Commons Journal

Session 2006-2007

Commons Journal 263
Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II

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[No. 7.]
Monday 27th November 2006.

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

1 Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Bill,—Mr Secretary Hain, supported by the Prime Minister, Secretary Margaret Beckett, Secretary John Reid, Secretary Des Browne, Paul Goggins and Bridget Prentice presented a Bill to make provision about justice and security in Northern Ireland: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 10].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Bill be printed [Bill 10–EN].

2 Queen’s Speech (Motion for an Address),—The Order of the Day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed on 15th November, That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, as follows:

Most Gracious Sovereign,

We, Your Majesty’s dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Majesty for the Gracious Speech which Your Majesty has addressed to both Houses of Parliament;

And the Question being again proposed:—The House resumed the adjourned Debate.

Another Amendment was proposed to the Question, at the end, to add the words ‘but humbly regret that the Gracious Speech does not contain measures to address Britain’s declining productivity growth since 1997; deplore the absence of measures to give the UK the right skills to take advantage of new global opportunities; further regret the absence of strong and binding measures to tackle climate change and environmental degradation; condemn the absence of measures to ensure real improvements in the public services and greater value for money for taxpayers; and further regret the absence of measures in the Gracious Speech to tackle the pensions crisis to which Government policy has contributed.’.—(Mr George Osborne.)

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Michael Fabricant, Mr Mark Lancaster: 229.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Frank Roy, Jonathan Shaw: 294.

So the Question was negatived.

Another Amendment was proposed to the Question, at the end, to add the words ‘but humbly regret that the Gracious Speech fails to announce proposals for a strategy for Iraq providing for a phased withdrawal of United Kingdom armed forces; deplore the further erosion of traditional British freedoms that will result from the Government’s proposals on security and terrorism, increasing intrusion into private lives without commensurate improvements in public safety or the repeal of existing and unnecessary laws and regulations; and further regret that the measures proposed to address global warming lack ambition and are not sufficient to establish the United Kingdom as a world leader in combating climate change.’.—(Mr Paul Burstow.)

And the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 33 (Calling of amendments at end of debate), That the Amendment be made;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Jeremy Browne, Paul Rowen: 59.

Tellers for the Noes, Jonathan Shaw, Mr Frank Roy: 298.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Main Question being put;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Frank Roy, Jonathan Shaw: 295.

Tellers for the Noes, Michael Fabricant, Mr Mark Lancaster: 221.

So the Question was agreed to.

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Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, as follows:

Most Gracious Sovereign,

We, Your Majesty’s dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Majesty for the Gracious Speech which Your Majesty has addressed to both Houses of Parliament.

Address to be presented to Her Majesty by such Members of this House as are of Her Majesty’s most honourable Privy Council or of Her Majesty’s Household.

3 Adjournment (Christmas),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 25 (Periodic adjournments), That this House, at its rising on Tuesday 19th December 2006, do adjourn till Monday 8th January 2007—(Kevin Brennan):—It was agreed to.

4 Sittings of the House,—Ordered, That, on Tuesday 19th December,—

(1) the House shall sit at half past Eleven o’clock and references to specific times in the Standing Orders of this House shall apply as if that day were a Wednesday; and

(2) there shall be no sitting in Westminster Hall.—(Kevin Brennan.)

5 Foreign Affairs,—Ordered, That Mr John Maples be discharged from the Foreign Affairs Committee and Mr Malcolm Moss be added.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

6 Defence,—Ordered, That Mr Mark Lancaster be discharged from the Defence Committee and Mr Bernard Jenkin be added.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

7 Science and Technology,—Ordered, That Margaret Moran be discharged from the Science and Technology Committee and Mr Graham Stringer be added.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

8 Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from—

(1) residents of Bingley and the surrounding area for the retention of a post office in Bingley;

(2) residents of the Borough of Hartlepool and others for the implementation of the recommendations made by Professor Darzi in respect of maternity and paediatric services in Teesside; and

(3) residents of West Dorset for the maintenance of the Post Office Card Account and the rural post office network

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

9 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Frank Roy.)

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

[Adjourned at 11.14 p.m.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 24th November 2006 pursuant to Standing Order No. 158 (Presentation of command papers):

1 Education and Skills,—Department for Education and Skills Minute, dated 24th November 2006, concerning the gifting of Assistive Communication Technology Equipment, purchased as part of the Government Funded Communications Aids Project [Secretary Alan Johnson].

2 European Communities (No. 2, 2006),—Protocol, done at Brussels on 12th March 1999, drawn up on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union, on the scope of the laundering of proceeds in the Convention on the use of information technology for customs purposes and the inclusion of the registration number of the means of transport in the Convention, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Cm. 6986] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

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Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 24th November 2006 pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

3 Civil Aviation,—Single European Sky (Functions of the National Supervisory Authority) Regulations 2006 (S.I., 2006, No. 3104), dated 21st November 2006, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Mr Secretary Alexander].

4 Local Government,—(1) Local Authorities (Categorisation) (England) Order 2006 (S.I., 2006, No. 3096); and

(2) Local Government (Best Value Authorities) (Power to Trade) (Amendment) (England) Order 2006 (S.I., 2006, No. 3102),

dated 17th November 2006, with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [Secretary Ruth Kelly].

5 Pensions,—Occupational Pensions (Revaluation) Order 2006 (S.I., 2006, No. 3086), dated 20th November 2006, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Mr Secretary Hutton].

6 Sexual Orientation Discrimination,—Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. (N.I.), 2006, No. 439), dated 8th November 2006, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Mr Secretary Hain].

7 Social Security,—Social Security (Incapacity Benefit Work-focused Interviews) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2006 (S.I., 2006, No. 3088), dated 16th November 2006, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Mr Secretary Hutton].

Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 27th November 2006:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

8 Forestry,—Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I., 2006, No. 3106), dated 22nd November 2006 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary David Miliband].

9 National Lottery,—Transformational Grants Joint Scheme (Revocation) Order 2006 (S.I., 2006, No. 3146), dated 22nd November 2006 [by Act] [Secretary Tessa Jowell].

10 Pensions,—Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling—Earnings Percentage Increase) Order 2006 (S.I., 2006, No. 3105), dated 21st November 2006 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hutton].

11 Supreme Court,—Civil Procedure (Amendment No. 2) Rules 2006 (S.I., 2006, No. 3132), dated 23rd November 2006 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Harriet Harman].

Other Papers:

12 National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Jobcentre Plus: Delivering effective services through Personal Advisers [by Act]; to be printed [No. 24] [Clerk of the House].

13 Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions,—(1) Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions (Hong Kong Locally Engaged Ratings Service Gratuities and Attributable Disablement and Death Awards) Order 2006; and

(2) Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions (Maltese Naval Locally Engaged Personnel Disablement Awards) Order 2006,

dated 14th November 2006 [by Act] [Ms Harriet Harman].

14 Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on the Petition [1st November] from residents of Brighton and others for the investigation of attacks on and killing of gay people in Iraq by the Badr Death Squads [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

Papers withdrawn:

15 Cinemas and Film,—Draft Films (Definition of “British Film”) (No. 2) Order 2006 [laid 23rd November].

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APPENDIX II

Reports from Select Committees

1 Communities and Local Government,—Department for Communities and Local Government Annual Report 2006:

(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Communities and Local Government Committee; to be printed [No. 106-i]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published

[Dr Phyllis Starkey].

2 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—The Rural Payments Agency: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Rural Payments Agency Sub-Committee of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee; to be printed [No. 107-i] [Mr Michael Jack].

3 Public Accounts,—(1) Improving literacy and numeracy in schools: Second Report from the Committee of Public Accounts; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 108];

(2) Collections management in the National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland: Third Report from the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 109];

(3) Gas distribution networks: Ofgem’s role in their sale, restructuring and future regulation: Fourth Report from the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 110];

(4) Postcomm and the quality of mail services: Fifth Report from the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 111];

(5) Gaining and retaining a job: the Department for Work and Pensions’ support for disabled people: Sixth Report from the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 112]; and

(6) Delivering successful IT-enabled business change: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 113-i]

[Mr Edward Leigh].

[No. 8.]
Tuesday 28th November 2006.

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

1 Liaison,—Mr Alan Williams reported, pursuant to Standing Order No. 145 (Liaison Committee), That the Liaison Committee had directed him to report the following recommendation for the allocation of time for the consideration of Estimates on an allotted day (being the first allotted day in the present Session):

That a day not later than 6th February be allotted for the consideration of the following Supplementary Estimates for the financial year 2006–07:

Department for Communities and Local Government, in so far as it relates to the provision of affordable housing.

Department for Work and Pensions, in so far as it relates to assistance for those who have lost their occupational pensions.

Report to lie upon the Table.

2 First Delegated Legislation Committee,—Mr David Wilshire reported from the First Delegated Legislation Committee the draft Non-Domestic Rating (Chargeable Amounts) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2006.

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

3 Fifth Delegated Legislation Committee,—Mr Martin Caton reported from the Fifth Delegated Legislation Committee the draft Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.

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

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4 European Standing Committee,—Mr Mike Weir reported from a European Standing Committee the following Resolution:

That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 9898/06; Commission Communication on improving consultation on Community fisheries management; and supports the Government’s objective of ensuring the long-term sustainability of fish stocks through an effective management process, whilst at the same time providing a sustainable future for the UK fishing industry.

Resolution to lie upon the Table.

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

5 European Standing Committee,—Mr Christopher Chope reported from a European Standing Committee the following Resolution:

That the Committee takes note of European Union Documents No. 10755/06, draft Council Regulation establishing a European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and draft Council Decision empowering the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights to pursue its activities in areas referred to in Title VI of the Treaty of the European Union, and No. 13104/06, draft Council Decision establishing for the period 2007–2013 the specific programme ‘Fundamental Rights and Citizenship’ as part of the general programme ‘Fundamental Rights and Justice’; notes that the proposals aim at promoting knowledge of and respect for fundamental rights in the European Union; and endorses the Government’s policy of support for the measures, taking account of its reservations on the references to the Charter in the Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Programme and the extension of the Fundamental Rights Agency’s remit to the third pillar.

Resolution to lie upon the Table.

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

6 Greater London Authority Bill,—Secretary Ruth Kelly, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Secretary Prescott, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Ms Secretary Hewitt, Secretary Tessa Jowell, Secretary David Miliband, Mr Secretary Alexander, Yvette Cooper and Jim Fitzpatrick, presented a Bill to make further provision with respect to the Greater London Authority; to amend the Greater London Authority Act 1999; to make further provision with respect to the functional bodies, within the meaning of that Act, and the Museum of London; 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 11].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Greater London Authority Bill be printed [Bill 11–EN].

7 Pensions Bill,—Mr Secretary Hutton, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr Secretary Prescott, Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Jack Straw, Hilary Armstrong, Mr Secretary Hain, Secretary Ruth Kelly, Mr Secretary Alexander, James Purnell and Mr James Plaskitt, presented a Bill to make provision about pensions and other benefits payable to persons in connection with bereavement or by reference to pensionable age; to make provision about the establishment and functions of the Personal Accounts Delivery Authority; 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 12].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Pensions Bill be printed [Bill 12–EN].

8 Investment Exchanges and Clearing Houses Bill (Allocation of Time),—Ordered, That the following provisions shall apply to the proceedings on the Investment Exchanges and Clearing Houses Bill—

Timetable

1. Proceedings on Second Reading, in Committee, on consideration and on Third Reading shall be completed at this day’s sitting and shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the moment of interruption or six hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion for this Order, whichever is the later.

Timing of proceedings and Questions to be put

2. When the Bill has been read a second time—

(a) it shall, notwithstanding Standing Order No. 63 (Committal of bills not subject to a programme order), stand committed to a Committee of the whole House without any question being put;

(b) the Speaker shall leave the Chair whether or not notice of an Instruction has been given.

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3. On the conclusion of proceedings in Committee, the Chairman shall report the Bill to the House without putting any Question; and if the Bill is reported with amendments the House shall proceed to consider the Bill as amended without any Question being put.

4. For the purpose of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 1, the Speaker or Chairman shall forthwith put the following Questions (but no others)—

(a) any Question already proposed from the Chair;

(b) any Question necessary to bring to a decision a Question so proposed;

(c) the Question on any amendment moved or Motion made by a Minister of the Crown;

(d) any other Question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded.

5. On a Motion so made for a new Clause or a new Schedule, the Speaker or Chairman shall put only the Question that the Clause or Schedule be added to the Bill.

Consideration of Lords Amendments

6. (1) Any Lords Amendments to the Bill shall be considered forthwith without any Question being put.

(2) Proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour after their commencement.

7. (1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 6.

(2) The Speaker shall first put forthwith any Question already proposed from the Chair and not yet decided.

(3) If that Question is for the amendment of a Lords Amendment the Speaker shall then put forthwith—

(a) a single Question on any further Amendments to the Lords Amendment moved by a Minister of the Crown, and

(b) the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House agrees or disagrees to the Lords Amendment or (as the case may be) the Lords Amendment as amended.

(4) The Speaker shall then put forthwith—

(a) a single Question on any Amendments moved by a Minister of the Crown to a Lords Amendment, and

(b) the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House agrees or disagrees to the Lords Amendment or (as the case may be) to the Lords Amendment as amended.

(5) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown, That this House disagrees to a Lords Amendment.

(6) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question, That this House agrees to all the remaining Lords Amendments.

(7) As soon as the House has agreed or disagreed to a Lords Amendment, or disposed of an Amendment relevant to a Lords Amendment which has been disagreed to, the Speaker shall put forthwith a single Question on any Amendments moved by a Minister of the Crown and relevant to the Lords Amendment.

Subsequent stages

8. (1) Any further Message from the Lords on the Bill shall be considered forthwith without any Question being put.

(2) Proceedings on any further Message from the Lords shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour after their commencement.

9. (1) This paragraph applies for the purpose of bringing proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with paragraph 8.

(2) The Speaker shall first put forthwith any Question which has been proposed from the Chair and not yet decided.

(3) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown which is related to the Question already proposed from the Chair.

(4) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown on or relevant to any of the remaining items in the Lords Message.

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(5) The Speaker shall then put forthwith the Question, That this House agrees with the Lords in all the remaining Lords Proposals.

Reasons Committee

10. (1) The Speaker shall put forthwith the Question on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for the appointment, nomination and quorum of a Committee to draw up Reasons in relation to the Bill and the appointment of its Chairman.

(2) A Committee appointed to draw up Reasons shall report before the conclusion of the sitting at which it is appointed.

(3) Proceedings in the Committee shall, (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion 30 minutes after their commencement.

(4) For the purpose of bringing any proceedings to a conclusion in accordance with sub-paragraph (3) the Chairman shall—

(a) first put forthwith any Question which has been proposed from the Chair but not yet decided, and

(b) then put forthwith successively Questions on motions which may be made by a Minister of the Crown for assigning a Reason for disagreeing with the Lords in any of their Amendments.

(5) The proceedings of the Committee shall be reported without any further Question being put.

Miscellaneous

11. Paragraph (1) of Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business) shall apply so far as necessary for the purposes of this Order.

12. The proceedings on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of this Order shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion one hour after commencement and paragraph (1) of Standing Order No. 15 shall apply to those proceedings.

13. Standing Order No. 82 (Business Committee) shall not apply in relation to any proceedings to which this Order applies.

14. No Motion shall be made, except by a Minister of the Crown, to alter the order in which any proceedings on the Bill are taken or to re-commit the Bill; and the Question on any such Motion shall be put forthwith.

15. No dilatory Motion shall be made in relation to proceedings to which this Order applies except by a Minister of the Crown; and the Question on any such Motion shall be put forthwith.

16. (1) This paragraph applies if—

(a) a Motion for the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 (Adjournment on specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration) has been stood over to seven o’clock, four o’clock or three o’clock (as the case may be), but

(b) proceedings to which this Order applies have begun before then.

(2) Proceedings on that Motion shall stand postponed until the conclusion of those proceedings.

17. (1) This paragraph applies if a day on which the Bill has been set down to be taken as an Order of the Day is one to which a Motion for the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 24 stands over from an earlier day.

(2) The bringing to a conclusion of any proceedings on the Bill which, in accordance with this Order, are to be brought to a conclusion on that day shall be postponed for a period equal to the duration of the proceedings on that Motion.

18. If the House is adjourned, or the sitting is suspended, before the conclusion of any proceedings to which this Order applies, no notice shall be required of a Motion made at the next sitting by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of this Order.

19. Proceedings to which this Order applies shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House.

20. (1) Any private business which has been set down for consideration at seven o’clock, four o’clock or three o’clock (as the case may be) on a day on which the Bill has been set down to be taken as an Order of the Day shall, instead of being considered as provided by Standing Orders, be considered at the conclusion of the proceedings on the Bill on that day.

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(2) Paragraph (1) of Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business) shall apply to the private business for a period of three hours from the conclusion of the proceedings on the Bill, or, if those proceedings are concluded before the moment of interruption for a period equal to the time elapsing between seven o’clock, four o’clock or three o’clock (as the case may be) and the conclusion of those proceedings.—(Ed Balls.)

9 Investment Exchanges and Clearing Houses Bill,—The Investment Exchanges and Clearing Houses Bill was, according to Order, read a second time.

The House, pursuant to Order [this day], resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill.

(In the Committee)

Clause No. 1 (Power of FSA to disallow excessive regulatory provision).

Amendment (No. 1) proposed, in page 1, line 6, after the word ‘where’, to insert the words ‘, from the effective date of this section and following a change of governance of a recognised body, such’.—(Mr Mark Hoban.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 8) proposed, in page 2, to leave out line 5 and insert the words ‘need to maintain the competitiveness of United Kingdom markets,’.— (Mr Mark Hoban.)

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

Clause agreed to.

Clause No. 2 (Procedural and other supplementary provisions).

Amendment (No. 7) proposed, in page 3, line 20, at the end, to insert the words ‘, and

(d) specifying those persons which the Authority believes may be affected by the proposal.’.—(Mr Mark Hoban.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 9) proposed, in page 4, to leave out lines 10 and 11.— (Mr Mark Hoban.)

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

Clause agreed to.

Clauses Nos. 3 to 5 agreed to.

Whereupon the Chairman left the Chair to report the Bill to the House, pursuant to Order [this day].

The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair; and Kevin Brennan reported, That the Committee had gone through the Bill and made no Amendment thereunto.

The Bill was read the third time, and passed.

10 Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from:

(1) residents of the Borough of Wellingborough and others for making it compulsory for children to wear cycle helmets while cycling; and

(2) people living around Thundersley for the reopening of Thundersley public toilets

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

11 Public Petition,—A Public Petition from the North Hertfordshire Free Tibet Support Group for measures to encourage dialogue between the Tibetan government in exile and the government of China was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

12 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Kevin Brennan.)

And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till twenty-seven minutes to Ten o’clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 9.33 p.m.

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APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1 Cinemas and Film,—Draft Films (Definition of “British Film”) (No. 2) Order 2006 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Tessa Jowell].

2 Consumer Protection,—Draft Compensation (Exemptions) Order 2006 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Bridget Prentice].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

3 Agriculture,—Feed (Specified Undesirable Substances) (England) Regulations 2006 (S.I., 2006, No. 3120), dated 22nd November 2006 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

4 Food,—Food for Particular Nutritional Uses (Addition of Substances for Specific Nutritional Purposes) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I., 2006, No. 3116), dated 20th November 2006 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

5 Water Resources,—Water Resources (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I., 2006, No. 3124), dated 21st November 2006 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary David Miliband].

Other Papers:

6 Audit (Northern Ireland),—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland on Springvale Educational Village Project [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 40] [Mr Secretary Hain].

7 Constitutional Affairs,—Paper, entitled Legal Aid Reform: the Way Ahead [by Command] [Cm. 6993] [Ms Harriet Harman].

8 Law Commission,—Report of the Law Commission on Murder, Manslaughter and Infanticide [by Act]; to be printed [No. 30] [Ms Harriet Harman].

9 National Lottery,—Report and Accounts of the Community Fund for 2005–06, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 20] [Secretary Tessa Jowell].

APPENDIX II

General Committees

1 Draft Non-Domestic Rating (Chargeable Amounts) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2006,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr David S. Borrow from the First Delegated Legislation Committee (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations) and nominated in substitution Laura Moffatt.

2 Draft Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Clive Betts, Jeremy Corbyn, Mr Frank Field, Mr Dai Havard and Mr George Howarth from the Fifth Delegated Legislation Committee (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Adrian Bailey, Mr Jim Devine, Mr Robert Flello, Lynda Waltho and David Wright.

European Standing Committees

3 European Union Document No. 9898/06 relating to Consultation on Fisheries Management Proposals,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Joan Walley and Mr Roger Williams from the European Standing Committee (nominated in respect of the Document) and nominated in substitution Jim Dobbin and Andrew George.

4 European Union Documents No. 10755/06 relating to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and No. 13104/06 relating to Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Programme,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Kate Hoey from the European Standing Committee (nominated in respect of the Documents) and nominated in substitution Mr Robert Flello.

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APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 Administration,—(1) Record of the Committee’s discussions at its meeting on 28th November; and

(2) Record of the discussions of the Parliamentary Visitor Centre Sub-Committee of the Administration Committee at its meeting on 28th November (meeting held concurrently with the House of Lords Information Committee);

to be published [Mr Frank Doran].

2 Culture, Media and Sport,—Call TV quiz shows: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee; to be printed [No. 72-i] [Mr John Whittingdale].

3 Defence,—(1) Defence Procurement 2006: First Report from the Defence Committee, with Memoranda; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 56];

(2) Ministry of Defence Annual Report and Accounts 2005–06: Second Report from the Committee, with Memoranda; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 57];

(3) The Work of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 84-i]; and

(4) Winter Supplementary Estimates 2006–07: Memorandum laid before the Committee; to be published

[Mr James Arbuthnot].

4 Environmental Audit,—The EU ETS: Lessons from phase I: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee; to be printed [No. 70-ii] [Mr Tim Yeo].

5 International Development,—(1) HIV/AIDS: Marginalised groups and emerging epidemics: Second Report from the International Development Committee, with Memoranda; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 46-I and -II]; and

(2) Development Assistance and the Occupied Palestinian Territories: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 114-i]

[Malcolm Bruce].

6 Welsh Affairs,—Welsh Prisoners in the Prison Estate:

(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee; to be printed [No. 74-ii]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published

[Dr Hywel Francis].

[No. 8; WH, No. 1]

Tuesday 28th November 2006.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall

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

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

And it being Two o’clock, the sitting was adjourned without Question put, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 2 p.m.

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[No. 9.]
Wednesday 29th November 2006.

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

1 Third Delegated Legislation Committee,—Ann Winterton reported from the Third Delegated Legislation Committee the draft Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Poland) Order 2006.

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

2 Fraud (Trials Without a Jury) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Fraud (Trials Without a Jury) Bill;

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Tony Cunningham, Jonathan Shaw: 289.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Crispin Blunt, Mr Robert Goodwill: 219.

So the Question was agreed to.

3 Fraud (Trials Without a Jury) Bill (Programme),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 83A (Programme motions), That the following provisions shall apply to the Fraud (Trials without a Jury) Bill:

Committal

1. The Bill shall be committed to a Public Bill Committee.

Proceedings in Public Bill Committee

2. Proceedings in the Public Bill Committee shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion on Thursday 14th December 2006.

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

Consideration and Third Reading

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

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

6. Standing Order No. 83B (Programming committees) shall not apply to proceedings on consideration and Third Reading.

Other proceedings

7. Any other proceedings on the Bill (including any proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments or on any further messages from the Lords) may be programmed—(Kevin Brennan):—It was agreed to.

4 European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, and Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Programme,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees), That this House takes note of European Union Documents No. 10755/06, draft Council Regulation establishing a European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and draft Council Decision empowering the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights to pursue its activities in areas referred to in Title VI of the Treaty of the European Union, and No. 13104/06, draft Council Decision establishing for the period 2007–2013 the specific programme ‘Fundamental Rights and Citizenship’ as part of the general programme ‘Fundamental Rights and Justice’; notes that the proposals aim at promoting knowledge of and respect for fundamental rights in the European Union; and endorses the Government’s policy of support for the measures, taking account of its reservations on the references to the Charter in the Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Programme and the extension of the Fundamental Rights Agency’s remit to the third pillar—(Kevin Brennan);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Tony Cunningham, Jonathan Shaw: 346.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Crispin Blunt, Mr Robert Goodwill: 158.

So the Question was agreed to.

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5 Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from—

(1) the residents of Benfleet, Canvey Island and others against changes to the Post Office Card Account;

(2) Coventry British Pensioners and Trade Union Association against the reform of widows’ benefits for women who are widowed under the age of sixty; and

(3) the people of West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly against plans to reduce or close hospital services at St Michael’s or Penzance

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

6 Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Steve McCabe);

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

7 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Steve McCabe.)

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

[Adjourned at 7.26 p.m.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Paper subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1 Customs,—Customs and Excise Duties (Travellers’ Allowances and Personal Reliefs) (New Member States) (Amendment) Order 2006 (S.I., 2006, No. 3157), dated 28th November 2006 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [John Healey].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2 Atomic Energy and Radioactive Substances,—Radioactive Substances (Emergency Exemption) (England and Wales) Order 2006 (S.I., 2006, No. 3169), dated 28th November 2006 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary David Miliband].

3 Customs,—Relief for Legacies Imported from Third Countries (Application) Order 2006 (S.I., 2006, No. 3158), dated 28th November 2006 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [John Healey].

4 Excise,—Excise Duty Points (Etc.) (New Member States) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I., 2006, No. 3159), dated 28th November 2006 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [John Healey].

5 Immigration,—Immigration (Certificate of Entitlement to Right of Abode in the United Kingdom) Regulations 2006 (S.I., 2006, No. 3145), dated 23rd November 2006 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary John Reid].

6 National Health Service,—National Health Service (Optical Charges and Payments) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2006 (S.I., 2006, No. 3123), dated 22nd November 2006 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

7 Sports Grounds and Sporting Events,—Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No. 4) Order 2006 (S.I., 2006, No. 3168), dated 27th November 2006 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Tessa Jowell].

Other Papers:

8 Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions,—Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions (Maltese Naval Locally Engaged Personnel Widows’ Attributable Pensions) Order 2006, dated 14th November 2006 [by Act] [Ms Harriet Harman].

9 Northern Ireland,—Report on the Social Fund for 2005–06 [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 42] [Mr Secretary Hain].

10 Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Defence on the Petition [24th July] from residents of Southend, Rochford, Great Wakering, Little Wakering, Barling and Foulness Island, Essex, against the disposal of radioactive waste on Foulness [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

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APPENDIX II

General Committees

1 Draft Association of Law Costs Draftsmen Order 2006:

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Adam Afriyie, John Austin, Norman Baker, Tony Baldry, Mr Clive Betts, Jeremy Corbyn, Mr Jonathan Djanogly, Mrs Nadine Dorries, Mr Tobias Ellwood, Mr Michael Foster (Worcester), Mr Roger Godsiff, Simon Hughes, Ms Sally Keeble, Martin Linton, Mr Jim McGovern, Anne Moffat and Bridget Prentice.

2 Draft Compensation Act 2006 (Contribution for Mesothelioma Claims) Regulations 2006:

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Ed Balls, John Battle, Mr Richard Benyon, Mr Peter Bone, Mr Colin Breed, Kevin Brennan, Mr David Burrowes, Dr Vincent Cable, Mrs Ann Cryer, Mr David Evennett, Mr John Grogan, Mr Mark Hoban, Ms Diana R. Johnson, Mr Fraser Kemp, Tony Lloyd, Mr Chris Mullin and Mr Terry Rooney.

3 Draft Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Poland) Order 2006,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mrs Ann Cryer and Lynne Jones from the Third Delegated Legislation Committee (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr David S. Borrow and Ms Dari Taylor.

4 Draft Compensation (Claims Management Services) Regulations 2006, the draft Compensation (Regulated Claims Management Services) Order 2006 and the draft Compensation (Specification of Benefits) Order 2006:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations and draft Orders to the Third Delegated Legislation Committee; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Henry Bellingham, Colin Burgon, Mr Douglas Carswell, Mr William Cash, Mr James Clappison, Mr Tobias Ellwood, Mr Michael Foster (Worcester), Dr Evan Harris, Mr Dai Havard, Kate Hoey, Simon Hughes, Mr Bob Laxton, Martin Linton, Bridget Prentice, Dr Gavin Strang, Graham Stringer and Mr Paul Truswell.

5 Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (Cm. 6918),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mrs Sharon Hodgson and Ms Dari Taylor from the Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee (nominated in respect of the Rules) and nominated in substitution Mr Jamie Reed and Mr George Howarth.

6 Draft Taxation of Securitisation Companies Regulations 2006:

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Ed Balls, Mr Colin Breed, Kevin Brennan, Mr Kenneth Clarke, Mr David Curry, Mr Quentin Davies, Mr David Evennett, Mr Paul Goodman, Mr Stephen Hepburn, Dr Brian Iddon, John McDonnell, Mr Alan Milburn, Dr Doug Naysmith, Gwyn Prosser, Mr Andy Reed, John Thurso and Mr Anthony Wright.

7 Draft Oil Taxation (Market Value of Oil) Regulations 2006 and the draft Petroleum Revenue Tax (Attribution of Blended Crude Oil) Regulations 2006:

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Kevin Brennan, Dr Vincent Cable, Ben Chapman, Mr David Evennett, Mr Bruce George, Julia Goldsworthy, Mr Paul Goodman, Mr John Gummer, Mr David Hamilton, John Healey, Mr David Heathcoat-Amory, Mr Philip Hollobone, Mr Brian Jenkins, Sarah McCarthy-Fry, Mr Denis Murphy, Mr John Spellar and Ms Gisela Stuart.

8 Draft Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment No. 2) (England and Wales) Order 2006:

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

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(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Crispin Blunt, Mr Alan Campbell, Mr Nick Clegg, Mr Vernon Coaker, Paul Farrelly, Mr Mark Field, Mr Edward Garnier, Mr David Gauke, Helen Goodman, Mark Hunter, Mr Michael Jack, Lynne Jones, Kerry McCarthy, Mr Elliot Morley, Sandra Osborne, Mr Jamie Reed and Helen Southworth.

9 Draft Representation of the People (Combination of Polls) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2006:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Seventh Delegated Legislation Committee; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Henry Bellingham, Jim Cousins, James Duddridge, Mr Tobias Ellwood, Mr Michael Foster (Worcester), Patrick Hall, Mr Greg Hands, Dr Evan Harris, Simon Hughes, Mr Greg Knight, Martin Linton, Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews, Alun Michael, Bridget Prentice, Mark Tami, Joan Walley and Derek Wyatt.

10 Draft Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 (Consequential Provisions) (England and Wales) Order 2006 and the draft Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) (No. 3) Order 2006:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Orders to the Eighth Delegated Legislation Committee; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr John Barrett, Mr Russell Brown, David Cairns, Mr David Clelland, Clive Efford, Mrs Louise Ellman, Mr Robert Goodwill, Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger, Anne Main, Mr Austin Mitchell, Mr Malcolm Moss, Mr Frank Roy, Jim Sheridan, Jo Swinson, Keith Vaz, Mrs Betty Williams and Pete Wishart.

11 Draft National Assembly for Wales (Transfer of Functions) (No. 2) Order 2006:

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Nick Ainger, Mr Nicholas Brown, Mr Nigel Evans, Linda Gilroy, Huw Irranca-Davies, Mr David Jones, Sir Gerald Kaufman, Mr Andrew Pelling, John Penrose, Mr Nick Raynsford, Chris Ruane, Joan Ruddock, Jon Trickett, Angela Watkinson, Mr Tom Watson, Hywel Williams and Mark Williams.

12 Draft Financial Assistance Scheme (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2006:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Tenth Delegated Legislation Committee; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Danny Alexander, Mr Ian Austin, Gordon Banks, Mr Ronnie Campbell, Jon Cruddas, Angela Eagle, Mr John Heppell, Helen Jones, Jane Kennedy, Mr Mark Lancaster, Mr David Laws, Mark Pritchard, James Purnell, Mr John Redwood, Sir Malcolm Rifkind, John Smith and Mr Nigel Waterson.

13 Draft Extradition Act 2003 (Amendment to Designations) Order 2006:

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Graham Allen, Mr Crispin Blunt, Mr Alan Campbell, Mr Brian H. Donohoe, Bill Etherington, Lynne Featherstone, Mr Edward Garnier, Mrs Sharon Hodgson, Mark Hunter, Mr Khalid Mahmood, Mr Gordon Marsden, Joan Ryan, Mr Lee Scott, Mr Andrew Smith, Bob Spink, Sir John Stanley and Mr Mark Todd.

14 Draft Housing (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2006:

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Richard Burden, Mr Tom Clarke, Mr Ian Davidson, Mark Fisher, Mr Michael Foster (Worcester), Mr David Hanson, Mr Lindsay Hoyle, Mr Mark Lancaster, Mr Alan Reid, Mr Laurence Robertson, Alan Simpson, Dr Howard Stoate, Mr Gary Streeter, David Tredinnick, Mr Charles Walker, Lynda Waltho and Sammy Wilson.

15 Draft Asylum (First List of Safe Countries) (Amendment) Order 2006 and draft Accession (Immigration and Worker Authorisation) Regulations 2006:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order and draft Regulations to the Thirteenth Delegated Legislation; and

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(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Crispin Blunt, Chris Bryant, Mr Stephen Byers, Mr Liam Byrne, Mr Alan Campbell, Lynne Featherstone, Damian Green, Mr Mike Hall, Mrs Sharon Hodgson, Rob Marris, Mr Ken Purchase, Bob Russell, Mr Don Touhig, Mr Robert Walter, Mr Michael Wills, Mr Rob Wilson and Jeremy Wright.

European Standing Committees

16 European Union Document No. 13080/06, relating to European enforcement order and the transfer of sentenced persons, has been referred to European Standing Committee B.

17 European Union Documents No. 14431/06 and Addendum 1 and No. 14430/06 and Addendum 1, relating to Financial management, have been referred to European Standing Committee B, together with European Union Documents No. 11399/06, No. 11660/06 and Addenda 1 and 2, and unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum dated 10th October 2006, submitted by HM Treasury, already referred to the Committee on 18th October.

18 European Union Document No. 13193/05, relating to Consumer credit, has been referred to European Standing Committee C.

19 European Union Document No. 14871/06 and Addenda 1 and 2, relating to the European Institute of Technology, has been referred to European Standing Committee C.

20 European Union Document No. 14181/06 relating to Electronic Recording and Reporting of Fishing Activities and Means of Remote Sensing,—The Committee of Selection has nominated thirteen Members to serve on the European Standing Committee nominated in respect of the Document: Ms Celia Barlow, Mr Ben Bradshaw, Mr Alistair Carmichael, Tony Cunningham, Mr Robert Goodwill, Mr Adam Holloway, Chris McCafferty, Mr George Mudie, Martin Salter, Mr Graham Stuart, Bill Wiggin, Mr Roger Williams and Mr David Winnick.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—Climate change: the “citizen’s agenda”: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee; to be printed [No.88-ii] [Mr Michael Jack].

2 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. 41-ii]; and

(2) Ministerial Correspondence: Memoranda laid before the Committee: to be published

[Michael Connarty].

3 Health,—Public Expenditure on Health and Personal Social Services 2006: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee; to be printed [No. 94-ii] [Mr Kevin Barron].

4 Home Affairs,—Justice and Home Affairs at European Union Level: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee on 28th November; to be printed [No. 76-ii] [Mr John Denham].

5 Northern Ireland Affairs,—Tourism in Northern Ireland and its Economic Impact and Benefits: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee; to be printed [No. 119-i] [Sir Patrick Cormack].

6 Public Accounts,—BBC outsourcing: the contract between the BBC and Siemens Business Services for the provision of technology services: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts; to be printed [No. 118-i] [Mr Edward Leigh].

7 Science and Technology,—Human Enhancement Technologies in Sport: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee; to be printed [No. 67-i] [Mr Phil Willis].

8 Statutory Instruments,—Second Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 82-ii] [David Maclean].

9 Transport,—Department for Transport Annual Report 2006: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Committee; to be printed [95-i] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

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10 Work and Pensions,—Power to incur expenditure under Section 82 of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999: new Employment and Support Allowance IT System–Further Report: First Report from the Work and Pensions Committee, with Memoranda; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 86] [Mr Terry Rooney].

[No. 9; WH, No. 2]

Wednesday 29th November 2006.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall

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

Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Alan Campbell.)

And the sitting having continued for two and a half hours after half-past Two o’clock, it was adjourned without Question put, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 5 p.m.

[No. 10.]
Thursday 30th November 2006.

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

1 Welfare Reform Bill,—Mr Jimmy Hood reported from the Welfare Reform Bill Committee, That it had gone through the Bill, and made Amendments thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Public Bill Committee, to be considered on Monday 4th December; and to be printed [Bill 13].

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

2 Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee,—Mr Bill Olner reported from the Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (Cm. 6918).

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

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

Consolidation etc. Bills,—The Lords communicate that they have appointed a Committee of twelve Lords to join with a Committee of this House as the Joint Committee on Consolidation etc. Bills;

Human Rights,—The Lords communicate that they have appointed a Select Committee of six Lords to join with the Committee appointed by this House as the Joint Committee on Human Rights to consider:

(a) matters relating to human rights in the United Kingdom (but excluding consideration of individual cases);

(b) proposals for remedial orders, draft remedial orders and remedial orders made under section 10 of and laid under Schedule 2 to the Human Rights Act 1998; and

(c) in respect of draft remedial orders and remedial orders, whether the special attention of the House of Lords should be drawn to them on any of the grounds specified in House of Lords Standing Order 73 (Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments);

To report to the House of Lords:

(a) in relation to any document containing proposals laid before the House of Lords under paragraph 3 of the said Schedule 2, its recommendation whether a draft order in the same terms as the proposals should be laid before the House; or

(b) in relation to any draft order laid under paragraph 2 of the said Schedule 2, its recommendation whether the draft Order should be approved;

and to have power to report to the House of Lords on any matter arising from its consideration of the said proposals or draft orders; and

To report to the House of Lords in respect of any original order laid under paragraph 4 of the said Schedule 2, its recommendation whether:

(a) the order should be approved in the form in which it was originally laid before Parliament; or

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(b) that the order should be replaced by a new order modifying the provisions of the original order; or

(c) that the order should not be approved,

and to have power to report to the House on any matter arising from its consideration of the said order or any replacement order.

They have ordered that the Committee have power to agree with the Committee appointed by this House in the appointment of a Chairman;

That the quorum of the Committee shall be two;

That the Committee have power to adjourn from place to place;

That the Committee have leave to report from time to time;

That the Committee have power to appoint specialist advisers;

That the evidence taken before the Human Rights Committee in the last Session of Parliament be referred to the Committee; and that the evidence taken by the Committee shall, if the Committee so wishes, be printed.

4 Implementing the Hague Programme,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That this House takes note of European Union Documents No. 11222/06, Commission Communication: Implementing the Hague Programme: the way forward, and No. 11228/06 and Addenda 1 and 2, Commission Report on the implementation of the Hague Programme for 2005; and takes note that the discussions at the Tampere Justice and Home Affairs Informal Council showed that there was little support amongst Member States for the proposed use of the Article 42 passerelle; and furthermore supports the Government’s position that this is not the right time to focus on institutional change, and that the European Union’s priority for Justice and Home Affairs should instead be on developing practical co-operation to combat the transnational challenges of terrorism, organised crime and migration—(Joan Ryan);

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Ian Cawsey, Mr Dave Watts: 275.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Robert Goodwill, Mr Tobias Ellwood: 130.

So the Question was agreed to.

Resolved, That this House takes note of European Union Documents No. 11222/06, Commission Communication: Implementing the Hague Programme: the way forward, and No. 11228/06 and Addenda 1 and 2, Commission Report on the implementation of the Hague Programme for 2005; and takes note that the discussions at the Tampere Justice and Home Affairs Informal Council showed that there was little support amongst Member States for the proposed use of the Article 42 passerelle; and furthermore supports the Government’s position that this is not the right time to focus on institutional change, and that the European Union’s priority for Justice and Home Affairs should instead be on developing practical co-operation to combat the transnational challenges of terrorism, organised crime and migration.

5 House of Commons Members’ Fund (Discretionary Payments),—Resolved, That, pursuant to section 4(4) of the House of Commons Members’ Fund Act 1948 and section 1(4) of the House of Commons Members’ Fund Act 1957, in the year commencing 1st October 2006 there be appropriated for the purposes of section 4 of the House of Commons Members’ Fund Act 1948:

(1) the whole of the sums deducted or set aside in that year under section 1(3) of the House of Commons Members’ Fund Act 1939 from the salaries of Members of the House of Commons; and

(2) the whole of the Treasury contribution to the Fund.—(Mr Peter Lilley.)

6 Adjournment (Rail performance),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Tom Harris);

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

7 Estimates,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 145 (Liaison Committee), That this House agrees with the Report [28th November] of the Liaison Committee—(Mr Frank Roy):—It was agreed to.

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8 Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Frank Roy.)

And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till twenty-nine minutes past Six o’clock, adjourned till Monday 4th December.

[Adjourned at 6.29 p.m.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Paper subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1 Northern Ireland,—Draft District Electoral Areas Commissioner (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 2006 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hain].

Paper subject to Negative Resolution:

2 Dangerous Drugs,—Controlled Drugs (Supervision of Management and Use) Regulations 2006 (S.I., 2006, No. 3148), dated 21st November 2006 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

Other Paper:

3 Northern Ireland,—Report and Accounts of the Labour Relations Agency for Northern Ireland for 2005–06, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland thereon [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 28] [Mr Secretary Hain].

APPENDIX II

General Committees

1 Draft Association of Law Costs Draftsmen Order 2006,—The Speaker has appointed Derek Conway Chairman of the First Delegated Legislation Committee in respect of the draft Order.

2 Draft Compensation Act 2006 (Contribution for Mesothelioma Claims) Regulations 2006,—The Speaker has appointed Mr David Wilshire Chairman of the Second Delegated Legislation Committee in respect of the draft Regulations.

3 Draft Compensation (Claims Management Services) Regulations 2006, draft Compensation (Regulated Claims Management Services) Order 2006 and draft Compensation (Specification of Benefits) Order 2006,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Martyn Jones Chairman of the Third Delegated Legislation Committee in respect of the draft Regulations and draft Orders.

4 Draft Taxation of Securitisation Companies Regulations 2006,—The Speaker has appointed Sir John Butterfill Chairman of the Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee in respect of the draft Regulations.

5 Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (Cm. 6918),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mrs Sharon Hodgson and Ms Dari Taylor from the Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee (nominated in respect of the Rules) and nominated in substitution Mr George Howarth and Mr Jamie Reed.

6 Draft Oil Taxation (Market Value of Oil) Regulations 2006 and draft Petroleum Revenue Tax (Attribution of Blended Crude Oil) Regulations 2006,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Eric Martlew Chairman of the Fifth Delegated Legislation Committee in respect of the draft Regulations.

7 Draft Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment No. 2) (England and Wales) Order 2006,—The Speaker has appointed Dr William McCrea Chairman of the Sixth Delegated Legislation Committee in respect of the draft Order.

8 Draft Representation of the People (Combination of Polls) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2006,—The Speaker has appointed Janet Anderson Chairman of the Seventh Delegated Legislation Committee in respect of the draft Regulations.

9 Draft Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 (Consequential Provisions) (England and Wales) Order 2006 and draft Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) (No. 3) Order 2006,—The Speaker has appointed Hugh Bayley Chairman of the Eighth Delegated Legislation Committee in respect of the draft Orders.

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10 Draft National Assembly for Wales (Transfer of Functions) (No. 2) Order 2006,—The Speaker has appointed John Cummings Chairman of the Ninth Delegated Legislation Committee in respect of the draft Order.

11 Draft Financial Assistance Scheme (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2006,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Peter Atkinson Chairman of the Tenth Delegated Legislation Committee in respect of the draft Regulations.

12 Draft Extradition Act 2003 (Amendment to Designations) Order 2006,—The Speaker has appointed Hywel Williams Chairman of the Eleventh Delegated Legislation Committee in respect of the draft Order.

13 Draft Housing (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2006,—The Speaker has appointed Janet Anderson Chairman of the Twelfth Delegated Legislation Committee in respect of the draft Order.

14 Draft Asylum (First List of Safe Countries) (Amendment) Order 2006 and draft Accession (Immigration and Worker Authorisation) Regulations 2006,—The Speaker has appointed Ann Winterton Chairman of the Thirteenth Delegated Legislation Committee in respect of the draft Order and draft Regulations.

European Standing Committees

15 The Speaker has appointed Mr David Wilshire Chairman of the European Standing Committee in respect of European Union Documents No. 5047/06 and Addendum 1, and No. 5050/06 and Addendum 1 on Waste Prevention and Recycling.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1 International Development,—Water and Sanitation: Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee; to be printed [No. 126-i] [Malcolm Bruce].

2 Public Administration,—Skills for Government: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration; to be printed [No. 93-i] [Dr Tony Wright].

3 Treasury,—(1) The Bank of England November 2006 Inflation Report: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee, with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 89-i]; and

(2) Globalisation: its impact on the real economy: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 90-i]

[Mr John McFall].

MEMORANDUM

Westminster Hall,—In pursuance of paragraph (13) of Standing Order No. 10, the Speaker has approved 1st February, 15th March, 26th April, 10th May, 14th June and 5th July 2007 as days when the business to be taken in Westminster Hall shall be debates on select committee reports chosen by the Liaison Committee.

[No. 10; WH, No. 3]

Thursday 30th November 2006.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall

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

Adjournment (Organised Crime in Northern Ireland—Third Report from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, Session 2005–06, and the Government’s response thereto),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Kevin Brennan.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 5th December.

[Adjourned at 5.20 p.m.

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