And it being two hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [2nd February].
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Vernon Coaker, Jim Fitzpatrick: 252.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr John Randall: 167.
So the Question was agreed to.
Resolved, That the Police Grant Report (England and Wales) 2004–05, House of Commons Paper No. 277, a copy of which was laid before this House on 30th January, be approved.
Page 122 Thursday 5th February 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
| 7 | Local Government Finance,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the Local Government Finance Report (England) 2004–05, House of Commons Paper No. 276, a copy of which was laid before this House on 29th January, be approved—(Mr Nick Raynsford); |
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Nick Ainger, Charlotte Atkins: 244.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mark Field, Gregory Barker: 160.
So the Question was agreed to.
Resolved, That the Local Government Finance Report (England) 2004–05, House of Commons Paper No. 276, a copy of which was laid before this House on 29th January, be approved.
| 8 | Trans-European Transport Network,—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. COM (03) 132, Commission Communication on developing the trans-European transport network: innovative funding solutions and interoperability of electronic toll collections systems and draft Directive on the widespread introduction and interoperability of electronic road toll systems in the Community; and endorses the Government's approach to discussions on this document—(Paul Clark):—It was agreed to. |
| 9 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Paul Clark); |
And the Motion having been made after Six o'clock, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then thirteen minutes to Seven o'clock, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 6.47 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Local Government,—(1) Draft Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2004, and |
(2) draft Local Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2004
[by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
| 2 | Northern Ireland,—Draft Budget (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Murphy]. |
| 3 | Police,—Draft Independent Police Complaints Commission (Investigatory Powers) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 4 | Representation of the People,—(1) Draft European Parliamentary Elections Regulations 2004, and |
(2) draft Representation of the People (Combination of Polls) (England and Wales) Regulations 2004
[by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Mr Christopher Leslie].
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 5 | London Government,—Greater London Authority Elections (Amendment) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 227), dated 4th February 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 6 | Police,—Police Service of Northern Ireland Pensions (Additional Voluntary Contributions) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.R. (N.I.), 2004, No. 31), dated 2nd February 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Murphy]. |
| 7 | Representation of the People,—(1) Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 224), and |
(2) Local Elections (Principal Areas) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 223),
dated 4th February 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
Page 123 Thursday 5th February 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
| 8 | Road Traffic,—Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 238), dated 4th February 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 9 | Social Care,—Independent Review of Determinations (Adoption) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 190), dated 2nd February 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
Papers withdrawn:
| 10 | Police,—Draft Independent Police Complaints Commission (Investigatory Powers) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [laid 29th January]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Fire and Rescue Services Bill (Programming Sub-Committee),—The Speaker has appointed Linda Gilroy, Mr Philip Hammond, Jim Knight, Mr Jim Murphy, Dr John Pugh, Mr Nick Raynsford and Mr Hugo Swire members of the Programming Sub-Committee of Standing Committee G in respect of the Bill. |
| 2 | Higher Education Bill (Programming Sub-Committee),—The Speaker has appointed Mr Tim Collins, Mr Mark Francois, Alan Johnson, Mr Bob Laxton, Mr James Plaskitt, Derek Twigg and Mr Phil Willis members of the Programming Sub-Committee of Standing Committee H in respect of the Bill. |
| 3 | Draft Terrorism Act 2000 (Continuance of Part VII) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Jonathan Shaw from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Tony Clarke. |
| 4 | Draft Criminal Service (Choice in Very High Cost Cases) (Amendment) Regulations 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Richard Burden and Mr Kevin Hughes from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations) and nominated in substitution Mr Lindsay Hoyle and Ms Meg Munn. |
European Standing Committees
| 5 | The Speaker has appointed Mr Mike Hancock Chairman of European Standing Committee C in respect of European Union Document No. 14886/03 on European Space Policy. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee [Lessons of Iraq]; to be printed [No. 57-viii] [Bruce George]. |
| 2 | Education and Skills,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education and Skills Committee [Secondary Education: School Admissions]; to be printed [No. 58-iii] [Mr Barry Sheerman]. |
| 3 | Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Crime Sub-Committee of the Environmental Audit Committee [Environmental Crime and the Courts]; to be printed [No. 126-iii] [Mr Peter Ainsworth]. |
| 4 | Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration [The Honours System]; to be printed [No. 212-ii] [Tony Wright]. |
[No. 35; WH, No. 20]
Thursday 5th February 2004.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock.
| Adjournment (The Rules of Coverage—First Report from the Broadcasting Committee, Session 2002–03),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Jim Fitzpatrick.) |
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 10th February.
[Adjourned at 3.55 p.m.
|
