Forthcoming Business of the House of Lords
24 - 27 January 2005

Monday 24 January (2.30.pm)

Oral Questions -What action will be taken to reverse the decline in the number of secondary school pupils studying a foreign language (B. Howe of Idlicote); How many water purification units held either by water companies in the United Kingdom or by the Ministry of Defence have been sent to the areas devastated by the recent tsunami (L. Roberts of Llandudno); Whether the recommendation of the Electoral Commission will be implemented in their report on the funding of political parties that there should be "a modest expansion of the policy development grant scheme" to political parties with representation in the European and Scottish Parliaments and the Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies (L. Beaumont of Whitley); Why it has been decided not to pay compensation to Angela Cannings following the quashing of her conviction for the murder of two of her children (L. Lamont of Lerwick).

Legislation - Education Bill [HL] (4th day committee stage); Disability Discrimination Bill (4th day Grand Committee).

Delegated Legislation - Fire and Rescue Services (National Framework) (England) Order 2004.

Tuesday 25 January (2.30.pm)

Oral Questions - What criteria are used in the procurement of uniforms for the army (L. Hoyle); What action is being taken to promote opportunities for apprenticeships and work experience for those training to acquire skills in the United Kingdom's construction industry (L. Harrison); What progress has been made with the implementation of a Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (L. Carter).

Legislation - Mental Capacity Bill (1st day committee stage); Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Bill [HL] (1st day Grand Committee).

Unstarred Question - What proposals there are to improve the A27 between Chichester and Eastbourne (L. Baker of Dorking).

Wednesday 26 January (2.30.pm)

Oral Questions -What capacities of on-shore and off-shore wind power had been installed by the end of 2004; what capacities are expected to be installed in 2005; and whether their 2010 target is likely to be met (L. Tombs); Whether there are any proposed changes to the policy regarding the culling of badgers in areas where bovine tuberculosis is rife (L. Rotherwick); What is the coverage of Freeview within the United Kingdom (L. Campbell-Savours).

Debates - On Her Majesty's Government's policies to reduce poverty in developing countries (B. Whitaker); the report of the Labour Peers' Working Group on reform of the powers, procedures and conventions of the House of Lords (L. Hunt of Kings Heath).

Thursday 27 January (11.00.am)

Oral Questions -What is the earliest possible date, following Royal Assent to a bill providing for a referendum on the proposed new European Union constitution, for that referendum to be held, taking into account the necessary preparations and administrative arrangements required (L. Howell of Guildford); When, and at what total cost to public funds, will the national firearms database become fully operational (L. Corbett of Castle Vale).

Legislation - Mental Capacity Bill (2nd day committee stage); Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Bill [HL] (2nd day Grand Committee).

Delegated Legislation - Local Authorities' Plans and Strategies (Disapplication) (England) Order 2005; Local Authorities (Contracting Out of BID Levy Billing, Collection and Enforcement Functions) Order 2004; Representation of the People (Variation of Limits of Candidates' Election Expenses) (City of London) Order 2005 (L. Rooker)

Provisional Future Business

Monday 31 January (2.30.pm)

Introduction - The Rt Hon. Neil Kinnock will be introduced as a Baron

Legislation - Renewable Energy Bill [HL] (committee stage); School Transport Bill (second reading).

Delegated Legislation - Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Disapplication of Part IV for Northern Ireland Parties, etc) Order 2005 (B. Amos).

Unstarred Question -What plans there are for the future of Northern Ireland in the light of current difficulties (L. Glentoran).

Tuesday 1 February (2.30.pm)

Legislation - Mental Capacity Bill (3rd day committee stage).

Wednesday 2 February (2.30.pm)

Debates - On the Report to the United Nations by the High-Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change, the Millennium Development Goals Review, and to the causes of conflict in Africa (L. Hannay of Chiswick); The role of parents in the welfare of children and to the case for involving parents more in the design and delivery of services for children (L. Northbourne).

Legislation - Traffic Wardens and Parking Attendants Bill [HL] (2nd reading)