Session 2003-2004

Commons Journal 260

Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II


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[No. 129.]

Monday 13th September 2004.

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

PRAYERS.

1First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Roger Gale reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Student Fees (Approved Plans) (England) Regulations 2004.

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

2Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Alan Hurst reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Legal Services Complaints Commissioner (Maximum Penalty) Order 2004.

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

3Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Sir John Butterfill reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Business Improvement Districts Regulations 2004.

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

4European Standing Committee A,—Mr Nigel Beard reported from European Standing Committee A the following Resolution:

That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 15820/03, draft Directive on driving licences (Recasting); and endorses the Government's objective to combat driving licence fraud and improve road safety without imposing undue burdens on industry, private individuals or law enforcers.

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

5Children Bill [Lords],—The Children Bill [Lords] was, according to Order, read a second time.

6Children 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 Children 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 21st October 2004.

3. The Standing Committee shall have leave to sit twice on the first day on which it meets.

Consideration and Third Reading

4. Proceedings on consideration shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour before the moment of interruption on the day on which those proceedings are commenced.

5. Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the moment of interruption on that day.

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

Other proceedings

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Gillian Merron, Mr John Heppell: 241.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Hugo Swire, Mr David Ruffley: 72.

So the Question was agreed to.

7Children Bill [Lords] [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Children Bill [Lords] [Money];

A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Children 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, and

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(b) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable out of money so provided under any other Act—(Mr Tom Watson):—It was agreed to.

8Establishment of a Community Fisheries Control 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 European Union Document No. 9149/04 and Addendum 1, draft Council Regulation establishing a Community Fisheries Control Agency and amending Regulation (EC) No. 2847/93 establishing a control system applicable to the Common Fisheries Policy; takes note of the Government's welcome of the proposal and supports the Government's objective of playing a constructive part in detailed discussion of the proposal whilst seeking to ensure that the role of the Agency will not undermine the control and enforcement responsibilities of individual Member States or cut across the policy aim of increased regionalisation of the Common Fisheries Policy—(Mr Tom Watson):—It was agreed to.

9Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Tom Watson);

And the Motion having been made after Ten o'clock, and Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then ten minutes past Eleven o'clock, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 11.10 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 10th September pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Animals,—(1) Non Commercial Movement of Pet Animals (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2363), and

(2) Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) (England) (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2364),

dated 8th September 2004, with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

2Consumer Protection,—Cosmetic Products (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2361), dated 8th September 2004, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

3Disabled Persons,—Disability Discrimination Codes of Practice (Employment and Trade Organisations) Revocation Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2300), dated 2nd September 2004, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Mr Secretary Johnson].

4Education,—Education (Modification of Enactments Relating to Employment) (England) (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2325), dated 8th September 2004, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Mr Secretary Clarke].

5Fire and Rescue Services,—(1) Fire and Rescue Services (England) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2305), and

(2) Firefighters' Pension Scheme (England and Scotland) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2306),

dated 7th September 2004, with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [Mr Secretary Prescott].

6Food,—Welfare Food (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2311), dated 7th September 2004 [Mr Secretary Reid].

7Local Government,—Local Government (Best Value Authorities) (Power to Trade) (England) (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2307), dated 7th September 2004, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Mr Secretary Prescott].

8National Assistance Services,—National Assistance (Assessment of Resources) (Amendment) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2328), dated 7th September 2004 [Mr Secretary Reid].

9Police,—Police Pensions (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2354), dated 8th September 2004, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

10Road Traffic,—Road Traffic (Permitted Parking Area and Special Parking Area) (County of Warwickshire) (District of Stratford on Avon) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2193), dated 25th August 2004, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Mr Secretary Darling].

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11Social Security,—(1) Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2303), dated 27th August 2004, and

(2) Social Security (Incapacity) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2301), dated 2nd September 2004,

with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [Mr Secretary Johnson].

Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 13th September 2004:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

12Agriculture,—Genetically Modified Animal Feed (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2334), dated 1st September 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].

13European Communities,—European Public Limited-Liability Company Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2326), dated 6th September 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

14Food,—Genetically Modified Food (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2335), dated 1st September 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid].

15Plant Health,—Plant Health (Amendment) (England) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2365), dated 9th September 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

16Social Security,—(1) Social Security (Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, State Pension Credit and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2327), dated 7th September 2004, and

(2) Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 3) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2308), dated 6th September 2004

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

Other Papers:

17Government Resources and Accounts,—Report and Accounts of the Rural Payments Agency for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1009] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

18National Audit,—Reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General on—

(1) Helping Farm Businesses in England, and

(2) Welfare to Work: Tackling the Barriers to the Employment of Older People

[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 1028 and 1026] [Clerk of the House].

19Postal Services,—Report of the Postal Services Commission for 2003–04 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1016] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

20School Standards and Framework,—Accounts for 2003–04 for:—

(1) Ashington Education Action Zone,

(2) Clacton and Harwich Education Action Zone, and

(3) Ellesmere Port Education Action Zone

with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 1047, 1045 and 1046] [Clerk of the House]

21Work and Pensions,—Report by the Department for Work and Pensions for 2004 [by Command] [Cm. 6239] [Mr Secretary Johnson].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Bill [Lords],—The Committee of Selection has discharged Charlotte Atkins from Standing Committee A (nominated in respect of the Bill); and nominated in substitution Mr Tom Watson.

2Draft Student Fees (Approved Plans) (England) Regulations 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Secretary Johnson, Mr Terry Lewis and Anne Picking from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations) and nominated in substitution Mr David Crausby, Dr Kim Howells and Mr Khalid Mahmood.

3Draft Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 (Amendment) and Police Reform Act 2002 (Modification) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr James Paice from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Humfrey Malins.

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APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Draft Animal Welfare Bill Sub-Committee of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee [The draft Animal Welfare Bill]; to be printed [No. 1032-v] [Mr Michael Jack].

2Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [‘Hate Crime' in Northern Ireland]; to be printed [Nos. 539-iv & -v] [Mr Michael Mates].

3Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [Ofgem: Social Action Plan and Household Energy Efficiency]; to be printed [No. 1053-i] [Mr Edward Leigh].


[No. 130.]

Tuesday 14th September 2004.

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

PRAYERS.

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

That the proposal for the Regulatory Reform (Unsolicited Goods and Services Act 1971) (Directory Entries and Demands for Payment) Order 2004, which was laid before the House on 26th May, should be amended before an Order is laid before the House.

2Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Win Griffiths reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 (Amendment) and Police Reform Act 2002 (Modification) Order 2004.

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

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

Employment Relations Bill,—The Lords request that this House may be pleased to return the Employment Relations Bill, because Lords Amendment No. 11 is incorrect.

The Lords have agreed to the Horserace Betting and Olympic Lottery Bill, with Amendments; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

4Employment Relations Bill,—Ordered, That the Lords Message this day relating to the Employment Relations Bill be now considered.

The House accordingly proceeded to consider the Lords Message.

Ordered, That the Bill be returned to the Lords, as desired by their Lordships.

5Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

Employment Relations Bill,—The Lords return the Employment Relations Bill corrected.

6Employment Relations Bill,—Ordered, That the Lords Amendments to the Employment Relations Bill be printed [Bill 153].

7Horserace Betting and Olympic Lottery Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Horserace Betting and Olympic Lottery Bill to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 154].

8Representation of the People (Ballot Papers),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision about the order of names on ballot papers used in elections where more than one candidate is to be elected; and for connected purposes: And that Ms Meg Munn, Mr Andrew Mackay, Mr Andy Reed, Jonathan Shaw, Mr Barry Sheerman, Dr Alan Whitehead, Brian White and Mr Phil Willis do prepare and bring it in.

9Representation of the People (Ballot Papers) Bill,—Ms Meg Munn accordingly presented a Bill to make provision about the order of names on ballot papers used in elections where more than one candidate is to be elected; 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 152].

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10Opposition Day [17th allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the leader of the second largest opposition party in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider Opposition business.

Fair Access to Higher Education,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes with regret the emerging consequences of the passage of the Higher Education Act 2004; believes that fees and expanding student debt create significant disincentives for those considering university entry, particularly from less well-off backgrounds; congratulates the efforts of those in the House of Lords who achieved significant concessions during the passage of the Higher Education Bill, particularly for part-time students; regrets that Her Majesty's Official Opposition has completely ignored the needs of part-time students in its new policy; notes that Conservative proposals ask students to pay for the abolition of tuition fees through higher interest payments on their loans, leaving them no better off; further notes the conclusion of the Institute of Fiscal Studies and others that Conservative proposals penalise the poor in order to subsidise the rich; notes the recent Times Higher Education Supplement/Opinion Panel Research opinion poll of students which finds that 47 per cent. support the Liberal Democrats, 20 per cent. support Labour and 23 per cent. are backing the Conservatives; and therefore calls for the immediate abolition of all tuition fees, the re-introduction of maintenance grants of up to £2,000 for students from low-income homes, and the development of a higher education system which brings together universities, further education and e-learning, opens up routes to vocational and technical as well as academic qualifications, and makes it easier for those who wish to study part-time—(Mr Phil Willis);

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 passage of the Higher Education Act 2004; approves the further steps the Government is taking to widen participation, including the establishment of the Office for Fair Access, and enhanced bursaries; welcomes the improvement in support for part-time students being introduced by the Government, including the first ever grant package available from this autumn; rejects the Liberal Democrat policy of abolition of tuition fees, depriving universities of a dedicated income stream; congratulates the Government on maintaining fair and affordable loan repayment terms and rejects the policies proposed by the Official Opposition which would require those graduates who can least afford it to pay the most for their higher education; recognises the need to maintain UK universities at the forefront of world research and to equip the UK workforce with the high-level skills needed to compete in the global marketplace; congratulates the Government on record levels of investment in higher education, to almost £10 billion by 2005–06, with a 9 per cent. increase in research funding to 2007–08, additional income from variable fees, and further increases in Government funding to be announced shortly; looks forward to the introduction of a £2,700 maintenance grant for new students from 2006 alongside the improved student support package available from fee deferral, increased maintenance loans and loan write-offs for new students after 25 years; and welcomes the impact these policies will have on encouraging students from less well-off backgrounds to consider entering higher education', instead thereof.—(Dr Kim Howells.)

And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Richard Younger-Ross, Sir Robert Smith: 55.

Tellers for the Noes, Bridget Prentice, Derek Twigg: 386.

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, Bridget Prentice, Derek Twigg: 257.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Gregory Barker: 185.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.

Resolved, That this House welcomes the passage of the Higher Education Act 2004; approves the further steps the Government is taking to widen participation, including the establishment of the Office for Fair Access, and enhanced bursaries; welcomes the improvement in support for part-time students being introduced by the Government, including the first ever grant package available from this autumn; rejects the Liberal Democrat policy of abolition of tuition fees, depriving universities of a dedicated income stream; congratulates the Government on maintaining fair and affordable loan repayment terms and rejects the policies proposed by the Official Opposition which

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would require those graduates who can least afford it to pay the most for their higher education; recognises the need to maintain UK universities at the forefront of world research and to equip the UK workforce with the high-level skills needed to compete in the global marketplace; congratulates the Government on record levels of investment in higher education, to almost £10 billion by 2005–06, with a 9 per cent. increase in research funding to 2007–08, additional income from variable fees, and further increases in Government funding to be announced shortly; looks forward to the introduction of a £2,700 maintenance grant for new students from 2006 alongside the improved student support package available from fee deferral, increased maintenance loans and loan write-offs for new students after 25 years; and welcomes the impact these policies will have on encouraging students from less well-off backgrounds to consider entering higher education.

Impact of Government Policy on Older Women,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes that women have historically always been the poorest pensioners and believes that they will continue to be so unless urgent action is taken; further notes that the average basic state pension entitlement of a newly retired woman is barely £50 per week; recognises that women's state pension rights are frequently damaged by periods of caring for children or people with disabilities and by periods of low paid employment; further notes that the improved rights for carers under the state second pension do not apply to women with children over the age of five, do not apply to carers not in receipt of carers benefits, will take decades to be fully implemented, and will still produce a pension that leaves most recipients needing a means-tested supplement during their retirement; condemns the policy of the Government to force pensioners to surrender their pension books, a policy which affects women in particular; expresses concern that age discrimination within the NHS means that many older women are not invited for routine breast cancer screening; expresses further concern that the Government has failed to abolish mixed-sex wards in all hospital trusts, a practice which many older patients find particularly distressing; and calls on the Government to introduce a decent state pension, based on a citizenship requirement, provide real choices for older people, take steps to tackle age discrimination, and put an end to mixed-sex wards—(Steve Webb);

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 Pensions Green Paper as the first ever statement of government policy to explicitly consider the needs of women; further welcomes the commitment by the Government to report next year on the pensions position of women; supports steps to improve the incomes of women pensioners and enable more women than ever to build up pensions; welcomes in particular the introduction of Pension Credit, benefiting over two million women, and the state second pension, helping millions of the lowest paid women and women with caring responsibilities to build up a second pension; believes that both main Opposition parties' policies are unaffordable, unworkable and do nothing for the very poorest; notes that the Liberal Democrat policies will be financed by scrapping DTI programmes, which boost the wealth of the nation through investment in research and innovation; supports the conclusion of the Pensions Policy Institute that “the average woman will lose” under proposed Conservative policy; notes that 99 per cent. of NHS trusts provide single-sex sleeping accommodation for planned admissions; and, as there are 10,000 wards in use across the NHS, congratulates the Government on this achievement; applauds the extension of breast screening to women aged 65 to 70, resulting in an additional 200,000 women being invited since April 2001; commends the Government's historic commitment to tackling pensioner poverty, which is continuing to do most for the poorest women pensioners; and welcomes the £10 billion extra that the Government is spending on pensioners this year compared with the 1997 system', instead thereof.—(Malcolm Wicks.)

And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;

Mr Andrew Stunell 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, Sir Robert Smith, Richard Younger-Ross: 182.

Tellers for the Noes, Gillian Merron, Paul Clark: 250.

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);

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The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Paul Clark, Gillian Merron: 248.

Tellers for the Noes, Richard Younger-Ross, Sir Robert Smith: 175.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.

Resolved, That this House welcomes the Pensions Green Paper as the first ever statement of government policy to explicitly consider the needs of women; further welcomes the commitment by the Government to report next year on the pensions position of women; supports steps to improve the incomes of women pensioners and enable more women than ever to build up pensions; welcomes in particular the introduction of Pension Credit, benefiting over two million women, and the state second pension, helping millions of the lowest paid women and women with caring responsibilities to build up a second pension; believes that both main Opposition parties' policies are unaffordable, unworkable and do nothing for the very poorest; notes that the Liberal Democrat policies will be financed by scrapping DTI programmes, which boost the wealth of the nation through investment in research and innovation; supports the conclusion of the Pensions Policy Institute that ‘the average woman will lose' under proposed Conservative policy; notes that 99 per cent. of NHS trusts provide single-sex sleeping accommodation for planned admissions; and, as there are 10,000 wards in use across the NHS, congratulates the Government on this achievement; applauds the extension of breast screening to women aged 65 to 70, resulting in an additional 200,000 women being invited since April 2001; commends the Government's historic commitment to tackling pensioner poverty, which is continuing to do most for the poorest women pensioners; and welcomes the £10 billion extra that the Government is spending on pensioners this year compared with the 1997 system.

11Family 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 Child Support (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 5th July, be approved—(Mr Tom Watson):—It was agreed to.

12Northern 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 Northern Ireland Act 2000 (Modification) (No. 2) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 8th July, be approved—(Mr Tom Watson):—It was agreed to.

13Local Government,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Business Improvement Districts (England) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 7th September, be approved—(Mr Tom Watson):—It was agreed to.

14Education,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Student Fees (Approved Plans) (England) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 7th September, be approved—(Mr Tom Watson):—It was agreed to.

15Driving Licences,—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. 15820/03, draft Directive on driving licences (Recasting); and endorses the Government's objective to combat driving licence fraud and improve road safety without imposing undue burdens on industry, private individuals or law enforcers—(Mr Tom Watson):—It was agreed to.

16Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from—

(1) people of the Romford Parliamentary Constituency against the building of a Crossrail depot within Romford, and

(2) constituents of Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale and of Roxburgh and Berwickshire and others against disbandment or amalgamation of the King's Own Scottish Borderers or other Scottish regiments

were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

17Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Tom Watson);

And the Motion having been made after Seven o'clock, and Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then Eight o'clock, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 8 p.m.

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APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Constitutional Law,—Draft Primary Medical Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 (Consequential Amendments) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Reid].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Protection of Wrecks,—Protection of Wrecks (Designation) (England) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2395), dated 12th September 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Tessa Jowell].

3Road Traffic,—Road Traffic (Permitted Parking Area and Special Parking Area) (County of Worcestershire) (District of Wychavon) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2263), dated 31st August 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Other Papers:

4European Parliament (Pay and Pensions),—Fifth Quinquennial Report of the Managers of the European Parliament (United Kingdom Representatives) Pension Scheme and the European Parliament (United Kingdom Representatives) Pension (Additional Voluntary Contributions) Scheme [by Act] [Mr Peter Hain].

5Government Resources and Accounts,—Report and Accounts of the Defence Storage and Distribution Agency for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1005] [Mr Secretary Hoon].

6Public Lending Right,—Report and Account of the Public Lending Right for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1013] [Secretary Tessa Jowell].

7Public Petitions,—Observations by—

(1) Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer on the Petition [20th July] from residents of Dumfries and Galloway against further increases in petrol duty, and

(2) the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the Petition [16th July] from the Cod Crusaders Community Campaign for the return of British sovereign waters to national control of fishing

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

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Bill [Lords],—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Martin Salter from Standing Committee A (nominated in respect of the Bill); and nominated in substitution Mr Wayne David.

2Draft Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 (Amendment) and Police Reform Act 2002 (Modification) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Tony Clarke and Ms Dari Taylor from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Lindsay Hoyle and Shona McIsaac.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Constitutional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Constitutional Affairs Committee [Implementation of the Freedom of Information Act]; to be printed [No. 1060-i] [Mr A. J. Beith].

2Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [BBC Charter Renewal]; to be printed [No. 598-vii] [Sir Gerald Kaufman].

3Education and Skills,—Fifth Report from the Education and Skills Committee [Secondary Education: Teacher Retention and Recruitment], 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. 1057-I and -II] [Mr Barry Sheerman].

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4Foreign Affairs,—Eighth Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee [Foreign and Commonwealth Office Annual Report 2003–04], together with Annexes and the Minutes of Evidence; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 745] [Donald Anderson].

5Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [Police Reform]; to be printed [No. 1038-ii] [Mr John Denham].

6International Development,—Part of the Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [The humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan]; to be printed [No. 1058-i] [Tony Baldry].

7Northern Ireland,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [‘Hate Crime' in Northern Ireland]; to be printed [No. 539-vi] [Mr Michael Mates].

8Office 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 [The Draft Regional Assemblies Bill]; to be printed [No. 972-iii] [Andrew Bennett].

9Regulatory Reform,—Twelfth Report from the Regulatory Reform Committee [Proposal for the Regulatory Reform (Unsolicited Goods and Services Act 1971) (Directory Entries and Demands for Payment) Order 2004], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 1056] [Mr Peter Pike].

10Standards and Privileges,—Sixth Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges [Privilege: Protection of a Witness (Government Response)], together with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 1055] [Sir George Young].

11Statutory Instruments,—Twenty-eighth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 82-xxviii] [Mr David Tredinnick].

12Treasury,—(1) Seventh Special Report from the Treasury Committee [Government Response to the Seventh Report from the Committee, on The Administrative Costs of Tax Compliance]; to be printed [No. 1054]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Regional Productivity]; to be printed [No. 308-iv]

[Mr John McFall].


[No. 130; WH, No. 83]

Tuesday 14th September 2004.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall

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

Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the sitting be now adjourned—(Mr Vernon Coaker);

At Eleven o'clock, a minute's silence was observed in memory of those killed in Beslan, Russia, on 3rd September.

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 4.57 p.m.


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[No. 131.]

Wednesday 15th September 2004.

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

PRAYERS.

1European Standing Committee B,—Mr James Cran reported from European Standing Committee B the following Resolution:

That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 9317/04, Green Paper on the approximation, mutual recognition and enforcement of criminal sanctions in the European Union; notes that this forms part of the wider Justice and Home Affairs agenda, and supports the Government's position that the Green Paper is a preliminary document which will need considerable further discussion.

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

2Pensions (Clawbacks) Bill,—The Order for reading the Pensions (Clawbacks) Bill a second time on Friday 15th October was read and discharged.

3Fishery Limits (United Kingdom) (No. 2) Bill,—Ordered, That the Fishery Limits (United Kingdom) (No. 2) Bill be read a second time on Friday 15th October.

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

The Lords agree to the Armed Forces (Pensions and Compensation) Bill, with Amendments, to which they desire the concurrence of this House.

5Armed Forces (Pensions and Compensation) Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Armed Forces (Pensions and Compensation) Bill to be considered to-morrow, and to be printed [Bill 157].

6Legislation (Memoranda of European Derivation) Bill,—Mr William Cash, supported by Mr Richard Shepherd, Sir Nicholas Winterton, Mrs Angela Browning, Sir Peter Tapsell, Sir John Butterfill, Mr David Amess and Mr David Heathcoat-Amory, presented a Bill to require a Minister of the Crown, the National Assembly for Wales, a Northern Ireland Minister or a Scottish Minister in respect of any primary or subordinate legislation which gives effect to any European Community treaty, obligation or instrument to publish a memorandum specifying the relevant European Community treaty, obligation or instrument from which it is derived and identifying which provisions in the legislation are so derived: 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 155].

7Desecration of National Flags,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to establish a criminal offence of desecrating national flags; to establish penalties in relation to the offence; and for connected purposes— (Mrs Angela Browning);

And the Motion being opposed, after permitting a short explanatory statement from the Member who made the Motion and from a Member who opposed it, the Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Standing Order No. 23 (Motions for leave to bring in bills and nomination of select committees at commencement of public business):—It was agreed to.

Ordered, That Mrs Angela Browning, Mr Christopher Chope, Michael Fabricant, Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger, Dame Marion Roe, Andrew Rosindell and Angela Watkinson do prepare and bring in the Bill.

8Desecration of National Flags Bill,—Mrs Angela Browning accordingly presented a Bill to establish a criminal offence of desecrating national flags; to establish penalties in relation to the offence; 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 156].

9Hunting Bill (Procedure),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the following provisions shall have effect in relation to the Hunting Bill—

1. Proceedings on Second Reading shall be brought to a conclusion, unless already concluded, five hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion for this Order.

2. At the conclusion of proceedings on Second Reading—

(1) the Bill shall be treated as having been committed to a Committee of the whole House and as having been reported from the Committee without amendment, and

(2) the House shall proceed to consider any Motion standing in the name of a Minister of the Crown under section 2(4) of the Parliament Act 1911 for a suggested amendment to the Bill.

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3. Proceedings on that Motion shall be brought to a conclusion, unless already concluded, three hours after their commencement (for which purpose the Speaker shall put only the Question on any amendment to the Motion selected by him and the Question on the Motion).

4. Proceedings on Third Reading—

(1) may be taken immediately after the conclusion of proceedings on the Motion mentioned in paragraphs 2(2) and 3, and

(2) shall be brought to a conclusion half an hour after their commencement.

5. No motion may be made to recommit the Bill.

6. In relation to the proceedings mentioned in paragraphs 1 to 4 above—

(1) Standing Order No. 15(1) shall apply,

(2) the proceedings shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House,

(3) the Orders of the House of 28th June 2001 and 6th November 2003 relating to deferred Divisions shall not apply,

(4) the proceedings shall not be interrupted by a Motion for the adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 (and any such Motion shall stand over until the conclusion of such of the proceedings mentioned in paragraphs 1 to 4 as are to be taken at the sitting concerned),

(5) no dilatory motion may be made except by a Minister of the Crown,

(6) the Question on any dilatory motion made by a Minister of the Crown shall be put forthwith, and

(7) if the House is adjourned or the sitting is suspended during the course of the proceedings, no notice shall be required of a Motion made by a Minister of the Crown at the next sitting of the House varying or supplementing the provisions of this Order.

7. The Question on any Motion varying or supplementing the provisions of this Order (whether by making provision about Lords messages or otherwise) shall be put forthwith—(Alun Michael);

An Amendment ((a)) was proposed to the Question, in line 4, to leave out from the word ‘after' to the end of the paragraph and insert the words ‘their commencement', instead thereof.—(Mr Oliver Heald.)

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

Mr Bob Ainsworth rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put.

And the Question being put, That the Question be now put;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Vernon Coaker, Gillian Merron: 310.

Tellers for the Noes, Gregory Barker, Mr Hugo Swire: 158.

So the Question was agreed to.

And the Question being accordingly put, That the Amendment be made;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Peter Atkinson: 174.

Tellers for the Noes, Gillian Merron, Mr Vernon Coaker: 303.

So the Question was negatived.

Another Amendment ((n)) was proposed to the Question, in line 9, to leave out from the word ‘any' to the word ‘under' in line 10 and insert the word ‘Motions', instead thereof.—(Mr Oliver Heald.)

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Mr Hugo Swire: 170.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Vernon Coaker, Bridget Prentice: 297.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Main Question being put;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Gillian Merron, Bridget Prentice: 309.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Ruffley, Gregory Barker: 157.

So the Question was agreed to.

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10Hunting Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Hunting Bill;

And a Motion being made, and the Question being put, That the Bill be now read a second time;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Tom Watson, Derek Twigg: 356.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Bill Wiggin, Mr Crispin Blunt: 166.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Bill was accordingly read a second time and, pursuant to Order [this day], was treated as having been committed to a Committee of the whole House and as having been reported from the Committee without Amendment.

11Hunting Bill (Commons Suggested Amendments),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That pursuant to section 2(4) of the Parliament Act 1911, this House suggests to the Lords the following Amendment to the Hunting Bill—

Leave out Clause No. 15 and insert the following new Clause—

‘Commencement

(1) The following provisions of this Act shall come into force at the end of the period of two years beginning with the date on which it is passed—

(a) sections 1 to 4,

(b) Part 2 in so far as it relates to sections 1 to 4,

(c) sections 11 to 14 in so far as they relate to sections 1 to 4,

(d) Schedule 1, and

(e) Schedules 2 and 3, except in so far as they change the law in relation to an activity to which section 5 applies.

(2) The following provisions of this Act shall come into force at the end of the period of three months beginning with the date on which it is passed—

(a) section 5,

(b) Part 2 in so far as it relates to section 5,

(c) sections 11 to 13 in so far as they relate to section 5, and

(d) Schedules 2 and 3 in so far as they change the law in relation to an activity to which section 5 applies.'.—(Alun Michael.)

An Amendment ((d)) was proposed to the Question, in line 6, to leave out from the word ‘force' to the end of line 7 and insert the words ‘on 31st July 2006', instead thereof.—(Mr Tony Banks.)

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

And it being three hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [this day].

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Margaret Moran, Paul Clark: 342.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Andrew Robathan, Mr Gerald Howarth: 15.

So the Question was agreed to.

And the Main Question, as amended, being put;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Margaret Moran, Paul Clark: 329.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Roger Gale, Miss Ann Widdecombe: 8.

So the Question was agreed to.

Resolved, That pursuant to section 2(4) of the Parliament Act 1911, this House suggests to the Lords the following Amendment to the Hunting Bill—

Leave out Clause No. 15 and insert the following new Clause—

‘Commencement

(1) The following provisions of this Act shall come into force on 31st July 2006—

(a) sections 1 to 4,

(b) Part 2 in so far as it relates to sections 1 to 4,

(c) sections 11 to 14 in so far as they relate to sections 1 to 4,

(d) Schedule 1, and

(e) Schedules 2 and 3, except in so far as they change the law in relation to an activity to which section 5 applies.

(2) The following provisions of this Act shall come into force at the end of the period of three months beginning with the date on which it is passed—

(a) section 5,

(b) Part 2 in so far as it relates to section 5,

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(c) sections 11 to 13 in so far as they relate to section 5, and

(d) Schedules 2 and 3 in so far as they change the law in relation to an activity to which section 5 applies.'.

12Hunting Bill,—A Motion being made, That the Bill be now read the third time;

Alun Michael, 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 is concerned, That the House may do therein as it shall think fit.

Alun Michael, 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 proposed;

And it being half an hour after the commencement of proceedings, the Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [this day].

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Nick Ainger, Mr John Heppell: 339.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Bill Wiggin, Mr Crispin Blunt: 155.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

Ordered, That the Amendment suggested by this House to the Bill be communicated to the Lords.

13Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from—

(1) residents of Coatbridge and Chryston for the creation of new offences of motor vehicle manslaughter and aggravated motor vehicle manslaughter;

(2) the ‘Clear the Debt Campaign' for a review of the debts of the Royal United Hospital, Bath; and

(3) Roger Smith of Hook, East Yorkshire, against the conversion of Holland House Nursing and Residential Care Home into a unit for people with personality disorders

were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

14Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Margaret Moran.)

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

[Adjourned at 10.48 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Northern Ireland,—Draft Financial Assistance for Young Farmers (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Murphy].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Chemical Weapons,—Chemical Weapons (Notification) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2406), dated 6th September 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

3Criminal Law,—Costs in Criminal Cases (General) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2408), dated 7th September 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr David Lammy].

4Fees and Charges,—European Public Limited-Liability Company (Fees) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2407), dated 13th September 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

5Seeds,—(1) Beet Seed (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2385),

(2) Cereal Seed (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2386),

(3) Fodder Plant Seed (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2387),

(4) Oil and Fibre Plant Seed (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2388),

(5) Seed (Registration, Licensing and Enforcement) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2390), and

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(6) Vegetable Seed (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2389),

dated 10th September 2004 [by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

6Town and Country Planning,—Town and Country Planning (London Borough of Camden) Special Development (Amendment) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2355), dated 7th September 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers:

7Air Force (Constitution),—(1) Amendment List 25 to Air Publication 1269A—The Royal Air Force Manual of Assessment of Medical Fitness (Third Edition); and

(2) Amendment list 10 to Queen's Regulations for the Royal Air Force (Fifth Edition)

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon].

8Electoral Law (Northern Ireland),—Report for 2003–04 of the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 1029] [Mr Secretary Murphy].

9European Communities (No. 4, 2004),—Protocol, done at Brussels on 27th November 2003, drawn up on the basis of Article 43(1) of the Convention on the Establishment of a European Police Office (Europol Convention) amending that Convention [Cm. 6323], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Straw].

10Food,—Account of the Home Grown Sugar Beet (Research and Education) Fund for 2000–01, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1050] [Clerk of the House].

11Government Resources and Accounts,—(1) Account of the Royal Naval Submarine Museum for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1051] [Clerk of the House], and

(2) Report and Accounts for 2003–04 of the Service Children's Education Agency, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1024] [Mr Secretary Hoon].

(3) Resource Accounts for 2003–04 of—

(i) Armed Forces Pension Scheme,

(ii) Charity Commission,

(iii) Crown Prosecution Service,

(iv) Department for Culture, Media and Sport,

(v) Department for International Development,

(vi) Northern Ireland Court Service,

(vii) Office of Telecommunications, and

(viii) Office of Water Services

with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 1023, 1019, 1011, 1010, 1025, 1018, 1021 and 1022] [Mr Stephen Timms].

12Museums and Galleries,—Account for 2003–04 of the Natural History Museum, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1061] [Clerk of the House].

13National Lottery,—Accounts for 2003–04 of the—

(1) UK Film Council (Formerly Film Council) Lottery, and

(2) United Kingdom Sports Council Lottery Distribution Fund

with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 1052 and 1033] [Clerk of the House].

14Public Accounts,—Treasury Minutes on the Thirty-second to Thirty-fourth and Thirty-sixth Reports of the Committee on Public Accounts, Session 2003–04 [by Command] [Cm. 6304] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer].

15Transport,—Department of Transport Minutes, dated 15th September 2004, concerning

(1) a contingent liability in support of Network Rail's Debt Issuance Programme, and

(2) a non-statutory contingent liability in support of Network Rail's Debt Issuance Programme

[by Command] [Mr Secretary Darling].

16Wildlife and Countryside,—Report and Accounts of the Countryside Agency for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1049] [Clerk of the House].

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APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Children Bill [Lords]:

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated twenty-two Members to serve on the Committee: Annette Brooke, Mr James Clappison, Mr Hilton Dawson, Mrs Lorna Fitzsimons, Mr Tom Harris, Margaret Hodge, Dr Stephen Ladyman, Mrs Eleanor Laing, Tim Loughton, Siobhain McDonagh, Chris Mole, Julie Morgan, Ms Meg Munn, Dr Nick Palmer, Mr David Ruffley, Jonathan Shaw, Ms Dari Taylor, Mr Don Touhig, Mr Andrew Turner, Derek Twigg, Hywel Williams and Mr Phil Willis.

2Draft Roads (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) 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: David Burnside, Mr Liam Byrne, Mrs Helen Clark, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Parmjit Dhanda, Patrick Hall, Mr Tom Harris, Mr Robert Jackson, Mr David Lidington, Mr Michael Mates, Mr Alan Meale, Lembit O­pik, Mr John Spellar, Dr Gavin Strang, Mr Hugo Swire and Brian White.

European Standing Committees

3European Union Document No. 11422/04, relating to flood prevention, has been referred to European Standing Committee A.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Defence,—(1) Second Special Report from the Defence Committee [Defence White Paper 2003: Government Response to the Committee's Fifth Report of Session 2003–04]; to be printed [No. 1048]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Future Capabilities]; to be printed [No. 1031-i]

[Bruce George].

2Draft Charities Bill,—Report from the Joint Committee on the Draft Charities Bill, together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee [No. 660] [Mr George Foulkes].

3Education and Skills,—(1) Sixth Report from the Education and Skills Committee [The Work of OFSTED]; 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. 426]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Prison Education]; to be printed [No. 825-ii]

[Mr Barry Sheerman].

4Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Draft Animal Welfare Bill Sub-Committee of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee [The draft Animal Welfare Bill]; to be printed [No. 1032-vi] [Mr Michael Jack].

5Environmental Audit,—(1) Eleventh Report from the Environmental Audit Committee [Aviation: Sustainability and the Government's second response]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 1063]; and

(2) Twelfth Report from the Committee [Wildlife Crime], 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. 605]

[Mr Peter Ainsworth].

6European Scrutiny,—(1) Thirty-first Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 42-xxxi]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The EU's constitutional treaty]; to be printed [No. 1064-i]

[Jimmy Hood].

7International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee [DFID's bilateral programme of assistance to India]; to be printed [No. 692-iii] [Tony Baldry].

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8Modernisation of the House of Commons,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons [Sitting Hours]; to be printed [No. 892-ii]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Scrutiny of European Business]; to be printed [No. 565-v]

[Mr Peter Hain].

9Office 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 [The Draft Regional Assemblies Bill]; to be printed [No. 972-iv] [Andrew Bennett].

10Public Accounts,—(1) Forty-sixth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [The UK Emissions Trading Scheme: A new way to combat climate change]; to be printed [No. 604];

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The BBC's investment in Freeview]; to be printed [No. 1065-i]

[Edward Leigh].

11Science and Technology,—(1) Eighth Special Report from the Science and Technology Committee [Government Response to the Committee's Seventh Report, Session 2003–04, Director General for Higher Education: Introductory Hearing]; to be printed [No. 1015];

(2) Ninth Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the Committee's Ninth Report, Session 2003–04, Director General of the Research Councils: Introductory Hearing]; to be printed [No. 1059];

(3) Eleventh Report from the Committee [Research Assessment Exercise: a re-assessment]; 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. 586]; and

(4) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Human reproductive technologies and the law]; to be printed [No. 599-vi]

[Dr Ian Gibson].


[No. 131; WH, No. 84]

Wednesday 15th September 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 5.22 p.m.


[No. 132.]

Thursday 16th September 2004.

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

PRAYERS.

1Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Bill [Lords],—Derek Conway reported from Standing Committee A, That it had gone through the Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Bill [Lords], and made Amendments thereunto, and had amended the Title as follows:

A Bill to amend the law relating to company auditors and accounts, to the provision that may be made in respect of certain liabilities incurred by a company's officers, and to company investigations; to make provision for community interest companies; and for connected purposes.

Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered on Monday 11th October; and to be printed [Bill 158].

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 1067].

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2Criminal 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 Police Act 2001 (Amendment) and Police Reform Act 2002 (Modification) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 19th July, be approved—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to.

3Employment Relations Bill (Programme) (No. 4),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith pursuant to Orders [28th June and 6th November 2003 (Programming of bills)], That the following provision shall apply to the Employment Relations Bill for the purpose of supplementing the Programme Order of 14th January 2004:

Consideration of Lords Amendments

Proceedings on Consideration of Lords Amendments shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion two hours after their commencement at this day's sitting—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to.

4Employment Relations Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Employment Relations Bill.

Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 71 were agreed to.

5Adjournment (HIV/AIDS in the developing world),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Vernon Coaker);

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

Sustainable and Secure Buildings Act 2004

Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004

Employment Relations Act 2004.

7Adjournment (HIV/AIDS in the developing world),—The Question being again proposed, That this House do now adjourn;

The Motion was, with leave of the House, withdrawn.

8Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from residents of Tewkesbury Constituency against proposed closures of post offices in Innsworth, Churchdown and Leckhampton was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

9Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from the Parish Council of Little Missenden, Buckinghamshire, the citizens of the village of Holmer Green and others against the proposed closure of Turners Place Post Office, Holmer Green, was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

10Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Gillian Merron);

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

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

And the Motion having been made at Six o'clock, and Debate having continued for half an hour, the Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, till Monday 11th October, pursuant to Resolution [8th September].

[Adjourned at 6.30 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Damages,—Draft Damages (Variation of Periodical Payments) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr David Lammy].

2International Immunities and Privileges,—Draft Agency for International Trade Information and Co-operation (Legal Capacities) Order 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Straw].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

3Environmental Protection,—(1) Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2411), and

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(2) Genetically Modified Organisms (Traceability and Labelling) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2412),

dated 14th September 2004 [by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

4Magistrates' Courts,—Magistrates' Courts (Reports Relating to Adult Witnesses) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2419), dated 13th September 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

5Supreme Court of England and Wales,—Crown Court (Reports Relating to Adult Witnesses) Rules 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2420), dated 13th September 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

6Taxes,—Stamp Duty and Stamp Duty Reserve Tax (Extension of Exceptions relating to Recognised Exchanges) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2421), dated 15th September 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Stephen Timms].

Other Papers:

7Communications,—Report and Accounts of the Office of Communications for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

8Culture, Media and Sport,—Government Response to the Sixth Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Session 2003–04, on Arts Development: Dance [by Command] [Cm. 6326] [Secretary Tessa Jowell].

9Government Resources and Accounts,—(1) Accounts of the Radiocommunications Agency for 1st April to 28th December 2003, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1066] [Mr Stephen Timms],

(2) Report and Accounts for 2003–04 of—

(i) Sir John Soane's Museum, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1007] [Secretary Tessa Jowell], and

(ii) the Treasury Solicitor's Department, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1012] [The Solicitor General], and

(3) Resource Accounts for 2003–04 of HM Procurator General and Treasury Solicitor, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1020] [Mr Stephen Timms].

10Health,—Government Response to the Fourth Report from the Health Committee, Session 2003–04, on Palliative Care [by Command] [Cm. 6327] [Mr Secretary Reid].

11Northern Ireland,—Accounts of—

(1) Altnagelvin Hospitals HSS Trust,

(2) Armagh and Dungannon HSS Trust,

(3) Belfast City Hospital HSS Trust,

(4) Causeway Health and Social Services Trust,

(5) Craigavon and Banbridge Community Health and Social Services Trust,

(6) Craigavon Area Hospital Group (HSS) Trust,

(7) Down Lisburn Health and Social Services Trust,

(8) Eastern Health and Social Services Board,

(9) Foyle Health and Social Services Trust,

(10) Green Park Healthcare HSS Trust,

(11) Homefirst Community Trust,

(12) Mater Hospital HSS Trust,

(13) Newry & Mourne HSS Trust,

(14) North and West Belfast HSS Trust,

(15) Northern Health and Social Services Board,

(16) Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Health and Social Services Trust,

(17) Royal Group of Hospitals and Dental Hospital Health & Social Services Trust,

(18) South & East Belfast Health and Social Services Trust,

(19) Southern Health and Social Services Board,

(20) Sperrin Lakeland Health and Social Services Trust,

(21) Ulster Community & Hospitals HSS Trust,

Page 528      Thursday 16th September 2004       2003-2004      Volume 260      Back to top

(22) United Hospitals HSS Trust, and

(23) Western Health and Social Services Board

for 2003–04, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland thereon [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [Nos. 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, 980, 981, 996, 982, 983, 984, 985, 986, 988, 994, 987, 989, 990, 995, 991, 992, 993 and 997] [Mr Secretary Murphy].

12North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland),—Report and Statement of Accounts of InterTradeIreland for 2003, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland thereon [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 1034] [Mr Secretary Murphy].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Children Bill [Lords],—The Speaker has appointed Dame Marion Roe and Mr Joe Benton Chairmen of Standing Committee B in respect of the Bill.

2Children Bill [Lords] (Programming Sub-Committee),—The Speaker has appointed Annette Brooke, Margaret Hodge, Tim Loughton, Ms Meg Munn, Mr David Ruffley, Ms Dari Taylor and Derek Twigg members of the Programming Sub-Committee of Standing Committee B in respect of the Bill.

3Draft Roads (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mrs Irene Adams Chairman of the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order.

4Draft Legal Services Ombudsman (Extension of Remit) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Alan Hurst Chairman of the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order.

European Standing Committees

5The Speaker has appointed Mr Edward O'Hara Chairman of European Standing Committee C in respect of European Union Document No. 8875/04 on Industrial Policy for an Enlarged Europe.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Draft Animal Welfare Bill Sub-Committee of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee [The draft Animal Welfare Bill]; to be printed [No. 1032-vii] [Mr Michael Jack].

2Treasury,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [EU Single Market in Financial Services]; to be printed [No. 1068-i]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [EU Single Market in Financial Services]

[Mr John McFall].


[No. 132; WH, No. 85]

Thursday 16th September 2004.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall

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

Adjournment (Postal Voting—Seventh Report and First Special Report from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee, Session 2003–04),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the sitting be now adjourned—(Mr John Heppell);

And the sitting having continued for three hours, it was adjourned without Question put, till Tuesday 12th October.

[Adjourned at 5.30 p.m.



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