| Commons Journal 260
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II
Page 388 2003-2004 Volume 260
[No. 105.] Monday 21st June 2004.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bill Olner reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (Amendment) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Kevin Hughes reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Audit of Health Service Bodies) Order 2004 and the draft Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Audit of Public Bodies) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Peter Pike reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (Area and Constitution) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | European Standing Committee A,—Mr Alan Hurst reported from European Standing Committee A the following Resolution: |
That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 8235/04, draft Council Decision concerning the placing on the market, in accordance with Directive 2001/18/EC, of a maize product (Zea mays L Line NK603) genetically modified for glyphosate tolerance; and supports the Government's view that Monsanto's NK603 maize, to be used as any other maize but excluding cultivation, meets the necessary requirements for authorisation under Directive 2001/18/EC.
Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
| 5 | Prevention of Homelessness Bill,—Ordered, That the Prevention of Homelessness Bill be read a second time on Friday 16th July. |
| 6 | Health Protection Agency Bill [Lords],—The Health Protection Agency Bill [Lords] was, according to Order, read a second time. |
| 7 | Health Protection Agency 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 Health Protection Agency 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 Thursday 1st July 2004.
3. The Standing Committee shall have leave to sit twice on the first day on which it meets.
Proceedings on consideration and Third Reading
4. Proceedings on consideration shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour before the moment of interruption on the day on which those proceedings are commenced.
5. Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the moment of interruption on that day.
6. Sessional Order B (programming committees) made on 28th June 2001 shall not apply to proceedings on consideration and Third Reading.
Programming of 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—(Mr Nick Ainger);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Derek Twigg, Mr John Heppell: 230.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mark Francois, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 36.
So the Question was agreed to.
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| 8 | Health Protection Agency Bill [Lords] [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Health Protection Agency 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 Health Protection Agency Bill [Lords] it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—
(a) any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State by virtue of the Act;
(b) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums so payable under any other enactment—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to.
| 9 | Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH),—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. 15409/03, draft Regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency and amending Directive 1999/45/EC and Regulation (EC) on Persistent Organic Pollutants; and draft Directive amending Council Directive 67/548/EEC to adapt it to the proposed Regulation; and supports the Government's objectives of developing a fast, efficient and workable process to test and screen chemicals and tackle those of most concern first, whilst minimising animal testing and maintaining or enhancing the competitiveness of the chemicals industry and downstream users—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to. |
| 10 | Estimates,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 145 (Liaison Committee), That this House agrees with the Report [16th June] of the Liaison Committee—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to. |
| 11 | Adjournment (Summer),—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 22nd July, do adjourn till Tuesday 7th September 2004—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to. |
| 12 | Draft Gambling Bill: Regional Casinos (Joint Committee),—Ordered, That the Lords Message of 16th June relating to a Joint Committee of both Houses to consider and report on the Government's response to recommendations 79, 80, 81, 83, 84 and 85 of the report of the Joint Committee on the Draft Gambling Bill (Cm. 6253), which focus upon the definition, location and economic and other implications of the largest casinos, and on the further statement of Government policy on casinos published with Cm. 6253, be now considered. |
That this House concurs with the Lords in their Resolution relating to the said Joint Committee.
That a Select Committee of eight honourable Members be appointed to join with the Committee appointed by the Lords for this purpose.
That the Committee shall have power:
(i) to send for persons, papers and records;
(ii) to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House;
(iii) to report from time to time;
(iv) to appoint specialist advisers;
(v) to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom; and
That the Committee shall report by 22nd July 2004.
That Janet Anderson, Mr Tony Banks, Jeff Ennis, Mr John Greenway, Mr Alan Meale, Mr Richard Page, Dr John Pugh, and Mr Anthony D. Wright be members of the Committee.
And that the Committee do meet with the Committee appointed by the Lords on Wednesday 23rd June at half past Nine o'clock in Committee Room 8.—(Mr Nick Ainger.)
Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.
| 13 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Nick Ainger.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till nine minutes to Nine o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 8.51 p.m.
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APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | European Communities,—Draft European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, and the Republic of Croatia) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
Other Papers:
| 2 | Financial Reporting to Parliament,—Departmental Report 2004: The Government's Expenditure Plans for 2003–04 to 2005–06 for UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) [by Command] [Cm. 6215] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
| 3 | Public Petitions,—Observations by the Deputy Prime Minister on the Petition [27th May] from supporters of the Regenerate.com lunch club in Roehampton against the proposed withdrawal of support for lunch clubs by Wandsworth Borough Council [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House]. |
| 4 | United States (No. 1, 2004),—Amendment to the Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the United States of America, done at Washington on 14th June 2004, for Cooperation on the Uses of Atomic Energy for Mutual Defence Purposes [by Command] [Cm. 6261], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (Amendment) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Dr Hywel Francis from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Kevin Brennan. |
| 2 | Draft Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (Codes of Practice) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ms Hazel Blears from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Desmond Browne. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [Visa Entry to the United Kingdom: The Entry Clearance Operation]; to be printed [No. 737-i] [Mr Edward Leigh]. |
[No. 106.] Tuesday 22nd June 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Disqualification of a Member,—The Speaker laid upon the Table a notification, That Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer had this day appointed the Right honourable Terence Anthony Gordon Davis, Member for Birmingham, Hodge Hill, to the office of Steward or Bailiff of Her Majesty's Three Chiltern Hundreds of Stoke, Desborough and Burnham, in the county of Buckingham. |
| 2 | Report on Child Protection Procedures in Humberside Police and Cambridgeshire Constabulary,—Resolved, That an Humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, That she will be graciously pleased to give directions that there be laid before this House a Return of the Report on child protection procedures in Humberside Police and Cambridgeshire Constabulary, particularly the effectiveness of relevant intelligence-based record keeping, vetting practices since 1995 and information sharing with other agencies.—(Ms Hazel Blears.) |
| 3 | Energy Bill [Lords],—Mr Bill O'Brien reported from Standing Committee B, That it had gone through the Energy Bill [Lords], and made Amendments thereunto. |
Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 123].
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 742].
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| 4 | Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—David Taylor reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (Codes of Practice) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 5 | European Standing Committee B,—Mr Nigel Beard reported from European Standing Committee B the following Resolution: |
That the Committee takes note of the unnumbered explanatory memorandum of 26th May 2004 from the Ministry of Defence on the Council Joint Action on the establishment of a European Defence Agency; endorses the Government's support for the Council Joint Action to create the European Defence Agency and its swift implementation; and supports the Government's wider aims in seeking a key role for the Agency in the development of European Union military capabilities.
Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
| 6 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
The Lords agree to the Higher Education Bill, with Amendments, to which they desire the concurrence of this House.
| 7 | Higher Education Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Higher Education Bill to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 124]. |
| 8 | Food in Schools,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require all schools in England to have a food policy; to provide support for schools in drawing up, implementing and developing food policies; to make permanent the scheme for free fruit in schools and to extend it; to extend entitlement to free school meals, including to breakfasts; to amend the law relating to the nutritional values of school meals; and for connected purposes: And that Mr David Kidney, Mrs Janet Dean, Julia Drown, Dr Ian Gibson, Helen Jones, Mr Stephen McCabe, Laura Moffatt, Mr Kevin McNamara, Linda Perham, Bob Russell, Joan Walley and David Wright do prepare and bring it in. |
| 9 | Food in Schools Bill,—Mr David Kidney accordingly presented a Bill to require all schools in England to have a food policy; to provide support for schools in drawing up, implementing and developing food policies; to make permanent the scheme for free fruit in schools and to extend it; to extend entitlement to free school meals, including to breakfasts; to amend the law relating to the nutritional values of school meals; and for connected purposes: 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 122]. |
| 10 | Opposition Day [13th allotted day],—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. |
Integrity of the Electoral System,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes the constitutional importance of the forthcoming referendums on the Government's proposed regional assemblies; expresses grave concern at the threat to the integrity of the British electoral system through the Government's ill-conceived widespread extension of exclusively all-postal voting in the recent elections against the advice of the Electoral Commission and in the face of opposition from across the political spectrum; notes the public concern over reported instances of fraud, corruption and electoral malpractice; believes that the fragmentation of voting systems and methods under this Government is confusing and off-putting to the electorate; expresses concern that the integrity of the electoral roll is becoming undermined; and calls on the Government to restore a person's right to vote in a secret ballot at a polling station should they so choose—(Mr Alan Duncan);
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 ‘recognises that the all-postal pilots in June 2004 were part of a process of testing alternative voting mechanisms for the benefit of making voting easier and more convenient for electors; further recognises that turnout in European elections had fallen to its lowest ever level in 1999 and that all-postal pilots assisted in making the 2004 European election turnout the UK's highest ever; welcomes the fact that voter participation for the European elections in the pilot regions more than doubled in 2004 compared with 1999; believes that allegations of fraud have been reported disproportionately and that there is currently no evidence to show that all-postal ballots are more susceptible to fraud than traditional elections; recognises that further reforms will be necessary to widen participation and engagement in the electoral system; and further believes that the integrity of elections and referendums, including the proposed referendums on elected regional assemblies, is adversely affected by declining turnout which puts in jeopardy the democratic mandate', instead thereof.—(Mr Christopher Leslie.)
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And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Ruffley, Mr John Randall: 184.
Tellers for the Noes, Bridget Prentice, Mr Vernon Coaker: 308.
So the Question was negatived.
And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments):—It was agreed to.
The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.
Resolved, That this House recognises that the all-postal pilots in June 2004 were part of a process of testing alternative voting mechanisms for the benefit of making voting easier and more convenient for electors; further recognises that turnout in European elections had fallen to its lowest ever level in 1999 and that all-postal pilots assisted in making the 2004 European election turnout the UK's highest ever; welcomes the fact that voter participation for the European elections in the pilot regions more than doubled in 2004 compared with 1999; believes that allegations of fraud have been reported disproportionately and that there is currently no evidence to show that all-postal ballots are more susceptible to fraud than traditional elections; recognises that further reforms will be necessary to widen participation and engagement in the electoral system; and further believes that the integrity of elections and referendums, including the proposed referendums on elected regional assemblies, is adversely affected by declining turnout which puts in jeopardy the democratic mandate.
NHS Staff Recruitment and Retention,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House recognises the central role of NHS professionals in delivering high quality healthcare through the NHS; notes the need for substantial increases in NHS staffing to meet future demand for healthcare; further notes that the levels of bureaucracy, red tape and imposed targets within the NHS demoralise NHS staff; regrets the problems in the implementation of the consultant and GP contracts; further regrets the delay in progress on ‘Agenda for Change'; expresses its concern over staff shortages in general practice, hospital specialties, nursing, especially community nursing, midwifery, radiography and biomedical sciences; is alarmed at the extent of recruitment of health professionals from developing countries which are unable to sustain the loss of such staff; and urges the Government to give the NHS the freedoms and incentives needed to support a growing workforce—(Mr Andrew Lansley);
An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘welcomes the Government's record extra investment in the National Health Service which has resulted in increases of 19,400 more doctors and 67,500 more nurses since 1997; supports the extra investment in training which has increased the intake of medical school students by 61 per cent. and nurse training students by 53 per cent. since 1997; notes that over one million NHS staff will benefit from improved terms and conditions; recognises that the international recruitment of healthcare professionals has already made a significant impact on the delivery of NHS services; notes the Government's commitment to ethical international recruitment, with its robust Code of Practice, the first of its kind in the world, ensuring that NHS organisations do not recruit staff from developing countries without the agreement of their government; and welcomes the sharing and transfer of experience and ideas that international recruitment brings to the health service', instead thereof.—(Mr John Hutton.)
And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;
And it being Seven o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned.
| 11 | Business 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 Michael Howard relating to NHS staff recruitment and retention may be proceeded with, though opposed, until Eight o'clock—(Mr Vernon Coaker):—It was agreed to. |
| 12 | Opposition Day,—NHS Staff Recruitment and Retention,—The Question being again proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question; |
And the Question being put;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Ruffley, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 158.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Nick Ainger, Jim Fitzpatrick: 282.
So the Question was negatived.
And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments):—It was agreed to.
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The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.
Resolved, That this House welcomes the Government's record extra investment in the National Health Service which has resulted in increases of 19,400 more doctors and 67,500 more nurses since 1997; supports the extra investment in training which has increased the intake of medical school students by 61 per cent. and nurse training students by 53 per cent. since 1997; notes that over one million NHS staff will benefit from improved terms and conditions; recognises that the international recruitment of healthcare professionals has already made a significant impact on the delivery of NHS services; notes the Government's commitment to ethical international recruitment, with its robust Code of Practice, the first of its kind in the world, ensuring that NHS organisations do not recruit staff from developing countries without the agreement of their government; and welcomes the sharing and transfer of experience and ideas that international recruitment brings to the health service.
| 13 | Electoral Commission,—Ordered, That the Motion in the name of the Leader of the House relating to the Electoral Commission shall be treated as if it related to an instrument subject to the provisions of Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation) in respect of which notice has been given that the instrument be approved.—(Charlotte Atkins.) |
| 14 | Welsh Grand Committee,—Ordered, That— |
(1) the matter of the draft Transport (Wales) Bill be referred to the Welsh Grand Committee for its consideration;
(2) the Committee shall meet at Westminster on Tuesday 20th July at twenty-five minutes past Nine o'clock and between Two o'clock and half-past Four o'clock to consider the matter of the Draft Transport (Wales) Bill, under Standing Order No. 107 (Welsh Grand Committee (matters relating exclusively to Wales)).—(Charlotte Atkins.)
| 15 | Northern Ireland Grand Committee,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 116 (Northern Ireland Grand Committee (sittings)), That— |
(1) the draft Budget (No. 2) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 be referred to the Northern Ireland Grand Committee;
(2) the Committee shall meet at Westminster on Thursday 8th July at half-past Two o'clock; and
(3) at that sitting—
(a) the Committee shall consider the instrument referred to it under paragraph (1) above; and
(b) 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))—(Charlotte Atkins):—It was agreed to.
| 16 | Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from residents of Southfields in the constituency of Putney against certain planning applications made by the Orange mobile telephone company to the London Borough of Wandsworth, and for changes in the law relating to planning applications for the erection of mobile telephone masts in urban areas [three Petitions] were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 17 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Vernon Coaker); |
And the Motion having been made after Seven o'clock, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then twenty-seven minutes to Nine o'clock, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 8.33 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Environmental Protection,—Draft Landfill (Scheme Year and Maximum Landfill Amount) Regulations 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 2 | Northern Ireland,—Draft Dangerous Wild Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Murphy]. |
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Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 3 | Food,—Food Labelling (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1512), dated 15th June 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 4 | Northern Ireland,—(1) Criminal Justice (Evidence) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 (S.I, 2004, No. 1501) and |
(2) Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 (S.I, 2004, No. 1500),
dated 10th June 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Murphy]
Other Papers:
| 5 | Child Protection Procedures in Humberside Police and Cambridgeshire Constabulary,—Return to an Address to Her Majesty for a Return of the Report made by Sir Michael Bichard on child protection procedures in Humberside Police and Cambridgeshire Constabulary, particularly the effectiveness of relevant intelligence-based record keeping, vetting practices since 1995 and information sharing with other agencies [pursuant to Resolution this day]; to be printed [No. 653] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 6 | Government Trading Funds,—HM Treasury Departmental Minute, dated 22nd June 2004, on the Companies House Trading Fund [by Act] [Mr Paul Boateng]. |
| 7 | Health,—Departmental Minute, dated 22nd June 2004, concerning a proposed contingent liability relating to indemnity for witnesses giving evidence to the Inquiry into the handling of complaints against William Kerr and Michael Haslam [by Command] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 8 | National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Improving the Speed and Quality of Asylum Decisions [by Act]; to be printed [No. 535] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 9 | Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions,—Government Response to the Fourth Report of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee, Session 2003–04, on Coalfield Communities [by Command] [Cm. 6265] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 10 | United Nations,—Iraq (United Nations Sanctions) (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I, 2004, No. 1498), dated 10th June 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer]. |
Papers withdrawn:
| 11 | Environmental Protection,—Draft Landfill (Scheme Year and Maximum Landfill Amount) Regulations 2004 [laid 15th June]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
European Standing Committees
| | The Speaker has appointed Mr Roger Gale Chairman of European Standing Committee B in respect of European Union Document No. 15185/03 on Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Communities in place of Mr Eric Illsley. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Constitutional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Constitutional Affairs Committee [Draft Criminal Defence Service Bill]; to be printed [No. 746-i]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Draft Criminal Defence Service Bill]; to be printed [No. 746]
[Mr A. J. Beith].
| 2 | Culture, Media and Sport,—(1) Sixth Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Arts Development: Dance], together with Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on 11th May and Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 587]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [BBC Charter Renewal]; to be printed [No. 598-iii]
[Sir Gerald Kaufman].
| 3 | Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Food Information Sub-Committee of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee [Food Information]; to be printed [No. 690-ii] [Mr Michael Jack]. |
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| 4 | Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Foreign and Commonwealth Office Annual Report 2003–04]; to be printed [No. 745-i] [Mr Donald Anderson]. |
| 5 | International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [Department for International Development: Departmental Report 2004]; to be printed, together with Appendices [No. 749-i] [Tony Baldry]. |
| 6 | Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions,—(1) Eighth Report from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee [The Role and Effectiveness of the Housing Corporation], 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. 401-I]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Gypsy and Traveller Sites]; to be printed [No. 633-i]
[Andrew Bennett].
| 7 | Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration [Government by Inquiry]; to be printed [No. 606-iv] [Tony Wright]. |
| 8 | Statutory Instruments,—Twenty-second Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 82-xxii] [Mr David Tredinnick]. |
| 9 | Trade and Industry,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [The Post Office Urban Network Reinvention Programme]; to be printed [611-ii]; |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Pubcos]; to be printed [751-i]; and
(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Fuel Disconnections]; to be printed [752-i]
[Mr Martin O'Neill].
| 10 | Welsh Affairs,—Memorandum laid before the Welsh Affairs Committee [Transcript of hearings held on 21st June by the Economic Development and Transport Committee of the National Assembly for Wales enlarged by the Welsh Affairs Committee, on the Draft Transport (Wales) Bill] [Mr Martyn Jones]. |
[No. 106; WH, No. 65]
Tuesday 22nd June 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—(Fiona Mactaggart); |
And the sitting having continued for two and a half hours after Two o'clock, it was adjourned without Question put, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 4.30 p.m.
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[No. 107.] Wednesday 23rd June 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | European Standing Committee B,—Mr Roger Gale reported from European Standing Committee B the following Resolution: |
That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 15185/03, draft Council Regulation amending the Staff Regulations of officials and the Conditions of Employment of other servants of the European Communities; supports the Government's view that this is a major step in the Commission's reform programme in establishing a modernised human resources policy for the European Union institutions; and welcomes the adoption of the new Staff Regulations in promoting merit, efficiency, staff development and providing for significant long-term savings in the European Union budget.
Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Prevention of Homelessness Bill,—The Order for reading the Prevention of Homelessness Bill a second time on Friday 16th July was read and discharged. |
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 15th October.
| 3 | Food Justice Strategies Bill,—Alan Simpson, supported by Mr David Amess, Mr Don Foster, Mr Simon Thomas, Dr Ian Gibson, Mr David Drew and Dr Howard Stoate, presented a Bill to require the Secretary of State and the National Assembly for Wales to draw up and implement strategies to promote food justice and to eradicate food poverty; to specify certain matters that shall be considered in the strategies; and for related purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 15th October and to be printed [Bill 125]. |
| 4 | Cinemas (Rural Areas),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision about cinemas in rural areas: And that Mr David Rendel, Mr Don Foster, Sue Doughty, Andrew George, Sandra Gidley, Mr Phil Willis, Nick Harvey, John Mann, Jane Griffiths, Derek Wyatt, Hugh Bayley and Mr David Curry do prepare and bring it in. |
| 5 | Cinemas (Rural Areas) Bill,—Mr David Rendel accordingly presented a Bill to make provision about cinemas in rural areas: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 15th October and to be printed [Bill 126]. |
| 6 | Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill [Lords] [Ways and Means],—Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill [Lords], it is expedient to authorise the payment into the Consolidated Fund of any amounts recovered in respect of payments made under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.—(Paul Goggins.) |
| 7 | Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund,—Ordered, That Mr Barry Gardiner be discharged as a Managing Trustee of the Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund and Mr Tony Colman be appointed as a Managing Trustee in pursuance of section 1 of the Parliamentary and other Pensions Act 1987.—(Mr Phil Woolas.) |
| 8 | House of Commons Members' Fund,—Ordered, That Mr Barry Gardiner be discharged as a Managing Trustee of the House of Commons Members' Fund and Mr Tony Colman be appointed as a Managing Trustee in pursuance of section 2 of the House of Commons Members' Fund Act 1939.—(Mr Phil Woolas.) |
| 9 | Higher Education Bill (Programme) (No. 5),—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 Higher Education Bill for the purpose of supplementing the Orders of 27th January 2004 and 31st March 2004: |
1. Proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion three hours after their commencement at this day's sitting.
2. Those proceedings shall be taken in the order shown in the first column of the following Table, and each part of those proceedings shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the time shown in the second column.
| Lords Amendments | Time for conclusion of proceedings |
| Amendments Nos. 5, 15 to 20, 22 to 24 | One hour after the commencement of proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments |
| Amendments Nos. 3, 4, 2, 6 to 8, 13, 9 to 12, 14, 1, 21, 25 to 27 | Three hours after the commencement of those proceedings
|
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Subsequent stages
3. Any further Message from the Lords may be considered forthwith without any further question being put.
4. 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—(Gillian Merron);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Bridget Prentice, Gillian Merron: 267.
Tellers for the Noes, Gregory Barker, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 140.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 10 | Higher Education Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Higher Education Bill. |
Lords Amendment No. 5.
A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Alan Johnson);
And it being one hour after the commencement of proceedings on consideration of the Lords Amendments, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [this day]:—It was agreed to.
The Lords Amendments was accordingly disagreed to.
The Deputy Speaker then put the remaining Questions necessary to dispose of the business to be concluded at that hour.
Lords Amendment No. 20.
Amendments ((a) and (b)) were made to the Lords Amendment.
The Lords Amendment, as amended, was agreed to, the Commons being willing to waive their privileges.
Lords Amendment No. 23.
An Amendment ((a)) was made to the Lords Amendment.
The Lords Amendment, as amended, was agreed to.
Lords Amendment No. 15.
A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Derek Twigg);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Nick Ainger, Gillian Merron: 309.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Gregory Barker: 149.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.
Lords Amendment No. 16 was disagreed to.
Lords Amendment No. 17.
A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Nick Ainger, Gillian Merron: 312.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Gregory Barker: 164.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.
Lords Amendment No. 19 was disagreed to.
Lords Amendments Nos. 18, 22 and 24 were agreed to.
Lords Amendment No. 3 was disagreed to.
Amendments ((a) and (b)) were made to the Bill, in lieu of Lords Amendment No. 3 disagreed to.
Lords Amendment No. 4.
A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Alan Johnson);
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And it being three hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Lords Amendments, the Deputy Speaker put the Question.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Bridget Prentice, Mr Vernon Coaker: 291.
Tellers for the Noes, Gregory Barker, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 194.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.
The Deputy Speaker then put the remaining Questions necessary to dispose of the business to be concluded at that hour.
Lords Amendment No. 2.
A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Bridget Prentice, Mr Vernon Coaker: 302.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Gregory Barker: 187.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.
Lords Amendments Nos. 1, 6 to 14, 21 and 25 to 27 were agreed to.
A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Orders [28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 (Programming of Bills)], That a Committee be appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendments Nos. 2, 4, 5, 15 to 17 and 19;
That Chris Grayling, Alan Johnson, Mr Bob Laxton, Derek Twigg and Mr Phil Willis be members of the Committee;
That Alan Johnson be Chairman of the Committee;
That three be the Quorum of the Committee;
That the Committee do withdraw immediately—(Derek Twigg):—It was agreed to.
| 11 | Criminal Law,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (Amendment) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 12th May, be approved—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to. |
| 12 | Government Resources and Accounts,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Audit of Health Service Bodies) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 7th June, be approved—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to. |
| 13 | Government Resources and Accounts,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Audit of Public Bodies) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 7th June, be approved—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to. |
| 14 | Urban Development,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (Area and Constitution) Order 2004, dated 6th May, a copy of which was laid before this House on 11th May, be approved—(Mr Nick Ainger); |
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Paul Clark, Bridget Prentice: 294.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Roger Williams, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 163.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 15 | Marketing of Maize Genetically Modified for Glyphosate Tolerance,—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. 8235/04, draft Council Decision concerning the placing on the market, in accordance with Directive 2001/18/EC, of a maize product (Zea mays L Line NK603) genetically modified for glyphosate tolerance; and supports the Government's view that Monsanto's NK603 maize, to be used as any other maize but excluding cultivation, meets the necessary requirements for authorisation under Directive 2001/18/EC—(Mr Nick Ainger); |
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The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Paul Clark, Bridget Prentice: 282.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Roger Williams, Richard Younger-Ross: 66.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 16 | Higher Education Bill,—Alan Johnson reported from the Committee appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to certain of their Amendments to the Higher Education Bill, That it had drawn up the following Reasons, which it had directed him to report to the House: |
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendments No. 2 for the following Reason:
Because any special assistance for students on longer courses is better targeted through grants, loans and bursaries.
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 4 for the following Reason:
Because it involves a charge on public funds, and the Commons do not offer any further Reason, trusting that this Reason may be deemed sufficient.
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 5 for the following Reason:
Because the recruitment code of the Civil Service Commissioners is not appropriate to the appointment of the Director of Fair Access to Higher Education.
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 15 for the following Reason:
Because it is desirable to require separate plans for the purposes of the fees provisions and to require those plans to be approved only by the relevant authority in accordance with regulations.
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 16 for the following Reason:
Because it is inappropriate to confer a regulation-making power on the Higher Education Funding Council for England or the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales.
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 17 for the following Reason:
Because it is desirable that the Director of Fair Access to Higher Education should have power to enforce the general provisions of an English approved plan.
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendments No. 19 for the following Reason:
Because it is desirable that the relevant authority in relation to Wales should have power to enforce the general provisions of a Welsh approved plan.
The Reasons were agreed to.
Message to the Lords, to communicate the said Reasons, together with the Bill and Amendments.
| 17 | Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from— |
(1) residents of the Isle of Wight and others against the proposed closure of Shanklin Jobcentre, and
(2) Martin Ball for an inquiry into the treatment of the history of the reign of King George III
were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
| 18 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Nick Ainger.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till eight minutes past Six o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 6.08 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Transport,—British Transport Police (Police Services Agreement) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1522), dated 21st June 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
Other Papers:
| 2 | Defence,—Ministry of Defence Minute, dated 23rd June 2004, concerning the gifting of Non-Lethal Military Equipment to the Government of Sierra Leone [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. |
| 3 | Government Trading Funds,—Report and Accounts of ABRO for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 590] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. |
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| 4 | Legal Aid, Advice and Assistance,—Report of the Northern Ireland Court Service on Legal Aid in Northern Ireland in 2002–03, with the Report of the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Legal Aid in Northern Ireland thereon [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 675] [Mr David Lammy]. |
| 5 | Race Relations,—Accounts of the Commission for Racial Equality for 2002–03, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 736] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 6 | Treaty Series (No. 22, 2004),—Agreement, done at Copenhagen on 27th May 1998, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Czech Republic on International Road Transport [Cm. 6246] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 7 | Treaty Series (No. 23, 2004),—Agreement, done at Prague on 30th May 2000, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Slovenia on International Road Transport [Cm. 6247] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 8 | Treaty Series (No. 24, 2004),—Agreement, done at Bratislava on 11th January 2001, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Slovak Republic on International Road Transport [Cm. 6248] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Public Audit (Wales) Bill [Lords]: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee D; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Nick Ainger, Mr Martin Caton, Dr Hywel Francis, Mr Dai Havard, Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger, Ian Lucas, Diana Organ, Mr Andrew Robathan, Chris Ruane, Jim Sheridan, Mr Hugo Swire, Mark Tami, Mr Don Touhig, Mr Bill Wiggin, Hywel Williams and Mr Roger Williams.
| 2 | Health Protection Agency Bill [Lords]: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee F; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Adrian Bailey, Kevin Brennan, Mr Paul Burstow, Mr Mark Francois, Mr Mike Hall, Mr George Howarth, Miss Melanie Johnson, Mr Peter Lilley, Siobhain McDonagh, Rosemary McKenna, Patrick Mercer, Dr Andrew Murrison, Joan Ryan, Sarah Teather, Claire Ward and David Wright.
| 3 | Draft Transport Act 2000 (Consequential 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 Crispin Blunt, Mr William Cash, Ann Coffey, Mr David Crausby, Mr Ian Davidson, Mr Huw Edwards, Mr Roger Godsiff, Mr Kelvin Hopkins, Mr Greg Knight, Mr Tony McNulty, Mr Paul Marsden, Gillian Merron, Dr Doug Naysmith, Jonathan Shaw, John Thurso and Mr David Wilshire.
| 4 | Draft Stansted Airport Aircraft Movement Limit (Revocation) Order 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr David Borrow, Ms Karen Buck, Mr Christopher Chope, Mr Iain Coleman, Mr Frank Field, Mr John Greenway, Helen Jackson, Mr Tony McNulty, Mr Paul Marsden, Gillian Merron, Clare Short, Mr Clive Soley, John Thurso, Mr Michael Trend, Mr David Wilshire and Derek Wyatt.
| 5 | Draft Rights of Re-Entry and Forfeiture (Prescribed Sum and Period) (England) Regulations 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Ronnie Campbell, Paul Clark, Mr Michael Connarty, Yvette Cooper, Mr Edward Davey, Mr Brian H. Donohoe, Mr Nick Gibb, Mr Brian Jenkins, Lynne Jones, Mr Michael Mates, Mr Terry Rooney, Mr Graham Stringer, Mr Hugo Swire, Mr Robert Syms, Mr Shaun Woodward and Richard Younger-Ross.
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| 6 | Draft Discharge of Fines by Unpaid Work (Prescribed Hourly Sum) Regulations 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr David Atkinson, Mr Clive Betts, Mrs Anne Campbell, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Geraint Davies, Mr Dominic Grieve, Mr David Heath, Mr Christopher Leslie, Mrs Helen Liddell, Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews, Mr Austin Mitchell, Bridget Prentice, Mr John Redwood, John Robertson, Bob Russell and Mr John Smith.
| 7 | Draft Courts Act 2003 (Consequential Amendments) Order 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Graham Allen, Mr Alistair Carmichael, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Geraint Davies, Mr Jonathan Djanogly, Mr Frank Dobson, Paul Flynn, Mr David Heath, Kate Hoey, Mr Edward Leigh, Mr Christopher Leslie, Mr Michael Meacher, Bridget Prentice, Mr Ernie Ross, Mr Marsha Singh and Mr Ian Taylor.
| 8 | Draft Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 and the draft Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Orders to the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Nick Ainger, John Austin, Norman Baker, Virginia Bottomley, Mr Ben Bradshaw, Mr Stephen Byers, Jeremy Corbyn, Sue Doughty, Jim Dowd, Mr James Gray, Alan Keen, Tony Lloyd, Mr John Maples, Mr Alan Meale, Dr Nick Palmer and Mr David Wilshire.
| 9 | Draft Tobacco Advertising and Promotion (Brandsharing) Regulations 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Kevin Barron, Mr Nicholas Brown, Mr Paul Burstow, Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas, Mr Tam Dalyell, Mr Nigel Evans, Mr Mark Francois, Mr John Horam, Dr Brian Iddon, Miss Melanie Johnson, Tim Loughton, Mr Andy Reed, Joan Ryan, Geraldine Smith, Claire Ward and Pete Wishart.
European Standing Committees
| 10 | European Union Documents No. 9317/04 relating to approximation, mutual recognition and enforcement of criminal sanctions, has been referred to European Standing Committee B. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Defence,—(1) Fifth Report from the Defence Committee [The Defence White Paper 2003]; 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. 465]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee [Iraq]; to be printed [No. 721-i]
[Mr Peter Viggers].
| 2 | Draft Charities Bill,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on the Draft Charities Bill; to be printed [No. 660-v]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 660-vi]
[Mr Alan Milburn].
| 3 | Education and Skills,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education and Skills Committee [UK eUniversity]; to be printed [No. 755-i]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [International Education]; to be printed [No. 647-ii]
[Mr Barry Sheerman].
| 4 | Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee [Housing: Building a Sustainable Future?]; to be printed [No. 709-ii] [Mr Peter Ainsworth]. |
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| 5 | European Scrutiny,—Twenty-fourth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 42-xxiv] [Mr Michael Connarty]. |
| 6 | Joint Committees (Choice of Chairman),—Mr John Greenway reported from the Committee appointed to join with a Committee of the Lords as the Joint Committee on the Draft Gambling Bill (Regional Casinos), that he had been chosen Chairman of the Joint Committee. |
| 7 | 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-ii] [Mr Peter Hain]. |
| 8 | Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee [Local Government revenue]; to be printed [No. 402-v] [Andrew Bennett]. |
| 9 | Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [London Underground: Are the Public Private Partnerships likely to work successfully? and London Underground PPP: Were they good deals?]; to be printed [No. 783-i] [Mr Alan Williams]. |
| 10 | Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [Human reproductive technologies and the law]; to be printed [No. 599-ii] [Dr Ian Gibson]. |
| 11 | Transport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Committee [Tonnage Tax]; to be printed [No. 738-i] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody]. |
| 12 | Treasury,—(1) Sixth Special Report from the Treasury Committee [Supplementary Government Response to the First Report from the Committee, Transparency of Credit Card Charges]; to be printed [No. 761]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Restoring confidence in long-term savings]; to be printed [No. 71-xi]
[Mr John McFall].
| 13 | Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee (enlarged by the Economic Development and Transport Committee, National Assembly for Wales) [Draft Transport (Wales) Bill]; to be printed [No. 759-i] [Mr Martyn Jones]. |
| 14 | Work and Pensions,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Work and Pensions Committee [Service Delivery to Minority Ethnic Customers]; to be printed [No. 665-ii] [Sir Archy Kirkwood]. |
[No. 107; WH, No. 66]
Wednesday 23rd June 2004.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Nine o'clock.
| Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Jim Murphy.) |
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 5.51 p.m.
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[No. 108.] Thursday 24th June 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Leicester South Writ,—Ordered, That the Speaker do issue his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown, to make out a new Writ for the electing of a Member to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough Constituency of Leicester South in the room of James Marshall Esquire, deceased.—(Hilary Armstrong.) |
| 2 | Birmingham, Hodge Hill,—Ordered, That the Speaker do issue his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown, to make out a new Writ for the electing of a Member to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough Constituency of Birmingham, Hodge Hill in the room of the Right honourable Terence Anthony Gordon Davis, who since his election for the said Borough Constituency has accepted the Office of Steward or Bailiff of Her Majesty's Three Chiltern Hundreds of Stoke, Desborough and Burnham, in the county of Buckingham.—(Hilary Armstrong.) |
| 3 | Finance Bill,—Sir John Butterfill reported from Standing Committee A, That it had gone through the Finance Bill (except Clauses Nos. 4, 5, 20, 28, 57 to 77, 86, 111 and 282 to 289 and Schedules Nos. 1, 3, 11, 12, 21 and 37 to 39), and made Amendments thereunto. |
Bill, as amended in the Committee and in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 127].
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 792].
| 4 | Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Peter Pike reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers, etc.) Order 2004, the draft Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2004 and the draft Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 5 | Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Nigel Beard reported from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Maximum Number of Judges (Northern Ireland) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 6 | Estimates Day [3rd allotted day],—The House proceeded, pursuant to Resolution [21st June], to consider the Estimate appointed for consideration under Standing Order No. 145 (Liaison Committee). |
Estimates, 2004–05 (Department for Transport),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That, for the year ending with 31st March 2005, for expenditure by the Department for Transport—
(1) further resources, not exceeding £5,665,964,000, be authorised for use as set out in House of Commons Paper No. 466,
(2) a further sum, not exceeding £5,144,950,000, be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to meet the costs as so set out, and
(3) limits as so set out be set on appropriations in aid—(Joan Ryan);
And it being Six o'clock, the Deputy Speaker, pursuant to paragraph (5) of Standing Order No. 54 (Consideration of estimates), put the Question:—It was agreed to.
| 7 | Estimates, 2004–05,—The Deputy Speaker then put the Question required to be put, pursuant to paragraph (1) of Standing Order No. 55 (Questions on voting of estimates, &c.). |
Estimates, 2004–05
Resolved, That, for the year ending with 31st March 2005—
(1) further resources, not exceeding £195,591,528,000, be authorised for use for defence and civil services as set out in House of Commons Papers Nos. 466, 467, 468 and 469,
(2) a further sum, not exceeding £177,378,551,000, be granted to Her Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund to meet the costs of defence and civil services as so set out, and
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(3) limits as set out in House of Commons Papers Nos. 466, 468 and 469 be set on appropriations in aid.
Ordered, That a Bill be brought in upon the foregoing Resolutions: And that the Chairman of Ways and Means, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Paul Boateng, Dawn Primarolo, Ruth Kelly and John Healey do prepare and bring it in.
| 8 | Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) Bill,—Ruth Kelly accordingly presented a Bill to authorise the use of resources for the service of the year ending with 31st March 2005 and to apply certain sums out of the Consolidated Fund to the service of the year ending with 31st March 2005; to appropriate the supply authorised in this Session of Parliament; and to repeal certain Consolidated Fund and Appropriation Acts: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Monday 28th June and to be printed [Bill 121]. |
| 9 | Establishing a European Defence Agency,—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 the unnumbered explanatory memorandum of 26th May 2004 from the Ministry of Defence on the Council Joint Action on the establishment of a European Defence Agency; endorses the Government's support for the Council Joint Action to create the European Defence Agency and its swift implementation; and supports the Government's wider aims in seeking a key role for the Agency in the development of European Union military capabilities—(Charlotte Atkins):—It was agreed to. |
| 10 | Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Tuesday 29th June,— |
(1) proceedings on the Motion for the adjournment of the House relating to London schools may continue for three hours or until Four o'clock, whichever is the later, and shall then lapse if not previously disposed of; and
(2) the Speaker shall put the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the Motion in the name of Mr Edward Leigh relating to Public Accounts not later than Seven o'clock or three hours after their commencement, whichever is the later; proceedings may continue after the moment of interruption; and the Orders of the House of 28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 relating to deferred Divisions shall not apply.—(Charlotte Atkins.)
| 11 | Animals,—Ordered, That the Horse Passports (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1397), dated 19th May 2004, be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Charlotte Atkins.) |
| 12 | Public Petitions,—Public Petitions— |
(1) from residents of St Albans, Hertfordshire, for a new acute hospital and centre of excellence to serve St Albans; and
(2) from residents of Rossendale, Lancashire, for provision for the protection of pets, and for the return of stolen pets to their rightful owners
were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
| 13 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Charlotte Atkins.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-seven minutes to Seven o'clock, adjourned till Monday 28th June.
[Adjourned at 6.33 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Devolution,—(1) Draft Regional Assembly and Local Government Referendums (Counting Officers' Charges) Order 2004, |
(2) draft Regional Assembly and Local Government Referendums (Expenses Limits for Permitted Participants) Order 2004, and
(3) draft Regional Assembly and Local Government Referendums Order 2004
[by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
| 2 | Local Government (Wales),—Draft Regulatory Reform (Local Commissioner for Wales) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Peter Hain]. |
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| 3 | Northern Ireland,—(1) Draft Age-Related Payments (Northern Ireland) Order 2004, and |
(2) draft Solicitors (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004
[by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Mr Secretary Murphy].
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 4 | Financial Services and Markets,—(1) Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1610), and |
(2) Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Transitional Provisions) (Complaints Relating to General Insurance and Mortgages) (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1609)
dated 24th June 2004 [by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda [by Command] [Ruth Kelly].
Other Papers:
| 5 | Government Resources and Accounts (Northern Ireland),—General Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland, on Financial Auditing and Reporting: 2002–03 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 673] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 6 | Government Trading Funds,—Report and Accounts of the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 621] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 7 | Health,—Government Response to the Second Report of the Health Committee, Session 2003–04, on Elder Abuse [by Command] [Cm. 6270] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 8 | National Health Service,—(1) Paper, entitled The NHS Improvement Plan: Putting People at the Heart of Public Services [by Command] [Cm. 6268], and |
(2) Statement of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 2nd June 2004 on loans proposed to be raised by Gateshead Health National Health Service Trust [by Act]
[Mr Secretary Reid].
| 9 | Transport,—Government Response to the Eighth Report of the Transport Committee, Session 2003–04, on School Transport [by Command] [Cm. 6254] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Public Audit (Wales) Bill [Lords],—The Speaker has appointed Mr Win Griffiths Chairman of Standing Committee D in respect of the Bill. |
| 2 | Public Audit (Wales) Bill [Lords] (Programming Sub-Committee),—The Speaker has appointed Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Nick Ainger, Dr Hywel Francis, Chris Ruane, Mr Don Touhig, Mr Bill Wiggin and Mr Roger Williams members of the Programming Sub-Committee of Standing Committee D in respect of the Bill. |
| 3 | Health Protection Agency Bill [Lords],—The Speaker has appointed Mrs Irene Adams and Mr Eric Forth Chairmen of Standing Committee F in respect of the Bill. |
| 4 | Health Protection Agency Bill [Lords] (Programming Sub-Committee),—The Speaker has appointed Mr Paul Burstow, Mr Mark Francois, Mr George Howarth, Miss Melanie Johnson, Dr Andrew Murrison, Joan Ryan and Claire Ward members of the Programming Sub-Committee of Standing Committee F in respect of the Bill. |
| 5 | Draft Transport Act 2000 (Consequential Amendment) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Alan Hurst Chairman of the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order. |
| 6 | Draft Stansted Airport Aircraft Movement Limit (Revocation) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Nigel Beard Chairman of the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order. |
| 7 | Draft Rights of Re-Entry and Forfeiture (Prescribed Sum and Period) (England) Regulations 2004,—The Speaker has appointed David Taylor Chairman of the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Regulations. |
| 8 | Draft Discharge of Fines by Unpaid Work (Prescribed Hourly Sum) Regulations 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr David Amess Chairman of the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Regulations. |
Page 406 Thursday 24th June 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
| 9 | Draft Courts Act 2003 (Consequential Amendment) Order 2003,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Alan Hurst Chairman of the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order. |
| 10 | Draft Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 and draft Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Eric Illsley Chairman of the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Orders. |
| 11 | Draft Maximum Number of Judges (Northern Ireland) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ms Gisela Stuart from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Gordon Prentice. |
European Standing Committees
| 12 | The Speaker has appointed Mr Roger Gale Chairman of European Standing Committee B in respect of European Union Document, UEM on the Preliminary Draft Budget 2005. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee [The Sustainable Development Strategy: illusion or reality?]; to be printed [No. 624-iii] [Mr Peter Ainsworth]. |
| 2 | Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee [GP Out of Hours Services]; to be printed [No. 697-i] [Mr David Hinchliffe]. |
| 3 | Human Rights,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on Human Rights on 23rd June [Children Bill]; to be printed [No. 537-ii] [Jean Corston]. |
| 4 | Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on 23rd June [Waste Management Strategy in Northern Ireland]; to be printed [No. 637-iii] [Mr Tony Clarke]. |
| 5 | Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [Bank of England May 2004 Inflation Report]; to be printed [No. 656-ii] [Mr John McFall]. |
| 6 | Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee (enlarged by the Economic Development and Transport Committee, National Assembly for Wales) [Draft Transport (Wales) Bill]; to be printed [No. 759-ii and -iii] [Mr Martyn Jones]. |
[No. 108; WH, No. 67]
Thursday 24th June 2004.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock.
| Adjournment (Too little too late? Government Investment in Nanotechnology—Fifth Report from the Science and Technology Committee, Session 2003–04, and the Government's response thereto),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Charlotte Atkins.) |
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 29th June.
[Adjourned at 4.49 p.m.
|
