| Commons Journal 260
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II
Page 199 2003-2004 Volume 260
[No. 56.] Monday 15th March 2004.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Bombings in Madrid,—The House observed two minutes' silence in memory of those who died as a result of the bombings in Madrid on 11th March. |
| 2 | First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Alan Hurst reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Courts Boards Orders (Appointment and Procedure) Regulations 2004 and the draft Courts Boards Areas Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Bill; |
And a Motion being made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 56 (Consolidated Fund Bills), That the Bill be now read a second time:—It was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read a second time.
And the Question being put forthwith, That the Bill be now read the third time:—It was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.
| 4 | Fire and Rescue Services Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Fire and Rescue Services Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee. |
A Clause (NC1) (Fire and Rescue National Framework—Scrutiny)—(Mr Philip Hammond)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mark Francois, Hugh Robertson: 156.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Derek Twigg: 254.
Another Clause (NC2) (Retained firefighters)—(Mr Philip Hammond)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Clause (NC4) (Limitation on power to authorise charging)—(Mr Philip Hammond)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Hugh Robertson, Mr Mark Francois: 126.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Nick Ainger, Mr Vernon Coaker: 317.
Another Clause (NC5) (Regional management structures)—(Mr Philip Hammond)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Hugh Robertson, Mr Mark Francois: 149.
Tellers for the Noes, Charlotte Atkins, Mr John Heppell: 263.
Another Clause (NC7) (Directions relating to particular classes of fires and emergencies)—(Mr Philip Hammond)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time.
And it being Nine o'clock, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [26th January].
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Hugh Robertson, Mr Mark Francois: 153.
Tellers for the Noes, Charlotte Atkins, Mr John Heppell: 265.
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The Deputy Speaker then put the Question on the Amendments moved by a Minister of the Crown to be disposed of at that hour.
Amendments (Nos. 7 to 13) made to the Bill.
A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read the third time;
And it being Ten o'clock, the Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [26th January]:—It was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.
| 5 | Northern Ireland Affairs,—Ordered, That Mr Harry Barnes be discharged from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee and Mr Stephen Hepburn be added.—(Mr John McWilliam, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) |
| 6 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Mr and Mrs Luxton and others for research into molecular patches as a treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 7 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Paul Clark.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-eight minutes past Ten o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.28 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Criminal Law,—Draft Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) (Amendment) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Food,—Natural Mineral Water, Spring Water and Bottled Drinking Water (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 656), dated 8th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 3 | Pensions,—Pensions Increase (Review) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 758), dated 12th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Paul Boateng]. |
| 4 | Social Security,—(1) Child Benefit and Guardian's Allowance (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 761), dated 15th March 2004 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo], and |
(2) State Pension Credit (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 647), dated 8th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].
| 5 | Tax Credits,—Tax Credits (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 762), dated 15th March 2004 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo]. |
| 6 | Terms and Conditions of Employment,—(1) ACAS Arbitration Scheme (Great Britain) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 753), dated 9th March 2004, and |
(2) Compromise Agreements (Description of Person) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 754), dated 12th March 2004
[by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].
| 7 | Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,—Statute, dated 26th June 2002, made by the Governing Body of Wadham College, Oxford, amending the Statutes of the College [by Act] [Mr Christopher Leslie]. |
| 8 | Water Industry,—Water Industry (Prescribed Conditions) (Undertakers Wholly or Mainly in Wales) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 701), dated 10th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Peter Hain]. |
Other Papers:
| 9 | Low Pay Commission,—Paper, entitled The National Minimum Wage: Report of the Low Pay Commission on Protecting Young Workers [by Command] [Cm. 6152] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
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| 10 | National Audit,—Reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General on— |
(1) Cambridge-MIT Institute, and
(2) The United Kingdom's Civil Space Activities
[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 362 and 359] [Clerk of the House].
| 11 | Public Petitions,—(1) Observations by the Deputy Prime Minister on— |
(i) the Petition [11th February] from 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, and
(ii) the Petition [1st March] from Dibden residents against the erection of a TETRA telecommunications mast by Airwave mmO2 at Home Farm; and
(2) Observations by Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the Petition [25th February] from residents of North Kent against the sale of fireworks to the public
[by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| Pensions Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Martin Caton as an additional Chairman of Standing Committee B 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 [National Skills Strategy: 14–19 Education]; to be printed [No. 197-vi] [Mr Barry Sheerman]. |
| 2 | Human Rights,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on Human Rights [Human Rights and Deaths in Custody]; to be printed [No. 209-v] [Jean Corston]. |
| 3 | International Development,—(1) Second Special Report from the International Development Committee [Government Response to the Committee's First Report, on Trade and Development at the WTO: Learning the lessons of Cancu"n to revive a genuine development round], together with an Appendix; to be printed [No. 452]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Migration and Development]; to be printed [No. 79-viii]
[Tony Baldry].
| 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 and Effectiveness of the Housing Corporation]; to be printed [No. 401-i] [Clive Betts]. |
| 5 | Public Accounts,—(1) Sixteenth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Progress in improving the medical assessment of incapacity and disability benefits]; to be printed, together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 120]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Criminal Records Bureau: Delivering Safer Recruitment?]; to be printed [No. 453-i]
[Mr Edward Leigh].
| 6 | Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [The Use of Science in UK International Development Policy]; to be printed [No. 133-iii] [Dr Ian Gibson]. |
THE SPEAKER'S CERTIFICATE
| | The Speaker certified that the Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Bill is a Money Bill within the meaning of the Parliament Act 1911. |
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[No. 57.] Tuesday 16th March 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | London Local Authorities Bill [Lords],—Ordered, That the London Local Authorities Bill [Lords] be now considered. |
Amendments made to the Bill.
Bill to be read the third time.
| 2 | Gender Recognition Bill [Lords],—Mrs Marion Roe reported from Standing Committee A, That it had gone through the Gender Recognition Bill [Lords] and made an Amendment thereunto. |
Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 457].
| 3 | Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Kevin Hughes reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 (Destination of Fixed Penalties in Scotland) Order 2004 and the draft Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2004 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
The Lords agree to the Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Bill, without Amendment.
The Lords disagree to the Amendment made by this House to a Lords Amendment to the European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Bill and they insist on a Lords Amendment to which this House has disagreed, for which disagreement and insistence they assign Reasons.
| 5 | European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Bill,—Lords Reasons for disagreeing to an Amendment made by the Commons to the European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Bill and for insisting on an Amendment disagreed to by the Commons to be printed [Bill 74]. |
| 6 | Prevention of Homelessness,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision about homelessness: And that Mr Mohammad Sarwar, Mr Khalid Mahmood, Alice Mahon, Angus Robertson, Jim Dobbin, Mr Frank Roy, Sandra Osborne and Mrs Helen Liddell do prepare and bring it in. |
| 7 | Prevention of Homelessness Bill,—Mr Mohammad Sarwar accordingly presented a Bill to make provision about homelessness: 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 73]. |
| 8 | 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 Social Security (Basic Skills Training Pilot) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 12th February, be approved—(Margaret Moran):—It was agreed to. |
| 9 | 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 Social Security (Intensive Activity Period 50 to 59 Pilot) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 12th February, be approved—(Margaret Moran):—It was agreed to. |
| 10 | 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 Social Security (Intensive Activity Period 50 to 59 Pilot) (No. 2) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 12th February, be approved—(Margaret Moran):—It was agreed to. |
| 11 | Value Added Tax,—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. 13853/03, Commission Communication on the review and update of VAT strategy priorities; and welcomes both the progress made so far and the United Kingdom Government's continued aim to ensure a fair, responsive and robust VAT system based on unanimous agreement amongst Member States—(Margaret Moran):—It was agreed to. |
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| 12 | Traffic Management Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Traffic Management Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee. |
A Clause (NC11) (Power to Inspect Blue Badges)—(Mr Tony McNulty)—brought up, read the first and second time and added to the Bill.
Another Clause (NC1) (Civil enforcement of traffic contraventions (guidance))—(Mr Christopher Chope)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Clause (NC2) (Permits issued under Part 3 (fees))—(Mr Christopher Chope)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Ruffley, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 175.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Mr John Heppell: 285.
Another Clause (NC4) (Use of bus lanes)—(Mr Greg Knight)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Clause (NC5) (Traffic Lights)—(Mr Greg Knight)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Ruffley, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 167.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Mr Vernon Coaker: 279.
Amendment (No. 2) proposed to the Bill, in page 5, line 19, at the end to insert the words—
‘(3) When exercising any powers made under provisions referred to in subsection (1), and before arranging for the removal of a broken-down vehicle, a traffic officer shall, when this can be done without compromising safety or unreasonably impeding traffic-flow—
(a) grant the driver of the vehicle, where present, a reasonable opportunity to contact a breakdown organisation or other service provider of their choice, and if that organisation confirms to the traffic officer that it will attend the broken-down vehicle as soon as practicable, then the traffic officer shall allow that organisation a reasonable period in which to attend the aforesaid vehicle; or
(b) where the driver of the broken-down vehicle is not a member of a breakdown organisation, take into account any wishes of the driver with regard to attendance on the relevant vehicle and accede to such wishes where this would fulfil the purpose or purposes specified in section 5(3).'.—(Mr Christopher Chope.)
Question put, That the Amendment be made.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Peter Atkinson: 174.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Vernon Coaker, Paul Clark: 276.
It being after Six o'clock, the Deputy Speaker put the Question on the Amendments moved by a Minister of the Crown, pursuant to Order [5th January].
Amendments (Nos. 3 and 4) made to the Bill.
A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read the third time;
And it being Seven o'clock, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [5th January].
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John Heppell, Paul Clark: 333.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Ruffley, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 136.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.
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| 13 | Motions to sit in private,—Mr Patrick McLoughlin moved, That the House sit in private. |
The Deputy Speaker put the Question forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 163 (Motions to sit in private).
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Ruffley, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 122.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Heppell, Paul Clark: 311.
So the Question was negatived.
| 14 | European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Bill,—The House, pursuant to Order [8th March], proceeded to consider forthwith the Lords Reasons for disagreeing to a Commons Amendment to a Lords Amendment and insisting on a Lords Amendment to which the Commons have disagreed to the European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Bill. |
Lords Amendment No. 1.
A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House does not insist on its Amendment No. 1A to Lords Amendment No. 1—(Mr Christopher Leslie);
And it being one hour after the commencement of proceedings on the Lords Message, the Deputy Speaker put the Question already proposed from the Chair, pursuant to Order [8th March]:—It was agreed to.
The Deputy Speaker then put forthwith the remaining Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the Lords Message.
An Amendment ((a)) was proposed to the Lords Amendment, in lieu of Commons Amendment No. 1A, to leave out lines 16 to 18 and insert the words—
‘(c) Yorkshire and the Humber;
(d) North West.'
( ) Postal voting is voting where no polling station is used and a person entitled to vote in person or by proxy must deliver by post or by such other means as is specified in a pilot order—
(a) the ballot paper, and
(b) the completed declaration of identity form.
( ) The declaration of identity form is a form which is delivered along with the ballot paper and which is completed by being signed—
(a) by the person to whom the ballot paper is addressed, and
(b) by a witness to that signing whose name and address are clearly marked on the form.', instead thereof—(Mr Christopher Leslie.)
And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Nick Ainger, Margaret Moran: 274.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Ruffley, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 152.
So the Question was agreed to.
Lords Amendment No. 3.
A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House insists on its disagreement to Lords Amendment No. 3; and proposes the following Amendment ((a)) to the Bill in lieu thereof:—
In page 2, line 14, at the end, to insert the words—
‘( ) The pilot order must specify the form and content of the declaration of identity form.'—(Mr Christopher Leslie);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Nick Ainger, Charlotte Atkins: 312.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Ruffley, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 115.
So the Question was agreed to.
Message to the Lords, with the Bill and Amendments.
| 15 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Fraser Kemp.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till half-past Nine o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 9.30 p.m.
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APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Social Security,—Draft Employment Zones (Allocation to Contractors) Pilot Regulations 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Education,—LEA Budget, Schools Budget and Individual Schools Budget and the Financing of Maintained Schools (No. 2) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., No. 659), dated 16th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
| 3 | Food,—Welfare Food (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 723), dated 11th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 4 | Immigration,—Immigration (Restrictions on Employment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 755), dated 15th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 5 | Social Security,—(1) Social Security (Contributions, Categorisation of Earners and Intermediaries) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 770), dated 16th March [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo], and |
(2) Statutory Maternity Pay (Compensation of Employers) Amendment Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 698), dated 10th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].
| 6 | Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,—Statutes made by the Governing Bodies of— |
(1) Exeter College, Oxford, dated 11th November 2003,
(2) Magdalen College, Oxford, dated 14th July 2003, and
(3) St Hilda's College, Oxford, dated 5th December 2003
amending the Statutes of the Colleges [by Act] [Mr David Lammy].
Other Papers:
| 7 | Census,—Paper, entitled Census 2001: Key Statistics for parishes in England and communities in Wales [by Act] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 8 | Home Office,—Home Office Minute, dated 15th March 2004, concerning a proposed contingent liability for the provision of an indemnity to operators of new detection technology [by Command] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 9 | National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Tackling cancer in England: saving more lives [by Act]; to be printed [No. 364] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 10 | Nursing and Midwifery,—Accounts of the Nursing and Midwifery Council for 2002–03, with the Certificate of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Statutory Instrument] [Mr David Lammy]. |
| 11 | Public Petitions,—(1) Observations by the Deputy Prime Minister on the Petition [18th November, in the last session of Parliament] from residents of the Cotswolds for the appointment of an independent inspector to consider an application by Huntsmans Quarries Ltd in relation to aggregate recycling, agricultural restoration and infilling works, |
(2) Observations by the Deputy Prime Minister on the Petition [9th December] from residents of Billington and Stanbridge for greater powers for local authorities regarding travellers,
(3) Observations by the Deputy Prime Minister on the Petition [17th December] from residents of Osbaldwick, York, for a planning inquiry into proposals for housing development in Metcalfe Lane, Osbaldwick, York,
(4) Observations by the Deputy Prime Minister on the Petition [13th January] from Bob Harris and others for smaller increases in council tax in Hastings in future years, and
(5) Observations by the Secretary of State for Defence on the Petition [29th January] from Robert John Hodgson for an investigation into his treatment by the Royal Air Force at the time of his sister's death
[by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].
| 12 | School Teachers,—Thirteenth Report of the School Teachers' Review Body, Part 2: 2004 [by Command] [Cm. 6164] [The Prime Minister]. |
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Papers withdrawn:
| 13 | Social Security,—Draft Employment Zones (Allocation to Contractors) Pilot Regulations 2004 [laid 9th March]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 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 Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Jim Murphy from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Orders) and nominated in substitution Paul Clark. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee [Gangmasters: follow up]; to be printed [No. 455-i]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Gangmasters: follow up]
[Mr Michael Jack].
| 2 | Foreign Affairs,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Foreign Policy Aspects of the War against Terrorism]; to be printed [No. 441-ii]; and |
(2) First Special Report from the Committee [Implications for the Work of the House and its Committees of the Government's Lack of Co-operation with the Foreign Affairs Committee's inquiry into The Decision to go to War in Iraq]; to be printed [No. 440]
[Donald Anderson].
| 3 | Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [The Rehabilitation of Prisoners]; to be printed [No. 66-ii] [Mr John Denham]. |
| 4 | Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Planning and the Regions,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Planning and the Regions Committee [Postal Voting]; to be printed [No. 400-ii] [Andrew Bennett]. |
| 5 | Scottish Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Scottish Affairs Committee [The Proposed Whisky Strip Stamp]; to be printed [No. 419-iii] [Mrs Irene Adams]. |
| 6 | Statutory Instruments,—Twelfth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 82-xii] [Mr David Tredinnick]. |
| 7 | Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [Restoring confidence in long-term savings]; to be printed [No. 71-iv] [Mr John McFall]. |
[No. 57; WH, No. 33]
Tuesday 16th 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 Vernon Coaker.) |
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 4.42 p.m.
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[No. 58.] Wednesday 17th March 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report and Financial Statement and Budget Report,—Ordered, That there be laid before this House a copy of the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report and Financial Statement and Budget Report, March 2004, as laid before this House by Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer when opening the Budget.—(Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer.) |
| 2 | Ways and Means,—Provisional Collection of Taxes,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 51 (Ways and means motions), That, pursuant to section 5 of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968, provisional statutory effect shall be given to the following Motions:— |
(a) Rates of tobacco products duty (Motion No. 2);
(b) Rate of duty on beer (Motion No. 3);
(c) Rates of duty on wine and made-wine (Motion No. 4);
(d) Amusement machine licence duty (rates) (Motion No. 17)—(Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer):—It was agreed to.
| 3 | Ways and Means,—Amendment of the Law,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That— |
(1) It is expedient to amend the law with respect to the National Debt and the public revenue and to make further provision in connection with finance.
(2) This Resolution does not extend to the making of any amendment with respect to value added tax so as to provide—
(a) for zero-rating or exempting a supply, acquisition or importation;
(b) for refunding an amount of tax;
(c) for any relief, other than a relief that—
(i) so far as it is applicable to goods, applies to goods of every description, and
(ii) so far as it is applicable to services, applies to services of every description—(Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer);
Ordered, That the Debate be now adjourned.—(Joan Ryan.)
Debate be resumed to-morrow.
| 4 | Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Wednesday 24th March,— |
(1) notwithstanding paragraph (2)(c)(i) of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), proceedings on opposition business shall lapse at Four o'clock or three hours after their commencement, whichever is the later, and
(2) the Motion for the adjournment of the House relating to Equitable Life may be proceeded with, though opposed, until Seven o'clock or for three hours, whichever is the later, and shall then lapse.—(Joan Ryan.)
| 5 | Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from— |
(1) residents of South Bedfordshire for amendments to the Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub-Regional Strategy; and
(2) residents of the Bridgwater Constituency for amendments to the Children Act 1989 to ensure a legal presumption of contact between children and their parents and grandparents
were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
| 6 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Mr George Henry Hamilton for measures providing recourse for those about whom references have been provided based on unreliable information was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 7 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Joan Ryan); |
And it being Seven o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.
| 8 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Jim Murphy.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-nine minutes past Seven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 7.29 p.m.
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APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Value Added Tax,—Value Added Tax (Buildings and Land) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 778), dated 17th March 2004 [by Act] with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr John Healey]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Administration of Estates,—Administration of Estates (Small Payments) (Increase of Limit) Order (Northern Ireland) 2004 (S.R. (N.I.), 2004, No. 68), dated 27th February 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Murphy]. |
| 3 | Customs and Excise,—General Betting Duty (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 768), dated 17th March 2004 [by Act] [John Healey]. |
| 4 | Landfill Tax,—Landfill Tax (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 769), dated 17th March 2004 [by Act] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 5 | Pharmacy,—Pharmacy (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2004 (S.R.(N.I.), 2004, No. 78), dated 3rd March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Murphy]. |
| 6 | Value Added Tax,—(1) Value Added Tax (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 767), |
(2) Value Added Tax (Consideration for Fuel Provided for Private Use) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 776),
(3) Value Added Tax (Increase of Registration Limits) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 775),
(4) Value Added Tax (Reduced Rate) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 777), and
(5) Value Added Tax (Special Provisions) (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 779)
dated 17th March 2004 [by Act] [John Healey].
Other Papers:
| 7 | Bank of England,—Notice given by the Treasury to the Bank of England specifying for the purposes of Section 11 of the Bank of England Act 1998 what price stability is taken to consist of and what the economic policy of Her Majesty's Government is to be taken to be [by Act] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer]. |
| 8 | Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report and Financial Statement and Budget Report,—Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report and Financial Statement and Budget Report, March 2004, entitled Prudence for a Purpose: A Britain of Stability and Strength [pursuant to Order this day]; to be printed [No. 301] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 9 | Finance,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Audit of Assumptions for Budget 2004 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 434] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 10 | Government Trading Funds,—Treasury Minute, dated 17th March 2004, on the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre Trading Fund [by Act] [Mr Paul Boateng]. |
| 11 | Treasury,—Paper, entitled Financing Britain's Future: Review of the Revenue Departments [by Command] [Cm. 6163] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Gangmasters (Licensing) Bill,—The Committee of Selection has nominated twenty Members to serve on Standing Committee C in respect of the Bill: Ms Candy Atherton, Peter Bradley, Mr Julian Brazier, Mr Colin Breed, Mr Nicholas Brown, Andy Burnham, Jon Cruddas, Mr Frank Dobson, Andrew George, Mr Mark Lazarowicz, Mr Peter Luff, Rob Marris, Mr Eric Martlew, Alun Michael, Mr Owen Paterson, Mrs Gillian Shephard, Jim Sheridan, Mr Mark Simmonds, Geraldine Smith and Dr Gavin Strang. |
| 2 | Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee D; and
Page 209 Wednesday 17th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated twenty Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Harry Barnes, Mr Alistair Carmichael, Roger Casale, Mr Tony Clarke, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Dominic Grieve, Mr Tom Harris, Mr Stephen Hepburn, Mr Andrew Hunter, Huw Irranca-Davies, Ian Lucas, Mr Eddie McGrady, Dr Nick Palmer, Mr Andrew Robathan, Mr John Spellar, Mr Desmond Swayne, Mr Hugo Swire, Ms Dari Taylor, Gareth Thomas and Mr David Trimble.
| 3 | Draft Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) (Fees) 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 Graham Allen, Mr David Atkinson, Mr Harold Best, Ms Hazel Blears, Peter Bottomley, Mr Alistair Carmichael, Mrs Helen Clark, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Wayne David, Mr David Heath, Mr John Heppell, Mr George Mudie, Mr James Paice, Mr Martin Salter, Mr Paul Stinchcombe and Ms Dari Taylor.
| 4 | Draft Employment Zones (Allocation to Contractors) Pilot Regulations 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Nick Ainger, Mr Peter Atkinson, Virginia Bottomley, Mr Desmond Browne, Richard Burden, Brian Cotter, Mr Ian Davidson, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Iain Luke, Kali Mountford, Albert Owen, Linda Perham, Mr John Smith, Llew Smith, Sir Teddy Taylor and Steve Webb.
| 5 | Draft Northern Ireland Act 2000 (Modification) 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 Adrian Bailey, Tony Baldry, Mr Alistair Carmichael, Mr Vernon Coaker, Jim Dobbin, Patrick Hall, Mr Tom Harris, Mr Dai Havard, Lady Hermon, Rob Marris, Mr Alan Milburn, Joyce Quin, Mrs Gillian Shephard, Mr John Spellar, Mr Desmond Swayne and Mr Hugo Swire.
| 6 | Draft Agricultural Statistics (Northern Ireland) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mrs Helen Liddell, Rob Marris, Denis Murphy and Dr Gavin Strang from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Dr Ashok Kumar, Mr Bob Laxton, Mr Desmond Swayne, Mr Mark Todd, Derek Twigg and David Wright. |
| 7 | Draft Jobseeker's Allowance (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: Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Richard Bacon, Mr Tony Banks, Chris Bryant, Mr Iain Coleman, Mr Stephen Dorrell, Mr Mark Fisher, Mike Gapes, Mr Roger Godsiff, Paul Holmes, Mr Peter Luff, Margaret Moran, Kali Mountford, Mr Chris Pond, Mr Frank Roy and Steve Webb.
| 8 | Draft Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (New Zealand) 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 Peter Atkinson, Mr Keith Bradley, Mr John Burnett, Mr Jim Cousins, Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas, Jim Fitzpatrick, Helen Jones, Mr David Laws, Andrew Mackinlay, Dawn Primarolo, Andrew Selous, Jonathan Shaw, Mr Richard Shepherd, Dr Gavin Strang, Mr Andrew Tyrie and Mr Tom Watson.
European Standing Committees
| 9 | European Union Document No. 15185/03, relating to the Staff Regulations of officials of the European Communities, has been referred to European Standing Committee B. |
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-ix]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 352-x]
[Mr Tom Clarke].
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| 2 | European Scrutiny,—Thirteenth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 42-xiii] [Michael Connarty]. |
| 3 | 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 [Postal Voting]; to be printed [No. 400-iii] [Andrew Bennett]. |
| 4 | Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [Out of sight—not out of mind: Ofwat and the public sewer network in England and Wales]; to be printed [No. 463-i] [Mr Edward Leigh]. |
| 5 | Welsh Affairs,—(1) Third Report from the Welsh Affairs Committee [The Provision of Railway Services in Wales], 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. 458]; |
(2) Second Special Report from the Committee [The Government Response to the First Report of the Committee, Session 2003–04, on The Empowerment of Children and Young People in Wales]; to be printed [No. 459]; and
(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Manufacturing and Trade in Wales]; to be printed [No. 323-iii]
[Mr Martyn Jones].
| 6 | Work and Pensions,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Work and Pensions Committee [Health and Safety]; to be printed [No. 456-i]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Miscellaneous]
[Sir Archy Kirkwood].
[No. 58; WH, No. 34]
Wednesday 17th 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 Jim Murphy); |
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 211 Wednesday 17th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
[No. 59.] Thursday 18th March 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
The Lords agree to an Amendment made by this House to a Lords Amendment to the European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Bill, with an Amendment, to which they desire the agreement of this House; and they do not insist on their remaining Amendment to which this House has disagreed, and they agree to the Amendment made by this House in lieu thereof.
| 2 | European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Bill,—Lords Amendment to a Commons Amendment to a Lords Amendment to the European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Bill to be considered on Monday 22nd March; and to be printed [Bill 75]. |
| 3 | Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Eric Forth reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Trading Fund Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Roger Gale reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Draft Agricultural Statistics (Northern Ireland) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 5 | Ways and Means,—Amendment of the Law,—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed yesterday, That— |
(1) It is expedient to amend the law with respect to the National Debt and the public revenue and to make further provision in connection with finance.
(2) This Resolution does not extend to the making of any amendment with respect to value added tax so as to provide—
(a) for zero-rating or exempting a supply, acquisition or importation;
(b) for refunding an amount of tax;
(c) for any relief, other than a relief that—
(i) so far as it is applicable to goods, applies to goods of every description, and
(ii) so far as it is applicable to services, applies to services of every description;
And the Question being again proposed:—The House resumed the adjourned Debate.
Ordered, That the Debate be now adjourned.—(Charlotte Atkins.)
Debate to be resumed on Monday 22nd March.
| 6 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Councillor Ronald Feldman and others against the closure of local post offices in Alwoodley Park and Sandhill Parade was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 7 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Charlotte Atkins.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till half-past Six o'clock, adjourned till Monday 22nd March.
[Adjourned at 6.30 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Representation of the People (Northern Ireland),—Draft European Parliamentary Elections (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Murphy]. |
| 2 | Terms and Conditions of Employment,—Draft National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 (Amendment) Regulations 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
Page 212 Thursday 18th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 3 | Agriculture,—Recovery of Agricultural Levies Due in Other Member States Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 800), dated 18th March 2004 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 4 | Criminal Law,—Zimbabwe (Freezing of Funds and Economic Resources) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 816), dated 18th March 2004 [by Act] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 5 | Education,—LEA Budget, Schools Budget and Individual Schools Budget (Wandsworth) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 804), dated 18th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
| 6 | Immigration,—(1) Immigration Services Commissioner (Designated Professional Body) (Fees) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 801), and |
(2) Immigration Services Commissioner (Registration Fee) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 802),
dated 16th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].
| 7 | Immigration and Asylum,—Asylum Support (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 763), dated 11th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 8 | Income Tax,—Friendly Societies (Modification of the Corporation Tax Acts) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 822), dated 18th March 2004 [by Act] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 9 | National Assistance Services,—National Assistance (Sums for Personal Requirements and Assessment of Resources) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 760), dated 15th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 10 | Public Health,—Tobacco Advertising and Promotion (Point of Sale) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 765), dated 16th March 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
Other Papers:
| 11 | Public Petitions,—(1) Observations by the Deputy Prime Minister on the Petition [17th September 2003, in the last session of Parliament] from residents of Chenies, Buckinghamshire, and others against the installation of a telecommunications mast at Chenies, |
(2) Observations by the Deputy Prime Minister on the Petition [11th December 2003] from the constituents of James Purnell against cuts to the budget of Gorse Hall day centre, and
(3) Observations by the Secretary of State for Health on the Petition [10th February] from members and supporters of Breathe Easy York for provision of ambulatory oxygen and pulmonary rehabilitation services by the NHS
[by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].
| 12 | Regulatory Reform,—Proposal for a draft Regulatory Reform (Local Commissioner for Wales) Order 2004, together with a statement by the Wales Office [by Act] [Mr Peter Hain]. |
Papers withdrawn:
| 13 | Terms and Conditions of Employment,—Draft National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 (Amendment) Regulations 2004 [laid 23rd February]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Gangmasters (Licensing) Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Derek Conway Chairman of Standing Committee C in respect of the Bill. |
| 2 | Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords],—The Speaker has appointed Mr Joe Benton Chairman of Standing Committee D in respect of the Bill. |
| 3 | Draft Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) (Fees) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Eric Forth Chairman of the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order. |
| 4 | Draft Employment Zones (Allocation to Contractors) Pilot Regulations 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Jonathan Sayeed Chairman of the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Regulations. |
Page 213 Thursday 18th March 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
| 5 | Draft Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Trading Fund Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr David Borrow from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Ann Coffey. |
| 6 | Draft Northern Ireland Act 2000 (Modification) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Alan Hurst Chairman of the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order. |
| 7 | Draft Agricultural Statistics (Northern Ireland) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Roger Gale Chairman of the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in place of Mr Eric Illsley in respect of the draft Order. |
| 8 | Draft National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 (Amendment) Regulations 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr George Stevenson Chairman of the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Regulations. |
Grand Committees
| 9 | The Speaker has appointed Mr Martin Caton Chairman of the Welsh Grand Committee in respect of its meetings on Wednesday 24th March. |
European Standing Committees
| 10 | The Speaker has appointed Mr John Cummings Chairman of European Standing Committee C in respect of European Union Document No. 5188/04 on Review of the Working Time Directive. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration [The Honours System]; to be printed [No. 212-v] [Tony Wright]. |
[No. 59; WH, No. 35]
Thursday 18th March 2004.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock.
| Adjournment (The Scientific Response to Terrorism—Eighth Report from the Science and Technology Committee, Session 2002–03, and the Government's response thereto),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the sitting be now adjourned—(Charlotte Atkins); |
And the sitting having continued for three hours, it was adjourned without Question put, till Tuesday 23rd March.
[Adjourned at 5.30 p.m.
|
