| Commons Journal 260
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II
Page 125 2003-2004 Volume 260
[No. 37.] Monday 9th February 2004.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Jonathan Sayeed reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the 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, No. 3170). |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Kevin Hughes reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Immigration (Leave to Enter and Remain) (Amendment) Order 2004 and the draft Immigration (Provision of Physical Data) (Amendment) Regulations 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Scottish Parliament (Constituencies) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Scottish Parliament (Constituencies) Bill; |
And a Motion being made, and the Question being put, That the Bill be now read a second time;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Gillian Merron: 333.
Tellers for the Noes, Hugh Robertson, Mr Mark Francois: 127.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read a second time.
| 4 | Scottish Parliament (Constituencies) Bill (Programme),—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 following provisions shall apply to the Scottish Parliament (Constituencies) Bill: |
Committal
1. The Bill shall be committed to a Committee of the whole House.
Proceedings
2. Proceedings in Committee of the whole House, any proceedings on consideration and proceedings on Third Reading shall be completed at one day's sitting.
3. Proceedings in Committee of the whole House and any proceedings on consideration shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour before the moment of interruption on the day on which those proceedings are commenced.
4. Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the moment of interruption on that day.
Programming Committee
5. Sessional Order B (programming committees) made on 28th June 2001 shall not apply to proceedings on Third Reading.
Programming of proceedings
6. Any other proceedings on the Bill (including any proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments or on any further messages from the Lords) may be programmed—(Margaret Moran);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Gillian Merron: 327.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mark Francois, Hugh Robertson: 129.
So the Question was agreed to.
Committee to-morrow.
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| 5 | Employment Relations 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 14th January 2004 in relation to the Employment Relations Bill be amended by the substitution in paragraph 2 (time for conclusion of proceedings in Standing Committee) for the words ‘26th February' of the words ‘2nd March'—(Margaret Moran); |
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Gillian Merron: 317.
Tellers for the Noes, Hugh Robertson, Mr Mark Francois: 125.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 6 | Northern Ireland Grand Committee,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 116 (Northern Ireland Grand Committee (sittings)), That— |
(1) the draft Budget (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 be referred to the Northern Ireland Grand Committee;
(2) the Committee shall meet at Westminster on Thursday 26th February at half-past Two o'clock; and
(3) at the sitting—
(a) the Committee shall take questions under Standing Order No. 110 (Northern Ireland Grand Committee (questions for oral answer)), and shall then consider the instrument referred to it under paragraph (1) above; and
(b) at the conclusion of these proceedings, a motion for the adjournment of the Committee may be made by a Minister of the Crown, pursuant to paragraph (5) of Standing Order No. 116 (Northern Ireland Grand Committee (sittings))—(Margaret Moran):—It was agreed to.
| 7 | Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Terrorism Act 2000 (Continuance of Part VII) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 15th January, be approved—(Margaret Moran):—It was agreed to. |
| 8 | Legal Services Commission,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Criminal Defence Service (Choice in Very High Cost Cases) (Amendment) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 15th January, be approved—(Margaret Moran):—It was agreed to. |
| 9 | Procedures for Granting and Withdrawing Refugee Status,—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. 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—(Margaret Moran):—It was agreed to. |
| 10 | Environmental Protection,—Ordered, That the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 3311) be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Margaret Moran.) |
| 11 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Miss Wendy Eydman, Councillor Dorothy Best and others for greater facilities for horse riders in Castle Point was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 12 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Margaret Moran); |
And the Motion having been made after Ten o'clock, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then fourteen minutes past Eleven o'clock, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 11.14 p.m.
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APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Employment,—Draft Paternity and Adoption Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
| 2 | Northern Ireland,—(1) Draft Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 2004, and |
(2) draft Prison (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004
[by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Mr Secretary Murphy].
| 3 | Social Security,—Draft Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay (Weekly Rates) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 4 | Health Care and Associated Professions,—General Medical Council (Suspension and Removal of Members from Office) Rules Order of Council 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 215), dated 27th January 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 5 | National Health Service,—National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 291), dated 8th February 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 6 | Road Traffic,—M11 Motorway (Junction 4 Northbound, Redbridge) (Speed Limit) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 180), dated 29th January 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 7 | Security Industry,—Private Security Industry (Licences) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 255), dated 4th February 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
Other Papers:
| 8 | Government Resources and Accounts,—Account of the Royal Air Force Museum for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 333] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 9 | Government Trading Funds,—Treasury Minute, dated 9th February 2004, on a further financial objective desirable of achievement by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency Trading Fund [by Act] [Mr Paul Boateng]. |
| 10 | Museums and Galleries,—Account of the Wallace Collection for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 314] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 11 | National Audit,—Reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General on— |
(1) Criminal Records Bureau: Delivering Safer Recruitment?, and
(2) English Regions: An early progress report on the New Deal for Communities programme
[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 266 and 309] [Clerk of the House].
| 12 | National Lottery,—Account of the National Lottery Distribution Fund for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 313] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 13 | Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on the Petition [16th December] from British-Eritreans, members of the Eritrean community in the UK and friends of Eritrea for measures to discourage a war between Eritrea and Ethiopia, and for international sanctions against Ethiopia [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House]. |
| 14 | School Standards and Framework,—Accounts of— |
(1) the Dudley Education Action Zone,
(2) the East Brighton Education Action Zone,
(3) the Greenwich Education Action Zone,
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(4) the Hamilton Oxford Education Action Zone, and
(5) the North Islington Education Action Zone
for 2002–03, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 328, 329, 330, 331 and 332] [Clerk of the House].
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Immigration (Leave to Enter and Remain) (Amendment) Order 2004 and the draft Immigration (Provision of Physical Data) (Amendment) Regulations 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ross Cranston, Mr Ian Davidson and Mr Dominic Grieve from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations) and nominated in substitution Mr Tim Boswell, Chris Bryant and Mr Wayne David. |
| 2 | Draft Milk Development Council (Amendment) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr James Plaskitt and Ms Gisela Stuart from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Paul Flynn and Mr Kelvin Hopkins. |
| 3 | Draft Industrial Training Levy (Construction Board) Order 2004 and the draft Industrial Training Levy (Engineering Construction Board) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mrs Irene Adams as Chairman of the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Orders in place of Mr Alan Hurst. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Education and Skills,—(1) Second Report from the Education and Skills Committee [The Work of the Committee in 2003]; to be printed [No. 348], and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [National Skills Strategy: 14–19 Education]; to be printed [No. 197-iii]
[Mr Barry Sheerman].
| 2 | Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Milk Pricing Sub-Committee of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee [Milk Pricing]; to be printed [No. 335-i] [Mr Michael Jack]. |
| 3 | Human Rights,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on Human Rights [Human Rights and Deaths in Custody]; to be printed [No. 209-iii] [Jean Corston]. |
| 4 | Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions,—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-iii] [Chris Mole]. |
| 5 | Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [DVLA 2002–03 Trust Statement]; to be printed [No. 336-i] [Mr Edward Leigh]. |
| 6 | Science and Technology,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [EU Chemicals Legislation]; to be printed [No. 172-iv]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [OST Scrutiny 2004]; to be printed [No. 315]
[Dr Ian Gibson].
| 7 | Work and Pensions,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Work and Pensions Committee [Inquiry into DWP's Administration of IT Projects]; to be printed [No. 311-ii] [Sir Archy Kirkwood]. |
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[No. 38.] Tuesday 10th February 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Regulatory Reform,—Mr Peter Pike reported from the Regulatory Reform Committee the following Resolutions: |
That the proposal for the Regulatory Reform (Patents) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 10th November, in the last Session of Parliament, should be amended before a draft order is laid before the House.
That the draft Regulatory Reform (Sunday Trading) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 22nd January, should be approved.
The Committee came to this Resolution without a Division.
| 2 | Traffic Management Bill,—Miss Anne Begg reported from Standing Committee A, That it had gone through the Traffic Management Bill, and made Amendments thereunto. |
Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 52].
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 347].
| 3 | Civil Contingencies Bill,—Mr Joe Benton reported from Standing Committee F, That it had gone through the Civil Contingencies Bill, and made Amendments thereunto. |
Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 53].
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 346].
| 4 | Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—David Taylor reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Milk Development Council (Amendment) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 5 | Sleep Apnoea Bill,—Alice Mahon, supported by Mr Tam Dalyell, Mrs Betty Williams, Mr Michael Clapham and Mrs Ann Cryer, presented a Bill to make provision about sleep apnoea and related medical conditions: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Tuesday 27th April and to be printed [Bill 50]. |
| 6 | Health and Safety at Work (Offences),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision about the prosecution and punishment of offences which are, or are treated as being, offences under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 or the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969: And that Mr Andrew Love, Jon Cruddas, John Cryer, Lawrie Quinn, Mr Colin Breed, Ian Stewart, Mr Richard Allan, Mr Malcolm Savidge, Mr Michael Clapham and Tony Lloyd do prepare and bring it in. |
| 7 | Health and Safety at Work (Offences) Bill,—Mr Andrew Love accordingly presented a Bill to make provision about the prosecution and punishment of offences which are, or are treated as being, offences under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 or the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 12th March and to be printed [Bill 51]. |
| 8 | Opposition Day [4th allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the leader of the second largest opposition party in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider Opposition business. |
State of the Environment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House believes there should be an annual debate in Parliament on the state of the environment; notes that sustainable development and the issue of climate change is fundamental to the long-term security and stability of the world; is very concerned that climate change could, according to leading international scientists, cause the extinction of one million species by 2050, could, according to the World Health Organisation, mean an additional 150,000 people dying each year, and is, according to Sir David King, the Government's Chief Scientific Adviser, ‘the most severe problem that we are facing today, more serious even than the threat of terrorism'; welcomes the Government's ratification of the Kyoto Protocol and their pledges to help meet its targets, particularly the Energy White Paper commitments to renewable energy and energy efficiency; notes however the worrying trends in key domestic environmental indicators with, since 1997, total municipal waste up by 17 per cent, road traffic up by 8 per cent, domestic energy consumption up nearly 7 per cent, high level radioactive waste up 6 per cent. and energy consumption from aviation up 21 per cent; acknowledges that investment in
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environmental protection and innovation benefits the whole economy and creates jobs, and calls on the Government to make better use of economic instruments to this end; and believes the Government needs genuinely to put the environment at the heart of government and to take a greater role in promoting sustainable development, and that this requires a clear lead from the Prime Minister—(Norman Baker);
An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘applauds the leadership and commitment on the environment shown by the Government domestically and globally; welcomes the UK's climate change programme which has already put the UK on track to overshoot its Kyoto target of a 12.5 per cent. cut in 1990 levels of greenhouse gas emissions by 2012; commends the introduction in the UK of the world's first economy-wide emissions trading scheme; further welcomes the long-term improvement in air quality and steps to improve local environmental quality generally; notes that river and bathing water quality is the highest on record; congratulates the Government on achieving a household recycling rate of 15 per cent. in 2002–03 and being on track for 17 per cent. for 2003–04; further congratulates the Government for playing a key role in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), increasing protection for a number of endangered flora and fauna; recognises that there is still much to do to promote sustainability at all levels; and calls upon the Government to continue to put environmental protection, locally, nationally and globally at the heart of its policies', instead thereof.—(Mr Elliot Morley.)
And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Sir Robert Smith, Mr Alan Reid: 183.
Tellers for the Noes, Margaret Moran, Mr John Heppell: 306.
So the Question was negatived.
And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments):—It was agreed to.
The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.
Resolved, That this House applauds the leadership and commitment on the environment shown by the Government domestically and globally; welcomes the UK's climate change programme which has already put the UK on track to overshoot its Kyoto target of a 12.5 per cent. cut in 1990 levels of greenhouse gas emissions by 2012; commends the introduction in the UK of the world's first economy-wide emissions trading scheme; further welcomes the long-term improvement in air quality and steps to improve local environmental quality generally; notes that river and bathing water quality is the highest on record; congratulates the Government on achieving a household recycling rate of 15 per cent. in 2002–03 and being on track for 17 per cent. for 2003–04; further congratulates the Government for playing a key role in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), increasing protection for a number of endangered flora and fauna; recognises that there is still much to do to promote sustainability at all levels; and calls upon the Government to continue to put environmental protection, locally, nationally and globally at the heart of its policies.
Local Taxation,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House believes council tax is unfair, should not have been introduced and should be replaced by a system that reflects people's ability to pay—(Mr Edward Davey);
An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘welcomes the current work of the Balance of Funding review of how local government in England is funded; notes that the review is receiving evidence on a number of possible reform options suggested in public consultation; awaits with interest the report of the review in summer 2004; and urges local authorities to set budgets for 2004–05 which deliver value for local taxpayers', instead thereof.—(Phil Hope.)
And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;
Mr Andrew Stunell rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put.
And the Question being put, That the Question be now put:—It was agreed to.
And the Question being accordingly put;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Alan Reid, Sir Robert Smith: 53.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Joan Ryan: 435.
So the Question was negatived.
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And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments):—It was agreed to.
The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.
Resolved, That this House welcomes the current work of the Balance of Funding review of how local government in England is funded; notes that the review is receiving evidence on a number of possible reform options suggested in public consultation; awaits with interest the report of the review in summer 2004; and urges local authorities to set budgets for 2004–05 which deliver value for local taxpayers.
| 9 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from members and supporters of Breathe Easy York for provision of ambulatory oxygen and pulmonary rehabilitation services by the NHS was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 10 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Margaret Moran.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till eleven minutes to Eight o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 7.49 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Electricity,—Draft Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
| 2 | Northern Ireland,—Draft Rates (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Murphy]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 3 | Education,—(1) Education (National Curriculum) (Attainment Targets and Programmes of Study in Design and Technology in respect of the First, Second, and Third Key Stages) (England) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 261), |
(2) Education (National Curriculum) (Attainment Targets and Programmes of Study in Modern Foreign Languages in respect of the Third Key Stage) (England) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 256),
(3) Education (National Curriculum) (Exceptions at Key Stage 4) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 264), and
(4) Education (National Curriculum) (Modern Foreign Languages) (England) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 260),
dated 4th February 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke].
Other Papers:
| 4 | Census,—Paper, entitled Census 2001: Report on the Welsh Language [by Act] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 5 | Merchant Shipping,—Report by the Department for Transport of exemptions granted under section 294 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 during 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 6 | Public Accounts,—Treasury Minute on the Forty-seventh to the Forty-ninth Reports from the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 2002–03 [by Command] [Cm. 6110] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 7 | Transport,—Government Response to the Seventh Report from the Transport Committee, Session 2002–03, on Overcrowding on Public Transport [by Command] [Cm. 6072] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Carers (Equal Opportunities) Bill,—The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee C. |
| 2 | Highways (Obstruction by Body Corporate) Bill,—The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee C. |
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| 3 | Draft Milk Development Council (Amendment) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Neil Gerrard from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Phil Sawford. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Constitutional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Constitutional Affairs Committee [Asylum and Immigration Appeals]; to be printed [No. 211-iv] [Mr A. J. Beith]. |
| 2 | Culture, Media and Sport,—Second Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [DCMS Annual Report and Work of the Department], together with an Appendix to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 74] [Mr Gerald Kaufman]. |
| 3 | Home Affairs,—(1) Third Report from the Home Affairs Committee [The Work of the Home Affairs Committee in 2003]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 345]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Identity Cards]; to be printed [No. 130-iii]
[Mr John Denham].
| 4 | International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [Migration and Development]; to be printed [No. 79-v] [Tony Baldry]. |
| 5 | Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [The Parades Commission and Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998]; to be printed [No. 224-ii] [Mr Michael Mates]. |
| 6 | Regulatory Reform,—(1) Second Report from the Regulatory Reform Committee [Proposal for the Regulatory Reform (Patents) Order 2004], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 337]; and |
(2) Third Report from the Committee [Draft Regulatory Reform (Sunday Trading) Order 2004]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 338]
[Mr Peter Pike].
| 7 | Scottish Affairs,—Second Report from the Scottish Affairs Committee [Work of the Committee in 2003]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 344] [Mrs Irene Adams]. |
| 8 | Standards and Privileges,—Third Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges [Conduct of Mr John Spellar], with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 339] [Sir George Young]. |
| 9 | Statutory Instruments,—Eighth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 82-viii] [Mr David Tredinnick]. |
| 10 | Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Progress towards the knowledge driven economy]; to be printed [No. 262-iii] [Mr Martin O'Neill]. |
[No. 38; WH, No. 21]
Tuesday 10th February 2004.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Nine o'clock.
| Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the sitting be now adjourned—(Mr Nick Ainger); |
And the sitting having continued for two and a half hours after Two o'clock, it was adjourned without Question put, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 4.44 p.m.
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[No. 39.] Wednesday 11th 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 25th February.
| 2 | Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mrs Irene Adams reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Industrial Training Levy (Construction Board) Order 2004 and the draft Industrial Training Levy (Engineering Construction Board) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | European Standing Committee C,—Mr Mike Hancock reported from European Standing Committee C the following Resolution: |
That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 14886/03 and Addendum 1, the Commission White Paper on European Space Policy; and supports the Government's aim of engaging with European partners and the Commission to encourage the formulation of policies that offer clear commercial and scientific benefits targeted at the Union's wider aims.
Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to amend Part 1 of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002; to make further provision concerning the public prosecution service established by that Act; to impose a new duty on certain criminal justice organisations in Northern Ireland in relation to human rights standards; to make provision consequential on the dissolution of the Juvenile Justice Board; to amend the law relating to bail in Northern Ireland; to provide for the transfer of certain prisoners from Northern Ireland to England and Wales; to amend section 103 of the Terrorism Act 2000; to provide for driving while disqualified to be an arrestable offence in Northern Ireland; to re-enact with amendments sections 79 to 81 of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 and make further provision about court security officers in Northern Ireland; to enable barristers in Northern Ireland to enter into contracts for the provision of their services; and for connected purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
Gender Recognition Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to make provision for and in connection with change of gender; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
| 5 | Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords],—The Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 55]. |
Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords] be printed [Bill 55–EN].
| 6 | Gender Recognition Bill [Lords],—The Gender Recognition Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 56]. |
Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Gender Recognition Bill [Lords] be printed [Bill 56–EN].
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| 7 | Pensions Bill,—Mr Secretary Smith, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Secretary Prescott, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Secretary Blunkett, Mr Secretary Darling, Mr Secretary Murphy, Ms Secretary Hewitt, Malcolm Wicks and Mr Chris Pond, presented a Bill to make provision relating to pensions and financial planning for retirement and provision relating to entitlement to bereavement payments, and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 57]. |
Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Pensions Bill be printed [Bill 57–EN].
| 8 | Regulatory Impact Assessments (Audits),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision in respect of the audits of regulatory impact assessments: And that Mr Archie Norman, Mr John Maples, Mr Andrew Tyrie, Mr Francis Maude, Sir George Young, Mr Stephen Dorrell, Mr Oliver Letwin, Mr Stephen O'Brien, Mr Edward Garnier, Mr William Hague, Mr David Heathcoat-Amory and Mr James Arbuthnot do prepare and bring it in. |
| 9 | Regulatory Impact Assessments (Audits) Bill,—Mr Archie Norman accordingly presented a Bill to make provision in respect of the audits of regulatory impact assessments: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 18th June and to be printed [Bill 54]. |
| 10 | Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the draft Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning Act 1997 (Amnesty Period) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 14th January, be approved—(Jane Kennedy); |
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Charlotte Atkins, Mr Vernon Coaker: 446.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Nigel Dodds, Mrs Iris Robinson: 16.
So the Question was agreed to.
Resolved, That the draft Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning Act 1997 (Amnesty Period) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 14th January, be approved.
| 11 | Opposition Day [5th allotted day: first part],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the Leader of the Opposition in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider Opposition business. |
Powers of the Proposed Elected Regional Assemblies,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes that the Government's proposals for elected regional assemblies as set out in their White Paper, Your Region, Your Choice, grant the proposed assemblies limited powers, many of which are taken from local government; further notes that the Deputy Prime Minister has made statements suggesting that elected regional assemblies may acquire additional powers not reflected in the White Paper and that he intends that elected regional assemblies should open up the debate about the Barnett formula and public spending in the regions; and urges the Government to publish a draft Bill and to clear up this confusion by the end of June so that Parliament can debate the proposals in good time before the summer adjournment—(Mr David Curry);
An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘notes the Government's proposals for elected regional assemblies set out in their White Paper, Your Region, Your Choice: Revitalising the English Regions, based on the principles of increasing prosperity, pride and democracy in the regions; further notes that the White Paper also set out the way in which the Government intends to build into its policy development the opportunities offered by the creation of elected regional assemblies to further decentralise responsibility for policy and delivery where this will improve regional outcomes; applauds the opportunity afforded to people in the three northern regions of England to have their say about whether they want an elected assembly for their region; commends the Government's endeavours to ensure that people voting in the referendums have information on which to base their choice; notes that the principal confusion about the proposed powers and role of elected regional assemblies appears to be on the Opposition benches; and condemns the continuing attempts by the party opposite both to deny people a say in how they want to be governed and to denigrate the value of that choice', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Prescott.)
And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Gregory Barker, Mr Peter Atkinson: 179.
Tellers for the Noes, Bridget Prentice, Mr Jim Murphy: 281.
So the Question was negatived.
And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments);
Page 135 Wednesday 11th February 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Bridget Prentice, Mr Jim Murphy: 315.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Hugo Swire, Mr Mark Field: 133.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.
Resolved, That this House notes the Government's proposals for elected regional assemblies set out in their White Paper, Your Region, Your Choice: Revitalising the English Regions, based on the principles of increasing prosperity, pride and democracy in the regions; further notes that the White Paper also set out the way in which the Government intends to build into its policy development the opportunities offered by the creation of elected regional assemblies to further decentralise responsibility for policy and delivery where this will improve regional outcomes; applauds the opportunity afforded to people in the three northern regions of England to have their say about whether they want an elected assembly for their region; commends the Government's endeavours to ensure that people voting in the referendums have information on which to base their choice; notes that the principal confusion about the proposed powers and role of elected regional assemblies appears to be on the Opposition benches; and condemns the continuing attempts by the party opposite both to deny people a say in how they want to be governed and to denigrate the value of that choice.
| 12 | Immigration,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Immigration (Provision of Physical Data) (Amendment) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 15th January, be approved—(Margaret Moran):—It was agreed to. |
| 13 | Immigration,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Immigration (Leave to Enter and Remain) (Amendment) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 15th January, be approved—(Margaret Moran):—It was agreed to. |
| 14 | Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Tuesday 24th February— |
(1) 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 Motions in the name of Mr Secretary Smith relating to Social Security and Pensions not later than three hours after the commencement of proceedings on the first Motion; 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; and
(2) 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.—(Margaret Moran.)
| 15 | Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from— |
(1) residents of the Parliamentary constituency of Brentwood and Ongar and areas served by the Ongar Fire Station against the proposal to change the Fire Station to part-time operation; and
(2) residents of South West Bedfordshire for a review of the council tax system and the effect of the tax on those on fixed incomes and pensions
were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
| 16 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Margaret Moran.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till three minutes to Eight o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 7.57 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Customs and Excise,—Trade in Controlled Goods (Embargoed Destinations) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 318), dated 10th February 2004 [by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
| 2 | Food,—Dairy Produce Quotas (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 312), dated 10th February 2004 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
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| 3 | London Government,—Greater London Authority (Allocation of Grants for Precept Calculations) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 300), dated 10th February 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 4 | Open Spaces,—Draft Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces (Amendment) Regulations 2004 [by Act] [Secretary Tessa Jowell]. |
| 5 | Social Security,—(1) Social Security Pensions (Low Earnings Threshold) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 263), and |
(2) Social Security Revaluation of Earnings Factors Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 262),
dated 4th February 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].
Other Papers:
| 6 | Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security,—Paper, entitled Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001: Part IV Section 28 Review 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 7 | Development of Tourism,—Statement of appointment and salary of Sir William Lawrence as a member of the English Marketing Advisory Board [by Act] [Secretary Tessa Jowell]. |
| 8 | Government Resources and Accounts,—Report and Accounts of the Criminal Records Bureau for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 343] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 9 | National Audit (Northern Ireland),—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland on De Lorean: The Recovery of Public Funds [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 287] [Mr Secretary Murphy]. |
| 10 | School Standards and Framework,—Accounts of— |
(1) the Derby North East Education Action Zone,
(2) the Hackney Education Action Zone, and
(3) the Westminster Education Action Zone,
for 2002–03, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 340, 341 and 342] [Clerk of the House].
| 11 | Treaty Series (No. 6, 2004),—Agreement, done at Brussels on 14th September 1994, on the Status of Missions and Representatives of Third States to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization [by Command] [Cm. 6124] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Sustainable and Secure Buildings Bill,—The Committee of Selection has nominated twenty-one Members to serve on Standing Committee C in respect of the Bill: Mr David Amess, Gregory Barker, Mr Colin Challen, Sir Sydney Chapman, Mr David Chaytor, Mrs Helen Clark, Paul Clark, Sue Doughty, Dr Ian Gibson, Linda Gilroy, Mr David Heyes, Phil Hope, Dr Brian Iddon, Mr David Kidney, Mr George Osborne, Alan Simpson, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Simon Thomas, Dr Desmond Turner, Joan Walley and Brian White. |
| 2 | Draft Independent Police Complaints Commission (Investigatory Powers) Order 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Harry Barnes, Ms Hazel Blears, Mr Ian Davidson, Mr Neil Gerrard, Mr Nick Gibb, Mr David Heath, Mr John Heppell, Judy Mallaber, Mr Mark Oaten, Mr James Paice, Mr Andrew Rosindell, Rachel Squire, Ms Dari Taylor, Dr Rudi Vis, Angela Watkinson and Brian White.
| 3 | Draft Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 (Continuance in force of Sections 21 to 23) Order 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Nicholas Brown, Harry Cohen, Mr Jim Cousins, Ross Cranston, Mr Stephen Dorrell, Mr Barry Gardiner, Mr David Heath, Mr John Heppell, Beverley Hughes, Patrick Mercer, Mr Mark Oaten, Sandra Osborne, Mr Richard Page, Mr Greg Pope, Angela Watkinson and Mr Anthony D. Wright.
| 4 | Draft Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) (Payment of Claims) (Amendment) Regulations 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
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(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Peter Atkinson, Peter Bottomley, Mr Desmond Browne, Mr Brian H. Donohoe, Mr Bill Etherington, Paul Holmes, Mr Kevan Jones, Mr Khalid Mahmood, John Mann, Margaret Moran, Kali Mountford, Mr George Osborne, Mr Ken Purchase, Mr Geoffrey Robinson, Mr Simon Thomas and Mr Andrew Turner.
| 5 | Draft Employment Act 2002 (Dispute Resolution) Regulations 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated Sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Charlotte Atkins, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Richard Bacon, Mr John Battle, Mr Henry Bellingham, Virginia Bottomley, Brian Cotter, Tom Cox, Mr Mark Lazarowicz, Alice Mahon, Mr Dennis Skinner, Ian Stewart, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Steve Webb, Mrs Betty Williams and David Wright.
| 6 | Draft Industrial Training Levy (Construction Board) Order 2004 and the draft Industrial Training Levy (Engineering Construction Board) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Harold Best, Clive Efford, Mr Michael Meacher and Jon Trickett from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Orders) and nominated in substitution Kevin Brennan, Mr Russell Brown, Dr Nick Palmer and Mr David Stewart. |
| 7 | Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Regulations 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 3311): |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Regulations to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Nick Ainger, Norman Baker, Ann Clwyd, Tony Cunningham, Sue Doughty, Jim Dowd, Mr Doug Henderson, Andy King, Miss Anne McIntosh, Mr Michael Meacher, Julie Morgan, Mr Elliot Morley, Mr Stephen Pound, Sir Teddy Taylor, Mr Robert Walter and Mr David Wilshire.
| 8 | Draft Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Roger Berry, Mr Crispin Blunt, Mr Stephen Byers, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Mark Field, Mike Gapes, Lady Hermon, Mr George Howarth, Huw Irranca-Davies, Jane Kennedy, Mr Alan Meale, Lembit Opik, Mr Marsha Singh, Mr Ian Taylor and Mr Paul Truswell.
| 9 | Draft Prison (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: John Austin, Mr Tony Banks, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Iain Coleman, Mr Jim Cunningham, Mrs Janet Dean, Mr Mark Field, Mr Adrian Flook, Lady Hermon, Huw Irranca-Davies, Jane Kennedy, Mr Peter Lilley, Lembit Opik, Mr Gwyn Prosser, Joan Ryan and Dr Gavin Strang.
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Draft Disability Discrimination Bill,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on the Draft Disability Discrimination Bill; to be printed [No. 352-i]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 352-ii]
[Mr Tom Clarke].
| 2 | Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee [Pre-Budget Report 2003]; to be printed [No. 233-iii] [Mr Peter Ainsworth]. |
| 3 | Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—(1) Fourth Report from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee [End of Life Vehicles and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directives], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Directives Sub-committee of the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 103]; |
(2) Fifth Report from the Committee [The Food Standards Agency and Shellfish], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Toxins in Shellfish Sub-committee of the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 248];
(3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Badgers and Bovine TB];
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(4) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Rural Delivery Review]; and
(5) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Implementation of CAP Reform in the UK]; to be printed [No. 226-iii]
[Mr Michael Jack].
| 4 | European Scrutiny,—Tenth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 42-x] [Mr Jimmy Hood]. |
| 5 | International Development,—Memorandum laid before the International Development Committee [Government Response to the First Report from the Committee, Trade and Development at the WTO: Learning the Lessons of Cancu"n to revive a genuine development round]; to be printed [No. 353] [Tony Baldry]. |
| 6 | 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-iii] [Andrew Bennett]. |
| 7 | Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [Risk Management: The Nuclear Liabilities of British Energy plc]; to be printed [No. 354-i] [Mr Alan Williams]. |
| 8 | Procedure,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Procedure Committee [Programming of Legislation]; to be printed [No. 325-i] [Sir Nicholas Winterton]. |
| 9 | Transport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Committee [Cars of the Future]; to be printed [No. 319-i] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody]. |
| 10 | Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [Manufacturing and Trade in Wales]; to be printed [No. 323-ii] [Mr Martyn Jones]. |
| 11 | Work and Pensions,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Work and Pensions Committee [Child Poverty in the UK]; to be printed [No. 85-vi] [Sir Archy Kirkwood]. |
[No. 39; WH, No. 22]
Wednesday 11th 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 Jim Murphy.) |
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 4.42 p.m.
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[No. 40.] Thursday 12th February 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Gangmasters (Licensing) Bill,—Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Gangmasters (Licensing) Bill be printed [Bill 17–EN]. |
| 2 | Health and Safety at Work (Offences) Bill,—Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Health and Safety at Work (Offences) Bill be printed [Bill 51–EN]. |
| 3 | Sustainable and Secure Buildings Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Sustainable and Secure Buildings Bill [Money]; |
Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Sustainable and Secure Buildings Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—
(1) any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State in consequence or by virtue of the Act; and
(2) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable out of money so provided by virtue of any other Act.—(Phil Hope.)
| 4 | Public Accounts,—Resolved, That this House takes note of the 64th to 68th Reports of the Committee of Public Accounts of Session 2001–02 and the 1st to 49th Reports of the Committee of Public Accounts of Session 2002–03, and of the Treasury Minutes and the Northern Ireland Department of Finance and Personnel Memorandum on these Reports (Cm. 5728, 5770, 5789, 5801, 5802, 5823, 5849, 5953, 5961, 5962, 5963, 5984, 6016, 6051, 6105, 6110).—(Mr Edward Leigh.) |
| 5 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Jim Fitzpatrick); |
And it being Six o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.
| 6 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Jim Fitzpatrick.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty minutes past Six o'clock, adjourned till Monday 23rd February, pursuant to Order [2nd February].
[Adjourned at 6.20 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Legal Services Commission,—Draft Community Legal Service (Scope) Regulations 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr David Lammy]. |
| 2 | Northern Ireland,—Draft Agricultural Statistics (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Murphy]. |
| 3 | Police,—Draft Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (Renewal of Temporary Provisions) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Murphy]. |
| 4 | Social Security,—(1) Draft Social Security (Basic Skills Training Pilot) Regulations 2004, |
(2) draft Social Security (Intensive Activity Period 50 to 59 Pilot) Regulations 2004, and
(3) draft Social Security (Intensive Activity Period 50 to 59 Pilot) (No. 2) Regulations 2004
[by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith].
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 5 | Financial Services and Markets,—Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Consequential Amendments) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 355), dated 11th February 2004 [by Act] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 6 | Insolvency,—Insurers (Reorganisation and Winding Up) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 353), dated 12th February 2004 [by Act] [Ruth Kelly]. |
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| 7 | London Government,—Transport for London (Larcombe Close) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 257), dated 4th February 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 8 | Merchant Shipping,—(1) Merchant Shipping (High Speed Craft) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 302), and |
(2) Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 303),
dated 9th February 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling].
| 9 | Petroleum,—Petroleum Licensing (Exploration and Production) (Seaward and Landward Areas) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 352), dated 11th February 2004 [by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
| 10 | Social Security,—Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (State Pension Credit and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 290), dated 5th February 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
Other Papers:
| 11 | Armed Forces' Pay,—Report of the Armed Forces' Pay Review Body for 2004 [by Command] [Cm. 6113] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. |
| 12 | Health,—Government Response to the Fourth Report of the Health Committee, Session 2002–03, on Provision of Maternity Services; the Eighth Report of the Committee, Session 2002–03 on Inequalities in Access to Maternity Services; and the Ninth Report of the Committee, Session 2002–03 on Choice in Maternity Services [by Command] [Cm. 6140] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 13 | Learning and Skills,—Report and Accounts of the Learning and Skills Council for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 281] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 14 | Overseas Territories,—(1) Liberia (Restrictive Measures) (Overseas Territories) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 347), and |
(2) Sudan (Restrictive Measures) (Overseas Territories) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 349),
dated 11th February 2004 [by Act] [Mr David Lammy].
| 15 | Prison Service Pay,—(1) Second Report of the Prison Service Pay Review Body on Northern Ireland [by Command] [Cm. 6128] [Mr Secretary Murphy], and |
(2) Third Report of the Prison Service Pay Review Body on England and Wales [by Command] [Cm. 6129] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].
| 16 | Public Petitions,—(1) Observations by the Deputy Prime Minister on the Petition [26th January] from Mr Jeremy Newell, other residents of the Tewkesbury Lodge Estate, Forest Hill, London SE23 and parents of children attending Horniman Primary School, Forest Hill, against the installation of a TETRA transmitter on the Horniman radio mast, and |
(2) Observations by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the Petition [23rd January] from residents of Stoke-on-Trent North Constituency against closures of post offices in deprived urban areas in the constituency
[by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].
| 17 | Senior Salaries,—Twenty-sixth Report of the Review Body on Senior Salaries [by Command] [Cm. 6099] [The Prime Minister]. |
| 18 | Social Security Administration,—Report by the Social Security Advisory Committee and Statement by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the draft Social Security (Basic Skills Training Pilot) Regulations 2004 [by Command] [Cm. 6116] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
| 19 | Transport,—Government Response to the First Report of the Transport Committee, Session 2003–04, on the Traffic Management Bill [by Command] [Cm. 6131] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 20 | United Nations,—(1) Liberia (United Nations Sanctions) (Channel Islands) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 306), |
(2) Liberia (United Nations Sanctions) (Isle of Man) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 305), and
(3) Liberia (United Nations Sanctions) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 348)
dated 11th February 2004 [by Act] [Mr David Lammy].
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APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Independent Police Complaints Commission (Investigatory Powers) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr James Cran Chairman of the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order. |
| 2 | Draft Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 (Continuance in force of Sections 21 to 23) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Janet Anderson Chairman of the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order. |
| 3 | Sustainable Energy (CHP Provisions) Order 2003 (S.I., 2003, No. 2987),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mrs Caroline Spelman from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Miss Anne McIntosh. |
| 4 | Draft Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Mike Hancock Chairman of the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order. |
| 5 | Draft Prisons (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed David Taylor Chairman of the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order. |
Grand Committees
| 6 | The Speaker has appointed Mr James Cran Chairman of the Northern Ireland Grand Committee in respect of its meeting on Thursday 26th February. |
European Standing Committees
| 7 | The Speaker has appointed Mr Kevin Hughes Chairman of European Standing Committee A in respect of European Union Document No. 11645/03 on Levels of Certain Heavy Metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Ambient Air. |
| 8 | The Speaker has appointed Mrs Marion Roe Chairman of European Standing Committee B in respect of European Union Document Nos. 11954/03 and 11993/03 on Activities of OLAF and the Fight Against Fraud; Activity of the European Anti-Fraud Office: HMT: (UEM) 20 October 2003; 2002 Annual Report of the European Court of Auditors: HMT: (UEM 7 January 2004); Activity of the European Anti-Fraud Office: HMT: (UEM 30 January 2004). |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | 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-iv] [Mr Peter Ainsworth]. |
| 2 | Public Administration,—(1) Third Report from the Select Committee on Public Administration [Ministerial Accountability and Parliamentary Questions], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 355]; and |
(2) Memorandum laid before the Committee [Tribunals of Inquiry and Select Committees]
[Tony Wright].
[No. 40; WH, No. 23]
Thursday 12th February 2004.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock.
| Adjournment (Light Pollution and Astronomy—Seventh Report from the Science and Technology Committee, Session 2002–03, and the Government's response thereto),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Fraser Kemp.) |
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 24th February.
[Adjourned at 5.29 p.m.
|
