House of Commons Votes and Proceedings
Wednesday
28th October 2015

No. 59

The House met at 11.30 am.

PRAYERS.

1 Questions to (1) the Secretary of State for International Development

(2) the Prime Minister

2 Urgent Question: Review of House of Commons financial privilege (Leader of the House)

3 Regulation of Enforcement Agents (Collection of Council Tax Arrears): Motion for leave to bring in a Bill (Standing Order No. 23)

Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision about the use of bailiffs and other enforcement agents by local authorities to collect council tax arrears; to establish a code of practice for enforcement agents; to create an independent bailiffs ombudsman to administer the code and to investigate and adjudicate complaints; and for connected purposes;

That Yvonne Fovargue, Bill Esterson, Robert Flello, Graham Jones, Helen Jones, Andy McDonald, Anna Turley, Margaret Greenwood, Liz McInnes, Stella Creasy and Andrew Percy present the Bill.

Yvonne Fovargue accordingly presented the Bill.

Bill read the first time; to be read a second time on Friday 20 November, and to be printed (Bill 87).

4 Opposition Day: Leader of the Opposition (8th allotted day (Standing Order No. 14))

(1) Steel Industry

Motion made and Question proposed, That this House believes that the UK steel industry is of national strategic importance and should be supported by the UK Government; notes that the UK steel industry is in crisis and that the recent closure of SSI in Redcar has resulted in 2,000 direct job losses, with a further 1,000 contractor jobs lost and 6,000 jobs to be lost in the local supply chain, the announcement by Tata Steel that they will no longer produce steel plate at Dalzell, Clydebridge and Scunthorpe has resulted in 1,170 job losses, and that 1,700 jobs are at risk as Caparo Industries has gone into administration; recognises that for every direct steel job lost a further three indirect job losses will follow; further notes the vital importance of the steel industry to those local communities it serves, the proud industrial heritage of Britain’s steel towns and the very real threat to these parts of the country should the steel industry disappear; and calls upon the Government to take immediate action to protect the steel industry, including immediately implementing the Energy Intensive Industry Compensation Package, taking action with the EU Commission on anti-dumping measures, looking at temporary action on business rates, reviewing how regulatory frameworks impact the industry, and promoting local content and sustainability in procurement contracts, and for the Government to publish a full industrial strategy including what level of capacity the Government envisages is needed in the steel industry, so as to safeguard this vital strategic asset.-(Ms Angela Eagle.)

Amendment moved, in line 1, to leave out from ‘House’ to the end of the Question and add ‘is concerned by the impact that recent redundancies in the steel sector could have on local communities and welcomes Government support for affected people in those communities; recognises the unprecedented global challenges currently facing the UK steel industry and agrees that all parties, including Government, opposition parties and the industry need to work together to secure a sustainable future for UK steel; and notes that the Government is in regular dialogue with the industry, including hosting a recent Steel Summit, and is taking urgent action to address both the industry's short-term and long-term concerns, including energy costs, unfair trade, the Industrial Emissions Directive and long-term procurement opportunities for the industry so as to ensure that the UK steel industry has a sustainable future.’.-(Secretary Stephen Crabb.)

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

Mr Alan Campbell claimed to move the closure (Standing Order No. 36).

Question put, That the Question be now put.

Question agreed to.

Question accordingly put.

The House divided.

Division No. 100.

Ayes: 280 (Tellers: Holly Lynch, Jeff Smith).

Noes: 307 (Tellers: Guy Opperman, Jackie Doyle-Price).

Question accordingly negatived.

Question, That the proposed words be there added, put forthwith (Standing Order No. 31(2)).

Question agreed to.

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

Resolved, That this House is concerned by the impact that recent redundancies in the steel sector could have on local communities and welcomes Government support for affected people in those communities; recognises the unprecedented global challenges currently facing the UK steel industry and agrees that all parties, including Government, opposition parties and the industry need to work together to secure a sustainable future for UK steel; and notes that the Government is in regular dialogue with the industry, including hosting a recent Steel Summit, and is taking urgent action to address both the industry's short-term and long-term concerns, including energy costs, unfair trade, the Industrial Emissions Directive and long-term procurement opportunities for the industry so as to ensure that the UK steel industry has a sustainable future.

5 Deferred Divisions

The Deputy Speaker announced the results of the Division which had been deferred to this day (Standing Order No. 41A).

Human Rights (Joint Committee): Nomination of committee

That Fiona Bruce, Ms Karen Buck, Ms Harriet Harman, Jeremy Lefroy, Mark Pritchard and Amanda Solloway be members of the Joint Committee on Human Rights.

Division No. 99.

Ayes: 485.

Noes: 61.

Question accordingly agreed.

6 Opposition Day: Leader of the Opposition (8th allotted day (Standing Order No. 14)) (resumed)

(2) Junior doctors’ contracts

Motion made and Question proposed, That this House notes the stalled discussions between Government and the British Medical Association (BMA) about a new junior doctors’ contract; opposes the removal of financial penalties from hospitals which protect staff from working excessive hours; urges the Government to guarantee that no junior doctor will have their pay cut as a result of a new contract; and calls upon the Government to withdraw the threat of contract imposition, put forward proposals which are safe for patients and fair for junior doctors and return to negotiations with the BMA.-(Heidi Alexander.)

Amendment moved, in line 1, to leave out from ‘House’ to the end of the Question and add ‘welcomes the Government’s commitment to delivering seven-day hospital services and saving lives by combating the weekend effect; notes the British Medical Association’s (BMA) decision to walk away from negotiations to reform a contract which all sides acknowledge is not fit for purpose; further notes the Government’s proposed introduction of new contractual limits which protect staff from working unsafe hours and the commitment that average junior doctors’ pay will not fall; and calls on the BMA to put patient care first, to choose talks over strikes, and to return to negotiations.’.-(Secretary Jeremy Hunt.)

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

Ms Rosie Winterton claimed to move the closure (Standing Order No. 36).

Question put, That the Question be now put.

Question agreed to.

Question accordingly put.

The House divided.

Division No. 101.

Ayes: 260 (Tellers: Grahame Morris, Sue Hayman).

Noes: 301(Tellers: Jackie Doyle-Price, Guy Opperman).

Question accordingly negatived.

Question, That the proposed words be there added, put forthwith (Standing Order No. 31(2)).

Question agreed to.

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

Resolved, That this House welcomes the Government’s commitment to delivering seven-day hospital services and saving lives by combating the weekend effect; notes the British Medical Association’s (BMA) decision to walk away from negotiations to reform a contract which all sides acknowledge is not fit for purpose; further notes the Government’s proposed introduction of new contractual limits which protect staff from working unsafe hours and the commitment that average junior doctors’ pay will not fall; and calls on the BMA to put patient care first, to choose talks over strikes, and to return to negotiations.

7 Committee of Privileges

Ordered, That:

(1) Standing Order No. 148A be amended as follows:

(a) line 4, leave out "ten" and insert "seven"

(b) line 5, leave out "five" and insert "three"

(c) line 10, leave out "consisting of no more than seven Members,"

(d) line 29, leave out "the"

(e) line 30, after "Privileges" insert "and of former Committees of Privileges";

(2) Standing Order No. 149 be amended as follows:

(a) line 64, leave out "the"

(b) line 65, after "Privileges" insert "and of former Committees on Standards";

and

(3) Kevin Barron, Sir Paul Beresford, Tom Blenkinsop, Mr Christopher Chope, Mr Dominic Grieve, Tommy Sheppard and Jo Stevens be members of the Committee of Privileges.-(Charlie Elphicke.)

8 Standards

Ordered, That Mr Geoffrey Cox be discharged from the Committee on Standards and Tom Blenkinsop be added.-(Charlie Elphicke.)

9 Adjournment

Subject: Diversity on corporate boards (Mr Chuka Umunna).

Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.-(Charlie Elphicke.)

Adjourned at 7.44 pm until tomorrow.

_________________

Other proceedings

Private Business: Appointments

10 Standing Orders Committee (Standing Order 103, relating to Private Business)

Members: Mr Steve Baker, Tom Blenkinsop, Geraint Davies, Marcus Fysh, Jessica Morden, Paul Scully, Julian Sturdy and Helen Whateley.

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).

11 First Delegated Legislation Committee (Draft Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2015)

(1) Chair: Mike Gapes

(2) Members: Lucy Allan, Mr Graham Allen, Nicola Blackwood, Paul Blomfield, Ann Clwyd, Judith Cummins, Stephen Doughty, James Duddridge, Richard Graham, Peter Heaton-Jones, George Hollingbery, George Kerevan, Dr Phillip Lee, Mr Andrew Mitchell, Christopher Pincher, Emma Reynolds, Amanda Solloway and Sammy Wilson.

12 Second Delegated Legislation Committee (Draft Representation of the People (England and Wales) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2015 and the draft Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2015)

(1) Chair: Fabian Hamilton

(2) Members: Stephen Barclay, Fiona Bruce, Jo Cox, Wayne David, Gareth Johnson, Jack Lopresti, Ian C. Lucas, Shabana Mahmood, Conor McGinn, Johnny Mercer, Jesse Norman, John Penrose, Jim Shannon, Tommy Sheppard, Jo Stevens, Derek Thomas, Michael Tomlinson and Craig Williams.

13 Third Delegated Legislation Committee (Draft Small and Medium Sized Business (Credit Information) Regulations 2015 and the draft Small and Medium Sized Business (Finance Platforms) Regulations 2015)

(1) Chair: Mr David Nuttall

(2) Members: Rushanara Ali, Harriett Baldwin, Bob Blackman, Richard Burgon, Conor Burns, Jo Churchill, Chris Heaton-Harris, Mr Ivan Lewis, Karl McCartney, Andy McDonald, Conor McGinn, Nigel Mills, Joan Ryan, Paul Scully, David Simpson, Mel Stride, Owen Thompson and Mrs Anne-Marie Trevelyan.

14 European Committee B in respect of European Union Document No. 5902/15 and Addendum, a Commission Communication: A Global Partnership for Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development after 2015

(1) Chair: Mr Andrew Turner

(2) Members: Fiona Bruce discharged and Caroline Ansell nominated in substitution.

15 European Committee B in respect of European Union Document No. 9926/12 and Addenda 1 and 2, a draft Council Directive amending Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax, as regards the treatment of vouchers

(1) Chair: James Gray

(2) Members: Jake Berry, Geraint Davies, Kevin Foster, Mark Garnier, Mr David Gauke, Peter Grant, Ben Howlett, Rob Marris, Craig Mackinlay, Mr Barry Sheerman, Jeff Smith, Wes Streeting and Mel Stride.

16 European Committee C in respect of European Union Document No 11976/14 and Addenda 1 to 3, a Commission White Paper: Towards more effective EU merger control

Chair: Mr David Hanson.

17 Panel of Chairs (Standing Orders Nos. 83J(8)(a), 83P(4) and 83U(6))

Sir Roger Gale and Mr Clive Betts to be the two Members whom the Speaker may consult under Standing Orders Nos. 83J(8)(a), 83P(4) and 83U(6) in deciding whether to certify, in relation to territorial application and devolved legislative competence, (a) a bill, clause or schedule, under Standing Order No. 83J, (b) an instrument, under Standing Order No. 83P and (c) a motion upon which a Finance Bill is to be brought in, under Standing Order No. 83U (Bill Wiggin, on behalf of the Committee of Selection).

European Union Documents Referred

18 European Committee B

European Union Documents No. 12263/15 and Addenda 1 and 2, a Commission Communication: Action Plan on Building a Capital Markets Union; No. 12601/15 and Addenda 1 and 2, a Commission Proposal for a Regulation laying down common rules on securitisation and creating a European framework for simple, transparent and standardised securitisation and amending Directives 2009/65/EC, 2009/138/EC, 2011/61/EU and Regulations (EC) No. 1060/2009 and (EU) No. 648/2012; and No. 12603/15, a Commission Proposal for a Regulation amending Regulation (EU) No. 575/2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms.

Reports from Select Committees

19 Administration Committee

Record of the Committee’s discussions at its meeting on 28 October, to be published (Sir Paul Beresford).

20 Armed Forces Bill Committee

Jack Lopresti reported, That he had been chosen as Chair of the Committee.

21 Culture, Media and Sport Committee

The Future of FIFA: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 356) (Jesse Norman).

22 Education Committee

(1) Education, skills and productivity: commissioned research: First Joint Special Report from the Business Innovation and Skills and Education Committees being the Second Special Report from the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee (ordered to be printed 27 October) and the Third Special Report from the Education Committee, to be printed (HC 565);

(2) Correspondence with the Minister of State for Housing and Planning relating to planning for new free schools: Written evidence, to be published;

(3) The Children’s Commissioner for England: Written evidence, to be published (HC 477);

(4) The Work of Ofqual: Written evidence, to be published (HC 403)

(Neil Carmichael).

23 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee

Farmgate prices: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 474) (Neil Parish).

24 Environmental Audit Committee

The Future of the Green Investment Bank: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 536) (Huw Irranca-Davies).

25 European Scrutiny Committee

(1) Seventh Report, to be printed, with the Formal Minutes relating to the Report (HC 342-vii);

(2) Ministerial Correspondence: Written evidence, to be published (HC 342)

(Sir William Cash).

26 High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill Select Committee

High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill: Oral and written evidence, to be published (HC 129) (Mr Robert Syms).

27 Northern Ireland Affairs Committee

HM Government support for UK Victims of IRA attacks that used Gaddafi-supplied Semtex and weapons: Oral and written evidence, to be published (HC 406) (Laurence Robertson).

28 Public Accounts (Committee of)

(1) HM Revenue & Customs performance 2014–15: Sixth Report, to be printed, with the Formal Minutes relating to the Report (HC 393);

(2) Care Quality Commission: Oral and written evidence, to be published (HC 501)

(Meg Hillier).

29 Scottish Affairs Committee

Creative Industries in Scotland: Oral and written evidence, to be published (HC 332) (Pete Wishart).

30 Statutory Instruments (Joint Committee on)

Seventh Report, to be printed (HC 352-vii) (Derek Twigg).

31 Statutory Instruments (Select Committee on)

Fourth Report, to be printed (HC 461-iv) (Derek Twigg).

32 Treasury Committee

Financial Conduct Authority statutory panels: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 559) (Mr Andrew Tyrie).

33 Women and Equalities Committee

Transgender Equality: Oral and written evidence, to be published (HC 390) (Mrs Maria Miller).

34 Work and Pensions Committee

Department for Work and Pensions Annual Report and Accounts: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 507) (Frank Field).

John Bercow

Speaker

The Speaker will take the Chair at 9.30 am.

Sitting in Westminster Hall

The sitting began at 9.30 am.

Business appointed by the Chairman of Ways and Means (Standing Order No. 10(6))

(1) Implementation of the Transforming Rehabilitation programme

Motion made and Question proposed, That this House has considered implementation of the Transforming Rehabilitation programme.-(Stephen Kinnock.)

At 11.00 am, the Motion lapsed (Standing Order No. 10(6)).

(2) Commemoration of the centenary of Harold Wilson’s birth

Resolved, That this House has considered commemoration of the centenary of Harold Wilson’s birth.-(Mr Barry Sheerman.)

The sitting was suspended between 11.29 am and 2.30 pm (Standing Order No. 10(1)(b)).

(3) Economic value of outdoor recreation

Resolved, That this House has considered the economic value of outdoor recreation.-(David Rutley.)

(4) Effect of the living wage on farmers

Motion made, That this House has considered the effect of the living wage on farmers.-(Gordon Henderson.)

The sitting was suspended between 4.09 pm and 4.24 pm for a division in the House (Standing Order No. 10(3)).

Resolved, That this House has considered the effect of the living wage on farmers.

(5) Chagos Islands

Resolved, That this House has considered the Chagos Islands.-(Dr Paul Monaghan.)

Sitting adjourned without Question put (Standing Order No. 10(14)).

Adjourned at 5.44 pm until tomorrow.

Lindsay Hoyle

Chairman of Ways and Means

APPENDIX

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1 Charities

Draft Small Charitable Donations Act (Amendment) Order 2015 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Damian Hinds).

2 Defence

Draft Armed Forces (Service Complaints Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2015 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Mark Lancaster).

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

3 Local Government

(1) Draft Gloucester (Electoral Changes) Order 2015 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (The Speaker);

(2) draft Knowsley (Electoral Changes) Order 2015 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (The Speaker);

(3) draft Stroud (Electoral Changes) Order 2015 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (The Speaker); and

(4) draft Winchester (Electoral Changes) Order 2015 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (The Speaker).

4 Public Health

Motor Fuel (Composition and Content) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 (S.I., 2015, No. 1796), dated 15 October 2015 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Secretary Patrick McLoughlin).

Other Papers:

5 National Audit

Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Department for Education and the Cabinet Office: Investigation: the government’s funding of Kids Company (by Act); to be printed (HC 556) (Clerk of the House).

ECCLESIASTICAL COMMITTEE

The Speaker has nominated the following Members to serve on the Ecclesiastical Committee during this Parliament pursuant to section 2(2) of the Church of England Assembly (Powers) Act 1919:

Caroline Ansell, Sir Peter Bottomley, Mr Ben Bradshaw, Fiona Bruce, Oliver Colvile, Frank Field, Kevin Foster, Sir Roger Gale, Helen Goodman, Mr David Lammy, Rachael Maskell, John Pugh, Gavin Robinson, Mrs Caroline Spelman and Mr Gary Streeter.

THE SPEAKER’S CERTIFICATE

Housing and Planning Bill

The Speaker has certified, in respect of the Housing and Planning Bill, that Clauses 1 to 58, 60 to 70, 72 to 76, 78 to 84, 86 to 88 and 92 to 110 and Schedules 1 to 4 and 6 relate exclusively to England and are within devolved legislative competence; and that Clauses 59, 71, 85, 90, 91, 111 to 139 and Schedules 5 and 7 to 11 relate exclusively to England and Wales and are within devolved legislative competence (Standing Order No. 83J.)