Commons Journal

Session 2005-2006

Commons Journal 262
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II

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Page 111            2005-2006      Volume 262

[No. 31.]
Monday 11th July 2005.

The House met at half-past Two o’clock.
PRAYERS.

1 First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Eric Illsley reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Dentists Act 1984 (Amendment) Order 2005.

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

2 Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Christopher Chope reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Consular Fees Act 1980 (Fees) Order 2005.

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

3 Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Eric Forth reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Age-Related Payments Regulations 2005.

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

4 Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mrs Janet Dean reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Industrial Training Levy (Engineering Construction Board) Order 2005.

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

5 Racial and Religious Hatred Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee.

A Clause (NC3) (Consequential amendment: powers of arrest)—(Paul Goggins)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (NC2) (Protection of freedom of expression)—(Mr Dominic Grieve)—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Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.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 1, line 3, to leave out from the word ‘Act’ to the end of line 7.—(Mr Alistair Carmichael.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Bob Russell, Mr Mark Prisk: 233.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Ian Cawsey, Mr Parmjit Dhanda: 291.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the Bill be now read the third time;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Frank Roy, Tony Cunningham: 301.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Mark Prisk, Michael Fabricant: 229.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

6 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 Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 2005, which was laid before this House on 2nd March, in the last Session of Parliament, be approved—(Mr Parmjit Dhanda):—It was agreed to.

7 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 Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) (Northern Ireland) Order 2005, which was laid before this House on 27th June, be approved—(Mr Parmjit Dhanda):—It was agreed to.

8 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 Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2005, which was laid before this House on 28th June, be approved—(Mr Parmjit Dhanda):—It was agreed to.

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9 Defence,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Army, Air Force and Naval Discipline Acts (Continuation) Order 2005, which was laid before this House on 4th April, in the last Session of Parliament, be approved—(Mr Parmjit Dhanda):—It was agreed to.

10 Police,—Ordered, That the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (Designated Area) Order 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1537) dated 8th June 2005, be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Mr Parmjit Dhanda.)

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

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

[Adjourned at 10.47 p.m.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 8th July 2005 pursuant to Standing Order No. 158 (Presentation of command papers):

1 Miscellaneous (No. 4, 2005),—Protocol, done at Brussels on 8th October 2002, on the Accession of the European Community to the Eurocontrol International Convention Relating to Co-operation for the Safety of Air Navigation of 13th December 1960, as variously amended and as consolidated by the Protocol of 27th June 1997, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Cm. 6622] [Mr Secretary Straw].

Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 8th July 2005 pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2 Education,—(1) Education (Change of Category of Maintained Schools) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1731); and

(2) School Governance (Constitution, Federations and New Schools) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1730),

dated 29th June 2005, with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [Secretary Ruth Kelly].

3 Road Traffic,—Motor Vehicles (Tests) (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1832), dated 6th July 2005, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Mr Secretary Darling].

4 Social Security,—Social Security (Students and Income-related Benefits) Amendment Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1807), dated 4th July 2005, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 11th July 2005:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

5 Education,—(1) Coventry City Council and the North West Federation of Schools (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) Order 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1739), dated 28th June 2005;

(2) Education (Induction Arrangements for School Teachers) (Consolidation) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1740), dated 29th June 2005;

(3) Education (Leeds College of Music) (Transfer to the Higher Education Sector) Order 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1792), dated 4th July 2005; and

(4) Education (School Organisation Proposals) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1801), dated 2nd July 2005

[by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Secretary Ruth Kelly].

6 Employment Tribunals,—(1) Employment Appeal Tribunal (Amendment) Rules 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1871), dated 2nd July 2005; and

(2) Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1865), dated 28th June 2005

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

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7 Stamp Duty Land Tax,—(1) Stamp Duty Land Tax Avoidance Schemes (Prescribed Descriptions of Arrangements) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1868); and

(2) Tax Avoidance Schemes (Information) (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1869),

dated 11th July 2005 [by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Dawn Primarolo].

Other Papers:

8 Access to Justice,—Report and Summary Financial Statement of the Legal Services Complaints Commissioner for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 166] [Bridget Prentice].

9 Coal Industry,—Account of the Coal Authority for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 314] [Clerk of the House].

10 Courts and Legal Services,—Report and Summary Financial Statement of the Legal Services Ombudsman for England and Wales for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 165] [Bridget Prentice].

11 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—Government Response to the Fourth Report from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, Session 2004–05, on Waste Policy and the Landfill Directive [by Command] [Cm. 6618] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

12 Government Resources and Accounts,—Reports and Accounts for 2004–05 of the—

(1) Defence Analytical Services Agency; and

(2) Pay and Personnel Agency,

with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 100 and 178] [Secretary John Reid].

13 Government Trading Funds,—Report and Accounts of OGCbuying.solutions for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 288] [Clerk of the House].

14 Human Fertilisation and Embryology,—Account of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 315] [Clerk of the House].

15 Land Registration,—Report and Accounts of the Land Registry for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 176] [Bridget Prentice].

16 National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Returning failed asylum applicants [by Act]; to be printed [No. 76] [Clerk of the House].

17 Northern Ireland,—Reports and Accounts of the—

(1) Commissioner for Children and Young People for Northern Ireland for the six months ended 31st March 2004;

(2) Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland for 2004–05;

(3) Northern Ireland Health and Social Services Estates Agency for 2004–05;

(4) Northern Ireland Tourist Board for 2003–04; and

(5) North/South Language Body for 2nd December 1999 to 31st December 2000,

with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland thereon [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [Nos. 208, 258, 161, 296 and 209] [Mr Secretary Hain].

18 Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for International Development on the Petition [8th June] from citizens of and visitors to the Bradford-on-Avon area in Wiltshire for action at the G8 summit to change international policy on fair trade, debt and aid to the poorest countries [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

19 School Standards and Framework,—Account of the Hastings and St Leonard’s Education Action Zone, for 1st April to 30th November 2004, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 303] [Clerk of the House].

20 Transport,—Department for Transport Minute, dated 11th July 2005, in respect of certain changes to the contingent liabilities arising from Government support for Network Rail borrowing [by Command] [Mr Secretary Darling].

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APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Draft Age-Related Payments Regulations 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Gordon Prentice from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations) and nominated in substitution Mr Chris Mullin.

2 Draft Industrial Training Levy (Engineering Construction Board) Order 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Steve McCabe from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Denis Murphy.

3 Draft Railways (Convention on International Carriage by Rail) Regulations 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Alan Duncan from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations) and nominated in substitution Mr John Hayes.

4 Draft Pension Protection Fund (Investigation by PPF Ombudsman of Complaints of Maladministration) Regulations 2005, the draft Pension Protection Fund (Reference of Reviewable Matters to the PPF Ombudsman) Regulations 2005, and the draft Pension Protection Fund (PPF Ombudsman) (Amendment) Order 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Roger Gale from the Fourteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations and draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Richard Benyon.

5 Draft Railways Act 1993 (Determination of Turnover) Order 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Alan Duncan from the Sixteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Julian Brazier.

6 Draft Civil Partnership (Amendments to Registration Provisions) Order 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr David Willetts from the Eighteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution David T. C. Davies.

European Standing Committees

7 European Union Document No. 6364/05, relating to working conditions on interoperable cross-border rail services:

(1) The Speaker has appointed Frank Cook Chairman of the European Standing Committee in respect of the Document; and

(2) The Committee of Selection has nominated thirteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Peter Atkinson, Nick Clegg, Mr David Clelland, Mr Vernon Coaker, Derek Conway, Mr David Evennett, Michael Jabez Foster, Mr John Grogan, Mr Fabian Hamilton, Mr John Hayes, Mr Kevan Jones, Mr Fraser Kemp, Mr Greg Knight, Judy Mallaber, Derek Twigg and Richard Younger-Ross.

[No. 32.]
Tuesday 12th July 2005.

The House met at half-past Two o’clock.
PRAYERS.

1 Identity Cards Bill,—Mr Jimmy Hood reported from Standing Committee D, That it had agreed to the following Resolution in respect of the Identity Cards Bill:

That the Standing Committee recommends that the Programme Order of 28th June 2005 should be amended by substituting ‘Thursday 21st July’ for ‘Tuesday 19th July’.

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

2 Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Christopher Chope reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Railways (Convention on International Carriage by Rail) Regulations 2005.

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

3 Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—John Bercow reported from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Local Elections (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 2005.

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

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4 Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Eric Illsley reported from the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2005.

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

5 Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—David Taylor reported from the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (Code of Practice) (Northern Ireland) Order 2005.

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

6 Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Greg Pope reported from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Community Legal Service (Scope) Regulations 2005, the draft Community Legal Service (Cost Protection) (Amendment) Regulations 2005, and the Revised Funding Code prepared by the Legal Services Commission.

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

7 Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Janet Anderson reported from the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 (Amendment) Regulations 2005.

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

8 Eleventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Mike Hancock reported from the Eleventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Financial Assistance Scheme Regulations 2005, and the draft Financial Assistance Scheme (Internal Review) Regulations 2005.

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

9 Computer Misuse,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the Computer Misuse Act 1990; and for connected purposes: And that Mr Tom Harris, Mr Ian Austin, Mr John Spellar, Gordon Banks, Michael Gove, Jessica Morden, Ms Emily Thornberry, David Mundell, Derek Wyatt, Charles Hendry, Mr Alan Reid and Michael Fabricant do prepare and bring it in.

10 Computer Misuse Bill,—Mr Tom Harris accordingly presented a Bill to amend the Computer Misuse Act 1990; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 2nd December and to be printed [Bill 42].

11 Opposition Day [5th 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.

Tax Credits System,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House commends the Parliamentary Ombudsman and the Citizens Advice Bureau on their reports on Tax Credits; notes with concern their conclusions that many thousands of low income families are suffering financial hardship as a result of the serious problems with the administration of tax credits; further notes the huge cost to the taxpayer of these problems; calls on the Government to implement as soon as possible all the Ombudsman’s recommendations to improve the tax credit administration; in particular calls on the Government to adopt the Ombudsman’s recommendation to set up a statutory test for recovery of excess payments of tax credits consistent with the test that is currently applied to social security benefits, with the right of appeal to an independent tribunal and calls on HM Revenue and Customs to suspend all recovery of tax credit overpayments until this reform has been completed; and calls on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to explain the Government’s failure to provide low income families with the service they deserve; and requests that he conduct a fundamental review of the structure and administration of tax credits, as recommended by the Ombudsman—(Mr George Osborne);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House’ to the end of the Question and add the words ‘supports the Government’s strategy to make work pay and provide financial support to families through tax credits; welcomes the fact that over 6 million families and 10.5 million children are benefiting from tax credits, with first year take-up of around 80 per cent., compared to just 57 per cent. for the Family Credit system inherited by the Government; recognises that far more families than ever before are benefiting from help with childcare costs; notes that tax credits are central to the Government’s goal of abolishing child poverty; further notes that tax credits have helped ensure there are 1.5 million fewer children in poverty and have helped 275,000 lone parents into work; recognises the need to balance the demands for a simple system with the need for a system that responds to people’s changing circumstances, giving most help to families when they need it most; acknowledges the IT and administrative problems that accompanied the early stages of implementation; and welcomes the measures announced by the Government for improving the administration of the system’, instead thereof.—(Mr Des Browne.)

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Henry Bellingham, Mr Peter Atkinson: 220.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Dave Watts: 305.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments):—It was agreed to.

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

Resolved, That this House supports the Government’s strategy to make work pay and provide financial support to families through tax credits; welcomes the fact that over 6 million families and 10.5 million children are benefiting from tax credits, with first year take-up of around 80 per cent., compared to just 57 per cent. for the Family Credit system inherited by the Government; recognises that far more families than ever before are benefiting from help with childcare costs; notes that tax credits are central to the Government’s goal of abolishing child poverty; further notes that tax credits have helped ensure there are 1.5 million fewer children in poverty and have helped 275,000 lone parents into work; recognises the need to balance the demands for a simple system with the need for a system that responds to people’s changing circumstances, giving most help to families when they need it most; acknowledges the IT and administrative problems that accompanied the early stages of implementation; and welcomes the measures announced by the Government for improving the administration of the system.

Implementation of the Licensing Act 2003,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes with concern that with only 25 days to go before the 6th August deadline set in the Licensing Act 2003, only 20 per cent. of licence applications have been received; further notes the chaos that this is creating both for the licensing trade and for local authorities; is concerned by the problems of extra cost that the legislation is creating for village halls, sports clubs and community centres; regrets the effect that this will have upon local communities; condemns the Government for its lack of action in dealing with the problem; and calls upon the Government to extend the deadlines for the receipt of applications and re-examine the impact upon village halls and sports clubs—(Mrs Theresa May);

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 ‘commends the Government on its effective publicity campaign that has significantly increased the rate of applications to convert existing licences under the Licensing Act 2003 before 6th August; encourages remaining licensees to fulfil their responsibilities and get their applications in before that date; considers that failure to implement the Act without delay would deny local communities increased powers of intervention and improved democratic accountability with regard to licensing and deny the police the expanded powers that are vital to their efforts to tackle alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour; welcomes the powers in the Act to prevent crime and disorder and public nuisance, and protect children from harm; believes that the Act will benefit local communities, local economies and tourism and generate savings for business of almost £2 billion over 10 years; and furthermore, believes that the Act will be successfully implemented by 24th November 2005 and will be welcomed by industry and non-commercial organisations, including village halls and sports clubs, alike’, instead thereof.—(James Purnell.)

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Henry Bellingham: 193.

Tellers for the Noes, Claire Ward, Tony Cunningham: 303.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments):—It was agreed to.

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

Resolved, That this House commends the Government on its effective publicity campaign that has significantly increased the rate of applications to convert existing licences under the Licensing Act 2003 before 6th August; encourages remaining licensees to fulfil their responsibilities and get their applications in before that date; considers that failure to implement the Act without delay would deny local communities increased powers of intervention and improved democratic accountability with regard to licensing and deny the police the expanded powers that are vital to their efforts to tackle alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour; welcomes the powers in the Act to
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prevent crime and disorder and public nuisance, and protect children from harm; believes that the Act will benefit local communities, local economies and tourism and generate savings for business of almost £2 billion over 10 years; and furthermore, believes that the Act will be successfully implemented by 24th November 2005 and will be welcomed by industry and non-commercial organisations, including village halls and sports clubs, alike.

12 Identity Cards Bill (Programme) (No. 2),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 83A (Programme motions), That the Order of 28th June 2005 (Identity Cards Bill (Programme)) shall be amended, in paragraph 2, by substituting ‘Thursday 21st July’ for ‘Tuesday 19th July.’—(Mr Parmjit Dhanda):—It was agreed to.

13 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 Traffic Management (Northern Ireland) Order 2005, which was laid before this House on 16th June, be approved—(Mr Parmjit Dhanda):—It was agreed to.

14 Health Care and Associated Professions,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Dentists Act 1984 (Amendment) Order 2005, which was laid before this House on 26th May, be approved—(Mr Parmjit Dhanda):—It was agreed to.

15 Fees and Charges,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Consular Fees Act 1980 (Fees) Order 2005, which was laid before this House on 16th June, be approved—(Mr Parmjit Dhanda):—It was agreed to.

16 Public Petition,—A Public Petition from Prestwick Marine Neighbourhood Watch and others for legislation to enable the installation of closed-circuit television cameras on Prestwick seafront was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

17 Public Petition,—A Public Petition from Karen Hook for a public inquiry into the lessons to be learnt from the treatment of whistle-blowers at BUPA was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

18 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Parmjit Dhanda.)

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

[Adjourned at 10.42 p.m.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1 Constitutional Law,—Draft Water Services etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2 Immigration,—Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules [by Act]; to be printed [No. 299], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Clarke].

3 Local Government,—Transport for London (Waterloo Station) Order 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1866), dated 7th July 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Other Papers:

4 Broadcasting,—(1) Papers, entitled:

(i) BBC Property: LST partnership arrangements—Ernst and Young review presented to the BBC Governors’ Audit Committee, May 2005, and a response to the review from the BBC;

(ii) the BBC’s White City development: the second phase of the building project—NAO review presented to the BBC Governors’ Audit Committee, May 2005, by the Comptroller and Auditor General, and a response to the review from the BBC;

(iii) Credit management operations: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP review presented to the BBC Governors’ Audit Committee, May 2005, and a response to the review from the BBC; and

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(iv) Public service broadcasting: the BBC’s performance measurement framework—NAO review presented to the BBC Governors’ Audit Committee, May 2005, by the Comptroller and Auditor General, and a response to the review from the BBC; and

(2) Report and Accounts of the British Broadcasting Corporation for 2004–05

[by Command] [Secretary Tessa Jowell].

5 Competition,—Account of the Competition Commission for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 327] [Clerk of the House].

6 Crown Estate,—(1) Account of the Crown Estate Commissioners for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 133]; and

(2) Report and Accounts of the Crown Estate Commissioners for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]

[Clerk of the House].

7 Data Protection,—Report and Accounts of the Information Commissioner’s Office for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 110] [Clerk of the House].

8 Defence,—Government Responses to the—

(1) Second Report from the Defence Committee, Session 2004–05, on the Armed Forces Bill; and

(2) Third Report from the Defence Committee, Session 2004–05, on Duty of Care

[by Command] [Cms. 6619 and 6620] [Secretary John Reid].

9 Enterprise,—Account of the Competition Appeal Tribunal and Competition Service for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 326] [Clerk of the House].

10 Government Resources and Accounts,—Report and Accounts for 2004–05 of the—

(1) Defence Dental Agency, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 238] [Secretary John Reid];

(2) Defence Procurement Agency, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 108] [Secretary John Reid]; and

(3) Employment Tribunals Service, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 180] [Secretary Alan Johnson].

11 Parliamentary Commissioner,—Fourth Report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, Session 2005–06 on: ‘A Debt of Honour’: The ex gratia scheme for British groups interned by the Japanese during the Second World War [by Act]; to be printed [No. 324] [Clerk of the House].

12 Prosecution of Offences,—Report of the Crown Prosecution Service for 2004–05 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 81] [The Solicitor General].

13 Transport,—Report and Accounts of British Waterways for 2004–05 [by Act] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Draft Railways (Convention on International Carriage by Rail) Regulations 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr David S. Borrow from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations) and nominated in substitution Mr Gordon Prentice.

2 Draft Local Elections (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Sadiq Khan from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Liz Blackman.

3 Draft International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Harry Cohen, Mr Alan Meale, Albert Owen and Gwyn Prosser from the Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Jeremy Corbyn, Mr Brian H. Donohoe, Andrew Gwynne and Mr Jamie Reed.

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4 Draft Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (Code of Practice) (Northern Ireland) Order 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ms Dari Taylor from the Eighth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Tom Harris.

5 Draft Community Legal Service (Scope) Regulations 2005, the draft Community Legal Service (Cost Protection) (Amendment) Regulations 2005, and the Revised Funding Code prepared by the Legal Services Commission,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Fabian Hamilton and Tony Lloyd from the Ninth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations and Revised Funding Code) and nominated in substitution Jessica Morden and Mrs Linda Riordan.

6 Draft National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 (Amendment) Regulations 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Bernard Jenkin and Ian Stewart from the Tenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations) and nominated in substitution Charles Hendry and Mr Bob Laxton.

7 Draft Financial Assistance Scheme Regulations 2005 and the draft Financial Assistance Scheme (Internal Review) Regulations 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Danny Alexander and Paul Flynn from the Eleventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations) and nominated in substitution Sandra Gidley and Andrew Miller.

8 Draft Companies Act 1989 (Delegation) Order 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mrs Eleanor Laing from the Nineteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr James Arbuthnot.

European Standing Committees

9 European Union Document No. 6364/05, relating to working conditions on interoperable cross-border rail services,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr John Hayes and Derek Twigg from the European Standing Committee (nominated in respect of the Document).

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

Statutory Instruments,—Second Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 35-ii] [Mr Eric Forth].

[No. 32; WH, No. 17]

Tuesday 12th July 2005.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall

The sitting began at half-past Nine o’clock.

Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr John Heppell.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 1.59 p.m.

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[No. 33.]
Wednesday 13th July 2005.

The House met at half-past Eleven o’clock.
PRAYERS.

1 Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mrs Joan Humble reported from the Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Partnerships (Restrictions on Contributions to a Trade) Regulations 2005.

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

2 Thirteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Greg Pope reported from the Thirteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2005, the draft Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 2005 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2005, and the draft Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2005.

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

3 Fourteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Hugh Bayley reported from the Fourteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Pension Protection Fund (Investigation by PPF Ombudsman of Complaints of Maladministration) Regulations 2005, the draft Pension Protection Fund (Reference of Reviewable Matters to the PPF Ombudsman) Regulations 2005, and the draft Pension Protection Fund (PPF Ombudsman) (Amendment) Order 2005.

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

4 Fifteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Joe Benton reported from the Fifteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Water Supply Licence (Modification of Standard Conditions) Order 2005 and the draft Water Act 2003 (Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2005.

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

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

Fishery Limits (United Kingdom) Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to make provision for the United Kingdom to withdraw from the Common Fisheries Policy of the European Union; to amend the Fishery Limits Act 1976; and for connected purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

6 Climate Change Bill,—Mr Michael Meacher, supported by Mr Tim Yeo, Norman Baker, Mr John Gummer, Robert Key, Vera Baird, Joan Ruddock, Emily Thornberry, Tony Lloyd, Andrew George, Mr Martin Horwood and Mr Mike Weir, presented a Bill to combat climate change by setting annual targets for the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions until 2050; to place duties on the Prime Minister regarding the reporting on and achievement of those targets; to specify procedures to be followed if the targets are not met; to specify certain functions of and provide certain powers to Members of Parliament with regard to ensuring carbon dioxide emissions are reduced; to set sectoral reduction targets and targets for energy efficiency, the generation of energy from renewable sources, combined heat and power and microgeneration; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 10th March and to be printed [Bill 43].

7 Green Belt Reform,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision about the Green Belt; and for connected purposes: And that Mr Mark Prisk, Colin Challen, Dr John Pugh, Andrew Selous, Mr Robert Syms, Mr Andrew Lansley, Mr Mark Lancaster, Anne Main, Philip Davies, Mr James Gray, Mr Stephen O’Brien and Mr Edward Vaizey do prepare and bring it in.

8 Green Belt Reform Bill,—Mr Mark Prisk accordingly presented a Bill to make provision about the Green Belt; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 16th June and to be printed [Bill 44].

9 Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at this day’s sitting, the Speaker shall put—

(a) the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the Motions in the name of Mr Geoffrey Hoon, Mr Bob Ainsworth and Rosemary McKenna, other than those listed in paragraph (b) of this Order, not later than four and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion for this Order, and

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(b) the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the Motions in the name of Mr Geoffrey Hoon and Mr Bob Ainsworth relating to Standards and Privileges, Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Committee on Standards and Privileges and Standards and Privileges (Nomination) not later than one and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the first Motion;

such Questions shall include the Questions on any Amendments selected by the Speaker which may then be moved; proceedings may continue, though opposed, after the moment of interruption; and Standing Order No. 41A (Deferred divisions) shall not apply.—(Mr Geoffrey Hoon.)

10 Administration Committee,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That Standing Orders Nos. 139 (Select Committee on Broadcasting) and 142 (Domestic Committees) be repealed and the following be a Standing Order of the House:

‘Administration Committee

(1) There shall be a select committee, to be called the Administration Committee, to consider the services provided for and by the House and to make recommendations thereon to the House of Commons Commission or to the Speaker. Any such recommendation whose implementation would incur additional expenditure charged to the Estimate for House of Commons: Administration shall also be considered by the Finance and Services Committee.

(2) The committee shall make rules and give directions to Officers of the House in respect only of such administrative matters as may from time to time be determined by the Speaker or by the House of Commons Commission.

(3) The committee shall consist of not more than sixteen Members, of whom five shall be a quorum.

(4) The committee shall have power—

(a) to send for persons, papers and records, to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House, to adjourn from place to place, and to report from time to time;

(b) to appoint specialist advisers either to supply information which is not readily available or to elucidate matters of complexity within the committee’s order of reference; and

(c) to communicate its evidence to the House of Commons Commission.

(5) The committee shall have power to appoint sub-committees and to refer to such sub-committees any of the matters referred to the committee and to delegate to such sub-committees any of the powers delegated to the committee under paragraph (2) above.

(6) Any such sub-committee shall have power to send for persons, papers and records, to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House, and to adjourn from place to place, to report from time to time the minutes of their proceedings, and shall have a quorum of three.

(7) The committee and any sub-committee appointed by it shall have the assistance of the Officers of the House appropriate to the matters under consideration.

(8) Unless the House otherwise orders, each Member nominated to the Committee shall continue to be a member of it for the remainder of the Parliament’.—(Mr Geoffrey Hoon);

And it being four and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion for the Order relating to Business of the House, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [this day]:—It was agreed to.

The Deputy Speaker then put the remaining Questions required to be put at that hour.

11 Finance and Services Committee,—Ordered, That Standing Order No. 144 (Finance and Services Committee) be amended

(a) in line 6, by leaving out from the first ‘for’ to ‘for’ in line 7 and inserting ‘House of Commons: Administration’;

(b) in line 10, by leaving out ‘Departments of the House’ and inserting ‘House Administration’; and

(c) by leaving out lines 14 to 16 and inserting ‘the Administration Committee’.— (Mr Vernon Coaker.)

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12 Term Limits for Chairmen of Select Committees,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That Standing Order No. 122A (Term limits for chairmen of select committees) shall be amended by leaving out ‘choose’ and inserting ‘have’—(Mr Vernon Coaker);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Parmjit Dhanda, Mr Alan Campbell: 233.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Eric Forth, Mr Mark Harper: 102.

So the Question was agreed to.

13 Select Committees (Size of Committees),—Ordered, That the following changes be made to the Standing Orders—

(a) Standing Order No. 152 (Select committees related to government departments) be amended as follows—

(i) in items 3, 6, 8, 14 and 16 in the Table, by leaving out ‘11’ and inserting ‘14’;

(ii) in item 5 in the Table, by leaving out ‘17’ and inserting ‘14’; and

(iii) in paragraph (3), by leaving out the words from ‘sub-committee’ in line 10 to the end of the paragraph; and

(b) Standing Order No. 141 (Regulatory Reform Committee) be amended by leaving out ‘eighteen’ in paragraph (9) and inserting ‘fourteen’.—(Mr Vernon Coaker.)

14 Standing Orders (Machinery of Government Changes),—Ordered, That the following amendments be made to the Standing Orders—

(a) Standing Order No. 152 (Select committees related to government departments) be amended, in item 16 in the Table, by leaving out ‘Board of Inland Revenue, Board of Customs & Excise’ and inserting ‘HM Revenue & Customs’; and

(b) Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees) be amended, in the table, by leaving out ‘HM Customs and Excise’ and inserting ‘HM Revenue and Customs’.—(Mr Vernon Coaker.)

15 Administration,—Ordered, That Mr Bob Ainsworth, Janet Anderson, Derek Conway, Frank Dobson, Mr Brian H. Donohoe, Mr Frank Doran, Mr Eric Forth, Mr Neil Gerrard, Mr Mark Harper, Helen Jones, Mr Kevan Jones, David Lepper, Peter Luff, Mr Patrick McLoughlin, John Thurso and Pete Wishart be members of the Administration Committee.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

16 Constitutional Affairs,—Ordered, That Mr Alan Beith, James Brokenshire, David Howarth, Barbara Keeley, Mr Piara S. Khabra, Jessica Morden, Julie Morgan, Mr Andrew Tyrie, Keith Vaz, Dr Alan Whitehead and Jeremy Wright be members of the Constitutional Affairs Committee.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

17 Culture, Media and Sport,—Ordered, That Janet Anderson, Mr Nigel Evans, Paul Farrelly, Mr Mike Hall, Alan Keen, Rosemary McKenna, Adam Price, Mr Adrian Sanders, Helen Southworth, Mr John Whittingdale and Mr Tim Yeo be members of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

18 Defence,—Ordered, That Mr James Arbuthnot, Mr David S. Borrow, Mr Colin Breed, Derek Conway, Mr David Crausby, Linda Gilroy, Mr David Hamilton, Mr Mike Hancock, Mr Dai Havard, Mr Brian Jenkins, Mr Kevan Jones, Robert Key, John Smith and Mr Desmond Swayne be members of the Defence Committee.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

19 Education and Skills,—Ordered, That Dr Roberta Blackman-Woods, Mr David Chaytor, Mrs Nadine Dorries, Jeff Ennis, Mr David Evennett, Tim Farron, Helen Jones, Mr Gordon Marsden, Mr Barry Sheerman, Stephen Williams and Mr Rob Wilson be members of the Education and Skills Committee.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

20 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—Ordered, That Mr David Drew, James Duddridge, Patrick Hall, Mr Michael Jack, Lynne Jones, Daniel Kawczynski, David Lepper, Mrs Madeline Moon, Mr Jamie Reed, Mr Dan Rogerson, David Taylor, Sir Peter Soulsby, Mr Shailesh Vara and Mr Roger Williams be members of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

21 Foreign Affairs,—Ordered, That Mike Gapes, Mr Fabian Hamilton, Mr John Horam, Mr Eric Illsley, Mr Paul Keetch, Mr Andrew Mackay, Andrew Mackinlay, Mr John Maples, Sandra Osborne, Mr Greg Pope, Mr Ken Purchase, Sir John Stanley, Ms Gisela Stuart and Richard Younger-Ross be members of the Foreign Affairs Committee.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

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22 Health,—Ordered, That Mr David Amess, Charlotte Atkins, John Austin, Mr Kevin Barron, Mr Paul Burstow, Jim Dowd, Anne Milton, Dr Doug Naysmith, Mike Penning, Dr Richard Taylor and Dr Howard Stoate be members of the Health Committee.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

23 Home Affairs,—Ordered, That Mr Richard Benyon, Mr Jeremy Browne, Colin Burgon, Mr James Clappison, Mrs Ann Cryer, Mrs Janet Dean, Mr John Denham, Nick Harvey, Mr Nick Herbert, Mr Shahid Malik, Steve McCabe, Gwyn Prosser, Mr Gary Streeter and Mr David Winnick be members of the Home Affairs Committee.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

24 International Development,—Ordered, That John Barrett, John Battle, Hugh Bayley, John Bercow, Malcolm Bruce, Richard Burden, Mr Quentin Davies, Mr Jeremy Hunt, Ann McKechin, Joan Ruddock and Mr Marsha Singh be members of the International Development Committee.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

25 Northern Ireland Affairs,—Ordered, That Mr David Anderson, Gordon Banks, Mr Gregory Campbell, Rosie Cooper, Sir Patrick Cormack, Mr Christopher Fraser, Mr John Grogan, Mr Stephen Hepburn, Lady Hermon, Meg Hillier, Dr Alasdair McDonnell, Stephen Pound and Sammy Wilson be members of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

26 Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions,—Ordered, That Sir Paul Beresford, Mr Clive Betts, John Cummings, Mr Jim Cunningham, Mr Martin Horwood, Mr Mark Lancaster, Anne Main, Mr Bill Olner, Dr John Pugh, Alison Seabeck and Dr Phyllis Starkey be members of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

27 Scottish Affairs,—Ordered, That Danny Alexander, Gordon Banks, Ms Katy Clark, Mr Ian Davidson, Mr Angus MacNeil, David Mundell, Mr Mohammed Sarwar, Mr John MacDougall, Mr Jim McGovern, Mr Ben Wallace and Mr Charles Walker be members of the Scottish Affairs Committee.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

28 Trade and Industry,—Ordered, That Roger Berry, Mr Peter Bone, Mr Michael Clapham, Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas, Mr Lindsay Hoyle, Miss Julie Kirkbride, Peter Luff, Judy Mallaber, Rob Marris, Mrs Maria Miller, Anne Moffat, Sir Robert Smith, Mr Mike Weir and Mr Anthony Wright be members of the Trade and Industry Committee.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

29 Transport,—Ordered, That Mr David Clelland, Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson, Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody, Clive Efford, Mrs Louise Ellman, Mr Robert Goodwill, Mr John Leech, Mr Eric Martlew, Mr Lee Scott, Graham Stringer and Mr David Wilshire be members of the Transport Committee.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

30 Treasury,—Ordered, That Lorely Burt, Jim Cousins, Angela Eagle, Mr Michael Fallon, Damian Green, Ms Sally Keeble, Susan Kramer, Mr Andrew Love, Kerry McCarthy, Mr John McFall, Mr George Mudie, Mr David Ruffley, Mr Mark Todd and Peter Viggers be members of the Treasury Committee.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

31 Work and Pensions,—Ordered, That Miss Anne Begg, Harry Cohen, Mr Philip Dunne, Mrs Natascha Engel, Michael Jabez Foster, Justine Greening, Mrs Joan Humble, Greg Mulholland, John Penrose, Mr Terry Rooney and Jenny Willott be members of the Work and Pensions Committee.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

32 Regulatory Reform,—Ordered, That Gordon Banks, Mr James Gray, Stephen Hammond, John Hemming, Sharon Hodgson, Mr Stewart Jackson, Andrew Miller, Dr Doug Naysmith, Mr Jamie Reed, Bob Russell, Alison Seabeck, Mr Andrew Slaughter, Ms Angela C. Smith and Mr Anthony Steen be members of the Regulatory Reform Committee.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

33 Procedure,—Ordered, That Mr David Anderson, Annette Brooke, Ms Katy Clark, Mr Jim Cunningham, Mr David Gauke, Andrew Gwynne, Mr Eric Illsley, Mrs Sia(r)n C. James, Mr Greg Knight, Rosemary McKenna, Sir Robert Smith, Mr Rob Wilson and Sir Nicholas Winterton be members of the Procedure Committee.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

34 Environmental Audit,—Ordered, That Mr Peter Ainsworth, Ms Celia Barlow, Mr Martin Caton, Colin Challen, Mr David Chaytor, Mr Tobias Ellwood, Lynne Featherstone, David Howarth, Mr Nick Hurd, David Lepper, Mark Pritchard, Emily Thornberry, Dr Desmond Turner, Mrs Theresa Villiers and Joan Walley be members of the Environmental Audit Committee.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

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35 Public Accounts,—Ordered, That Mr Richard Bacon, Angela Browning, Mr Alistair Carmichael, Greg Clark, Mr David Curry, Mr Ian Davidson, Helen Goodman, Ms Diana R. Johnson, Mr Sadiq Khan, Mr Edward Leigh, Sarah McCarthy-Fry, Jon Trickett, Kitty Ussher, Mr Alan Williams and Stephen Williams be members of the Committee of Public Accounts.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

36 Public Administration,—Ordered, That Mr David Burrowes, Julia Goldsworthy, Paul Flynn, David Heyes, Kelvin Hopkins, Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger, Julie Morgan, Mr Gordon Prentice, Grant Shapps, Jenny Willott and Dr Tony Wright be members of the Select Committee on Public Administration.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

37 Human Rights (Joint Committee),—Ordered, That Mr Douglas Carswell, Mary Creagh, Mr Andrew Dismore, Dr Evan Harris, Dan Norris and Mr Richard Shepherd be members of the Select Committee appointed to join with a Committee of the Lords as the Joint Committee on Human Rights.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

38 Human Rights (Joint Committee) (Date and Time of Meeting),—Ordered, That the Select Committee appointed to join with a Committee of the Lords as the Joint Committee on Human Rights do meet the Committee appointed by the Lords on Tuesday 19th July at Four o’clock in Committee Room 5.—(Mr Bob Ainsworth.)

Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.

39 Modernisation of the House of Commons,—Ordered, That a Select Committee of fifteen Members be appointed to consider how the House operates and to make recommendations for modernisation;

That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records, to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House; to adjourn from place to place, to report from time to time and to appoint specialist advisers;

That Liz Blackman, Mr Crispin Blunt, Ms Dawn Butler, Ann Coffey, Mr David Heath, Mr Geoffrey Hoon, Mr George Howarth, Mr Greg Knight, Mark Lazarowicz, Jessica Morden, Mr Richard Shepherd, Andrew Stunell, Mr Edward Vaizey, Lynda Waltho and Sir Nicholas Winterton be members of the Committee;

That this Order be a Standing Order of the House until the end of the present Parliament.—(Mr Vernon Coaker.)

40 Liaison Committee,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That—

(1) With effect for the current Parliament, notwithstanding Standing Order No. 121 (Nomination of select committees), the Chairman for the time being of each of the Select Committees listed in paragraph (2) below shall be a member of the Liaison Committee;

(2) The Committees to which paragraph (1) above applies are:

Administration

Constitutional Affairs

Culture, Media and Sport

Defence

Education and Skills

Environmental Audit

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

European Scrutiny

Finance and Services

Foreign Affairs

Health

Home Affairs

Joint Committee on Human Rights (the Chairman being a Member of this House)

International Development

Northern Ireland Affairs

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions

Procedure

Public Accounts

Public Administration

Regulatory Reform

Science and Technology

Scottish Affairs

Selection

Standards and Privileges

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Statutory Instruments

Trade and Industry

Transport

Treasury

Welsh Affairs

Work and Pensions;

and

(3) Mr Alan Williams shall also be a Member of the Liaison Committee—(Mr Vernon Coaker);

An Amendment ((a)) was proposed to the Question, in line 40, at the end, to add the words ‘and

(4) the senior backbench member of the Chairmen’s Panel shall also be a member of the Liaison Committee’.—(Mr Eric Forth.)

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Eric Forth, John Bercow: 113.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Parmjit Dhanda, Mr Alan Campbell: 224.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Main Question being put:—It was agreed to.

41 Pay for Chairmen of Standing Committees,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House—

(1) takes note of the Report of the Review Body on Senior Salaries on Pay for Standing Committee Chairmen in the House of Commons presented to Parliament on 6th July (Cm. 6566); and

(2) expresses the opinion that—

(a) with effect from 1st November 2005, the salary of a Member should be higher by the amount specified in sub-paragraph (b) than the figure determined in accordance with the provisions of the Resolution of the House of 10th July 1996 in respect of any period during which the Member has been nominated by the Speaker to act as a temporary chairman of committees in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No. 4 (Chairmen’s Panel) (‘a member of the Panel’), other than to the extent that the provisions of sub-paragraph (d) apply;

(b) for a Member who has served on the Panel for less than one year, the additional amount should be £2,615; for a Member who has served on the Panel for at least one year but less than three years, the additional amount should be £7,340; for a Member who has served on the Panel for at least three years and less than five years, the additional amount should be £9,960; and for a Member who has served on the Panel for at least five years, the additional amount should be £13,107; and for the purposes of this sub-paragraph length of service should include membership of the Panel before 1st November 2005 and should be calculated irrespective of breaks in service;

(c) a period should begin for the purpose of sub-paragraph (a) on the day on which the Member is appointed to the Panel, or on 1st November 2005, whichever is the later; and end on the day on which the Member ceases to be a member of the Panel;

(d) there should be disregarded for the purpose of sub-paragraph (a) any period in respect of which the Member is receiving additional payment as Chairman of a Select Committee;

(e) the provisions of paragraph (2) of the Resolution of the House of 10th July 1996 relating to Members’ Salaries (No. 2) should apply, with effect from 1st April 2006, to a salary determined in accordance with sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) as they apply in relation to a salary determined in accordance with the provisions of that Resolution; and

(f) the Speaker should have authority to interpret these provisions—(Mr Vernon Coaker);

An Amendment ((b)) was proposed to the Question, in line 14, to leave out from the word ‘than’ to the second word ‘the’ in line 19 and insert the words ‘two years, the additional amount should be £7,340 and for a Member who has served for more than two years’, instead thereof.—(Mr Eric Forth.)

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Eric Forth, Mr Mark Harper: 85.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Alan Campbell, Mr Parmjit Dhanda: 220.

So the Question was negatived.

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And the Main Question being put;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Alan Campbell, Mr Parmjit Dhanda: 226.

Tellers for the Noes, Andrew Mackinlay, Mr Dennis Skinner: 74.

So the Question was agreed to.

42 Pay for Chairmen of Standing Committees (No. 2),—Her Majesty’s Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Pay for Chairmen of Standing Committees (No. 2);

Resolved, That the following provision shall be made with respect to the salaries of Members of this House—

(a) with effect from 1st November 2005, the salary of a Member shall be higher by the amount specified in sub-paragraph (b) than the figure determined in accordance with the provisions of the Resolution of the House of 10th July 1996 in respect of any period during which the Member has been nominated by the Speaker to act as a temporary chairman of committees in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No. 4 (Chairmen’s Panel) (‘a member of the Panel’), other than to the extent that the provisions of sub-paragraph (d) apply;

(b) for a Member who has served on the Panel for less than one year, the additional amount shall be £2,615; for a Member who has served on the Panel for at least one year but less than three years, the additional amount shall be £7,340; for a Member who has served on the Panel for at least three years and less than five years, the additional amount shall be £9,960; and for a Member who has served on the Panel for at least five years, the additional amount shall be £13,107; and for the purposes of this sub-paragraph length of service shall include membership of the Panel before 1st November 2005 and shall be calculated irrespective of breaks in service;

(c) a period should begin for the purpose of sub-paragraph (a) on the day on which the Member is appointed to the Panel, or on 1st November 2005, whichever is the later; and end on the day on which the Member ceases to be a member of the Panel;

(d) there shall be disregarded for the purpose of sub-paragraph (a) any period in respect of which the Member is receiving additional payment as Chairman of a Select Committee;

(e) the provisions of paragraph (2) of the Resolution of the House of 10th July 1996 relating to Members’ Salaries (No. 2) shall apply, with effect from 1st April 2006, to a salary determined in accordance with sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) as they apply in relation to a salary determined in accordance with the provisions of that Resolution; and

(f) the Speaker shall have authority to interpret these provisions.—(Mr Vernon Coaker.)

43 Pay for Chairmen of Select Committees,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House expresses the opinion that, with immediate effect, the Resolution of the House of 30th October 2003 relating to Pay for Chairman of Select Committees (No. 2) should be amended in paragraph (1) by leaving out ‘or the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments’ and inserting ‘the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, the Administration Committee, the Finance and Services Committee, the Liaison Committee, the Procedure Committee, the Committee of Selection or the Committee on Standards and Privileges’—(Mr Vernon Coaker);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Alan Campbell, Mr Parmjit Dhanda: 232.

Tellers for the Noes, Andrew Mackinlay, Mr Dennis Skinner: 59.

So the Question was agreed to.

44 Pay for Chairmen of Select Committees (No. 2),—Her Majesty’s Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Pay for Chairmen of Select Committees (No. 2);

Resolved, That, with immediate effect, the resolution of the House of 30th October 2003 relating to Pay for Chairman of Select Committees (No. 2) shall be amended in paragraph (1) by leaving out ‘or the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments’ and inserting ‘the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, the Administration Committee, the Finance and Services Committee, the Liaison Committee, the Procedure Committee, the Committee of Selection or the Committee on Standards and Privileges’.—(Mr Vernon Coaker.)

45 Chairmen’s Panel,—Ordered, That Standing Order No. 4 (Chairmen’s Panel) be amended by leaving out the words ‘, for every session,’ in line 1.—(Mr Vernon Coaker.)

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46 Joint Activities with the National Assembly for Wales,—Ordered, That Standing Order No. 137A (Select Committees: power to work with other committees) be amended, in line 23, at the end, by adding the words—

‘(3) The Welsh Affairs Committee may invite members of any specified committee of the National Assembly for Wales to attend and participate in its proceedings (but not to vote).’.—(Mr Vernon Coaker.)

47 Standards and Privileges,—Resolved, That this House takes note of the Fourth Report of the Committee on Standards and Privileges, Session 2004–05 (House of Commons Paper No. 472), and approves the revised Code of Conduct set out in the Annex to the Report.—(Mr Geoffrey Hoon.)

Code of Conduct and Guide to the Rules to be printed [No. 351].

48 Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards,—Ordered, That Standing Order No. 150 (Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards) be amended by leaving out paragraph (3) and inserting the following—

‘(3) No report shall be made by the Commissioner:

(a) in any case where the Member concerned has agreed that he has failed to register or declare an interest, if it is the Commissioner’s opinion that the interest involved is minor, or the failure was inadvertent, and the Member concerned has taken such action by way of rectification as the Commissioner may have required within any procedure approved by the Committee for this purpose; and

(b) in any case involving parliamentary allowances, or the use of facilities or services, if the Commissioner has with the agreement of the Member concerned referred the matter to the relevant Officer of the House for the purpose of securing appropriate financial reimbursement, and the Member has made such reimbursement within such period of time as the Commissioner considers reasonable.’.—(Tony Cunningham.)

49 Committee on Standards and Privileges,—Ordered, That Standing Order No. 149 (Committee on Standards and Privileges) be amended as follows—

(a) by leaving out ‘eleven’ in line 24 and inserting ‘ten’; and

(b) by leaving out from ‘committee;’ in line 33 to the end of line 35.—(Tony Cunningham.)

50 Standards and Privileges (Nomination),—Ordered, That Mr Kevin Barron, Angela Browning, Ben Chapman, Mr Andrew Dismore, Nick Harvey, Mr Brian Jenkins, Mr Elfyn Llwyd, Mr Andrew Mackay, Dr Alan Whitehead and Sir George Young be members of the Committee on Standards and Privileges.—(Tony Cunningham.)

51 Public Petition,—A Public Petition from the Exmouth Citizen Forum and its supporters against building on the Exmouth waterfront and along the Exmouth estuary was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

52 Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Tony Cunningham);

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

53 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Tony Cunningham.)

And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till nine minutes past Seven o’clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 7.09 p.m.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1 Corporation Tax,—Pension Protection Fund (Tax) (2005–06) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1907), dated 12th July 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Ivan Lewis].

2 Pensions,—Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1903), dated 8th July 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

3 Road Traffic,—Passenger and Goods Vehicles (Recording Equipment) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1904), dated 9th July 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Darling].

4 Water,—Drought Plan Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1905), dated 10th July 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

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Other Papers:

5 Agricultural Marketing,—Report and Accounts of Food from Britain for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 118] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

6 Agriculture,—Report and Accounts of—

(1) Hybu Cig Cymru for 2004–05; and

(2) the Meat and Livestock Commission for 2004–05,

with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 61-II and -I] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

7 Air Force (Constitution),—(1) Amendment List 16 to The Royal Air Force Manual of Medical Management and Administration, Air Publication 1269 (Eighth Edition); and

(2) Amendment List 28 to The Royal Air Force Manual of Assessment of Medical Fitness, Air Publication 1269A (Third Edition)

[by Act] [Secretary John Reid].

8 Broadcasting,—(1) Report; and

(2) Statement of Accounts

of S4C for 2004 [by Act] [Secretary Tessa Jowell].

9 Financial Reporting to Parliament,—Departmental Report 2005: The Government’s Expenditure Plans for 2005–06 to 2007–08 for UK Trade and Investment [by Command] [Cm. 6535] [Secretary Alan Johnson].

10 Foreign and Commonwealth Office,—Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minute, dated 13th July 2005, concerning the gifting of equipment to the Palestinian Authority [by Command] [Mr Secretary Straw].

11 Government Resources and Accounts,—(1) Report and Accounts of the Valuation Office Agency for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 306] [Dawn Primarolo]; and

(2) Review and Resource Accounts of the Export Credits Guarantee Department for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 158] [John Healey].

12 Health,—Government Response to the First Report of the Joint Committee on the Draft Mental Health Bill, Session 2004–05 [by Command] [Cm. 6624] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

13 Public Accounts,—Treasury Minute on the Twenty-fifth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 2003–04 [by Command] [Cm. 6578] [John Healey].

14 School Standards and Framework,—Accounts of the—

(1) South East Sheffield Education Action Zone; and

(2) Westminster Education Action Zone

for 1st April 2004 to 16th April 2005, with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 338 and 339] [Clerk of the House].

15 Science and Technology,—Report and Accounts of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 119] [Secretary Alan Johnson].

16 Trade Union and Labour Relations,—Report of the Certification Officer for 2004–05 [by Act] [Secretary Alan Johnson].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Draft Extradition Act 2003 (Amendment to Designations) (No. 2) Order 2005:

(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: Andy Burnham, Mr Alistair Carmichael, Mr James Clappison, James Duddridge, Mr Dominic Grieve, Mr Sadiq Khan, Mr Khalid Mahmood, Mr Alan Meale, Mr Denis Murphy, Mr Mark Oaten, Mr Mark Prisk, Joan Ryan, Geraldine Smith, Mr John Spellar, Dr Howard Stoate and Mr Gary Streeter.

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2 Draft Code of Practice on Industrial Action Ballots and Notice to Employers and the draft Code of Practice on Access and Unfair Practices during Recognition and Derecognition Ballots:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Codes to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Peter Bone, Mr David S. Borrow, Mr Parmjit Dhanda, Michael Fabricant, Mr Roger Godsiff, Charles Hendry, Sir Gerald Kaufman, Norman Lamb, Peter Luff, Steve McCabe, Mr Andrew Pelling, Gwyn Prosser, Mr Alan Reid, Helen Southworth, Ian Stewart and Mr Gerry Sutcliffe.

3 Value Added Tax (Disclosure of Avoidance Schemes) (Designations) (Amendment) Order 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1724):

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Order to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Dr Vincent Cable, Michael Fabricant, Mark Fisher, Mr Fabian Hamilton, Robert Key, Susan Kramer, Tony Lloyd, John Mann, Albert Owen, Dawn Primarolo, Mr Andy Reed, Mr Lee Scott, John Smith, Mr Richard Spring, Mr Ian Taylor and Mr Tom Watson.

4 Draft Civil Procedure (Modification of Crown Proceedings Act 1947) Order 2005:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Sir Stuart Bell, Mr Henry Bellingham, Mr Brian Binley, Kevin Brennan, Chris Bryant, Mr Jonathan Djanogly, Mr John Grogan, Mr David Heath, Rob Marris, Bridget Prentice, Mr Dennis Skinner, Bob Spink, Andrew Stunell, Ms Dari Taylor, Mr Robert N. Wareing and Jeremy Wright.

5 Draft Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency Trading Fund (Amendment) Order 2005:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Colin Challen, Jim Dobbin, Mr Frank Doran, Mr Philip Dunne, Paul Farrelly, Julia Goldsworthy, Mr Greg Hands, David Heyes, Jane Kennedy, Gillian Merron, Anne Milton, Chris Mole, Dr Andrew Murrison, Mr John Randall, Steve Webb and Mr Iain Wright.

6 Draft Partnerships (Restrictions on Contributions to a Trade) Regulations 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Robert N. Wareing from the Twelfth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations) and nominated in substitution Mark Tami.

7 Draft Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2005, the draft Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 2005 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2005, and the draft Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Dr Howard Stoate from the Thirteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Orders) and nominated in substitution Sandra Osborne.

8 Draft Pension Protection Fund (Investigation by PPF Ombudsman of Complaints of Maladministration) Regulations 2005, the draft Pension Protection Fund (Reference of Reviewable Matters to the PPF Ombudsman) Regulations 2005, and the draft Pension Protection Fund (PPF Ombudsman) (Amendment) Order 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mrs Ann Cryer and Mr Denis MacShane from the Fourteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations and draft Order) and nominated in substitution Harry Cohen and Sir Peter Soulsby.

9 Draft Water Supply Licence (Modification of Standard Conditions) Order 2005 and the draft Water Act 2003 (Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Fraser Kemp, Mr David Kidney and Rob Marris from the Fifteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order and draft Regulations) and nominated in substitution Mr David Chaytor, Andrew Gwynne and Mr Mark Hendrick.

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10 Draft Railways Act 1993 (Determination of Turnover) Order 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Chris Mullin, Mr Nick Raynsford and John Robertson from the Sixteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Eric Joyce, Mr Denis MacShane and Sandra Osborne.

11 Draft Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (Amendment of List of Responders) Order 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Helen Southworth, Mrs Betty Williams and Mike Wood from the Seventeenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Kevan Jones, Ms Dari Taylor and Mr Iain Wright.

12 Draft Civil Partnership (Amendments to Registration Provisions) Order 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Andrew Miller, Mr Denis Murphy and Mr Alan Williams from the Eighteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Ian Austin, Mr Robert Flello and Paul Flynn.

European Standing Committees

13 European Union Document No. 7455/05 relating to EU Contribution to the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria,—The Committee of Selection has nominated thirteen Members to serve on the European Standing Committee in respect of the Document: Tony Baldry, Ben Chapman, Andrew George, Mr Neil Gerrard, Kelvin Hopkins, Mr Jeremy Hunt, Dr Brian Iddon, Mr Peter Kilfoyle, Tom Levitt, Dr Nick Palmer, Mr John Randall, Mark Simmonds and Richard Younger-Ross.

14 European Union Document No. 6364/05 relating to working conditions on interoperable cross-border rail services,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Greg Knight from the European Standing Committee (nominated in respect of the Document) and nominated in substitution Mr John Hayes.

15 European Union Document No. 9758/05, relating to a European Information Society for growth and employment, has been referred to European Standing Committee C.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

European Scrutiny,—(1) Second Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 34-ii];

(2) Third Report from the Committee [The European Commission’s Annual Policy Strategy for 2006]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 34-iii]; and

(3) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Ministerial Correspondence]

[Jimmy Hood].

[No. 33; WH, No. 18]

Wednesday 13th July 2005.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall

The sitting began at half-past Nine o’clock.

Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Parmjit Dhanda.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 4.55 p.m.

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[No. 34.]
Thursday 14th July 2005.

The House met at half-past Ten o’clock.
PRAYERS.

1 Sixteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Christopher Chope reported from the Sixteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Railways Act 1993 (Determination of Turnover) Order 2005.

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

2 Seventeenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Bill Olner reported from the Seventeenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (Amendment of List of Responders) Order 2005.

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

3 Eighteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Joe Benton reported from the Eighteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Civil Partnership (Amendments to Registration Provisions) Order 2005.

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

4 Nineteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mrs Janet Dean reported from the Nineteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Companies Act 1989 (Delegation) Order 2005.

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

5 Twentieth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Eric Forth reported from the Twentieth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Civil Partnership (Contracted-out Occupational and Appropriate Personal Pension Schemes) (Surviving Civil Partners) Order 2005 and the draft Civil Partnership (Pensions and Benefit Payments) (Consequential, etc. Provisions) Order 2005.

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

6 Twenty-first Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr David Wilshire reported from the Twenty-first Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Northern Ireland Act 2000 (Modification) (No. 2) Order 2005.

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

7 European Standing Committee,—Frank Cook reported from a European Standing Committee the following Resolution:

That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 6364/05, draft Directive on the agreement between the Community of European Railways (CER) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) on certain aspects of the working conditions of mobile workers assigned to interoperable cross-border services; recognises the importance of the social dialogue process; acknowledges the Government’s efforts to secure the application of Better Regulation principles to this proposal; and welcomes the European Commission’s declarations on Article 3 of the Directive and on monitoring of the development of the rail sector.

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

8 House observes a period of silence,—At Twelve o’clock the House observed two minutes’ silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the London bombings on 7th July.

9 London Olympics Bill,—Secretary Tessa Jowell, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Secretary Prescott, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Secretary Straw, Mr Secretary Darling, Mr Secretary Clarke, Mr Secretary Hain, Secretary Alan Johnson and Mr Richard Caborn, presented a Bill to make provision in connection with the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games that are to take place in London in the year 2012; to amend the Olympic Symbol etc. (Protection) Act 1995; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Monday 18th July and to be printed [Bill 45].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the London Olympics Bill be printed [Bill 45–EN].

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10 Consumer Credit Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Consumer Credit Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

A Clause (NC1) (Data sharing)—(Norman Lamb)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Andrew Selous, Bob Russell: 106.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Dave Watts, Mr Frank Roy: 234.

Another Clause (NC2) (Access to information)—(Charles Hendry)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Clause (NC3) (OFT’s general duties)—(Charles Hendry)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Amendment (No. 7) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 5) proposed to the Bill, in page 14, line 11, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(2A) In making a determination under this section, a court shall have regard to guidance published periodically by the OFT.

(2B) Guidance produced by the OFT under subsection (2A) shall be approved by the Secretary of State before publication.’.—(Charles Hendry.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Amendment (No. 2) proposed to the Bill, in page 41, line 19, to leave out the words ‘includes a reference to’ and insert the word ‘means’, instead thereof.—(Mr Alan Reid.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The Bill was read the third time, and passed.

11 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 Local Elections (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 2005, which was laid before this House on 16th June, be approved—(Mr Tom Watson):—It was agreed to.

12 Criminal Law (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 Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (Code of Practice) (Northern Ireland) Order 2005, dated 20th June 2005, which was laid before this House on 23rd June, be approved—(Mr Tom Watson):—It was agreed to.

13 Transport,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Railways (Convention on International Carriage by Rail) Regulations 2005, which were laid before this House on 13th June, be approved—(Mr Tom Watson):—It was agreed to.

14 International Immunities and Privileges,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2005, which was laid before this House on 30th June, be approved—(Mr Tom Watson):—It was agreed to.

15 Terms and Conditions of Employment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 (Amendment) Regulations 2005, which were laid before this House on 20th June, be approved—(Mr Tom Watson):—It was agreed to.

16 Pensions,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Financial Assistance Scheme Regulations 2005, which were laid before this House on 22nd June, be approved—(Mr Tom Watson):—It was agreed to.

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17 Pensions,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Financial Assistance Scheme (Internal Review) Regulations 2005, which were laid before this House on 22nd June, be approved—(Mr Tom Watson):—It was agreed to.

18 Social Security,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Age-Related Payments Regulations 2005, which were laid before this House on 23rd June, be approved—(Mr Tom Watson):—It was agreed to.

19 Employment and Training,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Industrial Training Levy (Engineering Construction Board) Order 2005, which was laid before this House on 18th May, be approved—(Mr Tom Watson):— It was agreed to.

20 Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Monday 18th July, the Speaker shall put forthwith the Questions on any Motion relating to committal of the Crossrail Bill and on any instruction to the Committee on the Bill.—(Mr Tom Watson.)

21 Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Wednesday 20th July, notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order No. 16 (Proceedings under an Act or on European Union documents), the Speaker shall put the Questions necessary to dispose of the Motion in the name of Mr Secretary Prescott relating to the Council Tax not later than three hours after their commencement; proceedings may continue, though opposed, after the moment of interruption; and Standing Order No. 41A (Deferred divisions) shall not apply.—(Mr Tom Watson.)

22 Sittings in Westminster Hall,—Ordered, That, on Thursday 21st July, there shall be no sitting in Westminster Hall.—(Mr Tom Watson.)

23 Modernisation of the House of Commons,—Ordered, That Mr Crispin Blunt be discharged from the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons and Chris Grayling be added.—(Mr Tom Watson.)

24 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Tom Watson.)

And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till eight minutes to Five o’clock, adjourned till Monday 18th July.

[Adjourned at 4.52 p.m.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1 Merchant Shipping,—Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1916), dated 7th July 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Darling].

2 Road Traffic,—Motor Cars (Driving Instruction) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1902), dated 6th July 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Other Papers:

3 Aircraft and Shipbuilding Industries,—Report and Accounts of British Shipbuilders for 2003–04 [by Act] [Secretary Alan Johnson].

4 Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate,—Report of HM Chief Inspector of the Crown Prosecution Service for 2004–05 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 129] [The Solicitor General].

5 Development of Tourism,—Report and Accounts of VisitBritain for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 312] [Secretary Tessa Jowell].

6 Exchequer and Audit Departments,—Report and Accounts of ADAS for 1996–97, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 192] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

7 Gaming,—Report and Accounts of the Gaming Board for Great Britain for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 227] [Secretary Tessa Jowell].

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8 Government Resources and Accounts,—(1) Accounts for 2004–05 of the—

(i) Hearing Aid Council; and

(ii) Oil and Pipelines Agency

with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 349 and 350] [Clerk of the House]; and

(2) Reports and Accounts for 2004–05 of the—

(i) Armed Forces Personnel Administration Agency, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 223] [Secretary John Reid];

(ii) Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science Agency, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 47] [Secretary Margaret Beckett];

(iii) Defence Estates Agency, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 255] [Secretary John Reid];

(iv) Defence Geographic and Imagery Intelligence Agency, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 271] [Secretary John Reid];

(v) Planning Inspectorate, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 102] [Mr Secretary Prescott];

(vi) Valuation Tribunal Service, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 246] [Clerk of the House]; and

(vii) Veterinary Medicines Directorate, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 196] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

9 Government Trading Funds,—Report and Accounts of the Defence Aviation Repair Agency for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 304] [Clerk of the House].

10 Immigration and Asylum,—Report and Accounts of the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 219] [Clerk of the House].

11 Life Sentences (Northern Ireland),—Report of the Life Sentence Review Commissioners for 2004–05 [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 113] [Mr Secretary Hain].

12 National Heritage,—Report and Accounts of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 62] [Clerk of the House].

13 National Statistics,—(1) Report of National Statistics for 2004–05; and

(2) Report and Accounts of the Statistics Commission for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon

[by Command] [Cms. 6632 and 6570] [John Healey].

14 Northern Ireland,—(1) Reports and Accounts of—

(i) Business Development Service for 2004–05;

(ii) Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency for 2004–05;

(iii) General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland for 2004–05;

(iv) Forest Service for 2004–05;

(v) Invest Northern Ireland for 2003–04;

(vi) Land Registers of Northern Ireland for 2004–05;

(vii) Northern Ireland Child Support Agency for 2004–05;

(viii) Northern Ireland Housing Executive for 2004–05;

(ix) Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland for 2004–05;

(x) Public Record Office for Northern Ireland for 2004–05;

(xi) Rivers Agency for 2004–05;

(xii) The Planning Service for 2004–05; and

(xiii) Water Service for 2004–05; and

(2) Report and Financial Statements of Rate Collection Agency for 2004–05,

with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland thereon [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [Nos. 259, 233, 252, 280, 282, 204, 281, 222, 162, 266, 328, 260, 120 and 116] [Mr Secretary Hain].

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15 Northern Ireland (Sentences),—Report of the Sentence Review Commissioners for 2004–05 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 112] [Mr Secretary Hain].

16 Pensions,—Report and Accounts of the Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 182] [Clerk of the House].

17 Police (Northern Ireland),—Report and Statement of Accounts for the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 270] Mr Secretary Hain].

18 Postal Services,—Report of the Postal Services Commission for 2004–05 [by Act] [Secretary Alan Johnson].

19 Science and Technology,—Reports and Accounts for 2004–05 of the—

(1) Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 128] [Clerk of the House]; and

(2) Economic and Social Research Council, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 92] [Secretary Alan Johnson].

20 Social Security Administration,—Report by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council in accordance with Section 171 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 reviewing the prescription of the asbestos-related diseases [by Command] [Cm. 6553] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1 Draft Extradition Act 2003 (Amendment to Designations) (No. 2) Order 2005,—The Speaker has appointed Mrs Joan Humble Chairman of the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order.

2 Draft Code of Practice on Industrial Action Ballots and Notice to Employers and draft Code of Practice on Access and Unfair Practices during Recognition and Derecognition Ballots,—The Speaker has appointed Miss Anne Begg Chairman of the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Codes of Practice.

3 Value Added Tax (Disclosure of Avoidance Schemes) (Designations) (Amendment) Order 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1724),—The Speaker has appointed Mr Eric Forth Chairman of the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Order 2005.

4 Draft Civil Procedure (Modification of Crown Proceedings Act 1947) Order 2005,—The Speaker has appointed John Bercow Chairman of the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order 2005.

5 Draft Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency Trading Fund (Amendment) Order 2005,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Greg Pope Chairman of the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order.

6 Draft Companies Act 1989 (Delegation) Order 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged John Battle, Mr Ronnie Campbell and Ian Stewart from the Nineteenth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mrs Ann Cryer, Chris Mole and Mr Sio�n Simon.

7 Draft Civil Partnership (Contracted-out Occupational and Appropriate Personal Pension Schemes) (Surviving Civil Partners) Order 2005 and the draft Civil Partnership (Pensions and Benefit Payments) (Consequential, etc. Provisions) Order 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr David Chaytor and Mr John Heppell from the Twentieth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Orders) and nominated in substitution Mr Ian Cawsey and Helen Southworth.

8 Draft Northern Ireland Act 2000 (Modification) (No. 2) Order 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Clive Betts, Mr Vernon Coaker, Clive Efford and Mr Eric Forth from the Twenty-first Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Philip Dunne, Mr Lindsay Hoyle, Gillian Merron and Mr Anthony Wright.

European Standing Committees

9 The Speaker has appointed Mr Edward O’Hara Chairman of the European Standing Committee in respect of European Union Document No. 7455/05 relating to EU Contribution to the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

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10 European Union Document No. 6364/05 relating to Working Conditions on Interoperable Cross-Border Rail Services,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Michael Jabez Foster and Fabian Hamilton from the European Standing Committee (nominated in respect of the Document) and nominated in substitution Mr Mark Hendrick and Dr Desmond Turner.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 Culture, Media and Sport,—First Special Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Maritime Heritage and Historic Ships: replies to the Committee’s Fourth Report of Session 2004–05], together with Appendices; to be printed [No. 358] [Mr John Whittingdale].

2 Select Committees (Choice of Chairmen),—The following Members reported from their respective Committees, That they had been chosen Chairmen of those Committees:

Committee Chairman

Culture, Media and Sport John Whittingdale

Environmental Audit Mr Peter Ainsworth

International Development Malcolm Bruce

Public Accounts Mr Edward Leigh

Public Administration Dr Tony Wright

Standards and Privileges Sir George Young

Trade and Industry Peter Luff

Treasury Mr John McFall

3 Treasury,— (1) First Special Report from the Treasury Committee [Government Response to the Fifth Report from the Committee, Session 2004–05 on Cash Machine Charges]; to be printed [No. 359]; and

(2) Second Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the Fourth Report from the Committee, Session 2004–05 on Excise Duty Fraud]; to be printed [No. 360]

[Mr John McFall].

[No. 34; WH, No. 19]

Thursday 14th July 2005.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall

The sitting began at half-past Two o’clock.

Adjournment (Elite sports),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Tony Cunningham.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 19th July.

[Adjourned at 4.59 p.m.

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Part II Alphabetical Index

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Prepared 12 March 2008