| Commons Journal 260
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II
Page 552 2003-2004 Volume 260
[No. 138.] Monday 18th October 2004.
The House met at half-past Two o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Gambling Bill,—Secretary Tessa Jowell, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Secretary Prescott, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Secretary Blunkett, Mr Secretary Darling, Mr Secretary Reid, Mr Secretary Murphy, Ms Secretary Hewitt, Mr Peter Hain, Margaret Hodge and Mr Richard Caborn, presented a Bill to make provision about gambling: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 163]. |
Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Gambling Bill be printed [Bill 163–EN].
| 2 | Opposition Day [19th 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. |
Crime,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes the rising tide of firearms offences that has led to one gun crime being committed every hour; is appalled by the recent spate of gun-related incidents across the country; believes that after seven years the Government has failed to deal with the scourge of guns in towns and cities; further notes the link between gun crime and drugs; deplores the rise in violent crime; resolves that 40,000 more police are needed on the streets to reverse this trend; and believes that local communities should be given greater freedom to direct the efforts of their police force if streets are to be made safer—(David Davis);
An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 1, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘welcomes the record falls in crime achieved by this Government since 1997, recognising that the chances of becoming a victim of crime are now at their lowest level since records began and that gun crime fatalities are falling; recognises that these achievements are the result of record numbers of police officers on the streets, reinforced for the first time by Community Support Officers; welcomes the Government's achievements in reducing anti-social behaviour which has blighted the lives of too many of the most vulnerable people; and supports the Government's continuing programme of action to tackle crime, including the recruitment of 25,000 Community Support Officers and wardens, the provision of extra prison capacity and tougher penalties for those who break the law', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Blunkett.)
And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;
Mr Patrick McLoughlin rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put.
And the Question being put, That the Question be now put:—It was agreed to.
And the Question being accordingly put;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr John Randall: 163.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Vernon Coaker, Gillian Merron: 290.
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, Gillian Merron, Mr Vernon Coaker: 287.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr John Randall: 162.
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 record falls in crime achieved by this Government since 1997, recognising that the chances of becoming a victim of crime are now at their lowest level since records began and that gun crime fatalities are falling; recognises that these achievements are the result of record numbers of police officers on the streets, reinforced for the first time by Community Support Officers; welcomes the Government's achievements in reducing anti-social behaviour which has blighted the lives of too many of the most vulnerable people; and supports the Government's continuing programme of action to tackle crime, including the recruitment of 25,000 Community Support Officers and wardens, the provision of extra prison capacity and tougher penalties for those who break the law.
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| 3 | Civil Partnership Bill [Lords] (Programme) (No. 2),—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 Order of 12th October 2004 (Civil Partnership Bill [Lords] (Programme)) be varied by the substitution in paragraph 2 (time for conclusion of proceedings in Standing Committee) for the words ‘21st October 2004' of the words ‘26th October 2004'—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to. |
| 4 | Legal Services,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Legal Services Ombudsman (Extension of Remit) Regulations 2004, which were laid before this House on 15th July, be approved—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to. |
| 5 | 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 Roads (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2004, which was laid before this House on 7th September, be approved—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to. |
| 6 | Industrial Policy for an Enlarged Europe,—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. 8875/04, Commission Communication entitled Fostering Structural Change: an Industrial Policy for an Enlarged Europe; and supports the actions proposed by the Commission to facilitate the process of structural change, namely better lawmaking, better exploitation of synergies between different Community policies impacting on competitiveness, and analysis of the specific needs of various sectors; but believes that such analysis should concentrate on sectors with potential for growth—(Mr Nick Ainger):—It was agreed to. |
| 7 | Employment Tribunals,—Ordered, That the Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1861), dated 19th July 2004, be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr Nick Ainger.) |
| 8 | Public Accounts,—Ordered, That Ruth Kelly be discharged from the Committee of Public Accounts and Mr Stephen Timms be added.—(Mr Bob Ainsworth, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) |
| 9 | 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 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 to Eleven o'clock, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.55 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Criminal Law,—International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (Freezing of Funds and Economic Resources) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2690), dated 18th October 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Stephen Timms]. |
| 2 | Immigration,—Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1112] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 3 | Landlord and Tenant,—Service Charges (Consultation Requirements) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2665), dated 11th October 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
Papers subject to Special Parliamentary Procedure:
| 4 | Water Industry,—Yorkshire Water Services Limited (Langthwaite Water Treatment Works First Time Filtration Scheme) Compulsory Purchase Order 2004, dated 14th January 2004, together with a Certificate by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under section 2(2) of the Statutory Orders (Special Procedure) Act 1945 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
Other Papers:
| 5 | Armenia (No. 1, 2004),—Agreement, done at Yerevan on 15th July 2004, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Armenia on the Establishment and Activities of Cultural Centres, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 6350] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
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| 6 | Development of Tourism,—Statement of appointment and salary of Lord Marshall of Knightsbridge as Chairman of the British Tourist Authority [by Act] [Secretary Tessa Jowell]. |
| 7 | Government Resources and Accounts,—(1) Account of the Royal Air Force Museum for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1168] [Clerk of the House]; and |
(2) Report and Accounts of the Defence Procurement Agency for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1079] [Mr Secretary Hoon].
| 8 | Industrial Organisation and Development,—Account of the Industrial Organisation and Development Act 1947 for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1167] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 9 | Justice (Northern Ireland),—Report of the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland for 2003–04 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Murphy]. |
| 10 | National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Managing Risks to Improve Public Services [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1078-I and -II] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 11 | Postal Services,—Account of the Consumer Council for Postal Services for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1166] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 12 | Public Health,—Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Scallops) (Irish Sea) (Revocation) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2686), dated 15th October 2004 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Reid]. |
| 13 | Regulatory Reform,—Proposal for a Regulatory Reform (Prison Officers) (Industrial Action) Order 2004, together with a statement by Her Majesty's Prison Service [by Act] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 14 | Reserve Forces,—Report under section 56(7) of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 of a call-out order under section 56(1) of that Act [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon]. |
| 15 | School Standards and Framework,—Accounts of the— |
(1) Bolton Education Action Zone;
(2) Corby Education Action Zone; and
(3) Sunderland Education Action Zone
for 2003–04, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 1163, 1164 and 1165] [Clerk of the House].
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Mental Capacity Bill (Programming Sub-Committee),—The Speaker has appointed Mr George Howarth as a member of the Programming Sub-Committee of Standing Committee A in respect of the Bill. |
| 2 | Draft Primary Medical Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Jon Cruddas from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Angela Smith. |
| 3 | Draft Local Authorities (Indemnities for Members and Officers) Order 2004,—The Speaker has appointed Mrs Irene Adams Chairman of the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order in place of Mr Kevin Hughes. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| Education and Skills,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education and Skills Committee [Education Outside the Classroom]; to be printed [No. 1170-i] [Mr Barry Sheerman]. |
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[No. 139.] Tuesday 19th October 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Mike Hancock reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Government's Assessment under section 5 of the European Communities (Amendment) Act 1993. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Miss Anne Begg reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Primary Medical Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Mike Hancock reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Financial Assistance for Young Farmers (Northern Ireland) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Congenital Heart Disease (Exemption from Prescription Charges),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to exempt those who suffer from congenital heart disease from prescription charges: And that Mr Ivan Henderson, Mr Stephen McCabe, Mr Tony Clarke, Mr Anthony D. Wright, Mr Stephen Hepburn, Ms Dari Taylor, Dr Howard Stoate, Bob Russell, Mr Kevan Jones, Andrew George, Mr John Bercow and Dr Doug Naysmith do prepare and bring it in. |
| 5 | Congenital Heart Disease (Exemption from Prescription Charges) Bill,—Mr Ivan Henderson accordingly presented a Bill to exempt those who suffer from congenital heart disease from prescription charges: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 5th November and to be printed [Bill 164]. |
| 6 | Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Bill [Lords],—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Bill [Lords], as amended in the Standing Committee. |
A Clause (NC1) (Amendment of Companies Act 1985: limit on auditor's liability (No. 1))—(Mr Andrew Mitchell)—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 David Ruffley, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 155.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Heppell, Mr Tom Watson: 283.
Another Clause (NC9) (Amendment of the Companies Act 1985: Auditors—ineligibility)—(Mr Jim Cousins)—brought up and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
Amendment (No. 1) proposed to the Bill, in page 27, line 29, at the beginning, to insert the words ‘Where there appears to be good reason,'.—(Mr Andrew Mitchell.)
Question put, That the Amendment be made.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Andrew Selous: 158.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Nick Ainger, Mr Jim Murphy: 255.
Another Amendment (No. 24) proposed to the Bill, in page 29, line 32, at the end, to insert the words—
‘(9) The Secretary of State may on the written request of the inspector or investigator—
(a) if satisfied that it is necessary for the purpose mentioned in subsection 1(b) extend for a period which he may specify beyond the initial 30 days the period of authorisation under subsection 1(a); or
(b) extend the number of consecutive days during which the inspector or investigator may remain on the relevant premises.
(10) There shall be no limit on the number of extensions which may be requested of or granted by the Secretary of State under subsection (9).'.—(Mr Andrew Mitchell.)
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Question put, That the Amendment be made.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Andrew Selous: 159.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Nick Ainger, Mr Jim Murphy: 264.
Another Amendment (No. 19) proposed to the Bill, in page 32, line 7, to leave out subsections (2) and (3) and insert the words—
‘(2) The Secretary of State shall by regulations make provision about—
(a) the formation of new community interest companies, and
(b) the types of existing company that may become a community interest company.', instead thereof.—(Mr Andrew Mitchell.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Amendments (Nos. 17 and 18) made to the Bill.
The Bill was read the third time, and passed, with Amendments.
| 7 | Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from Mr and Mrs Archer and others for the decision on the planning application to build flats opposite Castleview School in Canvey Island, Essex, to be taken by the Planning Committee of Castle Point Borough Council, rather than under delegated powers, and for the Committee to reject the application, was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 8 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Gillian Merron); |
And it being Seven o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.
| 9 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Fraser Kemp.) |
And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till eleven minutes past Seven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 7.11 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Agriculture,—Common Agricultural Policy Single Payment and Support Schemes (Appeals) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2689), dated 14th October 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 2 | Environmental Protection,—Genetically Modified Organisms (Transboundary Movements) (England) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2692), dated 17th October 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 3 | Police,—(1) Police Service of Northern Ireland (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.R. (N.I.), 2004, No. 402); and |
(2) Police Service of Northern Ireland Reserve (Full-time) (Appointment and Conditions of Service) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.R. (N.I.), 2004, No. 403),
dated 19th September [by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Mr Secretary Murphy].
| 4 | Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,—Statute, dated 15th March 2004, made by the Governing Body of Magdalen College, Oxford, amending the Statutes of the College [by Act] [Mr Christopher Leslie]. |
Other Papers:
| 5 | Environmental Protection,—Report by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under section 47A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, on recycling and composting by English waste authorities [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 6 | Office of the Deputy Prime Minister,—Government Response to the Tenth Report of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee, Session 2003–04, on Supporting Vulnerable and Older People: The Supporting People Programme [by Command] [Cm. 6348] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
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| 7 | Statutory Instrument (Notification),—Communication declaring that the undermentioned Statutory Instrument had come into operation before copies were laid before Parliament, and explaining why such copies had not been so laid before the Instrument came into operation: |
Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Scallops) (Irish Sea) (Revocation) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2686)
[by Standing Order] [Clerk of the House].
| 8 | Trade and Industry,—Department of Trade and Industry Minute concerning a contingent liability to indemnify in the course of their duties the two Trustees of the Nuclear Trust appointed by British Energy [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| Financial Assistance for Young Farmers (Northern Ireland) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Tony Clarke from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Order) and nominated in substitution John Cryer. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Constitutional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Constitutional Affairs Committee [Implementation of the Freedom of Information Act]; to be printed [No. 1060-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-viii] [Sir Gerald Kaufman]. |
| 3 | Foreign Affairs,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Western Balkans]; to be printed [No. 1121-ii]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Cyprus]; to be printed [No. 1172-i]
[Mr Donald Anderson].
| 4 | Liaison,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Liaison Committee [Evidence to Select Committees]; to be printed [No. 1180-i] [Mr Alan Williams]. |
| 5 | Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee [ODPM Annual Report and Accounts 2004]; to be printed [No. 1115-ii]; and |
(2) Memoranda submitted to the Committee [The Role and Effectiveness of the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment]; to be printed [No. 1117-II]
[Andrew Bennett].
| 6 | Statutory Instruments,—Thirtieth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 82-xxx]; and |
(2) Second Report from the Select Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 949-ii]
[Brian White].
| 7 | Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [UK–ASEAN Trade Relations]; to be printed [No. 388-iv] [Mr Martin O'Neill]. |
| 8 | Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [Credit Card Charges and Marketing]; to be printed [No. 1177] [Mr John McFall]. |
[No. 139; WH, No. 89]
Tuesday 19th October 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 4.26 p.m.
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[No. 140.] Wednesday 20th October 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | University of Wales, Cardiff Bill [Lords],—The Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means reported from the Committee on Unopposed Bills, That it had examined the allegations contained in the Preamble to the University of Wales, Cardiff Bill [Lords] and found the same to be true; and had gone through the Bill and had directed him to report the same, without Amendment. |
Bill to be read the third time.
| 2 | Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Win Griffiths reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Value Added Tax (Disclosure of Avoidance Schemes) (Designations) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1933) and the Value Added Tax (Groups: eligibility) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1931). |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mrs Irene Adams reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Local Authorities (Indemnities for Members and Officers) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Eric Illsley reported from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Damages (Variation of Periodical Payments) Order 2004. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 5 | European Standing Committee B,—Mr Nigel Beard reported from European Standing Committee B the following Resolution: |
That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 4156/04 and Addendum 1, Financial Services Committee Report on Financial Integration; and supports the United Kingdom's five priorities for the future approach to financial services in the European Union.
Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.
| 6 | Historic Counties (Traffic Signs and Mapping),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the law so as to require traffic authorities to cause traffic signs to be placed on or near roads for the purpose of indicating the location of historic county boundaries; to require the Ordnance Survey of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to mark the boundaries of the historic counties on its maps; and for connected purposes: And that Mr Adrian Flook, Mr John Randall, Sir Nicholas Winterton, Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger, Mr Nigel Evans, Mr David Wilshire and Mr David Amess do prepare and bring it in. |
| 7 | Historic Counties (Traffic Signs and Mapping) Bill,—Mr Adrian Flook accordingly presented a Bill to amend the law so as to require traffic authorities to cause traffic signs to be placed on or near roads for the purpose of indicating the location of historic county boundaries; to require the Ordnance Survey of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to mark the boundaries of the historic counties on its maps; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 5th November and to be printed [Bill 165]. |
| 8 | Section 5 of the European Communities (Amendment) Act 1993,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That this House takes note with approval of the Government's assessment as set out in Budget 2004 for the purposes of section 5 of the European Communities (Amendment) Act 1993—(Joan Ryan); |
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Gillian Merron, Joan Ryan: 250.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Gregory Barker: 162.
So the Question was agreed to.
Resolved, That this House takes note with approval of the Government's assessment as set out in Budget 2004 for the purposes of section 5 of the European Communities (Amendment) Act 1993.
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| 9 | Armed Forces (Pensions and Compensation) Bill (Programme) (No. 2),—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 Armed Forces (Pensions and Compensation) Bill for the purpose of supplementing the Order of 22nd January 2004: |
Consideration of Lords Amendments
1. Proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion three hours after their commencement at this day's sitting.
Subsequent stages
2. Any further Message from the Lords may be considered forthwith without any further Question being put.
3. The proceedings on any further Message from the Lords shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour after their commencement—(Paul Clark);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Joan Ryan, Gillian Merron: 260.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Peter Atkinson, Gregory Barker: 166.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 10 | Armed Forces (Pensions and Compensation) Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Armed Forces (Pensions and Compensation) Bill. |
Lords Amendment No. 1.
A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Ivor Caplin);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Nick Ainger, Margaret Moran: 269.
Tellers for the Noes, Gregory Barker, Mr Peter Atkinson: 181.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.
Lords Amendment No. 2.
An Amendment ((a)) was proposed to the Lords Amendment, in line 3, after the word ‘widows', to insert the word ‘or'.—(Mr Gerald Howarth.)
And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made to the Lords Amendment;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Gregory Barker, Andrew Selous: 181.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Nick Ainger, Margaret Moran: 270.
So the Question was negatived.
A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House disagrees with the Lords in their Amendment—(Mr Ivor Caplin);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Nick Ainger, Margaret Moran: 279.
Tellers for the Noes, Gregory Barker, Andrew Selous: 180.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Lords Amendment was accordingly disagreed to.
Lords Amendments Nos. 3 and 4 were agreed to.
Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their Amendments Nos. 1 and 2.
That Mrs Liz Blackman, Mr Colin Breed, Mr Ivor Caplin, Mr Gerald Howarth and Derek Twigg be members of the Committee.
That Mr Ivor Caplin be the Chairman of the Committee.
That three be the Quorum of the Committee.
That the Committee do withdraw immediately.—(Derek Twigg.)
| 11 | Adjournment (National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Dr Stephen Ladyman); |
And it being Seven o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.
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| 12 | Armed Forces (Pensions and Compensation) Bill,—Mr Ivor Caplin reported from the Committee appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to certain of their Amendments to the Armed Forces (Pensions and Compensation) Bill, That it had drawn up the following Reasons, which it had directed him to report to the House: |
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 1 for the following Reason:
Because it could allow a claim to succeed even though the conditions for entitlement were probably not fulfilled.
The Commons disagree to Lords Amendment No. 2 for the following Reason:
Because it would involve a charge on public funds, and the Commons do not offer any further Reason, trusting that this Reason may be deemed sufficient.
The Reasons were agreed to.
Message to the Lords to communicate the said Reasons, with the Bill and Amendments.
| 13 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Gillian Merron.) |
And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till twenty-five minutes past Seven o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 7.25 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Other Papers:
| 1 | Defence, Foreign Affairs, International Development and Trade and Industry,—Government Response to the First Joint Report from the Defence Committee, the Foreign Affairs Committee, the International Development Committee and the Trade and Industry Committee, Session 2003–04, on Strategic Export Controls [by Command] [Cm. 6357] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 2 | Sea Fisheries,—Solent European Marine Site (Prohibition of Method of Dredging) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2696), dated 19th October 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Civil Partnership Bill [Lords] (Programming Sub-Committee),—The Speaker has appointed Andrew Selous as a member of the Programming Sub-Committee of Standing Committee D in respect of the Bill. |
| 2 | Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1861): |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the 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 Richard Bacon, Gregory Barker, Mr Henry Bellingham, Mr Clive Betts, Malcolm Bruce, Brian Cotter, Mr Parmjit Dhanda, Mr Neil Gerrard, Jane Griffiths, Lynne Jones, Chris McCafferty, Rosemary McKenna, Lawrie Quinn, Mr Richard Shepherd, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe and Mr Tom Watson.
| 3 | Value Added Tax (Disclosure of Avoidance Schemes) (Designations) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1933) and the Value Added Tax (Groups: eligibility) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 1931),—The Committee of Selection has discharged John Cryer and Mr Terry Lewis from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Orders) and nominated in substitution Mr Jim Cousins and Jon Cruddas. |
| 4 | Draft Local Authorities (Indemnities for Members and Officers) Order 2004,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr John MacDougall from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Alan Howarth. |
European Standing Committees
| 5 | European Union Document No. 12343/04, relating to the marketing of oilseed rape genetically modified for glyphosate tolerance, has been referred to European Standing Committee A. |
Page 561 Wednesday 20th October 2004 2003-2004 Volume 260 Back to top
| 6 | European Union Document No. 11545/04 and Addenda 1–3, relating to credit institutions and investment firms, has been referred to European Standing Committee B. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee [Future Capabilities]; to be printed [No. 1031-ii] [Bruce George]. |
| 2 | Draft Mental Health Bill,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on the Draft Mental Health Bill; to be printed [No. 1127-ii]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 1127-iii]
[Mr George Howarth].
| 3 | Education and Skills,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education and Skills Committee [Prison Education]; to be printed [No. 825-iii] [Mr Barry Sheerman]. |
| 4 | Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Water Pricing Sub-Committee of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee [Water Pricing]; to be printed [No. 1186-i] [Mr Michael Jack]. |
| 5 | Environmental Audit,—(1) Fifth Special Report from the Environmental Audit Committee [Government Response to the Tenth Report of the Committee, Session 2003–04, on Budget 2004 and Energy]; to be printed [No. 1183]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Hazardous Waste and Waste Policy]; to be printed [No. 1184-i]
[Mr Peter Ainsworth].
| 6 | European Scrutiny,—(1) Thirty-third Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 42-xxxiii]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The CBI and European Scrutiny]; to be printed [No. 1185-i]
[Jimmy Hood].
| 7 | Human Rights,—(1) Twentieth Report from the Joint Committee on Human Rights [Scrutiny of Bills: Eighth Progress Report], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 1187]; |
(2) Twenty-first Report from the Committee [The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights]; 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. 1188]
[Jean Corston].
| 8 | Modernisation of the House of Commons,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons [Sitting Hours]; to be printed [No. 892-iii] [Mr Peter Hain]. |
| 9 | Northern Ireland Affairs,—(1) Sixth Report from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Social Housing Provision in Northern Ireland], 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. 493-I]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The functions of the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland]; to be printed [No. 956-ii]
[Mr Michael Mates].
| 10 | Procedure,—Fifth Special Report from the Procedure Committee [Programming of Legislation: The Government's Response to the Committee's Fourth Report of Session 2003–04]; to be printed [No. 1169] [Sir Nicholas Winterton]. |
| 11 | Science and Technology,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [The Work of the Economic and Social Research Council]; to be printed [No. 1122-i] [Dr Ian Gibson]. |
| 12 | Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [Police Service, Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Wales]; to be printed [No. 1182-i] [Mr Martyn Jones]. |
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| 13 | Work and Pensions,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Work and Pensions Committee [Departmental Report]; to be printed [No. 1171]; and |
(2) Third Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the Fourth Report from the Work and Pensions Committee, Health and Safety]; to be printed [No. 1137]
[Sir Archy Kirkwood].
[No. 140; WH, No. 90]
Wednesday 20th October 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 4.53 p.m.
[No. 141.] Thursday 21st October 2004.
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | Children Bill [Lords],—Dame Marion Roe reported from Standing Committee B, That it had gone through the Children Bill [Lords], and made Amendments thereunto, and had amended the Title as follows: |
A Bill to make provision for the establishment of a Children's Commissioner; to make provision about services provided to and for children and young people by local authorities and other persons; to make provision in relation to Wales about advisory and support services relating to family proceedings; to make provision about private fostering, child minding and day care, adoption review panels, the defence of reasonable punishment, the making of grants as respects children and families, child safety orders, the Children's Commissioner for Wales, the publication of material relating to children involved in certain legal proceedings and the disclosure by the Inland Revenue of information relating to children.
Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered on Monday 25th October; and to be printed [Bill 166].
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 1189].
| 2 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
The Lords have agreed, without Amendment, to the Amendments made by this House to the Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Bill [Lords].
| 3 | Adjournment (Defence in the World),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Derek Twigg); |
And it being Six o'clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.
| 4 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Jim Fitzpatrick); |
And the Motion having been made at Six o'clock, and Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, till Monday 25th October.
[Adjourned at 6.30 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Legal Services Commission,—Draft Criminal Defence Service (Choice in Very High Cost Cases) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr David Lammy]. |
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Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | European Communities,—European Communities (Designation) (No. 5) Order 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 2642), dated 13th October 2004 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
Other Papers:
| 3 | Government Resources and Accounts,—Report and Consolidated Resource Accounts of the Commissioners of Her Majesty's Inland Revenue for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 1062] [Mr Stephen Timms]. |
| 4 | Northern Ireland,—Accounts for 2003–04 of— |
(1) the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service;
(2) the Northern Ireland Guardian Ad Litem Agency;
(3) the Northern Ireland Health Promotion Agency;
(4) the Northern Ireland Regional Medical Physics Agency; and
(5) the Social Security Agency
with Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland thereon [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [Nos. 1084, 1086, 1085, 1087 and 1138] [Mr Secretary Murphy].
| 5 | Office of the Deputy Prime Minister,—Government Response to the Eighth Report of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee, Session 2003–04, on the Role and Effectiveness of the Housing Corporation [by Command] [Cm. 6351] [Mr Secretary Prescott]. |
| 6 | Senior Salaries,—Fifty-seventh Report of the Review Body on Senior Salaries on the Review of Parliamentary Pay and Allowances 2004 [by Command] [Cm. 6354-1 and -2] [The Prime Minister]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004 No. 1861),—The Speaker has appointed Mr Nigel Beard Chairman of the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Regulations. |
European Standing Committees
| 2 | The Speaker has appointed Mr Eric Forth Chairman of European Standing Committee B in respect of European Union Document No. 8241/04 on General Arrangements for Excise. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration [Government by Inquiry]; to be printed [No. 606-vi] [Tony Wright]. |
[No. 141; WH, No. 91]
Thursday 21st October 2004.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock.
| Adjournment (Social Cohesion—Sixth Report from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee, Session 2003–04, and the Government's response thereto),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Gillian Merron.) |
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 26th October.
[Adjourned at 5.24 p.m.
|
