Commons Journal 264 Chronological Index Alphabetical Index - Part I Alphabetical Index - Part II Previous Next Page 349            2007-08      Volume 264       [No. 84.] Monday 28th April 2008. The House met at half-past Two o’clock. PRAYERS. 1 Consolidation, &c., Bills,—Mr Stephen Dorrell reported from the Select Committee appointed to join with a Committee of the House of Lords on Consolidation, &c., Bills, to which the Statute Law (Repeals) Bill [Lords], now pending in the House of Lords, was referred, That it had gone through the Bill; and had agreed to a Report which it had directed him to make to the House; and had directed him to report the Minutes of Evidence taken before it on 28th April. Report to lie upon the Table; and to be printed [No. 450]. Minutes of Evidence to lie upon the Table; and to be printed [No. 450]. Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 450]. 2 First Delegated Legislation Committee,—Mr Mike Hancock reported from the First Delegated Legislation Committee the draft Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007 (Commencement No. 3 and Supplementary Provision) Order 2008. Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table. 3 Second Delegated Legislation Committee,—Mr Peter Atkinson reported from the Second Delegated Legislation Committee the draft Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008 and draft Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland Consequential Amendments) Order 2008. Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table. 4 Finance Bill,—The House, according to Order, resolved itself into a Committee on the Finance Bill (Clauses Nos. 3, 5, 6, 15, 21, 49, 90 and 117 and new Clauses amending Section 74 of the Finance Act 2003). (In the Committee) Ordered, That the order in which proceedings in the Committee of the whole House on the Finance Bill are taken shall be: Clauses Nos. 5, 6, 21, 3, 49 and 90, new Clauses amending section 74 of the Finance Act 2003 and Clauses Nos. 117 and 15.—(Jane Kennedy.) Clause No. 5 (Small companies’ rates and fractions for financial year 2008 etc). Amendment (No. 1) proposed, in page 2, line 36, to leave out ‘21%’ and insert ‘20%’.—(Mr Mark Hoban.) Question put, That the Amendment be made. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr David Evennett, Mr Brooks Newmark: 193. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Frank Roy, Mr Dave Watts: 296. Clause agreed to. Clause No. 6 (Rate etc). Amendment (No. 8) proposed, in page 3, line 20, to leave out from ‘(1)’ to the end of line 21 and add the words ‘will have effect from a day which the Treasury may by order appoint. (4) No order may be made under subsection (3) until— (a) the Treasury has compiled and laid before the House of Commons a report containing an assessment of the impact of changes to the rate of capital gains tax on— (i) businesses seeking investment, (ii) investors who normally pay tax via capital gains tax, and (iii) the availability and cost of houses to buy and rent; and (b) the report has been approved by a resolution of the House of Commons.’.— (Stewart Hosie.) Question put, That the Amendment be made. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Pete Wishart, Hywel Williams: 68. Tellers for the Noes, Tony Cunningham, Siobhain McDonagh: 302. Page 350      Monday 28th April 2008       2007-08      Volume 264      Back to top Question put, That the Clause stand part of the Bill. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Tony Cunningham, Siobhain McDonagh: 303. Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Baron, Mr Brooks Newmark: 212. Clause No. 21 (Amusement machine licence duty). Amendment (No. 16) proposed, in page 11, line 17, at the end to add the words—‘(3)ð ñThe amendment made by subsection (1) ceases to have effect on 1st April 2009 unless the Secretary of State has made regulations under the Gambling Act 2005 which permit up to one-fifth of the gaming machines in bingo halls and arcades to be Category B3 machines (as defined in regulations made under section 236 of that Act).’.—(Justine Greening.) Question put, That the Amendment be made. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Brooks Newmark, Mr John Baron: 221. Tellers for the Noes, Siobhain McDonagh, Tony Cunningham: 309. Clause agreed to. Clause No. 3 (Abolition of starting and savings rates and creation of starting rate for savings). Amendment (No. 18) proposed, in page 2, line 21, at the beginning to insert the words ‘Save as provided in subsection (6A),’.—(Mr Philip Hammond.) Question put, That the Amendment be made. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John Baron, Mr Nick Hurd: 264. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Wayne David, Mr Sadiq Khan: 307. Question put, That the Clause stand part of the Bill. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Wayne David, Mr Sadiq Khan: 304. Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Baron, Mr Nick Hurd: 262. To report progress and ask leave to sit again.—(Alison Seabeck.) The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair and Alison Seabeck reported, That the Committee had made progress in the Bill, and that she was directed to move, That the Committee may have leave to sit again. Committee again to-morrow 5 Business and Enterprise,—Ordered, That Mark Hunter be discharged from the Business and Enterprise Committee and Mr Mark Oaten be added.—(Rosemary McKenna, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) 6 Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from— (1) residents of Taunton constituency and others relating to Post Office closures (Taunton); (2) residents of Taunton constituency and others relating to nurses’ pay; (3) Councillor Ruth Potter of City of York Council and the people of York relating to single use plastic bags; and (4) customers and residents of West Moors in the Christchurch constituency relating to local bus services (Dorset) were presented and read. 7 Adjournment. Subject: Funding of NHS services in York (Hugh Bayley). Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Alison Seabeck.) And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till eleven minutes past Eleven o’clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 11.11 p.m. Page 351      Monday 28th April 2008       2007-08      Volume 264      Back to top APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Other Paper: 1 Social Security,—Explanatory Memorandum to the Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations (S.I., 2008, No. 1042) [by Command] [Secretary James Purnell]. Papers withdrawn: 2 Social Security,—Explanatory Memorandum to the Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations (S.I., 2008, No. 1042) [laid 11th April]. APPENDIX II General Committees Draft Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008 and the draft Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland Consequential Amendments) Order 2008,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr John Prescott from the Second Delegated Legislation Committee (nominated in respect of the draft Orders) and nominated in substitution Ms Dawn Butler. APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees 1 Business and Enterprise,—(1) Turkey: Trade and EU Accession: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Business and Enterprise Committee; to be printed [No. 367-iii]; and (2) Recent developments in trade: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 208-i] [Peter Luff]. 2 Children, Schools and Families,—Looked-after children: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Children, Schools and Families Committee; to be printed [No. 442-iv] [Mr Barry Sheerman]. 3 Communities and Local Government,—(1) Ordnance Survey: Government Response to the Fifth Report from the Committee: First Special Report from the Communities and Local Government Committee, with an Appendix; to be printed [No. 516]; and (2) Planning Skills: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 517-i] [Dr Phyllis Starkey]. 4 Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills,—The Leitch Review of Skills: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee; to be printed [No. 471-i] [Mr Gordon Marsden]. 5 Public Accounts,—(1) HM Revenue and Customs: Helping individuals understand their tax forms: Twentieth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 47]; (2) The Carbon Trust: Accelerating the move to a low carbon economy: Twenty-first Report from the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 157]; (3) Improving central government’s use of office property: Twenty-second Report from the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 229]; (4) Report of the NHS Summarised Accounts 2006–07: Achieving financial balance: Twenty-third Report from the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 267]; (5) The BBC’s management of risk: First Special Report from the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 518]; and (6) Improving finance resource management to deliver better public services: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 519-i] [Mr Edward Leigh]. Page 352      Monday 28th April 2008       2007-08      Volume 264      Back to top [No. 85.] Tuesday 29th April 2008. The House met at half-past Two o’clock. PRAYERS. 1 St Austell Market Bill,—The St Austell Market Bill was read the third time, and passed. 2 Transport for London Bill [Lords],—The House proceeded to consider the Transport for London Bill [Lords]. Bill to be read the third time. 3 Counter-Terrorism Bill,—Mr Edward O’Hara reported certain Memoranda from the Counter-Terrorism Bill Committee. Memoranda to lie upon the Table and to be published. 4 European Committee B,—Mr David Wilshire reported from European Committee B the following Resolution: That the Committee takes note of European Union Documents No. 14999/07, No. 15001/07, No. 14995/07, No. 14993/07, No. 14996/07, No. 14997/07, progress reports on Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, No. 15616/07 and Addenda 1 and 2, Draft Council Decisions on the signing and on the conclusion of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and its Member States and the Republic of Serbia, No. 15690/07 and Addenda 1 and 2, Draft Council Decision concerning the signing and conclusion of the Interim Agreement on trade and trade-related matters between the European Community and the Republic of Serbia, and unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum dated 15th February 2008, Interim Political Agreement on Co-operation between the European Union and its Member States and the Republic of Serbia; and supports the Government’s position that European integration offers the best prospects for regional stability in the Western Balkans and is therefore in favour of a clear European perspective for the countries of the Western Balkans. Resolution to lie upon the Table. Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table. 5 Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to make provision for the establishment of the Local Better Regulation Office; for the co-ordination of regulatory enforcement by local authorities; for the creation of civil sanctions in relation to regulatory offences; for the reduction and removal of regulatory burdens; and for connected purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House. 6 Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Bill [Lords],—The Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 103]. Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Bill [Lords] be printed [Bill 103–EN]. 7 Right to Roam (Mobile Phones),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision about roaming by mobile phone users between telephone networks within the United Kingdom; to make provision about the sharing of transmission masts; and for connected purposes: And that Greg Clark, Mr Stephen Crabb, Mrs Maria Miller, Nick Herbert, Mark Pritchard, Gregory Barker, Mr Robert Goodwill, Mr Tobias Ellwood, Michael Fabricant, Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger, Mr David Ruffley and Dr Andrew Murrison do prepare and bring it in. 8 Right to Roam (Mobile Phones) Bill,—Greg Clark accordingly presented a Bill to make provision about roaming by mobile phone users between telephone networks within the United Kingdom; to make provision about the sharing of transmission masts; 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 101]. 9 Finance Bill,—The House, according to Order, again resolved itself into a Committee on the Finance Bill (Clauses Nos. 3, 5, 6, 15, 21, 49, 90 and 117 and new Clauses amending Section 74 of the Finance Act 2003). Page 353      Tuesday 29th April 2008       2007-08      Volume 264      Back to top (In the Committee) Clause No. 49 (Greater London Authority: severance payments). Amendment (No. 17) proposed, in page 25, line 21, to leave out ‘2008’ and add ‘2009.’.—(Mr Philip Hammond.) Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause agreed to. Clause No. 90 (Zero-carbon homes). Amendment (No. 21) proposed, in page 51, line 11, to leave out from ‘acquisition”’ to the end of line 12 and insert the words ‘means the acquisition of a dwelling when it has not been previously acquired by a buyer’.—(Justine Greening.) Question put, That the Amendment be made. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, James Duddridge, Jeremy Wright: 137. Tellers for the Noes, Alison Seabeck, Mr Frank Roy: 336. Clause agreed to. A Clause (NC1) (Collective enfranchisement by leaseholders)—(Mr David Gauke)—brought up and read the first time. Question put, That the Clause be read a second time. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John Randall, James Duddridge: 130. Tellers for the Noes, Siobhain McDonagh, Liz Blackman: 321. Clause No. 117 (Penalties for errors). Amendment (No. 1A) proposed, in page 73, line 12, at the end, to insert the words— ‘(3A) An order under subsection (2) may not be made until— (a) the provisions of Schedule 24 to FA 2007 which are amended by Schedule 40 have been in force for not less than 12 months, and (b) the Treasury has laid before the House of Commons a report setting out its assessment of the effectiveness of those provisions.’.—(Mr David Gauke.) Question put, That the Amendment be made. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, James Duddridge, Jeremy Wright: 168. Tellers for the Noes, Ms Diana R. Johnson, Mr Sadiq Khan: 297. Another Amendment (No. 3A) proposed, in page 73, line 13, to leave out subsections (4) to (6).—(Mr David Gauke.) Question put, That the Amendment be made. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, James Duddridge, Jeremy Wright: 164. Tellers for the Noes, Ms Diana R. Johnson, Mr Sadiq Khan: 300. Clause agreed to. Clause No. 15 (Rates of vehicle excise duty). Amendment (No. 9) proposed, in page 8, line 4, at the end, to insert the words— ‘(3A) In paragraph 1C (the reduced rate)— (a) in sub-paragraph (1) for “or C” substitute “C or D”; (b) after sub-paragraph (4) insert— “(4A) Condition D is that the vehicle is a working vehicle.”; and (c) in sub-paragraph (6) insert at the appropriate place— ““working vehicle” has such meaning as may be prescribed by the Treasury in regulations made by statutory instrument,”’.—(Stewart Hosie.) Question put, That the Amendment be made. Page 354      Tuesday 29th April 2008       2007-08      Volume 264      Back to top The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Pete Wishart, Mr Mike Weir: 43. Tellers for the Noes, Ms Diana R. Johnson, Mr Sadiq Khan: 287. Another Amendment (No. 6) proposed, in page 8, line 17, at the end to add the words— ‘(7) The Treasury shall publish, not later than the date of the Budget 2009, an estimate, audited by the Independent Committee on Climate Change (as established by the Climate Change Act 2008), of the carbon emissions savings resultant from the changes to vehicle excise duty contained in this section.’.—(Mr Mark Hoban.) Question put, That the Amendment be made. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Jeremy Wright, James Duddridge: 175. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Sadiq Khan, Ms Diana R. Johnson: 299. Question put, That the Clause stand part of the Bill. The Committee divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Sadiq Khan, Ms Diana R. Johnson: 325. Tellers for the Noes, James Duddridge, Jeremy Wright: 145. Bill (Clauses Nos. 3, 5, 6, 15, 21, 49, 90 and 117 and new Clauses amending Section 74 of the Finance Act 2003) to be reported, without Amendment. The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair and Alison Seabeck reported, That the Committee had gone through the Bill (Clauses Nos. 3, 5, 6, 15, 21, 49, 90 and 117 and new Clauses amending Section 74 of the Finance Act 2003), and had directed her to report the same, without Amendment. Ordered, That the Bill (Clauses Nos. 3, 5, 6, 15, 21, 49, 90 and 117) do lie upon the Table. 10 Housing,—Ordered, That the Home Information Pack (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I., 2008, No. 572) dated 27th February 2008, be referred to a Delegated Legislation Committee.—(Alison Seabeck.) 11 Consumer Protection,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Delegated Legislation Committees), That the draft Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007 (Commencement No. 3 and Supplementary Provision) Order 2008, which was laid before this House on 10th March, be approved—(Alison Seabeck):—It was agreed to. 12 Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Delegated Legislation Committees), That the draft Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008, which was laid before this House on 3rd March, be approved—(Alison Seabeck):—It was agreed to. 13 Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Delegated Legislation Committees), That the draft Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland Consequential Amendments) Order 2008, which was laid before this House on 3rd March, be approved—(Alison Seabeck):—It was agreed to. 14 Business of the House,—Ordered, That, (1) at the sitting on Wednesday 7th May, (a) notwithstanding paragraph (2)(c) of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business) opposition business may be proceeded with, for three hours or until four o’clock whichever is the later, and shall then lapse if not previously disposed of; (b) notwithstanding Standing Order No. 20 (Time for taking private business) the Private Business set down by the Chairman of Ways and Means shall be entered upon at the conclusion of opposition business (whether before, at or after four o’clock), and may then be proceeded with, though opposed, for three hours, after which the Speaker shall interrupt the business; and (c) the Speaker shall not adjourn the House until any message from the Lords has been received and any Committee to draw up Reasons which has been appointed at that sitting has reported; and (2) at the sitting on Thursday 8th May, the Speaker shall not adjourn the House until he has notified the Royal Assent to Acts agreed upon by both Houses.—(Alison Seabeck.) Page 355      Tuesday 29th April 2008       2007-08      Volume 264      Back to top 15 Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Tuesday 13th May, the Motion in the name of Simon Hughes relating to Changes in Immigration Rules (House of Commons Paper No. 321) may be proceeded with as if Standing Order No. 16 (Proceedings under an Act or on European Union documents) was applied to it.—(Alison Seabeck.) 16 Public Petitions,—Public Petitions from— (1) residents of Romford and the surrounding area relating to Post Office closures (Essex); (2) residents of Hornchurch and the surrounding area relating to Post Office closures (Essex); (3) the people of Shepherds Bush and Hammersmith relating to Post Office closures (Shepherds Bush); and (4) the people of Acton relating to Post Office closures (Acton) were presented and read. 17 Adjournment. Subject: Support for victims of rape (Mr Charles Walker). A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Alison Seabeck); And the Motion having been made after Ten o’clock, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then thirteen minutes past Eleven o’clock, till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 11.13 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Paper subject to Affirmative Resolution: 1 Pensions,—Draft Financial Assistance Scheme (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2008 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary James Purnell]. Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 2 Medicines,—(1) Medicines for Human Use (Prescribing) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2008 (S.I., 2008, No. 1161); and (2) Medicines (Sale or Supply) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2008 (S.I., 2008, No. 1162), dated 22nd April 2008 [by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Secretary Alan Johnson]. Other Paper: 3 Justice (Northern Ireland),—Report and Accounts of the Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission for 2006–07, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 478] [Secretary Jack Straw]. APPENDIX II European Committees European Union Documents No. 14993/07, No. 14995/07, No. 14996/07, No. 14997/07, No. 14999/07 and No. 15001/07 relating to the Accession Process in the Western Balkans, European Union Documents No. 15616/07, Addenda 1 and 2, No. 15690/07 and Addenda 1 and 2 relating to Interim Political Agreement on Co-operation between the European Union and its Member States and the Republic of Serbia, and Unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Jim Murphy from European Committee B (nominated in respect of the Documents and Memorandum) and nominated in substitution Meg Munn. Page 356      Tuesday 29th April 2008       2007-08      Volume 264      Back to top APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees 1 Culture, Media and Sport,—Harmful content on the Internet and in video games: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee; to be printed [No. 353-v] [Mr John Whittingdale]. 2 Environmental Audit,—(1) Are biofuels sustainable? The Government Response: Fourth Report from the Environmental Audit Committee, with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 528]; and (2) Making Government Operations more sustainable: A progress check: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 529] [Joan Walley]. 3 Home Affairs,—Human Trafficking: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee; to be printed [No. 318-ii] [Keith Vaz]. 4 Human Rights,—(1) Government Response to the Committee’s Sixth Report of Session 2007–08: The Work of the Committee in 2007 and the State of Human Rights in the UK: Eighteenth Report from the Joint Committee on Human Rights, with a Memorandum; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 526]; (2) UNCAT: Allegations of Torture and Inhuman Treatment in Iraq: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [527-i]; (3) Counter-terrorism policy: Memorandum laid before the Committee; to be published; (4) Human Rights Judgments: Memorandum laid before the Committee; to be published; and (5) Legislative Scrutiny: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published [Mr Andrew Dismore]. 5 International Development,—Co-ordination for Aid Effectiveness: Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee; to be printed [No. 520-i] [Malcolm Bruce]. 6 Public Administration,—(1) Investigating the conduct of ministers: Seventh Report from the Select Committee on Public Administration, with Memoranda; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 381]; (2) Parliament and public appointments: Pre-appointment hearings by select committees: Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report of Session 2007–08: Sixth Special Report from the Committee; to be printed [No. 515]; (3) Draft Constitutional Renewal Bill: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 499-ii]; and (4) Lobbying: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published [Dr Tony Wright]. 7 Regulatory Reform,—Getting Results: The Better Regulation Executive and the Impact of the Regulatory Reform Agenda: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Regulatory Reform Committee; to be printed [No. 474-ii] [Andrew Miller]. 8 Scottish Affairs,—(1) Poverty in Scotland and Child Poverty in Scotland: Responses by the Government and the Scottish Executive to the Committee’s Second and Third Reports of Session 2007–08: Second Special Report from the Scottish Affairs Committee; to be printed [No. 525]; and (2) Employment and skills for the defence industry in Scotland: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 305-v] [Mr Mohammad Sarwar]. 9 Standards and Privileges,—The Complaints System and the Criminal Law: Eighth Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges, with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 523] [Sir George Young]. Page 357      Tuesday 29th April 2008       2007-08      Volume 264      Back to top 10 Treasury,—Re-appointment of Mervyn King as Governor of the Bank of England: Tenth Report from the Treasury Committee, with Minutes of Evidence and Memoranda; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 524-I and -II] [John McFall]. 11 Welsh Affairs,—The provision of cross-border public services for Wales: (1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee; to be printed [No. 401-iv]; and (2) Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published [Dr Hywel Francis]. [No. 85; WH, No. 54] Tuesday 29th April 2008. The House sitting in Westminster Hall The sitting began at half-past Nine o’clock.   Adjournment. Subjects: Zimbabwe and the application of sanctions (Norman Lamb). Primary Care Trusts and exceptional cases (Dr Ian Gibson). Tax credits (Daniel Kawczynski). Commonwealth immigration visas (Mr Austin Mitchell). Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust (Mr John Horam). 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. 86.] Wednesday 30th April 2008. The House met at half-past Eleven o’clock. PRAYERS. 1 Crewe & Nantwich Writ,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the Speaker do issue his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a new Writ for the electing of a Member to serve in this present Parliament for the county constituency of Crewe & Nantwich in the room of Gwyneth Patricia Dunwoody, deceased— (Mr Geoffrey Hoon); And the Motion being opposed, further proceeding stood postponed. 2 Third Delegated Legislation Committee,—Dr William McCrea reported from the Delegated Legislation Committee the draft Electoral Administration Act 2006 (Regulation of Loans etc: Northern Ireland) Order 2008. Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table. 3 Education (Children with Autism) Bill,—The Order for reading the Education (Children with Autism) Bill a second time on Friday 9th May was read and discharged. Bill to be read a second time on Friday 17th October. 4 Crewe & Nantwich Writ,—The House resumed the postponed proceeding on the Question, That the Speaker do issue his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a new Writ for the electing of a Member to serve in this present Parliament for the county constituency of Crewe & Nantwich in the room of Gwyneth Patricia Dunwoody, deceased. And the Question being put; Ordered, That the Speaker do issue his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a new Writ for the electing of a Member to serve in this present Parliament for the county constituency of Crewe & Nantwich in the room of Gwyneth Patricia Dunwoody, deceased. Page 358      Wednesday 30th April 2008       2007-08      Volume 264      Back to top 5 Citizens’ Initiative (Legislation),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to permit members of the public to initiate legislation; and for connected purposes: And that Mr Douglas Carswell, Mr Graham Allen, Mr Mark Field, Greg Clark, Stephen Hammond, Mr Frank Field, Mr Richard Shepherd, Mr Philip Dunne and Mr David Gauke do prepare and bring it in. 6 Citizens’ Initiative (Legislation) Bill,—Mr Douglas Carswell accordingly presented a Bill to permit members of the public to initiate legislation; 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 102]. 7 Energy Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Energy Bill, as amended in the Public Bill Committee. Clauses (NC6) (Exception for activities carried on partly on land etc), (NC7) (Disposal of hazardous material), (NC8) (Power to amend licence conditions: smart meters), (NC9) (Power to amend licence conditions: procedure) and (NC10) (Smart meters: supplemental)—(Malcolm Wicks)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill. Another Clause (NC4) (Tariffs for renewable energy)—(Alan Simpson)—brought up, and read the first time. Question put, That the Clause be read a second time. The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Kelvin Hopkins, Dr Ian Gibson: 210. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Bob Blizzard, Mr Wayne David: 250. And it being Six o’clock, the Deputy Speaker, pursuant to Order [22nd January], put the Question on Amendments proposed by a Minister of the Crown to be disposed of at that hour. Amendments (Nos. 2 to 64) made to the Bill. A Motion being made, That the Bill be now read the third time; Jane Kennedy, 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. Jane Kennedy, by Command of the Prince of Wales, acquainted the House, That His Royal Highness, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, gives his Consent, as far as the Prince of Wales’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. 8 Western Balkans and EU-Serbia Co-Operation,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Committees), That this House takes note of European Union Documents No. 14999/07, No. 15001/07, No. 14995/07, No. 14993/07, No. 14996/07, No. 14997/07, progress reports on Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, No. 15616/07 and Addenda 1 and 2, Draft Council Decisions on the signing and on the conclusion of the Stabilisation Association Agreement between the European Communities and its Member States and the Republic of Serbia, No. 15690/07 and Addenda 1 and 2, Draft Council Decision concerning the signing and conclusion of the Interim Agreement on trade and trade-related matters between the European Community and the Republic of Serbia, and unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum dated 15th February 2008, Interim Political Agreement on Co-operation between the European Union and its Member States and the Republic of Serbia; and supports the Government’s position that European integration offers the best prospects for regional stability in the Western Balkans and is therefore in favour of a clear European perspective for the countries of the Western Balkans—(Mr Alan Campbell):—It was agreed to. 9 Draft Constitutional Renewal Bill (Joint Committee),—Resolved, That this House concurs with the Lords Message of 20th March, that it is expedient that a Joint Committee of Lords and Commons be appointed to consider and report on any draft Constitutional Renewal Bill presented to both Houses. Ordered, That a Select Committee of eleven Members be appointed to join with the Committee appointed by the Lords to consider the draft Constitutional Renewal Bill (Cm. 7342). That the Committee should report on the draft Bill by 18th July 2008. Page 359      Wednesday 30th April 2008       2007-08      Volume 264      Back to top That the Committee shall have power— (i) to send for persons, papers and records; (ii) to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House; (iii) to report from time to time; (iv) to appoint specialist advisers; and (v) to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom. That Mr Alistair Carmichael, Mr Christopher Chope, Michael Jabez Foster, Mark Lazarowicz, Martin Linton, Ian Lucas, Fiona Mactaggart, Mr Virendra Sharma, Emily Thornberry, Mr Andrew Tyrie and Sir George Young be members of the Committee.—(Mr Alan Campbell.) Message to the Lords to acquaint them therewith 10 Adjournment. Subject: Provision of fertility treatment in Dudley Primary Care Trust (Lynda Waltho). Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Alan Campbell.) And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till eight minutes to Seven o’clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 6.52 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution: 1 Church of England (General Synod) (Measures),—Measure passed by the General Synod of the Church of England, entitled Church of England Marriage Measure [by Act]; to be printed [No. 511] [Clerk of the House]. 2 Northern Ireland,—(1) Draft Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland Consequential Amendments) Order 2008; and (2) draft Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008 [by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Mr Secretary Woodward]. Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 3 Armorial Bearings, Ensigns and Flags,—Lyon Court and Office Fees (Variation) Order 2008 (S.I., 2008, No. 1166), dated 28th April 2008 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Des Browne]. 4 Housing,—(1) Disabled Facilities Grants (Maximum Amounts and Additional Purposes) (England) Order 2008 (S.I., 2008, No. 1189); and (2) Housing Renewal Grants (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2008 (S.I., 2008, No. 1190), dated 28th April 2008 [by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Secretary Hazel Blears]. 5 Social Security,—Discretionary Housing Payment (Grants) Amendment Order 2008 (S.I., 2008, No. 1167), dated 24th April 2008 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary James Purnell]. Other Papers: 6 Church of England (General Synod) (Measures),—Report by the Ecclesiastical Committee on the Church of England Marriage Measure [by Act]; to be printed [No. 510] [Clerk of the House]. 7 Government Resources and Accounts,—Resource Accounts of the Office of Gas and Electricity Market for 2007–08, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 497] [Jane Kennedy]. 8 Justice,—Government Response to the Fifth Report from the Constitutional Affairs Committee, Session 2006–07, on the Constitutional Role of the Attorney General [by Command] [Cm. 7355] [The Solicitor General]. Page 360      Wednesday 30th April 2008       2007-08      Volume 264      Back to top 9 Treaty Series (No. 33, 2007),—Index to Treaty Series 2007 [by Command] [Cm. 7369] [Secretary David Miliband]. APPENDIX II General Committees 1 Finance Bill (except Clauses Nos. 3, 5, 6, 15, 21, 49, 90, and 117 and new Clauses amending Section 74 of the Finance Act 2003) Committee: (1) The Speaker has appointed Sir Nicholas Winterton, Mr Frank Cook and Mr Jim Hood Chairmen of the Finance Bill Committee; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated thirty-four Members to serve on the Committee: Charlotte Atkins, Dr Roberta Blackman-Woods, Mr Bob Blizzard, Mr Graham Brady, Mr Colin Breed, Mr Jeremy Browne, Dr Vincent Cable, Ben Chapman, Angela Eagle, Clive Efford, Mr Mark Field, Mr David Gauke, Justine Greening, Patrick Hall, Mr Philip Hammond, Mr Greg Hands, Stephen Hesford, Mr Mark Hoban, Stewart Hosie, Eric Joyce, Jane Kennedy, Jessica Morden, Mr Brooks Newmark, Dr Nick Palmer, John Penrose, Stephen Pound, Mr Virendra Sharma, Mr Sio¤n Simon, Emily Thornberry, John Thurso, Mr Mark Todd, Kitty Ussher, Peter Viggers and David Wright. 2 Temporary and Agency Workers (Equal Treatment) Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mr Mike Hancock and Mr Eric Martlew Chairmen of the Temporary and Agency Workers (Equal Treatment) Bill Committee. 3 Draft Business Protection from Misleading Marketing Regulations 2008 and the draft Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008: (1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the First Delegated Legislation Committee and has appointed Mr Jim Hood Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr John Baron, Lorely Burt, Jon Cruddas, Mrs Ann Cryer, Jim Dowd, Anne Main, Margaret Moran, Mr Denis Murphy, Mr Mark Prisk, Mrs Linda Riordan, Mr Lee Scott, Alison Seabeck, Mr Andy Slaughter, Sir John Stanley, Sarah Teather, Mr Gareth Thomas and Dr Desmond Turner. 4 Draft Electoral Administration Act 2006 (Regulation of Loans etc: Northern Ireland) Order 2008,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Ms Dawn Butler, Mr Richard Caborn, Mr George Howarth and Sir Gerald Kaufman from the Third Delegated Legislation Committee (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution Mr Lindsay Hoyle, Tom Levitt, Mr Dennis Skinner and Geraldine Smith. European Committees 5 European Union Document No. 7210/08 and Addendum, relating to Financial Management,—The Committee of Selection has nominated thirteen Members to serve on European Committee B, nominated in respect of the Document: Mr Jeremy Browne, Dr Vincent Cable, Mr Richard Caborn, Tony Cunningham, Frank Dobson, Mr David Gauke, Keith Hill, Mr George Howarth, Mr George Mudie, Mr Brooks Newmark, Mr Anthony Steen, Kitty Ussher and Peter Viggers. 6 European Union Document No. 5835/08 and Addenda 1 and 2, relating to Carbon Capture and Storage,—The Committee of Selection has nominated thirteen Members to serve on European Committee C, nominated in respect of the Document: Mr John Baron, Mr Michael Clapham, Ann Clwyd, Tony Cunningham, Mr David Heathcoat-Amory, Charles Hendry, Kelvin Hopkins, Martin Horwood, Miss Julie Kirkbride, Paddy Tipping, Steve Webb, Malcolm Wicks and Mrs Betty Williams. APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees 1 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—(1) Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966: Sixth Report from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, with Memoranda; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 348]; (2) Defra priorities: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 121-ii]; and (3) Correspondence with Defra: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published [Mr Michael Jack]. Page 361      Wednesday 30th April 2008       2007-08      Volume 264      Back to top 2 European Scrutiny,—(1) Twenty-second Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 16-xx]; (2) Minutes of the Public Deliberations of the Committee; to be printed [No. 361-ix]; and (3) Ministerial Correspondence: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published [Michael Connarty]. 3 Foreign Affairs,—Foreign and Commonwealth Office Annual Report 2007: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee; to be printed [No. 533-i] [Mike Gapes]. 4 Health,—Health Inequalities: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee; to be printed [No. 422-iv] [Mr Kevin Barron]. 5 Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills,—(1) Investigating the Oceans: Government Response to the Tenth Report from the Science and Technology Committee, Session 2006–07: Fourth Special Report from the Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee, with a Memorandum; to be printed [No. 506]; (2) Engineering: (i) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 470-i]; and (ii) Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published; and (3) UK Centre For Medical Research and Innovation: Memorandum laid before the Committee; to be published [Mr Phil Willis]. 6 International Development,—The humanitarian and development situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories: (1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the International Development Committee; to be printed [No. 522-i]; and (2) Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published [Malcolm Bruce]. 7 Modernisation of the House of Commons,—(1) Debating departmental objectives and annual reports: Second 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. 530]; and (2) Recall and dissolution: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published [Ms Harriet Harman]. 8 Procedure,—Topical debates: Memorandum laid before the Procedure Committee; to be published [Mr Greg Knight]. 9 Public Accounts,—The roll-out of the Jobcentre Plus Office Network: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts; to be printed [No. 532-i] [Mr Edward Leigh]. 10 Statutory Instruments,—(1) Seventeenth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, with Memoranda; to be printed [No. 38-xvii]; and (2) Third Report from the Select Committee on Statutory Instruments, with Memoranda; to be printed [No. 39-iii] [David Maclean]. 11 Transport,—Road Safety: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Committee; to be printed [No. 460-ii] [Mr David Clelland]. 12 Treasury,—Inherited Estates: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee; to be printed [No. 496-ii] [John McFall]. 13 Work and Pensions,—(1) Department for Work and Pensions 3 Year Plan: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Work and Pensions Committee; to be printed [No. 531-i]; and (2) Carers: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published [Mr Terry Rooney]. Page 362      Wednesday 30th April 2008       2007-08      Volume 264      Back to top [No. 86; WH, No. 55] Wednesday 30th April 2008. The House sitting in Westminster Hall The sitting began at half-past Nine o’clock.   Adjournment. Subjects: Teenage knife crime (Mr Andrew Love). Local tuberculosis services (Julie Morgan). Developments in Ukraine (Mr Richard Spring). A14 and A45 roads and development in North Northamptonshire (Mr Peter Bone). VAT on membership of sports and leisure trusts (Mr Brian H. Donohoe). A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the sitting be now adjourned,—(Frank Roy); And the sitting having continued for two and a half hours after half-past Two o’clock, it was adjourned without Question put, till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 5 p.m. [No. 87.] Thursday 1st May 2008. The House met at half-past Ten o’clock. PRAYERS. 1 Bournemouth Borough Council Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read for the Second Reading of the Bournemouth Borough Council Bill [Lords]; Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday 8th May. 2 Canterbury City Council Bill,—The Order of the day being read for the Second Reading of the Canterbury City Council Bill; Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday 8th May. 3 Leeds City Council Bill,—The Order of the day being read for the Second Reading of the Leeds City Council Bill; Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday 8th May. 4 London Local Authorities (Shopping Bags) Bill,—The Order of the day being read for the Second Reading of the London Local Authorities (Shopping Bags) Bill; Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday 8th May. 5 Manchester City Council Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read for the Second Reading of the Manchester City Council Bill [Lords]; Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday 8th May. 6 Nottingham City Council Bill,—The Order of the day being read for the Second Reading of the Nottingham City Council Bill; Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday 8th May. 7 Reading Borough Council Bill,—The Order of the day being read for the Second Reading of the Reading Borough Council Bill; Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday 8th May. 8 Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows: The Lords have agreed to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill, with Amendments; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House. 9 Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill,—Lords Amendments to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill to be considered on Tuesday 6th May; and printed pursuant to Standing Orders Nos. 57A (Bills brought from the Lords) and 78 (Lords amendments) on 30th April [Bill 104]. Page 363      Thursday 1st May 2008       2007-08      Volume 264      Back to top Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Lords Amendments to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill be printed [Bill 104–EN]. 10 The Middle East (Topical Debate),—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House has considered the matter of the Middle East—(Dr Kim Howells); 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). 11 Child Poverty in Scotland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House has considered the matter of child poverty in Scotland—(Mrs Anne McGuire); And it being Six o’clock, the Motion lapsed without Question put. 12 Adjournment. Subject: Violent crime against taxi drivers (Mr Brian Binley). Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Liz Blackman.) And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till twenty-six minutes past Six o’clock, adjourned till Tuesday 6th May, pursuant to Resolution [22nd April]. [Adjourned at 6.26 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Negative Resolution: 1 Food,—Food Labelling (Declaration of Allergens) (England) Regulations 2008 (S.I., 2008, No. 1188), dated 24th April 2008 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum and Impact Assessment [by Command] [Secretary Alan Johnson]. 2 Government Trading Funds,—Defence Aviation Repair Agency Trading Fund (Revocation) Order 2008 (S.I., 2008, No. 1208), dated 28th April 2008 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Des Browne]. 3 Public Health,—Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection (Defence Medical Services) Regulations 2008 (S.I., 2008, No. 1181), dated 24th April 2008 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Alan Johnson]. 4 Road Traffic,—(1) Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions (County of Gloucestershire) (Forest of Dean District) Designation Order 2008 (S.I., 2008, No. 1212); and (2) Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions (County of Rutland) Designation Order 2008 (S.I., 2008, No. 1211), dated 28th April 2008 [by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Secretary Ruth Kelly]. Other Papers: 5 Foreign Affairs,—Government Response to the Fifth Report of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Session 2007–08, on Global Security: Iran [by Command] [Cm. 7361] [Secretary David Miliband]. 6 Northern Ireland (Monitoring Commission etc.),—Eighteenth Report of the Independent Monitoring Commission [by Act]; to be printed [No. 502] [Mr Secretary Woodward]. APPENDIX II Finance Bill (except Clauses Nos. 3, 5, 6, 15, 21, 49, 90 and 117 and new Clauses amending Section 74 of the Finance Act 2003),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Graham Brady from the Finance Bill Committee and nominated in substitution Mr Peter Bone. Page 364      Thursday 1st May 2008       2007-08      Volume 264      Back to top [No. 87; WH, No. 56] Thursday 1st May 2008. The House sitting in Westminster Hall The sitting began at half-past Two o’clock.   Adjournment. Subject: Sanitation and Water, Sixth Report from the International Development Committee, Session 2006–07, and the Government’s response thereto. Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Frank Roy.) And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 6th May. [Adjourned at 4.56 p.m. Previous Chronological Index Next   Part I Alphabetical Index Part II Alphabetical Index     © Parliamentary copyright 2010 Prepared 15 September 2010