Commons Journal 265

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[No. 91 Monday 15 June 2009 ]

The house met at 2.30 pm.

PRAYERS.

1 Questions to the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families

2 Statement: Iraq inquiry (Prime Minister)

3 Opposition Day: Leader of the Opposition (13th allotted day (Standing Order No. 14))

(1) Impact of the Recession on Rural Communities

Motion made and Question proposed, That this House recognises the serious impact that the economic downturn is having across the country; notes the specific impact of the recession on rural communities, with recent job losses affecting key rural industries; further notes with concern that levels of economic inactivity are higher in rural areas and believes that increased redundancies will fall particularly hard on small rural communities; further notes that rural communities, already suffering from the closure of key services and the Government's failure to provide affordable rural housing, are finding it harder to cope with rising unemployment, with those out of work lacking adequate support; is concerned that the recession is exacerbated by the burden of regulation, increased payroll costs and problems accessing credit for small businesses; believes that too little say has been given to people in rural areas with decisions taken centrally; and calls on the Government to show more respect to rural communities and return power to local people._(Nick Herbert.)

Amendment moved, in line 1, to leave out from `House' to the end of the Question and add `recognises the serious impact that the economic downturn is having across the country and the support the Government is providing to people, communities and businesses to come out stronger and build Britain's future; notes that the Government has introduced new measures to increase financial aid for rural businesses through the Rural Development Programme for England as a response to the economic downturn; welcomes the Taylor Report's work on making sure rural communities have affordable housing and sustainable economic opportunities; commends the work of the Homes and Communities Agency to build 10,300 rural affordable homes between 2008 and 2011; applauds the Government's commitment to connect communities and support local businesses with a minimum guarantee of 2MB broadband for virtually everyone in the country; notes that unemployment levels in rural areas remain below those in urban areas and is committed to helping maintain high levels of employment in rural areas; expresses serious concern about the impact on rural communities of the Opposition's promised 10 per cent. cut to the budgets of most Government departments that assist people in rural areas; and supports the Government's commitment to continue to work with the Commission for Rural Communities, Regional Development Agencies and local communities and businesses to help people through these difficult economic times.'._(Jim Fitzpatrick.)

Question put, That the original words stand part of the Question (Standing Order No. 31(2)).

The House divided.

Division No. 149.

Ayes: 205 (Tellers: Mr John Baron, Mr Philip Dunne).

Noes: 280 (Tellers: Steve McCabe, Mr Bob Blizzard).

Question accordingly negatived.

Question, That the proposed words be there added, put forthwith (Standing Order No. 31).

Question agreed to.

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The Deputy Speaker declared the Main Question, as amended, agreed to (Standing Order No. 31(2)).

Resolved, That this House recognises the serious impact that the economic downturn is having across the country and the support the Government is providing to people, communities and businesses to come out stronger and build Britain's future; notes that the Government has introduced new measures to increase financial aid for rural businesses through the Rural Development Programme for England as a response to the economic downturn; welcomes the Taylor Report's work on making sure rural communities have affordable housing and sustainable economic opportunities; commends the work of the Homes and Communities Agency to build 10,300 rural affordable homes between 2008 and 2011; applauds the Government's commitment to connect communities and support local businesses with a minimum guarantee of 2MB broadband for virtually everyone in the country; notes that unemployment levels in rural areas remain below those in urban areas and is committed to helping maintain high levels of employment in rural areas; expresses serious concern about the impact on rural communities of the Opposition's promised 10 per cent. cut to the budgets of most Government departments that assist people in rural areas; and supports the Government's commitment to continue to work with the Commission for Rural Communities, Regional Development Agencies and local communities and businesses to help people through these difficult economic times.

(2) Impact of Non-Domestic Rates on Businesses

Motion made and Question proposed, That this House expresses concern over the above-inflation rises in business rates since April 2009 and plans for the 2010 business rates revaluation; notes that all rate-paying businesses have already been hit by five per cent. above inflation rises and that the withdrawal of transitional relief has disproportionately hurt small businesses already struggling to cope with the recession; further notes that regulations relating to the business rate partial deferral scheme are yet to be placed before the House; observes that the additional burden of empty property rates further undermines struggling businesses; expresses disappointment at the failure in the Budget to help businesses and local authorities by making small business rate relief automatic as in Wales; believes that councils should have the power to levy local business revenue rate discounts and be rewarded for local regeneration and business rate growth; and further notes that the retrospective business rates being imposed on firms in ports, many involved in the car industry, will hit firms with a #124 million increase in taxes, risking insolvency and job losses._(Justine Greening.)

Amendment moved, in line 1, to leave out from `House' to the end of the Question and add `notes that the Government is providing real help to businesses, with targeted support through the #20 billion working capital scheme, the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme making available #1.3 billion of Government-guaranteed lending, an aim to pay Government suppliers within 10 days, a cut in the main rate of value added tax to 15 per cent., a deferral in the increase in the small companies' rate of corporation tax, free business health checks, over #100 million towards debt advice, the HM Revenue and Customs Business Payment Support Service benefiting over 100,000 firms by spreading a total of #2.5 billion of tax payments, and the extended rate relief for empty properties; recognises the Government's commitment to the annual Retail Price Index cap means there has been no real terms increase in business rates since 1990; welcomes the Small Business Rate Relief scheme providing #260 million of support in 2007^08; supports the fairness achieved by revaluing properties every five years with transitional arrangements to phase in significant changes in rates bills; welcomes the deferral scheme enabling payment of 2009^10 rates increases to be spread over three years to be brought into force by regulations in July; further notes the Local Authority Business Growth Incentive Scheme has provided funding of almost #1 billion since 2005^06; welcomes support for businesses, including in ports, receiving unexpected and significant backdated rates bills by the introduction of an unprecedented eight years to pay; and believes these measures provide certainty, fairness and appropriate relief for businesses.'._(Ms Rosie Winterton.)

Question put, That the original words stand part of the Question (Standing Order No. 31(2)).

The House divided.

Division No. 150.

Ayes: 207 (Tellers: Mr John Baron, Mr Philip Dunne).

Noes: 269 (Tellers: Helen Jones, Mrs Sharon Hodgson).

Question accordingly negatived.

Question, That the proposed words be there added, put forthwith (Standing Order No. 31).

Question agreed to.

The Deputy Speaker declared the Main Question, as amended, agreed to (Standing Order No. 31(2)).

Resolved, That this House notes that the Government is providing real help to businesses, with targeted support through the #20 billion working capital scheme, the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme making available #1.3 billion of Government-guaranteed lending, an aim to pay Government suppliers within 10 days, a cut in the main rate of value added tax to 15 per cent., a deferral in the increase in the small companies' rate of corporation tax, free business health checks, over #100 million towards debt advice, the HM Revenue and Customs Business Payment Support Service benefiting over 100,000 firms by spreading a total of #2.5 billion of tax payments, and the extended rate relief for empty properties; recognises the Government's commitment to the annual Retail Price Index cap means there has been no real terms increase in business rates since 1990; welcomes the Small Business Rate Relief scheme providing #260 million of support in 2007^08; supports the fairness achieved by revaluing properties every five years with transitional arrangements to phase in significant changes in rates bills; welcomes the deferral scheme enabling payment of 2009^10 rates increases to be spread over three years to be brought into force by regulations in July; further notes the Local Authority Business Growth Incentive Scheme has provided funding of almost #1 billion since 2005^06; welcomes support for businesses, including in ports, receiving unexpected and significant backdated rates bills by the introduction of an unprecedented eight years to pay; and believes these measures provide certainty, fairness and appropriate relief for businesses.

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4 Driving Instruction (Suspension and Exemption Powers) Bill (Money)

Queen's Recommendation signified.

Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Driving Instruction (Suspension and Exemption Powers) Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State in consequence of the Act._(Paul Clark.)

5 Driving Instruction (Suspension and Exemption Powers) Bill (Ways and Means)

Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Driving Instruction (Suspension and Exemption Powers) Bill, it is expedient to authorise_

(1) the imposition of fees in connection with exemptions from prohibitions concerning registration, and

(2) payments into the Consolidated Fund._(Paul Clark.)

6 Public Petition

A Public Petition from persons concerned at Manchester City Council's proposal to close Ewing School in Didsbury, Manchester, relating to Schools (Manchester) was presented and read by Mr John Leech.

7 Adjournment

Subject: Vehicle scrappage scheme (Nadine Dorries).

Resolved, That this House do now adjourn._(Ms Dawn Butler.)

[Adjourned at 10.59 pm until tomorrow. ]

Other proceedings

Notices Given

8 Crown Employment (Nationality) Bill

Bill to be read a second time on Friday 26 June.

General Committees: Reports

9 First Delegated Legislation Committee

Christopher Fraser (Chairman) reported the draft Companies Act 2006 (Accounts, Report and Audit) Regulations 2009.

General Committees: Appointments

The Speaker appoints the Chairman of General Committees and allocates Statutory Instruments to Delegated Legislation Committees.

The Committee of Selection nominates Members to serve on General Committees (and certain Members to serve on Grand Committees).

10 Equality Bill Committee

Members: Mrs Sharon Hodgson discharged and Ms Diane Abbott nominated in substitution.

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11 First Delegated Legislation Committee (Draft Companies Act 2006 (Accounts, Report and Audit) Regulations 2009)

Members: Ms Patricia Hewitt discharged and Ben Chapman nominated in substitution.

12 Second Delegated Legislation Committee (Draft Work and Families (Increase of Maximum Amount) Order 2009)

Members: Mr Pat McFadden and Joan Ryan discharged and Mr Lindsay Hoyle and Ian Lucas nominated in substitution.

13 European Committee A in respect of the Unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum dated 6 May 2009, relating to Genetically Modified Maize

(1) Chairman: Mr Gary Streeter in place of Jim Sheridan

(2) Members: Helen Goodman and Mr Peter Hain discharged and Dr Stephen Ladyman and Mr John Spellar nominated in substitution.

Reports from Select Committees

14 Children, Schools and Families Committee

Teacher Training: Evidence, to be printed (HC 369-v) (Mr Barry Sheerman).

15 Communities and Local Government Committee

Supporting People: Evidence, to be printed (HC 649-ii) (Dr Phyllis Starkey).

16 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee

Draft Flood and Water Management Bill: Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee, to be printed (HC 555-vi) (Mr Michael Jack).

17 North West Regional Select Committee

The impact of the current economic situation on the North West and the Government's response: Evidence, to be printed (HC 696-i) (Mr David Crausby).

18 Public Accounts (Committee of)

(1) Financial management in the EU: Thirty-second Report, to be printed, with the Formal Minutes relating to the Report (HC 698);

(2) Supporting people with autism through adulthood: Evidence, to be printed (HC 697-i)

(Mr Edward Leigh).

APPENDIX

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1 Banks and Banking

Draft Dunfermline Building Society Compensation Scheme, Resolution Fund and Third Party Compensation Order 2009 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Ian Pearson).

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2 Corporation Tax

Real Estate Investment Trusts (Amendment of Schedule 16 to the Finance Act 2006) Regulations 2009 (S.I., 2009, No. 1482), dated 12 June 2009 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Ian Pearson).

3 Road Traffic

M3 and M25 (Thorpe Interchange) (Speed Limit) Regulations 2009 (S.I., 2009, No. 1421), dated 10 June 2009 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Mr Sadiq Khan).

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4 Social Security

Social Security (Industrial Injuries) (Prescribed Diseases) Amendment Regulations 2009 (S.I., 2009, No. 1396), dated 9 June 2009 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Secretary Yvette Cooper).

5 Supreme Court, Northern Ireland

Rules of the Supreme Court (Northern Ireland) (Amendment No. 2) 2009 (S.R. (N.I.), 2009, No. 230), dated 10 June 2009 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Secretary Jack Straw).

Papers subject to Special Parliamentary Procedure:

6 Water Industry

Northumbrian Water Limited (Land at Craster and Dunstan) Compulsory Purchase Order 2008, together with a Certificate of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under section 2 of the Statutory Orders (Special Procedure) Act 1945 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Secretary Hilary Benn).

Other Papers:

7 Defence

Ministry of Defence Minute, dated 15 June 2009, concerning the reporting of a contingent liability in respect of costs associated with the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI) (by Command) (Secretary Bob Ainsworth).

8 Financial Reporting to Parliament

Departmental Report 2008^09 for the Ministry of Justice (by Command) (Cm. 7600) (Secretary Jack Straw).

9 Government Trading Funds

(1) Report and Accounts of the Met Office for 2008^09, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (by Act); to be printed (HC 575) (Clerk of the House); and

(2) Report and Accounts of the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office for 2008^09, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (by Act); to be printed (HC 598) (Clerk of the House).

10 Supply Estimates 2009^10

House of Commons Administration: Main Supply Estimate for 2009^10 (by Act); to be printed (HC 515) (The Speaker).

11 Utilities

Report and Accounts of Energywatch for 1 April 2008 to 30 September 2008, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (by Act); to be printed (HC 572) (Mr Pat McFadden).

Withdrawn Papers:

12 Banks and Banking

Draft Dunfermline Building Society Compensation Scheme, Resolution Fund and Third Party Compensation Order 2009 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (laid 4 June 2009).

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