Session 2006-2007

Commons Journal 263

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Alphabetical Index - Part II


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[No. 102.]

Monday 11th June 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. 7371/07 and Addenda 1 to 4, Draft Regulation amending Regulation No. 11 concerning the abolition of discrimination in transport rates and conditions in implementation of Article 79(3) of the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community and Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 of the European Parliament and the Council on the hygiene of foodstuffs; and supports the Government’s view that attempts to reduce administrative burdens on food businesses are to be welcomed, but should not compromise public health protection.

Resolution to lie upon the Table.

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

2Opposition Day [14th allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the Leader of the Opposition in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider Opposition business.

Iraq inquiry,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House supports the principle that there should be an inquiry by an independent committee of Privy Counsellors to review the way in which the responsibilities of Government were discharged in relation to Iraq and all matters relevant thereto in the period leading up to military action in that country in March 2003 and in its aftermath and to make recommendations on the lessons for the future—(Mr William Hague);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House’ to the end of the Question and add the words ‘notes the Resolution of 31st October 2006; recognises that there have already been four separate independent committees of inquiry into military action in Iraq; further recognises the importance of learning all possible lessons from military action in Iraq and its aftermath; and therefore declines at this time, whilst the whole effort of the Government and the armed forces is directed towards improving the condition of Iraq, to make a proposal for a further inquiry which would divert attention from this vital task’, instead thereof.—(Secretary Margaret Beckett.)

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Angela Watkinson, Michael Fabricant: 253.

Tellers for the Noes, Claire Ward, Mr Frank Roy: 288.

So the Question was negatived.

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Claire Ward, Mr Frank Roy: 274.

Tellers for the Noes, Angela Watkinson, Michael Fabricant: 229.

So the Question was agreed to.

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

Resolved, That this House notes the Resolution of 31st October 2006; recognises that there have already been four separate independent committees of inquiry into military action in Iraq; further recognises the importance of learning all possible lessons from military action in Iraq and its aftermath; and therefore declines at this time, whilst the whole effort of the Government and the armed forces is directed towards improving the condition of Iraq, to make a proposal for a further inquiry which would divert attention from this vital task.

Support for carers,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House recognises the vital contribution that the UK’s six million carers make to society; welcomes recent announcements on carers including the Government review of the National Strategy for Carers, the New Deal for Carers and the Treasury report ‘Aiming high for disabled children: better support for families’ as steps towards an improvement in recognition and support for carers; notes that 54 per cent. of carers have given up work and one in five carers feel forced to do so; recognises the impacts which caring responsibilities have on family incomes, relative poverty and the health of carers

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themselves; is deeply concerned that an estimated 175,000 young people are carers of adults with the consequent pressures on them; calls on the Government to reduce the bureaucracy of social care provision that puts so much pressure on carers; and asks the Government to bring forward proposals for simplifying the benefit system in order to provide better support for carers and to ensure that the review of the National Strategy for Carers has both short term and long term objectives to enhance support for carers and to respond to the vital role played by carers in society—(Mr Jeremy Hunt);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 3 to leave out from the word ‘review’ to the end of the Question and add the words ‘of the first ever National Strategy for carers, the New Deal for Carers and the Treasury report “Aiming high for disabled children: better support for families” as steps towards an improvement in recognition and support for carers; notes that the review of the National Strategy includes a far reaching consultation with carers and others to make recommendations for the short, medium and long-term; further welcomes the extra £25 million for short-term home-based respite care for carers and the extra £3 million towards establishing a national helpline for carers announced in 2007; congratulates the Government for introducing in 2007 the new Expert Carers Programme; further notes that the Pensions Bill currently before Parliament includes a package of reforms to recognise the contribution made by carers and ensure that they can build up better pension records; further notes that the right to request flexible working introduced by this Government will help carers better balance their work and caring benefits; and further welcomes the substantial improvements made to the benefits available to low income carers’, instead thereof.—(Mr Ivan Lewis.)

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

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Angela Watkinson, Michael Fabricant: 198.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Michael Foster, Huw Irranca-Davies: 291.

So the Question was negatived.

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

And the Main Question, as amended, being put;

Resolved, That this House recognises the vital contribution that the UK’s six million carers make to society; welcomes recent announcements on carers including the Government review of the first ever National Strategy for carers, the New Deal for Carers and the Treasury report ‘Aiming high for disabled children: better support for families’ as steps towards an improvement in recognition and support for carers; notes that the review of the National Strategy includes a far reaching consultation with carers and others to make recommendations for the short, medium and long-term; further welcomes the extra £25 million for short-term home-based respite care for carers and the extra £3 million towards establishing a national helpline for carers announced in 2007; congratulates the Government for introducing in 2007 the new Expert Carers Programme; further notes that the Pensions Bill currently before Parliament includes a package of reforms to recognise the contribution made by carers and ensure that they can build up better pension records; further notes that the right to request flexible working introduced by this Government will help carers better balance their work and caring benefits; and further welcomes the substantial improvements made to the benefits available to low income carers.

3Value Added Tax,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Delegated Legislation Committees), That the Value Added Tax (Payments on Account) (Amendment) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1420), dated 10th May 2007, a copy of which was laid before this House on 10th May, be approved—(Tony Cunningham):—It was agreed to.

4Value Added Tax,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Delegated Legislation Committees), That the Value Added Tax (Administration, Collection and Enforcement) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1421), dated 10th May 2007, a copy of which was laid before this House on 10th May, be approved—(Tony Cunningham):—It was agreed to.

5Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Delegated Legislation Committees), That the draft North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2007, which was laid before this House on 10th May,be approved—(Tony Cunningham):—It was agreed to.

6Home Affairs,—Ordered, That Mr Richard Spring be discharged from the Home Affairs Committee and Patrick Mercer be added.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

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7Procedure,—Ordered, That Mr David Gauke be discharged from the Procedure Committee and Mr Roger Gale be added.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

8Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Tony Cunningham.)

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

[Adjourned at 10.40 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 8th June 2007 pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Animals,—Animals and Animal Products (Import and Export) (England) (Laboratories, Circuses and Avian Quarantine) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1621), dated 5th June 2007, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Secretary David Miliband].

2Consumer Protection,—Cosmetic Products (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1623), dated 7th June 2007, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Mr Secretary Darling].

3Excise,—Biofuels and Other Fuel Substitutes (Payment of Excise Duties etc) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1640), dated 8th June 2007, with an Explanatory Memorandum [John Healey].

4Family Proceedings,—Family Proceedings (Amendment) Rules 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1622), dated 6th June 2007, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Ms Harriet Harman].

5Judgments,—Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1655), dated 8th June 2007, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Ms Harriet Harman].

6Legal Aid and Advice,—Legal Aid in Criminal Proceedings (Costs) (Amendment) Rules (Northern Ireland) 2007 (S.R. (N.I.), 2007, No. 296), dated 31st May 2007, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Mr David Hanson].

7Magistrates’ Courts,—Family Proceedings Courts (Matrimonial Proceedings etc.) (Amendment) Rules 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1628), dated 6th June 2007, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Ms Harriet Harman].

8Public Health,—Public Health (Aircraft and Ships) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1603), dated 4th June 2007, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 11th June 2007:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

9Betting, Gaming and Lotteries,—(1) Draft Gambling (Lottery Machine Interval) Order 2007; and

(2) draft Gambling Act 2005 (Operating Licence Conditions) Regulations 2007

[by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Secretary Tessa Jowell].

10Investigatory Powers,—(1) Draft Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Acquisition and Disclosure of Communications Data: Code of Practice) Order 2007; and

(2) draft Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Investigation of Protected Electronic Information: Code of Practice) Order 2007

[by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Secretary John Reid].

11Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism,—Draft Terrorism Act 2006 (Disapplication of Section 25) Order 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary John Reid].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

12Building and Buildings,—Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1669), dated 8th June 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Ruth Kelly].

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13Health and Safety,—Health and Safety (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1672), dated 7th June 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hutton].

14Housing,—Home Information Pack (No. 2) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1667), dated 8th June 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Ruth Kelly].

15National Health Service,—Personal Injuries (NHS Charges) (Reviews and Appeals) Amendment Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1613), dated 6th June 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

16Social Care,—Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults and Care Standards Tribunal (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1684), dated 11th June 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Gerry Sutcliffe].

17Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,—Statute, dated 29th January 2007, made by the Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge amending Statute G of the University [by Act] [Ms Harriet Harman].

Other Papers:

18Health,—Government Response to the Third Report from the Health Committee, Session 2006–07, on Patient and Public Involvement in the NHS [by Command] [Cm. 7128] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

19National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Environment Agency: Building and maintaining river and coastal flood defences in England [by Act]; to be printed [No. 528] [Clerk of the House].

20Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Health on—

(1) the Petition [18th May] from residents of the London Borough of Sutton and others of like disposition for the retention of Accident and Emergency services at St Helier Hospital;

(2) the Petition [18th May] from residents of the London Boroughs of Southwark, Lambeth, Croydon, Lewisham and others against the closure of the 24 hour emergency mental health clinic at the Maudsley Hospital; and

(3) the Petition [22nd May] from residents of North West Leicestershire and surrounding areas for a local hospice

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

21Treaty Series (No. 11, 2007),—2004 Amendments, done at London on 15th October 2004, to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code) MEPC.119(52) [by Command] [Cm. 7134] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

Papers withdrawn:

22Betting, Gaming and Lotteries,—Draft Categories of Gaming Machine Regulations 2007, with an Explanatory Memorandum [laid 18th May].

23Investigatory Powers,—(1) Draft Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Acquisition and Disclosure of Communications Data: Code of Practice) Order 2007; and

(2) draft Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Investigation of Protected Electronic Information: Code of Practice) Order 2007,

with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [laid 7th June].

APPENDIX II

General Committees

European Standing Committees

European Union Document No. 7371/07 and Addenda 1 to 4, relating to Simplification of Legislation on Transport Rates and Food Hygiene,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Geraldine Smith from the European Standing Committee (nominated in respect of the Document) and nominated in substitution John Battle.

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APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Communities and Local Government,—The Planning White Paper: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Communities and Local Government Committee; to be printed [No. 671-i] [Dr Phyllis Starkey].

2Public Accounts,—Prescribing costs in Primary Care: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts; to be printed [No. 670-i] [Mr Edward Leigh].


[No. 103.]

Tuesday 12th June 2007.

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

PRAYERS.

1Regulatory Reform,—Andrew Miller reported from the Regulatory Reform Committee the following Resolutions:

That the draft Regulatory Reform (Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) Order 2007, which was laid before this House on 24th May, should be approved.

The Committee came to this Resolution without a Division.

That the draft Regulatory Reform (Game) Order 2007, which was laid before this House on 4th June, should be approved.

The Committee came to this Resolution without a Division.

2Further Education and Training Bill [Lords],—Mr Peter Atkinson reported from the Further Education and Training Bill [Lords] Committee:

(1) That it had come to the following Resolution, That, subject to the discretion of the Chair, any written evidence received by the Committee shall be reported to the House for publication; and

(2) a Memorandum.

Memorandum to lie upon the Table and to be published.

3Legal Services Bill [Lords],—Frank Cook reported from the Legal Services Bill [Lords] Committee, That it had come to the following Resolution:

That, subject to the discretion of the Chair, any written evidence received by the Committee shall be reported to the House for publication.

4First Delegated Legislation Committee,—Mr Eric Martlew reported from the First Delegated Legislation Committee the draft Community Drivers’ Hours and Recording Equipment Regulations 2007.

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

5Pensions (Unclaimed Assets) Bill,—The Order for reading the Pensions (Unclaimed Assets) Bill a second time on Friday 15th June was read and discharged.

Bill to be read a second time on Friday 19th October.

6Freedom of Information (Amendment) (No. 2),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the Freedom of Information Act 2000; to remove the provisions permitting Ministers to overrule decisions of the Information Commissioner and Information Tribunal; to limit the time allowed for public authorities to respond to requests involving consideration of the public interest; to amend the definition of public authorities; and for connected purposes: And that Tom Brake, Norman Baker, Mr Paul Burstow, Mr Nick Clegg, Tim Farron, Lynne Featherstone, Mr David Heath, Simon Hughes, Mr Dan Rogerson, Mr Richard Shepherd, Andrew Stunell and Mr Phil Willis do prepare and bring it in.

7Freedom of Information (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill,—Tom Brake accordingly presented a Bill to amend the Freedom of Information Act 2000; to remove the provisions permitting Ministers to overrule decisions of the Information Commissioner and Information Tribunal; to limit the time allowed for public authorities to respond to requests involving consideration of the public interest; to amend the definition of public authorities; and for

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  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 121].

8Serious Crime Bill [Lords],—The Serious Crime Bill [Lords] was, according to Order, read a second time.

9Serious Crime Bill [Lords] (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 Serious Crime Bill [Lords]:

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 Tuesday 10th July 2007.

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 any message from the Lords) may be programmed—(Steve McCabe):—It was agreed to.

10Serious Crime Bill [Lords] [Money],—Her Majesty’s Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Serious Crime Bill [Lords] [Money];

A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 52 (Money resolutions and ways and means resolutions in connection with bills), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Serious Crime Bill [Lords], it is expedient to authorise—

(1) the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—

(a) any expenditure incurred under the Act by a Minister of the Crown or government department, and

(b) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable under any other Act out of money so provided, and

(2) the payment of sums into the Consolidated Fund—(Steve McCabe):—It was agreed to.

11Improving Facilities for Educational Visitors to Parliament,—Resolved, That this House approves the First Report of the Administration Committee, on Improving Facilities for Educational Visitors to Parliament (House of Commons Paper No. 434); and endorses the Committee’s proposals, including a dedicated space for educational visitors to be provided on or off the Estate complemented by engagement with those who do not visit Westminster.—(Mr Jack Straw.)

12Public Petition,—A Public Petition from professionals in the nursery sector, concerned parents and members of the public against implementation of the Government’s new code of practice on nursery provision was presented; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

13Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Steve McCabe.)

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

[Adjourned at 8.58 p.m.

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APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Animals,—Draft Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary David Miliband].

2Betting, Gaming and Lotteries,—Draft Categories of Gaming Machine Regulations 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Tessa Jowell].

3Terms and Conditions of Employment,—Draft Working Time (Amendment) Regulations 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

4Environmental Protection,—Financial Assistance for Environmental Purposes Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1671), dated 7th June 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary David Miliband].

5Food,—Spreadable Fats (Marketing Standards) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1615), dated 6th June 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

6Social Security,—(1) Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (War Pension Disregards) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1619), dated 5th June 2007; and

(2) Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1626), dated 7th June 2007

[by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hutton].

Other Papers:

7Extradition,—Explanatory Memorandum to the draft Extradition Act 2003 (Amendment to Designations) Order 2007 [by Command] [Secretary John Reid].

8Government Trading Funds,—(1) Report and Accounts of the Royal Mint for 2006–07, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 543] [Clerk of the House]; and

(2) Treasury Minute, dated 12th June 2007, on the Royal Mint Trading Fund [by Act] [Mr Stephen Timms].

9Postal Services,—Report of the Postal Services Commission for 2006–07 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 547] [Mr Secretary Darling].

10Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Defence on the Petition [1st May] from Sussex Action for Peace for the withdrawal of British troops from Iraq [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

11Treaty Series (No. 12, 2007),—Exchange of Notes, done at London on the 10th and 12th May 2006, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands concerning the Status of Military and Civilian Personnel of the UK Armed Forces who will be present in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba for the Exercise “Caribbean Lion 2006” [by Command] [Cm. 7136] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

Papers withdrawn:

12Extradition,—Explanatory Memorandum to the draft Extradition Act 2003 (Amendment to Designations) Order 2007 [laid 24th May].

APPENDIX II

General Committees

Draft Community Drivers’ Hours and Recording Equipment Regulations 2007,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ann Clwyd and Keith Vaz from the First Delegated Legislation Committee (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations) and nominated in substitution Mr Russell Brown and Jim Sheridan.

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APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Administration,—Record of the Committee’s discussions at its meeting on 12th June; to be published [Mr Frank Doran].

2Constitutional Affairs,—(1) Freedom of Information follow up: Fourth Report from the Constitutional Affairs Committee, with Memoranda; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 415]; and

(2) Towards Effective Sentencing: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 621-ii]

[Mr Alan Beith].

3Culture, Media and Sport,—Public Service Media Content: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee; to be printed [No. 316-vii] [Mr John Whittingdale].

4Defence,—Medical Care for the Armed Forces: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Defence Committee; to be printed [No. 655-i] [Mr James Arbuthnot].

5Draft Climate Change Bill,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on the Draft Climate Change Bill; to be printed [No. 542-iv]; and

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

[Dr Desmond Turner].

6Draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on the Draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill; to be printed [No. 630-iii] [Mr Phil Willis].

7Environmental Audit,—The Challenge of Climate Change: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee; to be printed [No. 595-ii] [Mr Tim Yeo].

8Home Affairs,—A Surveillance Society?: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee; to be printed [No. 508-iii] [Mr John Denham].

9International Development,—(1) DFID Assistance to Burmese Internally Displaced People and Refugees on the Thai-Burma Border:

(i) Part of the Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee; to be printed [No. 645-ii]; and

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

(2) Vietnam: DFID’s Country Programme: Memorandum laid before the Committee; to be published

[Malcolm Bruce].

10Public Administration,—(1) Machinery of Government Changes: Seventh Report from the Select Committee on Public Administration; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 672]; and

(2) Third Sector Commissioning: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 540-ii]

[Dr Tony Wright].

11Regulatory Reform,—(1) Draft Regulatory Reform (Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) Order 2007: Sixth Report from the Regulatory Reform Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 673]; and

(2) Draft Regulatory Reform (Game) Order 2007: Seventh Report from the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 674]

[Andrew Miller].

12Scottish Affairs,—Poverty in Scotland: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Scottish Affairs Committee; to be printed [No. 168-ix] [Mr Mohammad Sarwar].

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13Standards and Privileges,—(1) Conduct of Mr Julian Brazier: Fourth Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges, with Appendices; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 682]; and

(2) Handling of future complaints of misuse of the private dining facilities: Fifth Report from the Committee, with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 683]

[Sir George Young].

14Trade and Industry,—Europe moves East: the Impact of the ‘new’ EU Member States on UK business: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee; to be printed [No. 592-ii] [Mr Peter Luff].

15Treasury,—Private equity: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee; to be printed [No. 567-i] [John McFall].

16Welsh Affairs,—Globalisation and its impact on Wales:

(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee; to be printed [No. 281-xii]; and

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

[Dr Hywel Francis].


[No. 103; WH, No. 62]

Tuesday 12th June 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 to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 1.56 p.m.


[No. 104.]

Wednesday 13th June 2007.

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

PRAYERS.

1Second Delegated Legislation Committee,—Mr Jim Hood reported from the Second Delegated Legislation Committee the draft Armed Forces, Army, Air Force and Naval Discipline Acts (Continuation) Order 2007, the draft Armed Forces (Alignment of Service Discipline Acts) Order 2007, and the draft Armed Forces (Service Police Amendments) Order 2007.

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

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

Corruption Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to make provision about corruption; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

3Victims of Overseas Terrorism Bill [Lords],—The Victims of Overseas Terrorism Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 15th June and to be printed [Bill 124].

4Catholics (Prevention of Discrimination) Bill,—The Order for reading the Catholics (Prevention of Discrimination) Bill a second time on Friday 15th June was read and discharged.

Bill to be read a second time on Friday 19th October.

5Protection of Adults in Care (Prevention of Harm and Exploitation),—Mr Paul Burstow, supported by Mrs Joan Humble and Sandra Gidley, presented a Bill to amend the Human Rights Act 1998 to extend the definition of public authority to include any body acting pursuant to a contract with a public body to perform a function of a public nature;

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  to confer new functions on local authorities in relation to persons in need of care or protection provided by such authorities; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 29th June and to be printed [Bill 123].

6Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 (Amendment),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 to extend its provisions to cover construction work; and for connected purposes: And that Jim Sheridan, Mr Nicholas Brown, Mr John Denham, Tony Lloyd, Anne Moffat, Mr Jim McGovern, Mrs Madeleine Moon, Mr Peter Kilfoyle, Mr Stephen Hepburn, Mr Michael Clapham, Harry Cohen and Mr David Hamilton do prepare and bring it in.

7Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 (Amendment) Bill,—Jim Sheridan accordingly presented a Bill to amend the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 to extend its provisions to cover construction work; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 29th June and to be printed [Bill 122].

8International Tribunals (Sierra Leone) Bill [Lords] (Allocation of Time),—Ordered, That the following provisions shall apply to the International Tribunals (Sierra Leone) Bill [Lords]:

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, and

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

3.—(1) On the conclusion of proceedings in Committee, the Chairman shall report the Bill to the House without putting any Question.

(2) 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 Chairman or Speaker shall put only the Question that the Clause or Schedule be added to the Bill.

Subsequent stages

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

(2) Proceedings on any Message from the Lords 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 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.

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

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Reasons Committee

8.—(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 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

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

10.—(1) The proceedings on any Motion made by a Minister of the Crown for varying or supplementing the provisions of this Order shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour after their commencement.

(2) Paragraph (1) of Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business) shall apply to those proceedings.

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

12.—(1) 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 recommit the Bill.

(2) The Question on any such Motion shall be put forthwith.

13.—(1) No dilatory Motion shall be made in relation to proceedings to which this Order applies except by a Minister of the Crown.

(2) The Question on any such Motion shall be put forthwith.

14.—(1) Sub-paragraph (2) 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.

15.—(1) Sub-paragraph (2) 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.

16.—(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies if the House is adjourned, or the sitting is suspended, before the conclusion of any proceedings to which this Order applies.

(2) 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.

17. Proceedings to which this Order applies shall not be interrupted under any Standing Order relating to the sittings of the House.—(Dr Kim Howells.)

9International Tribunals (Sierra Leone) Bill [Lords],—The International Tribunals (Sierra Leone) Bill [Lords] was, according to Order, read a second time.

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

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(In the Committee)

Clauses Nos. 1 and 2 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 Mr Ian Cawsey reported, That the Committee had gone through the Bill and made no Amendment thereunto.

The Bill was read the third time, and passed.

10Simplification of Legislation on Transport Rates and Food Hygiene,—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 Document No. 7371/07 and Addenda 1 to 4, Draft Regulation amending Regulation No. 11 concerning the abolition of discrimination in transport rates and conditions in implementation of Article 79(3) of the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community and Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 of the European Parliament and the Council on the hygiene of foodstuffs; and supports the Government’s view that attempts to reduce administrative burdens on food businesses are to be welcomed, but should not compromise public health protection—(Mr Ian Cawsey):—It was agreed to.

11Public Petition,—A Public Petition from students from the University of Plymouth Students’ Union for the abolition of prescription fees for students in England was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

12Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Steve McCabe.)

And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till one minute past Six o’clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 6.01 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Betting, Gaming and Lotteries,—(1) Draft Gambling Act 2005 (Amendment of Schedule 6) Order 2007;

(2) draft Gambling Act 2005 (Horserace Betting Levy) Order 2007; and

(3) draft Gambling Act 2005 (Horserace Totalisator Board) Order 2007

[by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Secretary Tessa Jowell].

2Rehabilitation of Offenders,—Draft Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr David Hanson].

3Terms and Conditions of Employment,—Draft Working Time (Amendment) Regulations 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Darling].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

4Food,—Addition of Vitamins, Minerals and Other Substances (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1631), dated 7th June 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

5Pensions,—Register of Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1625), dated 7th June 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hutton].

6Public Health,—Health Protection Agency (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1624), dated 7th June 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Ms Secretary Hewitt].

7Secure Training Centres,—Secure Training Centre (Amendment) Rules 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1709), dated 13th June 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Bridget Prentice].

8Social Security,—Social Security (Students and Income-related Benefits) Amendment Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1632), dated 7th June 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hutton].

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9Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,—Statute, dated 12th March 2007, made by the Governing Body of King’s College in the University of Cambridge amending the Statutes of the College [by Act] [Ms Harriet Harman].

Other Papers:

10Crown Agents,—Accounts of the Crown Agents Holding and Realisation Board for 2006, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 678] [Clerk of the House].

11Law Commission,—Report of the Law Commission for 2006–07 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 552] [Ms Harriet Harman].

12National Lottery,—Accounts of the Sports Council for Northern Ireland Lottery Distribution for 2005–06, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 679] [Clerk of the House].

13Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Wales on the Petition [18th May] from Councillor William Powell and others of like disposition for measures to keep the Community Hospitals at Knighton, Builth Wells and Bronllys open [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].

Papers withdrawn:

14Rehabilitation of Offenders,—Draft Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2007, with an Explanatory Memorandum [laid 5th June].

15Terms and Conditions of Employment,—Draft Working Time (Amendment) Regulations 2007, with an Explanatory Memorandum [laid 12th June].

APPENDIX II

General Committees

1Off-Road Vehicles (Registration) Bill:

(1) The Speaker has appointed Mr Greg Pope Chairman of the Off-Road Vehicles (Registration) Bill Committee; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Alistair Carmichael, Jim Dobbin, Clive Efford, Mr Mark Field, Mr Lindsay Hoyle, Mr Nick Hurd, Barbara Keeley, Mr Peter Kilfoyle, Dr Stephen Ladyman, Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger, Mr Owen Paterson, Paul Rowen, Mr Lee Scott, Mr Andy Slaughter, Ian Stewart and Graham Stringer.

2Serious Crime Bill [Lords],—The Speaker has appointed Mr Joe Benton and John Bercow Chairmen of the Serious Crime Bill [Lords] Committee.

3Draft Vaccine Damage Payments Act 1979 Statutory Sum Order 2007:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the First Delegated Legislation Committee and has appointed Mr Eric Martlew Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Danny Alexander, Peter Bottomley, Richard Burden, Mr Stephen Byers, Mr David Curry, James Duddridge, Mr John Heppell, Barbara Keeley, Mr Mark Lancaster, Mr David Laws, Mrs Anne McGuire, Andrew Mackinlay, Mrs Madeleine Moon, Andrew Selous, Mr Dennis Skinner, Mr Andrew Smith and Ian Stewart.

4Draft Armed Forces, Army, Air Force and Naval Discipline Acts (Continuation) Order 2007, the draft Armed Forces (Alignment of Service Discipline Acts) Order 2007, and the draft Armed Forces (Service Police Amendments) Order 2007,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Bill Etherington from the Second Delegated Legislation Committee (nominated in respect of the draft Orders) and nominated in substitution Geraldine Smith.

5Draft Trade Marks (Relative Grounds) Order 2007:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Second 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: Lorely Burt, Mr William Cash, Mr Tobias Ellwood, Mr James Gray, Mr Dai Havard, Mr Stephen Hepburn, Susan Kramer, Steve McCabe, Chris McCafferty, Ann McKechin, Dr Nick Palmer, Mr Mark Prisk, Mr Richard Shepherd, Keith Vaz, Malcolm Wicks, Mrs Betty Williams and Mike Wood.

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6Smoke-free (Signs) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 923):

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

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Ms Dawn Butler, Caroline Flint, Sandra Gidley, Miss Julie Kirkbride, Mr Andrew Love, Ian Lucas, Shona McIsaac, Fiona Mactaggart, Anne Main, Mr Michael Meacher, Mr Alan Milburn, Dr Andrew Murrison, Robert Neill, Dr John Pugh, Andrew Rosindell, Claire Ward and Mr Tom Watson.

European Standing Committees

7The Speaker has appointed Mr David Marshall Chairman of the European Standing Committee in respect of European Union Document No. 8322/07 and Addendum 1, on European Research Area.

8European Union Document No. 8179/07 and Addenda 1 and 2, relating to Fisheries: By-catches and Discards,—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, Tony Cunningham, Mr Wayne David, Natascha Engel, Mr Robert Goodwill, Chris Huhne, Mr Humfrey Malins, Stephen Pound, Chris Ruane, Mr Lee Scott, Bill Wiggin and Mr Roger Williams.

9European Union Documents No. 11847/06 and No. 11816/06 and Addendum 1, relating to Water policy: environmental quality standards, have been referred to European Standing Committee A.

10Unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum, dated 6th June 2007, submitted by HM Treasury, relating to the Preliminary Draft Budget 2008, has been referred to European Standing Committee B.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Draft Climate Change Bill,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on the Draft Climate Change Bill; to be printed [No. 542-v] [Mr Tim Yeo].

2Draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Joint Committee on the Draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill; to be printed [No. 630-iv]; and

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

[Mr Phil Willis].

3Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—Implementation of the Environmental Liability Directive: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee; to be printed [No. 694-i] [Mr Michael Jack].

4European Scrutiny,—(1) Twenty-fifth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 41-xxv]; and

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

[Michael Connarty].

5Modernisation of the House of Commons,—Revitalising the Chamber: the role of the back bench Member: First Report from the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons, with Memoranda; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 337] [Mr Jack Straw].

6Northern Ireland Affairs,—The Northern Ireland Prison Service: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee; to be printed [No. 520-iv] [ Sir Patrick Cormack].

7Public Accounts,—Thames Gateway: Laying the foundations: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts; to be printed [No. 693-i] [Mr Edward Leigh].

8Science and Technology,—(1) OSI Scrutiny 2005 and 2006: Government Response to the Committee’s Sixth Report of Session 2006–07: Second Special Report from the Science and Technology Committee; to be printed [No. 635]; and

(2) Investigating the Oceans: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 470-iii]

[Mr Phil Willis].

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9Statutory Instruments,—Nineteenth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, with Memoranda; to be printed [No. 82-xix] [David Maclean].

10Transport,—The draft Local Transport Bill: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Committee; to be printed [No. 692-i] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

11Treasury,—Progress on the efficiency programme in the Chancellor’s departments: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Treasury Committee; to be printed [No. 483-iv] [John McFall].


[No. 104; WH, No. 63]

Wednesday 13th June 2007.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall

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

Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Dave Watts.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 4.57 p.m.


[No. 105.]

Thursday 14th June 2007.

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

PRAYERS.

1Further Education and Training Bill [Lords],—Mr Peter Atkinson reported from the Further Education and Training Bill [Lords] Committee, That it had gone through the Bill and made Amendments thereunto.

Memorandum (reported on 12th June) to be printed.

Bill, as amended in the Public Bill Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 125].

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

2Safeguarding Runaway and Missing Children Bill,—The Order for reading the Safeguarding Runaway and Missing Children Bill a second time on Friday 15th June was read and discharged.

Bill to be read a second time on Friday 19th October.

3Digital Switchover (Disclosure of Information) Bill (Programme) (No. 2),—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 Digital Switchover (Disclosure of Information) Bill for the purpose of supplementing the Order of 18th December 2006 (Digital Switchover (Disclosure of Information) Bill (Programme)):

Consideration of Lords Amendment

1. Proceedings on consideration of the Lords Amendment shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour 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—(Liz Blackman):—It was agreed to.

4Digital Switchover (Disclosure of Information) Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Lords Amendment to the Digital Switchover (Disclosure of Information) Bill.

Lords Amendment No. 1 was agreed to.

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5Rating (Empty Properties) Bill,—The House, according to Order, resolved itself into a Committee on the Rating (Empty Properties) Bill.

(In the Committee)

Clause No. 1 (Unoccupied hereditaments: chargeable amount).

Amendment (No. 6) proposed, in page 1, line 2, at beginning to insert the words—

‘(1) In section 45(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 (c. 41) (unoccupied hereditaments: liability) after “year” insert—

“(ca) none of the conditions in subsection (1A) applies”.

(2) After section 45(1) of that Act insert—

“(1A) The conditions are that—

(a) the whole hereditament has, subject to subsection (1B), been unoccupied for a continuous period not exceeding three months;

(b) its owner is prohibited by law from occupying it or allowing it to be occupied;

(c) it is kept vacant by reason of action taken by or on behalf of the Crown or any local or public authority with a view to prohibiting the occupation of the hereditament or to acquiring it;

(d) it is the subject of a building preservation notice as defined by section 3 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 or is included in a list compiled under section 1 of that Act;

(e) it is included in the Schedule of monuments compiled under section 1 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (c. 46);

(f) it is a qualifying industrial hereditament;

(g) its rateable value is less than £2,200;

(h) the owner is entitled to possession only in his capacity as the personal representative of a deceased person;

(i) there subsists in respect of the owner’s estate a bankruptcy order within the meaning of Parts VIII to XI of the Insolvency Act 1986 (c. 45);

(j) the owner is entitled to possession of the hereditament in his capacity as trustee under a deed of arrangement to which the Deeds of Arrangement Act 1914 (c. 47) applies;

(k) the owner is a company which is subject to a winding-up order made under the Insolvency Act 1986 or which is being wound up voluntarily under that Act;

(l) the owner is entitled to possession of the hereditament in his capacity as liquidator by virtue of an order made under section 112 or section 145 of the Insolvency Act 1986.

(1B) Where a hereditament which has been unoccupied becomes occupied on any day and becomes unoccupied again on the expiration of a period of less than six weeks beginning with that day, then for the purposes of ascertaining whether the hereditament has been continuously unoccupied for the period mentioned in subsection (1A)(a) it shall be treated as having been unoccupied on that day and throughout the period.

(1C) For the purpose of subsection (1A)(a), a hereditament which has not previously been occupied shall be treated as becoming unoccupied—

(a) on the day determined under paragraph 8 of Schedule 1 to the General Rate Act 1967, or

(b) on the day determined under Schedule 4A to the Act, or

(c) where neither (a) nor (b) applies, on the day for which the hereditament is first shown in a local rating list,

whichever day first occurs.

(1D) In subsection (1A)(f)—

“qualifying industrial hereditament” means any hereditament other than a retail hereditament in relation to which all buildings comprised in the hereditament are—

(a) constructed or adapted for use in the course of a trade or business, and

(b) constructed or adapted for use for one or more of the following purposes, or one or more such purposes and one or more purposes ancillary thereto—

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(i) the manufacture, repair or adaptation of goods or materials, or the subjection of goods or materials to any process;

(ii) storage (including the storage or handling of goods in the course of their distribution);

(iii) the working or processing of minerals;

(iv) the generation of electricity; and

“retail hereditament” means any hereditament where any building or part of a building comprised in the hereditament is constructed or adapted for the purpose of the retail provision of—

(a) goods, or

(b) services, other than storage for distribution services, on or from the hereditament.”.’.—(Mr Robert Syms.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The Committee divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Goodwill, Mr Tobias Ellwood: 143.

Tellers for the Noes, Tony Cunningham, Mr Dave Watts: 236.

Another Amendment (No. 2) proposed, in page 1, line 5, to leave out the words ‘subsection (4A)’ and insert the words ‘subsections (4A) and (4B)’.—(Michael Gove.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The Committee divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Goodwill, Mr Tobias Ellwood: 134.

Tellers for the Noes, Tony Cunningham, Mr Alan Campbell: 236.

Another Amendment (No. 1) proposed, in page 2, line 22, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(4) The third case is where—

(a) the ratepayer is a community owned village hall or community centre, and

(b) it appears that when next in use the hereditament will be wholly or mainly used for community benefit.’.—(Mr Robert Syms.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The Committee divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Robert Goodwill, Mr Tobias Ellwood: 134.

Tellers for the Noes, Tony Cunningham, Steve McCabe: 232.

It being after Five o’clock, the Chairman put the remaining Questions necessary to bring proceedings in the Committee to a conclusion, pursuant to Order [7th June].

Clauses Nos. 1 to 3 agreed to.

Schedules Nos. 1 and 2 agreed to.

Whereupon the Chairman left the Chair to report the Bill to the House.


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

A Motion being made, That the Bill be now read the third time;

Secretary Ruth Kelly, by Her Majesty’s Command, acquainted the House, That Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, gives her Consent, as far as Her Majesty’s interest is concerned, That the House may do therein as it shall think fit.

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

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

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

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

7Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Tony Cunningham.)

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

[Adjourned at 6.17 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Access to Justice,—Revised Funding Code prepared by the Legal Services Commission [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Vera Baird].

2Criminal Law,—Draft Community Order (Review by Specified Courts) Order 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr David Hanson].

3Income Tax,—Draft Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (Macedonia) Order 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Dawn Primarolo].

Paper subject to Negative Resolution:

4Caribbean and North Atlantic Territories,—Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1678), dated 13th June 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Margaret Beckett].

Other Papers:

5Criminal Justice,—Report of the Sentencing Guidelines Council and Sentencing Advisory Panel for 2006–07 [by Act] [Mr David Hanson].

6Further and Higher Education,—Report and Accounts of the Higher Education Funding Council for England for 2006–07, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 510] [Secretary Alan Johnson].

7Government Resources and Accounts,—Report and Accounts of the Valuation Office Agency for 2006–07, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 550] [Dawn Primarolo].

8Work and Pensions,—(1) Government Response to the Fifth Report from the Work and Pensions Committee, Session 2006–07, on Personal Accounts: and

(2) Paper, entitled Personal accounts: a new way to save; Summary of responses to the consultation

[by Command] [Cm. 7122 and 7121] [Mr Secretary Hutton].

APPENDIX II

General Committees

European Standing Committees

European Union Document No. 8322/07 and Addendum 1, relating to European Research Area,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Henry Bellingham from the European Standing Committee (nominated in respect of the Document and Addendum) and nominated in substitution Charles Hendry.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Culture, Media and Sport,—Public Service Media Content: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee; to be printed [No. 316-viii] [Mr John Whittingdale].

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2Health,—Electronic Patient Record: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee; to be printed [No. 422-iv] [Mr Kevin Barron].

3Transport,—The Government’s Motorcycling Strategy: Government Response to the Fifth Report from the Committee, Session 2006–07: Eighth Special Report from the Transport Committee; to be printed [No. 698] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

4Treasury,—(1) The 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review: prospects and processes: Sixth Report from the Treasury Committee, with Memoranda; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 279]; and

(2) The Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England: ten years on: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 299-v]

[John McFall].


[No. 105; WH, No. 64]

Thursday 14th June 2007.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall

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

Adjournment (Drug classification: making a hash of it?—Fifth Report from the Science and Technology Committee, Session 2005–06, the Government’s response thereto and follow-up evidence to the Committee),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Liz Blackman.)

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

[Adjourned at 5.47 p.m.


THE SPEAKER’S CERTIFICATE

The Speaker certified that the Rating (Empty Properties) Bill is a Money Bill within the meaning of the Parliament Act 1911.


[No. 106.]

Friday 15th June 2007.

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

1The Speaker’s Absence,—The House being met, and the Speaker having leave of absence pursuant to paragraph (3) of Standing Order No. 3 (Deputy Speaker), Sir Michael Lord, the Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means, proceeded to the Table.

PRAYERS.

2The Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means took the Chair as Deputy Speaker.

3Corruption Bill [Lords],—The Corruption Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 29th June and to be printed [Bill 126].

4Motion to sit in private,—Mr Brooks Newmark moved, That this House do sit in private.

The Deputy Speaker put the Question forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 163 (Motions to sit in private).

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Richard Benyon, Mr Charles Walker: 1.

Tellers for the Noes, Greg Clark, Mr Greg Knight: 75.

So the Question was negatived.

5Sustainable Communities Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Sustainable Communities Bill, as amended in the Public Bill Committee.

A Clause (NC6) (Local authorities: transfer of functions)—(Mr Nick Hurd)—brought up, and read the first time.

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

Another Clause (NC1) (Proposals by local authorities)—(Mr Phil Woolas)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (NC2) (Decision on short-list)—(Mr Phil Woolas)—brought up, and read the first and second time.

Amendment ((a)) made to the proposed Clause.

Clause, as amended, added to the Bill.

Another Clause (NC3) (Action plans)—(Mr Phil Woolas)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (NC4) (Proposals: regulations)—(Mr Phil Woolas)—brought up, and read the first and second time.

Amendments ((a) and (c)) made to the proposed Clause.

Clause, as amended, added to the Bill.

Another Clause (NC5) (Sustainable community strategies)—(Mr Phil Woolas)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Amendments (Nos. 1 to 4, 10, 21 to 25, 35 to 38, and 40 to 42) made to the Bill.

The Bill was read the third time, and passed.

6Human Rights Act 1998 (Meaning of Public Authority) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Human Rights Act 1998 (Meaning of Public Authority) Bill;

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

And it being half-past Two o’clock, the Debate stood adjourned.

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 29th June.

7Land Use (Gardens Protection Etc) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for resuming the adjourned Debate on the Question proposed on 2nd February, That the Land Use (Gardens Protection Etc) Bill be now read a second time;

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 19th October.

8Provision of Palliative Care Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Provision of Palliative Care Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 19th October.

9Retail Packaging Recycling Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Retail Packaging Recycling Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 29th June.

10Disabled Persons (Independent Living) Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Disabled Persons (Independent Living) Bill [Lords];

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 19th October.

11Members of Parliament (Employment Disqualification) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Members of Parliament (Employment Disqualification) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 19th October.

12Freedom of Information (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Freedom of Information (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 29th June.

13Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Tony Cunningham.)

And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till three minutes to Three o’clock, adjourned till Monday 18th June.

[Adjourned at 2.57 p.m.

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APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Education,—(1) Education (Mandatory Awards) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1629); and

(2) Education (Student Loans) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 1630),

dated 7th June 2007 [by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Secretary Alan Johnson].

2Road Traffic,—Alterations to the provisions of rules 61 and 63 of the Highway Code proposed to be made by the Secretary of State for Transport [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Alexander].

Other Papers:

3Access to Justice,—Explanatory Memorandum to the Revised Funding Code prepared by the Legal Services Commission [by Command] [Vera Baird].

4Government Resources and Accounts,—Report and Accounts of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate for 2006–07, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 559] [Secretary David Miliband].

5Public Petitions,—Observations by—

(1) the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the Petition [18th May] from clients and staff of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs against proposals for the closure of HMRC offices in Cornwall;

(2) the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the Petition [18th May] from water bill payers and others of like disposition for measures to alleviate water poverty in the South West region; and

(3) the Secretary of State for Transport on the Petition [6th June] from residents of Kingskerswell, Aller and Edginswell, Devon, against the proposed construction of a bypass around Kingskerswell and through the Aller valley

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

Papers withdrawn:

6Access to Justice,—Explanatory Memorandum to the Revised Funding Code prepared by the Legal Services Commission [laid 14th June].



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