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+ indicates Government business.
Timings are indicative only.
House of Commons
Order of Business
Afterwards
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Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
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 1
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Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East): What progress has been made towards achieving the Government's target to eradicate child poverty; and if he will make a statement.
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(253024)
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2
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Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central): What steps his Department is taking to ensure the prompt payment of benefits to people registering as newly unemployed.
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(253025)
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3
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Paul Flynn (Newport West): What his latest estimate is of the number of pensioners entitled to income support who did not claim it in the last two years.
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(253026)
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4
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Bob Spink (Castle Point): What recent progress he has made in reducing the incidence of poverty among pensioners.
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(253027)
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5
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Mr John Heppell (Nottingham East): What recent steps his Department has taken to protect employees' occupational pensions.
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(253028)
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6
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Nia Griffith (Llanelli): What recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of Jobcentre Plus services in dealing with an increase in the number
of people registering as unemployed.
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(253029)
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7
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David Wright (Telford): How much funding his Department plans to provide in 2008-09 to people with mortgages who have lost their jobs.
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(253030)
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8
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Mr Geoffrey Cox (Torridge & West Devon): When he next plans to review the mechanisms for triggering cold weather payments.
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(253031)
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9
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Tony Baldry (Banbury): What proportion of the population in (a) the UK and (b) Banbury constituency is claiming jobseeker's allowance.
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(253032)
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10
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Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York): How many jobseeker's allowance claimants there are in (a) England and (b) North Yorkshire.
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(253033)
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11
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Mr Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South): What recent assessment he has made of the capacity of his Department's local offices to assist people made redundant.
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(253034)
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12
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Mr Graham Stuart (Beverley & Holderness): Whether he plans to amend the 10 per cent. rule on savings when calculating pension credit.
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(253035)
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13
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Mr Peter Lilley (Hitchin & Harpenden): What plans he has for future arrangements for assistance offered by his Department to long-term recipients of incapacity benefit.
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(253036)
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14
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Richard Ottaway (Croydon South): What steps he is taking to improve the performance of the child support system.
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(253037)
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15
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Mr David Evennett (Bexleyheath & Crayford): What steps are being taken by his Department to help long-term incapacity benefit claimants move into work.
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(253038)
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16
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Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire): What steps his Department is taking to assist those seeking employment following redundancy.
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(253039)
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17
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Hugh Bayley (City of York): What steps Jobcentre Plus is taking to help unemployed people find jobs.
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(253040)
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18
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David Taylor (North West Leicestershire): What recent representations he has received on levels of unemployment among 18 to 24 year olds; and if he will make a statement.
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(253041)
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19
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Fiona Mactaggart (Slough): What his most recent estimate is of the level of child poverty; and what plans he has to reduce it.
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(253042)
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20
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Willie Rennie (Dunfermline and West Fife): What projection he has made of the number of people who will have been claiming jobseeker's allowance for over 12 months by
October 2009.
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(253043)
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21
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Mr David Hamilton (Midlothian): What recent discussions he has had with Ministers in the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform on the
effects of the national minimum wage on levels of unemployment.
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(253044)
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22
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Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West): What assistance his Department provides to enable people who become unemployed to stay in their homes.
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(253045)
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23
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Mrs Jacqui Lait (Beckenham): What proportion of the population in (a) Beckenham constituency and (b) the UK were claiming jobseeker's allowance at the
latest date for which figures are available.
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(253046)
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24
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Danny Alexander (Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey): How many people aged between 18 and 24 years are claiming jobseeker's allowance in (a) Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey
constituency and (b) the UK.
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(253048)
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At 3.15 pm
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Topical Questions to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
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The Members listed below have been selected by ballot to ask a Topical Question.
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T1
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Angela Watkinson (Upminster): If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.
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(253049)
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T2
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Richard Ottaway (Croydon South):
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(253050)
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T3
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Stephen Hesford (Wirral West):
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(253051)
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T4
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Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent North):
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(253052)
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T5
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Mr David Jones (Clwyd West):
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(253053)
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T6
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Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland):
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(253054)
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T7
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Mr Douglas Carswell (Harwich):
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(253055)
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T8
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Andrew Gwynne (Denton & Reddish):
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(253056)
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T9
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Miss Julie Kirkbride (Bromsgrove):
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(253057)
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T10
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Mr David Drew (Stroud):
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(253058)
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At 3.30 pm
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Urgent Questions (if any)
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Ministerial Statements (if any)
Main Business
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1
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OPPOSITION DAY (3rd allotted day)
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[Until 10.00 pm]
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GOVERNMENT CAPITAL EXPENDITURE DURING THE RECESSION
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That this House notes that the International Monetary Fund believes that the UK will suffer the worst economic contraction
among advanced countries; notes with alarm that the Pre-Budget Report 2008 announced an effective 16.5 per cent. decrease
in public sector net investment from 2012-13; further notes with concern that the Learning and Skills Council has decided
to halt funding decisions for college rebuilding; expresses concern that there are currently 1.77 million people on the social
housing waiting list, an increase of 100,000 on last year; further notes that only £400 million has been brought forward out
of £8 billion to spend on social housing; notes how little investment the Government has made to ensure that homes are energy-efficient
and well-insulated; believes that the Government has neglected the current opportunity to invest in expanding the rail network;
and calls on the Government to immediately bring forward funding for capital projects, particularly for schools, colleges,
social housing, public transport and environmental works, all of which will create assets for the taxpayer and generate future
income as well as countering recession in the short run.
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As an Amendment to Mr Nick Clegg’s proposed Motion (Government capital expenditure during the recession):
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Line 1, leave out from ‘House’ to end and add ‘notes the substantial investment over the last decade in frontline public services
in every region of the country; notes that the Government paid down debt over the last 10 years, reducing it from 42.5 per
cent. to 36 per cent. of GDP over the last economic cycle, before the global credit crunch hit Britain; further notes that
public sector net investment was only 0.6 per cent. of GDP in 1997-98 but was 2.1 per cent. of GDP by 2007-08, supporting
sustained increases in investment in schools, hospitals and other key public services; welcomes the action the Government
has taken in response to the international financial crisis both to support financial stability and to provide help for people
and businesses at the time when they need it most; notes that to support the economy in the short term the Government’s fiscal
stimulus includes public sector net investment rising to 2.7 per cent. of GDP by 2009-10 and a value added tax cut putting
over £12 billion into the economy throughout 2009; further notes the Pre-Budget Report 2008 measures to bring forward £3 billion
of capital investment from 2010-11 to 2008-09 and 2009-10 which will support a number of different industries and jobs and
directly improve key public services including schools, transport projects and social housing; welcomes the Government’s commitment
to ensuring that the overall level of capital spending is sustainable and protects investment in public services; and believes
that action now to support the economy will enable Britain to take advantage of opportunities arising as global growth resumes.’.
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STANDARDS OF CONDUCT IN PARLIAMENT AND CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
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That this House believes that the United Kingdom needs and deserves a Parliament that is fit for purpose and free from the
taint of partial interests; is dismayed by the slow pace of reform which has failed to deal effectively with the opportunities
for abuse; welcomes the suggestions from Liberal Democrat members of the House of Lords to introduce powers to suspend and
expel Members of that House, require Peers to declare any interest in all legislation, make all Members of that House resident
in the United Kingdom for tax purposes, put the Lords Appointments Commission on a statutory basis, bring Members of both
Houses into the remit of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, and tighten up on the issuing of passes to Parliament;
believes however that there is now an urgent need to bring forward plans for an elected House as agreed by a majority of hon.
Members; is concerned at the lack of progress on the Prime Minister’s constitutional renewal programme; is disappointed that
current legislation fails to provide for limits on donations or spending by political parties; calls for urgent and effective
action to reduce parties’ dependence on large donors and trade union interests; believes that comprehensive reform of the
procedures of the House is essential to enable it to scrutinise Government and the spending of taxpayers’ money more effectively;
and recognises the need for urgent action to restore the trust of the British public in Parliament as an institution and in
politics as a profession.
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As an Amendment to Mr Nick Clegg’s proposed Motion (Standards of conduct in Parliament and constitutional reform):
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Line 1, leave out from ‘House’ to end and add ‘believes that all Members of both Houses of Parliament should uphold the highest
standards in public life, should be UK residents for tax purposes and should face the toughest sanctions if they undermine
Parliament’s reputation; notes that the Government has taken significant steps to strengthen probity in the political system,
including the revised Ministerial Code in July 2007 and the appointment of an independent adviser on Ministerial interests
and the creation of the independent Electoral Commission; notes the inquiries established by the Leader of the House of Lords;
further notes that this House has a clear code of conduct governing hon. Members and has adopted tough new rules on Members’
allowances, a new requirement to declare and register any family members employed by hon. Members, a robust new audit system
which will see the independent National Audit Office carrying out a full-scope audit of Members’ expenditure and a transparent
system of publication of details of their expenses; supports the Prime Minister’s commitment to further constitutional reform
as outlined in the Governance of Britain, including the dissolution and recall of Parliament and the power to declare war
and to ratify treaties; notes the pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Constitutional Renewal Bill by the Joint Committee;
notes that the Political Parties and Elections Bill proposes to restrict political spending, bring greater transparency to
political funding and strengthen the Electoral Commission as an effective regulator; and hopes that all parties engage constructively
in developing a consensual approach to political party finance.’.
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The selection of the matters to be debated this day has been made by the Leader of the Liberal Democrats (Standing Order No.
14(2)).
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Debate may continue until 10.00 pm.
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†
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2
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DELEGATED LEGISLATION
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[No debate after 10.00 pm]
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That the Employment and Support Allowance (Up-rating Modification) (Transitional) Regulations 2008 (S.I., 2008, No. 3270),
dated 18 December 2008, be referred to a Delegated Legislation Committee.
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If opposed, this item cannot be taken after 10.00 pm.
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At the end of the sitting:
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Proposed subject: Preservation, protection and development in Eastham (Ben Chapman).
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Debate may continue until 10.30 pm or for half an hour, whichever is later (Standing Order No. 9).
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COMMITTEES
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EUROPEAN COMMITTEE
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1
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European Committee B
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4.30 pm
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Room 10 (public)
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To consider EU Document No. 15455/08 relating to Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges 2008-09.
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DELEGATED LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
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2
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First Delegated Legislation Committee
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4.30 pm
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Room 9 (public)
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To consider the draft Open-Ended Investment Companies (Amendment) Regulations 2009 and the draft Unit Trusts (Electronic Communications)
Order 2009.
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SELECT COMMITTEES
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3
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Children, Schools and Families
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3.30 pm
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The Wilson Room, Portcullis House (private)
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4
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Work and Pensions
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4.00 pm
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Room 16 (private)
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4.15 pm
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(public)
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Subject: Equality Bill: What Steps Should DWP Take to Achieve Greater Equality?
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Witnesses: Public Interest Research Unit, Citizens Advice Bureau, and Trades Union Congress; Employer Forum on Disability,
Confederation of British Industry and Federation of Small Business (at 5.15 pm).
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5
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Communities and Local Government
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4.20 pm
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The Grimond Room, Portcullis House (private)
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6
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Public Accounts
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4.30 pm
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Room 15 (public)
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Subject: Financial Management in the NHS: Report on the NHS Summarised Accounts 2007-08.
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Witnesses: David Nicholson CBE, NHS Chief Executive, David Flory, Director General of NHS Finance, Performance and Operations,
Department of Health and Dr Bill Moyes, Chairman and Stephen Hay, Chief Operating Officer, Monitor.
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[The decision of a Committee to sit in public may be rescinded without notice.]
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Written Ministerial Statements to be made today
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1
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Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster: Public bodies 2008.
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2
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Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer: Contingencies Fund.
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3
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Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer: Saving Gateway Accounts Bill.
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4
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Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families: Government response to Lord Sutherland Inquiry.
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5
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Secretary of State for Defence: Army nationality policy.
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6
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Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Revised membership arrangements for Northumberland national park authority.
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7
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Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs: Outcome of the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) 26 January 2009.
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8
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Secretary of State for Justice: Inquests into the deaths of service personnel on operations and exercises overseas.
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9
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Secretary of State for Transport: Improving access to taxis: consultation publication.
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General Committee Notices
A Public Bill Committee will meet on Tuesday 3 February at 10.30 am and 4.00 pm further to consider the Business Rate Supplements
Bill.
A Public Bill Committee will meet on Tuesday 3 February at 10.30 am and 4.30 pm and Thursday 5 February at 9.00 am and 1.00
pm further to consider the Saving Gateway Accounts Bill.
A Public Bill Committee will meet on Tuesday 3 February at 10.30 am and 4.00 pm and Thursday 5 February at 9.00 am and 1.00
pm further to consider the Policing and Crime Bill.
A Public Bill Committee will meet on Tuesday 3 February at 10.30 am and 4.00 pm and Thursday 5 February at 9.00 am and 1.00
pm to consider the Coroners and Justice Bill.
The Programming Sub-Committee in respect of the Welfare Reform Bill will meet on Wednesday 4 February at 2.30 pm.
European Committee B will meet on Monday 2 February at 4.30 pm to consider European Union Document No. 15455/08, relating
to Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges 2008-09.
European Committee B will meet on Tuesday 3 February at 4.30 pm to consider the European Union Document No. 15546/08 and Addenda
1 and 2, relating to Protection of animals used for scientific purposes.
The First Delegated Legislation Committee will meet on Monday 2 February at 4.30 pm to consider the draft Open-Ended Investment
Companies (Amendment) Regulations 2009 and the draft Unit Trusts (Electronic Communications) Order 2009.
The Second Delegated Legislation Committee will meet on Tuesday 3 February at 4.30 pm to consider the draft Health and Social
Care Act 2008 (Registration of Regulated Activities) Regulations 2009.
The Third Delegated Legislation Committee will meet on Wednesday 4 February at 2.30 pm to consider the draft Gambling Act
2005 (Advertising of Foreign Gambling) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2008 (S.I., 2008, No. 2829).
The Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee will meet on Thursday 5 February at 8.55 am to consider the draft Northern Ireland
Arms Decommissioning Act 1997 (Amnesty Period) Order 2009.
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