| Session 2007-08 |
| Commons Journal 264
Chronological Index
Page 670 2007-08 Volume 264 [No. 155.] Monday 10th November 2008. The House met at half-past Two o’clock. PRAYERS.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Economic crisis,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House is concerned at the increasing difficulties caused by the current economic crisis to many British citizens in maintaining their homes, paying their bills and providing for themselves and their families; believes that these problems originated not just in the global financial system but in unsustainable levels of personal borrowing and house prices which were overlooked by Government policy; is alarmed at the steep rise in mortgage arrears and repossession orders; regrets that, despite receiving £500 billion of taxpayers’ money, the banking industry has failed to respond adequately to the needs of its customers or modify sufficiently its behaviour in respect of mortgage interest rates, new lending to struggling small businesses and its bonus culture; notes that the Bank of England has implemented the 2 per cent. cut in interest rates which the Liberal Democrats called for and urges it to make further cuts if the economy deteriorates further; and calls on the Government to introduce an immediate substantial cut in income tax to benefit low income and standard rate taxpayers, paid for by wealthy individuals who profited disproportionately from the economic boom and who do not pay their fair share of tax—(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 ‘notes that the Government’s actions mean that the economy is entering a period of global downturn with unemployment, inflation and interest rates all much lower than in previous slowdowns, and with debt reduced from 43 per cent. of gross domestic product in 1997 to below 36 per cent. last year; welcomes the extra investment in public services and public servants that this has enabled to compensate for historical underinvestment both in infrastructure and services in every region; supports the Government’s global leadership and action to tackle both the causes and effects of the financial and economic turmoil on an international level; welcomes the Government’s timely support to protect financial stability and consequently depositors, business and the wider economy; further notes that as a condition of this support the Government has demanded support in turn for homeowners and small and medium size businesses; further notes the action that has been taken in the court system and through mortgage interest support to enable people to stay in their homes, and the provision of £360 million to help small and medium size businesses under the Train to Gain initiative; and further notes that Government action to support families, individuals and businesses across the UK through the tougher times ahead includes extra tax credits, cutting income tax, freezing fuel duty, further winter fuel payments and increases in Child Benefit’, instead thereof.—(Angela Eagle.) And the Question being put, That the original words stand part of the Question; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Bob Russell, John Hemming: 58. Tellers for the Noes, Helen Goodman, Ms Diana R. Johnson: 303. 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, Helen Goodman, Ms Diana R. Johnson: 289. Tellers for the Noes, Bob Russell, John Hemming: 216. So the Question was agreed to. The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to. Page 671 Monday 10th November 2008 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top Resolved, That this House notes that the Government’s actions mean that the economy is entering a period of global downturn with unemployment, inflation and interest rates all much lower than in previous slowdowns, and with debt reduced from 43 per cent. of gross domestic product in 1997 to below 36 per cent. last year; welcomes the extra investment in public services and public servants that this has enabled to compensate for historical underinvestment both in infrastructure and services in every region; supports the Government’s global leadership and action to tackle both the causes and effects of the financial and economic turmoil on an international level; welcomes the Government’s timely support to protect financial stability and consequently depositors, business and the wider economy; further notes that as a condition of this support the Government has demanded support in turn for homeowners and small and medium size businesses; further notes the action that has been taken in the court system and through mortgage interest support to enable people to stay in their homes, and the provision of £360 million to help small and medium size businesses under the Train to Gain initiative; and further notes that Government action to support families, individuals and businesses across the UK through the tougher times ahead includes extra tax credits, cutting income tax, freezing fuel duty, further winter fuel payments and increases in Child Benefit. Renewal of the Post Office Card Account,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House notes with concern the fact that the Department for Work and Pensions has written to Post Office card account holders informing them that the Post Office card account contract ends in 2010; further notes that Post Office card account holders, many of whom have made a conscious decision to support the Post Office by retaining their card account, are being instructed to take out bank accounts in order to receive benefits beyond 2010; expresses its dismay at the fact that the letter does not mention the fact that a replacement for the current card account is currently out to tender, or make any mention of other Post Office products or services; believes that this is a deliberate attempt to encourage people to switch payment to direct debit and remove the role of the Post Office; further notes the additional damage inflicted on the Post Office by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, which is currently sending out licence renewal reminders as part of a communications campaign which makes no mention of the Post Office; calls on Ministers in the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform to encourage Ministers in the Department for Work and Pensions to consider the impact on communities across the country if the Post Office card account is not renewed; and encourages all Government departments to make their services available through post offices in order to ensure that they have a viable future—(Jenny Willott); An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House’ to the end of the Question and add the words ‘notes the importance of the services offered by the Post Office to local communities; further notes that the Government has worked with the Post Office to make available services such as its own banking and financial services and access to high street banks’ basic accounts; further notes that the Post Office is now the largest provider of foreign exchange in the UK and amongst the largest suppliers of travel insurance, car insurance and telephone services; further notes the potential for future ID management business for the Post Office for passports, driving licences and ID cards; welcomes the commitment of the Government to provide £1.7 billion of support up to 2011 to maintain a national post office network and access to Post Office products, in contrast to no subsidy before 1997; further notes the importance of the Post Office card account in helping people to access basic banking services; welcomes the decision to offer this type of product beyond 2010; further notes that this product is currently out to tender; and believes that people should be aware of the Post Office card account product alongside other methods of payment’, instead thereof.—(Secretary James Purnell.) And the Question being 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, Richard Younger-Ross: 240. Tellers for the Noes, Ian Lucas, Steve McCabe: 278. 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); Page 672 Monday 10th November 2008 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Ian Lucas, Steve McCabe: 279. Tellers for the Noes, Paul Rowen, Richard Younger-Ross: 232. So the Question was agreed to. The Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to. Resolved, That this House notes the importance of the services offered by the Post Office to local communities; further notes that the Government has worked with the Post Office to make available services such as its own banking and financial services and access to high street banks’ basic accounts; further notes that the Post Office is now the largest provider of foreign exchange in the UK and amongst the largest suppliers of travel insurance, car insurance and telephone services; further notes the potential for future ID management business for the Post Office for passports, driving licences and ID cards; welcomes the commitment of the Government to provide £1.7 billion of support up to 2011 to maintain a national post office network and access to Post Office products, in contrast to no subsidy before 1997; further notes the importance of the Post Office card account in helping people to access basic banking services; welcomes the decision to offer this type of product beyond 2010; further notes that this product is currently out to tender; and believes that people should be aware of the Post Office card account product alongside other methods of payment.
Page 673 Monday 10th November 2008 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top And the Speaker’s opinion as to the decision of the Question being challenged, the Division was deferred till Wednesday 12th November, pursuant to Standing Order No. 41A (Deferred divisions).
(1) residents of Islwyn, and others relating to health (asbestosis and mesothelioma); (2) residents of Cumbria and others relating to universities (Cumbria); and (3) Christopher Rankin, residents of New Park Road, Benfleet and others relating to traffic management (Essex) were presented and read.
Subject: Support for Gloucester City Football Club (Mr Parmjit Dhanda). Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Ms Dawn Butler.) And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till Eleven o’clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 11 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 7th November 2008 pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments): Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Page 674 Monday 10th November 2008 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top
(2) Police (Complaints and Misconduct) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I., 2008, No. 2866), dated 5th November 2008, with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [Secretary Jacqui Smith].
Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 10th November 2008: Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Other Papers:
APPENDIX II General Committees
Grand Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
Page 675 Monday 10th November 2008 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top (2) Housing and the Credit Crunch: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published [Dr Phyllis Starkey].
(i) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee; to be printed [No. 1064-i]; and (ii) Memorandum laid before the Committee; to be published [Mr Phil Willis].
(2) Fire and Rescue Service: The New Dimension Programme: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 1184-i] [Mr Edward Leigh]. [No. 156.] Tuesday 11th November 2008. The House met at half-past Two o’clock. PRAYERS.
That the draft Legislative Reform (Verification of Weighing and Measuring Equipment) Order 2008, which was laid before this House on 20th October, should be approved. The Committee came to this Resolution without a Division.
Memorandum to lie upon the Table and to be published.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
The Lords agree to the Education and Skills Bill, with Amendments, to which they desire the concurrence of this House. Torture (Damages) Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a bill to make provision for actions for damages for torture; and for connected purposes; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.
Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Lords Amendments to the Education and Skills Bill be printed [Bill 164–EN].
Page 676 Tuesday 11th November 2008 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top
And the Motion being opposed, after permitting a short explanatory statement from the Member who made the Motion and from a Member who opposed it, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Standing Order No. 23 (Motions for leave to bring in bills and nomination of select committees at commencement of public business):—It was agreed to. Ordered, That Mr Douglas Carswell, Mr Frank Field, Mrs Nadine Dorries, Mr Mark Field, Mr Philip Hollobone, Mr Richard Shepherd, Mr Peter Bone, Mr Charles Walker, Mr Graham Allen, Mr Stephen Crabb and Daniel Kawczynski do prepare and bring in the Bill.
(1) residents of Chorley and others relating to Post Office Card Account; and (2) The London Global Table (an association of people concerned for Global Justice) and others of like disposition relating to finance (public projects) were presented and read.
Subject: Lockerbie rail services (David Mundell). A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn—(Mr Dave Watts); 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 twenty-eight minutes to Eleven o’clock, till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 10.32 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Other Papers:
Page 677 Tuesday 11th November 2008 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top APPENDIX II General Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Construction matters: Government Response to the Business and Enterprise Committee’s Ninth Report of Session 2007–08: Tenth Special Report from the Committee; to be printed [No. 1187]; and (3) Consumer Focus: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 1082-i] [Peter Luff].
(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee; to be printed [No. 1093-iii]; and (2) Memorandum laid before the Committee; to be published [Mr John Whittingdale].
(2) Climate change and local, regional and devolved government: Government Response to the Committee’s Eighth Report of Session 2007–08: Ninth Special Report from the Committee; to be printed [No. 1189] [Mr Tim Yeo].
(2) Pre-legislative scrutiny: Memorandum laid before the Committee; to be published; and (3) UN Convention Against Torture: Memorandum laid before the Committee; to be published [Mr Andrew Dismore].
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(2) Equitable Life: (i) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed [No. 1143-ii]; (ii) Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published; and (3) Lobbying: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published [Dr Tony Wright].
(2) Getting Results: the Better Regulation Executive and the Impact of the Regulatory Reform Agenda: Government Response to the Committee’s Fifth Report of Session 2007–08: First Special Report from the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 1186] [Andrew Miller].
(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee; to be printed [No. 1167-ii]; and (2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [John McFall].
(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Welsh Affairs Committee; to be printed [No. 401-xiv]; and (2) Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published [Dr Hywel Francis]. [No. 156; WH, No. 103] Tuesday 11th November 2008. The House sitting in Westminster Hall The sitting began at half-past Nine o’clock.
Subjects: Housing provision in Greater London (Jeremy Corbyn). At Eleven o’clock the House sitting in Westminster Hall observed two minutes’ silence in remembrance of those who gave their lives for their country Law relating to assisted dying (Dr Evan Harris). Local government boundary review in Devon (Mr Adrian Sanders). Government policy on bank lending (Mr George Mudie). Funding of schools in Torridge and West Devon (Mr Geoffrey Cox). Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Chris Mole.) And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 1.59 p.m. Page 679 Tuesday 11th November 2008 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top [No. 157.] Wednesday 12th November 2008. The House met at half-past Eleven o’clock. PRAYERS.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.
(1) the Motions in the name of Ms Harriet Harman relating to Regional Accountability, Regional Select Committees, Pay for Chairmen of Select Committees and Regional Grand Committees not later than one and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the first such Motion; (2) the Motions in the name of Ms Harriet Harman relating to European Scrutiny (Standing Orders) and Modernisation of the House of Commons (Changes to Standing Orders) not later than one and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the first such Motion; and (3) the Motion in the name of Ms Harriet Harman relating to the Speaker’s Conference not later than one hour after the commencement of proceedings on that Motion; such Questions shall include the Questions on any Amendments selected by the Speaker which may then be moved; proceedings may continue after the moment of interruption; and Standing Order No. 41A (Deferred divisions) shall not apply—(Chris Bryant); Mr Nicholas Brown 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 Bob Blizzard, Mr Dave Watts: 258. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Richard Benyon, Jeremy Wright: 223. So the Question was agreed to.
Page 680 Wednesday 12th November 2008 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top An Amendment ((c)) was proposed to the Question, in line 3, to leave out from ‘282)’ to the word ‘opportunities’ in line 10 and insert the words ‘approves the proposals for regional grand committees for each English region set out in the response from the Government contained in the White Paper, Regional Accountability (Cm. 7376); and considers that’, instead thereof.—(Mrs Theresa May.) Question proposed, That the Amendment be made.
Dangerous Drugs,—That the draft Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Amendment) Order Order 2008, which was laid before this House on 13th October, be approved. Ayes: 430. Noes: 54. So the Question was agreed to.
And it being one and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [this day]. The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Richard Benyon, James Duddridge: 233. Tellers for the Noes, Helen Goodman, Ms Diana R. Johnson: 250. So the Question was negatived. The Deputy Speaker then proceeded to put the remaining Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings to be concluded at that hour. Another Amendment ((a)) was proposed to the Question, in line 6, after ‘(Cm. 7376)’, to insert the words ‘except that chairmen of regional select committees shall not be paid.’. —(Andrew Mackinlay.) And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Kelvin Hopkins, Paul Flynn: 239. Tellers for the Noes, Ms Diana R. Johnson, Helen Goodman: 237. So the Question was agreed to. And the Main Question, as amended, being put; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Helen Goodman, Ms Diana R. Johnson: 254. Tellers for the Noes, Mr Richard Benyon, James Duddridge: 224. So the Question was agreed to. Resolved, That this House welcomes the Third Report from the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons on Regional Accountability (House of Commons Paper No. 282); approves the proposals for regional select and grand committees for each of the English regions set out in the response from the Government in the White Paper, Regional Accountability (Cm. 7376), except that chairmen of regional select committees shall not be paid; accordingly endorses the clear expectation that the regional select committees should meet significantly less frequently than departmental select committees; and considers that the combination of select committees providing opportunities for inquiries and reports into regional policy and administration together with opportunities for debate involving all honourable Members from the relevant region will provide a major step forward in the scrutiny of regional policy.
Page 681 Wednesday 12th November 2008 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top A. New Standing Order Regional select committees (1) Select committees shall be appointed to examine regional strategies and the work of regional bodies for each of the following English regions: (a) East Midlands (b) East of England (c) North East (d) North West (e) South East (f) South West (g) West Midlands (h) Yorkshire and the Humber. (2) Each committee appointed under this order shall consist of not more than nine members; and, unless the House otherwise orders, all Members nominated to a committee shall continue to be members of that committee for the remainder of the Parliament. (3) A committee appointed under this order shall have power— (a) to send for persons, papers and records, to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House, to adjourn to any place within the United Kingdom, and to report from time to time; (b) to appoint specialist advisers either to supply information which is not readily available or to elucidate matters of complexity within the committee’s order of reference; (c) to invite— (i) Members of the House who are not members of the committee but represent constituencies within the region in respect of which it is appointed, and (ii) specified elected councillors from the region in respect of which it is appointed to attend and participate in its proceedings at specified meetings (but not to move motions or amendments, vote or be counted in the quorum). B. Amendment to Temporary Standing Order of 13th July 2005: Liaison Committee (Membership) At end add— (4) In addition to the members appointed under paragraphs (2) and (3) of this order, one Member who is for the time being the Chairman of a Regional Select Committee shall be a member of the Liaison Committee. (5) The question on a motion in the names of the chairmen of all the Regional Select Committees to nominate a member of the Liaison Committee under paragraph (4) shall be put forthwith and may be decided after the moment of interruption—(Chris Bryant); An Amendment ((b)) was proposed to the Question, in line 17, after first ‘members’ to insert the words ‘who represent constituencies within the relevant region’.—(Simon Hughes.) And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Richard Younger-Ross, John Hemming: 90. Tellers for the Noes, Helen Goodman, Ms Diana R. Johnson: 235. So the Question was negatived. Another Amendment ((c)) was proposed to the Question, in line 19, at end, to insert the words— ‘(2A) In nominating Members to the Committees under this order, the Committee of Selection shall have regard to the proportion of Members of each party representing constituencies in the relevant region; (2B) Notwithstanding paragraph (2A), the Committee of Selection shall nominate at least one Member from each of the three largest parties to each Committee.’—(Simon Hughes.) And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made; Page 682 Wednesday 12th November 2008 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Paul Rowen, John Hemming: 229. Tellers for the Noes, Helen Goodman, Ms Diana R. Johnson: 231. So the Question was negatived. An Amendment ((d)) was made to the Main Question, in line 29, to leave out from ‘appointed’ to the end of line 32—(Andrew Mackinlay.) And the Main Question, as amended, being put:—It was agreed to. Ordered, That the following new Standing Order and Amendment to temporary Standing Orders be made, with effect from 1st January 2009 until the end of the current Parliament— A. New Standing Order Regional select committees (1) Select committees shall be appointed to examine regional strategies and the work of regional bodies for each of the following English regions: (a) East Midlands (b) East of England (c) North East (d) North West (e) South East (f) South West (g) West Midlands (h) Yorkshire and the Humber. (2) Each committee appointed under this order shall consist of not more than nine members; and, unless the House otherwise orders, all Members nominated to a committee shall continue to be members of that committee for the remainder of the Parliament. (3) A committee appointed under this order shall have power— (a) to send for persons, papers and records, to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House, to adjourn to any place within the United Kingdom, and to report from time to time; (b) to appoint specialist advisers either to supply information which is not readily available or to elucidate matters of complexity within the committee’s order of reference; (c) to invite Members of the House who are not members of the committee but represent constituencies within the region in respect of which it is appointed to attend and participate in its proceedings at specified meetings (but not to move motions or amendments, vote or be counted in the quorum). B. Amendment to Temporary Standing Order of 13th July 2005: Liaison Committee (Membership) At end add— (4) In addition to the members appointed under paragraphs (2) and (3) of this order, one Member who is for the time being the Chairman of a Regional Select Committee shall be a member of the Liaison Committee. (5) The question on a motion in the names of the chairmen of all the Regional Select Committees to nominate a member of the Liaison Committee under paragraph (4) shall be put forthwith and may be decided after the moment of interruption.
A. Regional grand committees (1) There shall be general committees, called Regional Grand Committees, for each of the following English regions: (a) East Midlands (b) East of England (c) North East (d) North West (e) South East Page 683 Wednesday 12th November 2008 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top (f) South West (g) West Midlands (h) Yorkshire and the Humber which in each case shall consist of those Members who represent constituencies within the region and up to five other Members nominated by the Committee of Selection, which shall have power from time to time to discharge the Members so nominated by it and to appoint others in their place. (2) A motion may be made by a Minister of the Crown providing for— (a) a Regional Grand Committee to sit on a specified day at a specified place in the region to which it relates or at Westminster; (b) the time and duration of such a sitting; and (c) the business as provided in paragraph (4) to be conducted at it. (3) The question on a motion under paragraph (2) shall be put forthwith and may be decided after the moment of interruption. (4) The business of the committees may include— (a) questions tabled in accordance with Standing Order (Regional Grand Committees (questions for oral answer)); (b) statements by a Minister of the Crown, in accordance with paragraph (5) below; (c) general debates on specified matters. (5) The chairman may permit a Minister of the Crown, whether or not a Member of the House, to make a statement and to answer questions thereon put by members of the committee; but no question shall be taken after the expiry of a period of 45 minutes from the commencement of such a statement. (6) If the House has resolved that the business at a sitting of a committee shall be concluded at a certain hour and it has not otherwise been concluded before that time the chairman shall, at that time, adjourn the committee without question put and any business then under consideration shall lapse. B. Regional Grand Committees (questions for oral answer) (1) Notices of questions for oral answer in a Regional Grand Committee by the relevant regional minister, on a day specified in an order made under paragraph (2) of Standing Order (Regional grand committees), may be given by members of the committee in the Table Office. (2) Notices of questions given under this order shall bear an indication that they are for oral answer in a specific Regional Grand Committee. (3) No more than one notice of a question may be given under this order by any member of the committee for each day specified for the taking of questions. (4) On any day so specified, questions shall be taken at the time provided for in an order under paragraph (2) of Standing Order (Regional Grand Committees); no question shall be taken later than three quarters of an hour after the commencement of the proceedings thereon; and replies to questions not reached shall be printed with the official report of the committee’s debates for that day. (5) Notices of questions under this order may be given ten sitting days before that on which an answer is desired save where otherwise provided by a memorandum under paragraph (8) of Standing Order No. 22 (Notices of questions, motions and amendments), provided that when it is proposed that the House shall adjourn for a period of fewer than four days, any day during that period (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) shall be counted as a sitting day for the purposes of the calculation made under this paragraph—(Ms Harriet Harman); An Amendment ((a)) was made to the Main Question, in line 2, after the word ‘made’, to insert ‘and Standing Order No. 117 (Regional Affairs Committee) be suspended’.—(Sir George Young.) Another Amendment ((c)) was proposed to the Question, in line 16, to leave out from the word ‘region’ to the end of line 18.—(Simon Hughes.) And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, John Hemming, Paul Rowen: 107. Tellers for the Noes, Ms Diana R. Johnson, Helen Goodman: 219. So the Question was negatived. And the Main Question, as amended, being put:—It was agreed to. Page 684 Wednesday 12th November 2008 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top Ordered, That the following new Standing Orders be made and Standing Order No. 117 (Regional Affairs Committee) be suspended, with effect from 1st January 2009 until the end of the current Parliament— A. Regional grand committees (1) There shall be general committees, called Regional Grand Committees, for each of the following English regions: (a) East Midlands (b) East of England (c) North East (d) North West (e) South East (f) South West (g) West Midlands (h) Yorkshire and the Humber which in each case shall consist of those Members who represent constituencies within the region and up to five other Members nominated by the Committee of Selection, which shall have power from time to time to discharge the Members so nominated by it and to appoint others in their place. (2) A motion may be made by a Minister of the Crown providing for— (a) a Regional Grand Committee to sit on a specified day at a specified place in the region to which it relates or at Westminster; (b) the time and duration of such a sitting; and (c) the business as provided in paragraph (4) to be conducted at it. (3) The question on a motion under paragraph (2) shall be put forthwith and may be decided after the moment of interruption. (4) The business of the committees may include— (a) questions tabled in accordance with Standing Order (Regional Grand Committees (questions for oral answer)); (b) statements by a Minister of the Crown, in accordance with paragraph (5) below; (c) general debates on specified matters. (5) The chairman may permit a Minister of the Crown, whether or not a Member of the House, to make a statement and to answer questions thereon put by members of the committee; but no question shall be taken after the expiry of a period of 45 minutes from the commencement of such a statement. (6) If the House has resolved that the business at a sitting of a committee shall be concluded at a certain hour and it has not otherwise been concluded before that time the chairman shall, at that time, adjourn the committee without question put and any business then under consideration shall lapse. B. Regional Grand Committees (questions for oral answer) (1) Notices of questions for oral answer in a Regional Grand Committee by the relevant regional minister, on a day specified in an order made under paragraph (2) of Standing Order (Regional grand committees), may be given by members of the committee in the Table Office. (2) Notices of questions given under this order shall bear an indication that they are for oral answer in a specific Regional Grand Committee. (3) No more than one notice of a question may be given under this order by any member of the committee for each day specified for the taking of questions. (4) On any day so specified, questions shall be taken at the time provided for in an order under paragraph (2) of Standing Order (Regional Grand Committees); no question shall be taken later than three quarters of an hour after the commencement of the proceedings thereon; and replies to questions not reached shall be printed with the official report of the committee’s debates for that day. (5) Notices of questions under this order may be given ten sitting days before that on which an answer is desired save where otherwise provided by a memorandum under paragraph (8) of Standing Order No. 22 (Notices of questions, motions and amendments), provided that when it is proposed that the House shall adjourn for a period of fewer than four days, any day during that period (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) shall be counted as a sitting day for the purposes of the calculation made under this paragraph. Page 685 Wednesday 12th November 2008 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top
An Amendment ((a)) was proposed to the Question, in line 4, at end to add the words ‘and that paragraph 10 of Standing Order No. 143 be replaced by the following paragraph: (10) Each such Committee shall determine at the beginning of each meeting whether any part of or all of its business that day shall be conducted in private; and that the Standing Order, as amended, shall have permanent effect from 1st January 2009.’.—(Mrs Theresa May.) And it being one and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion, the Deputy Speaker put the Question, pursuant to Order [this day]. The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Richard Benyon, Jeremy Wright: 195. Tellers for the Noes, Mark Tami, Chris Mole: 201. So the Question was negatived. The Deputy Speaker then proceeded to put the remaining Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings to be concluded at that hour. And the Main Question being put:—It was agreed to. Ordered, That the Amendments to Standing Order No. 119 and the Amendments to nomenclature in the Standing Orders agreed to by this House on 7th February 2008, shall have permanent effect from 1st January 2009.
(1) In Standing Order No. 24A (Topical debates)— (d) in line 19, leave out ‘six’ and insert ‘ten’; and (e) in line 24, leave out from ‘to’ to the end of line 26 and insert ‘a maximum of five interventions.’. (2) In Standing Order No. 24B (Amendments to motions to consider specified matters)— (a) in line 1, after ‘Speaker’, insert ‘or the Chairman’; and (b) in line 2, after ‘House’, insert ‘or, as the case may be, the committee’—(Ms Harriet Harman); An Amendment ((a)) was proposed to the Question, to leave out lines 9 to 12.—(Mrs Theresa May.) And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made; The House divided. Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Richard Benyon, James Duddridge: 165. Tellers for the Noes, Richard Younger-Ross, Paul Rowen: 87. So the Question was agreed to. And the Main Question, as amended, being put:—It was agreed to. Ordered, That the Amendments to the Standing Orders and new Orders, agreed to by this House on 25th October 2007, relating to the recommendations of the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons in its First Report of Session 2006–07, Revitalising the Chamber: the role of the back bench Member (House of Commons Paper No. 337 of Session 2006–07) and the Government response thereto (Cm. 7231) shall have permanent effect with the following Amendments— In Standing Order No. 24B (Amendments to motions to consider specified matters)— (a) in line 1, after ‘Speaker’, insert ‘or the Chairman’; and (b) in line 2, after ‘House’, insert ‘or, as the case may be, the committee’.
Page 686 Wednesday 12th November 2008 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top (1) There shall be a committee to be known as the Speaker’s Conference which shall consist of the Speaker, who shall be chairman, and up to 17 other Members appointed by the Speaker one of whom shall be vice-chairman; (2) The Conference shall consider and make recommendations for rectifying the disparity between the representation of women, ethnic minorities and disabled people in the House of Commons and their representation in the UK population at large; and may agree to consider other associated matters; (3) Notwithstanding any Standing Order of this House, the Conference shall conduct its proceedings in such manner, and have such of those powers which the House may delegate to select committees, as the Speaker shall determine; (4) The Conference shall have power to report from time to time; (5) The quorum of the Conference shall be five; (6) This order shall have effect until the end of the current Parliament.—(Ms Harriet Harman.)
(1) The whole of the sums deducted or set aside in that year under section 1(3) of the House of Commons Members’ Fund Act 1939 from the salaries of Members of the House of Commons; and (2) The whole of the Treasury contribution to the Fund.—(Mr Peter Lilley.)
Subject: Licence fees levied by the Performing Right Society (Alison Seabeck). Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Ian Lucas.) And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till thirteen minutes past Nine o’clock, adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 9.13 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Paper subject to Affirmative Resolution:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Page 687 Wednesday 12th November 2008 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top Other Papers:
APPENDIX II General Committees
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the First Delegated Legislation Committee and has appointed Mr David Taylor Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Ms Celia Barlow, Mr Bob Blizzard, Mr Jeremy Browne, Dr Vincent Cable, Mr Douglas Carswell, Mr Jim Devine, Mr David Gauke, Mr David Hamilton, Mr Doug Henderson, Anne Main, Mr Alan Meale, Mr Brooks Newmark, Ian Pearson, Mr James Plaskitt, Mr Richard Shepherd and Paddy Tipping.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Second Delegated Legislation Committee and has appointed Mr David Amess Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Ian Austin, Mr Simon Burns, Mr William Cash, Mr Michael Fallon, Mr Douglas Hogg, Mrs Sia(r)n C. James, Dr Stephen Ladyman, Mr Ian McCartney, Mr Michael Mates, Mr Alan Milburn, Mr Michael Moore, Margaret Moran, Martin Salter, Mr Andrew Smith, Mr Gareth Thomas and Stephen Williams.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Third Delegated Legislation Committee and has appointed Mr Martin Caton Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Ben Bradshaw, Ms Karen Buck, Mr Charles Clarke, Rosie Cooper, Mr David Crausby, Mrs Ann Cryer, Mr Stephen Dorrell, Ms Diana R. Johnson, Norman Lamb, Mr Bob Laxton, Greg Mulholland, Mike Penning, Mr John Redwood, Mr Gary Streeter, Derek Twigg and Jeremy Wright.
(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee and has appointed Mrs Janet Dean Chairman; and (2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee: Colin Burgon, Alistair Burt, Mr Edward Davey, Michael Jabez Foster (Hastings and Rye), Mr Neil Gerrard, Patrick Hall, Mr Greg Hands, Mr David Lidington, Mr Andrew Love, Gillian Merron, Mr Mark Oaten, Gwyn Prosser, Hon Nicholas Soames, Sir John Stanley, Mark Tami and Mr Neil Turner.
Page 688 Wednesday 12th November 2008 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top
Grand Committees
European Committees
APPENDIX III Reports from Select Committees
(2) Badgers and cattle TB: Memorandum laid before the Committee; to be published [Mr Michael Jack].
(2) Minutes of the Public Deliberations of the Committee; to be printed [No. 361-xxiv]; and (3) Ministerial Correspondence: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published [Michael Connarty].
Page 689 Wednesday 12th November 2008 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top
(2) Fifth Report from the Select Committee on Statutory Instruments, with Memoranda; to be printed [No. 39-v] [David Maclean].
[No. 157; WH, No. 104] Wednesday 12th November 2008. The House sitting in Westminster Hall The sitting began at half-past Nine o’clock.
Subjects: Housing supply in the current economic situation (Mr Clive Betts). Children of prisoners (Kerry McCarthy). Proposals for a British Day (Andrew Rosindell). Developments in financial markets (Mr Andrew Pelling). Local government reform in Gloucestershire (Mr David Drew). Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Barbara Keeley.) And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow. [Adjourned at 6.29 p.m. [No. 158.] Thursday 13th November 2008. The House met at half-past Ten o’clock. PRAYERS.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday 20th November.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday 20th November.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday 20th November.
Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday 20th November.
Memorandum to lie upon the Table and to be published.
Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table. Page 690 Thursday 13th November 2008 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top
The Lords agree, without Amendment, to the Amendments made by this House to the Children and Young Persons Bill [Lords]. The Lords agree, without Amendment, to the Amendments made by this House to the Employment Bill [Lords].
Planning and Energy Act 2008 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 Children and Young Persons Act 2008 Employment Act 2008.
And it being Six o’clock, the Motion lapsed without Question put.
Subject: Thames Water’s proposals for a reservoir in Oxfordshire (Mr Edward Vaizey). Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Ms Dawn Butler.) And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till twenty-five minutes past Six o’clock, adjourned till Monday 17th November. [Adjourned at 6.25 p.m. APPENDIX I Papers presented or laid upon the Table: Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:
(2) draft Double Taxation Relief and International Tax Enforcement (Taxes on Income and Capital) (Isle of Man) Order 2008; and (3) draft Double Taxation Relief and International Tax Enforcement (Taxes on Income and Capital) (Netherlands) Order 2008 [by Act], with Explanatory Memoranda thereon [by Command] [Stephen Timms].
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
Page 691 Thursday 13th November 2008 2007-08 Volume 264 Back to top Other Papers:
APPENDIX II Reports from Select Committees
(2) Public Expenditure on Health and Personal Social Services 2008: Memorandum laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 1190] [Mr Kevin Barron].
(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration; to be printed [No. 1143-iii]; and (2) Memorandum laid before the Committee; to be published [Dr Tony Wright]. [No. 158; WH, No. 105] Thursday 13th November 2008. The House sitting in Westminster Hall The sitting began at half-past Two o’clock.
Subject: Harmful content on the Internet and in video games, Tenth Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee and the Government’s response thereto. Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Barbara Follett.) And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 18th November. [Adjourned at 5.29 p.m.
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