Session 2003-2004

Commons Journal 260

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Alphabetical Index - Part II


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[No. 82.]

Monday 10th May 2004.

The House met at half-past Two o'clock

PRAYERS.

1Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Alan Hurst reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Education (Pupil Exclusions) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 402).

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.

2Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

The Lords communicate that they have appointed a Committee of six Lords to join with the Committee appointed by the Commons to consider and report on any draft Charities Bill presented to both Houses by a Minister of the Crown;

That the Committee have power to agree with the Commons in the appointment of a Chairman;

That the Committee have leave to report from time to time;

That the Committee have power to appoint specialist advisers;

That the Committee have power to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom;

That the quorum of the Committee shall be two;

That the reports of the Committee from time to time shall be printed, notwithstanding any adjournment of the House; and

That the Committee do report on the draft Bill by 30th September 2004.

3Human Rights Act 1998 (Making of Remedial Orders) Amendment Bill [Lords],—Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Human Rights Act 1998 (Making of Remedial Orders) Amendment Bill [Lords] be printed [Bill 103–EN].

4Energy Bill [Lords],—The Energy Bill [Lords] was, according to Order, read a second time.

5Energy Bill [Lords] (Programme),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Orders [28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 (Programming of Bills)], That the following provisions shall apply to the Energy 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 24th June 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 the day on which proceedings on consideration are commenced.

6. Sessional Order B (programming committees) made by the House 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):—It was agreed to.

6Energy Bill [Lords] [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Energy 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 Energy Bill [Lords], it is expedient to authorise—

(1) the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State under or as a result of—

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(a) any option under which he or his nominee may acquire an undertaking or property from British Energy plc or a company that is or has been a subsidiary of British Energy plc, or

(b) any agreement entered into for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of such an option, or of continuing or modifying their effect,

(2) the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any expenditure incurred by a Minister of the Crown or the Treasury in respect of the acquisition of securities of a company to which transfers authorised by the Act are made or in respect of the acquisition of rights to subscribe for such securities,

(3) the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any expenditure incurred by a Minister of the Crown for or in connection with the carrying out of any of his functions under the Act, and

(4) the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable out of money so provided by virtue of any other Act—(Charlotte Atkins):—It was agreed to.

7Energy Bill [Lords] [Ways and Means],—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 Energy Bill [Lords] (‘the Act') it is expedient to authorise—

(1) the making of provision for the purposes of corporation tax, capital allowances, stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax,

(2) the making of provision in connection with the responsibilities of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (as established under the Act) for—

(a) requirements for payments to be made to the Secretary of State, and

(b) the levying of charges by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority,

(3) the transfer of property and rights to the Secretary of State or the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority,

(4) the making of payments under the Act to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority in connection with benefits received in respect of the use or disposal of interests or rights in installations, sites and facilities,

(5) the imposition, by virtue of the Act, of charges under licences issued under the Electricity Act 1989 or the Gas Act 1986,

(6) the levying of charges under the Act in connection with powers and duties conferred or imposed on the Secretary of State by or under the Act or other enactments or provisions of Community instruments, and

(7) the payment of sums into the Consolidated Fund—(Charlotte Atkins):—It was agreed to.

8Doha Development Agenda,—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 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—(Mr Fraser Kemp):—It was agreed to.

9Adjournment (Whitsun),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 25 (Periodic adjournments), That this House, at its rising on Thursday 27th May, do adjourn till Monday 7th June—(Mr Fraser Kemp):—It was agreed to.

10Standards and Privileges,—Ordered, That Mr Michael Jabez Foster be discharged from the Committee on Standards and Privileges.—(Mr Bob Ainsworth.)

11Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Bob Ainsworth.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till half-past Ten o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 10.30 p.m.

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APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 7th May 2004 pursuant to Standing Order No. 158 (Presentation of command papers):

1Transport,—Government Response to the Third Report from the Transport Committee, Session 2003–04, on the Regulation of Taxis and Private Hire Vehicle Services in the UK [Cm. 6183] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 7th May 2004 pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Security Industry,—Private Security Industry Act 2001 (Modification of Local Enactments) (No. 2) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1268), dated 5th May 2004 [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

3Tax Credits,—Working Tax Credit (Entitlement and Maximum Rate) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1276), dated 6th May 2004, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Dawn Primarolo].

Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 10th May 2004:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

4Broadcasting,—Draft Broadcasting (Original Productions) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Tessa Jowell].

5Customs and Excise,—Beer from Small Breweries (Extension of Reduced Rates of Excise Duty) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1296), dated 10th May 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [John Healey].

6Northern Ireland,—(1) Draft Licensing (Indoor Arenas) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Murphy], and

(2) Mental Health (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1272), dated 6th May 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Murphy].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

7Civil Aviation,—EC/Swiss Air Transport Agreement (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1256), dated 4th May 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Darling].

8Education,—Education (Outturn Statements) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1279), dated 7th May 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke].

9Road Traffic,—(1) Road Traffic (Permitted Parking Area and Special Parking Area) (County of Surrey) (Borough of Guildford) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1278), dated 6th May 2004, and

(2) Road Traffic (Permitted Parking Area and Special Parking Area) (County of Surrey) (Borough of Reigate and Banstead) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1285), dated 7th May 2004,

[by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Other Papers:

10Covent Garden Market,—Statement of remuneration and allowances payable to members of the Covent Garden Market Authority [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

11National Audit,—Reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General on—

(1) Health and Safety Executive: Improving health and safety in the construction industry, and

(2) Network Rail—Making a Fresh Start

[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 531 and 532] [Clerk of the House].

12Public Petitions,—(1) Observations by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on the Petition [30th March] from persons living or working in the Parliamentary constituency of Christchurch and the Petition [19th April] from persons on the Electoral Roll in the Parliamentary Constituency of Castle Point and others for a referendum on the European Constitution following the Intergovernmental Conference; and

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(2) Observations by the Deputy Prime Minister on the Petition [28th April] from Sarah Jean Borman and other electors in the Richmondshire District of Yorkshire for the investigation of their complaints against the District Council and for the effective discharge by Local Government Commissioners of their duties

[by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

13Regulatory Reform,—Proposal for a Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2004, with a statement by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

APPENDIX II

Reports from Select Committees

1Education and Skills,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education and Skills Committee [National Skills Strategy: 14–19 Education]; to be printed [No. 197-xi] [Mr Barry Sheerman].

2Health,—Third Report from the Health Committee [Obesity], 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. 23-I to -III] [Mr David Hinchliffe].

3Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [English Regions: Success in the regions]; to be printed [No. 592-i] [Mr Edward Leigh].

4Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [Manufacturing and Trade in Wales]; to be printed [No. 323-viii and -ix] [Mr Martyn Jones].


[No. 83.]

Tuesday 11th May 2004.

The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock.

PRAYERS.

1Regulatory Reform,—Mr Peter Pike reported from the Regulatory Reform Committee the following Resolution:

That the draft Regulatory Reform (Museum of London) (Location of Premises) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 6th May, should be approved.

The Committee came to this Resolution without a Division.

2European Standing Committee B,—Mr Kevin Hughes reported from European Standing Committee B the following Resolution:

That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 12441/03, draft regulation amending Council Regulation (E.C.) No. 1734/94 on financial and technical cooperation with the Occupied Territories; welcomes this amendment; and supports the European Commission's continued support for Palestinian development and the Middle East Peace Process.

Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.

3Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

The Lords do not insist on one of their Amendments to the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill, in respect of which this House has insisted on its disagreement, and they agree without Amendment to the Amendment proposed by this House in lieu thereof; they do not insist on their remaining Amendment, in respect of which this House has insisted on its disagreement, but propose further Amendments to the Bill in lieu thereof, to which Amendments they desire the concurrence of this House.

Smoking in Public Places (Wales) Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to enable the prohibition or restriction of the smoking of tobacco by any person in Wales while in a public place, to which they desire the concurrence of this House.

4Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill,—Lords Amendments in lieu of a Lords Amendment in respect of which the Commons have insisted on their disagreement to the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 106].

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5Prime Minister (Direct Election),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision for the direct election of the Prime Minister; to require such elections to be held on the same day as a General Election; to make consequential provision in relation to the office and powers of the Prime Minister; to make consequential amendments to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000; and for connected purposes—(Mr Graham Allen);

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 negatived.

6Housing Bill (Programme) (No. 2),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the Programme Order of 12th January 2004 in relation to the Housing Bill be varied as follows—

1. Paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Order shall be omitted.

2. Proceedings on consideration shall be taken in the order shown in the first column of the following Table. In that column, any reference to new Clauses, Amendments or new Schedules relating to any of Parts 1 to 7 does not include new Clauses, Amendments or new Schedules relating to overcrowding or the definition of ‘house in multiple occupation'.

3. The proceedings shown in the first column of the Table shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the time specified in the second column.

ProceedingsTime for conclusion of proceedings
New Clauses, Amendments and new Schedules relating to Part 1One and a quarter hours after the commencement of proceedings on the motion for this order.
New Clauses, Amendments and new Schedules relating to Part 2; new Clauses, Amendments and new Schedules relating to the definition of ‘house in multiple occupation'; new Clauses, Amendments and new Schedules relating to Part 3; new Clauses, Amendments and new Schedules relating to Part 4Two and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the motion for this order.
New Clauses, Amendments and new Schedules relating to Part 5Three and three quarter hours after the commencement of proceedings on the motion for this order.
New Clauses, Amendments and new Schedules relating to Part 6; new Clauses, Amendments and new Schedules relating to overcrowding; new Clauses, Amendments and new Schedules relating to Part 7 and any remaining proceedings on the BillFive and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the motion for this order.

4. Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion six and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion for this Order—(Keith Hill);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John Heppell, Bridget Prentice: 246.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Ruffley, Mr Mark Francois: 146.

So the Question was agreed to.

7Housing Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Housing Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

Amendment (No. 100) proposed to the Bill, in page 3, to leave out lines 10 to 19 and insert the words—

‘(1) Meanings of “category 1 hazard” and “category 2 hazard” shall be prescribed for the purposes of this Act.

(2) Those meanings shall be so prescribed by reference to—

(a) hazards of prescribed descriptions, and

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(b) a ranking system for the severity of such hazards by which the question of whether a hazard achieves a particular ranking is decided by reference to—

(i) the results of a qualitative assessment of the hazard in question, and

(ii) an assessment of whether those results meet prescribed qualitative criteria', instead thereof.—(Mr Edward Davey.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made.

And it being one and a quarter hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to Housing Bill (Programme) (No. 2), the Deputy Speaker, pursuant to Order [this day], put the Question already proposed from the Chair:—It was negatived.

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. 6 to 13 and 29) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 127) proposed to the Bill, in page 36, line 9, to leave out the words ‘the following' and insert the word ‘all', instead thereof.—(Mr John Hayes.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made.

And it being two and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to Housing Bill (Programme) (No. 2), the Deputy Speaker put the Question already proposed from the Chair:—It was negatived.

The Deputy Speaker then put the Questions on the Amendments and new Clauses moved by a Minister of the Crown to be disposed of at that hour.

Amendments (Nos. 31 to 34 and 14) made to the Bill.

A Clause (NC6) (HMO declarations)—(Keith Hill)—brought up, read the first time and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (NC7) (Revocation of HMO declarations)—(Keith Hill)—brought up, read the first time and added to the Bill.

The Deputy Speaker then put the Question on an Amendment selected by the Speaker for separate Division to be disposed of at that hour.

Another Amendment (No. 124) proposed to the Bill, in page 218, line 1, to leave out paragraph 5.—(Matthew Green.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Andrew Stunell, Gregory Barker: 166.

Tellers for the Noes, Bridget Prentice, Mr John Heppell: 294.

The Deputy Speaker then put the Question on Amendments moved by a Minister of the Crown to be disposed of at that hour.

Other Amendments (Nos. 125, 50 to 53, 126, 56 to 59, 65 to 69, 35 to 43, 17 and 62 to 64) made to the Bill.

Another Clause (NC13) (Section 138: imposition of conditions)—(Keith Hill)—brought up and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time.

And it being three and three quarter hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to Housing Bill (Programme) (No. 2), the Deputy Speaker put the Question already proposed from the Chair:—It was agreed to.

Clause added to the Bill.

The Deputy Speaker then put the Question on an Amendment selected for separate Division to be disposed of at that hour.

Another Amendment (No. 88) proposed to the Bill, in page 94, line 21, to leave out from the beginning to the word ‘have' and insert the words ‘As a matter of voluntary discretion, a person may', instead thereof.—(Mr Robert Syms.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Ruffley, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 177.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Derek Twigg: 290.

The Deputy Speaker then put the Question on the Amendments moved by a Minister of the Crown to be disposed of at that hour.

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Other Amendments (Nos. 81 to 86 and 44 to 46) made to the Bill.

Another Clause (NC8) (Exceptions to the right to buy: determination whether exception for dwelling-house suitable for elderly persons applies)—(Yvette Cooper)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (NC9) (Right to buy: claim terminated by demolition notice)—(Paul Clark)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (NC10) (Landlord's notice to complete)—(Paul Clark)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (NC11) (Right to buy: suspension by court order)—(Paul Clark)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (NC12) (Right of assured tenant to acquire dwelling not affected by collective enfranchisement)—(Paul Clark)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (NC2) (Tenancy Deposit Scheme (regulation-making power)—(Dr Desmond Turner)—brought up and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time.

And it being five and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to Housing Bill (Programme) (No. 2), the Deputy Speaker put the Question already proposed from the Chair:—It was negatived.

The Deputy Speaker then proceeded to put the Question on a new Clause selected by the Speaker for separate Division.

Another Clause (NC18) (Market Plan for right-to-buy sales)—(Mr John Hayes)—brought up and read the first time.

Question put, That the Clause be added to the Bill.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Ruffley, Gregory Barker: 135.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Fraser Kemp, Derek Twigg: 333.

The Deputy Speaker then proceeded to put the Questions on the remaining Amendments and new Clauses moved by a Minister of the Crown.

Other Amendments (Nos. 70 to 78, 18 and 19) made to the Bill.

Another Clause (NC5) (Overcrowding)—(Paul Clark)—brought up, read the first time and added to the Bill.

Other Amendments (Nos. 15, 16, 20, 47 to 49, 21, 60, 61, 22 to 28, 79, 80 and 30) 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 six and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion relating to Housing Bill (Programme) (No. 2), the Deputy Speaker put the Question.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Gillian Merron, Mr Nick Ainger: 292.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Ruffley, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 159.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.

8Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business), That, at this day's sitting, the Motion in the name of Mr Peter Hain relating to Visitor Facilities may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr Fraser Kemp):—It was agreed to.

9Visitor Facilities,—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed on 22nd April, That this House approves the First Joint Report of the Accommodation and Works Committee and the Administration Committee on Visitor Facilities: Access to Parliament (House of Commons Paper No. 324) and endorses the Committees' proposals for a new reception and security building at the north end of Cromwell Green;

And the Question being again proposed:—The House resumed the adjourned Debate.

Mr Roger Gale moved, That the House sit in private.

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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 Roger Gale, Mr Eric Forth: 9.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Nick Ainger, Gillian Merron: 184.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Question being again proposed;

Mr Bob Ainsworth 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;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Gillian Merron, Mr Nick Ainger: 161.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Eric Forth, Mr Roger Gale: 35.

So the Question was agreed to.

And the Question being accordingly put;

And the Deputy Speaker's opinion as to the decision of the Question being challenged, the Division was deferred till to-morrow, pursuant to Orders [28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 (Deferred divisions)].

10Nutrition and Health Claims Made on Foods,—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. 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—(Mr John Heppell):—It was agreed to.

11Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Geoff Lyus and others against the relocation of the Postern Gate Surgery in Rye was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

12Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr John Heppell.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-one minutes to Eleven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 10.39 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Urban Development,—London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (Area and Constitution) Order 2004, dated 6th May [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Agriculture,—Feeding Stuffs, the Feeding Stuffs (Sampling and Analysis) and the Feeding Stuffs (Enforcement) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1301), dated 6th May 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].

3Fees and Charges,—Measuring Instruments (EEC Requirements) (Fees) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1300), dated 10th May 2004 [by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

4Mental Health,—Court of Protection (Amendment No. 2) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1291), dated 6th May 2004 [by Act] [Mr Christopher Leslie].

5National Debt,—Draft Government Stock Regulations 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ruth Kelly].

6Public Health,—Tobacco Advertising and Promotion (Specialist Tobacconists) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1277), dated 6th May 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].

7Supreme Court of England and Wales,—(1) Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2004 (S.I, 2004, No. 1306), dated 11th May 2004,

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(2) Courts Boards Areas (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1303), dated 5th May 2004,

(3) Criminal Appeal (Amendment) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1293), dated 5th May 2004, and

(4) Crown Court (Amendment) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1292), dated 5th May 2004

[by Act] [Mr Christopher Leslie].

Other Papers:

8Armed Forces Pay,—Supplement to the Thirty-third Report 2004 of the Armed Forces' Pay Review Body: Service Medical and Dental Officers [by Command] [Cm. 6182] [The Prime Minister].

9Financial Reporting to Parliament,—Departmental Report 2004: The Government's Expenditure Plans for 2004–05 to 2005–06 for the Government Actuary's Department [by Command] [Cm. 6223] [Mr Paul Boateng].

10Public Petitions,—Observations by the Deputy Prime Minister on the Petition [22nd April] from Colin Fairrie and others for rectification of faulty construction work to a small terraced house in the conservation area in St Albans [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

Draft Human Rights Act 1998 (Amendment) Order 2004,— The Committee of Selection has discharged Tony Baldry from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Eric Forth.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Constitutional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Constitutional Affairs Committee [The Work of the Information Commissioner]; to be printed [No. 593-i] [Mr A. J. Beith].

2Culture, Media and Sport,—(1) Second Special Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Broadcasting in transition: replies to the Committee's Third Report]; to be printed [No. 585]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Arts Development: Dance]; to be printed [No. 587-i]

[Mr Gerald Kaufman].

3Environment, 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-iii] [Mr Michael Jack].

4Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee [Local Government Revenue]; to be printed [No. 402-ii]; and

(2) Seventh Report from the Committee [Postal Voting], 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. 400-I]

[Andrew Bennett].

5Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration [Review of Government Communications]; to be printed [No. 274-iii] [Tony Wright].

6Regulatory Reform,—Seventh Report from the Regulatory Reform Committee [Draft Regulatory Reform (Museum of London) (Location of Premises) Order 2004]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 594] [Mr Peter Pike].

7Statutory Instruments,—Eighteenth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 82-xviii] [Brian White].

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8Trade and Industry,—(1) Fifth Report from the Trade and Industry Committee [Support to businesses from Regional Development Agencies], together with Appendices to the Report; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 118];

(2) Fourth Special Report from the Committee [Responses to the Second Report from the Committee, on the UK Broadband Market]; to be printed [No. 596];

(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Postcomm: the work of the postal regulator]; to be printed [No. 597-i]; and

(4) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The work of the Export Credits Guarantee Department]; to be printed [No. 506-iv]

[Mr Martin O'Neill].

9Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [Restoring confidence in long-term savings]; to be printed [No. 71-vii] [Mr John McFall].


[No. 83; WH, No. 51]

Tuesday 11th 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.—(Bridget Prentice.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 4.53 p.m.


[No. 84.]

Wednesday 12th May 2004.

The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock.

PRAYERS.

1Ipswich Market Bill,—The First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means reported from the Committee on Unopposed Bills, That it had examined the allegations contained in the Preamble to the Ipswich Market Bill and found the same to be true; and had gone through the Bill and made Amendments thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Committee, to lie upon the Table.

2Christmas Day (Trading) Bill,—Frank Cook reported from Standing Committee D, That it had gone through the Christmas Day (Trading) Bill, and directed him to report the same, without Amendment.

Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered on Friday 18th June.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 600].

3First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bill O'Brien reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Human Rights Act 1998 (Amendment) Order 2004.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.

4Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

Public Audit (Wales) Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to confer further functions on the Auditor General for Wales; to make provision about the audit of accounts of public bodies in Wales and related matters; to make provision about economy, efficiency and effectiveness in relation to public bodies and registered social landlords in Wales; and for connected purposes.

5Public Audit (Wales) Bill [Lords],—The Public Audit (Wales) Bill [Lords] was read the first time and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 108].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Public Audit (Wales) Bill [Lords] be printed [Bill 108-EN].

6Sovereignty of Parliament (European Communities) Bill,—The Order for reading the Sovereignty of Parliament (European Communities) Bill a second time on Friday 14th May was read and discharged.

Bill to be read a second time on Friday 15th October.

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7Interest Rates (Limits on Charges),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to impose limits on the interest rate and associated charges which may be charged by those providing loans and other forms of credit: And that Adam Price, Tony Lloyd, Harry Cohen, Mr Huw Edwards, Mr Frank Field, Sue Doughty, Alan Simpson, David Taylor, Mr Roger Williams, Annabelle Ewing, Mr Elfyn Llwyd and Sir Teddy Taylor do prepare and bring it in.

8Interest Rates (Limits on Charges) Bill,—Adam Price accordingly presented a Bill to impose limits on the interest rate and associated charges which may be charged by those providing loans and other forms of credit: 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 107].

9Age-Related Payments Bill,—The Age-Related Payments Bill was, according to Order, read a second time.

10Age-Related Payments Bill (Programme),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Orders [28th June 2001 and 6th November 2002 (Programming of Bills)], That the following provisions shall apply to the Age-Related Payments Bill:

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 27th May 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.

Programming Committee

6. Sessional Order B (programming committees) made on 28th June 2001 shall not apply to proceedings on consideration and Third Reading.

Programming of proceedings

7. All other proceedings on the Bill (including any proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments or on any further message from the Lords) may be programmed—(Mr Vernon Coaker);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Joan Ryan, Charlotte Atkins: 344.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Hugo Swire, Mr Peter Atkinson: 112.

So the Question was agreed to.

11Age-Related Payments Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Age-Related Payments Bill [Money];

A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Age-Related Payments Bill it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of expenditure of the Secretary of State under or by virtue of the Act—(Jim Fitzpatrick):—It was agreed to.

12Deferred Divisions,—The Deputy Speaker announced the result of a Division which had been deferred to this day, pursuant to Orders [28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 (Deferred divisions)]:

Visitor Facilities,—That this House approves the First Joint Report of the Accommodation and Works Committee and the Administration Committee on Visitor Facilities: Access to Parliament (House of Commons Paper No. 324) and endorses the Committees' proposals for a new reception and security building at the north end of Cromwell Green.

Ayes, 333.

Noes, 46.

So the Question was agreed to.

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13Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill in lieu of a Lords Amendment in respect of which this House has insisted on its disagreement.

Lords Amendments Nos. 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, 3I and 3J were agreed to.

14Promotion of Volunteering Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Promotion of Volunteering Bill [Money];

Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Promotion of Volunteering Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any administrative expenses incurred by a Minister of the Crown by virtue of the Act.—(Fiona Mactaggart.)

15Estimates and Appropriation Procedure,—Resolved, That this House approves the First Report from the Procedure Committee of the current Session, on Estimates and Appropriation Procedure, House of Commons Paper No. 393.—(Mr Paul Boateng.)

16Questions on Voting of Estimates, &c.,—Ordered, That the following be substituted for Standing Order No. 55 (Questions on voting of estimates, &c.):

Questions on voting of estimates, &c.

‘55.—(1) On any day to which the provisions of paragraphs (2), (3) or (4) of this order apply the Speaker shall at the moment of interruption put the questions on—

(a) any outstanding vote relating to numbers for defence services;

(b) any motion authorising amounts and limits on appropriations in aid, set out in outstanding estimates.

(2) The provisions of paragraph (1) of this order shall apply on a day not later than 6th February, if any of the following total amounts have been put down for consideration:

(a) votes on account for the coming financial year;

(b) supplementary and new estimates for the current financial year which have been presented at least fourteen days previously.

(3) The provisions of paragraph (1) of this order shall apply on a day not later than 18th March, if any of the following numbers or total amounts have been put down for consideration:

(a) votes relating to numbers for defence services;

(b) supplementary and new estimates for the current financial year which have been presented at least fourteen days previously;

(c) excess votes, provided that the Committee of Public Accounts has reported that it sees no objection to the amounts and modifications to limits on appropriations in aid necessary being authorised by excess vote.

(4) The provisions of paragraph (1) of this order shall apply on a day not later than 5th August in respect of any motion authorising amounts, and limits on appropriations in aid, set out in outstanding estimates.

(5) At least two days' notice shall be given of the motions which are to be put down for consideration under paragraphs (2), (3) or (4) of this order.

(6) The provisions of this order shall not apply to any vote of credit or votes for supplementary or additional estimates for war expenditure.'.—(Mr John Heppell.)

17Public Accounts,—Ordered, That Mr George Osborne be discharged from the Committee of Public Accounts and Mr David Curry be added.—(Mr John Heppell.)

18Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr John Heppell.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till seven minutes past Six o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 6.07 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Criminal Law,—Draft Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (Amendment) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

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Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Customs and Excise,—Burma (Sale, Supply, Export, Technical Assistance, Financing and Financial Assistance and Shipment of Equipment) (Penalties and Licences) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1315), dated 11th May 2004 [by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

3Immigration,—Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1304), dated 11th May 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

4Nurses Midwives and Health Visitors,—Nurses Agencies (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1269), dated 5th May 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].

Other Papers:

5Public Petitions,—Observations by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the Petition [15th January, in the last Session of Parliament] from residents of the constituency of Hammersmith and Fulham and others for ethical investment [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

6Trade and Industry,—Paper, entitled Fairness for All: A New Commission for Equality and Human Rights [by Command] [Cm. 6185] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Energy Bill [Lords]:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee B; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated twenty-two Members to serve on the Committee: Charlotte Atkins, Norman Baker, Mr Bob Blizzard, Mr Colin Challen, Nigel Griffiths, Mr Robert Key, Mr Calum MacDonald, Miss Anne McIntosh, Mr Denis Murphy, Mr Richard Page, Anne Picking, Mr Laurence Robertson, Mr David Ruffley, Ian Stewart, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Stephen Timms, Paddy Tipping, Dr Desmond Turner, Joan Walley, Mr Michael Weir, Brian White and Dr Alan Whitehead.

2Draft Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (Disclosure of Donor Information) Regulations 2004:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Ms Diane Abbott, Mrs Patsy Calton, Mr James Clappison, Mr Hilton Dawson, Mrs Janet Dean, Barbara Follett, Mr Mark Francois, Dr Evan Harris, Mr Brian Jenkins, Miss Melanie Johnson, Mr Andrew Lansley, Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger, Dan Norris, Joan Ryan, Jim Sheridan and Claire Ward.

3Draft Human Rights Act 1998 (Amendment) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Hugh Robertson.

4Northern Ireland Act 1998 and Northern Ireland Act 2000 (Modification) Order 2004, Direction given by the Secretary of State under section 51B(2) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 on 28th April 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Vernon Coaker from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Order) and nominated in substitution Mr John Heppell.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Defence,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee [MoD Annual Report and Accounts]; to be printed [No. 589-i]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Defence Procurement] to be printed [No. 572-ii]

[Bruce George].

2Education and Skills,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education and Skills Committee [Draft School Transport Bill]; to be printed [No. 509-iii] [Mr Barry Sheerman].

3Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—(1) Eighth Report from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee [Gangmasters: 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. 455];

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(2) Ninth Special Report from the Committee [Government's Reply to the Fifth Report from the Committee, Session 2003–04, on the Food Standards Agency and Shellfish]; to be printed [No. 601]; and

(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Climate Change, Water Security and Flooding]; to be printed [No. 558-iii]

[Mr Michael Jack].

4Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee [Budget 2004]; to be printed [No. 490-iii] [Mr Peter Ainsworth].

5Health,—Memoranda laid before the Health Committee [Obesity] [Mr David Hinchliffe].

6Human Rights,—Twelfth Report from the Joint Committee on Human Rights [Scrutiny of Bills: Fifth Progress Report], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 603] [Jean Corston].

7International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [DFID's Agricultural Policy]; to be printed, together with Appendices [No. 602-i] [Tony Baldry].

8Joint Committees (Choice of Chairman),—Mr Alan Milburn reported from the Committee appointed to join with a Committee of the Lords as the Joint Committee on the Draft Charities Bill, that he had been chosen Chairman of the Joint Committee.

9Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Hate Crime in Northern Ireland]; to be printed [No. 539-iii] [Mr Michael Mates].

10Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [The UK Emissions Trading Scheme: A New Way to Combat Climate Change]; to be printed [No. 604-i] [Mr Edward Leigh].

11Science and Technology,—(1) Fourth Special Report from the Science and Technology Committee [Government Response to the Committee's Fourth Report, Session 2003–04, Office of Science and Technology: Scrutiny Report 2003]; to be printed [No. 588]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [OST Scrutiny 2004]; to be printed [No. 315-ii]; and

(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Director General of the Research Councils: Introductory Hearing]; to be printed [No. 577-i]

[Dr Ian Gibson].

12Transport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Committee, together with Appendices [London Congestion Charge]; to be printed [No. 591-i] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

13Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Treasury Committee [The Merger of Customs & Excise and the Inland Revenue]; to be printed [No. 556-ii] [Mr John McFall].

14Work and Pensions,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Work and Pensions Committee on 11th and 12th May [Health and Safety]; to be printed [Nos. 456-v and -vi] [Sir Archy Kirkwood].


[No. 84; WH, No. 52]

Wednesday 12th 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.—(Bridget Prentice.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 4.44 p.m.


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[No. 85.]

Thursday 13th May 2004.

The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock.

PRAYERS.

1Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bill Olner reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the 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.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.

2Smoking in Public Places (Wales) Bill [Lords],—The Smoking in Public Places (Wales) Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 15th October and to be printed [Bill 109].

3Child Trust Funds Bill (Programme) (No. 3),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to pursuant to Orders [28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 (Programming of Bills)], That the following provisions shall apply to the Child Trust Funds Bill for the purpose of supplementing the Order of 15th December 2003 (Child Trust Funds Bill (Programme))—

Consideration of Lords Amendments

1. Proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour after their commencement.

Subsequent stages

2. Any further message from the Lords may be considered forthwith without any Question put.

3. The 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—(Mr Nick Ainger);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Jim Murphy, Gillian Merron: 247.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mark Francois, Mr Hugo Swire: 120.

So the Question was agreed to.

4Child Trust Funds Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Child Trust Funds Bill.

Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 6 were agreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 7.

An Amendment ((a)) was proposed to the Lords Amendment, in line 8, at the end, to add the words—

‘(5) The regulations may include provision that, in the case of any child who is to be treated as being an eligible child by virtue of subsection (4), further contributions are to be made by the Inland Revenue only if a person who is legally responsible in relation to the child has informed the Inland Revenue in a prescribed manner that he is satisfied as to the good conduct of the child in the year ending one month before the date on which the further contribution falls to be made.'.—(Mr George Osborne.)

And the Question being proposed, That the Amendment be made;

And it being one hour 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 Mark Francois, Gregory Barker: 92.

Tellers for the Noes, Gillian Merron, Mr Jim Murphy: 263.

So the Question was negatived.

The Deputy Speaker then put the remaining Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the Lords Amendments.

The Lords Amendment was agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges.

Lords Amendments Nos. 8 to 13 were agreed to.

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5Adjournment (Armed Forces Personnel),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Derek Twigg);

6Royal Assent,—The Deputy Speaker notified the House, in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967, That Her Majesty had signified her Royal Assent to the following Acts, agreed upon by both Houses:

National Insurance Contributions and Statutory Payments Act 2004

Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2004

Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004

Child Trust Funds Act 2004

London Local Authorities Act 2004.

7Adjournment (Armed Forces Personnel),—The Question being again proposed, That this House do now adjourn;

And it being Six o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.

8Medicines,—Ordered, That the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1031), dated 1st April 2004, be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr Nick Ainger.)

9Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Scott Fewster and others for the introduction of the vaccine Prevanar to combat pneumococcal disease was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

10Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Nick Ainger.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till half-past Six o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 6.30 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Urban Development,—West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (Area and Constitution) Order 2004, dated 4th May 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Agriculture,—Beef Carcase (Classification) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1317), dated 12th May 2004 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

3Immigration and Asylum,—Asylum Support (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1313), dated 11th May 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

4Local Government,—Recreation Grounds (Revocation of Parish Council Byelaws) (No. 2) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1281), dated 6th May 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

5Seeds,—Seed Potatoes (Fees) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1316), dated 11th May 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

Other Papers:

6Air Force (Constitution),—Amendment List 12 to Air Publication 1269—The Royal Air Force Manual of Medical Management and Administration (Eighth Edition) [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Energy Bill [Lords],—The Speaker has appointed Mr Bill O'Brien and Mr Jonathan Sayeed Chairmen of Standing Committee B in respect of the Bill.

2Draft Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (Disclosure of Donor Information) Regulations 2004,—The Speaker has appointed David Taylor Chairman of the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Regulations.

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3Draft Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Conditional Cautions: Code of Practice) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Miss Anne Begg Chairman of the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order.

4Pet Travel Scheme (Pilot Arrangements) (England) (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 828),—The Speaker has appointed Mr Kevin Hughes Chairman of the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Order.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Education and Skills,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education and Skills Committee [Draft School Transport Bill]; to be printed [No. 509-iv] [Mr Barry Sheerman].

2Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Crime Sub-Committee of the Environmental Audit Committee [Environmental Crime: Wildlife Crime]; to be printed [No. 605-i] [Mr Peter Ainsworth].

3Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration [Government by Inquiry]; to be printed [No. 606-i] [Tony Wright].


[No. 85; WH, No. 53]

Thursday 13th May 2004.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall

The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock.

Adjournment (Poverty and South Asia),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Nick Ainger.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 18th May.

[Adjourned at 5.07 p.m.


[No. 86.]

Friday 14th May 2004.

The House met at half-past Nine o'clock.

1The 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 Alan Haselhurst, the Chairman of Ways and Means, proceeded to the Table.

PRAYERS.

2The Chairman of Ways and Means took the Chair as Deputy Speaker, pursuant to the Standing Order.

3Motion to sit in private,—Mr Andrew Dismore moved, That the House do 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, David Wright, Mr Andrew Dismore: 0.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Huw Edwards, Jonathan Shaw: 36.

So the Question was negatived.

4Carers (Equal Opportunities) Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

The Bill was read the third time, and passed.

5Crown Employment (Nationality) Bill,—The Crown Employment (Nationality) Bill was, according to Order, read a second time and stood committed to a Standing Committee.

6Sex Discrimination (Clubs and Other Private Associations) Bill,—The Sex Discrimination (Clubs and Other Private Associations) Bill was, according to Order, read a second time and stood committed to a Standing Committee.

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7Health 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;

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 16th July.

8Civil 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 16th July.

9Genetically Modified Organisms Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Genetically Modified Organisms Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 18th June.

10Criminal Justice (Justifiable Conduct) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed on 30th April, That the Criminal Justice (Justifiable Conduct) Bill be now read a second time;

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 21st May.

11Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Nick Ainger);

And the Motion having been made after half-past Two 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 Three o'clock, till Monday 17th May.

[Adjourned at 3 p.m.


APPENDIX

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Police,—Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 (Designated Places of Detention) Order 2004 (S.R. (N.I.), 2004, No. 221), dated 13th May 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Murphy].

2Social Security,—(1) Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1362), dated 14th May 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Dawn Primarolo], and

(2) Social Security (Crediting and Treatment of Contributions, and National Insurance Numbers) Amendment Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1361), dated 14th May 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith].

Other Papers:

3Industrial Training,—Report and Financial Statements of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB—ConstructionSkills) for 2003, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke].



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