| Commons Journal 260
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II
Page 423 2003-2004 Volume 260
[No. 113.] Monday 5th July 2004.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Kevin Hughes reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Landfill (Scheme Year and Maximum Landfill Amount) Regulations 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Peter Pike reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Dangerous Wild Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
The Lords agree to the Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) Bill, without Amendment.
Civil Partnership Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to make provision for and in connection with civil partnership, to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
University of Wales, Cardiff Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to dissolve the University of Wales College of Medicine; to transfer all rights, properties and liabilities of the said College to the University of Wales, Cardiff; to make provision as to the funds held by or on behalf of the University of Wales, Cardiff; and for connected and other purposes, to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
| 4 | Civil Partnership Bill [Lords],—The Civil Partnership Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 132]. |
Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Civil Partnership Bill [Lords] be printed [Bill 132–EN].
| 5 | University of Wales, Cardiff Bill [Lords],—The University of Wales, Cardiff Bill [Lords] was read the first time. |
Bill referred to the Examiners of Petitions for Private Bills.
| 6 | Foundation for Unclaimed Assets Bill,—Mr Frank Field, supported by Mr Jon Owen Jones, Derek Wyatt, Kevin Brennan, Mr David Willetts, Mr Nigel Waterson, Steve Webb, Annabelle Ewing, Sandra Osborne, The Reverend Martin Smyth, Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson and Adam Price, presented a Bill to establish the Foundation for Unclaimed Assets and make provision as to its functions: 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 131]. |
| 7 | Opposition Day [15th 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. |
Postal Services,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes the failure of Royal Mail plc to deliver first and second class mail reliably and on time and regrets the damage this is doing to businesses and private customers alike; notes with particular dismay the threatened closure in Leicester of the Knighton Church Road Post Office, Knighton, and the East Park Road Post Office, Spinney Hills; calls on the Government to end the uncertainty facing the future of rural post offices as a result of the Government's refusal to announce further funding until after 2006; deplores the inadequate consultation procedure of the Urban Reinvention Programme despite the Government's recent announcement to review urgently the arrangements for the consultation currently employed; expresses continued concern about the Government's implementation of the different Direct Payment options which has caused significant problems particularly for elderly and disabled customers in Stechford, Shard End and Hodge Hill in Birmingham; condemns the Government for its failure adequately to promote the take-up of Post Office Card Accounts; and further calls on the Government to provide more details on the implementation of the Exceptions Service—(Michael Fabricant);
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 ‘supports the Government's strategy for a viable Post Office network; welcomes the delivery by Royal Mail of 93 per cent. of first class letters the next day in the first half of 2003–04; shares the Government's disappointment over the drop in performance since then, which rightly falls short of customers' expectations; calls on Royal Mail and the unions to work together to improve the quality of service; notes that the closure of any post office is
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regrettable but supports the Government's view that, without rationalisation, unplanned closures would continue, leaving damaging gaps in the network; supports the Government's commitment to ensure that at least 95 per cent. of the urban population will live within one mile of their nearest post office; supports the Government's commitment to ensure funding of rural post offices until at least 2006; welcomes the changes to the urban reinvention consultation process and the extension of the consultation process from four to six weeks; supports the Government's move to Direct Payment and welcomes the fact that already more than half of customers are getting their benefits, pensions and tax credits paid straight into accounts, of which 3.2 million are Post Office card accounts; notes that the Opposition wasted millions of pounds of taxpayers' money on the Benefit Payment Card scheme; supports the facility for those who cannot be paid through an account, particularly the most vulnerable older people, to receive a cheque payment; and recognises that change was needed and congratulates the Government for its strong, decisive action', instead thereof.—(Mr Stephen Timms.)
And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mark Francois, Hugh Robertson: 163.
Tellers for the Noes, Gillian Merron, Mr Vernon Coaker: 253.
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 supports the Government's strategy for a viable Post Office network; welcomes the delivery by Royal Mail of 93 per cent. of first class letters the next day in the first half of 2003–04; shares the Government's disappointment over the drop in performance since then, which rightly falls short of customers' expectations; calls on Royal Mail and the unions to work together to improve the quality of service; notes that the closure of any post office is regrettable but supports the Government's view that, without rationalisation, unplanned closures would continue, leaving damaging gaps in the network; supports the Government's commitment to ensure that at least 95 per cent. of the urban population will live within one mile of their nearest post office; supports the Government's commitment to ensure funding of rural post offices until at least 2006; welcomes the changes to the urban reinvention consultation process and the extension of the consultation process from four to six weeks; supports the Government's move to Direct Payment and welcomes the fact that already more than half of customers are getting their benefits, pensions and tax credits paid straight into accounts, of which 3.2 million are Post Office card accounts; notes that the Opposition wasted millions of pounds of taxpayers' money on the Benefit Payment Card scheme; supports the facility for those who cannot be paid through an account, particularly the most vulnerable older people, to receive a cheque payment; and recognises that change was needed and congratulates the Government for its strong, decisive action.
Personal Indebtedness and Savings,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes that household indebtedness has now reached £1 trillion; is concerned that the household savings rate has halved since 1997; and believes that the Government, through the extension of dependency on means-tested benefits in retirement, its attack on the tax advantages of savings vehicles, and its £5 billion a year raid on pension funds, has diminished incentives to save—(Mr Oliver Letwin);
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 ‘believes that a strong and stable economy is the foundation of families' confidence in their own finances; notes that economic stability has delivered low and stable inflation, interest rates have been at their lowest since the 1950s, employment is at a record high and unemployment at its lowest since the 1970s; further notes that as a result households are better able to judge their long-term commitments as macroeconomic stability has reduced the risks to household finances of sudden and sharp rises in interest rates as seen in the past; believes that the Government has tackled the scandals it inherited and created a world leading system of financial regulation allowing people to save with confidence, simplified savings markets allowing people to make informed choices about what and how to save and taken action to tackle financial exclusion; recognises that most household debt remains affordable and that total interest payments are now 7.6 per cent. of disposal income compared with 15 per cent. in 1990; believes the biggest risk to household finances and consumer confidence would be a return to economic instability; and rejects the short-term boom and bust economic policies of the past that saw interest rates hit 15 per cent. and inflation hit 10 per cent. in which circumstances households had to save more to make up for the loss of value of their savings due to inflation and prepare in the event of becoming unemployed', instead thereof.—(Mr Paul Boateng.)
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And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;
Mr Peter Luff rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put.
And the Question being put, That the Question be now put:—It was agreed to.
And the Question being accordingly put;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Hugh Robertson, Mr Mark Francois: 165.
Tellers for the Noes, Joan Ryan, Margaret Moran: 269.
So the Question was negatived.
And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Joan Ryan, Margaret Moran: 264.
Tellers for the Noes, Hugh Robertson, Mr Mark Francois: 162.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.
Resolved, That this House believes that a strong and stable economy is the foundation of families' confidence in their own finances; notes that economic stability has delivered low and stable inflation, interest rates have been at their lowest since the 1950s, employment is at a record high and unemployment at its lowest since the 1970s; further notes that as a result households are better able to judge their long-term commitments as macroeconomic stability has reduced the risks to household finances of sudden and sharp rises in interest rates as seen in the past; believes that the Government has tackled the scandals it inherited and created a world leading system of financial regulation allowing people to save with confidence, simplified savings markets allowing people to make informed choices about what and how to save and taken action to tackle financial exclusion; recognises that most household debt remains affordable and that total interest payments are now 7.6 per cent. of disposal income compared with 15 per cent. in 1990; believes the biggest risk to household finances and consumer confidence would be a return to economic instability; and rejects the short-term boom and bust economic policies of the past that saw interest rates hit 15 per cent. and inflation hit 10 per cent. in which circumstances households had to save more to make up for the loss of value of their savings due to inflation and prepare in the event of becoming unemployed.
| 8 | Landlord and Tenant,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Rights of Re-entry and Forfeiture (Prescribed Sum and Period) (England) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 7th June, be approved—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to. |
| 9 | Civil Aviation,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Stansted Airport Aircraft Movement Limit (Revocation) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 8th June, be approved—(Mr Nick Ainger); |
And the Deputy Speaker's opinion as to the decision of the Question being challenged, the Division was deferred till Wednesday 7th July, pursuant to Orders [28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 (Deferred divisions)].
| 10 | 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 Discharge of Fines by Unpaid Work (Prescribed Hourly Sum) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 10th June, be approved—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to. |
| 11 | Preliminary Draft Budget 2005,—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 from HM Treasury dated 11th May 2004 relating to the Preliminary Draft General Budget of the European Communities for the financial year 2005; and supports the Government's efforts to maintain budget discipline in the Community—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to. |
| 12 | Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from— |
(1) residents of Wilmslow, Cheshire, and the surrounding area against plans by Tesco to close the Finney Green Post Office; and
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(2) the congregation of St Edward's Roman Catholic Church in Romford, Essex, against the threatened closure of Romford's post offices
were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
| 13 | Adjournment,—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 Ten o'clock, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then two minutes past Eleven o'clock, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 11.02 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 2nd July 2004 pursuant to Standing Order No. 158 (Presentation of command papers):
| 1 | Treaty Series (No. 25, 2004),—Protocol, adopted at Kingston on 27th March 1998, on the Privileges and Immunities of the International Seabed Authority [Cm. 6260] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 2nd July 2004 pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Environmental Protection,—Passenger Car (Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emissions Information) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1661), dated 29th June 2004, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 5th July 2004:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 3 | Family Law,—Draft Child Support (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 4 | Food,—Charges for Inspections and Controls (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1697), dated 5th July 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 5 | Plant Health,—The Plant Health (Export Certification) (Forestry) (Great Britain) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1684), dated 30th June 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 6 | Social Security,—Back to Work Bonus (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1655), dated 28th June 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Smith]. |
| 7 | Terms and Conditions of Employment,—Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government, etc.) (Modification) (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No.1682), dated 30th June 2004 [by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
Other Papers:
| 8 | Courts and Legal Services,—Report and Financial Statement of the Legal Services Ombudsman for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 729] [Mr David Lammy]. |
| 9 | Government Resources and Accounts,—Report and Resource Accounts of the Office of Fair Trading for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 739] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 10 | Government Trading Funds,—Report and Accounts of HM Land Registry for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 753] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 11 | Home Office,—Home Office Departmental Minute concerning a contingent liability for the provision of an indemnity in respect of new detection technology (NDT), the structures housing it, and to the operators of NDT [by Command] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 12 | Housing,—Reports and Accounts of Tower Hamlets Housing Action Trust for 2003–04 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
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| 13 | New Roads and Street Works,—Annual Report to Parliament for 2003 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 14 | Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Transport on the Petition [16th June] from residents of Faversham, Kent, and supporters of Kingsfield Traffic Action Group for traffic calming measures and a 20 mph speed limit in parts of Kingsfield, Faversham [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House]. |
| 15 | Public Works Loans,—Report of the Public Works Loan Board for 2003–04 [by Act] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 16 | Standards and Privileges,—Report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards for 2003–04 [by Standing Order]; to be printed [No. 716] [Clerk of the House]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Dangerous Wild Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Colin Burgon from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Anthony D. Wright. |
| 2 | Draft Social Security (Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance) Amendment Regulations 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr George Foulkes from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations) and nominated in substitution Mr Peter Kilfoyle. |
| 3 | Draft Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Designation of Public Authorities) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ann Winterton from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Peter Lilley. |
| 4 | Draft Contracting Out (Functions relating to Broadcast Advertising) and Specification of Relevant Functions Order 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has appointed Sir Nicholas Winterton Chairman of the Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order in place of Mr Peter Pike; and
(2) The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown from the Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr John Randall.
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | International Development,—(1) Fourth Special Report from the International Development Committee [Government Response to the Committee's Fourth Report, on Kenya: DFID's Country Assistance Plan 2004–07 and progress towards the Millennium Development Goals]; to be printed [No. 857]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [DFID's bilateral programme of assistance to India]; to be printed [No. 692-ii]
[Tony Baldry].
| 2 | Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [Beagle 2]; to be printed [No. 711-i] [Dr Ian Gibson]. |
| 3 | Transport,—Fifteenth Report from the Transport Committee [Financial Protection for Air Travellers]; to be printed, together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 806-I] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody]. |
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[No. 114.] Tuesday 6th July 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | University of Manchester Bill [Lords],—A Motion being made, That the University of Manchester Bill [Lords] be now read the third time; |
The Chairman of Ways and Means, by Her Majesty's Command, acquainted the House, that Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, gives her consent, as far as Her Majesty's prerogative and interest is concerned, That the House may do therein as it shall think fit.
And the Question being put:—It was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed, without Amendment.
| 2 | Medway Council Bill,—The Medway Council Bill was read the third time, and passed. |
| 3 | Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill [Lords],—Dame Marion Roe reported from Standing Committee E, That it had gone through the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill [Lords], and made Amendments thereunto. |
Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 134].
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 867].
| 4 | Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Eric Illsley reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Social Security (Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance) Amendment Regulations 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 5 | Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bill O'Brien reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Solicitors (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 6 | Welsh Grand Committee,—Mr Win Griffiths reported from the Welsh Grand Committee, That it had considered the matter of the Report of the Richard Commission, referred to it on 26th May. |
| 7 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
The Lords have agreed to the Gangmasters (Licensing) Bill, without Amendment.
Statute Law (Repeals) Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to promote the reform of the statute law by the repeal, in accordance with recommendations of the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission, of certain enactments which (except in so far as their effect is preserved) are no longer of practical utility, and to make other provision in connection with the repeal of those enactments; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
| 8 | Statute Law (Repeals) Bill [Lords],—The Statute Law (Repeals) Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 135]. |
| 9 | Buses (Concessionary Fares),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision about concessionary fares on buses for elderly persons: And that Mr Michael Foster, Peter Bradley, Mr Alan Campbell, Mrs Janet Dean, Mr Parmjit Dhanda, Mr David Drew and Mr James Plaskitt do prepare and bring it in. |
| 10 | Buses (Concessionary Fares) Bill,—Mr Michael Foster accordingly presented a Bill to make provision about concessionary fares on buses for elderly persons: 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 133]. |
| 11 | Business of the House,—Ordered, That, notwithstanding the practice of the House as to the intervals between stages of Bills brought in upon Ways and Means Resolutions, more than one stage of the Finance Bill may be taken at any sitting of the House.—(Dawn Primarolo.) |
| 12 | Finance Bill [Ways and Means],—Rent factoring of leases of plant or machinery,—Resolved, That provision may be made in the Finance Bill for the purposes of income tax and corporation tax in relation to arrangements for the transfer of a person's right to receive rentals under a lease of plant or machinery.—(Dawn Primarolo.) |
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| 13 | Finance Bill [Ways and Means],—Manufactured dividends and interest,—Resolved, That provision may be made in the Finance Bill in relation to payments, and deemed payments, by companies of— |
(a) manufactured dividends,
(b) manufactured interest, or
(c) manufactured overseas dividends,
within the meaning of Schedule 23A to the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.—(Dawn Primarolo.)
| 14 | Finance Bill [Ways and Means],—Gifts etc. of shares, securities or real property to charities,—Resolved, That provision may be made in the Finance Bill amending section 587B of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.—(John Healey.) |
| 15 | Finance Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Finance Bill, as amended in the Committee and in the Standing Committee. |
Ordered, That the Finance Bill, as amended, be considered in the following order, namely, new Clauses, Amendments relating to Clauses 1 to 4, Schedule 1, Clauses 5 to 19, Schedule 2, Clauses 20 to 28, Schedule 3, Clause 29, Schedule 4, Clause 30, Schedule 5, Clauses 31 to 41, Schedule 6, Clauses 42 to 47, Schedule 7, Clause 48, Schedule 8, Clause 49, Schedule 9, Clauses 50 to 52, Schedule 10, Clauses 53 to 64, Schedule 11, Clauses 65 to 76, Schedule 12, Clauses 77 and 78, Schedule 13, Clauses 79 and 80, Schedule 14, Clauses 81 to 84, Schedule 15, Clause 85, Schedule 16, Clauses 86 to 92, Schedule 17, Clause 93, Schedule 18, Clause 94, Schedule 19, Clause 95, Schedule 20, Clauses 96 to 116, Schedule 21, Clause 117, Schedule 22, Clauses 118 to 134, Schedule 23, Clause 135, Schedule 24, Clauses 136 to 141, Schedule 25, Clause 142, Schedule 26, Clause 143, Schedule 27, Clauses 144 to 162 and 164, Schedule 28, Clauses 163 and 165, Schedule 29, Clauses 166 to 175, Schedule 30, Clauses 176 to 200, Schedule 31, Clauses 201 to 212, Schedule 32, Clauses 213 to 275, Schedule 33, Clauses 276 and 277, Schedule 34, Clauses 278 and 279, Schedule 35, Clause 280, Schedule 36, Clauses 281 to 290, Schedule 37, Clauses 291 and 292, Schedule 38, Clauses 293 to 296, Schedule 39, Clauses 297 to 317, new Schedules, Amendments relating to Clause 318, Schedule 40 and Clauses 319 and 320.—(Dawn Primarolo.)
A Clause (NC9) (Rent factoring of leases of plant or machinery)—(Dawn Primarolo)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.
Another Clause (NC10) (Manufactured payments under arrangements having an unallowable purpose)—(Dawn Primarolo)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.
Another Clause (NC11) (Gifts of shares, securities and real property to charities etc)—(John Healey)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.
Another Clause (NC12) (Overseas pension schemes: migrant member relief)—(Ruth Kelly)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.
Another Clause (NC13) (Non-UK schemes: application of certain charges)—(Ruth Kelly)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.
Another Clause (NC14) (Appeal against decision to exclude recognised overseas pension scheme)—(Ruth Kelly)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.
Another Clause (NC15) (Leases)—(Ruth Kelly)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.
Another Clause (NC16) (Chargeable consideration)—(Ruth Kelly)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.
Another Clause (NC2) (Access for disabled persons)—(Mr Richard Bacon)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Clause (NC5) (Amendment of Individual Savings Account Regulations 1998 (SI 1998/1870))—(Mr Mark Prisk)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Clause (NC7) (Application of sections 298 to 301)—(Mr Howard Flight)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Mark Francois, Mr Hugo Swire: 128.
Tellers for the Noes, Charlotte Atkins, Joan Ryan: 268.
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Amendment (No. 35) proposed to the Bill, in page 3, line 11, to leave out Clause No. 4.—(Mr David Laws.)
Question put, That the Amendment be made.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Alan Reid, Sir Robert Smith: 147.
Tellers for the Noes, Margaret Moran, Charlotte Atkins: 252.
Amendments (Nos. 50 to 70) made to the Bill.
Ordered, That further consideration of the Bill be now adjourned.—(Mr Nick Ainger.)
Bill to be further considered to-morrow.
| 16 | Supreme Court of England and Wales,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Courts Act 2003 (Consequential Amendments) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 10th June, be approved—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to. |
| 17 | Countryside,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 16th June, be approved—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to. |
| 18 | Countryside,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 16th June, be approved—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to. |
| 19 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from residents of Coventry against the proposed closure of sub-post offices in Coventry was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 20 | Adjournment,—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 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 five minutes past Eight o'clock, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 8.05 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Criminal Law,—Liberia (Freezing of Funds and Economic Resources) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1710), dated 6th July 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 2 | Pensions,—Pensions Increase (Civil Service Injury Benefits Scheme) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1711), dated 6th July 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Paul Boateng]. |
| 3 | Road Traffic,—Motor Vehicles (Tests) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1632), dated 28th June 2004 [by Statutory Instrument], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 4 | Value Added Tax,—Value Added Tax (Refund of Tax to Museums and Galleries) (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1709), dated 6th July 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [John Healey]. |
Other Papers:
| 5 | Charities,—Report and Accounts of the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 676-I and -II] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 6 | Foreign Affairs,—Government Response to the Fourth Report of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Session 2003–04, on the Annual Report on Human Rights 2003 [by Command] [Cm. 6275] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
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| 7 | Government Resources and Accounts,—Report and Accounts of the Army Training and Recruiting Agency for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 799] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. |
| 8 | Health Service Commissioner,—Second Report of the Health Service Ombudsman, Session 2003–04: Selected Investigations Completed October 2003–March 2004 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 704] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 9 | House of Commons,—Report of the House of Commons Commission for 2003–04 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 791] [The Speaker]. |
| 10 | Intelligence Services,—Government Response to the Report of the Intelligence and Security Committee for 2003–04 [by Command] [Cm. 6241] [The Prime Minister]. |
| 11 | Public Petitions,—Observations by the Deputy Prime Minister on the Petitions [22nd June] 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] [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House]. |
| 12 | Trade and Investment,—Paper, entitled Trade and Investment White Paper: Making globalisation a force for good [by Command] [Cm. 6278] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| | Draft Solicitors (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Angela Eagle from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Dan Norris. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Constitutional Affairs,—(1) Fourth Report from the Constitutional Affairs Committee [Civil Legal Aid: adequacy of provision], 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. 391-I]; |
(2) Third Special Report from the Committee [Further Government Response to the Committee's Second Report, on Asylum and Immigration Appeals]; to be printed [No. 868]; and
(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Draft Criminal Defence Service Bill]; to be printed [No. 746-iii]
[Mr A. J. Beith].
| 2 | Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [BBC Charter Renewal]; to be printed [No. 598-v] [Sir Gerald Kaufman]. |
| 3 | Draft Gambling Bill (Regional Casinos),—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on the Draft Gambling Bill (Regional Casinos); to be printed [No. 843-ii and -iii] [Mr John Greenway]. |
| 4 | Liaison,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Liaison Committee [The Prime Minister]; to be printed [No. 310-ii] [Mr Alan Williams]. |
| 5 | Statutory Instruments,—Twenty-fourth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 82-xxiv] [Mr David Tredinnick]. |
| 6 | Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [Pubcos]; to be printed [No. 751-ii] [Mr Martin O'Neill]. |
| 7 | Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [Regional Productivity]; to be printed [No. 308-iii] [Mr John McFall]. |
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[No. 114; WH, No. 71]
Tuesday 6th July 2004.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Nine o'clock.
| Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Derek Twigg.) |
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 4.29 p.m.
[No. 115.] Wednesday 7th July 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr John Cummings reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Occupational Pensions Schemes (Winding Up and Deficiency on Winding Up etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 403). |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Kevin Hughes reported from the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Tobacco Advertising and Promotion (Brandsharing) Regulations 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Derek Conway reported from the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Draft Immigration (Provision of Physical Data) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
The Lords have agreed to the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Bill, with Amendments, to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
| 5 | Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Bill to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 137]. |
| 6 | Domestic Tradable Quotas (Carbon Emissions),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to introduce a domestic trading scheme for carbon emissions; to set a national ceiling for carbon emissions; and for connected purposes: And that Mr Colin Challen, Mr Peter Ainsworth, Mr David Chaytor, Joan Walley, Mr Tony McWalter, Brian White, Mr John Battle, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Simon Thomas, Sue Doughty and Mr Gordon Prentice do prepare and bring it in. |
| 7 | Domestic Tradable Quotas (Carbon Emissions) Bill,—Mr Colin Challen accordingly presented a Bill to introduce a domestic trading scheme for carbon emissions; to set a national ceiling for carbon emissions; and for connected 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 136]. |
| 8 | Finance Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded further to consider the Finance Bill, as amended in the Committee and in the Standing Committee. |
Another Amendment (No. 16) proposed to the Bill, in page 4, line 24, at the beginning, to insert the words ‘Subject to the provisions of subsection (7).'.—(Mr Andrew Tyrie.)
Question put, That the Amendment be made.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Gregory Barker, Mr Peter Atkinson: 109.
Tellers for the Noes, Derek Twigg, Gillian Merron: 250.
Another Amendment (No. 38) proposed to the Bill, in page 23, line 26, to leave out ‘19%' and insert ‘5%', instead thereof.—(Dr Vincent Cable.)
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Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Amendment (No. 224) proposed to the Bill, in page 23, line 40, at the end, to insert the words—
‘(5) This section shall not apply to the income of a settlement in any year of assessment if the trustees of the settlement have elected that section 691(2) of the Taxes Act (certain income of maintenance funds for historic houses not to become the income of the settlor etc) shall have effect in the case of—
(a) the settlement, or
(b) any part of the settlement in relation to that year of assessment'.—(Mr Howard Flight.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Other Amendments (Nos. 71 to 90) made to the Bill.
Another Amendment (No. 1) proposed to the Bill, in page 356, line 20, at the beginning, to insert the words ‘Subject to sub-paragraph (6) below,'.—(Mr Howard Flight.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Amendment (No. 2) proposed to the Bill, in page 356, line 26, to leave out the words ‘17th March 1986' and insert the words ‘19th June 2003', instead thereof.—(Mr Howard Flight.)
Question put, That the Amendment be made.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Ruffley, Mr Peter Atkinson: 153.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Jim Murphy, Mr Vernon Coaker: 265.
Other Amendments (Nos. 91 to 111) made to the Bill.
Another Amendment (No. 27) proposed to the Bill, in page 151, line 16, to leave out the words ‘70% of the basis amount for the alternatively secured pension year' and insert the words ‘the greater of:
(a) 70% of the basis amount for that alternatively secured pension year, or
(b) in an alternatively secured pension year other than the first alternatively secured pension year, the aggregate of:
(i) the total amount of alternatively secured pension which could have been paid to the member in all previous alternatively secured pension years less the amount actually paid to the member in those alternatively secured pension years (”the undrawn alternatively secured pension”), and
(ii) 70% of the basis amount for that alternatively secured pension year (calculated after deducting from the sums and assets representing the member's alternatively secured pension fund on the nominated date the amount of the undrawn alternatively secured pension).', instead thereof.—(Mr George Osborne.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
| 9 | Deferred Divisions,—The Deputy Speaker announced the results of the Division which had been deferred to this day, pursuant to the Orders of the House [28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 (Deferred Divisions)]: |
Civil Aviation,—That the draft Stansted Airport Aircraft Movement Limit (Revocation) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 8th June, be approved.
Ayes: 248.
Noes: 138.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 10 | Finance Bill,—The House, according to Order, again proceeded further to consider the Finance Bill, as amended in the Committee and in the Standing Committee. |
Other Amendments (Nos. 112 to 137) made to the Bill.
Another Amendment (No. 25) proposed to the Bill, in page 489, line 20, to leave out ‘25 x ARP' and insert the words ‘the aggregate of—
(a) the amount of any lump sum paid to the individual, increased from the date of payment to 5th April 2006 by the lesser of 5% per annum and the increase in the retail prices index over that period; and
(b) 20 x ARP', instead thereof.—(Mr Howard Flight.)
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Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Other Amendments (Nos. 138 to 149) made to the Bill.
Another Amendment (No. 13) proposed to the Bill, in page 522, line 9, to leave out ‘6%' and insert ‘12%', instead thereof.—(Mr Alex Salmond.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Other Amendments (Nos. 160 to 165, 150 to 159 and 166 to 222) made to the Bill.
A Schedule (NS1) (Overseas Pension Schemes: Migrant Member Relief)—(Dawn Primarolo)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.
Another Schedule (NS2) (Non-UK Schemes: Application of Certain Charges)—(Dawn Primarolo)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.
Another Amendment (No. 223) made to the Bill.
A Motion being made, That the Bill be now read the third time;
Dawn Primarolo, by Her Majesty's Command, acquainted the House, That Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, gives her Consent, as far as Her Majesty's interest is concerned, That the House may do therein as it shall think fit.
Dawn Primarolo, by Command of the Prince of Wales, acquainted the House, That His Royal Highness, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, gives his Consent, as far as the Prince of Wales's interest is concerned, That the House may do therein as it shall think fit.
And the Question being put;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Nick Ainger, Paul Clark: 249.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Wilshire, Gregory Barker: 136.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.
| 11 | Environmental Protection,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Landfill (Scheme Year and Maximum Landfill Amount) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 22nd June, be approved—(Derek Twigg):—It was agreed to. |
| 12 | Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Dangerous Wild Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 22nd June, be approved—(Derek Twigg):—It was agreed to. |
| 13 | Regulatory Reform,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 18 (Consideration of draft regulatory reform orders), That the draft Regulatory Reform (Museum of London) (Location of Premises) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 6th May, be approved—(Derek Twigg):—It was agreed to. |
| 14 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from the Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group and supporters for amendments to planning and settlement guidelines to prevent racial discrimination against Romani and other ethnic Traveller peoples was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 15 | Adjournment,—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 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 minutes to Eight o'clock, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 7.40 p.m.
Page 435 Wednesday 7th July 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Education,—Draft Student Fees (Approved Plans) (England) Regulations 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | British Nationality,—British Nationality (General) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1726), dated 7th July 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 3 | Education,—Education (Grants for Disabled Postgraduate Students) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1658), dated 29th June 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
| 4 | Health Care and Associated Professions,—Medical Act 1983 (Amendment) Order 2002 (Saving Provision) Order of Council 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1731), dated 7th July 2004 [by Statutory Instrument] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 5 | Licences and Licensing,—Licensing Act 2003 (First appointed day and personal licences transitional period) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1739), dated 7th July 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Tessa Jowell]. |
| 6 | London Government,—Transport for London (Arlington Street) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1651), dated 25th June 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
| 7 | Medicines,—Medicines (Standard Provisions for Licences and Certificates) Amendment Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1678), dated 30th June 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 8 | Sports Grounds and Sporting Events,—Football Spectators (Seating) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1737), dated 7th July 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Tessa Jowell]. |
Other Papers:
| 9 | National Audit (Northern Ireland),—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland on Department for Employment and Learning: Jobskills [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 762] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 10 | Financial Reporting to Parliament,—Departmental Report 2004: The Government's Expenditure Plans for 2003–04 to 2005–06 for the Office of Fair Trading [by Command] [Cm. 6218] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
| 11 | Telecommunications,—Direction, dated 5th July 2004, by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under section 94 of the Telecommunications Act 1984 [by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
| 12 | Treaty Series (No. 26, 2004),—Exchange of Notes, done at Lusaka on 7th April 2003 and 24th March 2004, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Zambia concerning Certain Commercial Debts (The United Kingdom/Zambia Debt Agreement No. 8 (2002)) [by Command] [Cm. 6262] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 13 | Treaty Series (No. 27, 2004),—Agreement, done at Dublin 25th November 2003, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland establishing the Independent Monitoring Commission [by Command] [Cm. 6263] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Uranium Enrichment Technology (Prohibition on Disclosure) 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: Mr Peter Ainsworth, Charlotte Atkins, Mr Peter Atkinson, Vera Baird, Brian Cotter, Mr Hilton Dawson, Angela Eagle, Michael Fabricant, Mrs Lorna Fitzsimons, Mr Edward Leigh, Rosemary McKenna, Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews, Ian Stewart, Mr Graham Stringer, Mr Andrew Stunell and Mr Stephen Timms.
Page 436 Wednesday 7th July 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
| 2 | Draft Community Radio 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 Atkinson, Chris Bryant, Ms Karen Buck, Colin Burgon, Mrs Anne Campbell, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Michael Connarty, Mr Don Foster, Mr Boris Johnson, John McDonnell, Estelle Morris, Mr Denis Murphy, Bob Russell, Joan Ryan, Bob Spink and Dr Howard Stoate.
| 3 | Draft Motor Vehicles (International Circulation) (Amendment) Order 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Harold Best, Mr Christopher Chope, Ann Coffey, Tom Cox, Mr Frank Doran, Mr Stephen Dorrell, Paul Farrelly, Barbara Follett, Mr David Heyes, Mr David Jamieson, Alan Keen, Mr Paul Marsden, Gillian Merron, Mr David Ruffley, Mrs Gillian Shephard and John Thurso.
| 4 | Occupational Pensions Schemes (Winding Up and Deficiency on Winding Up etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 403),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Stephen Byers from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Regulations) and nominated in substitution John Cryer. |
| 5 | Draft Anti-Social Behaviour (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 and the draft Criminal Justice (No. 2) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Orders to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Alistair Carmichael, Mr Tom Clarke, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Jim Cousins, Mr Nigel Dodds, Mr Bill Etherington, Mr Tom Harris, Mr Mark Lazarowicz, Mr Terry Lewis, Mr Seamus Mallon, Mr Martin Salter, Mr John Spellar, Mr Desmond Swayne, Mr Hugo Swire, Mr Ian Taylor and Mr David Trimble.
| 6 | 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: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Colin Breed, Mr Iain Coleman, Mr Mark Fisher, Mr Calum MacDonald, Ann McKechin, Mr Denis MacShane, Mr Michael Mates, Mr Michael Moore, Mr Jim Murphy, Mr Kerry Pollard, Hugh Robertson, Mr Richard Shepherd, Mr Richard Spring, Dr Phyllis Starkey, Mr Paul Truswell and Mr Robert N. Wareing.
| 7 | Draft Representation of the People (Form of Canvass) (England and Wales) Regulations 2004 and the draft Representation of the People (Form of Canvass) (Scotland) 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: Peter Bottomley, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Geraint Davies, Mr David Drew, Mr Nick Gibb, Mr John Greenway, Mr David Heath, Mr George Howarth, Mr Christopher Leslie, Siobhain McDonagh, Bridget Prentice, Adam Price, Mr Mohammad Sarwar, Mr Chris Smith, Mark Tami and Keith Vaz.
| 8 | Draft Extradition Act 2003 (Amendment to Designations) Order 2004 and the draft Extradition Act 2003 (Repeals) Order 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Orders to the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Roger Berry, Mr Alistair Carmichael, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mrs Janet Dean, Mr Jonathan Djanogly, Jim Dobbin, Caroline Flint, Mr Roger Godsiff, Mr Doug Henderson, Shona McIsaac, Mr John Maples, Gillian Merron, Julie Morgan, Mr Mark Oaten, Mr Sio¤n Simon and Ann Winterton.
| 9 | Draft National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
Page 437 Wednesday 7th July 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Charlotte Atkins, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Crispin Blunt, Malcolm Bruce, Brian Cotter, Mr Tam Dalyell, Valerie Davey, Mr John Lyons, Andrew Mackinlay, Judy Mallaber, Mr Gordon Prentice, Joan Ruddock, Ian Stewart, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Sir Teddy Taylor and Mr Andrew Tyrie.
| 10 | Draft Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Designation of Public Authorities) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged John Cryer and Rob Marris from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr George Howarth and Ian Stewart. |
| 11 | Draft Vehicle Testing (Temporary Exemptions) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated twenty-one Members to serve on the Committee: Virginia Bottomley, Mr William Cash, Mr David Clelland, Ann Clwyd, Mr Vernon Coaker, Sir Patrick Cormack, Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson, Mr Tom Harris, Lady Hermon, Mr Brian Jenkins, Mr Kevan Jones, Andy King, Mr Khalid Mahmood, Lembit Opik, Albert Owen, Joyce Quin, Mr Andy Reed, Phil Sawford, Angela Smith, Mr Desmond Swayne and Mr Hugo Swire.
| 12 | Draft Student Fees (Amounts) (England) Regulations 2004: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Eleventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr David Chaytor, Mr Adrian Flook, Chris Grayling, Alan Johnson, Ms Sally Keeble, Mr David Kidney, Mr Bob Laxton, Ian Lucas, Mr Tony McWalter, Mr Archie Norman, Mr Gwyn Prosser, Dr John Pugh, Mr David Rendel, Mr David Ruffley, Derek Twigg and Mr Mike Wood.
| 13 | Draft Contracting Out (Functions relating to Broadcast Advertising) and Specification of Relevant Functions Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Tim Boswell and Mr Robert N. Wareing from the Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Malcolm Moss and Kali Mountford. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee [Duty of Care]; to be printed [No. 620-iv] [Mike Gapes]. |
| 2 | Draft Charities Bill,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on the Draft Charities Bill; to be printed [No. 660-ix]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 660-x]
[Mr Alan Milburn].
| 3 | Education and Skills,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education and Skills Committee [Public Expenditure on Education and Skills]; to be printed [No. 687-ii] [Mr Barry Sheerman]. |
| 4 | Environmental Audit,—(1) Eighth Report from the Environmental Audit Committee [Greening Government 2004], together with an Appendix to the Report; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 881]; |
(2) Ninth Report from the Committee [Environmental Crime: Fly-tipping, Fly-posting, Litter, Graffiti and Noise], 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. 445]; and
(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Housing: Building a Sustainable Future?]; to be printed [No. 709-iii]
[Mr Peter Ainsworth].
| 5 | European Scrutiny,—Twenty-sixth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 42-xxvi] [Mr Jimmy Hood]. |
| 6 | Human Rights,—Fifteenth Report from the Joint Committee on Human Rights [The Civil Partnership Bill]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 885] [Jean Corston]. |
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| 7 | Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Electoral Registration in Northern Ireland]; to be printed [No. 882-i] [Mr Michael Mates]. |
| 8 | Procedure,—Fourth Report from the Procedure Committee [Programming of Legislation], together with an Appendix 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. 325] [Sir Nicholas Winterton]. |
| 9 | Public Administration,—Fifth Report from the Select Committee on Public Administration [A Matter of Honour: Reforming the Honours System], together with the Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 212-I and -II] [Tony Wright]. |
| 10 | Science and Technology,—(1) Tenth Report from the Science and Technology Committee [Scientific Publications: Free for all?], together with the Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 399-I and -II]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The Use of Science in UK International Development Policy]; to be printed [No. 133-vii]
[Dr Ian Gibson].
| 11 | Transport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Committee, together with Appendices [Railways: Southern region power supply upgrade]; to be printed [No. 836-i] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody]. |
| 12 | Welsh Affairs,—Fourth Report from the Welsh Affairs Committee [The Draft Transport (Wales) Bill], together with the Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 759] [Mr Martyn Jones]. |
| 13 | Work and Pensions,—(1) Third Report from the Work and Pensions Committee [DWP's Administration of IT Projects], 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. 311-I]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on 30th June [Service Delivery to Minority Ethnic Customers]; to be printed [No. 665-iii]
[Sir Archy Kirkwood].
[No. 115; WH, No. 72]
Wednesday 7th July 2004.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Nine o'clock.
| Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Joan Ryan.) |
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 4.39 p.m.
Page 439 Wednesday 7th July 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
[No. 116.] Thursday 8th July 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Nigel Beard reported from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Designation of Public Authorities) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Eric Illsley reported from the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Motion in the name of the Leader of the House relating to the Electoral Commission. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Eleventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Alan Hurst reported from the Eleventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Horse Passports (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1397). |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Sir Nicholas Winterton reported from the Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Contracting Out (Functions relating to Broadcast Advertising) and Specification of Relevant Functions Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 5 | Northern Ireland Grand Committee,—Mr James Cran reported from the Northern Ireland Grand Committee the draft Budget (No. 2) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004, referred to it on 22nd June. |
| 6 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
The Lords have agreed to the Traffic Management Bill, with Amendments, to which they desire the concurrence of this House.
| 7 | Traffic Management Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Traffic Management Bill to be considered on Monday 12th July; and to be printed [Bill 138]. |
| 8 | Royal 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: |
Appropriation Act 2004
Age-Related Payments Act 2004
Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004
University of Manchester Act 2004.
| 9 | Adjournment (Intelligence and Security Committee Annual Report 2003–04),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Joan Ryan); |
The Motion was, with leave of the House, withdrawn.
| 10 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Jim Murphy); |
And it being Six o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.
| 11 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Jim Fitzpatrick.) |
And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-five minutes past Six o'clock, adjourned till Monday 12th July.
[Adjourned at 6.25 p.m.
Page 440 Thursday 8th July 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Council Tax,—Draft Council Tax Limitation (England) (Maximum Amounts) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 2 | Devolution,—(1) Draft Regional Assembly and Local Government Referendums (Date of Referendums, Referendum Question and Explanatory Material) (North East Region) Order 2004, |
(2) draft Regional Assembly and Local Government Referendums (Date of Referendums, Referendum Question and Explanatory Material) (North West Region) Order 2004, and
(3) draft Regional Assembly and Local Government Referendums (Date of Referendums, Referendum Question and Explanatory Material) (Yorkshire and the Humber Region) Order 2004
[by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
| 3 | Legal Services,—Draft Legal Services Complaints Commissioner (Maximum Penalty) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr David Lammy]. |
| 4 | Northern Ireland,—Draft Northern Ireland Act 2000 (Modification) (No. 2) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Murphy]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 5 | Agriculture,—Products of Animal Origin (Third Country Imports) (England) (No. 2) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1740), dated 7th July 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 6 | Education,—Rother Valley College (Dissolution) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1681), dated 1st July 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
| 7 | Housing,—Demoted Tenants (Review of Decisions) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1679), dated 1st July 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 8 | Local Government,—(1) Local Authorities (Categorisation) (England) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1704), and |
(2) Local Government (Best Value Authorities) (Power to Trade) (England) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1705)
dated 5th July 2004 [by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
| 9 | Road Traffic,—Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1706), dated 5th July 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
Other Papers:
| 10 | Air Force (Constitution),—Amendment List 24 to Air Publication 1269A—The Royal Air Force Manual of Assessment of Medical Fitness (Third Edition) [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. |
| 11 | Census,—Paper, entitled Census 2001 Definitions [by Act] [Ruth Kelly]. |
| 12 | Church Commissioners,—Report and Accounts of the Church Commissioners for England for 2003 [by Measure] [Mr David Lammy]. |
| 13 | Education,—Paper, entitled Department for Education and Skills: Five Year Strategy for Children and Learners [by Command] [Cm. 6272] [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
| 14 | Government Resources and Accounts,—Report and Accounts of— |
(1) Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science Agency for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 527] [Secretary Margaret Beckett],
(2) Defence Geographic & Imagery Intelligence Agency for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 840] [Mr Secretary Hoon], and
Page 441 Thursday 8th July 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
(3) Pay and Personnel Agency for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 731] [Mr Secretary Hoon].
| 15 | Government Trading Funds,—Ordnance Survey for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 856] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 16 | Health and Social Care,—Report of the Healthcare Commission for 2004 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 820] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 17 | Learning and Skills,—Report and Accounts of the Adult Learning Inspectorate for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 670] [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
| 18 | Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development,—Report and Financial Statements of English Partnerships (including the Commission for the New Towns and the Urban Regeneration Agency) for 2003–04 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 19 | National Statistics,—Report and Accounts of the Statistics Commission for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Command] [Cm. 6250] [John Healey]. |
| 20 | Northern Ireland,—Reports and Accounts of the— |
(1) Northern Ireland Health Estates, and
(2) Valuation and Lands Agency
for 2003–04, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland thereon [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [Nos. 815 and 819] [Mr Secretary Murphy].
| 21 | Police (Northern Ireland),—Report and Accounts of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland for 2003–04 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Murphy]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Uranium Enrichment Technology (Prohibition on Disclosure) Regulations 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Eric Forth Chairman of the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Regulations 2004. |
| 2 | Draft Community Radio Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Miss Anne Begg Chairman of the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order. |
| 3 | Draft Motor Vehicles (International Circulation) (Amendment) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr David Amess Chairman of the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order. |
| 4 | Occupational Pensions Schemes (Winding Up) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1140),—The Speaker has appointed Mr Martin Caton Chairman of the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Regulations. |
| 5 | Draft Anti-Social Behaviour (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 and draft Criminal Justice (No. 2) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Mike Hancock Chairman of the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Orders. |
| 6 | 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,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Eric Forth Chairman of the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order. |
| 7 | Draft Representation of the People (Form of Canvass) (England and Wales) Regulations 2004 and draft Representation of the People (Form of Canvass) (Scotland) Regulations 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr John Cummings Chairman of the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Regulations. |
| 8 | Draft Extradition Act 2003 (Amendment to Designations) Order 2004 and draft Extradition Act 2003 (Repeals) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mrs Irene Adams Chairman of the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Orders. |
| 9 | Draft National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Peter Pike Chairman of the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Regulations. |
Page 442 Thursday 8th July 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
| 10 | Draft Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Designation of Public Authorities) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Roger Godsiff from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Stephen McCabe. |
| 11 | Draft Vehicle Testing (Temporary Exemptions) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Alan Hurst Chairman of the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order. |
| 12 | Draft Student Fees (Amounts) (England) Regulations 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Joe Benton Chairman of the Eleventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Regulations. |
| 13 | Horse Passports (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1397),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Barbara Follett and Dan Norris from the Eleventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Regulations) and nominated in substitution Mr Wayne David and Mr Stephen Hepburn. |
| 14 | Draft Age-Related Payments (Northern Ireland) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Kevin Hughes Chairman of the Fourteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Draft Gambling Bill (Regional Casinos),—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on the Draft Gambling Bill (Regional Casinos); to be printed [No. 843-iv] [Mr John Greenway]. |
| 2 | Environmental 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-iii] [Mr Peter Ainsworth]. |
| 3 | Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee [GP Out of Hours Services]; to be printed [No. 697-ii] [Mr David Hinchliffe]. |
| 4 | Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [Anti-Terrorism Powers]; to be printed [No. 886-i] [Mr John Denham]. |
[No. 116; WH, No. 73]
Thursday 8th July 2004.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock.
| Adjournment (Asylum Applications—Second Report from the Home Affairs Committee, Session 2003–04, and the Government's response thereto),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the sitting be now adjourned—(Derek Twigg); |
And the sitting having continued for three hours, it was adjourned without Question put, till Tuesday 13th July.
[Adjourned at 5.30 p.m.
|
