[No. 20.]
Monday 10th December 2007.
The House met at half-past Two o’clock.
PRAYERS.
| 1 | First Delegated Legislation Committee,—Sir Nicholas Winterton reported from the First Delegated Legislation Committee the draft Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) Order 2007. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 2 | Second Delegated Legislation Committee,—Mr Martin Caton reported from the Second Delegated Legislation Committee the draft Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses (Amendment) Regulations 2007. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Third Delegated Legislation Committee,—Mr Greg Pope reported from the Third Delegated Legislation Committee the draft European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (Agreement on Enlargement of the European Economic Area) Order 2007. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | Drugs (Reclassification) Bill,—Mr Christopher Chope, supported by Mr Peter Bone, Mr William Cash, Philip Davies, Mr Nigel Evans, Mr David Heathcoat-Amory, Mr Robert Syms and Sir Nicholas Winterton, presented a Bill to provide for the reclassification of cannabis: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 29th February and to be printed [Bill 37]. |
| 5 | Drugs (Roadside Testing) Bill,—Mr Christopher Chope, supported by Mr Peter Bone, Mr William Cash, Philip Davies, Mr Nigel Evans, Richard Ottaway, Mr Greg Knight, Mr Graham Stuart, Peter Viggers, Sir George Young and Sir Nicholas Winterton, presented a Bill to make provision for roadside testing for illegal drugs; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 9th May and to be printed [Bill 38]. |
| 6 | Broadcasting (Television Licence Fee Abolition) Bill,—Mr Christopher Chope, supported by Mr Peter Bone, Mr William Cash, Mr Nigel Evans, Philip Davies, Mr Mark Field, Mr David Heathcoat-Amory, Bob Spink and Mr Robert Syms, presented a Bill to make provision for the abolition of the television licence fee; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 17th October and to be printed [Bill 39]. |
| 7 | Sovereignty of Parliament (European Communities) Bill,—Mr Christopher Chope, supported by Mr Peter Bone, Mr William Cash, Philip Davies, Mr Nigel Evans, Mr David Heathcoat-Amory, Bob Spink, Mr Robert Syms, Mr Andrew Turner, Peter Viggers and Sir Nicholas Winterton, presented a Bill to provide that Community treaties, Community instruments and Community obligations shall only be binding in legal proceedings in the United Kingdom insofar as they do not conflict with a subsequent, expressly inconsistent enactment of the Parliament of the United Kingdom: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 13th June and to be printed [Bill 40]. |
| 8 | European Union (Audit of Benefits and Costs of UK Membership) Bill,—Mr Christopher Chope, supported by Mr Peter Bone, Mr William Cash, Mr Nigel Evans, Mr David Heathcoat-Amory, Bob Spink, Mr Robert Syms, Mr Andrew Turner, Peter Viggers and Sir Nicholas Winterton, presented a Bill to establish a Commission to carry out regular audits of the economic costs and benefits of the UK’s membership of the European Union; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 20th June and to be printed [Bill 41]. |
| 9 | Road Traffic (Congestion Reduction) Bill,—Mr Christopher Chope, supported by Mr Peter Bone, Mr William Cash, Sir Patrick Cormack, Philip Davies, Mr Mark Field, Mr David Heathcoat-Amory, Mr Greg Knight, Bob Spink, Sir Nicholas Winterton and Sir George Young, presented a Bill to place a duty on highway authorities and police forces to minimise congestion and delays caused by collisions and other incidents on the highway; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 13th June and to be printed [Bill 42]. |
| 10 | Crown Employment (Nationality) Bill,—Mr Andrew Dismore, supported by Dr Tony Wright, Mr Andrew Slaughter, Annette Brooke, Mr Andrew Love, Keith Vaz, Ms Karen Buck, Mr Virendra Sharma, Mike Gapes, Jeremy Corbyn, Shona McIsaac and Stephen
|
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| |
Pound, presented a Bill to make provision for and in connection with the removal of general restrictions as to nationality which apply to persons employed or holding office in any civil capacity under the Crown; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 6th June and to be printed [Bill 43]. |
Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Crown Employment (Nationality) Bill be printed [Bill 43–EN].
| 11 | Pedlars (Street Trading Regulation) Bill,—Dr Brian Iddon, supported by Mr David Amess, Jim Dobbin, Mr Lindsay Hoyle, Mark Hunter, Mr Eric Illsley, Martin Salter, Alan Simpson, Anne Snelgrove, Mr Phil Willis and Sir Nicholas Winterton, presented a Bill to confer further powers on local authorities for the regulation of street trading by pedlars; and for connected purposes: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 1st February and to be printed [Bill 44]. |
| 12 | Planning Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Planning Bill; |
And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read a second time;
An Amendment was proposed to the Question, to leave out from the word ‘That’ to the end of the Question and add the words ‘this House declines to give a Second Reading to the Planning Bill because, whilst there is a need to speed up the planning system and undo the extra bureaucracy introduced in the 2004 Act, the Bill creates a new Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) which is fundamentally undemocratic and unaccountable to both local and national elected representatives, deprives Parliament of the ability to approve, amend or reject National Planning Statements and fails to guarantee that all revenues from the Community Infrastructure Levy will be fully retained by local authorities; and because the combination of the IPC, the Homes and Communities Agency and more powerful regional development agencies represents the systematic dismantling of local democracy to the detriment of the local environment and local accountability’, instead thereof.—(Mr Eric Pickles.)
And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John Baron, Mr Nick Hurd: 215.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Michael Foster, Mr Frank Roy: 281.
So the Question was negatived.
And the Main Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 62 (Amendment on second or third reading);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Frank Roy, Mr Michael Foster: 276.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Baron, Mr Nick Hurd: 212.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Bill was accordingly read a second time.
| 13 | Planning Bill (Programme),—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 83A (Programme motions), That the following provisions shall apply to the Planning Bill: |
Committal
1. The Bill shall be committed to a Public Bill Committee.
Proceedings in Public Bill Committee
2. Proceedings in the Public Bill Committee shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion on Tuesday 5th February 2008.
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.
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5. Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the moment of interruption on that day.
6. Standing Order No. 83B (Programming committees) shall not apply to proceedings on consideration and Third Reading.
Other proceedings
7. Any other proceedings on the Bill (including any proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments or on any further messages from the Lords) may be programmed—(Liz Blackman);
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Frank Roy, Mr Michael Foster: 309.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Baron, Mr Nick Hurd: 152.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 14 | Planning Bill [Money],—Her Majesty’s Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Planning Bill [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 Planning Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—
(1) any expenditure incurred under or by virtue of the Act by the Secretary of State, and
(2) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable out of money so provided under or by virtue of any other Act—(Liz Blackman):—It was agreed to.
| 15 | Planning Bill [Ways and Means],—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 Planning Bill, it is expedient to authorise— |
(1) the charging of fees, and
(2) the imposition of a Community Infrastructure Levy—(Liz Blackman):—It was agreed to.
| 16 | Welsh Grand Committee,—Ordered, That— |
(1) the matter of the Government’s Legislative Programme as outlined in the Queen’s Speech as it relates to Wales and Public Expenditure in Wales be referred to the Welsh Grand Committee for its consideration;
(2) the Committee shall meet at Westminster on Wednesday 12th December at nine o’clock and between two o’clock and four o’clock to consider the matter referred to it under paragraph (1) above.—(Liz Blackman.)
| 17 | Health,—Ordered, That Mike Penning be discharged from the Health Committee and Mr Peter Bone be added.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) |
Subject: 2012 Olympics and the North East (Dr Ashok Kumar).
Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Liz Blackman.)
And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till one minute to Eleven o’clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.59 p.m.
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APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers presented by Her Majesty’s Command and delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 7th December 2007 pursuant to Standing Order No. 158 (Presentation of command papers):
| 1 | Children, Schools and Families,—Department for Children, Schools and Families: Autumn Performance Report [Cm. 7279] [Secretary Ed Balls]. |
Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 7th December 2007 pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Agriculture,—Milk and Milk Products (Pupils in Educational Establishments) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3429), dated 1st December 2007, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Secretary Hilary Benn]. |
| 3 | Consumer Protection,—Cosmetic Products (Safety) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3452), dated 6th December 2007, with an Explanatory Memorandum and Impact Assessment [Mr Secretary Hutton]. |
| 4 | Corporation Tax,—(1) Insurance Companies (Overseas Life Assurance Business) (Excluded Business) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3445); and |
(2) Overseas Life Insurance Companies (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3449),
dated 6th December 2007, with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [Kitty Ussher].
| 5 | Environmental Protection,—Controls on Dangerous Substances and Preparations (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3438), dated 6th December 2007, with an Explanatory Memorandum and Impact Assessment [Secretary Hilary Benn]. |
| 6 | Food,—Drinking Milk (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3428), dated 1st December 2007, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Secretary Hilary Benn]. |
| 7 | Value Added Tax,—Value Added Tax (Reduced Rate) (No. 2) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3448), dated 6th December 2007, with an Explanatory Memorandum [Jane Kennedy]. |
Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 10th December 2007:
Paper subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 8 | Corporation Tax,—Draft Insurance Business Transfer Schemes (Amendment of Corporation Tax Acts) Order 2008 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Kitty Ussher]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 9 | Defence,—(1) Courts-Martial (Army) Rules 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3442); |
(2) Courts-Martial (Royal Air Force) Rules 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3444); and
(3) Courts-Martial (Royal Navy) Rules 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3443),
dated 6th December 2007 [by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Secretary Des Browne].
| 10 | Education,—(1) Education (Student Support) (European Institutions) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3344), dated 26th November 2007; and |
(2) Salisbury College (Dissolution) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3473), dated 3rd December 2007
[by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Secretary Ed Balls].
| 11 | Environmental Protection,—Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3433), dated 4th December 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Hilary Benn]. |
| 12 | Immigration,—(1) Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 (Data Sharing Code of Practice) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3427), dated 13th November 2007; and |
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(2) Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 (Data Sharing Code of Practice) (Revocation) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3447), dated 5th December 2007
[by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Secretary Jacqui Smith].
| 13 | Metropolitan and City Police Districts,—Private Hire Vehicles (London) (Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3453), dated 6th December 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Ruth Kelly]. |
| 14 | Plant Health,—Plant Health (Forestry) (Phytophthpra ramorum) (Great Britain) (Amendment) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3450), dated 6th December 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Hilary Benn]. |
| 15 | Police,—(1) Police Service of Northern Ireland Pensions (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2007 (S.R. (N.I.), 2007, No. 485), dated 27th November 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Woodward]; |
(2) Police Service of Northern Ireland Pensions (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.R. (N.I.), 2007, No. 484), dated 27th November 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Woodward]; and
(3) Supply of Information (Register of Deaths) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3460), dated 6th December 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum and Impact Assessment [by Command] [Angela Eagle].
| 16 | Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,—Statute, dated 14th February 2007, made by the Governing Body of St. Hilda’s College in the University of Oxford, amending the Statutes of the College [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Clerk of the House]. |
Other Papers:
| 17 | Animal Health,—Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Framework Response Plan for Exotic Animal Diseases for Foot and Mouth Disease, Avian Influenza, Newcastle Disease, Classical Swine Fever, African Swine Fever, Swine Vesicular Disease, Rabies, Bluetongue, Specified Types of Equine Exotic Diseases: Glanders, Dourine, Infectious Anaemia and Equine Encephalomyelitis (of all types including West Nile Virus) and Overview of Emergency Preparedness for Exotic Animal Diseases [by Act] [Secretary Hilary Benn]. |
| 18 | Energy,—Energy Act 2004 (Designation of Publicly Owned Companies) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3479), dated 9th December 2007 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hutton]. |
| 19 | Immigration,—Immigration (Designation of Travel Bans) (Amendment) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3440), dated 5th December 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Jacqui Smith]. |
| 20 | Medical,—Report and Accounts of the General Medical Council for 2006 [by Act] [Secretary Jack Straw]. |
| 21 | National Audit,—Reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General on— |
(1) Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Rural Payments Agency: A progress update in resolving the difficulties in administering the Single Payment Scheme in England; and
(2) Partnering for success: Preparing to deliver the 14–19 education reforms in England
[by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 10 and 99] [Clerk of the House].
| 22 | National Health Service,—Report on the NHS Summarised Accounts 2006–07: Achieving Financial Balance and Summarised Accounts of Strategic Health Authorities, Primary Care Trusts and NHS Trusts in England, for 2006–07, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 129-I and -II] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 23 | Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism,—Explanatory Memorandum to the Terrorism Act 2000 (Business in the Regulated Sector and Supervisory Authorities) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3288) [by Command] [Kitty Ussher]. |
| 24 | Proceeds of Crime,—Explanatory Memorandum to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Business in the Regulated Sector and Supervisory Authorities) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3287) [by Command] [Kitty Ussher]. |
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| 25 | Statutory Instruments (Notification),—Communication declaring that the undermentioned Statutory Instrument had come into operation before copies were laid before Parliament, and explaining why such copies had not been so laid before the Instrument came into operation: |
Export and Movement Restrictions (Foot-and-Mouth Disease) (No. 2) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007, No. 3435)
[by Standing Order] [The Speaker].
Papers withdrawn:
| 26 | Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism,—Explanatory Memorandum to the Terrorism Act 2000 (Business in the Regulated Sector and Supervisory Authorities) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3288) [laid 20th November]. |
| 27 | Proceeds of Crime,—Explanatory Memorandum to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Business in the Regulated Sector and Supervisory Authorities) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3287) [laid 20th November]. |
APPENDIX II
General Committees
| 1 | Housing and Regeneration Bill,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Joan Walley from the Housing and Regeneration Bill Committee and nominated in substitution Lyn Brown. |
| 2 | Draft Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) Order 2007,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mrs Ann Cryer, Martin Salter and Geraldine Smith from the First Delegated Legislation Committee (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Hilary Armstrong, Jim Dobbin and Mr Jamie Reed. |
| 3 | Draft Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses (Amendment) Regulations 2007,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Ronnie Campbell and Mr Ian Davidson from the Second Delegated Legislation Committee (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations) and nominated in substitution Jeff Ennis and Mr Robert Flello. |
| 4 | Draft European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (Agreement on Enlargement of the European Economic Area) Order 2007,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Mike Hall from the Third Delegated Legislation Committee (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Dan Norris. |
| 5 | Draft Financial Assistance Scheme (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2007,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Helen Southworth, Mr Don Touhig and Mr Anthony Wright from the Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations) and nominated in substitution Shona McIsaac, Chris Mole and Jessica Morden. |
Grand Committees
| 6 | Welsh Grand Committee,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Angela Watkinson from the Welsh Grand Committee and nominated in substitution Mrs Cheryl Gillan. |
European Standing Committees
| 7 | European Union Document No. 11559/07, relating to Funding of Political Parties,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Fraser Kemp, Mrs Maria Miller and Mr Eliot Morley from the European Standing Committee (nominated in respect of the Document) and nominated in substitution Mr Ronnie Campbell, Mr Robert Flello and Mr Graham Stuart. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform,—The UK Construction Industry: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Committee; to be printed [No. 127-iii] [Peter Luff]. |
| 2 | Children, Schools and Families,—Testing and Assessment: |
(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Children, Schools and Families Committee; to be printed [No. 169-i]; and
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(2) Memorandum laid before the Committee; to be published
[Mr Barry Sheerman].
| 3 | Communities and Local Government,—(1) DCLG Annual Report 2007: Second Report from the Communities and Local Government Committee, with Memoranda; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 170]; and |
(2) Housing Green Paper: Memorandum laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 171]; and Tables; to be published
[Dr Phyllis Starkey].
| 4 | Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—Badgers and cattle TB: Final Report of the Independent Scientific Group: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee; to be printed [No. 130-ii] [Mr Michael Jack]. |
| 5 | Foreign Affairs,—Overseas Territories: Memoranda laid before the Foreign Affairs Committee on 5th December; to be published [Mike Gapes]. |
| 6 | Human Rights,—(1) Counter-terrorism Policy and Human Rights: Second Report from the Joint Committee on Human Rights, with Memoranda; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 156]; |
(2) Legislative Scrutiny: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published, and
(3) The Treatment of Asylum Seekers: Memorandum laid before the Committee; to be published
[Mr Andrew Dismore].
| 7 | Public Accounts,—(1) Tackling rural poverty in developing countries: First Report from the Committee of Public Accounts; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 172]; |
(2) Prescribing costs in primary care: Second Report from the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 173];
(3) Building for the future: sustainable construction and refurbishment on the government estate: Third Report from the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 174];
(4) Building and maintaining river and coastal flood defences: Fourth Report from the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 175]; and
(5) Foreign and Commonwealth Office: managing risk in overseas territories: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 176-i]
[Mr Edward Leigh].
[No. 21.]
Tuesday 11th December 2007.
The House met at half-past Two o’clock.
PRAYERS.
| 1 | Housing and Regeneration Bill,—Mr Roger Gale reported from the Housing and Regeneration Bill 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) certain Memoranda.
Memoranda to lie upon the Table and be published.
| 2 | Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee,—Mr Eric Illsley reported from the Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee the draft Financial Assistance Scheme (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2007. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | European Standing Committee,—John Cummings reported from a European Standing Committee the following Resolution: |
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That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 11559/07, Draft Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No. 2004/2003 on the regulations governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding; and agrees that the Government should support its adoption.
Resolution to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 4 | European Affairs,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House has considered the matter of European affairs—(Secretary David Miliband); |
Mr William Cash rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put.
And the Question being put, That the Question be now put:—It was agreed to.
And the Question being accordingly put;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Wayne David, Mr Dave Watts: 276.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Wilshire, Mr Peter Bone: 17.
So the Question was agreed to.
Resolved, That this House has considered the matter of European affairs.
| 5 | Section 5 of the European Communities (Amendment) Act 1993,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Delegated Legislation Committees) and Order [12th November], That this House takes note with approval of the Government’s assessment as set out in the Pre-Budget Report 2007 for the purposes of section 5 of the European Communities (Amendment) Act 1993—(Liz Blackman):—It was agreed to. |
| 6 | Housing,—Ordered, That the Home Information Pack (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3301), dated 22nd November 2007, be referred to a Delegated Legislation Committee.—(Liz Blackman.) |
| 7 | European Communities,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Delegated Legislation Committees), That the draft European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (Agreement on Enlargement of the European Economic Area) Order 2007, which was laid before this House on 15th November, be approved—(Liz Blackman):—It was agreed to. |
| 8 | Immigration,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Delegated Legislation Committees), That the draft Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) Order 2007, which was laid before this House on 21st November, be approved—(Liz Blackman):—It was agreed to. |
| 9 | Employment Agencies, Etc.,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Delegated Legislation Committees), That the draft Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses (Amendment) Regulations 2007, which were laid before this House on 28th November, be approved—(Liz Blackman):—It was agreed to. |
| 10 | Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from— |
(1) Mr Brian Kewley, Postmaster, and the customers of Lower Heswall Post Office, Wirral, relating to Post Office closures (Wirral);
(2) Sally Ann Cooke relating to Family Courts (Reform);
(3) residents of Little Harrowden, Great Harrowden, Orlingbury, Pytchely and surrounding areas relating to Post Office closures (Northamptonshire); and
(4) those affected by the closure of the Elm Grove Post Office in Brighton relating to Post Office closures (Brighton)
were presented and read.
Subject: Funding for schools in Shropshire (Mr Owen Paterson).
Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Liz Blackman.)
And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till thirteen minutes to Eleven o’clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 10.47 p.m.
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APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 1 | Cinemas and Film,—Films (Certification) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3478), dated 10th December 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum and Impact Assessment [by Command] [Secretary James Purnell]. |
| 2 | Damages,—(1) Damages for Bereavement (Variation of Sum) (England and Wales) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3489); and |
(2) Damages for Bereavement (Variation of Sum) (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3488),
dated 10th December 2007 [by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Secretary Jack Straw].
| 3 | Environmental Protection,—Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3454), dated 6th December 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum and Impact Assessment [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hutton]. |
Other Papers:
| 4 | Children, Schools and Families,—Paper, entitled The Children’s Plan: Building brighter futures [by Command] [Cm. 7280] [Secretary Ed Balls]. |
| 5 | International Development,—Department for International Development: Autumn Performance Report 2007 [by Command] [Cm. 7274] [Mr Secretary Alexander]. |
| 6 | Local Government,—Financial Statement of the South Bank Centre for 2006–07, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act] [Secretary James Purnell]. |
| 7 | Transport,—(1) Department for Transport Minute, dated 11th December 2007, concerning non-statutory contingent liabilities in respect of an indemnity to be given by the Secretary of State for Transport to Network Rail relating to the operation of Crossrail services [by Command]; and |
(2) Department for Transport: Autumn Performance Report 2007 [by Command] [Cm. 7266]
[Secretary Ruth Kelly].
APPENDIX II
General Committees
| 1 | Planning Bill,–The Speaker has appointed Sir John Butterfill and Mr Eric Illsley Chairmen of the Planning Bill Committee. |
| 2 | Draft Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (Amendment) Regulations 2007,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Margaret Beckett, Ms Karen Buck, Barbara Follett, Mr Fabian Hamilton, Ms Patricia Hewitt, Mr Stewart Jackson, Ms Diana R. Johnson, Barbara Keeley, Robert Neill, Sandra Osborne, Richard Ottaway, Mike Penning, Ms Gisela Stuart, Andrew Stunell, Jo Swinson, Mr Shailesh Vara and Mrs Betty Williams from the Sixth Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Regulations). |
Grand Committees
| 3 | Welsh Grand Committee,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Martin Caton Chairman of the Welsh Grand Committee in respect of its meetings on 12th December. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Administration,—Record of the Administration Committee’s discussions at its meetings on 13th November, 27th November and 11th December 2007 [Mr Frank Doran]. |
| 2 | Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform,—Creating a Higher Value-added Economy: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Committee; to be printed [No. 168-i] [Peter Luff]. |
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| 3 | Communities and Local Government,—Existing Housing and Climate Change: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Communities and Local Government Committee; to be printed [No. 70-iii] [Dr Phyllis Starkey]. |
| 4 | Defence,—(1) The Iran hostages incident: the lessons learned: Fourth Report from the Defence Committee, with a Memorandum; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 181]; |
(2) Medical Care for the Armed Forces: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published; and
(3) The Future of NATO and European Defence: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published
[Mr James Arbuthnot].
| 5 | Environmental Audit,—2007 Pre-Budget Report and Comprehensive Spending Review: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee; to be printed [No. 149-ii] [Mr Tim Yeo]. |
| 6 | Home Affairs,—(1) The Government’s Counter-Terrorism Proposals: First Report from the Home Affairs Committee, with Memoranda; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 43]; and |
(2) The Government’s Counter-Terrorism Bill: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 180-i]
[Keith Vaz].
| 7 | Public Administration,—(1) Machinery of Government changes: A follow-up Report: First Report from the Select Committee on Public Administration: to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 160]; and |
(2) Propriety and Peerages: Second Report from the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 153]
[Dr Tony Wright].
| 8 | Scottish Affairs,—Poverty in Scotland: Second Report from the Scottish Affairs Committee, with Memoranda; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 128-I and -II] [Mr Mohammad Sarwar]. |
| 9 | Treasury,—(1) Financial inclusion follow-up: saving for all and shorter term saving products: Government Response to the Thirteenth Report from the Committee, Session 2006–07: Third Special Report from the Treasury Committee; to be printed [No. 167]; |
(2) Financial Stability and Transparency: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 56-iii];
(3) Private equity: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 166-i]; and
(4) Counting the Population: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 183]
[John McFall].
| 10 | Welsh Affairs,—(1) Energy in Wales: follow-up inquiry: First Report from the Welsh Affairs Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report, and Memoranda reported and ordered to be published on 16th and 23rd January 2007 [No. 177]; and |
(2) Globalisation and its impact on Wales:
(i) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee; to be printed [No. 34-vi]; and
(ii) Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published
[Dr Hywel Francis].
Page 87 Tuesday 11th December 2007 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top
[No. 21; WH, No. 11]
Tuesday 11th December 2007.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting began at half-past Nine o’clock.
Subjects:
Future funding of canals (Michael Fabricant).
Malaysian campaign veterans (Mr Don Touhig).
Protection of vulnerable adults in residential nursing and care homes (Mr Phil Willis).
Proposed closure of Cadbury’s Somerdale factory at Keynsham, North East Somerset (Dan Norris).
Train services stopping in Penrith from 2008 (David Maclean).
Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Ms Diana R. Johnson.)
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 1.59 p.m.
[No. 22.]
Wednesday 12th December 2007.
The House met at half-past Eleven o’clock.
PRAYERS.
| 1 | Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: |
The Lords agree to the Consolidated Fund Bill, without Amendment.
| 2 | Opposition Day [4th allotted day],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the leader of the second largest opposition party in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider Opposition business. |
Military Covenant,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes the commitment, bravery and professionalism of the UK’s armed forces in operations around the world; further notes with concern the detrimental impact that sustained operations on two fronts are having on the armed forces and their capabilities, resulting in critical overstretch; believes that the Government should conduct a new strategic defence review and reinforce it with regular reviews of defence after each general election; urges the Government to do more to honour its duty of care, notably through accelerating the improvement and upgrading of service accommodation, providing greater provisions for mental health and medical care for service personnel, ring-fencing the defence budget for welfare and introducing a Coroners Bill to help address delays in inquests into military fatalities; and calls on the Government to renew the Military Covenant and set up a cross-party Military Covenant Committee to monitor the state of the armed forces and their welfare—(Nick Harvey);
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 ‘recognises the commitment, bravery and professionalism of the armed forces in all their operations; further recognises the enormous contribution made by service families to the effectiveness of the UK’s armed forces and the debt owed by the nation to veterans; welcomes the major programme of improvements made by the Government to support all of these groups since 1997, including in the areas of medical support and improvement and replacement of sub-standard service accommodation; further welcomes the role played by ex-service organisations and other charities in contributing to the support of these groups and the Government’s commitment to working closely with such bodies to improve support in the future; and commends the Government’s decision to produce a cross-cutting Command Paper setting out the progress already achieved in this area and what more will be done in the future’, instead thereof.—(Mr Bob Ainsworth.)
And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Dan Rogerson, Mr Adrian Sanders: 71.
Tellers for the Noes, Alison Seabeck, Ms Diana R. Johnson: 302.
So the Question was negatived.
Page 88 Wednesday 12th December 2007 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top
And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments):—It was agreed to.
The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.
Resolved, That this House recognises the commitment, bravery and professionalism of the armed forces in all their operations; further recognises the enormous contribution made by service families to the effectiveness of the UK’s armed forces and the debt owed by the nation to veterans; welcomes the major programme of improvements made by the Government to support all of these groups since 1997, including in the areas of medical support and improvement and replacement of sub-standard service accommodation; further welcomes the role played by ex-service organisations and other charities in contributing to the support of these groups and the Government’s commitment to working closely with such bodies to improve support in the future; and commends the Government’s decision to produce a cross-cutting Command Paper setting out the progress already achieved in this area and what more will be done in the future.
Northern Rock and the Banking System,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes with dismay that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has presided over the first run on a UK bank for over one hundred years and that the taxpayer has now made approximately £30 billion worth of loans to Northern Rock without the Government providing evidence of either the exact amount or the security of the loan, over and above deposit guarantees; further notes that the current search for a private purchaser for Northern Rock faces enormous difficulties in the face of the high costs of credit and the conflicting interests of different groups of shareholders; applauds the important role played by the Northern Rock Foundation in the North East and regrets the potentially negative consequences for jobs in the North East should Northern Rock go into administration; further regrets that the Chancellor chose not to recognise the importance of Northern Rock as a large employer in the North East amongst his principles for assessing Northern Rock proposals; calls upon the Financial Services Authority to suspend trading of shares in Northern Rock immediately to prevent insider trading; and calls upon the Government to introduce legislation to allow for Northern Rock to be placed immediately in temporary public ownership as the only action that will guarantee the loans are paid back in full as soon as possible at the lowest risk to taxpayers—(Dr Vincent Cable);
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 ‘endorses the approach taken by the Government to Northern Rock to maintain financial stability, protect the interests of taxpayers and safeguard the position of depositors; welcomes the publication of a statement of principles underpinning the Government’s response to proposals received by Northern Rock with regard to its future; acknowledges that Northern Rock has announced that it is continuing to explore a range of options as part of its strategic review; recognises that the Government continues to keep all options open in relation to the future of Northern Rock; and notes the Chancellor’s assurance that he will keep the House fully informed of further developments with regard to Northern Rock’, instead thereof.—(Kitty Ussher.)
And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;
And it being Seven o’clock, the Debate stood adjourned.
| 3 | Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business), That, at this day’s sitting, proceedings on the Motion in the name of Dr Vincent Cable may be proceeded with, though opposed, until a quarter past Seven o’clock—(Alison Seabeck):—It was agreed to. |
| 4 | Deferred Divisions,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 41A (Deferred divisions), That, at this day’s sitting, Standing Order No. 41A (Deferred divisions) shall not apply to the Motions in the name of Mr Secretary Hain relating to Pensions; Mr Jim Murphy relating to the Funding of Political Parties; and proceedings on the Motion in the name of Dr Vincent Cable—(Alison Seabeck):—It was agreed to. |
| 5 | Opposition Day [4th allotted day],—Northern Rock and the Banking System,—The Question being again proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question; |
Mr Paul Burstow rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put.
And the Question being put, That the Question be now put:—It was agreed to.
And the Question being accordingly put;
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Paul Rowen, Dan Rogerson: 60.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Alan Campbell, Tony Cunningham: 304.
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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, Mr Alan Campbell, Tony Cunningham: 290.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr Brooks Newmark, Jeremy Wright: 222.
So the Question was agreed to.
The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.
Resolved, That this House endorses the approach taken by the Government to Northern Rock to maintain financial stability, protect the interests of taxpayers and safeguard the position of depositors; welcomes the publication of a statement of principles underpinning the Government’s response to proposals received by Northern Rock with regard to its future; acknowledges that Northern Rock has announced that it is continuing to explore a range of options as part of its strategic review; recognises that the Government continues to keep all options open in relation to the future of Northern Rock; and notes the Chancellor’s assurance that he will keep the House fully informed of further developments with regard to Northern Rock.
| 6 | Pensions,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Delegated Legislation Committees), That the draft Financial Assistance Scheme (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2007, which were laid before this House on 20th November, be approved—(Liz Blackman):—It was agreed to. |
| 7 | Funding of Political Parties,—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 Document No. 11559/07, Draft Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No. 2004/2003 on the regulations governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding; and agrees that the Government should support its adoption—(Liz Blackman); |
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Alan Campbell, Tony Cunningham: 336.
Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Baron, Mr Richard Benyon: 159.
So the Question was agreed to.
| 8 | Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from— |
(1) Mr Temple, Postmaster, and the customers of Lancelyn Post Office, Wirral, relating to Post Office closures (Wirral);
(2) the people of Boston and the Boston Bypass Pressure Group relating to Boston bypass (Lincolnshire);
(3) those affected by the closure of the Aintree Post Office in Bootle relating to Post Office closures (Merseyside);
(4) those affected by the closure of the Daleacre Post Office in Bootle relating to Post Office closures (Merseyside);
(5) those affected by the collapse of Farepak relating to Farepak; and
(6) residents of Chorleywood and others from the constituency of South West Hertfordshire and others relating to M25 noise pollution
were presented and read.
| 9 | Public Petition,—A Public Petition from the Alzheimer’s Society (South Buckinghamshire Branch) relating to Carers’ Grant was presented. |
Subject: Assisted reproduction services in the NHS (Dr Ian Gibson).
Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Alan Campbell.)
And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till twenty-two minutes past Eight o’clock, adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 8.22 p.m.
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APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Paper subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Police,—Draft Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (Codes of Practice) Order 2008 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Jacqui Smith]. |
Paper subject to Negative Resolution:
| 2 | Environmental Protection,—Waste and Air Pollution (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3476), dated 6th December 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Hilary Benn]. |
Other Papers:
| 3 | Government Resources and Accounts,—Statements of Accounts of Returning Officers’ Expenses for England and Wales for— |
(1) 2004–05;
(2) 2005–06; and
(3) 2006–07,
with the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [Nos. 124, 125 and 126] [Secretary Jack Straw].
| 4 | National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Compensating victims of violent crime [by Act]; to be printed [No. 100] [Clerk of the House]. |
APPENDIX II
General Committees
| 1 | Planning Bill (Programming Sub-Committee),—The Speaker has appointed Mr Richard Benyon, Tom Brake, Jeff Ennis, John Healey, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Chris Mole and Mr Dave Watts members of the Programming Sub-Committee of the Planning Bill Committee. |
| 2 | Planning Bill,—The Committee of Selection has nominated twenty-one Members to serve on the Planning Bill Committee: Mr Richard Benyon, Mr Clive Betts, Tom Brake, Paul Clark, Mr David Curry, Mr Parmjit Dhanda, James Duddridge, Mrs Louise Ellman, Jeff Ennis, Jim Fitzpatrick, John Healey, Mrs Jacqui Lait, Mr Elfyn Llwyd, Anne Main, Alun Michael, Chris Mole, Robert Neill, Mr Jamie Reed, John Robertson, Dan Rogerson and Mr Dave Watts. |
| 3 | Draft Immigration (Employment of Adults Subject to Immigration Control) (Maximum Penalty) Order 2007,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Hilary Armstrong, Jim Dobbin and Michael Jabez Foster from the Fifth Delegated Legislation Committee (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Gordon Banks, Mr Bruce George and Geraldine Smith. |
European Standing Committees
| 4 | European Union Document No. 15371/07, relating to Electronic Communications Networks and Services, has been referred to European Standing Committee C. |
APPENDIX III
Reports from Select Committees
| 1 | Children, Schools and Families,—The Work of Ofsted: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Children, Schools and Families Committee, with Memoranda; to be printed [No. 188-i] [Mr Barry Sheerman]. |
| 2 | Environmental Audit,—(1) 2007 Pre-Budget Report and Comprehensive Spending Review: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee; to be printed [No. 149-iii]; and |
(2) Environmental Labelling:
(i) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee on Environmental Information of the Environmental Audit Committee; to be printed [No. 83-ii]; and
(ii) Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published
[Mr Tim Yeo].
| 3 | Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—(1) Climate Change: the “citizen’s agenda”: Government Response to the Eighth Report from the Committee, Session 2006–07: Second Report from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 189]; and |
Page 91 Wednesday 12th December 2007 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top
(2) Flooding: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 49-v]
[Mr Michael Jack].
| 4 | European Scrutiny,—(1) Sixth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 16-vi]; |
(2) European Intergovernmental Conference; Government Response to the Thirty-fifth Report from the Committee, Session 2006–07 and Government Response to the Third Report from the Committee, Session 2007–08: First Special Report from the Committee; to be printed [No. 179];
(3) Police Cooperation in Criminal Matters and European Arrest Warrant: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 178-i]; and
(4) Ministerial Correspondence: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published
[Michael Connarty].
| 5 | Foreign Affairs,—(1) Developments in the EU: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee; to be printed [No.120-iii]; and |
(2) Developments in the EU: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published
[Mr Mike Gapes].
| 6 | Innovation, Universities and Skills,—Government Chief Scientific Adviser Designate: Introductory Hearing: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Innovation, Universities and Skills Committee; to be printed [No. 116-i] [Mr Phil Willis]. |
| 7 | Justice,—Towards Effective Sentencing: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Justice Committee; to be printed [No. 184-i] [Mr Alan Beith]. |
| 8 | Public Accounts,—Improving corporate functions using shared services: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts, to be printed [No. 190-i] [Mr Edward Leigh]. |
| 9 | Standards and Privileges,—Conduct of Mr Norman Baker, Mr Malcolm Bruce and Mr Sadiq Khan: Second Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges, with Appendices; to be printed, with Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 182] [Sir George Young]. |
| 10 | Statutory Instruments,—Fifth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, with Memoranda; to be printed [No. 38-v] [David Maclean]. |
| 11 | Transport,—(1) Ticketing on Public Transport: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Committee; to be printed [No. 84-iii]; and |
(2) Transport Security–Travelling without Fear: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 191]
[Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].
[No. 22; WH, No. 12]
Wednesday 12th December 2007.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting began at half-past Nine o’clock.
Subjects:
Future of UK car manufacturing (Mr Lindsay Hoyle).
Train services to Nuneaton (Mr Bill Olner).
Government plans for expansion at Heathrow Airport (Mr John Randall).
NHS services in Taunton Deane (Mr Jeremy Browne).
Government funding for the costs of cleaning up chewing gum (Mr Graham Allen).
Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Frank Roy.)
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.
[Adjourned at 5.10 p.m.
[No. 23.]
Thursday 13th December 2007.
Page 92 Thursday 13th December 2007 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top
The House met at half-past Ten o’clock.
PRAYERS.
| 1 | Housing and Regeneration Bill,—Mr Joe Benton reported certain Memoranda from the Housing and Regeneration Bill Committee. |
Memoranda to lie upon the Table and to be published.
| 2 | Fifth Delegated Legislation Committee,—David Taylor reported from the Fifth Delegated Legislation Committee the draft Immigration (Employment of Adults Subject to Immigration Control) (Maximum Penalty) Order 2007. |
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
| 3 | Royal Assent,—The Deputy 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: |
Consolidated Fund Act 2007.
| 4 | Availability of Financial Services for Low Income Families (Topical Debate),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House has considered the matter of availability of financial services for low income families—(Kitty Ussher); |
And it being one and half hours after the commencement of proceedings, the Motion lapsed without Question put, pursuant to Temporary Standing Order (Topical debates).
| 5 | Crossrail Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Crossrail Bill, as amended in the Public Bill Committee. |
A Clause (NC1) (Financial provisions (disclosure of information))—(Stephen Hammond)—brought up, and read the first time.
Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Brooks Newmark, Mr Richard Benyon: 133.
Tellers for the Noes, Steve McCabe, Mr Alan Campbell: 236.
Amendment (No. 2) proposed to the Bill, in page 5, line 6, at the end, to insert the words—
‘( ) An easement or other right over land acquired under subsection (5) shall expire no later than the day on which the railway mentioned in section 1(1)(a) is first used by Crossrail passenger services’.—(Stephen Hammond.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Another Amendment (No. 4) proposed to the Bill, in page 15, line 2, after ‘(6)’, to insert the words ‘, but no later than 9 months after the day on which the railway mentioned in section 1(1)(a) is first used by Crossrail passenger services,’.—(Stephen Hammond.)
Question put, That the Amendment be made.
The House divided.
Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Brooks Newmark, Michael Fabricant: 117.
Tellers for the Noes, Steve McCabe, Mr Tom Watson: 248.
Another Amendment (No. 5) proposed to the Bill, in page 17, line 19, after the word ‘State’, to insert the words ‘and such other persons (if any) as it considers appropriate’.—(Stephen Hammond.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Amendment (No. 1) made to the Bill.
Another Amendment (No. 7) proposed to the Bill, in page 34, line 30, to leave out from the word ‘applies’ to the word ‘in’ in line 31 and insert the words ‘shall apply the provisions of this Act’, instead thereof.—(Stephen Hammond.)
Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Page 93 Thursday 13th December 2007 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top
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.
| 6 | Housing,—Ordered, That the Housing Act 2004 (Commencement No. 10) (England and Wales) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3308), dated 23rd November 2007, be referred to a Delegated Legislation Committee.—(Alison Seabeck.) |
| 7 | Public Petition,—A Public Petition from Mr Desmond Swayne, a Member of this House, and other customers of Bramshaw Post Office in the New Forest relating to Post Office closures (New Forest) was presented and read. |
Subject: Operation of the UK-Pakistan Judicial Protocol on Children Matters: the Akhtar family (Paul Rowen).
A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Alison Seabeck);
And it being Six o’clock, the Motion for the adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.
Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Liz Blackman.)
And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till twenty-one minutes past Six o’clock, adjourned till Monday 17th December.
[Adjourned at 6.21 p.m.
APPENDIX I
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
| 1 | Financial Services and Markets,—Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3510), dated 13th December 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum and Impact Assessment [by Command] [Kitty Ussher]. |
| 2 | Road Traffic,—Draft Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions (Representations and Appeals) (Wales) Regulations 2008 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Mr Secretary Hain]. |
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
| 3 | Capital Gains Tax,—Recovery of Duties and Taxes Etc. Due in Other Member States (Corresponding UK Claims, Procedure and Supplementary) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3508), dated 12th December 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Jane Kennedy]. |
| 4 | Education,—Education (Provision of Information About Young Children) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3436), dated 6th December 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Ed Balls]. |
| 5 | Income Tax,—Income Tax Act 2007 (Amendment) (No. 3) Order 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3506), dated 12th December 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Jane Kennedy]. |
| 6 | Recovery of Taxes,—Recovery of Foreign Taxes Regulations 2007 (S.I., 2007, No. 3507), dated 12th December 2007 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Jane Kennedy]. |
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Other Papers:
| 7 | Broadcasting,—Papers, entitled— |
(1) BBC Procurement: Review by the Comptroller and Auditor General presented to the BBC Trust’s Finance and Strategy Committee; and
(2) The BBC’s Efficient and Effective use of Spectrum: Review by Deloitte & Touche LLP commissioned by the BBC Trust’s Finance and Strategy Committee [by Command] [Secretary James Purnell].
| 8 | Government Resources and Accounts,—Report and Accounts of Sir John Soane’s Museum for 2006–07, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 74] [Secretary James Purnell]. |
| 9 | Horserace Betting and Olympic Lottery,—Report and Accounts of the Olympic Lottery Distribution Fund for 2006–07, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 159] [Secretary James Purnell]. |
| 10 | Merseyside Museums and Galleries.—Report and Accounts of the National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside for 2006–07, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 146] [Secretary James Purnell]. |
| 11 | National Lottery,—(1) Report and Accounts of the National Lottery Distribution Fund for 2006–07, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 158] [Secretary James Purnell]; and |
(2) Report of the Arts Council of Wales for 2006–07 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hain].
| 12 | Northern Ireland,—(1) Northern Ireland Office: Autumn Performance Report for 2007 [by Command] [Cm. 7285]; and |
(2) Report and Accounts of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission for 2006–07, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 141]
[Mr Secretary Woodward].
| 13 | Parliamentary Commissioner,—First Report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, Session 2007–08: The introduction of the ban on swill feeding [by Act]; to be printed [No. 165] [Clerk of the House]. |
| 14 | Registration Service,—Birth Statistics: Review of the Registrar General on births and patterns of family building in England and Wales for 2006 [by Act] [Angela Eagle]. |
| 15 | Work and Pensions,—Paper, entitled Ready for Work: Full employment in our generation [by Command] [Cm. 7290] [Mr Secretary Hain]. |
APPENDIX II
General Committees
| Draft Immigration (Employment of Adults Subject to Immigration Control) (Maximum Penalty) Order 2007,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Dr Ian Gibson and Mr Khalid Mahmood from the Fifth Delegated Legislation Committee (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Phil Wilson and Mr Anthony Wright. |
APPENDIX III
| 1 | Health,—Modernising Medical Careers: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee; to be printed [No. 25-iii] [Mr Kevin Barron]. |
| 2 | International Development,—(1) DFID and the World Bank: |
(i) Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee; to be printed [No. 67-ii]; and
(ii) Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published; and
(2) Maternal Health: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published
[Malcolm Bruce].
| 3 | Liaison,—The Prime Minister: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Liaison Committee; to be printed [No. 192-i] [Mr Alan Williams]. |
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[No. 23; WH, No. 12]
Thursday 13th December 2007.
The House sitting in Westminster Hall
The sitting began at half-past Two o’clock.
Subject: Treatment of Asylum Seekers—Tenth Report from the Joint Committee on Human Rights, Session 2006–07.
Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Alison Seabeck.)
And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 18th December.
[Adjourned at 5.42 p.m.
