House of Commons Votes and Proceedings
Wednesday
16th March 2011
No. 132
The House met at 11.30 am.
PRAYERS.
1
Questions to (1) the Secretary of State for Wales
(2) the Prime Minister
2
London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill: Presentation (Standing Order No. 57)
Secretary Jeremy Hunt, supported by the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, Secretary Theresa May, Secretary Eric Pickles, Secretary Philip Hammond, Mrs Theresa Villiers, Hugh Robertson and Norman Baker, presented a Bill to amend the London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Act 2006.
Bill read the first time; to be read a second time tomorrow and to be printed (Bill 165) with Explanatory Notes (Bill 165–EN).
3
Special Urban Development Zones: Motion for leave to bring in a Bill (Standing Order No. 23)
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require the Secretary of State to create Special Urban Development Zones; to set out the criteria on which such Zones must be designated, including criteria relating to Housing Market Renewal Initiative status and areas of multiple deprivation; and for connected purposes;
That Steve Rotheram, Mrs Louise Ellman, Stephen Twigg, Luciana Berger, Graham Jones, Bill Esterson, Catherine McKinnell, Mr Joe Benton, Mr Dave Watts, Ian Murray, Thomas Docherty and Tom Greatrex present the Bill.
Steve Rotheram accordingly presented the Bill.
Bill read the first time; to be read a second time on Friday 17 June, and to be printed (Bill 163).
4
Opposition Day: Leader of the Opposition (13th allotted day (Standing Order No. 14))
(1) Fuel Prices and the Cost of Living
Motion made and Question proposed, That this House recognises that rising world oil, food and commodity prices are increasing the cost of living and adding to the squeeze on families on low and middle incomes across Britain; believes this has been compounded by the Government’s decision to increase VAT to 20 per cent., which will cost a family with children an annual average of £450, has helped to push up the consumer prices index annual inflation to 4 per cent. and, according to the House of Commons Library, is adding £1.35 to the cost of filling up a vehicle with a 50 litre tank; notes that the AA announced last week that the cost of unleaded petrol has now reached an average of £6 a gallon and that the fuel duty stabiliser promised in the 2010 Conservative Party manifesto has not yet been announced or implemented; further notes that the previous administration regularly postponed planned fuel duty rises when world oil prices were increasing sharply, as they are now; and demands that the Government takes immediate steps to reverse January’s VAT rise on road fuels, using the extra £800 million from the bank levy and securing the appropriate EU derogation, in order to provide relief to hard-pressed motorists and, at the time of the Budget, looks again at the annual duty rise due in April.-(Ms Angela Eagle.)
Amendment moved, in line 1, to leave out from ‘House’ to the end of the Question and add ‘notes that the Government inherited the largest deficit in UK peacetime history and that the previous Government and current Opposition has no credible plan to deal with the deficit; further notes that this Government has already taken steps to support families and that those on low and middle incomes will benefit from April 2011 from a £1,000 increase in the income tax personal allowance and above-indexation increases in child tax credit and that pensioners will receive new ‘triple-lock’ increases in the basic state pension; further notes the significant impact on fuel prices in the UK of the dramatic increase in the world oil price to over $100 per barrel and the impact on households and business; notes that the previous Government increased fuel duty no less than four times between December 2008 and April 2010, proposed introducing a fuel escalator from 2011 and planned for a further series of six consecutive fuel duty rises up to 2014; nonetheless recognises the significant impact of high fuel prices on motorists, hauliers and businesses and that the Government is considering a fair fuel stabiliser that could support motorists and businesses when oil prices are high; and in addition notes that a reduction in VAT on fuel would be deemed illegal under EU law and that the Chancellor will update the House on this issue at the time of the Budget.’.-(Justine Greening.)
Question proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question (Standing Order No. 31(2)).
5
Royal Assent
The Deputy Speaker reported that the Queen had signified Royal Assent to the following Act under the Royal Assent Act 1967:
Appropriation Act 2011
6
Opposition Day: Leader of the Opposition (13th allotted day (Standing Order No. 14)) (resumed)
(1) Fuel Prices and the Cost of Living
The House resumed the debate.
Question put, That the original words stand part of the Question (Standing Order No. 31(2)).
The House divided.
Division No. 231.
Ayes: 236 (Tellers: Lilian Greenwood, Gregg McClymont).
Noes: 301 (Tellers: Mark Hunter, Mr Shailesh Vara).
Question accordingly negatived.
Question, That the proposed words be there added, put forthwith (Standing Order No. 31).
The House divided.
Division No. 232.
Ayes: 307 (Tellers: Jeremy Wright, Mr Shailesh Vara).
Noes: 239 (Tellers: Lilian Greenwood, Gregg McClymont).
Question accordingly 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 inherited the largest deficit in UK peacetime history and that the previous Government and current Opposition has no credible plan to deal with the deficit; further notes that this Government has already taken steps to support families and that those on low and middle incomes will benefit from April 2011 from a £1,000 increase in the income tax personal allowance and above-indexation increases in child tax credit and that pensioners will receive new ‘triple-lock’ increases in the basic state pension; further notes the significant impact on fuel prices in the UK of the dramatic increase in the world oil price to over $100 per barrel and the impact on households and business; notes that the previous Government increased fuel duty no less than four times between December 2008 and April 2010, proposed introducing a fuel escalator from 2011 and planned for a further series of six consecutive fuel duty rises up to 2014; nonetheless recognises the significant impact of high fuel prices on motorists, hauliers and businesses and that the Government is considering a fair fuel stabiliser that could support motorists and businesses when oil prices are high; and in addition notes that a reduction in VAT on fuel would be deemed illegal under EU law and that the Chancellor will update the House on this issue at the time of the Budget.
7
Deferred Divisions
The Deputy Speaker announced the results of the Division which had been deferred to this day (Standing Order No. 41A).
Environmental Protection,-That the draft Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011, which were laid before this House on 8 February, be approved.
Division No. 230.
Ayes: 282.
Noes: 20.
Question accordingly agreed to.
8
Opposition Day: Leader of the Opposition (13th allotted day (Standing Order No. 14)) (resumed)
(2) Government’s NHS Reorganisation
Motion made and Question put, That this House supports the founding principles of the National Health Service (NHS); therefore welcomes the improvements patients have seen in the NHS and supports steps further to ensure the NHS is genuinely centred on patients and carers, achieves quality and outcomes that are among the best in the world, refuses to tolerate unsafe care, involves clinicians in decision-making and enables healthcare providers to innovate, improves transparency and accountability, is more efficient and gives citizens greater say; recognises however that all of those policies and aspirations can be achieved without adopting the damaging and unjustified market-based reorganisation that is proposed, and already being implemented, by the Government; notes the strength of concerns being raised by independent experts, patient groups and professional bodies about the Government’s NHS reorganisation; further notes the similar concerns expressed by the Liberal Democrat Party spring conference; and therefore urges the Government to halt the implementation of the reorganisation and pause the progress of the legislation in order to re-think their plans and honour the Prime Minister’s promise to protect the NHS.-(John Healey.)
The House divided.
Division No. 233.
Ayes: 224 (Tellers: Graham Jones, Mr David Hamilton).
Noes: 305 (Tellers: Mark Hunter, Jeremy Wright).
Question accordingly negatived.
9
Protection of Freedoms Bill (Programme) (No. 2)
Motion made and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 83A(7)), That the Order of 1 March 2011 (Protection of Freedoms Bill (Programme)) be varied as follows:
1. Paragraph 2 of the Order shall be omitted.
2. Proceedings in the Public Bill Committee shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion on Tuesday 17 May 2011.-(Angela Watkinson.)
Question agreed to.
10
Section 6 of the European Union (Amendment) Act 2008
Motion made and Question put, That this House takes note of draft European Council decision EUCO 33/10 (to amend Article 136 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union with regard to a stability mechanism for Member States whose currency is the euro) and, in accordance with section 6 of the European Union (Amendment) Act 2008, approves Her Majesty’s Government’s intention to support the adoption of draft European Council decision EUCO 33/10.-(Mr David Lidington.)
The Deputy Speaker’s opinion as to the decision of the Question was challenged.
Division deferred until Wednesday 23 March (Standing Order No. 41A).
11
Public Petitions
A Public Petition from residents of the South Staffordshire constituency and others relating to Police Station (Wombourne, South Staffordshire) was presented and read by Gavin Williamson.
A Public Petition from residents of Leicester and the surrounding area relating to Educational Maintenance Allowance was presented by Liz Kendall.
A Public Petition from residents of Wirksworth and the Derbyshire Dales relating to Arms Exports was presented.
12
Adjournment
Subject: Classroom teaching assistants and single status in Cumbria (Tony Cunningham).
Motion made and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn.-(James Duddridge.)
House adjourned without Question put (Standing Order No. 9(7)).
Adjourned at 9.12 pm until tomorrow.
_________________
Other proceedings
Lords Messages
13
Energy Bill [Lords]
The Lords have passed a Bill to make provision for the arrangement and financing of energy efficiency improvements to be made to properties by owners and occupiers; about the energy efficiency of properties in the private rented sector; about the promotion by energy companies of reductions in carbon emissions and home- heating costs; about information relating to energy consumption, efficiency and tariffs; for increasing the security of energy supplies; about access to upstream petroleum infrastructure; about a special administration regime for energy supply companies; about designations under the Continental Shelf Act 1964; about licence modifications relating to offshore transmission and distribution of electricity; about the decommissioning of nuclear sites; about the powers of the Coal Authority; for the repeal of measures relating to home energy efficiency; and for connected purposes; to which they desire the agreement of the Commons.
First Reading and Printing of Lords Bills
14
Energy Bill [Lords]
Bill read the first time; to be read a second time tomorrow, and to be printed (Bill 167), with Explanatory Notes (Bill 167–EN).
General Committees: Reports
15
Coinage (Measurement) Bill Committee.
Andrew Rosindell (Chair) reported the Bill without Amendment.
Bill, not amended, to be considered on Friday 1 April.
16
Fifth Delegated Legislation Committee
Dr William McCrea (Chair) reported the draft Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order 2011.
General Committees: Appointments
The Speaker appoints the Chair of General Committees and members of Programming Sub-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).
17
Health and Social Care Bill Committee
Additional chairs: Mr Roger Gale and Dr William McCrea.
18
Legislation (Territorial Extent) Bill Committee
Members: Harriett Baldwin, Chris Bryant, Mr Christopher Chope, Michael Connarty, Mr James Gray, Kate Green, Mr Mark Harper, Simon Hart, Damian Hinds, Kate Hoey, Tristram Hunt, Stephen Lloyd, Ian Paisley, Jonathan Reynolds, Bob Stewart and Iain Stewart.
19
Welfare Reform Bill Committee
Members: Harriett Baldwin, Guto Bebb, Ms Karen Buck, Margaret Curran, Julie Elliott, Jane Ellison, Charlie Elphicke, Yvonne Fovargue, Sheila Gilmore, John Glen, Chris Grayling, Kate Green, Lilian Greenwood, George Hollingbery, Esther McVey, Maria Miller, Sarah Newton, Ian Paisley, Priti Patel, Teresa Pearce, Anas Sarwar, Miss Chloe Smith, Ian Swales, Stephen Timms, Paul Uppal and Jenny Willott.
20
First Delegated Legislation Committee (Draft Social Security (Reduced Rates of Class 1 Contributions, Rebates and Minimum Contributions) Order 2011)
(1) Chair: Sandra Osborne
(2) Members: Tom Brake, Jeremy Corbyn, Caroline Dinenage, Jonathan Evans, Mr Frank Field, Lilian Greenwood, Mr Tom Harris, Simon Hart, Siobhain McDonagh, Ian Paisley, Mr Dominic Raab, Mr Nick Raynsford, Rachel Reeves, Andrew Selous, Miss Chloe Smith, Justin Tomlinson, Steve Webb and Heather Wheeler.
21
Second Delegated Legislation Committee (Draft Access to Justice Act 1999 (Destination of Appeals) (Family Proceedings) Order 2011 and the draft Family Procedure (Modification of Enactments) Order 2011)
(1) Chair: Jim Dobbin
(2) Members: Mike Crockart, Nic Dakin, Mr Jonathan Djanogly, Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson, Robert Flello, Rebecca Harris, Dr Julian Huppert, Sir Gerald Kaufman, Charlotte Leslie, Mary Macleod, Jonathan Reynolds, Andrew Stephenson, Ms Gisela Stuart, Martin Vickers, Mr Dave Watts, Mike Wood, Jeremy Wright and Nadhim Zahawi.
22
Third Delegated Legislation Committee (Draft Media Ownership (Radio and Cross-media) Order 2011)
(1) Chair: Mr David Crausby
(2) Members: Stephen Barclay, Gordon Birtwistle, Mr Gregory Campbell, Mr Douglas Carswell, Gloria De Piero, Mike Gapes, Gregg McClymont, Alison McGovern, Jim McGovern, Stephen Metcalfe, David Mowat, Mr Brooks Newmark, Lindsay Roy, Bob Russell, Mr Richard Shepherd, Mr Edward Vaizey, Dr Alan Whitehead and Mr Rob Wilson.
23
Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee (Draft Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) (Payment of Claims) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 and the draft Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payments (Conditions and Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations 2011)
(1) Chair: Philip Davies
(2) Members: Sir Peter Bottomley, Mr Tom Clarke, Damian Collins, Mr Geoffrey Cox, Mike Freer, Mrs Mary Glindon, Paul Goggins, Chris Grayling, Lilian Greenwood, Kate Hoey, Esther McVey, Dr Daniel Poulter, Mr Geoffrey Robinson, Miss Chloe Smith, Stephen Timms, Hywel Williams, Roger Williams and Jenny Willott.
24
Fifth Delegated Legislation Committee (Draft Equality Act 2010 (Public Authorities and Consequential and Supplementary Amendments) Order 2011)
(1) Chair: Katy Clark
(2) Members: Stuart Andrew, Mr John Baron, Paul Farrelly, Lynne Featherstone, Lorraine Fullbrook, Fabian Hamilton, Dr Julian Huppert, Mr David Lammy, Mr Andrew Love, Fiona Mactaggart, Stephen Mosley, Stephen Phillips, Mark Pritchard, Laura Sandys, Jim Shannon, Mark Tami, Valerie Vaz and Jeremy Wright.
25
Sixth Delegated Legislation Committee (Insurance Premium Tax (Discounted Insurance Premiums: Higher Rate) Order 2011 (S.I., 2011, No. 661) and the draft Enactment of Extra-Statutory Concessions Order 2011)
(1) Chair: Dr William McCrea
(2) Members: Gordon Birtwistle, Lyn Brown, Mr Brian H. Donohoe, Mr Frank Doran, Jackie Doyle-Price, Mr David Gauke, Mr Robert Goodwill, Mr David Hanson, Richard Harrington, Eric Joyce, Jonathan Lord, Nigel Mills, Austin Mitchell, Mr Matthew Offord, Mr Andrew Smith, Mr Robert Syms, Stephen Williams and Sammy Wilson.
26
Seventh Delegated Legislation Committee (Draft Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity)
(1) Chair: Mr Andrew Turner
(2) Members: Jim Dowd, Mr Philip Hammond, Simon Hughes, Jason McCartney, John Mann, Mr Michael Meacher, Patrick Mercer, Mrs Madeleine Moon, Robert Neill, Claire Perry, Bob Russell, David Simpson, Angela Smith, Mel Stride, Mr Robin Walker, Malcolm Wicks, Bill Wiggin and Chris Williamson.
27
European Committee A in respect of European Union Document No. 14768/10, relating to a Commission Communication on Facing the challenge of the safety of offshore oil and gas activities and Addendum
Chair: Mrs Anne Main
28
European Committee A in respect of European Union Documents No. 14701/10, relating to a Draft Decision on the detailed rules for access to the public regulated service offered by the global navigation satellite system established under the Galileo programme, and No. 5530/11, relating to the Mid-term review of the European satellite radio navigation programmes
Chair: Mr Lee Scott.
29
European Committee B in respect of European Union Document No. 18066/10 and Addenda 1, 2 and 3, relating to the Annual Growth Survey: Advancing the EU’s comprehensive response to the crisis
Members: Lyn Brown, John Cryer, Mr Robert Goodwill, Justine Greening, Chris Heaton-Harris, John Hemming, Kelvin Hopkins, Tristram Hunt, Andrea Leadsom, Kerry McCarthy, Karl McCartney, Craig Whittaker and Sammy Wilson.
30
European Committee B in respect of European Union Document No. 18101/10 and Addenda 1 and 2, relating to a Draft Regulation on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters
Members: Tom Brake, Michael Connarty, Mr Jonathan Djanogly, James Duddridge, Robert Flello, Mr Roger Godsiff, Ben Gummer, Chris Kelly, Jonathan Reynolds, Jim Shannon, Karl Turner, Mr Ben Wallace and Chris White.
31
European Committee B in respect of European Union Document No. 6007/11 and Addenda 1 and 2, relating to the use of Passenger Name Record data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crimes
Members: Tom Brake, Michael Connarty, James Duddridge, Lorraine Fullbrook, Damian Green, Damian Hinds, Steve McCabe, Jacob Rees-Mogg, David Rutley, Jim Shannon, Graham Stringer, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe and Mark Tami.
Reports from Select Committees
32
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Domestic fisheries management-Implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy: Evidence, to be printed (HC 858-ii) (Miss Anne McIntosh).
33
Education Committee
16–19 Participation in Education and Training: Evidence, to be printed (HC 850-i) (Mr Graham Stuart).
34
Environmental Audit Committee
(1) Sustainable Development in the Localism Bill: Third Report, to be printed, with the Formal Minutes relating to the Report, and written evidence reported and ordered to be published on 16 February (HC 799);
(2) The impact of UK overseas aid on environmental protection and climate change adaptation and mitigation:
(i) Evidence, to be printed (HC 710-iii);
(ii) Written evidence, to be published
(Joan Walley).
35
European Scrutiny Committee
(1) Twenty-second Report, to be printed, with the Formal Minutes relating to the Report (HC 428-xx);
(2) Ministerial Correspondence: Written evidence, to be published
(Mr William Cash).
36
Foreign Affairs Committee
Developments in UK Foreign Policy: Evidence, to be printed (HC 881-i) (Richard Ottaway).
37
Procedure Committee
Use of hand-held electronic devices in the Chamber and committees: Third Report, with written evidence, to be printed, with the Formal Minutes relating to the Report (HC 889) (Mr Greg Knight).
38
Public Accounts (Committee of)
Banking support and the Asset Protection Scheme: Evidence, to be printed (HC 785–ii) (Margaret Hodge).
39
Science and Technology Committee
(1) Astronomy and Particle Physics: Evidence, to be printed (HC 806-ii);
(2) Forensic Science Service: Written evidence, to be published;
(3) Peer review: Written evidence, to be published;
(4) General correspondence: Written evidence, to be published
(Andrew Miller).
40
Statutory Instruments (Joint Committee on)
Eighteenth Report, to be printed (HC 354-xviii) (Michael Ellis).
41
Treasury Committee
Administration and effectiveness of HM Revenue and Customs: Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee, to be printed (731-iii) (Mr Andrew Tyrie).
John Bercow
Speaker
The Speaker will take the Chair at 10.30 am.
Sitting in Westminster Hall
No. 84
The sitting began at 9.30 am.
Adjournment
Subjects:
Government support for access to private schools (Mr Rob Wilson).
Noise from the A38 in Amber Valley (Nigel Mills).
Government policy on the wood panel industry and the UN International Year of Forests (Mrs Anne McGuire).
Future of healthcare provision in West Cumbria (Mr Jamie Reed).
Provision of schools crossing patrols in Dorset (Annette Brooke).
Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.-(Tim Loughton.)
Adjourned at 5.17 pm until tomorrow.
Lindsay Hoyle
Deputy Speaker
APPENDIX
Papers presented or laid upon the Table:
Papers subject to Negative Resolution:
1
Child Trust Funds
Child Trust Funds (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I., 2011, No. 781), dated 15 March 2011 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Mark Hoban).
2
Education
(1) Education (Free School Lunches) (Prescribed Tax Credits) (England) (Amendment) Order 2011 (S.I., 2011, No. 728), dated 10 March 2011 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Secretary Michael Gove); and
(2) Education (Residential Trips) (Prescribed Tax Credits) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I., 2011, No. 730), dated 10 March 2011 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Secretary Michael Gove).
3
Equality
Former Equality Commissions’ Codes of Practice (Employment, Equal Pay and Rights of Access for Disabled Persons) (Revocation) Order 2011 (S.I., 2011, No. 776), dated 14 March 2011 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Secretary Theresa May).
4
Immigration
(1) Immigration and Nationality (Cost Recovery Fees) Regulations 2011 (S.I., 2011, No. 790), dated 14 March 2011 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum and an Impact Assessment (by Command) (Secretary Theresa May); and
(2) Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command); to be printed (HC 863) (Secretary Theresa May).
5
Income Tax
Individual Savings Account (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I., 2011, No. 782), dated 15 March 2011 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Mark Hoban).
6
Savings Banks
National Savings Bank (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I., 2011, No. 783), dated 15 March 2011 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Mark Hoban).
7
Social Security
Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations 2011 (S.I., 2011, No. 797), dated 15 March 2011 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (David Gauke).
Other Papers:
8
National Audit
Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on HM Treasury: Stewardship of the wholly-owned banks: buy-back of subordinated debt (by Act); to be printed (HC 706) (Clerk of the House).
9
Northern Ireland (Monitoring Commission etc.)
Sixth Report by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland under section 11(1) of the Northern Ireland (Monitoring Commission etc.) Act 2003 (by Act); to be printed (HC 812) (Secretary Owen Paterson).
10
Public Administration
Government Response to the Fifth Report from the Select Committee on Public Administration, Session 2010–11, on Smaller Government: Shrinking the Quango State (by Command) (Cm. 8044) (Francis Maude).
CORRIGENDUM
Tuesday 15 March 2011
Item 28, Transport Committee should read:
(1) Issues relating to the licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles:
(i) Evidence, to be printed (HC 720-ii);
(ii) Written evidence, to be published;
(iii) Written evidence;
(2) Effective road and traffic management: Written evidence, to be published;
(3) Impact on transport of recent adverse weather conditions: Written evidence, to be published
(Mrs Louise Ellman).
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