| Commons Journal 262
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II
Page 197 2005-2006 Volume 262
[No. 44.] Monday 17th October 2005.
The House met at half-past Two o’clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | European Standing Committee,—Frank Cook reported from a European Standing Committee the following Resolution: |
That the Committee takes note of the Unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum dated 15th July 2005, submitted by the Food Standards Agency, relating to the Draft Council Decision authorising the placing on the market of foods and food ingredients derived from genetically modified Roundup Ready maize line GA21; and supports the Government’s view that products derived from this maize meet the necessary requirements for authorisation under Regulation (EC) No. 258/97.
Resolution to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Transport (Wales) Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Transport (Wales) Bill, not amended in the Standing Committee. |
A Clause (NC1) (Cross-border provision)—(Bill Wiggin)—brought up and read the first time.
Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
The Bill was read the third time, and passed.
| 3 | Supreme Court (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 Rules of the Supreme Court (Northern Ireland) (Amendment No. 4) 2005 (S.R. (N.I.), 2005, No. 314), dated 26th June 2005, a copy of which was laid before this House on 27th June, be approved—(Tony Cunningham):—It was agreed to. |
| 4 | Civil Contingencies,—Ordered, That the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (Contingency Planning) Regulations 2005, (S.I., 2005, No. 2042), dated 22nd July 2005, be referred to a Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation.—(Tony Cunningham.) |
| 5 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Tony Cunningham.) |
And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till twelve minutes to Seven o’clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 6.48 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Civil Partnership,—Draft Civil Partnership (Judicial Pensions and Church Pensions, etc.) Order 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Bridget Prentice]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Health and Safety,—Blood Safety and Quality (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 2898), dated 17th October 2005 [by Act] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
| 3 | Police,—Police (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 2834), dated 11th October 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
Other Papers:
| 4 | Constitutional Affairs,—Paper, entitled The Future of Legal Services: Putting Consumers First [by Command] [Cm. 6679] [Bridget Prentice]. |
| 5 | National Lottery,—Report and Financial Statements of the UK Film Council Group and Lottery for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 470] [Secretary Tessa Jowell]. |
| 6 | Northern Ireland,—Accounts of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission for 2003–04, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 545] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 7 | Work and Pensions,—Report by the Department for Work and Pensions for 2005 [by Command] [Cm. 6673] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
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APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | Draft Civil Partnership Act 2004 (Overseas Relationships and Consequential, etc. Amendments) Order 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr James Clappison from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Philip Dunne. |
European Standing Committees
| 2 | European Union Document No. 8635/05 relating to Marketing of Genetically Modified Maize and European Union Document No. 10785/05 relating to Marketing of Genetically Modified Maize for Resistance to Certain Pests and Herbicides,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr James Paice from the European Standing Committee (nominated in respect of the Documents) and nominated in substitution Mr Owen Paterson. |
| 3 | European Union Common Strategy on Russia (Unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum dated 7th June 2005),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Gregory Barker from the European Standing Committee (nominated in respect of the Memorandum) and nominated in substitution Mr William Cash. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Human Rights,—First Report from the Joint Committee on Human Rights [Legislative Scrutiny: First Progress Report], together with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 560] [Mr Andrew Dismore]. |
| 2 | Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions Committee [ODPM Annual Report and Accounts 2005]; to be printed [No. 559-i] [Dr Phyllis Starkey]. |
| 3 | Public Accounts,—(1) Ninth Report from the of Public Accounts Committee [Foot and Mouth Disease: Applying the Lessons]; to be printed [No. 563]; |
(2) Tenth Report from the Committee [Jobskills]; to be printed [No. 564];
(3) Eleventh Report from the Committee [Local Management of Schools]; to be printed [No. 565]; and
(4) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [NHS Local Improvement Finance Trusts]; to be printed [No. 562-i]
[Mr Edward Leigh].
[No. 45.] Tuesday 18th October 2005.
The House met at half-past Two o’clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | London Olympics Bill,—Mr Jimmy Hood reported from Standing Committee D, That it had gone through the London Olympics Bill, and made Amendments thereunto. |
Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 62].
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Work and Families Bill,—Secretary Alan Johnson, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Secretary Prescott, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Secretary Blunkett, Mr Secretary Darling, Ms Secretary Hewitt, Secretary Tessa Jowell, Mr Secretary Hain and Secretary Ruth Kelly, presented a Bill to make provision about statutory rights to leave and pay in connection with the birth or adoption of children; to amend section 80F of the Employment Rights Act 1996; to make provision about workers’ entitlement to annual leave; to provide for the increase in the sums specified in section 186(1) and 227(1) of that Act; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 60]. |
Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Work and Families Bill be printed [Bill 60–EN].
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| 3 | Age of Sale of Tobacco,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to raise the minimum age of sale of tobacco and tobacco products from 16 years to 18 years: And that Jeff Ennis, Mr David Chaytor, Mr David Drew, Mrs Betty Williams, Harry Cohen, Mr Terry Rooney, Mr Stephen Crabb, Mr David Crausby, Chris McCafferty, Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson and Mr Mike Hancock do prepare and bring it in. |
| 4 | Age of Sale of Tobacco Bill,—Jeff Ennis accordingly presented a Bill to raise the minimum age of sale of tobacco and tobacco products from 16 years to 18 years: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 11th November and to be printed [Bill 59]. |
| 5 | Identity Cards Bill (Programme) (No. 3),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the Order of 28th June 2005 (Identity Cards Bill (Programme)) be further varied as follows: |
For paragraph 4 substitute—
‘4. Proceedings on consideration shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion at this day’s sitting at the time specified in the second column of the following Table.
| Proceedings | Time for conclusion of proceedings |
| New clauses and amendments relating to Clause No. 1 | 5.45 p.m. |
| Amendments relating to Clauses Nos. 2 to 7 | 7.15 p.m |
| Remaining proceedings on consideration | One hour before the moment of interruption.’ |
| —(Mr Tony McNulty); |
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Frank Roy: 322.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Evennett, Mr Henry Bellingham: 257.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 6 | Identity Cards Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for consideration of the Identity Cards Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee; |
A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be re-committed to a Select Committee—(Mr David Heath);
And the Motion being opposed, after a brief explanatory statement from the Member who made the Motion and from a Member who opposed it, the Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Standing Order No. 74 (Re-committal of bill).
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Bob Russell, Lorely Burt: 243.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Frank Roy: 326.
So the Question was negatived.
The House accordingly proceeded to consider the Bill.
Amendment (No. 8) proposed to the Bill, in page 1, line 10, after the word ‘others’, to insert the words ‘who reasonably require proof’, instead thereof.—(Patrick Mercer.)
And it being a quarter to Six o’clock, the Deputy Speaker put the Question already proposed from the Chair, pursuant to Orders [28th June and this day].
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Evennett, Mr Henry Bellingham: 267.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Frank Roy, Mr Vernon Coaker: 321.
The Deputy Speaker then put forthwith the Question on the remaining Amendment moved by a Minister of the Crown to be disposed of at that hour.
Amendment (No. 1) made to the Bill.
Another Amendment (No. 5) proposed to the Bill, in page 4, line 42, to leave out the word ‘must’ and insert the words ‘may, if the applicant so chooses’, instead thereof.—(Mr Neil Gerrard.)
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And it being a quarter past Seven o’clock, the Deputy Speaker put the Question already proposed from the Chair.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Kelvin Hopkins, David Taylor: 278.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Frank Roy, Mr Vernon Coaker: 310.
Another Amendment (No. 2) made to the Bill.
Another Amendment (No. 7) proposed to the Bill, in page 7, line 20, after the word ‘individual’, to insert the words—
‘(aa) must be free of charge;’.—(Patrick Mercer.)
And it being Nine o’clock, the Deputy Speaker put the Question already proposed from the Chair.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Evennett, Mr Henry Bellingham: 277.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Frank Roy, Mr Vernon Coaker: 310.
The Deputy Speaker then put forthwith the Question on the remaining Amendments moved by a Minister of the Crown to be disposed of at that hour.
Other Amendments (Nos. 3 and 4) made to the Bill.
A Motion being made, That the Bill be now read the third time;
Mr Secretary Clarke, by Her Majesty’s Command, acquainted the House, That Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, gives her Consent, as far as Her Majesty’s prerogative is concerned, That the House may do therein as it shall think fit.
And the Question being proposed;
And it being Ten o’clock, the Deputy Speaker put the Question already proposed from the Chair.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Frank Roy, Mr Vernon Coaker: 309.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Evennett, Mr Henry Bellingham: 284.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.
| 7 | Marketing of Foods Derived from Genetically Modified Maize,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees), That this House takes note of the Unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum dated 15th July 2005, submitted by the Food Standards Agency, relating to the Draft Council Decision authorising the placing on the market of foods and food ingredients derived from genetically modified Roundup Ready maize line GA21; and supports the Government’s view that products derived from this maize meet the necessary requirements for authorisation under Regulation No. 258/97—(Mr Alan Campbell); |
And the Deputy Speaker’s opinion as to the decision of the Question being challenged, the Division was deferred till to-morrow, pursuant to Standing Order No. 41A (Deferred divisions).
| 8 | Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from supporters of the Isitfair Council Tax protest campaign for a fair and equitable replacement for council tax [two Petitions] were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 9 | Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Alan Campbell); |
And the Motion having been made after Ten o’clock, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then nine minutes to Eleven o’clock, till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.51 p.m.
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APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Civil Partnership,—Civil Partnership (Pensions and Benefit Payments) (Consequential, etc. Provisions) Order (Northern Ireland) 2005 (S.R. (N.I.), 2005, No. 434), dated 29th September 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hain]. |
| 2 | Clean Air,—Smoke Control Areas (Authorised Fuels) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 2895), dated 14th October 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 3 | Environmental Protection,—Waste (Household Waste Duty of Care) (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 2900), dated 17th October 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 4 | Income Tax,—Exemption From Income Tax For Certain Interest and Royalty Payments (Amendment to Section 97(1) of the Finance Act 2004 and Section 757(2) of the Income Tax (Trading and Other Income) Act 2005) Order 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 2899), dated 17th October 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Dawn Primarolo]. |
APPENDIX II
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Constitutional Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Constitutional Affairs Committee [Department for Constitutional Affairs: key policies and priorities]; to be printed [No. 566-i] [Mr Alan Beith]. |
| 2 | Culture, Media and Sport,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [London 2012 Olympics: First Steps]; to be printed [No. 552-i] [Mr John Whittingdale]. |
| 3 | Defence,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee [Future Carrier and Joint Combat Aircraft Programmes]; to be printed [No. 554-i] [James Arbuthnot]. |
| 4 | International Development,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee, together with Appendices [The Autumn Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank; and the UN World Summit 2005]; to be printed [No. 569-i] [Malcolm Bruce]. |
| 5 | Standards and Privileges,—Fourth Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges [Pay for Standing Committee Chairmen], together with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 568] [Sir George Young]. |
| 6 | Trade and Industry,—(1) Eighth Special Report from the Trade and Industry Committee [Response to the Sixth Report from the Committee, Session 2004–05, on Trade with South-East Asia]; to be printed [No. 521]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Royal Mail after liberalisation]; to be printed [570-i]
[Peter Luff].
| 7 | Welsh Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee [Government White Paper: Better Governance for Wales]; to be printed [No. 551-i] [Dr Hywel Francis]. |
[No. 45; WH, No. 25]
Tuesday 18th October 2005.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting began at half-past Nine o’clock.
| Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Kevin Brennan.) |
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 1.58 p.m.
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[No. 46.] Wednesday 19th October 2005.
The House met at half-past Eleven o’clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | European Standing Committee,—Hugh Bayley reported from a European Standing Committee the following Resolution: |
That the Committee takes note of European Union Documents No. 8635/05, draft Council Decision concerning the placing on the market, in accordance with Directive 2001/18/EC, of a maize product (Zea mays L. line MON 863) genetically modified for resistance to corn rootworm and No. 10785/05, draft Council Decision concerning the placing on the market, in accordance with Directive 2001/18/EC, of a maize product (Zea mays L. line 1507) genetically modified for resistance to certain lepidopteran pests and for tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate-ammonium; and supports the Government’s view that all the requirements of the Directive have been met in relation to these products and their proposed use should be authorised.
Resolution to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill,—The Order for reading the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill a second time on Friday 28th October was read and discharged. |
Bill withdrawn.
| 3 | Infrastructure Audit (Housing Development),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require an audit of existing or planned infrastructure in areas of significant housing development: And that Mr Francis Maude, Mr Tim Boswell, Greg Clark, Mrs Nadine Dorries, Mr Nick Gibb, Charles Hendry, Mr Nick Herbert, Tim Loughton, Mr Andrew Tyrie and Hon Nicholas Soames do prepare and bring it in. |
| 4 | Infrastructure Audit (Housing Development) Bill,—Mr Francis Maude accordingly presented a Bill to require an audit of existing or planned infrastructure in areas of significant housing development: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 14th July and to be printed [Bill 61]. |
| 5 | Privilege,—Ordered, That the matter of the evidence given by the Rt Hon Member for North Tyneside to the Transport Sub-Committee of the Select Committee on Transport, Local Government and the Regions on 14th November 2001 be referred to the Committee on Standards and Privileges.—(Chris Grayling.) |
| 6 | Opposition Day [7th 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. |
Council Tax Revaluation,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House regrets the decision of the Government to delay, but not to cancel, the council tax revaluation in England; calls for Ministers to be held to account for the flawed Welsh revaluation introduced by the Local Government Act 2003; believes that urgent measures are necessary to stop further rises in Welsh council tax bills next April as transitional relief is phased out; observes that the business rates revaluation in England has not been revenue-neutral; notes that Northern Ireland is being used as a testing ground for controversial reform in England; expresses concern that the Lyons Inquiry will be used to advocate expensive and time-consuming restructuring of local government, and instead calls for regional government to be curtailed; and fears that revaluation and re-banding will be used to increase further the burden of local taxation on hard-working families and pensioners in England—(Mr Eric Pickles);
An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House’ to the end of the Question and add the words ‘welcomes the Government’s decision to postpone the revaluation of council tax in England in order that it may take full account of Sir Michael Lyons’s further work on the functions of local government as well as its financing; supports the Government’s extension of Sir Michael’s terms of reference, which will enable him to review the strategic role of local government and therefore set any proposals for the reform of the funding system within the context of that role and of councils’ accountability; recognises that the devolution settlement for Wales gives responsibility for council tax matters to the National Assembly for Wales, and that the context for rating reform in Northern Ireland is very different from that in Great Britain; refutes any suggestion that Northern Ireland is being used as a testing ground for reform in England; and looks forward to the final report of Sir Michael Lyons’s inquiry which it is confident will provide a real opportunity for fundamental and lasting reform’, instead thereof.—(Mr Phil Woolas.)
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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 Peter Atkinson, Mr Crispin Blunt: 247.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Alan Campbell, Mr Dave Watts: 300.
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 welcomes the Government’s decision to postpone the revaluation of council tax in England in order that it may take full account of Sir Michael Lyons’s further work on the functions of local government as well as its financing; supports the Government’s extension of Sir Michael’s terms of reference, which will enable him to review the strategic role of local government and therefore set any proposals for the reform of the funding system within the context of that role and of councils’ accountability; recognises that the devolution settlement for Wales gives responsibility for council tax matters to the National Assembly for Wales, and that the context for rating reform in Northern Ireland is very different from that in Great Britain; refutes any suggestion that Northern Ireland is being used as a testing ground for reform in England; and looks forward to the final report of Sir Michael Lyons’s inquiry which it is confident will provide a real opportunity for fundamental and lasting reform.
| 7 | Deferred Division,—The Deputy Speaker announced the results of the Division which had been deferred to this day, pursuant to Standing Order No. 41A (Deferred divisions): |
Marketing of Foods Derived from Genetically Modified Maize,—That this House takes note of the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum dated 15th July 2005, submitted by the Food Standards Agency, relating to the Draft Council Decision authorising the placing on the market of foods and food ingredients derived from genetically modified Roundup Ready maize line GA21; and supports the Government’s view that products derived from this maize meet the necessary requirements for authorisation under Regulation No. 258/97.
Ayes: 215.
Noes: 75.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 8 | Opposition Day,—The House again proceeded to consider Opposition business. |
Emergency Preparedness,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House expresses its deep appreciation of the response of the emergency services and Transport for London to the terrorist outrages of 7th and 21st July 2005; urges heightened efforts to ensure that preparedness for emergencies is comprehensively pursued; believes that the appointment of a Minister for Homeland Security would contribute to effective co-ordination within government; calls for increased efforts in communicating with the public in respect of major threats, including both terrorist attacks and an influenza pandemic; regrets delays in the publication of an influenza pandemic contingency plan and the procurement of anti-viral drugs and disposable medical products; is concerned at the lack of public information and resulting confusion; and urges that pandemic influenza preparedness be achieved urgently, with effective communication to the NHS and public of the nature of the threat and planned responses—(Mr Andrew Lansley);
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 ‘pays grateful tribute to the excellent work of the emergency services, of Transport for London and of all involved in responding to the terrorist outrages of 7th July and 21st July; congratulates the Government on its comprehensive approach to preparedness for emergencies; notes the effectiveness of current Departmental responsibilities for emergency preparedness; further congratulates the Government on the steps taken to enhance communication with the public in respect of major threats; notes that supplies of vaccines, antibiotics, antidotes and specialist equipment are strategically placed around the UK for rapid deployment in the event of a mass casualty incident, and that spending on the stockpile to date exceeds £120 million; further notes that NHS organisations have well-established, comprehensive plans in place for dealing with pandemic influenza, and that the Government’s updated pandemic flu contingency plan is being published today; welcomes the fact that the Government is stockpiling key drugs and equipment, and will have enough antiviral drugs to treat 25 per cent. of the population by September 2006; and recognises that good communication with the public and with health professionals is crucial before and during a pandemic and therefore congratulates the Government on making accurate and up to date information widely available to doctors and the public through various agencies’, instead thereof.—(Ms Rosie Winterton.)
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And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;
Mr Patrick McLoughlin rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put.
And the Question being put, That the Question be now put:—It was agreed to.
And the Question being accordingly put;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Michael Fabricant, Mr Peter Atkinson: 242.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Ian Cawsey, Mr Parmjit Dhanda: 316.
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 pays grateful tribute to the excellent work of the emergency services, of Transport for London and of all involved in responding to the terrorist outrages of 7th July and 21st July; congratulates the Government on its comprehensive approach to preparedness for emergencies; notes the effectiveness of current Departmental responsibilities for emergency preparedness; further congratulates the Government on the steps taken to enhance communication with the public in respect of major threats; notes that supplies of vaccines, antibiotics, antidotes and specialist equipment are strategically placed around the UK for rapid deployment in the event of a mass casualty incident, and that spending on the stockpile to date exceeds £120 million; further notes that NHS organisations have well-established, comprehensive plans in place for dealing with pandemic influenza, and that the Government’s updated pandemic flu contingency plan is being published today; welcomes the fact that the Government is stockpiling key drugs and equipment, and will have enough antiviral drugs to treat 25 per cent. of the population by September 2006; and recognises that good communication with the public and with health professionals is crucial before and during a pandemic and therefore congratulates the Government on making accurate and up to date information widely available to doctors and the public through various agencies.
| 9 | Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from— |
(1) supporters of the Isitfair Council Tax protest campaign for a fair and equitable replacement for council tax;
(2) Marlow Evening Townswomen’s Guild against mixed sex wards; and
(3) residents of Barnsley and others against the deportation of Ms Kuzvidza and her family;
were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
| 10 | Public Petition,—A Public Petition from supporters of the Isitfair Council Tax protest campaign for a fair and equitable replacement for council tax was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed. |
| 11 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Tom Watson.) |
And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till twenty-one minutes to Eight o’clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 7.39 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Access to Justice,—Revised Funding Code prepared by the Legal Services Commission [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Bridget Prentice]. |
| 2 | Disabled Persons,—Draft Disability Discrimination (Private Clubs etc.) Regulations 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 3 | Family Law,—Draft Civil Partnership (Family Proceedings and Housing Consequential Amendments) Order 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Bridget Prentice]. |
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| 4 | Food,—Draft Healthy Start Scheme and Welfare Food (Amendment) Regulations 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt]. |
| 5 | Judgments,—Draft Civil Partnership (Jurisdiction and Recognition of Judgments) Regulations 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Bridget Prentice]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 6 | Dangerous Drugs,—Misuse of Drugs and the Misuse of Drugs (Supply to Addicts) (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 2864), dated 12th October 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
| 7 | Education,—Southwark London Borough Council (Prescribed Alteration) Order 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 2836), dated 11th October 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Ruth Kelly]. |
| 8 | Environmental Protection,—Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) and National Emissions Inventory Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 2903), dated 16th October 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
Other Papers:
| 9 | Companies,—Report of Companies in 2004–05 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 544] [Secretary Alan Johnson]. |
| 10 | Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims,—Code of Practice for Victims of Crime [by Act] [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
| 11 | Education,—Report of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Schools for 2004–05 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 451] [Secretary Ruth Kelly]. |
| 12 | Government Resources and Accounts,—Resource Accounts of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 471] [John Healey]. |
| 13 | Legal Aid, Advice and Assistance (Northern Ireland),—Report of the Law Society of Northern Ireland on Legal Aid in Northern Ireland for the period 1st April to 31st October 2003, with the Reports of the Lord Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Legal Aid in Northern Ireland and the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 463] [Bridget Prentice]. |
| 14 | Miscellaneous (No. 6, 2005),—Agreement, done at Cardiff on 12th July 2005, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the French Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany and the Kingdom of the Netherlands regarding Collaboration in Centrifuge Technology, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 6680] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
| 15 | Northern Ireland (Monitoring Commission etc.),—Seventh Report of the Independent Monitoring Commission [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 546] [Mr Secretary Hain]. |
| 16 | Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Transport on the Petition [20th July] from people of Bicester and the surrounding area against the proposed reduction in the Oxford-Bicester rail service [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House]. |
| 17 | Treaty Series (No. 37, 2005),—Second Supplementary List of Ratifications, Accessions, Withdrawals, etc., for 2005 [by Command] [Cm. 6676] [Mr Secretary Straw]. |
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee A; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Adam Afriyie, Mr Adrian Bailey, Mr Richard Caborn, Mr Jim Devine, Mrs Natascha Engel, Mr Don Foster (Bath), Andrew Gwynne, Mr Tom Harris, John Mann, Mr Jamie Reed, Andrew Selous, Jo Swinson, Mr Hugo Swire, Emily Thornberry, Mr Andrew Turner, Mr Charles Walker and Claire Ward.
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| 2 | Draft Civil Partnership (Miscellaneous and Consequential Provisions) Order 2005 and the draft Social Security (Inherited SERPS) (Amendments relating to Civil Partnership) Regulations 2005: |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order and draft Regulations to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Danny Alexander, Gordon Banks, Mr Tim Boswell, Peter Bottomley, Mrs Ann Cryer, Mr John Heppell, Mr Adam Holloway, Helen Jones, Eric Joyce, Mr Piara S. Khabra, Mr David Laws, Mrs Anne McGuire, Anne Moffat, Mr John Randall, Dr Gavin Strang and Mr Robert Walter.
| 3 | Education (School Organisation Proposals) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1801): |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Regulations to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Henry Bellingham, Roger Berry, Mr Ian Cawsey, Mr Edward Davey, Mrs Nadine Dorries, Maria Eagle, Mr Stephen Hepburn, Mr Mark Hoban, Mrs Sia(r)n C. James, Ms Sally Keeble, Mr Austin Mitchell, Dan Norris, Mark Pritchard, Christine Russell, Mr Ian Taylor and Mark Williams.
| 4 | Licensing Act 2003 (Second Appointed Day) Order 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 2091): |
(1) The Speaker has allocated the Order to the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation; and
(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Don Foster (Bath), Linda Gilroy, Andrew Gwynne, Mr Mike Hall, Huw Irranca-Davies, Mrs Theresa May, Mr Malcolm Moss, Kali Mountford, James Purnell, Andrew Selous, Grant Shapps, Ms Angela C. Smith (Sheffield, Hillsborough), Mr Gary Streeter, Jo Swinson, Kitty Ussher, Claire Ward and David Wright.
| 5 | Draft Weights and Measures (Miscellaneous Foods) (Amendment) 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: Mr Richard Benyon, Dr Roberta Blackman-Woods, Michael Connarty, Jim Cousins, Mr David Crausby, Jon Cruddas, Mr Parmjit Dhanda, Mr David Evennett, Mr David Gauke, Charles Hendry, Norman Lamb, Anne Milton, Mr Alan Reid, John Smith, Ian Stewart and Mr Gerry Sutcliffe.
European Standing Committees
| 6 | European Union Documents Nos. 8137/05, 8138/05 and 8139/05 relating to European Union Contribution to achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals,—The Committee of Selection has nominated thirteen Members to serve on the European Standing Committee in respect of the Documents: Richard Burden, Mr Vernon Coaker, Michael Jabez Foster, Andrew George, Mr David Hamilton, Greg Mulholland, Mr Gordon Prentice, Mr John Randall, Mr Lee Scott, Mark Simmonds, Mr Gareth Thomas, Mr Michael Wills and Jeremy Wright. |
| 7 | European Union Document No. 8635/05 relating to Marketing of Genetically Modified Maize and European Union Document No. 10785/05 relating to Marketing of Genetically Modified Maize for Resistance to Certain Pests and Herbicides,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Clive Betts and Mrs Louise Ellman from the European Standing Committee (nominated in respect of the Documents) and nominated in substitution Liz Blackman and Mr Frank Doran. |
| 8 | Unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum dated 4th July 2005 relating to European Union Arms Exports,—The Committee of Selection has nominated thirteen Members to serve on the European Union Committee in respect of the Memorandum: Ed Balls, Mr Graham Brady, Mr Jeremy Browne, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr Stephen Crabb, Dr Kim Howells, Ms Diana R. Johnson, Mr Gordon Marsden, David Mundell, Andrew Selous, Graham Stringer, Mr Mark Todd and Richard Younger-Ross. |
| 9 | Unnumbered letter dated 1st June 2005 relating to the draft Budget 2006,—The Committee of Selection has nominated thirteen Members to serve on the European Standing Committee in respect of the Letter: Dr Vincent Cable, Mr Michael Clapham, Mr Vernon Coaker, Mr David Drew, Michael Fabricant, Mr Mark Francois, Patrick Hall, Chris Huhne, Mr Stewart Jackson, Mr Ivan Lewis, Mr Andrew Love, John Penrose and Mike Wood. |
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| 10 | European Union Document No. 8630/05, relating to the control of avian influenza, has been referred to European Standing Committee A. |
| 11 | European Union Documents Nos. 11216/05 and 11452/05 and Addenda 1 and 2, relating to financial management, have been referred to European Standing Committee B. |
Private Business
| 12 | Committee on Unopposed Bills (Panel),—Rosemary McKenna reported from the Committee of Selection, That it had appointed sixteen Members to serve on the Committee on Unopposed Bills under Standing Order 111 relating to Private Business (Reference to committees of opposed and unopposed Bills), viz: John Austin, Mr Adrian Bailey, Gordon Banks, Peter Bottomley, Sir John Butterfill, Colin Challen, Paul Farrelly, Mr Brian Jenkins, Helen Jones, Siobhain McDonagh, John Mann, Sir Robert Smith, Sir Peter Tapsell, Jon Trickett, Mr Robert Walter and Ann Winterton. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Education and Skills,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education and Skills Committee [Higher Education issues]; to be printed [No. 520-i] [Mr Barry Sheerman]. |
| 2 | Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee [The Reform of the EU Sugar Regime]; to be printed [No. 585-i] [Mr Michael Jack]. |
| 3 | Environmental Audit,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee [Keeping the Lights on: Nuclear, Renewables and Climate Change]; to be printed [No. 584-i] [Mr Peter Ainsworth]. |
| 4 | European Scrutiny,—(1) Sixth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 34-vi]; and |
(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Ministerial Correspondence]
[Jimmy Hood].
| 5 | Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Foreign Policy Aspects of the War against Terrorism]; to be printed [No. 573-i] [Mike Gapes]. |
| 6 | Public Accounts,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts [Responding to the challenges of European law]; to be printed [No. 590-i] [Mr Edward Leigh]. |
| 7 | Science and Technology,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee [Chief Executive of the Natural Environment Research Council: Introductory Hearing]; to be printed [No. 491-i]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Office of Science and Technology Scrutiny Report 2005]; to be printed [No. 490-i]
[Mr Phil Willis].
| 8 | Scottish Affairs,—(1) First Special Report from the Scottish Affairs Committee [Meeting Scotland’s Future Energy Needs: Government Response to the Committee’s Second Report of Session 2004–05 ]; to be printed [No. 579]; and |
(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on 29th June [Scotland Office Annual Report 2005]; to be printed [No. 580-i]
[Mr Mohammed Sarwar].
| 9 | Statutory Instruments,—Fifth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 35-v] [Mr Eric Forth]. |
| 10 | Transport,—(1) Fourth Special Report from the Transport Committee [Government Response to the Eighth Report from the Committee, Session 2004–05, on Search and Rescue]; to be printed [No. 586]; |
(2) Fifth Special Report from the Committee [Government Response to the Fifth Report from the Committee, Session 2004–05, on Rural Railways]; to be printed [No. 587]; and
(3) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [Going for Gold: Delivering Excellent Transport for London’s 2012 Olympic Games]; to be printed [No. 588-i]
[Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].
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| 11 | Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Treasury Committee [National Savings and Investments Annual Report and Accounts 2004–05]; to be printed [No. 575-i] [Mr John McFall]. |
| 12 | Work and Pensions,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Work and Pensions Committee [Disability and Carers Service]; to be printed [No.572] [Mr Terry Rooney]. |
[No. 46; WH, No. 26]
Wednesday 19th October 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 Vernon Coaker.) |
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 5.11 p.m.
[No. 47.] Thursday 20th October 2005.
The House met at half-past Ten o’clock. PRAYERS.
| 1 | First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Derek Conway reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Civil Partnership Act 2004 (Overseas Relationships and Consequential, etc. Amendments) Order 2005. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | European Standing Committee,—Mr Mike Hancock reported from a European Standing Committee the following Resolution: |
That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 8799/05 and Addendum 1, EU-Russia: Road Maps for the Common Economic Space, the Common Space of Freedom, Security and Justice, the Common Space of External Security and the Common Space on Research, Education and Culture; and agrees with the Government that the road maps for the Four Common Spaces agreed at the EU-Russia Summit on 10th May 2005 provide a valuable framework for the European Union to achieve its objectives in its relations with Russia in the medium term.
Resolution to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Borough Freedom (Family Succession) Bill [Lords],—The Borough Freedom (Family Succession) Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 28th October and to be printed [Bill 63]. |
| 4 | Adjournment (Thames Gateway),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Bob Ainsworth); |
The Motion was, with leave of the House, withdrawn.
| 5 | Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from— |
(1) Mr Vernon Hunte and others against changes to the visa regime for overseas students; and
(2) supporters of the Isitfair Council Tax protest campaign for a fair and equitable replacement for council tax [two Petitions]
were presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.
| 6 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr John Heppell.) |
And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till five minutes to Six o’clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 5.55 p.m.
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APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Child Trust Funds,—Civil Partnership Act 2004 (Tax Credits, etc.) (Consequential Amendments) Order 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 2919), dated 19th October 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Dawn Primarolo]. |
| 2 | Civil Partnership,—(1) Civil Partnership (Contracted-out Occupational and Appropriate Personal Pension Schemes) (Surviving Civil Partners) Order (Northern Ireland) 2005 (S.R. (N.I.), 2005, No. 433), dated 29th September 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hain]; and |
(2) Civil Partnership (Pensions, Social Security and Child Support) (Consequential, etc. Provisions) Order 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 2877), dated 13th October 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].
| 3 | Council Tax,—(1) Council Tax (Civil Partners) (England) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 2866); and |
(2) Council Tax (Exempt Dwellings) (Amendment) (England) Order 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 2865),
dated 11th October 2005 [by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Mr Secretary Prescott].
| 4 | Licences and Licensing,—Licensing Act 2003 (Permitted Temporary Activities) (Notices) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 2918), dated 19th October 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Tessa Jowell]. |
| 5 | Pensions,—Pension Protection Fund (Insolvent Partnerships) (Amendment of Insolvency Events) Order 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 2893), dated 13th October 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Blunkett]. |
| 6 | Social Security,—(1) Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 2894); and |
(2) Social Security (Civil Partnership) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 2878),
dated 13th October 2005 [by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].
Other Papers:
| 7 | Animals (Scientific Procedures),—Report of the Animal Procedures Committee for 2004 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 466] [Mr Secretary Clarke]. |
| 8 | Government Resources and Accounts,—Report and Accounts of Sir John Soane’s Museum for 2004–05, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 354] [Secretary Tessa Jowell]. |
| 9 | Statutory Instruments (Notification),—Communication declaring that the undermentioned Statutory Instrument had come into operation before copies were laid before Parliament, and explaining why such copies had not been so laid before the Instrument came into operation: |
Export Control (Democratic Republic of Congo) Order 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1677)
[by Standing Order] [The Speaker].
APPENDIX II
Standing Committees
| 1 | National Lottery Bill (Programming Sub-Committee),—The Speaker has appointed Mr Richard Caborn, Mr Jim Devine, Mr Don Foster, John Mann, Andrew Selous, Mr Hugo Swire and Claire Ward members of the Programming Sub-Committee of Standing Committee A in respect of the Bill. |
| 2 | National Lottery Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Frank Cook and Mr Roger Gale Chairmen of Standing Committee A in respect of the Bill. |
| 3 | Draft Civil Partnership Act 2004 (Overseas Relationships and Consequential, etc. Amendments) Order 2005,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Charlotte Atkins and Mr Frank Doran from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Chris Mole and Dr Alan Whitehead. |
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| 4 | Draft Civil Partnership (Miscellaneous and Consequential Provisions) Order 2005 and draft Social Security (Inherited SERPS) (Amendments relating to Civil Partnership) Regulations 2005,—The Speaker has appointed Mr David Wilshire Chairman of the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order and Regulations. |
| 5 | Education (School Organisation Proposals) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 1801),—The Speaker has appointed Mr Christopher Chope Chairman of the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Regulations. |
| 6 | Licensing Act 2003 (Second Appointment Day) Order 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 2091),—The Speaker has appointed John Cummings Chairman of the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the Order. |
| 7 | Draft Weights and Measures (Miscellaneous Foods) (Amendment) Order 2005,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Martin Caton Chairman of the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation in respect of the draft Order. |
European Standing Committees
| 8 | European Union Common Strategy on Russia (Unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum dated 7th June 2005),—The Committee of Selection has discharged John Austin and Dr Hywel Francis from the European Standing Committee (nominated in respect of the Memorandum) and nominated in substitution Mr Bob Blizzard and Dr Nick Palmer. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee [Smoking in Public Places]; to be printed [No. 485-i] [Mr Kevin Barron]. |
| 2 | Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration [Ombudsman Issues and Tax Credits]; to be printed [No. 577-i] [Tony Wright]. |
[No. 47; WH, No. 27]
Thursday 20th October 2005.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting began at half-past Two o’clock.
| Adjournment (Work of the Social Exclusion Unit),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Phil Woolas.) |
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 25th October.
[Adjourned at 4.07 p.m.
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[No. 48.] Friday 21st October 2005.
The House met at half-past Nine o’clock.
| 1 | The Speaker’s Absence,—The House being met, and the Speaker having leave of absence pursuant to paragraph (3) of Standing Order No. 3 (Deputy Speaker), Sylvia Heal, the First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means, proceeded to the Table. |
PRAYERS.
| 2 | The First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means took the Chair as Deputy Speaker. |
| 3 | Armed Forces (Parliamentary Approval for Participation in Armed Conflict) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Armed Forces (Parliamentary Approval for Participation in Armed Conflict) Bill; |
And a Motion being made, That the Bill be now read a second time;
Mr Geoffrey Hoon acquainted the House, That he had it in command from the Queen to acquaint the House that Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, has consented to place Her prerogative, so far as it is affected by the Bill, at the disposal of Parliament for the purposes of the Bill.
And the Question being proposed;
Clare Short rose in her place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put.
And the Question being put, That the Question be now put;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Paul Flynn, Mr Neil Gerrard: 91.
Tellers for the Noes, Claire Ward, Eric Joyce: 12.
Whereupon the Deputy Speaker declared that the Question was not decided in the Affirmative because it was not supported by the majority prescribed by Standing Order No. 37 (Majority for closure or for proposal of question).
Jeremy Corbyn rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put; but the Deputy Speaker withheld his assent and declined to put that Question.
And it being half-past Two o’clock, the Debate stood adjourned.
Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 10th March.
| 4 | Road Safety and Parking Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Road Safety and Parking Bill; |
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 28th October.
| 5 | Prohibition of Abortion (England and Wales) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Prohibition of Abortion (England and Wales) Bill; |
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 10th March.
| 6 | Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Tom Watson.) |
And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till two minutes to Three o’clock, adjourned till Monday 24th October.
[Adjourned at 2.58 p.m.
APPENDIX
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Animals,—Salmonella in Broiler Flocks (Survey Powers) (England) Regulations 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 2927), dated 20th October 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett]. |
| 2 | Transport,—Railway Heritage Scheme Order 2005 (S.I., 2005, No. 2905), dated 12th October 2005 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Darling]. |
Other Papers:
| 3 | Opticians,—Report and Financial Statements of the General Optical Council for 2004–05 [by Act] [Ms Harriet Harman]. |
|
