House of Lords Journal 234 (Session 2000-01)

Next Wednesday 6 December 2000 Parliament met at half-past eleven o’clock pursuant to the prorogation of Thursday 30th November. THE QUEEN The following Lords Spiritual and Temporal were present: Irvine of Lairg, L. (Lord Chancellor) Aberdare, L. Ackner, L. Addington, L. Ahmed, L. Aldington, L. Allenby of Megiddo, V. Alton of Liverpool, L. Amos, B. Ampthill, L. Andrews, B. Anelay of St Johns, B. Archer of Sandwell, L. Arran, E. Ashcroft, L. Ashley of Stoke, L. Ashton of Upholland, B. Astor of Hever, L. Attlee, E. Avebury, L. Bach, L. Bagri, L. Baldwin of Bewdley, E. Barnett, L. Beaumont of Whitley, L. Belstead, L. Bernstein of Craigweil, L. Billingham, B. Birt, L. Blackstone, B. Blackwell, L. Blatch, B. Blease, L. Borrie, L. Boston of Faversham, L. Bowness, L. Brabazon of Tara, L. Bragg, L. Bramall, L. Brennan, L. Brett, L. Bridgeman, V. Bridges, L. Brightman, L. Brooke of Alverthorpe, L. Brookeborough, V. Brookman, L. Brooks of Tremorfa, L. Brougham and Vaux, L. Bruce of Donington, L. Burlison, L. Burnham, L. Burns, L. Buscombe, B. Butterworth, L. Buxton of Alsa, L. Callaghan of Cardiff, L. Campbell of Alloway, L. Campbell of Croy, L. Carnegy of Lour, B. Carr of Hadley, L. Carter, L. Castle of Blackburn, B. Cavendish of Furness, L. Chadlington, L. Chalfont, L. Chalker of Wallasey, B. Chichester, Bp. Clark of Kempston, L. Clarke of Hampstead, L. Cledwyn of Penrhos, L. Clement-Jones, L. Clinton-Davis, L. Cockfield, L. Cocks of Hartcliffe, L. Coe, L. Cohen of Pimlico, B. Colwyn, L. Cooke of Thorndon, L. Cope of Berkeley, L. Courtown, E. Cox, B. Craig of Radley, L. Craigavon, V. Crathorne, L. Crickhowell, L. Cuckney, L. Cumberlege, B. Darcy de Knayth, B. David, B. Davies of Coity, L. Dean of Thornton-le-Fylde, B. Denham, L. Desai, L. Dholakia, L. Dixon, L. Dixon-Smith, L. Donoughue, L. Dubs, L. Dundee, E. Elder, L. Elles, B. Elliott of Morpeth, L. Elton, L. Erroll, E. Evans of Parkside, L. Evans of Temple Guiting, L. Evans of Watford, L. Ezra, L. Falconer of Thoroton, L. Falkland, V. Farrington of Ribbleton, B. Faulkner of Worcester, L. Feldman, L. Ferrers, E. Filkin, L. Fitt, L. Flather, B. Fookes, B. Forsyth of Drumlean, L. Fraser of Carmyllie, L. Freeman, L. Freyberg, L. Gale, B. Gardner of Parkes, B. Geddes, L. Geraint, L. Gibson, L. Gibson of Market Rasen, B. Gilmour of Craigmillar, L. Gladwin of Clee, L. Glenarthur, L. Glentoran, L. Goodhart, L. Goudie, B. Gould of Potternewton, B. Graham of Edmonton, L. Gray of Contin, L. Greaves, L. Greengross, B. Greenway, L. Gregson, L. Grenfell, L. Hanham, B. Hanningfield, L. Hardy of Wath, L. Harris of Greenwich, L. Harris of Haringey, L. Harris of Peckham, L. Harris of Richmond, B. Harrison, L. Haskel, L. Hayhoe, L. Hayman, B. Healey, L. Henley, L. Hereford, Bp. Higgins, L. Hilton of Eggardon, B. Hodgson of Astley Abbotts, L. Hogg, B. Hogg of Cumbernauld, L. Holderness, L. Hollis of Heigham, B. Hooper, B. Hooson, L. Hope of Craighead, L. Howe, E. Howell of Guildford, L. Howells of St. Davids, B. Howie of Troon, L. Hoyle, L. Hughes of Woodside, L. Hunt of Chesterton, L. Hunt of Kings Heath, L. Page 2 2000-01 Volume 234 Back to top Hunt of Wirral, L. Hylton, L. Inglewood, L. Islwyn, L. Jacobs, L. James of Holland Park, B. Janner of Braunstone, L. Jauncey of Tullichettle, L. Jay of Paddington, B. Jenkins of Putney, L. Jopling, L. Kimball, L. King of West Bromwich, L. Kingsland, L. Kirkham, L. Kirkhill, L. Knight of Collingtree, B. Laing of Dunphail, L. Laird, L. Laming, L. Lang of Monkton, L. Layard, L. Lea of Crondall, L. Levy, L. Lichfield, Bp. Linklater of Butterstone, B. Lipsey, L. Liverpool, E. Lloyd of Berwick, L. Lofthouse of Pontefract, L. Longford, E. Luke, L. Lyell, L. McColl of Dulwich, L. Macdonald of Tradeston, L. McIntosh of Haringey, L. McIntosh of Hudnall, B. Mackay of Ardbrecknish, L. MacKenzie of Culkein, L. Mackenzie of Framwellgate, L. Mackie of Benshie, L. McNally, L. Maddock, B. Mallalieu, B. Mancroft, L. Mar, C. Mar and Kellie, E. Marlesford, L. Marsh, L. Mason of Barnsley, L. Massey of Darwen, B. Mayhew of Twysden, L. Merlyn-Rees, L. Methuen, L. Miller of Chilthorne Domer, B. Miller of Hendon, B. Mishcon, L. Molloy, L. Molyneaux of Killead, L. Monson, L. Montagu of Beaulieu, L. Moran, L. Morris of Castle Morris, L. Morris of Manchester, L. Mowbray and Stourton, L. Murton of Lindisfarne, L. Naseby, L. Newby, L. Newton of Braintree, L. Nickson, L. Nicol, B. Noakes, B. Northbourne, L. Northbrook, L. Northesk, E. Northover, B. Norton of Louth, L. O’Cathain, B. Oppenheim-Barnes, B. Orme, L. Oxford, Bp. Palmer, L. Parekh, L. Park of Monmouth, B. Paul, L. Pearson of Rannoch, L. Perry of Southwark, B. Perry of Walton, L. Peston, L. Peyton of Yeovil, L. Phillips of Sudbury, L. Pilkington of Oxenford, L. Plant of Highfield, L. Platt of Writtle, B. Plumb, L. Plummer of St. Marylebone, L. Ponsonby of Shulbrede, L. Prys-Davies, L. Quirk, L. Ramsay of Cartvale, B. Randall of St. Budeaux, L. Rawlings, B. Rawlinson of Ewell, L. Razzall, L. Rea, L. Redesdale, L. Rendell of Babergh, B. Renfrew of Kaimsthorn, L. Rennard, L. Richard, L. Rix, L. Roberts of Conwy, L. Rodgers of Quarry Bank, L. Rogan, L. Roll of Ipsden, L. Roper, L. Saatchi, L. St. John of Bletso, L. Sanderson of Bowden, L. Sandwich, E. Sawyer, L. Scotland of Asthal, B. Scott of Needham Market, B. Seccombe, B. Selsdon, L. Serota, B. Sharp of Guildford, B. Sharples, B. Shaw of Northstead, L. Shepherd, L. Shore of Stepney, L. Shrewsbury, E. Shutt of Greetland, L. Simon, V. Simon of Glaisdale, L. Skelmersdale, L. Skidelsky, L. Slim, V. Slynn of Hadley, L. Smith of Clifton, L. Smith of Gilmorehill, B. Soulsby of Swaffham Prior, L. Southwark, Bp. St John of Fawsley, L. Stallard, L. Steel of Aikwood, L. Stewartby, L. Stodart of Leaston, L. Stone of Blackheath, L. Strabolgi, L. Strange, B. Strathclyde, L. Swinfen, L. Taverne, L. Taylor of Blackburn, L. Taylor of Warwick, L. Thatcher, B. Thomas of Gwydir, L. Thornton, B. Tomlinson, L. Tordoff, L. Trefgarne, L. Trumpington, B. Turnberg, L. Turner of Camden, B. Uddin, B. Varley, L. Waddington, L. Wade of Chorlton, L. Walker of Doncaster, L. Walker of Worcester, L. Walmsley, B. Walpole, L. Warner, L. Warnock, B. Warwick of Undercliffe, B. Waverley, V. Weatherill, L. Whitaker, B. Whitty, L. Wigoder, L. Wilberforce, L. Wilcox, B. Wilkins, B. Williams of Crosby, B. Williams of Elvel, L. Williams of Mostyn, L. Wilson of Tillyorn, L. Winston, L. Woolmer of Leeds, L. 1. Queen’s Speech—The Queen being seated on the Throne, and the Commons being at the Bar with their Speaker, Her Majesty was pleased to make a Most Gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament, and then retired. The House was adjourned during pleasure. The House was resumed at half-past three o’clock. Page 3 2000-01 Volume 234 Back to top PRAYERS were read by the Lord Bishop of Southwark. 2. Members of the House—It was ordered that a list of members of the House, prepared by the Clerk of the Parliaments, be printed. (HL Paper 1) 3. Select Vestries Bill—The Bill was presented by the Lord Privy Seal (Baroness Jay of Paddington) and read a first time pro forma. 4. Queen’s Speech—The Queen’s Speech was reported by the Lord Chancellor; then it was moved by the Lord Graham of Edmonton that an Humble Address be presented to Her Majesty as follows: Most Gracious Sovereign,   We, Your Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, beg leave to thank Your Majesty for the most gracious Speech which Your Majesty has addressed to both Houses of Parliament. After the motion had been seconded by the Baroness Ashton of Upholland, the debate thereupon was adjourned till tomorrow. 5. Chairman of Committees—After debate, the Lord MacKay of Ardbrecknish was appointed nemine dissentiente to take the Chair in all Committees for this Session. 6. Principal Deputy Chairman of Committees—The Lord Tordoff was appointed Principal Deputy Chairman of Committees for this Session nemine dissentiente. 7. Stoppages in the Streets—It was ordered that the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis do take care that during the Session of Parliament the passages through the streets leading to this House be kept free and open; and that no obstruction be permitted to hinder the passage of the Lords to and from this House; and that no disorder be allowed in Westminster Hall, or in the passages leading to this House, during the sitting of Parliament; and that there be no annoyance therein or thereabouts; and that the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod attending this House do communicate this Order to the Commissioner aforesaid. Judicial Business 8. Appeal Committees—Two Appeal Committees were appointed pursuant to Standing Order. 9. Appellate Committees—Two Appellate Committees were appointed pursuant to Standing Order. 10. Mohamed (Respondent) v. London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (Appellants) (England)—The appeal of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham was presented and it was ordered that in accordance with Standing Order VI the statement and appendix thereto be lodged on or before 17th January next (lodged 1st December). 11. Lawrence (Respondent) v. Lesser (Appellant) (England)—The appeal of Leslie Hugh Lesser was presented and it was ordered that in accordance with Standing Order VI the statement and appendix thereto be lodged on or before 17th January next. 12. Regina v. Secretary of State for the Home Department (Respondent) ex parte Turgut (AP) (Petitioner) (England)—The appeal of Abdullah Turgut was presented and it was ordered that in accordance with Standing Order VI the statement and appendix thereto be lodged on or before 17th January next (lodged 5th December). 13. Collins (Petitioner) v. Needleman Knowles (a firm) (Respondents)—The petition of Michael Collins praying for leave to appeal was presented and referred to an Appeal Committee (lodged 6th November). 14. Cohort Construction Company (UK) Limited (Petitioners) v. Melchior (Respondent) and another—The petition of Cohort Construction (UK) Limited praying for leave to appeal was presented and referred to an Appeal Committee (lodged 20th November). 15. Grupo Torras SA and others (Petitioners) v. Al-Sabah (Respondent) and others—The petition of Grupo Torras SA and Torras Hostench London Limited praying for leave to appeal was presented and referred to an Appeal Committee (lodged 10th November). 16. Grupo Torras SA (Respondents) and others v. Al-Sabah and others and another (Petitioner)—The petition of Juan Jose Folchi Bonafonte praying for leave to appeal was presented and referred to an Appeal Committee. 17. Oxford Gene Technology Limited (Petitioners) v. Affymetrix Inc and others (Respondents)—The petition of Oxford Gene Technology Limited praying for leave to appeal was presented and referred to an Appeal Committee (lodged 4th December). 18. Reilly Concrete Pumping Limited (Petitioners) v. Director of Public Prosecutions (Respondent)—The petition of Reilly Concrete Pumping Limited praying for an extension of time within which the petition may be lodged and for leave to appeal in accordance with the Administration of Justice Act 1960, was presented and referred to an Appeal Committee. Page 4 2000-01 Volume 234 Back to top 19. Invervale Limited (Appellants) v. Wimpey Homes Holdings Limited (Respondents) (Scotland)—The appeal was set down for hearing and referred to an Appellate Committee (lodged 29th November). 20. Secretary of State for the Home Department (Respondent) v. Rehman (Appellant) (First Appeal)— 21. Secretary of State for the Home Department (Respondent) v. Rehman (Appellant) (Second Appeal)— (Consolidated Appeals)— The petition of the appellant praying that the time for lodging the statement and appendix and setting down the cause for hearing might be extended to 15th January next (the agents for the respondent consenting thereto) was presented; and it was ordered as prayed (lodged 4th December). 22. Appeal Committee—The following Order was made pursuant to the 79th Report, Session 1999–2000— Dubai Aluminium Company Limited v. Salaam (Respondent) and others (Petitioners) and others and others (Respondents)—That leave to appeal be given, and that the petition of appeal be lodged by 20th December next. 23. Appeal Committee—The following Order was made pursuant to the 80th Report, Session 1999–2000— Kahn and another (Petitioners) v. Commissioners of Inland Revenue (Respondents)—That leave to appeal be given, and that the petition of appeal be lodged by 20th December next. 24. Appeal Committee—The 1st Report from the Appeal Committee was agreed to and the following Order was made— Grupo Torras SA and others (Petitioners) v. Al-Sabah (Respondent) and others—That leave to appeal be refused. Papers 25. Command Papers—The following papers, having been presented to the House by command of Her Majesty on the dates shown, were ordered to lie on the Table: 1. Commercial Debts—Exchange of Notes between the United Kingdom and Guyana concerning certain commercial debts; (1st December)   (4929) 2. Orders, Decorations and Medals— (i) Royal Warrant for the Queen’s Volunteer Reserves Medal; (4th December) (4890) (ii) Royal Warrant for the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal. (4th December) (4889) 26. Statutory Instruments (Standing Order 70)—The following negative instruments, having been laid before the House on the dates shown, were ordered to lie on the Table: Plymouth City Council Act 1987 (Modification) Order 2000, laid under the Local Government Act 2000; 3132 1st December Parsonages Measure Rules 2000, laid under the Parsonages Measure 1938; 3171 1st December (i) Common Agricultural Policy Support Schemes (Modulation) Regulations 2000— 3127 4th December (ii) Beef Labelling (Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2000— 3047 4th December (iii) Slaughter Premium Regulations 2000— 3126 4th December laid under the European Communities Act 1972; (i) Amendment to the Statutes of Lady Margaret Hall in the University of Oxford made on 27th June 2000— — 4th December Page 5 2000-01 Volume 234 Back to top (ii) Amendment to the Statutes of Merton College in the University of Oxford made on 16th March 1998— — 4th December laid under the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge Act 1923; Registered Parties (Non-constituent and Non-affiliated Organisations) Order 2000, laid under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000; 3183 4th December Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Gatwick Express Class 460 Vehicles) Exemption (Amendment No. 2) Order 2000, laid under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; 3187 5th December National Health Service (Charges for Drugs and Appliances) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2000, laid under the National Health Service Act 1977. 3189 5th December 27. Affirmative Instruments—The following instruments were laid before the House for approval by resolution and ordered to lie on the Table: 1. Draft Child Support (Information, Evidence and Disclosure and Maintenance Arrangements and Jurisdiction) (Amendment) Regulations 2000; 2. Draft Child Support (Collection and Enforcement and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2000; 3. Draft Child Support (Maintenance Calculation Procedure) Regulations 2000; 4. Draft Child Support (Maintenance Calculations and Special Cases) Regulations 2000; 5. Draft Child Support (Variations) Regulations 2000. 28. Negative Instruments—The following instruments were laid before the House and ordered to lie on the Table: 1. Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2000, laid under the Road Traffic Act 1988;   (3197) 2. International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs (Amendment) Regulations 2000, laid under the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs Act 1976;   (3196) 3. Plastic Materials and Articles in Contact with Food (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2000, laid under the Food Safety Act 1990;   (3162) 4. Child Support (Temporary Compensation Payment Scheme) Regulations 2000, laid under the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 2000;   (3174) 5. Social Security (Child Maintenance Premium and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2000, laid under the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992;   (3176) 6. (i) Child Support (Voluntary Payments) Regulations 2000, (3177) (ii) Child Support (Variations) (Modification of Statutory Provisions) Regulations 2000, (3173) (iii) Child Support (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2000, (3186) (iv) Child Support (Decisions and Appeals) (Amendment) Regulations 2000, (3185)   laid under the Child Support Act 1991. 29. Papers not subject to parliamentary proceedings—The following papers were laid before the House and ordered to lie on the Table: 1. Report of the Health Service Ombudsman on Errors in the Care and Treatment of a young woman with Diabetes, laid under the Health Service Commissioners Act 1993; 2. Accounts 1999–2000 of the Crown’s Nominee, laid under the Treasury Solicitor Act 1876. The House was adjourned at four minutes past five o’clock till tomorrow, two o’clock for judicial business, three o’clock for public business.