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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 Wales
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 1
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Sir Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield): What recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the constitutional settlement on devolution in Wales.
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(270717)
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2
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Mr Shailesh Vara (North West Cambridgeshire): What discussions he has had with Ministerial colleagues and the Welsh Assembly Government on treatment in hospitals in England
of patients resident in Wales and in hospitals in Wales of patients resident in England.
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(270718)
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3
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Mr Don Touhig (Islwyn): What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the compensation scheme for persons with
arthritis of the knee arising from industrial injuries sustained in former Welsh coalfields.
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(270720)
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4
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Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough): What discussions he has had with Ministerial colleagues and the Welsh Assembly Government on treatment in hospitals in England
of patients resident in Wales and in hospitals in Wales of patients resident in England.
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(270721)
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5
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Jenny Willott (Cardiff Central): What recent discussions he has had with Ministerial colleagues on measures to reduce unemployment in Wales.
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(270722)
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6
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Bob Spink (Castle Point): What recent assessment he has made of the viability of small businesses in Wales.
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(270723)
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7
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Mr Martin Caton (Gower): What recent discussions he has had with Welsh Assembly Government Ministers on developing and improving the Heart of Wales
railway line.
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(270724)
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8
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Julie Morgan (Cardiff North): What recent discussions he has had with Welsh Assembly Government Ministers on the effect of the closure of newspaper offices
on levels of employment in the media industry in Wales.
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(270725)
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9
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Mr Mark Harper (Forest of Dean): What recent discussions he has had with Ministerial colleagues and the Welsh Assembly Government on energy policy affecting
Wales.
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(270726)
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10
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Hywel Williams (Caernarfon): What recent discussions he has had with Ministerial colleagues on the use of registered and unregistered workers in the private
security industry working on contracts with public sector bodies in Wales.
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(270727)
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11
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Mr Llwyd (Meirionnydd Nant Conwy): What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Justice on the use of bilingual juries in courts in Wales.
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(270729)
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12
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Mr Andrew Robathan (Blaby): What recent discussions he has had with Welsh Assembly Government Ministers on the likely effect on the sheep farming industry
in Wales of compulsory electronic ear tagging.
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(270730)
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13
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Mr Henry Bellingham (North West Norfolk): When he next expects to meet representatives of the National Farmers Union in Wales to discuss proposals for the electronic
tagging of sheep.
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(270731)
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At 12 noon
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Oral Questions to the Prime Minister
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Unless otherwise indicated the Members listed below will ask a Question without notice.
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Q1
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Mr William Cash (Stone): If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 29 April.
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(271544)
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Q2
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Sir Michael Spicer (West Worcestershire):
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(271545)
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Q3
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Anne Main (St Albans):
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(271546)
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Q4
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Clive Efford (Eltham):
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(271547)
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Q5
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Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland):
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(271548)
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Q6
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Mr David Gauke (South West Hertfordshire):
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(271549)
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Q7
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Mr David Evennett (Bexleyheath & Crayford):
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(271550)
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Q8
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Mr David Clelland (Tyne Bridge):
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(271551)
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Q9
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Sir Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield):
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(271553)
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Q10
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Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North):
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(271554)
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Q11
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Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire North):
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(271556)
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Q12
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Tom Brake (Carshalton & Wallington):
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(271557)
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Q13
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Mr Mark Harper (Forest of Dean):
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(271558)
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At 12.30 pm
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Urgent Questions (if any)
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Ministerial Statements, including on Afghanistan and Pakistan.
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Preliminary Business
Ten minute rule Motion
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1
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PREVENTION OF EXCESSIVE CHARGES
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[Up to 20 minutes]
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That leave be given to bring in a Bill to prevent excessive charges or fees from being levied on consumers; and for connected
purposes.
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The Member moving and a Member opposing this Motion may each speak for up to ten minutes (Standing Order No. 23).
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Main Business
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2
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OPPOSITION DAY (10th allotted day)
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[Until 7.00 pm]
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That this House regrets the Government’s recent statement outlining the eligibility criteria for Gurkhas to reside in the
United Kingdom; recognises the contribution the Gurkhas have made to the safety and freedom of the United Kingdom for the
past 200 years; notes that more Gurkhas have laid down their lives for the United Kingdom than are estimated to want to live
here; believes that Gurkhas who retired before 1997 should be treated fairly and in the same way as those who have retired
since; is concerned that the Government’s new guidelines will permit only a small minority of Gurkhas and their families to
settle whilst preventing the vast majority; further believes that people who are prepared to fight and die for the United
Kingdom should be entitled to live in the country; and calls upon the Government to withdraw its new guidelines immediately
and bring forward revised proposals that extend an equal right of residence to all Gurkhas.
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As Amendments to Mr Nick Clegg’s proposed Motion (Gurkha settlement rights):
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(a)
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Line 1, leave out from ‘House’ to ‘recognises’ in line 2 and insert ‘believes that the new guidelines announced by the Government
for the settlement of former Gurkha soldiers are restrictive, morally wrong and offensive to Gurkhas denied the opportunity
to serve for the 20 year minimum period afforded to those of the rank of Warrant Officer and above; supports the decision
of the Home Affairs Select Committee to call Ministers to examine the consequences of this decision and to ascertain how many
former Gurkhas would qualify for settlement and how many of the approximately 1,500 Gurkhas, including Falklands veterans,
currently awaiting the outcome of their appeals would face deportation under the new guidelines;’.
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(c)
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Line 1, leave out from ‘House’ to end and add ‘recognises that this Government is the only one since the Second World War to allow
Gurkhas and their families settlement rights to the United Kingdom; notes that in 2004 the Government permitted settlement
rights to Gurkhas discharged since 1997, following the transfer of the Brigade HQ from Hong Kong to the United Kingdom; further
notes that under these rules around 6,000 Gurkhas and family members have been welcomed to the UK; acknowledges that the court
judgement of September 2008 determined that the 1997 cut-off date was fair and rational, while seeking clarification of the
criteria for settlement rights for those who retired before 1997; further notes that on 24 April the Government published
new and more generous guidelines for the settlement applications of Gurkhas who retired before 1997; supports this revised
guidance, which will make around 10,000 Gurkhas and family members eligible to settle in the UK; further notes that the Government
undertakes actively to inform those who may be eligible in Nepal of these changes and to review the impact of the new guidance
within 12 months; further notes that the contribution Gurkhas have made is already recognised by pensions paid to around 25,000
Gurkhas or their widows in Nepal that allow for a good standard of living there; and further notes that in the year 2000 Gurkha
pensions were doubled and that, earlier in April 2009, in addition to an inflationary uplift of 14 per cent., those over 80
years old received a 20 per cent. increase in their pension.’.
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(d)
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Line 9, leave out from ‘that’ to end and add ‘there should be a presumption that people who are prepared to fight and die for the
United Kingdom should be entitled to live in the country; and calls upon the Government to withdraw its new guidelines immediately
and bring forward revised proposals that extend a right of residence to all Gurkhas.’.
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(b)
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Line 10, leave out from ‘withdraw’ to end and add ‘these guidelines and bring forward new and more equitable guidelines.’.
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That this House is concerned that the fighting in Sri Lanka has already had a devastating effect on hundreds of thousands
of civilians, with thousands killed and wounded, and many tens of thousands traumatised and suffering from lack of food, water
and basic medicines; believes there is a real danger of an even greater bloodbath in the next few days if a ceasefire is not
immediately agreed between the Sri Lankan Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam; further believes that access
is vital for humanitarian assistance, human rights monitors and members of the international media throughout the conflict
zone and to all internally displaced persons, each of whom must, like every Sri Lankan citizen, have all their internationally
recognised rights guaranteed; calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and peace talks; urges the Government energetically
to continue and increase its efforts within the United Nations, European Union and Commonwealth and with others to broker
a ceasefire; and urges the Government to make it clear to all sides that those who are proved to have committed war crimes
in this conflict will be in danger of arrest, prosecution and punishment wherever they go for the rest of their lives.
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As an Amendment to Mr Nick Clegg’s proposed Motion (Sri Lanka):
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(a)
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Line 1, leave out from ‘House’ to end and add ‘strongly supports the efforts of the Government within the United Nations, the European
Union, the G8 and other international bodies to bring about an end to the conflict in Sri Lanka, to open the way for an international
humanitarian relief effort and to promote a process of political reconciliation; welcomes the £7.5 million the Government
has already committed to the relief effort; supports the Foreign Secretary’s joint visit to Sri Lanka with his French counterpart;
endorses the Government’s calls for the government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam to declare an immediate
ceasefire and to allow the civilians trapped in the No Fire Zone to leave unhindered, facilitated by the UN; urges both parties
to the conflict to allow full and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid to be safely delivered; supports the Government’s
efforts to persuade the government of Sri Lanka to allow international oversight of all internally displaced persons, including
a transparent registration process and improved conditions within the camps with better access to food, water and medical
facilities; urges the government of Sri Lanka to allow freedom of movement in and out of the camps so that families separated
by the conflict can be reunited; and endorses the Government’s efforts to persuade the government of Sri Lanka to initiate
a process of political reconciliation with all speed as the only way of ensuring a lasting peace between the communities.’.
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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 7.00 pm.
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†
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3
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PREVENTION AND SUPPRESSION OF TERRORISM
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[No debate]
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That the draft Terrorism Act 2000 (Code of Practice for Examining Officers) (Revision) Order 2009, which was laid before this
House on 26 February, be approved.
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To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 118(6)).
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†
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4
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TRIBUNALS AND INQUIRIES
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[No debate]
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That the draft Transfer of Tribunal Functions (Lands Tribunal and Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2009, which was laid before
this House on 24 March, be approved.
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To be decided without debate (Standing Order No. 118(6)).
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†
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5
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BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
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[No debate after 7.00 pm]
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That, at the sitting on Thursday 30 April, the Speaker shall put the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the
Motions in the name of Ms Harriet Harman relating to Members’ Allowances, Members’ Allowances (Greater London), Registration
of Members’ Financial Interests, Members’ Staff, Members’ Allowances (Evidence of Expenditure) and Members Estimate Committee
(Amendment of the Green Book) not later than 5 pm; such Questions shall include the Questions on any Amendments selected by
the Speaker which may then be moved; the Questions may be put after the moment of interruption; and Standing Order No. 41A
(Deferred divisions) shall not apply.
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If opposed, this item cannot be taken after 7.00 pm.
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At the end of the sitting:
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Proposed subject: Humberside Probation Service (Mr Elliot Morley).
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Debate may continue until 7.30 pm or for half an hour, whichever is later (Standing Order No. 9).
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COMMITTEES
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PUBLIC BILL COMMITTEE
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1
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Autism Bill Committee
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2.30 pm
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Room 10 (public)
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To consider the Bill.
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SELECT COMMITTEES
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2
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Energy and Climate Change
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9.00 am
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The Wilson Room, Portcullis House (private)
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9.15 am
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(public)
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Subject: The Future of Britain’s Electricity Networks.
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Witnesses: Renewable Energy Association, Scottish Renewables and British Wind Energy Association; Association of Electricity
Producers (at 10.15 am).
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3
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Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills
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9.00 am
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Room 8 (private)
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9.15 am
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(public)
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Subject: Students and Universities.
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Witnesses: John Harris, Higher Skills/Education Manager, Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing
Technologies, John Crompton, CBI, Mike Harris, Head of Education and Skills Policy, Institute of Directors, and Andrew Ramsay,
Chief Executive Officer, Engineering Council UK; Panel of Students from various Universities (at 10.00 am).
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4
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Children, Schools and Families
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9.15 am
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Room 16 (private)
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9.30 am
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(public)
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Subject: School Accountability.
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Witnesses: Civitas, Policy Exchange and Professor John MacBeath, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge; Advisory Centre
for Education, National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations and National Governors’ Association (at 10.30 am).
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5
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International Development
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9.30 am
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Room 15 (private)
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10.00 am
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(public)
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Subject: Sustainable Development in a Changing Climate.
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Witnesses: Michael Foster MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for International Development and Lord Hunt
of Kings Heath, Minister of State, Department for Energy and Climate Change.
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6
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Scottish Affairs
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2.00 pm
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Room 16 (private)
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7
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Northern Ireland Affairs
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2.15 pm
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Room 15 (private)
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2.30 pm
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(public)
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Subject: Consultative Group on the Past.
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Witnesses: Commission for Victims and Survivors; Northern Ireland Retired Police Officers’ Association (at 3.30 pm).
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8
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Treasury
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2.15 pm
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The Wilson Room, Portcullis House (private)
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2.30 pm
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(public)
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Subject: Budget 2009.
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Witness: Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
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9
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European Scrutiny
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2.30 pm
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Room 19 (private)
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10
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Transport
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2.30 pm
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Room 6 (private)
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2.45 pm
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(public)
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Subject: Pre-appointment hearing with the Chairman Designate of the Office of Rail Regulation.
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Witness: Anna Walker.
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11
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Statutory Instruments
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As soon as convenient after 3.45 pm
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Room 7 (private)
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12
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Procedure
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4.00 pm
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Room 20 (private)
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13
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Selection
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4.45 pm
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Room 13 (private)
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JOINT COMMITTEE
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14
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Statutory Instruments
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3.45 pm
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Room 7 (private)
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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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Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families: Update on the Lamb Review.
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2
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Secretary of State for Defence: Afghanistan troop levels–Election support.
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3
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Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Written answer correction.
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4
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Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Future of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.
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5
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Secretary of State for Health: Consultation on an autism strategy for adults.
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6
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Secretary of State for International Development: Humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka.
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7
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Secretary of State for International Development: Launch of DfID Afghanistan Country Plan 2009–2013.
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8
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Secretary of State for Justice: Engaging communities in criminal justice.
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9
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Secretary of State for Transport: Delivering travel plans through the planning process–good practice guidelines.
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10
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Secretary of State for Transport: Local Transport Act 2008: Secretary of State draft guidance to the statutory senior traffic commissioner.
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