Business Today: Chamber for Thursday 11 December 2014

9.30am Prayers

Followed by

 QUESTIONS

Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

1Peter Aldous (Waveney)
What steps her Department has taken to support the brewing industry in exporting beer. (906568)

2Mr Gary Streeter (South West Devon)
What steps she is taking to assist dairy farmers in the south west. (906570)

3Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe)
What estimate her Department has made of the number of people who used emergency food aid in the last 12 months; and what steps the Government is taking to reduce food poverty. (906571)

4Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough)
How many water companies offer a social tariff. (906572)

5Dr Eilidh Whiteford (Banff and Buchan)
What progress has been made on implementation of the landing obligation for fisheries. (906575)

6Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Limehouse)
What recent discussions her Department has had with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills on the Groceries Code Adjudicator's ability to levy fines. (906576)

7Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth)
What recent assessment she has made of progress on improving the cleanliness of the River Thames. (906577)

8Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes)
How many flood defence schemes will be built as part of the Government's six-year flood defence programme. (906578)

9Andrew Griffiths (Burton)
What recent discussions her Department has had with brewers on packaging waste. (906579)

10Christopher Pincher (Tamworth)
What recent assessment she has made of progress on improving the cleanliness of rivers. (906580)

11Daniel Kawczynski (Shrewsbury and Atcham)
How many flood defence schemes will be built as part of the Government's six-year flood defence programme. (906583)

12David Rutley (Macclesfield)
What recent assessment she has made of progress on the England coastal path. (906584)

13Mr Henry Bellingham (North West Norfolk)
What plans she has to encourage communities to contribute towards flood defences; and if she will make a statement. (906585)

14Neil Carmichael (Stroud)
What steps she is taking to improve and maintain flood defences. (906586)

15Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central)
What estimate her Department has made of the number of people who used emergency food aid in the last 12 months; and what steps the Government is taking to reduce food poverty. (906587)

At 10.05am

Topical Questions to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

T1Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough)
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. (906558)

T2Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (906561)

T3Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (906562)

T4Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (906563)

T5Robert Jenrick (Newark) (906564)

T6Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (906565)

T7Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) (906566)

T8Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (906567)

At 10.15am

Oral Questions to the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission and the right hon. Member for Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners

1Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire)
To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, What steps the Electoral Commission is taking to ensure that updated guidance on electoral conduct to tackle discrimination is available before May 2015; and if he will make a statement. (906588)

2Michael Fabricant (Lichfield)
To ask the right hon. Member for Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners, What representations he has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on funding for maintenance of the fabric of English cathedrals that are older than 500 years. (906589)

3George Hollingbery (Meon Valley)
To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, What representations the Electoral Commission has made to the Speaker's Commission on Digital Democracy; and if he will make a statement. (906590)

4Andrew Stephenson (Pendle)
To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, What progress has been made by the Electoral Commission on its work in the 16 parts of the country it identified in January 2014 as vulnerable to voting fraud. (906591)

5Fiona Bruce (Congleton)
To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, What steps the Electoral Commission is taking to reduce electoral fraud. (906592)

6Mr Andrew Robathan (South Leicestershire)
To ask the right hon. Member for Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners, What recent estimate he has made of the costs to churches of damage caused by bat infestation. (906594)

7Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport)
To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, What plans the Electoral Commission has to increase the number of overseas voters who register to vote. (906595)

8Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes)
To ask the right hon. Member for Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners, What guidance the Commissioners are providing to parishes wishing to hold hustings before the General Election. (906596)

9Mr David Nuttall (Bury North)
To ask the right hon. Member for Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners, What support is available for churches in need of repairs. (906597)

 URGENT QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS

10.30am

Urgent Questions (if any)

Business Question to the Leader of the House

Ministerial Statements (if any)

 BUSINESS OF THE DAY

1. BACKBENCH BUSINESS

Until 5.00pm (Standing Order No. 9(3))

Fishing industry

Mr Frank Doran

Mrs Margaret Ritchie

Austin Mitchell

Peter Aldous

Dame Anne Begg

Sheryll Murray

Andrew George

That this House has considered the fishing industry.

Relevant documents:

Twentieth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee, Documents considered by the Committee on 19 November 2014, HC 219-xix, Chapter 2

Ukraine and UK relations with Russia

Mr John Whittingdale

That this House has considered Ukraine and UK relations with Russia.

Notes:

The subjects for both debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee.

 PRESENTATION OF PUBLIC PETITIONS

No debate or decision (Standing Order No. 153)

Housing development in Cheadle: Sir William Cash

NHS dental services in Walsall South: Valerie Vaz

 ADJOURNMENT DEBATE

Until 5.30pm or for half an hour (whichever is later) (Standing Order No. 9(7))

NHS services in Devon: Mr Ben Bradshaw

BUSINESS TODAY: WESTMINSTER HALL

 ORDER OF BUSINESS

The sitting will last for three hours (Standing Order No. 10(1))

1.30pm

Strengthening Health Systems in Developing Countries, Fifth Report from the International Development Committee, HC 246, and the Government response, HC 816, and Recovery and Development in Sierra Leone and Liberia, Sixth Report from the International Development Committee, HC 247, and the Government response, HC 863

Disability and Development, Eleventh Report from the International Development Committee, Session 2013-14, HC 947, and the Government response, HC 336

The debate will arise on a motion for the adjournment, to be moved by a Minister.

The sitting will be suspended and time added if divisions take place in the main Chamber (Standing Order No. 10(1)).

The subjects for debate were chosen by the Liaison Committee.

WRITTEN STATEMENTS

 Statements to be made today

Minister for the Cabinet Office

1.Third Annual Report on Progress on the UK Cyber Security Strategy: Protecting and Promoting the UK in a Digital World

Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer

2.UK Asset Resolution–Test case outcome in relation to the Consumer Credit Act (CCA) 2008

Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills

3.Triennial Review of the Land Registration Rule Committee

Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

4.Private Rented Sector

Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change

5.Regulatory Justification of the UK ABWR nuclear reactor

6.Third DECC annual progress report on the roll-out of smart meters

Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

7.Development Foreign Affairs Council, Foreign Affairs Council, and General Affairs Council: 12, 15 and 16 December

8.UK National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security 2014-17: Implementation Plan

Secretary of State for Health

9.Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme PPRS Payment for 2015

Secretary of State for the Home Department

10.Police and National Crime Agency Remuneration Review Bodies–announcement of new Board Members

11.Police Integrity

12.Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures (1 September 2014 to 30 November 2014)

Secretary of State for Justice

13.Laying of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service 2013-14 Trust Statement

Secretary of State for Transport

14.Consultations on removing certain exemptions from operator licensing and annual roadworthiness testing

15.Publication of the Dartford–Thurrock Crossing Charging Scheme: Accounts for 2013-14

Notes:

Texts of Written Statements are available from the Vote Office and on the internet at http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/hansard/commons/todays-written-statements/.

COMMITTEES MEETING TODAY

The decision of a Committee to sit in public may be changed without notice.

 Delegated Legislation Committees

Sixth Delegated Legislation Committee

To consider the draft Water Industry (Specified Infrastructure Projects) (English Undertakers) (Amendment) Regulations 2014

Room 9

11.30am (public)

 Select Committees

High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill

Subject: High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill

Witnesses: Dr Christopher Eaglen; Peter and Margaret Hughes; Hampton-in-Arden Parish Council; and Hampton-in-Arden Society

Room 5

9.20am (private), 9.30am (public)

House of Commons Governance

Room 16

9.30am (private)

International Development

Subject: Beyond Aid: The Future UK Approach to Development

Witnesses: Kathryn Tyson, Director of International Health and Public Health Policy, Department of Health; Rt Hon Justine Greening MP, Secretary of State, Liz Ditchburn, Director of Policy, and Louise Thomas, Head of Trade for Development, Department for International Development (at 10.30am)

The Wilson Room, Portcullis House

9.30am (private), 9.45am (public)

Public Accounts

Subject: Oversight of UK spending to tackle Ebola in West Africa

Witnesses: Mark Lowcock, Permanent Secretary, and Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Scientific Adviser and Director of Research and Evidence, Department for International Development, and Fergus Drake, Director of Global Programmes, Save the Children

Room 15

9.30am (private), 9.45am (public)

COMMITTEE REPORTS PUBLISHED TODAY

 PUBLIC ACCOUNTS

2nd Special Report: Update on Preparations for Smart Metering: Ofgem’s Response to the Committee’s 12th Report of Session 2014-15, HC 875

Time of publication: 00.01am

 INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

7th Special Report: Recovery and Development in Sierra Leone and Liberia: Government Response to the Committee’s Sixth Report of Session 2014-15, HC 863

Time of publication: 9.00am

7th Report: Appointment of the Chief Commissioner of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact, HC 741

Time of publication: 3.00pm

 EUROPEAN SCRUTINY

26th Report: EU General Budget 2015, HC 219-xxv

Time of publication: 10.00am

 FOREIGN AFFAIRS

7th Report: Hong Kong: China’s ban on the Committee’s visit, HC 842

Time of publication: 10.00am

 JUSTICE

1st Special Report: Mesothelioma Claims: Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report of Session 2014-15, HC 849

Time of publication: 11.00am

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 Future Departments Answering in Westminster Hall

Week beginning 5 January 2015

Applications for General or Short Debates should be made in writing to the Table Office by 7.00pm or the rise of House, whichever is the earlier, on Tuesday 16 December. The Ballot will take place on Wednesday 17 December.

Culture, Media and Sport; Defence; Communities and Local Government; Energy and Climate Change; Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Health; Northern Ireland; Scotland; Treasury; Women and Equalities; Work and Pensions.

Weeks beginning 12 January 2015 and 26 January 2015

Attorney General; Business, Innovation and Skills; Cabinet Office; Deputy Prime Minister; Education; Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Home Office; International Development; Justice; Leader of the House; Transport; Wales.

Weeks beginning 19 January 2015 and 2 February 2015

Culture, Media and Sport; Defence; Communities and Local Government; Energy and Climate Change; Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Health; Northern Ireland; Scotland; Treasury; Women and Equalities; Work and Pensions.

 TABLING AMENDMENTS TO PUBLIC BILLS IN THE CHRISTMAS ADJOURNMENT 2014

Members wishing to table amendments to public bills in person, or via introduced staff, may do so in the usual way in the Public Bill Office until the rise of the House on Thursday 18 December. Such amendments will be available online, and in the printed provisional papers (‘the blues’), on Friday 19 December.

During the recess, Members may submit amendments in person, via introduced staff or, if signed, by other staff or by post.

The table below shows the deadlines, selection eligibility and first publication time, for amendments handed in during the recess.

For the avoidance of doubt: to be eligible for selection on 6 January, at either a report stage or a sitting of a public bill committee, amendments must have been tabled by 4.30pm on Tuesday 30 December.

*Amendments are generally available online the morning following the deadline–provisionally ‘marshalled’ into the order in which they relate to the bill. In the printed ‘blues’, they appear in the order in which they were submitted.

 CHRISTMAS ADJOURNMENT 2014

Members wishing to table questions in person may do so in the usual way through the Table Office until 5.30pm or the rising of the House, whichever is earlier, on Thursday 18 December. Thereafter, Members may table questions for oral and written answer electronically or by post. Questions for written answer received after 18 December and before 4.30pm on Friday 2 January will be treated as if tabled on 12 January.

Questions for oral answer

Under Standing Order No. 22(6), the Speaker has made the following arrangements for tabling Questions for oral answer when the House returns:

The results of the shuffles on 18 December will be published on 19 December. They will be available from the Vote Office and on the internet at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmfutoral/futoral.pdf

For further details of last tabling days for other departments and answering bodies, see the Order of Questions rota available from the Vote Office and on the internet at http://intranet.parliament.uk/Documents/intranet/table-office/Order-of-oral-questions-2015.pdf

Notes:

* The latest time for tabling is 12.30pm on each of these days

** First sitting day after adjournment

Questions for written answer

The latest time for tabling a Question for written answer on a named day before the Christmas Adjournment is 10.30pm or the rise of the House, whichever is earlier, on Monday 15 December (for answer on Thursday 18 December).

 Determination of Business by the Backbench BUSINESS Committee

Thursday 18 December in Westminster Hall

General debate on business investment in outer cities: Mr Graham Allen

General debate on future of Carnforth station: David Morris