| Commons Journal 260
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II
Page 304 2003-2004 Volume 260
[No. 79.] Tuesday 4th May 2004.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
The Lords have agreed to the Child Trust Funds Bill, with Amendments; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
| 2 | Child Trust Funds Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Child Trust Funds Bill to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 101]. |
| 3 | Domestic Energy Efficiency,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision for energy efficiency in relation to fuel poverty and social housing: And that Mr Jim Cunningham, Mr John Lyons, Mr Brian H. Donohoe, Andy King, Mr Bill Olner and Mr Brian Jenkins do prepare and bring it in. |
| 4 | Domestic Energy Efficiency Bill,—Mr Jim Cunningham accordingly presented a Bill to make provision for energy efficiency in relation to fuel poverty and social housing: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 16th July and to be printed [Bill 100]. |
| 5 | Scottish Parliament (Constituencies) Bill,—The House, according to Order, resolved itself into a Committee on the Scottish Parliament (Constituencies) Bill. |
(In the Committee)
Clause No. 1 (Constituencies and regions).
Amendment (No. 8) proposed, in page 1, to leave out lines 5 to 11.—(Mr Jimmy Hood.)
Question put, That the Amendment be made.
The Committee divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Ruffley, Mr Hugo Swire: 138.
Tellers for the Noes, Derek Twigg, Charlotte Atkins: 347.
Clause agreed to.
Clauses Nos. 2 to 4 agreed to.
Schedule No. 1 (Substitution of Schedule 1 to the Scotland Act 1998).
Amendment (No. 1) proposed, in page 3, line 12, to leave out from the word ‘Shetland)' to the end of line 14.—(Mr Brian H. Donohoe.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Amendment (No. 11) proposed, in page 10, line 10, at the end, to insert the words—
‘Rule 5
Wherever the boundary of a constituency for the Scottish Parliament is not coterminous with the boundary of a constituency for Parliament, the Electoral Commission or the Boundary Committee (as the case may be) shall ensure that the names for the different types of constituencies shall be different.'.—(Mr Alan Reid.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
It being Nine o'clock, the Chairman put the remaining Question necessary to bring proceedings in the Committee to a conclusion, pursuant to Order [9th February].
Schedule agreed to.
Schedules Nos. 2 and 3 agreed to.
Whereupon the Chairman left the Chair to report the Bill to the House.
The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair, and Gillian Merron reported, That the Committee had gone through the Bill and directed her to report the same, without Amendment.
A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read the third time—(Mrs Anne McGuire);
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The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Nick Ainger, Gillian Merron: 326.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Mark Francois: 104.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.
| 6 | Defence,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Naval Discipline Act 1957 (Remedial) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 66), dated 14th January 2004, a copy of which was laid before this House on 15th January, be approved—(Mr Vernon Coaker):—It was agreed to. |
| 7 | Defence,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Army, Air Force and Naval Discipline Acts (Continuation) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 26th February, be approved—(Mr Vernon Coaker):—It was agreed to. |
| 8 | Banks and Banking,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Cash Ratio Deposits (Value Bands and Ratios) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 3rd March, be approved—(Mr Vernon Coaker):—It was agreed to. |
| 9 | Customs and Excise,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Customs and Excise Duties (Travellers' Allowances and Personal Reliefs) (New Member States) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No.1002), dated 1st April, a copy of which was laid before this House on 1st April, be approved—(Mr Vernon Coaker):—It was agreed to. |
| 10 | International Immunities and Privileges,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 19th April, be approved—(Mr Vernon Coaker):—It was agreed to. |
| 11 | European Communities,—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 Communities (Definition of Treaties) (Agreement on Enlargement of the European Economic Area) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 26th April, be approved—(Mr Vernon Coaker):—It was agreed to. |
| 12 | Disposal of Batteries and Accumulators,—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. 15494/03, draft Directive on batteries and accumulators and spent batteries and accumulators; supports the Government's intention to welcome the draft Directive and supports the Government's aim of securing legislation that achieves a high level of environmental protection and harmonisation of the single market, at lowest cost, taking a risk-based and proportional approach, and of ensuring that final collection and recycling targets for spent portable batteries and accumulators are challenging, but achievable—(Mr Vernon Coaker):— It was agreed to. |
| 13 | Education,—Ordered, That the Education (Pupil Exclusions) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 402), dated 23rd February 2004, be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr Vernon Coaker.) |
| 14 | Northern Ireland Affairs,—Ordered, That Mr Peter Robinson be discharged from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee and Mr Gregory Campbell be added.—(Mr John McWilliam, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) |
| 15 | Transport,—Ordered, That Mr Gregory Campbell be discharged from the Transport Committee and Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson be added.—(Mr John McWilliam, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) |
| 16 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Vernon Coaker); |
And it being Ten o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.
| 17 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Vernon Coaker.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-nine minutes past Ten o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.29 p.m.
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APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Human Fertilisation and Embryology,—Draft Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (Disclosure of Donor Information) Regulations 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Criminal Law,—Burma (Freezing of Funds and Economic Resources) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1257), dated 4th May 2004 [by Act] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 3 | Education,—Education (National Curriculum) (Attainment Targets and Programmes of Study in Science in respect of the First, Second, Third and Fourth Key Stages) (England) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1217), dated 27th April 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
| 4 | Libraries,—Public Lending Right Scheme 1982 (Commencement of Variations) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1258), dated 30th April 2004 [by Act] [Secretary Tessa Jowell]. |
| 5 | Nuclear Safeguards,—Nuclear Safeguards (Notification) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1255), dated 1st May 2004 [by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
Other Papers:
| 6 | Financial Reporting to Parliament,—Departmental Report 2004: The Government's Expenditure Plans for 2003–04 to 2005–06 for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister [by Command] [Cm. 6206] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 7 | National Audit,—Reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General on— |
(1) Financial management of the European Union: A progress report, and
(2) PFI: The STEPS Deal
[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 529 and 530] [Clerk of the House].
| 8 | Video Recordings,—Report and Accounts of the British Board of Film Classification for 2003 [by Act] [Secretary Tessa Jowell]. |
APPENDIX II
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Constitutional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Constitutional Affairs Committee [Statutory supervision of legal professionals: the work of the Legal Services Ombudsman]; to be printed [No. 575-i] [Mr A. J. Beith]. |
| 2 | Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Drugs and role models in sport]; to be printed [No. 499-iv] [Mr Gerald Kaufman]. |
| 3 | Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Reform of the Sugar Regime Sub-Committee of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee [Reform of the Sugar Regime]; to be printed [No. 550-ii] [Mr Michael Jack]. |
| 4 | Environmental Audit,—Fifth Report from the Environmental Audit Committee [GM Food—Evaluating the Farm Scale Trials: the Government Response]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 564] [Mr Peter Ainsworth]. |
| 5 | European Scrutiny,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the European Scrutiny Committee [Regional and Cohesion Policy]; to be printed [No. 574-i] [Mr Anthony Steen]. |
| 6 | Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Foreign Policy Aspects of the War against Terrorism]; to be printed [No. 441-iv] [Mr Donald Anderson]. |
| 7 | Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [Identity Cards]; to be printed [No. 130-vii] [Mr John Denham]. |
| 8 | International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [AIDS Orphans]; to be printed, together with Appendices [No. 573-i] [Chris McCafferty]. |
| 9 | Statutory Instruments,—Seventeenth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 82-xvii] [Mr David Tredinnick]. |
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| 10 | Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [The UK Automotive Industry]; to be printed [No. 437-iii] [Mr Martin O'Neill]. |
| 11 | Transport,—Ninth Report from the Transport Committee [Navigational Hazards and the Energy Bill], 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. 555] [Mr Brian H. Donohoe]. |
| 12 | Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [The Powers of the Children's Commissioner for Wales]; to be printed [No. 538-ii] [Mr Martyn Jones]. |
[No. 79; WH, No. 48]
Tuesday 4th May 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—(Charlotte Atkins); |
And it being Two o'clock, the sitting was adjourned without Question put, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 2 p.m.
[No. 80.] Wednesday 5th May 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | European Standing Committee C,—Mr John Cummings reported from European Standing Committee C the following Resolution: |
That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 15529/03, Commission Communication ‘Reviving the Doha Development Agenda negotiations—the European Union's Perspective'; welcomes the European Commission's commitment to the successful conclusion of the negotiations and urges the European Commission to show leadership in taking this forward; welcomes the signs of the European Commission's flexibility, particularly on the Singapore issues and urges other World Trade Organisation members to do likewise; and supports the Government's aim of ensuring that the negotiations deliver benefits for all countries, especially the world's poorest, recognising the contribution this could make to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Human Rights Act 1998 (Making of Remedial Orders) Amendment Bill [Lords],—The Human Rights Act 1998 (Making of Remedial Orders) Amendment Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 18th June and to be printed [Bill 103]. |
| 3 | Arms Trade,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision about any Treaty on International Arms Transfers adopted by an International Conference held under the auspices of the United Nations: And that Tony Baldry, John Barrett, Mr John Battle, Hugh Bayley, Mr Tony Colman, Mr Quentin Davies, Chris McCafferty and Tony Worthington do prepare and bring it in. |
| 4 | Arms Trade Bill,—Tony Baldry accordingly presented a Bill to make provision about any Treaty on International Arms Transfers adopted by an International Conference held under the auspices of the United Nations: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 16th July and to be printed [Bill 102]. |
| 5 | Opposition Day [10th allotted day: first part],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the Leader of the Opposition in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider Opposition business. |
Government's Record on Housing,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House regrets the Government's failure effectively to address the worsening problems of housing affordability, homelessness, sustainable development and house price inflation; laments the failure to diagnose correctly the underlying causes of house price inflation, including the insecurity of savings under the present Government; notes the Council of Mortgage Lenders' survey which found that 81 per cent. of the population aspire to home ownership and believes that key workers should
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not be penalized by high property prices; further regrets the rising numbers of vulnerable people living in temporary accommodation; urges the Government to explore new options for accessing empty homes to meet demand for social housing, as well as enabling people to move from social housing to owning their own homes; further notes that there was no ministerial statement or debate in Government time in response to the Barker Review which itself fails to provide acceptable solutions to these acute problems and poses a serious threat to the nation's green fields, to sustainable communities and to robust local democracy by its recommendation that housing targets be set at a regional level—(Mrs Caroline Spelman);
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 ‘commends the Government's record on housing, and the progress it has made in delivering sustainable communities, as set out in Making it Happen: The Northern Way and elsewhere; notes that one million more people own their homes now than in 1997, whilst mortgage rates are at their lowest since the 1950s; notes that since 1997 there are one million fewer social homes below the decency standard and welcomes the Government's approval of 58 new schemes that could make decent another 170,000 social homes; applauds the fact that the number of families with children in bed and breakfast accommodation for longer than six weeks has reduced by at least 99.3 per cent. since March 2002; supports the Government's plans in the Thames Gateway and newer growth areas to deliver new sustainable communities and provide an extra 200,000 homes; further welcomes the action the Government has taken to support the creation of 230,000 affordable homes since 1997, to help over 10,000 key workers into home ownership in areas of high demand, and to reduce rough sleeping to the lowest level since records began; further supports the Government's creation of a £500 million Market Renewal Fund to tackle the worst cases of low housing demand and abandonment; applauds the creation of regional housing boards to ensure investment is focused on regional priorities; and welcomes the fact that the Government has added 25,000 hectares to the green belt with a further 12,000 hectares in prospect, and is exceeding its brownfield target, having built 64 per cent. of new homes on previously developed land in 2003', instead thereof.—(Keith Hill.)
And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;
David Maclean 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 Peter Atkinson, Gregory Barker: 203.
Tellers for the Noes, Jim Fitzpatrick, Mr Vernon Coaker: 317.
So the Question was negatived.
And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Jim Fitzpatrick, Mr Vernon Coaker: 317.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Gregory Barker: 199.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.
Resolved, That this House commends the Government's record on housing, and the progress it has made in delivering sustainable communities, as set out in Making it Happen: The Northern Way and elsewhere; notes that one million more people own their homes now than in 1997, whilst mortgage rates are at their lowest since the 1950s; notes that since 1997 there are one million fewer social homes below the decency standard and welcomes the Government's approval of 58 new schemes that could make decent another 170,000 social homes; applauds the fact that the number of families with children in bed and breakfast accommodation for longer than six weeks has reduced by at least 99.3 per cent. since March 2002; supports the Government's plans in the Thames Gateway and newer growth areas to deliver new sustainable communities and provide an extra 200,000 homes; further welcomes the action the Government has taken to support the creation of 230,000 affordable homes since 1997, to help over 10,000 key workers into home ownership in areas of high demand, and to reduce rough sleeping to the lowest level since records began; further supports the Government's creation of a £500 million Market Renewal Fund to tackle the worst cases of low housing demand and abandonment; applauds the creation of regional housing boards to ensure investment is focused on regional priorities; and welcomes the fact that the Government has added 25,000 hectares to the green belt with a further 12,000 hectares in prospect, and is exceeding its brownfield target, having built 64 per cent. of new homes on previously developed land in 2003.
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| 6 | Christmas Day (Trading) Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Christmas Day (Trading) Bill [Money]; |
Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Christmas Day (Trading) Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any increase attributable to the Act in the sums which under any other Act are payable out of money so provided.—(Mr Gerry Sutcliffe.)
| 7 | Adjournment (Genetically modified crops),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Derek Twigg); |
And it being three hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion, it lapsed, pursuant to Order [27th April].
| 8 | Northern Ireland Grand Committee,—Ordered, That— |
(1) the proposal for a draft Special Educational Needs and Disability (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 be referred to the Northern Ireland Grand Committee;
(2) the Committee shall meet at Westminster on Thursday 20th May at half-past Two o'clock; and
(3) at that sitting—
(a) the Committee shall take questions under Standing Order No. 110 (Northern Ireland Grand Committee (questions for oral answer)), and shall then consider the legislative proposal referred to it under paragraph (1) above;
(b) the Chairman shall interrupt proceedings not later than two and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the legislative proposal referred to the Committee; and
(c) at the conclusion of those proceedings, a motion for the adjournment of the Committee may be made by a Minister of the Crown, pursuant to paragraph (5) of Standing Order No. 116 (Northern Ireland Grand Committee (sittings)).—(Mr Nick Ainger.)
| 9 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Nick Ainger.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-nine minutes to Nine o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 8.31 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Criminal Law,—Liberia (Freezing of Funds and Economic Resources) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1264), dated 5th May 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 2 | Disabled Persons,—Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Seaton Tramway Tramcars 9, 10 and 11) Exemption Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1205), dated 23rd April 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 3 | Food,—Food (Emergency Control) (England) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1265), dated 4th May 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
Other Papers:
| 4 | Air Force (Constitution),—Amendment List 9 to Regulations for the Royal Air Force Aeromedical Evacuation Service: Air Publication 3394 (Third Edition) [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. |
| 5 | School Standards and Framework,—Accounts of— |
(1) Kingston-upon-Hull Education Action Zone for 1st April to 31st December 2003,
(2) Leigh (Wigan) Education Action Zone for 1st April to 31st December 2003,
(3) Middlesbrough Education Action Zone for 1st April to 25th October 2003,
(4) North Southwark Education Action Zone for 1st April to 31st December 2003,
(5) South Tyneside Education Action Zone for 1st April to 31st December 2003 and
(6) Thetford Education Action Zone for 1st April to 31st December 2003,
with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 566, 571, 567, 568, 569 and 570] [Clerk of the House].
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APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Finance Bill,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ian Stewart from Standing Committee A (nominated in respect of the Bill); and nominated in substitution Harry Cohen. |
| 2 | Draft Human Rights Act 1998 (Amendment) 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, Tony Baldry, Mr Crispin Blunt, Mr Russell Brown, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Geraint Davies, Mr Nick Hawkins, Mr David Heath, Mr Nigel Jones, Mr David Lammy, Rosemary McKenna, Mr James Plaskitt, Bridget Prentice, Mr Chris Smith, Dr Desmond Turner and Joan Walley.
| 3 | Northern Ireland Act 1998 and Northern Ireland Act 2000 (Modification) Order 2004 and Direction given by the Secretary of State under section 51B(2) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 on 28th April 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Order and the Direction to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Jonathan Djanogly, Mr Tom Harris, Mrs Joan Humble, Ian Lucas, Mr Iain Luke, Chris Mole, Lembit Opik, Mr Andy Reed, Mr Andrew Robathan, Llew Smith, Mr John Spellar, Mr Desmond Swayne, Mr Hugo Swire, Mr David Trimble and David Wright.
| 4 | Draft Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Conditional Cautions: Code of Practice) 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: Peter Bottomley, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Parmjit Dhanda, Mr Neil Gerrard, Mr Nick Gibb, Paul Goggins, Mr Dominic Grieve, Jane Griffiths, Mr David Heath, Mr John Heppell, Mr Lindsay Hoyle, Shona McIsaac, Mr Tony McWalter, Mr Mark Oaten, Mr Paul Stinchcombe and Mr Brian Wilson.
| 5 | Education (Pupil Exclusions) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 402): |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Regulations to the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Vera Baird, Mr Kevin Barron, Mr Mark Francois, Mr Mark Hoban, Mr Bob Laxton, Mr Ivan Lewis, Mr Denis Murphy, Dr John Pugh, Mr Ernie Ross, Dr Gavin Strang, Mr Paul Truswell, Mr Andrew Turner, Derek Twigg, Mr Robert Walter, Brian White and Mr Phil Willis.
Standing Committee on Regional Affairs
| 6 | Standing Committee on Regional Affairs,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ms Candy Atherton from the Standing Committee on Regional Affairs and nominated in substitution Kali Mountford. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Defence, Foreign Affairs, International Development and Trade and Industry,—First Joint Report from the Defence, Foreign Affairs, International Development and Trade and Industry Committees [Strategic Export Controls: being the Fourth Report from the Defence Committee, the Sixth Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Fifth Report from the International Development Committee and the Fourth Report from the Trade and Industry Committee] with the Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committees; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings relating to the Report [No. 390] [Mr Roger Berry]. |
| 2 | Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee [Defence Procurement]; to be printed [No. 572-i] [Bruce George]. |
| 3 | Education and Skills,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education and Skills Committee [Draft School Transport Bill]; to be printed [No. 509-ii] [Mr Barry Sheerman]. |
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| 4 | Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee [Climate Change, Water Security and Flooding]; to be printed [No. 558-ii]; and |
(2) Memorandum laid before the Committee [Rural Broadband]
[Mr Michael Jack].
| 5 | Environmental Audit,—Sixth Report from the Environmental Audit Committee [Environmental Crime and the Courts], 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. 126] [Mr Peter Ainsworth]. |
| 6 | European Scrutiny,—Nineteenth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 42-xix] [Mr Jimmy Hood]. |
| 7 | Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Foreign Policy Aspects of the War against Terrorism]; to be printed [No. 441-v] [Mr Donald Anderson]. |
| 8 | Modernisation of the House of Commons,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons [Scrutiny of European Matters in the House of Commons]; to be printed [No. 565-i] [Mr Peter Hain]. |
| 9 | Northern Ireland Affairs,—(1) Third Special Report from the Northen Ireland Affairs Committee [Government's Response to the Second Report from the Committee, Session 2003–04, on The Separation of Paramilitary Prisoners at HMP Maghaberry]; to be printed [No. 583]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Hate Crime in Northern Ireland]; to be printed [No. 539-ii]
[Mr Michael Mates].
| 10 | Office of the Deputy Prime Minster: Housing Planning, Local Government and the Regions,—(1) Sixth Report from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minster: Housing Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee [Social Cohesion], 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. 45-I] [Andrew Bennett]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Urban Affairs Sub-Committee of the Committee [The Role and Effectiveness of the Housing Corporation]; to be printed [No. 401-iii] [Clive Betts].
| 11 | Procedure,—(1) Third Report from the Procedure Committee [Joint activities with the National Assembly for Wales], together with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 582]; and |
(2) First Special Report from the Committee [Estimates and Appropriation Procedure: The Government's Response to the Committee's First Report], to be printed [No. 576]
[Sir Nicholas Winterton].
| 12 | Public Accounts,—(1) Twenty-third Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Government Communications Headquarters: New Accommodation Programme]; to be printed, together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 65]; |
(2) Twenty-fourth Report from the Committee [Transforming the performance of HM Customs and Excise through electronic service delivery]; to be printed, together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 138]; and
(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The Recovery of Debt by the Inland Revenue]; to be printed [No. 584-i]
[Mr Edward Leigh].
| 13 | Science and Technology,—(1) Sixth Report from the Science and Technology Committee [Within REACH: the EU's new chemicals strategy]; 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. 172-I and -II]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Scientific Publications]; to be printed [No. 399-iv]
[Dr Ian Gibson].
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| 14 | Transport,—(1) Tenth Report from the Transport Committee [The Work of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and the Vehicle Certification Agency], 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. 250]; |
(2) Eleventh Report from the Committee [National Rail Enquiry Service], 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. 580]; and
(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [European Union Competence and Transport]; to be printed [No. 581-i]
[Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].
| 15 | Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Treasury Committee [Appointment Hearing: the Chief Executive of the Office of Government Commerce]; to be printed [No. 579-i] [Mr John McFall]. |
| 16 | Work and Pensions,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Work and Pensions Committee [Health and Safety]; to be printed [No. 456-iv] [Sir Archy Kirkwood]. |
[No. 80; WH, No. 49]
Wednesday 5th May 2004.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Nine o'clock.
| Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Fraser Kemp.) |
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 4.55 p.m.
[No. 81.] Thursday 6th May 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | European Standing Committee C,—Mr Kevin Hughes reported from European Standing Committee C the following Resolution: |
That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 11646/03, a draft Regulation on nutrition and health claims made on foods; and supports the Government's view that the measure will promote informed consumer choice and facilitate intra-Community trade.
Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Balance Charitable Foundation for Unclaimed Assets (Allocation) Bill,—Mr Frank Field, supported by Mr Jon Owen Jones, Derek Wyatt, Kevin Brennan, Mr David Willetts, Mr Nigel Waterson, Steve Webb, Annabelle Ewing, Sandra Osborne, The Reverend Martin Smyth, Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson and Adam Price, presented a Bill to make provision about the allocation of unclaimed assets secured by the Balance Charitable Foundation for Unclaimed Assets: 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 104]. |
| 3 | Armed Forces (Pensions and Compensation) Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Armed Forces (Pensions and Compensation) Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee. |
A Clause (NC1) (Reservists' personal pension plans)—(Mr Julian Brazier)—brought up and read the first time.
Question, That the Clause be read a second time, put and negatived.
Another Clause (NC2) (Armed Forces Pay Review Body)—(Mr Gerald Howarth)—brought up and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
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Another Clause (NC3) (Burden of proof)—(Mr Gerald Howarth)—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 Hugo Swire, Mr John Randall: 144.
Tellers for the Noes, Charlotte Atkins, Bridget Prentice: 254.
Another Clause (NC4) (Full career pensions)—(Mr Gerald Howarth)—brought up and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Clause (NC7) (Widows' pensions for life)—(Mr Gerald Howarth)—brought up and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time.
And it being Five o'clock, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [22nd January].
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John Randall, Mr Hugo Swire: 132.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Heppell, Charlotte Atkins: 252.
The Deputy Speaker then put the Question on the Amendments moved by a Minister of the Crown.
Amendments (Nos. 1 to 3) made to the Bill.
A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the Bill be now read the third time;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Charlotte Atkins, Mr John Heppell: 267.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Hugo Swire, Mr John Randall: 113.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.
| 4 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Fraser Kemp.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-five minutes to Seven o'clock, adjourned till Monday 10th May.
[Adjourned at 6.35 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Regulatory Reform,—Draft Regulatory Reform (Museum of London) (Location of Premises) Order 2004, with a statement by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport [by Act] [Secretary Tessa Jowell]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping (Updating of References to Maritime Conventions) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1266), dated 4th May 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 3 | Town and Country Planning,—Town and Country Planning (London Borough of Camden) Special Development Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1231), dated 28th April 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
Other Papers:
| 4 | Defence,—Ministry of Defence Minute, dated 6th May 2004, concerning the gifting of non-lethal military equipment to the Government of Nepal [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. |
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| 5 | Public Petitions,—Observations from the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the Petition [17th March] from Mr George Henry Hamilton for measures providing recourse for those about whom references have been provided based on unreliable information [by Standing Order] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 6 | Security Commission,—Paper, entitled Report of the Security Commission [by Command] [Cm. 6177] [The Prime Minister]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Promotion of Volunteering Bill,—The Speaker has appointed David Taylor as an additional Chairman of Standing Committee C in respect of the Bill. |
| 2 | Christmas Day (Trading) Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Frank Cook Chairman of Standing Committee D in respect of the Bill. |
| 3 | Draft Human Rights Act 1998 (Amendment) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Bill O'Brien Chairman of the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order. |
| 4 | Northern Ireland Act 1998 and Northern Ireland Act 2000 (Modification) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1164) and the direction given by the Secretary of State under section 51B(2) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 on 28th April 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Bill Olner Chairman of the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Order. |
| 5 | Education (Pupil Exclusions) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 402),—The Speaker has appointed Mr Alan Hurst Chairman of the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Regulations. |
European Standing Committees
| 6 | The Speaker has appointed Mr Peter Pike Chairman of European Standing Committee A in respect of European Union Document No. 15409/03 on Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH). |
| 7 | The Speaker has appointed Mr Kevin Hughes Chairman of European Standing Committee B in respect of European Union Document No. 12441/03 on Co-operation with the Occupied Territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee [Palliative Care]; to be printed [No. 454-iii] [Mr David Hinchliffe]. |
| 2 | Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [Restoring confidence in long-term savings]; to be printed [No. 71-vi] [Mr John McFall]. |
[No. 81; WH, No. 50]
Thursday 6th May 2004.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock.
| Adjournment (Ports—Ninth Report from the Transport 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—(Mr John Heppell); |
And the sitting having continued for three hours, it was adjourned without Question put, till Tuesday 11th May.
[Adjourned at 6.15 p.m.
|
