| Commons Journal 260
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II
Page 179 2003-2004 Volume 260
[No. 51.] Monday 8th March 2004.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | London Local Authorities Bill [Lords],—The Chairman of Ways and Means reported, pursuant to Order [25th February], That he had gone through the London Local Authorities Bill [Lords] and made Amendments thereunto. |
Ordered, That the Bill, as amended by the Chairman of Ways and Means, do lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Equitable Life Inquiry,—Ordered, That there be laid before this House a Return of the Report of the Equitable Life Inquiry, conducted by the Right Honourable Lord Penrose.—(Mr Fraser Kemp.) |
| 3 | First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Kevin Hughes reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Community Legal Service (Scope) Regulations 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Sleep Apnoea Bill,—The Order for reading the Sleep Apnoea Bill a second time on Tuesday 27th April was read and discharged. |
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 30th April.
| 5 | European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Bill (Programme) (No. 3),—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 European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Bill: |
Consideration of Lords Amendments
1. Proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments shall be completed at today's sitting and shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion three hours after their commencement.
Subsequent stages
2. Any further Message from the Lords may be considered forthwith without any Question put.
3. Proceedings on any further Message from the Lords shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour after their commencement—(Jim Fitzpatrick);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Jim Fitzpatrick, Mr Vernon Coaker: 265.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mark Field, Mr Mark Francois: 150.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 6 | European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Bill. |
Lords Amendment No. 1.
An Amendment ((a)) was proposed to the Lords Amendment, in line 15, at the end, to insert the words—
‘(c) Yorkshire and the Humber;
(d) North West.'.—(Mr Christopher Leslie.)
And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Gillian Merron, Mr John Heppell: 269.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Randall, Mr Mark Francois: 166.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Lords Amendment, as amended, was agreed to.
Lords Amendment No. 2 was agreed to.
Lords Amendment No. 3.
A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Christopher Leslie);
Page 180 Monday 8th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
And it being three hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Lords Amendments, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [this day].
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John Heppell, Gillian Merron: 268.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Randall, Mr Mark Francois: 163.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.
The Deputy Speaker then put the Question that this House agrees with the Lords in the remaining Lords Amendments:—It was agreed to.
Lords Amendments Nos. 4 to 50 were accordingly agreed to.
A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Orders [28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 (Programming of Bills)], That a Committee be appointed to draw up a Reason to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendment No. 3;
That Geraint Davies, Mr Nick Hawkins, Mr David Heath, Mr Christopher Leslie and Bridget Prentice be members of the Committee;
That Mr Christopher Leslie be the Chairman of the Committee;
That three be the quorum of the Committee;
That the Committee do withdraw immediately—(Bridget Prentice);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Charlotte Atkins, Paul Clark: 266.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mark Francois, Mr John Randall: 124.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 7 | Gangmasters (Licensing) Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Gangmasters (Licensing) Bill [Money]; |
A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Gangmasters (Licensing) Bill, it is expedient to authorise—
(1) the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—
(a) any expenditure incurred under the Act by a Minister of the Crown or government department or by a body performing functions on behalf of the Crown, and
(b) any increase attributable to the provisions of the Act in the sums payable out of such money under any other Act, and
(2) the making of payments into the Consolidated Fund—(Alun Michael);
And it being three-quarters of an hour after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills):—It was agreed to.
| 8 | European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Bill,—Mr Christopher Leslie reported from the Committee appointed to draw up a Reason to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendment No. 3 to the European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Bill, That it had drawn up the following Reason, which it had directed him to report to the House: |
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 3 for the following Reason:
Because it is not appropriate to make the requirements to which the Lords Amendment relates.
The Reason was agreed to.
Message to the Lords to communicate the said Reason, with the Bill and Amendments.
| 9 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Vernon Coaker); |
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 twenty-six minutes to Eleven o'clock, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.34 p.m.
Page 181 Monday 8th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Agriculture,—Common Agricultural Policy Non-IACS Support Schemes (Appeals) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 590), dated 4th March 2004 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 2 | Highways,—Street Works (Inspection Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 572), dated 5th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 3 | Immigration,—Asylum Support (Interim Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 566), dated 27th February 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 4 | Insolvency,—(1) Insolvency (Amendment) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 584), dated 3rd March 2004, and |
(2) Insolvency Proceedings (Fees) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 593), dated 4th March 2004
[by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].
| 5 | Local Government,—(1) Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 534), and |
(2) Local Authorities (Capital Finance) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 533)
dated 1st March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
| 6 | National Health Service,—(1) Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection (Explanation, Statements of Action and Co-operation) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 557), dated 2nd March 2004, |
(2) Nottinghamshire Healthcare National Health Service Trust (Transfer of Trust Property) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 563), dated 2nd March 2004, and
(3) Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Amendment Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 560), dated 3rd March 2004
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].
| 7 | Social Care,—Commission for Social Care Inspection (Explanation and Co-operation) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 555), dated 3rd March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
Other Papers:
| 8 | Education and Skills,—Paper, entitled School Travel Schemes—Draft Bill, containing a draft School Transport Bill with Explanatory Notes and a draft Partial Regulatory Impact Assessment [by Command] [Cm. 6156] [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
| 9 | Equitable Life Inquiry,—Report of the Equitable Life Inquiry by the Right Honourable Lord Penrose [pursuant to Order this day]; to be printed [No. 290] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 10 | National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Ministry of Defence: The Management of Defence Research and Technology [by Act]; to be printed [No. 360] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 11 | Treasury,—HM Treasury Departmental Minute, on Dissolution and Reconfiguration of certain NHS Trusts: Remission of Outstanding Public Dividend Capital [by Command] [Mr Paul Boateng]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Promotion of Volunteering Bill,—The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee C. |
| 2 | Highways (Obstruction by Body Corporate) Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Peter Pike Chairman of Standing Committee F in respect of the Bill. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Education and Skills,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education and Skills Committee [The Work of Ofsted]; to be printed [No. 426-i] [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-iii] [Mr Michael Jack]. |
Page 182 Monday 8th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
| 3 | Human Rights,—Eighth Report from the Joint Committee on Human Rights [Scrutiny of Bills: Third Progress Report]; together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 427] [Jean Corston]. |
| 4 | Public Accounts,—(1) Fourteenth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Inland Revenue: Tax Credits]; to be printed, together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 89]; |
(2) Fifteenth Report from the Committee [Procurement of vaccines by the Department of Health]; to be printed, together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 429]; and
(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Income generated by the Museums and Galleries]; to be printed [No. 430-i]
[Mr Edward Leigh].
| 5 | Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [Scientific Publications]; to be printed [No. 399-ii] [Dr Ian Gibson]. |
[No. 52.] Tuesday 9th March 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Sustainable and Secure Buildings Bill,—Mr Alan Hurst reported from Standing Committee C, That it had gone through the Sustainable and Secure Buildings Bill, and made Amendments thereunto. |
Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered on Friday 30th April; and to be printed [Bill 69].
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 433].
| 2 | Higher Education Bill,—Mr Roger Gale reported from Standing Committee H, That it had gone through the Higher Education Bill, and made Amendments thereunto. |
Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 67].
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 436].
| 3 | Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Jonathan Sayeed reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Social Security (Intensive Activity Period 50 to 59 Pilot) Regulations 2004 and the draft Social Security (Intensive Activity Period 50 to 59 Pilot) (No. 2) Regulations 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr David Amess reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Mink Keeping (Prohibition) (England) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 100). |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 5 | Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Kevin Hughes reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Social Security (Contributions) (Re-rating and National Insurance Funds Payments) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 6 | Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bill O'Brien reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 7 | Sex Discrimination (Clubs and Other Private Associations),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision for the prevention of sex discrimination in relation to membership of, or the benefits, facilities and services afforded by, clubs and other private associations: And that David Wright, Mr Parmjit Dhanda, Mr Robert Walter, Mr David Stewart, Vera Baird, Mr Tom Harris, Mr David Heath, Ann McKechin, Ms Meg Munn, Peter Bradley, Mrs Lorna Fitzsimons and Mrs Liz Blackman do prepare and bring it in. |
| 8 | Sex Discrimination (Clubs and Other Private Associations) Bill,—David Wright accordingly presented a Bill to make provision for the prevention of sex discrimination in relation to membership of, or the benefits, facilities and services afforded by, clubs and other private associations: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 14th May and to be printed [Bill 68]. |
Page 183 Tuesday 9th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
| 9 | Publication of the Advice of the Attorney General on Iraq,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House believes that all advice prepared by the Attorney General on the legality of the war in Iraq should be published in full—(Mr Elfyn Llwyd); |
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 long-standing convention, followed by successive governments, that the advice of the Law Officers is given in confidence and is not disclosed publicly; notes, however, the Answer given in the House of Lords by the Attorney General on 17th March 2003 which set out his view of the legal basis of the use of force against Iraq, and the letter of the same date from the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee giving more detail of the legal position; and believes that the priority now for the Government is to help the Iraqi people rebuild Iraq', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Straw.)
And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question, pursuant to Order [3rd March] and Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Pete Wishart, Hywel Williams: 192.
Tellers for the Noes, Gillian Merron, Mr John Heppell: 283.
So the Question was negatived.
And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith:—It was agreed to.
The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.
Resolved, That this House notes the long-standing convention, followed by successive governments, that the advice of the Law Officers is given in confidence and is not disclosed publicly; notes, however, the Answer given in the House of Lords by the Attorney General on 17th March 2003 which set out his view of the legal basis of the use of force against Iraq, and the letter of the same date from the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee giving more detail of the legal position; and believes that the priority now for the Government is to help the Iraqi people rebuild Iraq.
| 10 | Young People and Democracy,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes the concern shared by all political parties at the lack of participation in the political process by young people and the decreasing turnout in elections throughout the country; welcomes the work of many charities, political experts, young people and organisations representing them, who have worked together in their belief that lowering the voting age would improve the quality of politics in the United Kingdom; and calls on the Government to legislate to lower the voting age for all public elections to 16 years—(Angus Robertson); |
An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 7, to leave out from the word ‘Kingdom' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘but notes that the independent Electoral Commission's review of voting age and candidacy age is soon to be published and that the Government will carefully consider its conclusions, alongside the work of other organisations', instead thereof.—(Mr Christopher Leslie.)
And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question, pursuant to Order [3rd March] and Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments);
Pete Wishart 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 Simon Thomas, Pete Wishart: 50.
Tellers for the Noes, Charlotte Atkins, Mr Jim Murphy: 346.
So the Question was negatived.
And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Charlotte Atkins, Mr Jim Murphy: 310.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Eric Forth, Ann Winterton: 10.
So the Question was agreed to.
And the Main Question, as amended, being put;
Page 184 Tuesday 9th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
Resolved, That this House notes the concern shared by all political parties at the lack of participation in the political process by young people and the decreasing turnout in elections throughout the country; welcomes the work of many charities, political experts, young people and organisations representing them, who have worked together in their belief that lowering the voting age would improve the quality of politics in the United Kingdom but notes that the independent Electoral Commission's review of voting age and candidacy age is soon to be published and that the Government will carefully consider its conclusions, alongside the work of other organisations.
| 11 | Local Government,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Local Elections (Ordinary Day of Election 2004) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 29th January, be approved—(Mr Vernon Coaker):—It was agreed to. |
| 12 | Local Government,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 5th February, be approved—(Mr Vernon Coaker):—It was agreed to. |
| 13 | Local Government,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Local Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 5th February, be approved—(Mr Vernon Coaker):—It was agreed to. |
| 14 | Representation of the People,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Representation of the People (Combination of Polls) (England and Wales) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 5th February, be approved—(Mr Vernon Coaker):—It was agreed to. |
| 15 | Representation of the People,—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 Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 5th February, be approved—(Mr Vernon Coaker):—It was agreed to. |
| 16 | Social Security,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) (Payment of Claims) (Amendment) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 28th January, be approved—(Mr Vernon Coaker):—It was agreed to. |
| 17 | Social Security,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Children (Leaving Care) Social Security Benefits (Scotland) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 4th February, be approved—(Mr Vernon Coaker):—It was agreed to. |
| 18 | Employment Tribunals,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Employment Act 2002 (Dispute Resolution) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 20th January, be approved—(Mr Vernon Coaker):—It was agreed to. |
| 19 | Police,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (Renewal of Temporary Provisions) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 12th February, be approved—(Mr Vernon Coaker):—It was agreed to. |
| 20 | 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 Community Legal Service (Scope) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 12th February, be approved—(Mr Vernon Coaker):—It was agreed to. |
| 21 | Welsh Grand Committee,—Ordered, That— |
(1) the matter of the Budget Statement and its implications for Wales be referred to the Welsh Grand Committee for its consideration;
(2) the Committee shall meet at Westminster on Wednesday 24th March between ten minutes to Nine o'clock and twenty minutes past Eleven o'clock and between Two o'clock and Four o'clock to consider the matter of the Budget Statement and its implications for Wales, under Standing Order No. 107 (Welsh Grand Committee (matters relating exclusively to Wales)).—(Mr Vernon Coaker.)
Page 185 Tuesday 9th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
| 22 | Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from |
(1) Parents and friends of Streethouse School, Pontefract, for additional provision to cope with rising pupil numbers, and
(2) Weymouth HiFi and residents of South Dorset for an upgrade of the Weymouth digital television transmitter, and for connected measures
were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
| 23 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Vernon Coaker); |
And the Motion having been made after 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, it being then twenty-six minutes to Nine o'clock, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 8.34 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Income Tax,—Draft Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (New Zealand) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Dawn Primarolo]. |
| 2 | Social Security,—Draft Employment Zones (Allocation to Contractors) Pilot Regulations 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 3 | Community Legal Service,—Community Legal Service (Funding) (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 597), dated 8th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr David Lammy]. |
| 4 | Education,—(1) Education (Hazardous Equipment and Materials) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 571), dated 3rd March 2004, |
(2) Kingston-upon-Hull City Council (School Meals) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 592), dated 4th March 2004, and
(3) Teachers' Pensions (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 587), dated 3rd March 2004
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke].
| 5 | Environmental Protection,—Environmental Protection (Waste Recycling Payments) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 639), dated 8th March 2004 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 6 | Evidence,—Blood Tests (Evidence of Paternity) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No 596), dated 25th February 2004 [by Act] [Mr David Lammy]. |
| 7 | Food,—Food for Particular Nutritional Uses (Addition of Substances for Specific Nutritional Purposes) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 649), dated 8th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 8 | Land Registration,—Land Registration Fee Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 595), dated 3rd March 2004 [by Act] [Mr David Lammy]. |
| 9 | National Health Service,—(1) Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (Isles of Scilly) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 567), dated 3rd March, |
(2) NHS Direct (Establishment and Constitution) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 569), dated 28th February 2004, and
(3) NHS Direct Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 570), dated 28th February 2004
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].
| 10 | Road Traffic,—Motor Vehicles (Approval) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 623), dated 8th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 11 | Social Care,—(1) General Social Care Council (Description of Persons to be Treated as Social Care Workers) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 561), |
(2) General Social Care Council (Registration) (Description of Social Care Workers) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 562),
dated 3rd March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].
| 12 | Social Security,—Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 565), dated 1st March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
Page 186 Tuesday 9th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
| 13 | Transport,—Service Subsidy Agreements (Tendering) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 609), dated 8th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 14 | Tribunals and Inquiries,—Tribunals and Inquiries (Dairy Produce Quota Tribunal) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 594), dated 4th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr David Lammy]. |
| 15 | Wildlife,—Wildlife and Countryside (Registration and Ringing of Certain Captive Birds) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 640), dated 8th March 2004 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
Other Papers:
| 16 | National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Improving Procurement: Progress by the Office of Government Commerce in improving departments' capability to procure cost-effectively [by Act]; to be printed [No. 361-I and II] [Clerk of the House]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Gender Recognition Bill [Lords],—The Committee of Selection has discharged Kali Mountford from Standing Committee A (nominated in respect of the Bill); and nominated in substitution Huw Irranca-Davies. |
| 2 | Carers (Equal Opportunities) Bill,—The Committee of Selection has discharged David Taylor from Standing Committee C (nominated in respect of the Bill); and nominated in substitution Jim Knight. |
| 3 | Higher Education Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mr George Stevenson as an additional Chairman of Standing Committee H in respect of the Bill. |
| 4 | Mink Keeping (Prohibition) (England) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 100),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Nick Ainger, Mr Harold Best, Mr Brian H. Donohoe, Helen Jones, Dr Nick Palmer and Dr Gavin Strang from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Order) and nominated in substitution Tony Cunningham, Gillian Merron, Diana Organ, Mr Sio¤n Simon and Paddy Tipping. |
| 5 | Draft Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order 2003,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ian Stewart from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Andrew Miller. |
| 6 | Draft Tax Credits Up-rating Regulations 2004, the draft Child Benefit and Guardian's Allowance Up-rating Order 2004 and the draft Child Benefit and Guardian's Allowance Up-rating (Northern Ireland) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr George Osborne from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations and draft Orders) and nominated in substitution Mr Mark Prisk. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Constitutional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Constitutional Affairs Committee [Civil Legal Aid: adequacy of provision]; to be printed [No. 391-ii] [Mr A. J. Beith]. |
| 2 | Culture, Media and Sport,—(1) Fourth Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Work of the Committee in 2003], to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 404]; and |
(2) Fifth Report from the Committee [National Lottery Reform], 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. 196]
[Mr Gerald Kaufman].
| 3 | Foreign Affairs,—Third Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee [Iran], 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. 80] [Mr Donald Anderson]. |
| 4 | Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [Impact of EU Enlargement on Migration to the UK]; to be printed [No. 435-i] [Mr John Denham]. |
| 5 | International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [Migration and Development]; to be printed [No. 79-vii] [Tony Worthington]. |
Page 187 Tuesday 9th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
| 6 | Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions,—(1) Memoranda submitted to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee [The Role and Effectiveness of the Housing Corporation]; to be printed [No. 401-II]; |
(2) Fourth Report from the Committee [Coalfield Communities], with the Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 44-I]; and
(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Postal Voting]; to be printed [No. 400-i]
[Andrew Bennett].
| 7 | Scottish Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Scottish Affairs Committee [The Proposed Whisky Strip Stamp]; to be printed [No. 419-ii] [Mrs Irene Adams]. |
| 8 | Statutory Instruments,—Eleventh Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 82-xi] [Brian White]. |
| 9 | Trade and Industry,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [Progress toward the knowledge driven economy]; to be printed [No. 262-v], and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [UK Automotive Industry]; to be printed [No. 437-i]
[Mr Martin O'Neill].
| 10 | Treasury,—(1) Second Special Report from the Treasury Committee [Responses to the First Report from the Committee on Transparency of Credit Card Charges]; to be printed [No. 431]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Treasury Committee [The Administrative Costs of Tax Compliance]; to be printed [No. 269-iv]
[Mr John McFall].
| 11 | Work and Pensions,—Memoranda laid before the Work and Pensions Committee [Sir Archy Kirkwood]. |
[No. 52; WH, No. 30]
Tuesday 9th March 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 Fraser Kemp); |
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 4.30 p.m.
Page 188 Tuesday 9th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
[No. 53.] Wednesday 10th March 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 Resolution: |
That a draft Order in the same terms as the proposal for the Regulatory Reform (National Health Service Charitable Trust Accounts and Audit) Order 2004, which was laid before the House on 7th January, should be laid before the House.
| 2 | Carers (Equal Opportunities) Bill,—Mr Joe Benton reported from Standing Committee C, That it had gone through the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Bill, and made Amendments thereunto, and had amended the Title as follows: |
A Bill to place duties on local authorities and health bodies in respect of carers; and for connected purposes.
Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered on Friday 14th May; and to be printed [Bill 72].
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 442].
| 3 | Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mrs Irene Adams reported from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Social Security (Basic Skills Training Pilot) Regulations 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Eric Illsley reported from the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Paternity and Adoption Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2004 and the draft Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay (Weekly Rates) (Amendment) Regulations 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 5 | European Standing Committee B,—Mr Nigel Beard reported from European Standing Committee B the following Resolution: |
That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 13853/03, Commission Communication on the review and update of VAT strategy priorities; welcomes both the progress made so far and the United Kingdom Government's continued aim to ensure a fair, responsive and robust VAT system based on unanimous agreement amongst Member States.
Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
| 6 | Illegal Hare-Coursing (Enforcement of Prohibition) Bill,—The Order for reading the Illegal Hare-Coursing (Enforcement of Prohibition) Bill a second time on Friday 12th March was read and discharged. |
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 26th March.
| 7 | Referendums (Thresholds) Bill,—The Order for reading the Referendums (Thresholds) Bill a second time on Friday 12th March was read and discharged. |
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 26th March.
| 8 | Rights of Way (Amendment),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the law relating to public rights of way for vehicles—(Janet Anderson); |
And the Motion being opposed, after a brief explanatory statement from the Member who made the Motion and from a Member who opposed it, the Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Standing Order No. 23 (Motions for leave to bring in bills and nomination of select committees at commencement of public business):—It was agreed to.
Ordered, That Janet Anderson, Andy Burnham, Chris Bryant, Paddy Tipping, Mr Kevin Barron, Mrs Anne Campbell, Mr George Howarth, Mr Kevan Jones, Mr Greg Pope and John Mann do prepare and bring in the Bill.
| 9 | Rights of Way (Amendment) Bill,—Janet Anderson accordingly presented a Bill to amend the law relating to public rights of way for vehicles: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 21st May and to be printed [Bill 70]. |
| 10 | Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]; |
And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read a second time;
Page 189 Wednesday 10th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
An Amendment was proposed to the Question, to leave out from the word ‘That' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘this House declines to give a Second Reading to the Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill because the Bill will weaken rather than strengthen the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland; will undermine the independence of the judiciary in Northern Ireland; will lead to the greater politicisation of the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland; and will weaken the principle of appointment to the judiciary solely on merit', instead thereof.—(Mr David Lidington.)
And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Hugh Robertson, Mr Peter Atkinson: 145.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Bridget Prentice: 366.
So the Question was negatived.
And the Main Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 62 (Amendment on second or third reading);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Bridget Prentice: 358.
Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Iris Robinson, Mr Andrew Hunter: 141.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read a second time.
| 11 | Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords] (Programme),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Orders [26th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 (Programming of Bills)], That the following provisions shall apply to the Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]: |
Committal
1. The Bill shall be committed to a Standing Committee.
Proceedings in Standing Committee
2. Proceedings in the Standing Committee shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion on 1st April 2004.
3. The Standing Committee shall have leave to sit twice on the first day on which it meets.
Consideration and Third Reading
4. 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.
5. Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the moment of interruption on that day.
6. Sessional Order B (programming committees) made on 28th June 2001 shall not apply to proceedings on consideration and Third Reading.
Other proceedings
7. Any other proceedings on the Bill (including any proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments or on any further message from the Lords) may be programmed—(Charlotte Atkins);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Bridget Prentice: 335.
Tellers for the Noes, Hugh Robertson, Mr Hugo Swire: 129.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 12 | Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords] [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords] [Money]; |
A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords], it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—
(a) any expenditure incurred by a Minister of the Crown by virtue of the Act, and
(b) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable by virtue of any other Act out of money so provided—(Charlotte Atkins):—It was agreed to.
| 13 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Dr M. D. Hellier and others for the introduction of a health warning on containers of alcoholic drink was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
Page 190 Wednesday 10th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
| 14 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Charlotte Atkins.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till a quarter past Eight o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 8.15 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Criminal Law,—Draft Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Travel Notification Requirements) Regulations 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 2 | Local Government Finance,—Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 126) [by Act]; to be printed [No. 425] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 3 | Agriculture,—Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels in Crops, Food and Feeding Stuffs) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 676), dated 9th March 2004 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 4 | Architects,—Architects (Professional Conduct Committee) Amendment Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 655), dated 9th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 5 | Children and Young Persons,—Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection and Commission for Social Care Inspection) (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 664), dated 9th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 6 | Competition,—Enterprise Act 2002 (Part 9 Restrictions on Disclosure of Information) (Specification) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 693), dated 4th March 2004 [by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
| 7 | Education,—(1) Blackburn with Darwen (Maintained Nursery School Governance) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 657), dated 10th March 2004, |
(2) Education (Budget Statements) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 417), dated 19th February 2004, and
(3) Education (School Teachers' Pay and Conditions) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 658), dated 10th March 2004
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke].
| 8 | Fees and Charges,—(1) Medicines for Human Use and Medical Devices (Fees Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 666), dated 10th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid], and |
(2) Travel Documents (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 579), dated 4th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].
| 9 | Housing,—Tower Hamlets Housing Action Trust (Dissolution) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 586), dated 5th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 10 | Immigration,—(1) Immigration (Leave to Remain) (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 580), dated 4th March 2004, and |
(2) Immigration (Leave to Remain) (Prescribed Forms and Procedures) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 581), dated 3rd March 2004
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].
| 11 | Local Government,—(1) Accounts and Audit (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 556), dated 3rd March 2004, and |
(2) Local Government (Best Value) Performance Indicators and Performance Standards (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 589), dated 4th March 2004
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
| 12 | National Health Service,—(1) National Health Service (Pension Scheme and Injury Benefits) Amendment Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 665), |
(2) NHS Pensions Agency (Asiantaeth Pensiynau'r GIG) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 668), and
Page 191 Wednesday 10th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
(3) NHS Pensions Agency (Asiantaeth Pensiynau'r GIG) (Establishment and Constitution) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 667),
dated 10th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].
| 13 | National Lottery,—Awards for All (England) Joint Scheme (Authorisation) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 691), dated 10th March 2004 [by Act] [Secretary Tessa Jowell]. |
| 14 | Pensions,—Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 573), dated 4th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 15 | Police,—(1) Ministry of Defence Police Appeal Tribunals Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 652), |
(2) Ministry of Defence Police (Conduct) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 653), and
(3) Ministry of Defence Police (Conduct) (Senior Officers) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 654)
dated 9th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon].
| 16 | Public Health,—Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection (Fees and Frequency of Inspections) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 661), dated 10th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 17 | Social Care,—Commission for Social Care Inspection (Fees and Frequency of Inspections) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 662), dated 10th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 18 | Social Security,—(1) Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (Supply of Information) Amendment Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 574), and |
(2) Social Security (Claims and Payments) Amendment Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 576)
dated 3rd March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].
| 19 | Supreme Court,—High Court Enforcement Officers (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 673), dated 6th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr David Lammy]. |
| 20 | Taxes,—Recovery of Duties and Taxes Etc. Due in other Member States (Corresponding UK Claims, Procedure and Supplementary) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 674), dated 9th March 2004 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo]. |
Other Papers:
| 21 | Culture, Media and Sport,—Department of Culture, Media and Sport Minute, dated 10th March 2004, concerning the Loan of Amedeo Modigliani's ‘Reclining Nude on her left side 1917' to the Tate Modern under the Government Indemnity Scheme [by Command] [Secretary Tessa Jowell]. |
| 22 | Defence,—Ministry of Defence Minute, dated 10th March 2004, concerning the gifting of a Messerschmitt 163B-1 (Kommet) to the Imperial War Museum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Courts Boards (Appointment and Procedure) Regulations 2004 and the draft Courts Boards Areas Order 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations and 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 Clive Betts, Mr David Clelland, Mr Parmjit Dhanda, Mr Stephen Dorrell, Mr Nick Hawkins, Mr David Heath, Mrs Joan Humble, Mr Christopher Leslie, Mr Peter Lilley, Laura Moffatt, Bridget Prentice, Bob Russell, Mr Brian Sedgemore, Mr John Smith, Mr Robert N. Wareing and Angela Watkinson.
| 2 | Draft Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 (Destination of Fixed Penalties in Scotland) Order 2004 and the draft Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2004 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Orders to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Russell Brown, Mr Michael Connarty, Mr Peter Duncan, Paul Farrelly, Mr Frank Field, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Jim Murphy, Mr Kerry Pollard, Mr Andy Reed, Mr Alan Reid, Mrs Gillian Shephard, Bob Spink, Mr David Stewart, Dr Desmond Turner, Angela Watkinson and Pete Wishart.
Page 192 Wednesday 10th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
| 3 | Draft Driver and Vehicle Licensing Trading Fund Order 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr David Borrow, Mr William Cash, Mr Christopher Chope, Barbara Follett, Mr David Jamieson, Alan Keen, Mr Peter Kilfoyle, Mr Paul Marsden, Mr David Marshall, Gillian Merron, Albert Owen, Mr James Plaskitt, Alan Simpson, Mr Ian Taylor, John Thurso and Mr David Wilshire.
| 4 | Draft National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 (Amendment) 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 Henry Bellingham, Malcolm Bruce, Brian Cotter, Clive Efford, Paul Flynn, Mr John Greenway, David Hamilton, Mr Lindsay Hoyle, Judy Mallaber, Mr Marsha Singh, Ian Stewart, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Mr John Taylor and Mr Mike Wood.
| 5 | Draft Social Security (Basic Skills Training Pilot) Regulations 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Richard Burden from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations) and nominated in substitution Mr Kelvin Hopkins. |
European Standing Committees
| 6 | European Union Document No. 5916/04 relating to the Marketing of sweet corn from genetically modified maize, has been referred to European Standing Committee C. |
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-vii]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 352-viii]
[Mr Tom Clarke].
| 2 | Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—(1) Sixth Report from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee [The Marine Environment], 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. 76]; |
(2) Fifth Special Report from the Committee [Government's Reply to the Eighteenth Report from the Committee, Session 2002–03, on The Conduct of the GM Public Debate]; to be printed [No. 443];
(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Agriculture and EU Enlargement]; to be printed [No. 421-ii];
(4) Memorandum laid before the Committee [The Future of Waste Management]; and
(5) Memoranda laid before the Committee [The Marine Environment]
[Mr Michael Jack].
| 3 | Environmental Audit,—Third Report from the Environmental Audit Committee [Pre-Budget Report 2003: Aviation follow-up], 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. 233] [Mr Peter Ainsworth]. |
| 4 | European Scrutiny,—Twelfth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 42-xii] [Mr Jimmy Hood]. |
| 5 | Northern Ireland Affairs,—(1) Third Report from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [The Introduction of the Aggregates Levy in Northern Ireland: One year on], 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. 395]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The Parades Commission and Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998]; to be printed [No. 224-iv]
[Mr Michael Mates].
Page 193 Wednesday 10th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
| 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 [Building Regulations]; to be printed [No. 432-i] [Andrew Bennett]. |
| 7 | Procedure,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Procedure Committee [Programming of Legislation]; to be printed [No. 325-iii] [Sir Nicholas Winterton]. |
| 8 | Public Accounts,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [Early Years: Progress in developing high quality childcare and early education accessible to all]; to be printed [No. 444-i]; and |
(2) Memorandum laid before the Committee [Estimating the level of spirits fraud: Memorandum by the Comptroller and Auditor General]
[Mr Edward Leigh].
| 9 | Regulatory Reform,—Fifth Report from the Regulatory Reform Committee [Proposal for the Regulatory Reform (National Health Service Charitable Trust Accounts and Audit) Order 2004], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 438] [Mr Peter Pike]. |
| 10 | Transport,—(1) Sixth Report from the Transport Committee [Disabled People's Access to Transport], 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. 439]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Cars of the Future]; to be printed [No. 319-iv]
[Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].
[No. 53; WH, No. 31]
Wednesday 10th March 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 4.29 p.m.
[No. 54.] Thursday 11th March 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Highways (Obstruction by Body Corporate) Bill,—Mr Peter Pike reported from Standing Committee F, That it had gone through the Highways (Obstruction by Body Corporate) Bill and directed him to report the same, without Amendment. |
Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered on Friday 21st May.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 449].
| 2 | Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Nigel Beard reported from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Tax Credits Up-rating Regulations 2004, the draft Child Benefit and Guardian's Allowance Up-rating Order 2004 and the draft Child Benefit and Guardian's Allowance Up-rating (Northern Ireland) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | European Standing Committee A,—Mr Martin Caton reported from European Standing Committee A the following Resolution: |
That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 15388/03, draft Regulation fixing for 2004 the fishing opportunities and associated conditions for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks, applicable in Community waters and, for Community vessels, in waters where catch limitations are required; and notes that the Government was successful in negotiating Total Allowable Catches which take full account of scientific advice while securing the best possible fishing opportunities for United Kingdom fishermen.
Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
Page 194 Thursday 11th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
| 4 | Estimates [2nd allotted day],—The House proceeded, pursuant to Resolution [4th March], to consider the Estimates appointed for consideration under Standing Order No. 145 (Liaison Committee). |
Supplementary Estimates, 2003–04 (Department for Transport),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That further resources, not exceeding £1,377,992,000, be authorised for use during the year ending on 31st March 2004, and that a further sum, not exceeding £41,854,000, be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund for the year ending on 31st March 2004 for expenditure by the Department for Transport—(Mr John Heppell);
The Debate was concluded, and the Question necessary to dispose of the proceedings was deferred, pursuant to paragraph (4) of Standing Order No. 54 (Consideration of estimates).
Supplementary Estimates, 2003–04 (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That further resources, not exceeding £1,251,750,000, be authorised for use during the year ending on 31st March 2004, and that a further sum, not exceeding £613,478,000, be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund for the year ending on 31st March 2004 for expenditure by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs—(Joan Ryan);
And it being Six o'clock, the Deputy Speaker interrupted the proceedings, and the Question necessary to dispose of proceedings was deferred, pursuant to paragraph (4) of Standing Order No. 54 (Consideration of estimates).
The Deputy Speaker, pursuant to paragraph (5) of Standing Order No. 54 (Consideration of estimates), put the deferred Questions on Supplementary Estimates, 2003–04.
Supplementary Estimates, 2003–04: Department for Transport
Resolved, That further resources, not exceeding £1,377,992,000, be authorised for use during the year ending on 31st March 2004, and that a further sum, not exceeding £41,854,000, be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund for the year ending on 31st March 2004 for expenditure by the Department for Transport.
Supplementary Estimates, 2003–04:
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Resolved, That further resources, not exceeding £1,251,750,000, be authorised for use during the year ending on 31st March 2004, and that a further sum, not exceeding £613,478,000, be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund for the year ending on 31st March 2004 for expenditure by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
| 5 | Estimates,—The Deputy Speaker then put the Questions required to be put, pursuant to Standing Order No. 55 (Questions on voting of estimates, &c.). |
Estimates, 2004–05 (Navy) Vote A
Resolved, That, during the year ending on 31st March 2005, a number not exceeding 45,325 all ranks be maintained for Naval Service and that numbers in the Reserve Naval and Marine Forces be authorised for the purposes of Parts I, III, IV and V of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 up to the maximum numbers set out in House of Commons Paper No. 283 of this Session.
Estimates, 2004–05 (Army) Vote A
Resolved, That, during the year ending on 31st March 2005, a number not exceeding 128,195 all ranks be maintained for Army Service and that numbers in the Reserve Land Forces be authorised for the purposes of Parts I, III, IV and V of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 up to the maximum numbers set out in House of Commons Paper No. 283 of this Session.
Estimates, 2004–05 (Air) Vote A
Resolved, That, during the year ending on 31st March 2005, a number not exceeding 57,415 all ranks be maintained for Air Force Service and that numbers in the Reserve Air Forces be authorised for the purposes of Parts I, III, IV and V of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 up to the maximum numbers set out in House of Commons Paper No. 283 of this Session.
Estimates, Excesses, 2002–03
Resolved, That resources, not exceeding £15,975,062.02, be authorised for use to make good excesses of certain resources for defence and civil services for the year ended on 31st March 2003, and that a sum, not exceeding £1,188.38, be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to make good excesses of certain grants for defence and civil services for the year ended on 31st March 2003, as set out in House of Commons Paper Nos. 351.
Page 195 Thursday 11th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
Supplementary Estimates, 2003–04
Resolved, That further resources, not exceeding £24,448,658,000, be authorised for use for defence and civil services for the year ending on 31st March 2004, and that a further sum, not exceeding £10,013,491,000, be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to meet the costs of defence and civil services for the year ending on 31st March 2004, as set out in House of Commons Papers Nos. 349 and 350.
Ordered, That a Bill be brought in upon the foregoing Resolutions relating to Estimates, Excesses, 2002–03, and Supplementary Estimates, 2003–04: And that the Chairman of Ways and Means, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Paul Boateng, Dawn Primarolo, Ruth Kelly and John Healey do prepare and bring it in.
| 6 | Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Bill,—John Healey accordingly presented a Bill to authorise the use of resources for the service of the years ending with 31st March 2003 and 2004 and to apply certain sums out of the Consolidated Fund to the service of the years ending with 31st March 2003 and 2004: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Monday 15th March and to be printed [Bill 71]. |
| 7 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Inspector Homes Ltd for an inquiry into the quality standards and consumer protection for the building of new homes was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 8 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Vernon Coaker.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-nine minutes to Seven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 6.31 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Justice,—Draft Lay Magistrates (Eligibility) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Christopher Leslie]. |
| 2 | Rating and Valuation,—Draft Non-Domestic Rating (Chargeable Amounts) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 3 | Representation of the People,—(1) Draft European Parliament (Disqualification) (United Kingdom and Gibraltar) Order 2004, and |
(2) draft European Parliament (Number of MEPs) (United Kingdom and Gibraltar) Order 2004
[by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Mr Christopher Leslie].
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 4 | Agriculture,—(1) Evaluation of Active Substances for Pesticides (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 694), and |
(2) Fees for Assessment of Active Substances (Third Stage Review) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 695),
dated 10th March 2004 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].
| 5 | Children and Young Persons,—(1) Advocacy Services and Representations Procedure (Children) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 719), dated 11th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke], and |
(2) Commission for Social Care Inspection (Children's Rights Director) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 615), dated 8th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].
| 6 | Electronic Communications,—Communications (Television Licensing) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 692), dated 10th March 2004 [by Act] [Secretary Tessa Jowell]. |
| 7 | Fees and Charges,—Kimberley Process (Fees) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 686), dated 8th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 8 | Income Tax,—Research and Development (Prescribed Activities) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 712), dated 11th March 2004 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo]. |
| 9 | Local Government,—Police Authorities (Best Value) Performance Indicators Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 644), dated 7th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 10 | Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping (Light Dues) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 610), dated 8th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
Page 196 Thursday 11th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
| 11 | National Health Service,—(1) Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (Supplementary and Consequential Provision) (NHS Foundation Trusts) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 696), dated 10th March 2004, |
(2) National Health Service (Charges for Drugs and Appliances) and (Travel Expenses and Remission of Charges) Amendment Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 663), dated 10th March 2004,
(3) National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 614), dated 8th March 2004,
(4) National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) (Prescription of Drugs etc.) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 629), dated 8th March 2004,
(5) National Health Service (Optical Charges and Payments) and (General Ophthalmic Services) Amendment Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 642), dated 9th March 2004,
(6) National Health Service (Performers Lists) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 585), dated 4th March 2004,
(7) National Health Service (Personal Medical Services Agreements) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 627), dated 8th March 2004, and
(8) NHS Professionals Special Health Authority (Establishment and Constitution) Amendment Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 648), dated 9th March 2004,
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].
| 12 | Open Spaces,—Draft Greenwich Park, Hyde Park and The Regent's Park (Vehicle Parking) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 [by Act] [Secretary Tessa Jowell]. |
| 13 | Police,—(1) Independent Police Complaints Commission (Forces Maintained Otherwise than by Police Authorities) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 672), dated 9th March 2004, |
(2) Independent Police Complaints Commission (Staff Conduct) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 660), dated 9th March 2004,
(3) Independent Police Complaints Commission (Transitional Provisions) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 671), dated 9th March 2004,
(4) Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 643), dated 8th March 2004, and
(5) Police (Conduct) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 645), dated 8th March 2004,
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].
| 14 | Social Security,—Income-related Benefits (Subsidy to Authorities) Amendment Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 646), dated 9th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
Other Papers:
| 15 | Defence,—Ministry of Defence Minute, dated 11th March 2004, concerning contingent liabilities in respect of the submarine reactor fuel Core Factory and associated Neptune test reactor facility [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. |
| 16 | Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration,—Thirty-third Report of the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration [by Command] [Cm. 6127] [The Prime Minister]. |
| 17 | Government Trading Funds,—Treasury Minutes, dated 11th March 2004, on further financial objectives desirable of achievement by— |
(1) the Driving Standards Agency Trading Fund, and
(2) the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency
[by Act] [Mr Paul Boateng].
| 18 | Home Office,—Paper, entitled Reforming the Coroner and Death Certification Service [by Command] [Cm. 6159] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
Papers withdrawn:
| 19 | Local Government Finance,—Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 126) [laid 10th March]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Courts Board (Appointment and Procedure) Regulations 2004 and draft Courts Boards Areas Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Alan Hurst Chairman of the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Regulations and draft Order. |
Page 197 Thursday 11th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
| 2 | Draft Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 (Destination of Fixed Penalties in Scotland) Order 2004 and the draft Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2004 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Kevin Hughes Chairman of the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Orders. |
| 3 | Draft Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Trading Fund Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Eric Forth Chairman of the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order. |
| 4 | Draft Agriculture Statistics (Northern Ireland) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Eric Illsley Chairman of the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Environmental Audit,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Crime Sub-Committee of the Environmental Audit Committee [Environmental Crime: Fly-tipping, Fly-posting, Litter, Graffiti and Noise]; to be printed [No. 445-i]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Water: the Periodic Review 2004 and the Environmental Programme]; to be printed [No. 416-iii]
[Mr Peter Ainsworth].
| 2 | Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee [Obesity]; to be printed [No. 23-vi] [Mr David Hinchliffe]. |
| 3 | Liaison,—First Report from the Liaison Committee [Annual Report for 2003], to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 446] [Sir George Young]. |
| 4 | Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration [The Honours System]; to be printed [No. 212-iv] [Tony Wright]. |
[No. 54; WH, No. 32]
Thursday 11th March 2004.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock.
| Adjournment (Privacy and Media Intrusion—Fifth Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Session 2002–03, and the responses thereto),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Fraser Kemp.) |
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 16th March.
[Adjourned at 4.56 p.m.
[No. 55.] Friday 12th March 2004.
The House met at half-past Nine o'clock.
| 1 | The Speaker's Absence,—The House being met, and the Speaker having leave of absence pursuant to paragraph (3) of Standing Order No. 3 (Deputy Speaker), Sir Michael Lord, the Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means, proceeded to the Table. |
PRAYERS.
| 2 | The Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means took the Chair as Deputy Speaker. |
| 3 | Cardiac Risk in the Young (Screening) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Cardiac Risk in the Young (Screening) Bill; |
And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read a second time;
The Motion was, with leave of the House, withdrawn.
Bill withdrawn.
Page 198 Friday 12th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
| 4 | Property Repairs (Prohibition of Cold-calling) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Property Repairs (Prohibition of Cold-calling) Bill; |
And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read a second time;
And it being half-past Two o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned.
Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 26th March.
| 5 | Health and Safety at Work (Offences) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Health and Safety at Work (Offences) Bill; |
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 14th May.
| 6 | Civil Service Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Civil Service Bill; |
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 14th May.
| 7 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Margaret Moran.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till two minutes to Three o'clock, adjourned till Monday 15th March.
[Adjourned at 2.58 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Pensions,—Personal Injuries (Civilians) (Amendment) Scheme 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 717), dated 10th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. |
| 2 | Social Security,—(1) Social Security Benefits Up-rating Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 583), dated 3rd March 2004, |
(2) Social Security (Industrial Injuries) (Dependency) (Permitted Earnings Limits) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 578), dated 3rd March 2004, and
(3) Workmen's Compensation (Supplementation) (Amendment) Scheme 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 582), dated 4th March 2004
[by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].
Other Papers:
| 3 | Home Office,—Home Office Minute, dated 12th March 2004, concerning a contingent liability regarding payments to the City of London Police for enlarging the scope of its Economic Crime Basic Command Unit [by Command] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 4 | Office of the Deputy Prime Minister,—Government Response to the Third Report of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee, Session 2003–04, on the Fire Service [by Command] [Cm. 6154] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 5 | Trade and Industry,—Department of Trade and Industry Minute, dated 12th March 2004, concerning the Renewal of an Indemnity to Nuclear Risk Insurers Ltd (formerly British Nuclear Insurers) [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
APPENDIX II
Reports from Select Committees
| Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee on 11th March [Foreign Policy Aspects of the War against Terrorism]; to be printed [No. 441-i] [Mr Donald Anderson]. |
|
