Session 2006-2007

Commons Journal 263

Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II


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Page 320            2006-2007      Volume 263      

[No. 82.]

Monday 30th April 2007.

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

PRAYERS.

1European Standing Committee,—Janet Anderson reported from a European Standing Committee the following Resolution:

That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 5422/07 and Addenda 1 and 2, Commission Communication: Limiting Global Climate Change to 2 degrees Celsius—the way ahead for 2020 and beyond; endorses the Government’s support for the ambitious reduction targets that the EU has put forward and supports the Government’s objective of ensuring that European policy on climate change continues to demonstrate the leadership that is necessary to galvanise the international community to work towards a global and comprehensive post 2012 agreement.

Resolution to lie upon the Table.

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

2Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

London Local Authorities Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to confer further powers upon local authorities in London; and for related purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

3London Local Authorities Bill [Lords],—The London Local Authorities Bill [Lords] was read the first time.

Bill referred to the Examiners of Petitions for Private Bills.

4Health and Safety (Offences) Bill,—The Order for reading the Health and Safety (Offences) Bill a second time this day was read and discharged.

Bill to be read a second time on Friday 18th May.

5Pedlars (Street Trading Regulation) Bill,—Ordered, That the Pedlars (Street Trading Regulation) Bill be read a second time on Friday 29th June.

6Streetscape and Highways Design Bill,—The Order for reading the Streetscape and Highways Design Bill a second time this day was read and discharged.

Bill to be read a second time on Friday 15th June.

7Finance Bill,—The House, according to Order, resolved itself into a Committee on the Finance Bill (Clauses Nos. 1, 3, 7, 8, 12, 20, 21, 25, 67 and 81 to 84, Schedules Nos. 1, 18, 22 and 23, and new Clauses relating to microgeneration).

(In the Committee)

Ordered, That the order in which proceedings in the Committee of the whole House on the Finance Bill are to be taken shall be: Clauses Nos. 3, 1, 7 and 8; Schedule No. 1; Clauses Nos. 25 and 67; Schedule No. 18; Clauses Nos. 12 and 81 to 83; Schedule No. 22; Clause No. 84; Schedule No. 23; Clauses Nos. 20 and 21; and new Clauses relating to microgeneration.—(John Healey.)

Clause No. 3 (Small companies’ rates and fractions for financial year 2007).

Question put, That the Clause stand part of the Bill.

The Committee divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Frank Roy, Mr Dave Watts: 257.

Tellers for the Noes, Angela Watkinson, Michael Fabricant: 138.

Clause No. 1 (Charge and rates for 2007–08).

Amendment (No. 10) proposed, in page 1, line 6, to leave out ‘10%’ and insert ‘0%’.—(Julia Goldsworthy.)

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

The Chairman, being of the opinion that the principle of the Clause and any matters arising thereon had been adequately discussed in the course of debate on the Amendment proposed thereto, put forthwith the Question, pursuant to Standing Order No. 68 (Debate on clause or schedule standing part), That the Clause stand part of the Bill:—It was agreed to.

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Clauses Nos. 7 and 8 agreed to.

Schedule No. 1 agreed to.

Clause No. 25 (Managed service companies).

Amendment (No. 1) proposed, in page 17, line 15, to leave out from the word ‘Schedule’ to the end and insert the words ‘shall come into force on a date which the Treasury shall by Order made by statutory instrument appoint.

(3) No Order shall be made under subsection (2) unless the Treasury has compiled and laid before the House of Commons a report on the likely consequences of bringing into force the provisions contained in Schedule 3.

(4) A report under subsection (3) shall in particular include the Treasury’s assessment of the implications for—

(a) the overall level of tax revenues accruing to the Exchequer;

(b) the cost impact and regulatory burden of the measure;

(c) the United Kingdom labour market;

(d) the competitiveness of the United Kingdom economy and the encouragement of enterprise.’.—(Mrs Theresa Villiers.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The Committee divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Angela Watkinson, Michael Fabricant: 123.

Tellers for the Noes, Claire Ward, Mr John Heppell: 265.

Clause agreed to.

To report progress and ask leave to sit again.—(Liz Blackman.)


The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair and Liz Blackman reported, That the Committee had made progress in the Bill, and that she was directed to move, That the Committee may have leave to sit again.

Committee again to-morrow.

8Disabled Persons,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Delegated Legislation Committees), That the draft Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Amendment) (Further Education) Regulations 2007, which were laid before this House on 22nd March, be approved—(Liz Blackman):—It was agreed to.

9Energy Policy for Europe,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees), That this House takes note of European Union Documents No. 5282/07, Commission Communication “An energy policy for Europe” and No. 5354/07, Commission Staff Working Document “EU energy policy data”; further notes the Government’s position on these documents; and agrees that the Commission’s Strategic Energy Review represents a helpful staging post towards an energy policy that will underpin the Government’s ambitions of addressing climate change, improving sustainability, enhancing energy security and increasing EU competitiveness—(Liz Blackman):—It was agreed to.

10Public Petition,—A Public Petition from Lisa Gilliham, Benfleet commuters and others for the installation of security measures at Benfleet rail station was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

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

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

12Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Liz Blackman.)

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

[Adjourned at 10.18 p.m.

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APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Criminal Law,—Firearms (Sentencing) (Transitory Provisions) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1324), dated 25th April 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary John Reid].

2Lands Tribunal,—Lands Tribunal (Salaries) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 (S.R. (N.I.), 2007, No. 255), dated 20th April 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hain].

3Local Government,—Local Authorities (Functions and Responsibilities) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1284), dated 23rd April 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Ruth Kelly].

4Probation,—Local Probation Boards (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1335), dated 26th April 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary John Reid].

5Salaries,—Salaries (Comptroller and Auditor General) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 (S.R. (N.I.), 2007, No. 259), dated 23rd April 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hain].

6Social Security,—Jobseeker’s Allowance (Extension of the Intensive Activity Period) Amendment Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1316), dated 24th April 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hutton].

Other Papers:

7Broadcasting,—Report and Financial Statements of Channel Four Television Corporation for 2006 [by Act] [Secretary Tessa Jowell].

8Government Resources and Accounts,—Treasury Minute, dated 30th April 2007, directing the application of certain amounts as appropriations in aid of the Estimates for the year ending 31st March 2008 [by Act] [Mr Stephen Timms].

9Public Expenditure,—Paper, entitled Public Expenditure: Statistical Analyses for 2007 [by Command] [Cm. 7091] [Mr Stephen Timms].

10Public Petitions,—Observations by—

(1) the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the Petition [8th March] from residents of Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire and others for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the proposed closure of the last bank in the area; and

(2) the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on the Petitions—

(i) [15th March] from residents and citizens of the town of Cheadle in Staffordshire for the re-establishment of two on-call fire appliances in Cheadle; and

(ii) [15th March] from residents and citizens of the village of Whiston in Staffordshire against the planning application for an extension to Moneystone quarry

[by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

11Reserve Forces,—Amendment 31 to the Territorial Army Regulations [by Act] [Secretary Des Browne].

12Supply Estimates,—(1) Main Supply Estimates for 2007–08 for—

(i) Central Government [by Command]; to be printed [No. 438] [Mr Stephen Timms];

(ii) the Electoral Commission [by Act]; to be printed [No. 441] [The Speaker];

(iii) the House of Commons: Administration [by Act]; to be printed [No. 448] [The Speaker]; and

(iv) the National Audit Office [by Act]; to be printed [No. 440] [Mr Alan Williams]; and

(2) Central Government Supply Estimates 2007–08; Supplementary Budgetary Information [by Command] [Cm. 7079] [Mr Stephen Timms].

13Transport,—Report and Accounts of the Strategic Rail Authority for the period 1st April to 30th November 2006, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 451] [Mr Secretary Alexander].

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APPENDIX II

European Standing Committees

European Union Document No. 5422/07, relating to Limiting Global Climate Change,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Jeremy Corbyn, Mr Ian Davidson, John McDonnell and Albert Owen from the European Standing Committee (nominated in respect of the Document) and nominated in substitution Dr Brian Iddon, Andrew Miller, Mr Chris Mullin, and Mr Gordon Prentice.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

Public Accounts,—(1) Update on PFI debt refinancing and the PFI equity market: Twenty-fifth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 158];

(2) Progress in tackling pensioner poverty: encouraging take-up of entitlements: Twenty-sixth Report from the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 169]; and

(3) Pay modernisation in the NHS: the impact of the new consultants’ contract: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 506-i]

[Mr Edward Leigh].


[No. 83.]

Tuesday 1st May 2007.

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

PRAYERS.

1Private Bills [Lords] (No Standing Order not previously inquired into applicable),—The Speaker laid upon the Table a Report from one of the Examiners of Petitions for Private Bills, That, in the case of the following Bill, originating in the Lords and referred after the First Reading thereof, no Standing Order not previously inquired into is applicable thereto, viz.:

Whitehaven Harbour Bill [Lords].

Bill to be read a second time.

2Mental Health Bill [Lords],—Frank Cook reported certain Memoranda from the Mental Health Bill [Lords] Committee.

Memoranda to lie upon the Table and to be published.

3Northern Ireland Affairs,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee of Session 2005–06 be laid upon the Table.

4Public Accounts,—Ordered, That the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee of Public Accounts of Session 2005–06 be laid upon the Table.

5Young Offenders (Provision of Speech Therapy),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require the provision of speech and language therapy for young offenders; and for connected purposes: And that John Bercow, Mr Kevin Barron, Mr Richard Benyon, Angela Browning, Mr Tom Clarke, Mrs Joan Humble, Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger, Bob Russell, Mr Ben Wallace, Hywel Williams, Sir George Young and Mr Geoffrey Cox do prepare and bring it in.

6Young Offenders (Provision of Speech Therapy) Bill,—John Bercow accordingly presented a Bill to require the provision of speech and language therapy for young offenders; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 15th June and to be printed [Bill 98].

7Finance Bill,—The House, according to Order, again resolved itself into a Committee on the Finance Bill (Clauses Nos. 1, 3, 7, 8, 12, 20, 21, 25, 67 and 81 to 84, Schedules Nos. 1, 18, 22 and 23, and new Clauses relating to microgeneration).

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(In the Committee)

Clause No. 67 (Abolition of contributions relief for life assurance premium contributions).

Question put, That the Clause stand part of the Bill.

The Committee divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Alan Campbell, Mr Dave Watts: 262.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Robert Goodwill, Mr Simon Burns: 145.

Schedule No. 18 (Pension schemes: abolition of relief for life assurance premium contributions etc).

Amendments (Nos. 6 to 9) made to the Bill.

Schedule, as amended, agreed to.

Clause No. 12 (Rates of air passenger duty).

Amendment (No. 3) proposed, in page 8, line 22, to leave out the words ‘1st February’ and insert the words ‘21st March’.—(Mr Christopher Chope.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The Committee divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Christopher Chope, Mr Quentin Davies: 29.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Alan Campbell, Huw Irranca-Davies: 260.

Another Amendment (No. 13) proposed, in page 8, line 29, at the end to add the words—

‘(7) This section shall come into force on a day which the Treasury may by Order appoint.

(8) No order may be made under subsection (7) unless the Treasury has compiled and laid before the House of Commons a report containing an assessment of the impact of air passenger duty on the objective of reducing carbon emissions, and including an analysis of the comparative effectiveness in meeting that objective of the taxation of air passengers, on the one hand, and of aircraft according to their emissions levels, on the other.’.—(Dr Vincent Cable.)

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

Clause agreed to.

Clause No. 81 (Criminal investigations: powers of Revenue and Customs).

Amendment (No. 19) proposed, in page 56, line 7, to leave out the word ‘thinks’ and insert the words ‘has reasonable grounds for believing’.—(Julia Goldsworthy.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 2) proposed, in page 56, line 47, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(2B) Any power or function conferred by a provision of this Act shall, so far as it is exercisable by an officer of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, only be exercised by an officer who has been duly authorised for that purpose by the Board of HMRC and who has been properly trained and supervised.

(2C) For the purposes of subsection (2B), what constitutes “properly trained and supervised” shall be decided by the Board of HMRC with the approval of the responsible Minister.

(2D) Subject to subsection (2E), the number of officers authorised under subsection (2B) shall not exceed 500 at any one time.

(2E) The Treasury may by order amend the number of officers mentioned in subsection (2D).

(2F) The annual report of HMRC shall include an analysis of the use made by officers of HMRC of the powers or functions conferred on them by this Act. The report shall

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cover the frequency of use of the relevant powers or functions and the circumstances in which they were invoked.

(2G) The report mentioned in subsection (2F) shall also include an analysis of the use made by officers of HMRC of the equivalent powers and functions in Northern Ireland and Scotland.’.—(Mr Mark Francois.)

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

Another Amendment (No. 20) proposed, in page 57, line 12, at the end to add the words—

‘(12) Any power of arrest conferred by a provision of this Act as it amends section 114 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 shall, so far as it is exercisable by an officer of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, only be exercised by an officer or officers serving in the Criminal Investigation Directorate of HMRC.’.—(Mr Mark Francois.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The Committee divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Michael Fabricant, Mr Robert Goodwill: 118.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Michael Foster, Jonathan Shaw: 279.

Clause agreed to.

Clauses Nos. 82 and 83 agreed to.

Schedule No. 22 agreed to.

Clause No. 84 agreed to.

Schedule No. 23 agreed to.

Clause No. 20 (Income tax exemption for domestic microgeneration).

Amendment (No. 15) proposed, in page 15, line 10, to leave out sub-paragraph (b).—(Julia Goldsworthy.)

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

Clause agreed to.

Clause No. 21 agreed to.

Bill (Clauses Nos. 1, 3, 7, 8, 12, 20, 21, 25, 67 and 81 to 84 and Schedules Nos. 1, 18, 22 and 23), as amended, to be reported.


The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair, and Kevin Brennan reported, That the Committee had gone through the Bill (Clauses Nos. 1, 3, 7, 8, 12, 20, 21, 25, 67 and 81 to 84 and Schedules Nos. 1, 18, 22 and 23), and made Amendments thereunto.

Ordered, That the Bill (Clauses Nos. 1, 3, 7, 8, 12, 20, 21, 25, 67 and 81 to 84 and Schedules Nos. 1, 18, 22 and 23), as amended in the Committee, do lie upon the Table.

8Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from—

(1) residents of Chelsworth Drive and Tuam Drive in the London Borough of Greenwich for legislation to require the clearance of Japanese knotweed;

(2) members of the 5 Parishes Opposition Group and others against the expansion of the Kent Science Park; and

(3) Eddie Stacey, residents of Canvey Island, Benfleet and others for full public consultation on proposals for the reorganisation of health care on Canvey Island

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

9Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from—

(1) Respect the Unity Coalition against the privatisation of healthcare and for increased resources for the NHS; and

(2) Sussex Action for Peace for the withdrawal of British troops from Iraq

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

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10Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Kevin Brennan.)

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

[Adjourned at 11.27 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Health and Safety,—Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Application to Environmentally Hazardous Substances) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1332), dated 25th April 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Alexander].

2Local Government,—Transport for London (Knightsbridge Station) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1323), dated 25th April 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Alexander].

3National Health Service,—Health Service Medicines (Information Relating to Sales of Branded Medicines etc.) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1320), dated 19th April 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

APPENDIX II

Reports from Select Committees

1Culture, Media and Sport,—New media and the creative industries: Fifth Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, with Memoranda; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 69-I and -II] [Mr John Whittingdale].

2Environmental Audit,—(1) Beyond Stern: Forecasting, Cost-Effectiveness and Climate Change: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee; to be printed [No. 460-iii]; and

(2) Government Response to the Committee’s First Report on the UN Millennium Eco-System Assessment: Memorandum laid before the Committee; to be published

[Mr Tim Yeo].

3Home Affairs,—A Surveillance Society?: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee; to be printed [No. 508-i] [Mr John Denham].

4Science and Technology,—(1) Investigating the Oceans:

(i) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee; to be printed [No. 470-i]; and

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

(2) Identity Card Technologies: Scientific Advice, Risk and Evidence: Follow-up: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published; and

(3) Office of Science and Innovation Scrutiny 2006: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published

[Mr Phil Willis].

5Treasury,—Financial inclusion follow-up: saving for all and shorter term saving products: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee; to be printed [No. 504-i] [John McFall].

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[No. 83; WH, No. 48]

Tuesday 1st May 2007.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall

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

Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Jonathan Shaw.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 1.59 p.m.


[No. 84.]

Wednesday 2nd May 2007.

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

PRAYERS.

1Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

Transport for London Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to confer further powers upon Transport for London; and for related purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Bill,—The Lords agree to the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Bill, with Amendments; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

2Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Bill to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 100].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to Lords Amendments to the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Bill be printed [Bill 100–EN].

3Transport for London Bill [Lords],—The Transport for London Bill [Lords] was read the first time.

Bill referred to the Examiners of Petitions for Private Bills.

4Town and Country Planning Acts (Amendment),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to broaden the remit of the Local Government Ombudsman to include certain disputes arising from planning permission granted by local government authorities to cover below-ground utilities; and to require development plans submitted to relevant local authorities to include provision for below-ground utilities: And that John Mann, Jessica Morden, Natascha Engel, Helen Southworth, Stephen Pound, Clive Efford, Ms Diana R. Johnson, Mr Kevan Jones, Christine Russell and Bob Spink do prepare and bring it in.

5Town and Country Planning Acts (Amendment) Bill,—John Mann accordingly presented a Bill to broaden the remit of the Local Government Ombudsman to include certain disputes arising from planning permission granted by local government authorities to cover below-ground utilities; and to require development plans submitted to relevant local authorities to include provision for below-ground utilities: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 19th October and to be printed [Bill 99].

6Protection of Critical Infrastructure,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House takes note of European Union Documents No. 16932/06, Commission Communication on a European Programme for Critical Infrastructure Protection, and No. 16933/06 and Addenda 1 and 2, Draft Council Directive on the identification and designation of European Critical Infrastructure and the assessment of the need to improve their protection; and supports the Government’s intention to secure adoption of these documents in Council, subject to a satisfactory resolution of outstanding concerns—(Mr Tony McNulty);

And it being one and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Standing Order No. 16 (Proceedings under an Act or on European Union documents):—It was agreed to.

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Resolved, That this House takes note of European Union Documents No. 16932/06, Commission Communication on a European Programme for Critical Infrastructure Protection, and No. 16933/06 and Addenda 1 and 2, Draft Council Directive on the identification and designation of European Critical Infrastructure and the assessment of the need to improve their protection; and supports the Government’s intention to secure adoption of these documents in Council, subject to a satisfactory resolution of outstanding concerns.

7Welfare Reform Bill (Programme) (No. 4),—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 Welfare Reform Bill for the purpose of supplementing the Orders of 24th July 2006 and 12th October 2006 in the last Session of Parliament and 9th January 2007 (Welfare Reform Bill (Programme), Welfare Reform Bill (Programme) (No. 2) and Welfare Reform Bill (Programme) (No. 3)):

Consideration of Lords Amendments

1. Proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion three hours after their commencement at this day’s sitting.

Subsequent stages

2. Any further message from the Lords may be considered forthwith without any Question being put.

3. The proceedings on any further Message from the Lords shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour after their commencement—(Mr Frank Roy):—It was agreed to.

8Welfare Reform Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendments to the Welfare Reform Bill.

Lords Amendments Nos. 1 to 55 were agreed to.

9Adjournment (Sri Lanka),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Dr Kim Howells);

The Motion was, with leave of the House, withdrawn.

10Draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill (Joint Committee),—Resolved, That this House concurs with the Lords Message of 26th April, that it is expedient that a Joint Committee of Lords and Commons be appointed to consider and report on any draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill presented to both Houses by a Minister of the Crown and that the Committee should report on the draft Bill by 25th July 2007.

Ordered, That a Select Committee of nine Members be appointed to join with the Committee appointed by the Lords to consider the draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill.

That the Committee shall have power—

(i) to send for persons, papers and records;

(ii) to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House;

(iii) to report from time to time;

(iv) to appoint specialist advisers; and

(v) to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom.

That the quorum of the Committee shall be two; and

That Mr David Burrowes, Ms Katy Clark, Dr Ian Gibson, Robert Key, Chris Mole, Dr Doug Naysmith, Geraldine Smith, Ms Dari Taylor and Mr Phil Willis be members of the Committee.—(Mr Dave Watts.)

Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith.

11Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Dave Watts.)

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

[Adjourned at 7.27 p.m.


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APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Criminal Law,—Iran (European Community Financial Sanctions) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1374), dated 1st May 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ed Balls].

2Education,—(1) Capital Expenditure in respect of Voluntary Aided Schools (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1322), dated 25th April 2007;

(2) Education (Excluded Days of Detention) (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1304), dated 19th April 2007; and

(3) School Organisation (Foundation Special Schools) (Application of Provisions Relating to Foundations) (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1329), dated 25th April 2007

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

3Industrial and Provident Societies,—Community Benefit Societies (Restriction on Use of Assets) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 (S.R. (N.I.), 2007, No. 226), dated 6th April 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hain].

4Social Security,—Social Security, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1331), dated 25th April 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hutton].

Other Papers:

5Justice (Northern Ireland),—Report of an inspection of Northern Ireland Alternatives with a view to accreditation under the Government’s Protocol for Community Based Restorative Justice [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hain].

6North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland),—Report and Accounts of the North/South Language Body—

(1) for 2002; and

(2) for 2003,

with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland thereon [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [Nos. 461 and 482] [Mr Secretary Hain].

7Social Security Administration,—Report of the Social Security Advisory Committee under section 174(1) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 and the statement by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in accordance with Section 174(2) of that Act relating to the Social Security, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1331) [by Command] [Cm. 7073] [Mr Secretary Hutton].

APPENDIX II

General Committees

1Finance Bill (except Clauses Nos. 1, 3, 7, 8, 12, 20, 21, 25, 67 and 81 to 84, Schedules Nos. 1, 18, 22 and 23, and new Clauses relating to microgeneration):—The Committee of Selection has nominated thirty-four Members to serve on the Finance Bill Committee: Adam Afriyie, Ed Balls, Mr Colin Breed, Kevin Brennan, Lyn Brown, Dr Vincent Cable, Mr Jim Cunningham, Mr Wayne David, James Duddridge, Mr Philip Dunne, Natascha Engel, Mr David Evennett, Mr Robert Flello, Mr Mark Francois, Mr David Gauke, Julia Goldsworthy, Helen Goodman, John Healey, John Hemming, Stephen Hesford, Mr Mark Hoban, Stewart Hosie, Ms Diana R. Johnson, Ms Sally Keeble, Ian Lucas, Sarah McCarthy-Fry, Mr Jim McGovern, Rob Marris, Mr Brooks Newmark, Mr Andy Reed, Mr Stephen Timms, Kitty Ussher, Mrs Theresa Villiers and Mr Iain Wright.

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2Social Security Benefits Up-rating Regulations (S.I., 2007, No. 775):

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Regulations to the First Delegated Legislation Committee and has appointed Mr Mike Hancock Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Danny Alexander, Gordon Banks, Mr James Clappison, Ann Clwyd, Mr Stephen Crabb, James Duddridge, Michael Jabez Foster, Mr Mike Hall, Mr John Heppell, Kate Hoey, Mr Mark Lancaster, Mr David Laws, John McDonnell, Mr George Mudie, James Purnell, Mr David Ruffley and Jim Sheridan.

3Draft Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (Corresponding Amendments) Order 2007:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Second Delegated Legislation Committee and has appointed Mr Hugh Bayley Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Tom Brake, Mr Ian Davidson, Mrs Nadine Dorries, Mr Philip Dunne, Michael Fabricant, Mr Christopher Fraser, Michael Gove, Mr Doug Henderson, David Lepper, Mr Elliot Morley, Meg Munn, Mr Ken Purchase, Mr Geoffrey Robinson, Mr Dan Rogerson, Jonathan Shaw, Ms Angela C. Smith (Sheffield, Hillsborough) and Mr Paul Truswell.

4Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 320):

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Regulations to the Third Delegated Legislation Committee and has appointed Mr David Wilshire Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Danny Alexander, Colin Challen, Jon Cruddas, Jeff Ennis, Mr David Gauke, Mr Greg Hands, Mr John Heppell, Mr Adam Holloway, Eric Joyce, Mr Fraser Kemp, Susan Kramer, Mr Mark Lancaster, Mrs Anne McGuire, Andrew Mackinlay, Mr Nick Raynsford, Andrew Selous and Graham Stringer.

European Standing Committees

5European Union Document No. 7124/07 and Addendum 1, relating to EU Development Policy:

(1) The Speaker has appointed Mr Greg Pope Chairman of the European Standing Committee nominated in respect of the Document; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated thirteen Members to serve on the Committee: John Barrett, Mr Simon Burns, Harry Cohen, Jim Cousins, Tony Cunningham, Lynne Featherstone, Helen Jones, Mr Greg Knight, Tom Levitt, Anne Main, Albert Owen, Mark Simmonds and Mr Gareth Thomas.

6European Union Document No. 6192/07, relating to Diplomatic and Consular Protection of Citizens in Third Countries,—The Committee of Selection has nominated thirteen Members to serve on the European Standing Committee nominated in respect of the Document: Mr Graham Brady, Mr Simon Burns, Jeremy Corbyn, Tony Cunningham, Paul Flynn, Mr Geoffrey Hoon, Mark Hunter, Mr Michael Moore, John Penrose, Gwyn Prosser, Mr Lee Scott, Alison Seabeck and Mr Marsha Singh.

7European Union Document No. 6238/07 and Addendum 1 and Corrigendum 1, relating to Competition: Retail Banking,—The Committee of Selection has nominated thirteen Members to serve on the European Standing Committee nominated in respect of the Document: Ed Balls, Mr Nicholas Brown, Ms Karen Buck, Dr Vincent Cable, Tony Cunningham, Mr David Evennett, Julia Goldsworthy, Mr Mark Hoban, Sir Gerald Kaufman, Daniel Kawczynski, Robert Neill, Mr Andy Reed and Mr Dennis Skinner.

8European Union Document No. 8179/07 and Addenda 1 and 2, relating to Fisheries: by-catches and discards, has been referred to European Standing Committee A.

9European Union Document No. 7371/07 and Addenda 1 to 4, relating to the Simplification of legislation on transport rates and food hygiene, has been referred to European Standing Committee C.

10European Union Document No. 8322/07 and Addendum 1, relating to the European Research Area, has been referred to European Standing Committee C.

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APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1European Scrutiny,—(1) Twentieth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 41-xx]; and

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

[Michael Connarty].

2Foreign Affairs,—Global Security: Iran: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee; to be printed [No. 496-i] [Mike Gapes].

3Health,—Audiology Services: Fifth Report from the Health Committee, with Memoranda; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report, and Memoranda reported and ordered to be published on 8th March [No. 392] [Mr Kevin Barron].

4Transport,—Roads Policing and Technology: Getting the Right Balance: Correspondence laid before the Transport Committee; to be published [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

5Work and Pensions,—(1) Benefits Simplification:

(i) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Work and Pensions Committee; to be printed [No. 463-i]; and

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

(2) Autumn Performance Report: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published; and

(3) Jobcentre Plus: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published

[Mr Terry Rooney].


[No. 84; WH, No. 49]

Wednesday 2nd May 2007.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall

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

Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Huw Irranca-Davies.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 8th May, pursuant to Order [16th April].

[Adjourned at 4.29 p.m.


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[No. 85.]

Thursday 3rd May 2007.

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

PRAYERS.

1Royal Assent,—The Speaker notified the House, in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967, That Her Majesty had signified her Royal Assent to the following Act, agreed upon by both Houses:

Welfare Reform Act 2007.

2Adjournment (Policing in London),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Tony McNulty);

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

3Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Alan Campbell.)

And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till Six o’clock, adjourned till Tuesday 8th May, pursuant to Resolution [24th April].

[Adjourned at 6 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Education,—(1) Collaboration Arrangements (Maintained Schools and Further Education Bodies) (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1321);

(2) School Governance (Parent Council) (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1330); and

(3) School Organisation (Requirements as to Foundations) (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1287),

dated 25th April 2007 [by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Secretary Alan Johnson].

2Sexual Orientation Discrimination,—Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 (S.R. (N.I.), 2007, No. 261), dated 30th April 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hain].

3Social Security,—Housing Benefit (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1356), dated 26th April 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hutton].

4Stamp Duty Land Tax,—Finance Act 2003, Section 66 (Prescribed Statutory Provisions) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1385), dated 2nd May 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ed Balls].

Other Papers:

5Audit (Northern Ireland),—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland on Good Governance—Effective Relationships between Departments and their Arm’s Length Bodies [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 469] [Mr Secretary Hain].

6Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Health on—

(1) the Petition [26th March] from Janet R Rendle and residents of the town of Tiverton, Devon, and neighbouring parishes for the reinstatement of the night time small injuries unit at Tiverton Hospital;

(2) the Petition [26th March] from Roger William Boote and residents of the town of Honiton, Devon, and neighbouring parishes for the reinstatement of the night time small injuries unit at Honiton Hospital; and

(3) the Petition [28th March] from residents of Ilford North against the reduction in services and the possible closure of King George’s Hospital

[by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

7United Nations,—North Korea (United Nations Measures) (Overseas Territories) (Amendment) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1347), dated 2nd May 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].



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