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House of Lords Business
Contents
Minutes of Proceedings Wednesday 25 November 2009
Items marked † are new or have been altered
Thursday 26 November 2009 at 11.00am
*Oral questions, 30 minutes
*Lord Morris of Manchester to ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress has been made in the current internal review by the Ministry of Defence of the Armed and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme 2005; and when they expect it to report.
*Lord Geddes to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 13 June 2007 (WA 259) and the answer on 21 February 2008 (HL Deb, cols 270-72) regarding the abolition of game licences in England, what discussions they have had with the Scottish Executive about abolishing game licences for shooters in Scotland.
*Lord Lucas to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will use their powers to ensure that road markings and signs are compliant with regulations, particularly where markings or signs create dangers for road users.
*Baroness Sharples to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the threat presented by dissident terrorists in Northern Ireland.
Business of the House Baroness Royall of Blaisdon to move that Standing Order 41 (Arrangement of the Order Paper) be dispensed with on Tuesday 1 December to allow the motion in the name of Baroness Thomas of Winchester to be taken before the Second Reading of the Northern Ireland Assembly Members Bill [HL].
†Queen’s Speech Adjourned Debate on the Motion that a 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.”
It is expected that the principal topics for debate will be Equality, Social Affairs, Health, and Education.
Future Business
Monday 30 November at 2.30pm
*Lord Warner to ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the two reports on NHS Pathology Services by Lord Carter of Coles and the report on Genomic Medicine by the Science and Technology Committee (2nd Report, Session 2008-09, HL Paper 107), what progress they have made on the consolidation of pathology services; and what savings they expect to achieve by April 2011.
*Lord Haskel to ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage enterprise and entrepreneurship in British business and industry.
*Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will discuss with the Press Complaints Commission proposals for a review of foreign and overseas based news media owners in Britain.
*Baroness Turner of Camden to ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to assist industrial accident and disease victims whose employers’ liability insurance policies cannot be traced.
†Business of the House Baroness Royall of Blaisdon to move that Standing Order 41 (Arrangement of the Order Paper) be dispensed with on Monday 7 December to allow the motion in the name of the Earl of Onslow to be taken before the motions standing in the names of Lord Sutherland of Houndwood and Lord Jopling.
Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) Bill [HL] Baroness Royall of Blaisdon to move that the bill be referred to a Second Reading Committee. (Law Commission Bill)
†Baroness Royall of Blaisdon intends to move the following five motions en bloc: but if any Lord objects the motions must be moved separately to the extent desired.
†Social Security (Contributions Credits for Parents and Carers) Regulations 2009 Baroness Royall of Blaisdon to move that the draft Regulations be referred to a Grand Committee.
†Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2009 Baroness Royall of Blaisdon to move that the draft Regulations be referred to a Grand Committee.
†Immigration (Biometric Registration) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2009 Baroness Royall of Blaisdon to move that the draft Regulations be referred to a Grand Committee.
†Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (Designation of Participating Countries) (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) (No. 3) Order 2009 Baroness Royall of Blaisdon to move that the draft Order be referred to a Grand Committee.
†National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Welsh Language) Order 2009 Baroness Royall of Blaisdon to move that the draft Order be referred to a Grand Committee.
The following two motions are expected to be debated together:
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon to move that this House takes note of the Report of the Leader’s Group on the Code of Conduct (HL Paper 171, Session 2008-09); and that Part 3 of the Report be remitted to the Committee for Privileges, with an instruction that it reports a Guide to the Rules on the Conduct of Members of the House of Lords to the House.
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon to move to resolve that this House adopts the following Code of Conduct for Members of the House of Lords to replace the present Code of Conduct for Members of the House of Lords with effect from 1 April 2010:
Code of Conduct for Members of the House of Lords
Introduction
1. The House of Lords is the second Chamber of the United Kingdom Parliament. As a constituent part of Parliament, the House of Lords makes laws, holds government to account, and debates issues of public interest.
2. Membership of the House is not an office, and does not constitute employment; most Members’ primary employment is or has been outside Parliament. In discharging their parliamentary duties Members of the House of Lords draw substantially on experience and expertise gained outside Parliament.
3. The purpose of this Code of Conduct is
(a) to provide guidance for Members of the House of Lords on the standards of conduct expected of them in the discharge of their parliamentary duties; the Code does not extend to Members’ performance of duties unrelated to parliamentary proceedings, or to their private lives;
(b) to provide the openness and accountability necessary to reinforce public confidence in the way in which Members of the House of Lords perform their parliamentary duties.
4. This Code applies to all Members of the House of Lords who are not either
(a) on leave of absence;
(b) suspended from the service of the House; or
(c) statutorily disqualified from active membership.
5. Members are to sign an undertaking to abide by the Code as part of the ceremony of taking the oath upon introduction and at the start of each Parliament.
General principles
6. By virtue of their oath, or affirmation, of allegiance, Members of the House have a duty to be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty The Queen, Her heirs and successors, according to law.
7. In the conduct of their parliamentary duties, Members of the House shall base their actions on consideration of the public interest, and shall resolve any conflict between their personal interest and the public interest at once, and in favour of the public interest.
8. Members of the House:
(a) must comply with the Code of Conduct;
(b) should act always on their personal honour;
(c) must never accept or agree to accept any financial inducement as an incentive or reward for exercising parliamentary influence;
(d) must not seek to profit from membership of the House by accepting or agreeing to accept payment or other incentive or reward in return for providing parliamentary advice or services.
9. Members of the House should observe the seven general principles of conduct identified by the Committee on Standards in Public Life. These principles will be taken into consideration when any allegation of breaches of the provisions in other sections of the Code is under investigation:
(a) Selflessness: Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.
(b) Integrity: Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.
(c) Objectivity: In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
(d) Accountability: Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
(e) Openness: Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
(f) Honesty: Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
(g) Leadership: Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
Rules of Conduct
10. In order to assist in openness and accountability Members shall:
(a) register in the Register of Lords’ Interests all relevant interests, in order to make clear what are the interests that might reasonably be thought to influence their parliamentary actions;
(b) declare when speaking in the House, or communicating with ministers or public servants, any interest which is a relevant interest in the context of the debate or the matter under discussion;
(c) act in accordance with any rules agreed by the House in respect of financial support for Members or the facilities of the House.
11. The test of relevant interest is whether the interest might be thought by a reasonable member of the public to influence the way in which a Member of the House of Lords discharges his or her parliamentary duties: in the case of registration, the Member’s parliamentary duties in general; in the case of declaration, his or her duties in respect of the particular matter under discussion.
12. The test of relevant interest is therefore not whether a Member’s actions in Parliament will be influenced by the interest, but whether a reasonable member of the public might think that this might be the case. Relevant interests include both financial and non-financial interests.
13. Members are responsible for ensuring that their registered interests are accurate and up-to-date. They should register any change in their relevant interests within one month of the change.
14. A Member must not act as a paid advocate in any proceeding of the House; that is to say, he or she must not seek by parliamentary means to confer exclusive benefit on an outside body or person from which he or she receives payment or reward.
15. Members are not otherwise debarred from participating in proceedings in regard to which they possess relevant interests, financial or non-financial; but such interests should be declared fully. Members of the House should be especially cautious in deciding whether to speak or vote in relation to interests that are direct, pecuniary and shared by few others.
Enforcement of the Code of Conduct
16. A House of Lords Commissioner for Standards is appointed to investigate alleged breaches of this Code, or of the rules governing Members’ financial support or use of parliamentary facilities. Any such investigation is conducted in accordance with procedures set out in the Guide to the Rules.
17. After investigation the Commissioner reports his findings to the Sub-Committee on Lords’ Interests; the Sub-Committee reviews the Commissioner’s findings and, where appropriate, recommends a disciplinary sanction to the Committee for Privileges. The Member concerned has a right of appeal to the Committee for Privileges against both the Commissioner’s findings and any recommended sanction.
18. The Committee for Privileges, having heard any appeal, reports its conclusions and recommendations to the House. The final decision rests with the House.
19. In investigating and adjudicating allegations of non-compliance with this Code, the Commissioner, the Sub-Committee on Lords’ Interests and the Committee for Privileges shall act in accordance with the principles of natural justice and fairness.
20. Members shall co-operate, at all stages, with any investigation into their conduct by or under the authority of the House.
21. No Member shall lobby a member of the Committee for Privileges or the Sub-Committee on Lords’ Interests in a manner calculated or intended to influence their consideration of a complaint of a breach of this Code.
Advice and review
22. The operation of the Register is overseen by the Sub-Committee on Lords’ Interests, assisted by the Registrar of Lords’ Interests. The Registrar is available to advise Members of the House, and may consult the Sub-Committee when necessary.
23. A Member who acts on the advice of the Registrar in determining what is a relevant interest satisfies fully the requirements of the Code of Conduct in that regard. However, the final responsibility for deciding whether or not to participate in proceedings to which that interest is relevant rests with the Member concerned.
24. The Sub-Committee on Lords’ Interests reviews the Code of Conduct once each Parliament. Its findings, along with any recommended changes to the Code, are reported to the House.
25. The Sub-Committee also keeps the Guide to the Rules under regular review; recommended changes are reported to the House and will not take effect until agreed by the House.
Tuesday 1 December at 2.30pm
The Lord Bishop of Gloucester will be introduced.
*Lord Pannick to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will respond to the recommendation by English PEN and Index on Censorship that restrictions should be imposed on libel claims that do not have substantial connections to the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom.
*Lord Naseby to ask Her Majesty’s Government how they ensure that requests arising from the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 are proportionate.
*Lord Sheldon to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are giving further consideration to extending the state retirement age beyond the present age of 65 and 68 in 2044.
Baroness Cohen of Pimlico to move that this House takes note of the Report of the European Union Committee on Developments in EU Trade Policy (35th Report, Session 2007-08, HL Paper 200).
Northern Ireland Assembly Members Bill [HL] Second Reading [Baroness Royall of Blaisdon]
Baroness Thomas of Winchester to move to resolve that this House regrets that the Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2009 (SI 2009/2655), the Social Security Benefit (Computation of Earnings) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (SI 2009/2678) and the Social Security Benefit (Computation of Earnings) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009 (SI 2009/2679) apply only to public authorities required by law to involve service users and carers, and not to organisations so required by Government policy guidance, nor to charities and voluntary organisations.
Wednesday 2 December at 3.00pm
*Lord Harries of Pentregarth to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the Nuffield Council on Bioethics’ report on the ethical issues raised by dementia; and whether its recommendations will be incorporated into the National Dementia Strategy.
*Lord Teverson to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will make the provision of energy displays compulsory alongside the introduction of smart meters to homes.
*Baroness Scott of Needham Market to ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad from 27 to 29 November, how they are building a constructive relationship between the United Kingdom and Caribbean Commonwealth countries.
Digital Economy Bill [HL] Second Reading [Lord Mandelson]
Grand Committee in the Moses Room at 3.45pm
European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (Stabilisation and Association Agreement) (Republic of Montenegro) Order 2009 Consideration in Grand Committee [Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead] 23rd Report, Session 2008-09, from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments
The following two motions are expected to be debated together:
Legal Services Act 2007 (Functions of an Approved Regulator) Order 2009 Consideration in Grand Committee [Lord Tunnicliffe] 23rd Report, Session 2008-09, from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments
Legal Services Act 2007 (Consequential Amendments) Order 2009 Consideration in Grand Committee [Lord Tunnicliffe] 25th Report, Session 2008-09, from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments
The following three motions are expected to be debated together:
Transfer of Functions of the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal Order 2009 Consideration in Grand Committee [Lord Tunnicliffe] 23rd Report, Session 2008-09, from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments
Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2009 Consideration in Grand Committee [Lord Tunnicliffe] 23rd Report, Session 2008-09, from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments
Amendment to Schedule 6 to the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 Order 2009 Consideration in Grand Committee [Lord Tunnicliffe] 23rd Report, Session 2008-09, from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments
Census (England and Wales) Order 2009 Consideration in Grand Committee [Baroness Crawley] 23rd Report, Session 2008-09, from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments and 29th Report, Session 2008-09, from the Merits Committee
Thursday 3 December at 11.00am
*Lord Palmer to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the effects of new rates of air passenger duty on the United Kingdom tourism industry.
*Baroness Sharp of Guildford to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the contribution the cultural and creative arts make to gross domestic product; and what proposals they have to promote their further growth and development.
*Lord Walton of Detchant to ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to implement National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance on the management of epilepsy, with particular reference to the role of specialist nurses.
Baroness Coussins to call attention to the contribution of modern language skills to the United Kingdom economy; and to move for papers. (Balloted debate, 2½ hours)
Lord Fowler to call attention to the future of the BBC; and to move for papers. (Balloted debate, 2½ hours)
Lord Hunt of Wirral to move that this House takes note of the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Order 2009 (SI 2009/2748). 29th Report, Session 2008-09, from the Merits Committee
Monday 7 December at 2.30pm
*Lord Hannay of Chiswick to ask Her Majesty’s Government why the United Kingdom’s United Nations assessed peacekeeping contributions are no longer met from the contingency reserve.
*Baroness Miller of Hendon to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the report by the Office of National Statistics that the number in public employment in the second quarter of 2009 (including employees of the partly nationalised banks) had increased to 6.04 million, representing 10 per cent of the United Kingdom’s population.
*Lord De Mauley to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many people started apprenticeships in 2008-09; and how many in 2006-07.
*Lord Pearson of Rannoch to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will reconsider their decision not to allow Mr Michael Savage to enter the United Kingdom.
†Lord Sutherland of Houndwood to move that this House takes note of the Report of the Science and Technology Committee on Pandemic Influenza: Follow-up (3rd Report, Session 2008-09, HL Paper 155).
†Lord Jopling to move that this House takes note of the Report of the European Union Committee on Money laundering and the financing of terrorism (19th Report, Session 2008-09, HL Paper 132).
†The Earl of Onslow to move to resolve that this House notes with concern criticisms by the Chairman of the Police Federation of the powers contained in the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Financial Investigators) (Amendment) Order 2009 (SI 2009/2707) laid before the House on 8 October and calls upon Her Majesty’s Government to revoke the Order. 31st Report, Session 2008-09, from the Merits Committee
Tuesday 8 December at 2.30pm
*Lord Fowler to ask Her Majesty’s Government what proposals they have for the future of the BBC Trust.
*Lord Renton of Mount Harry to ask Her Majesty’s Government what legislation they propose to halve the fiscal deficit.
*Baroness Massey of Darwen to ask Her Majesty’s Government how they will evaluate the impact of Family Intervention Projects.
Cluster Munitions (Prohibitions) Bill [HL] Second Reading [Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead]
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath to move that this House takes note of the Committee on Climate Change’s progress report: Meeting Carbon Budgets—the need for a step change.
Wednesday 9 December at 3.00pm
*Baroness Valentine to ask Her Majesty’s Government which major projects have benefited from an acceleration of public spending on infrastructure in the current and previous financial years.
*Lord Campbell-Savours to ask the Chairman of Committees what proposals regarding House of Lords procedure and practice are under discussion in the House of Lords Procedure Committee.
*Lord Roberts of Llandudno to ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress has been made to ensure that all serving personnel are registered to vote and receive their ballot papers in time to vote in the forthcoming elections.
Bribery Bill [HL] Second Reading [Lord Bach]
Thursday 10 December at 11.00am
*Lord Soley to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have considered variable tax rates for alcoholic drinks.
*Viscount Waverley to ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress is being made on resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute.
*Lord Best to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have made progress with their pledge to protect private tenants when their homes are repossessed because of their landlord’s mortgage arrears.
Lord Sheikh to call attention to the Commonwealth’s shared goals in democracy and development; and to move for papers.
Baroness Byford to call attention to the Royal Society report Reaping the Benefits and the contribution to be made by British agriculture; and to move for papers.
Monday 14 December at 2.30pm
*Lord Barnett to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the conclusion of the Governor of the Bank of England on the level of quantitative easing.
*Baroness Deech to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will make proposals relating to the titles used by the husbands of women members of the House of Lords.
*Baroness Rawlings to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of the Department for International Development’s aid in Afghanistan.
*Baroness Greengross to ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to ensure that patients with dementia do not stay in hospital longer than is warranted by the condition that led to their admission.
Tuesday 15 December at 2.30pm
*Baroness O’Cathain to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of whether the levels of public debt and deficits in the public finances are due to the lack of a law preventing the Chancellor of the Exchequer from pursuing such policies.
*Lord Clement-Jones to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the cases cited by the National Campaign for the Arts and the Manifesto Club in which the points-based visa system for non-European Union visiting artists and academics denied entry for those wanting to carry out bona fide activities; and what action they propose in response.
*Lord Anderson of Swansea to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have any proposals to amend the Barnett Formula.
Wednesday 16 December at 11.00am
*Lord Judd to ask Her Majesty’s Government what arrangements they have in place to further negotiations for a global arms trade treaty.
*Lord Roberts of Conwy to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the latest quarterly figure for total unemployment in the United Kingdom; and what is the latest monthly total number of claimants of unemployment benefit.
*Lord Tebbit to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many convicted criminals they have paid compensation to in respect of the denial by prison authorities of drugs such as heroin whilst in prison.
Motions for Balloted Debate
Ballot on 15 December for debate on 7 January. Time limit 2½ hours
Lord Alton of Liverpool to call attention to the role of China in relation to human rights, development and security; and to move for papers.
Baroness Cox to call attention to recent developments in Sudan and the Great Lakes region of Africa; and to move for papers.
Lord Harrison to call attention to the British Humanist Association’s reports Quality and Equality: Human Rights, Public Services and Religious Organisations and The Case for Secularism: A Neutral State in an Open Society; and to move for papers.
Lord Northbourne to call attention to the role and responsibilities of fathers in the United Kingdom in the 21st century; and to move for papers.
Lord Chidgey to call attention to the effectiveness of international sanctions on the military regime in Guinea following the signing of mining contracts with China; and to move for papers.
Lord Hannay of Chiswick to call attention to the prospects for multi-lateral nuclear disarmament and for strengthening nuclear non-proliferation; and to move for papers.
The Earl of Listowel to call attention to the progress made in implementing Care Matters, the policy for children in public care, and the responses of local authorities, the Local Government Association and voluntary and private service providers; and to move for papers.
Lord Norton of Louth to call attention to the case for enhancing the means available to the House of Lords to scrutinise legislation and public policy; and to move for papers.
Lord Stone of Blackheath to call attention to the outcome of the Copenhagen conference on climate change; and to move for papers.
†Lord Campbell of Alloway to call attention to the constitutional function of the Supreme Court under the separation of powers and to the role of the Lord Chancellor in advising on conformity of proposed legislation with constitutional principle; and to move for papers.
†Lord Butler of Brockwell to call attention to the implications for the House of Lords of the report of the House of Commons Select Committee on Reform of the House of Commons, Rebuilding the House (HC 1117, Session 2008-09) ; and to move for papers.
Select Committee Reports
The date on which the Report was published is in italics
Lord Renton of Mount Harry to move that this House takes note of the Report of the Information Committee on Are the Lords Listening? Creating connections between people and Parliament (1st Report, Session 2008-09, HL Paper 138). 15 July 2009
Lord Filkin to move that this House takes note of the Report of the Merits of Statutory Instruments Committee on What happened next? A study of post-implementation reviews of secondary legislation. (30th Report, Session 2008-09, HL Paper 180). 12 November 2009
Lord Renton of Mount Harry to move that this House takes note of the Annual Report 2008-09 of the House of Lords Information Committee (2nd Report, Session 2008-09, HL Paper 179). 12 November 2009
Other Motions for Debate
Viscount Waverley to call attention to the role of central Asia; and to move for papers.
Viscount Montgomery of Alamein to call attention to recent developments in Latin America; and to move for papers.
Lord Hylton to call attention to the process for seeking political asylum in the United Kingdom and the management of detention centres and of methods of deportation; and to move for papers.
Lord Renton of Mount Harry to call attention to the language and terminology used in the House of Lords and their impact on public understanding of the work of the House; and to move for papers.
Lord Renton of Mount Harry to call attention to the ceremonial aspects of the House of Lords and their impact on public understanding of the work of the House; and to move for papers
Lord Dykes to call attention to the planned high speed train projects; and to move for papers.
The Earl of Sandwich to call attention to international development policies, and their effects on the poorest countries; and to move for papers.
Lord Alton of Liverpool to call attention to the social challenges facing the United Kingdom; and to move for papers.
Questions for Short Debate
Time limit 1 hour or 1½ hours
Baroness Thomas of Walliswood to ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to ensure that pupils in school acquire a better understanding of the influence of the media.
Lord Dubs to ask Her Majesty’s Government how they intend to respond to the recommendations in the report of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly on Climate Change and Renewable Energy.
Lord Alton of Liverpool to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will assess and address the impact of party list electoral systems on voter turnout, voter alienation and the rise of extremist political groups.
Baroness Cox to ask Her Majesty’s Government what measures they are taking to ensure that citizens of the United Kingdom are guaranteed adequate protection to enable them to enjoy the fundamental freedoms in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Baroness Finlay of Llandaff to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the effect of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Lord Morris of Manchester to ask Her Majesty’s Government what further consideration the Ministry of Defence has given to the implications for British veterans of the 1990-91 Gulf War of the findings of the Congressionally mandated and funded United States Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War illnesses on the toxic effects of exposure to organophosphates and of the Nerve Agent Pre-treatment Sets (NAPS) tablets given to British troops deployed to the conflict.
Lord Corbett of Castle Vale to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to requests by 3,400 Iranian dissident refugees in Camp Ashraf to resettle in the United Kingdom or another European Union country.
Lord Harrison to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the state of local and regional newspapers.
Lord Warner to ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given to holding an independent inquiry to examine the evidence relating to a change in the law on assisted dying for terminally ill adults.
Baroness Gardner of Parkes to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the effect on the National Health Service and patient care of making it mandatory for nurses to have a degree.
Lord Wallace of Saltaire to ask Her Majesty’s Government what rules and conventions govern whether the extent clauses of Acts of Parliament implementing treaties which the United Kingdom has signed extend to particular Crown Dependencies and British overseas territories.
Lord Low of Dalston to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the dangers in shared surface street designs for blind and partially sighted people and other vulnerable pedestrians; and whether they will request local authorities not to introduce such schemes until their research on shared space is concluded.
Lord Harries of Pentregarth to ask Her Majesty’s Government how they intend to counter discrimination on the ground of caste in the United Kingdom and overseas.
Baroness Murphy to ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to eliminate age discrimination in mental health services for older people.
Lord Chidgey to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the conflict in the eastern Congo.
Lord Chidgey to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the anticipated outcomes of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad.
Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will make representations to the government of Israel regarding its duties under international law and the road map for peace.
Lord Luce to ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to facilitate access to advice on pain management by those suffering from chronic pain.
Lord Mawson to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have considered co-locating public services in under-used church buildings.
Lord Palmer to ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to tackle the causes of the long-term decline of the British pig industry.
The Earl of Sandwich to ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress they are making with their review of the causes and effects of benzodiazepine addiction and withdrawal.
Lord Cotter to ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to improve the provision of social care for children and young people.
Lord Anderson of Swansea to ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they propose, together with partner nations and international organisations, to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia.
Lord Judd to ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the causes of social exclusion and to draw up an interdepartmental strategy to deal with them.
Lord Pearson of Rannoch to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the Centre of Policy Studies’ publication How to save the BBC by Sir Antony Jay.
Lord Pearson of Rannoch to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will sponsor a conference to consider how any justification for acts of violence or policies of religious or sexual discrimination by reference to the Christian, Islamic or Jewish religions can be discouraged.
Lord Carlile of Berriew to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the Howard League’s Commission on English Prisons Today.
Lord Jay of Ewelme to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the economic and security implications of the melting of the Arctic ice cap.
Lord Norton of Louth to ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to enhance the teaching of citizenship.
Baroness Hooper to ask Her Majesty’s Government when they plan to review the work of the UK Border Agency, in particular the issuing of visas and passports.
Baroness Sharp of Guildford to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the wider benefits which come from adult education; and what steps they are taking to support and encourage institutions which seek to promote life-long learning.
Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the implications for the United Kingdom of future world population growth.
Baroness Whitaker to ask Her Majesty’s Government what future developments they envisage in the Chagos Islands.
Questions for Written Answer
Tabled on 25 November and due for answer by 9 December.
Lord Hylton to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will propose that other NHS trusts follow the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust in sourcing food from local farmers and growers. HL233
Lord Hylton to ask Her Majesty’s Government to what extent English NHS hospitals buy (a) local produce, and (b) organic foods. HL234
Lord Hylton to ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration HM Prison Service is giving to allowing prisoners to produce food on open spaces within prison grounds. HL235
Lord Hylton to ask Her Majesty’s Government what percentage of (a) primary, and (b) secondary schools have their own kitchens producing school meals for pupils. HL236
Lord Hylton to ask Her Majesty’s Government to what extent the Ministry of Defence sources food locally for its establishments in England. HL237
Lord Hylton to ask Her Majesty’s Government what proportion of water supplies is contaminated by pesticides; and what is the annual cost of making it fit to drink. HL238
Lord Bates to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Valuation Office Agency undertook an internal or external inspection of the property in the London Borough of Barnet with billing authority reference 45320001500019 when it was revalued for council tax in March; whether information derived from (a) the Land Registry, and (b) Rightmove, has been collected on the house; and which individual (1) dwelling house coding, and (2) value significant codes, are assigned by the Valuation Office Agency to that dwelling. HL239
Lord Bates to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Crawley on 5 October (WA 484), whether the Cabinet Office’s Propriety and Ethics Team has issued internal advice or guidance stating that there should be a presumption against disclosure in relation to (a) specific Freedom of Information Act requests, or (b) Freedom of Information Act requests as a whole. HL240
Lord Bates to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Mr Liam Byrne, on 11 November (HC Deb, col 591W), how many net additional jobs have been created, as opposed to supported, by their stimulus measures. HL241
Lord Bates to ask Her Majesty’s Government which departments publish an annual report on their departmental communications. HL242
Lord Bates to ask the Leader of the House how many Questions for Written Answer tabled in the House of Lords in session 2008-09 did not receive an answer by the end of the session. HL243
Lord Bates to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord McKenzie of Luton on 12 November (WA 205), what were the conclusions of the meeting between the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, John Denham, and Members of Parliament who have constituencies in ports; what meetings he has had with the Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, on the ports’ tax; and on what dates. HL244
Baroness Warsi to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many National Insurance numbers have been given to foreign nationals in error in each of the last three years. HL245
Baroness Warsi to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord West of Spithead on 6 July (WA 99), what is the current immigration status of the 3,940 international students enrolled at schools, colleges and universities prior to 31 March and subsequently refused a sponsor licence by the UK Border Agency. HL246
Baroness Warsi to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many National Insurance numbers have been revoked in the last five years. HL247
Baroness Warsi to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many National Insurance numbers given to foreign nationals have been revoked in the last five years. HL248
Baroness Warsi to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the activities of the Afghan Taliban and their recruitment in the United Kingdom. HL249
Baroness Warsi to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the activities of the Pakistani Taliban and their recruitment in the United Kingdom. HL250
Baroness Scott of Needham Market to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will freeze the toll on the Severn Bridge until 2011, as has been done on the Humber Bridge. HL251
Baroness Scott of Needham Market to ask Her Majesty’s Government what response they will make to the recent findings of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Libraries, Literacy and Information Management about the leadership of libraries. HL252
Baroness Scott of Needham Market to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many library authorities comply with national standards for Radio Frequency Identification and E4 libraries; and what measures they are taking to promote those standards. HL253
Lord Alton of Liverpool to ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Egypt about recent attacks on that country’s Coptic minority and, in particular, the arson attacks of 21 November in Farshoot and the neighbouring villages of Kom Ahmar, Shakiki and Ezbet Waziri. HL254
Lord Alton of Liverpool to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Drayson on 12 November (WA 207-8), which recent publications demonstrating research excellence the Medical Research Council relied on in awarding an extension to the research project entitled “Improving the efficiency of human somatic cell nuclear transfer”; and what were the impact factors associated with those publications. HL255
Lord Alton of Liverpool to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the answer by Lord Brett on 23 November (HL Deb, col 137), what steps they are taking to bring charges of genocide against the alleged perpetrators of Rwandan genocide at Murambi College of Technology who have been resident in the United Kingdom; when they will commence the relevant provisions of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 permitting such charges to be brought; and what steps they are taking to ensure that the alleged perpetrators do not evade justice. HL256
Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer to ask Her Majesty’s Government what criteria they use in deciding whether to establish an inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 instead of a coroner’s inquest in circumstances where an inquest would normally be held; and whether they will publish a protocol on the matter. HL257
Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many deaths awaiting a coroner’s inquest or in respect of which an inquest has been suspended will be referred to an inquiry established under the Inquiries Act 2005. HL258
Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government how much capital will be needed to fund their proposals to reform Royal Mail. HL259
Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the Compass Group report on the Hooper report on Royal Mail. HL260
Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are continuing to seek a new part purchaser of Royal Mail. HL261
Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to follow the governments of the United States and certain European Union member states in ensuring effective cuts in salaries and bonuses for senior directors and executives of banks in receipt of public money. HL262
Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress is being made to ensure consistent labelling of nutritional information about food products, particularly in respect of salt content. HL263
Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to recent suggestions that those employed in the financial sector should be paid more than those in other sectors. HL264
Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will review the provisions of the Aviation Security Act 1982; if so, how; and when. HL265
Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they will take to ensure there is no unnecessary delay in the holding of a coroner’s inquest after a death in Northern Ireland. HL266
Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government how much they owe the government of the United States as a result of arrangements made for the First World War. HL267
Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government what instructions they have issued to the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland about the use of passports. HL268
Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government what changes they propose to the Northern Ireland Office’s Political Directorate regarding its monitoring of human rights and equality. HL269
Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress they have made in ensuring that all websites owned by them have the letters “uk” in their domain name. HL270
Baroness Hooper to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Morgan of Drefelin on 9 July (WA 172-3), what is the recommended proportion of initial teacher training that is concerned with enabling teachers to select appropriate educational resources; what support is in place to help teachers, especially newly qualified teachers, gain value for money in their selection of educational resources; and whether they take into account teachers’ ability to assess what materials most effectively support their teaching. HL271
Baroness Neville-Jones to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, on 12 November (HC Deb, col 946W), what percentage of the people whose applications for an identity card have been received work for the Secretary of State for the Home Department. HL272
Baroness Neville-Jones to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, on 12 November (HC Deb, col 946W), what percentage of the people whose applications for an identity card have been received work for (a) the Home Office, (b) Home Office executive agencies, and (c) Home Office sponsored non-departmental public bodies. HL273
Baroness Neville-Jones to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, on 12 November (HC Deb, col 946W), how many applications for an identity card have been received (a) in total, and (b) from people working in (1) the Home Office, (2) the Identity and Passport Service, and (3) other executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies sponsored by the Home Office. HL274
Baroness Neville-Jones to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, on 12 November (HC Deb, col 946W), and following the issuing of identity cards to members of the public in Greater Manchester, how many applications for identity cards they expect to receive from British and Irish citizens in each of the next 12 months. HL275
Baroness Neville-Jones to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the answer by Lord West of Spithead on 11 November (HL Deb, col 801) indicating that when the Terrorism Act 2006 was passed they laid down a requirement for police to make records of when they shut down a website but such records they have not fully been kept, why the records have not been kept; and when they will be kept. HL276
Baroness Neville-Jones to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the answer by Lord West of Spithead on 11 November (HL Deb, col 801) indicating that they are in negotiations about police forces not keeping full records about websites they have closed under the Terrorism Act 2006, what are the negotiations to which he referred; to what those negotiations are likely to lead; and when they plan to have a reliable form of (a) reporting, and (b) collating data relating to the number of websites closed under the Terrorism Act 2006. HL277
Lord Lester of Herne Hill to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have information about the ethnicity of those whose data are included in the national DNA database; and, if so, whether they will publish the information. HL278
Lord Selkirk of Douglas to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the annual cost of welfare payments to (a) Gurkha ex-servicemen settled in the United Kingdom, (b) dependants of such soldiers who have emigrated to the United Kingdom following the recent change in policy, and (c) Gurkha servicemen yet to retire who would be eligible to settle in the United Kingdom. HL279
Lord Selkirk of Douglas to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of (a) the cost of providing welfare payments to those Gurkha ex-servicemen who retired before 1 July 1997, and (b) the cost of providing pensions to those Gurkha ex-servicemen who retired before 1 July 1997. HL280
Lord Selkirk of Douglas to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their forecast of the cost of welfare provision over the next 20 years for 10,000 to 15,000 Gurkhas and their dependants settling in the United Kingdom. HL281
Lord Moonie to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the average cost of the police taking and testing a DNA sample. HL282
Lord Moonie to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many DNA tests (a) were taken last year, (b) have been taken this year, and (c) are anticipated to be taken next year, by the police. HL283
Lord Moonie to ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the capital expenditure plans for the next five years for taking, testing and storing DNA tests by the police. HL284
Lord Moonie to ask Her Majesty’s Government how much compensation for death and injury has been paid to British troops and civilians over the last five years by the government of Iraq for activities carried out in support of civilian authorities there. HL285
Lord Moonie to ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Russia about the speed and simplicity of issuing visas to British nationals. HL286
Lord Ahmed to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the Human Rights Watch report Cruel Britannia: British complicity in the torture and ill treatment of terror suspects regarding Pakistan. HL287
Lord Ahmed to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many allegations of torture of British citizens in Pakistan when General Pervez Musharraf was Chief of the Pakistan Army have been made to them; and what representations they have made to the government of Pakistan about such allegations. HL288
Lord Ahmed to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will consider prosecuting under international law those accused of torture of British citizens in Pakistan. HL289
Lord Ahmed to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the immigration application of General Pervez Musharraf has followed the standard process. HL290
Lord Ahmed to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether immigration applications of Pakistanis who have been victims of torture have followed the standard process. HL291
Lord Stevens of Ludgate to ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the annual cost of producing the Met Office’s quarterly publication Barometer; how many copies are printed; and what is the objective of the publication. HL292
Lord Marlesford to ask Her Majesty’s Government what financial penalties they anticipate being imposed by the European Union authorities on the Rural Payments Agency in respect of their administration of the Single Farm Payment scheme in 2006, 2007 and 2008; and what arrangements have been made to finance the payments of any such penalties. HL293
Lord Marlesford to ask Her Majesty’s Government how much government debt is due for repayment in each of the next 24 months; and what is the date and rate of interest at which each such debt was issued. HL294
Viscount Waverley to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether Border Management Badakhshan, Afghanistan (BOMBAF) will terminate its anti-narcotic activities along the northern Afghan border on 15 December. HL295
Viscount Waverley to ask Her Majesty’s Government what financial provision is to be made to allow Border Management Badakhshan, Afghanistan (BOMBAF) to continue its activities in countering narcotics in north-east Afghanistan beyond 15 December. HL296
Viscount Waverley to ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the conclusion of the European Union assessment mission in Kabul on the effectiveness of Border Management Badakhshan, Afghanistan (BOMBAF). HL297
Viscount Waverley to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of alternatives to the activities of Border Management Badakhshan, Afghanistan (BOMBAF). HL298
Bills in Progress
| Type of Bill | To be considered | |
| Waiting for Second Reading | ||
| Digital Economy [HL] | Government | 2 December |
| Cluster Munitions (Prohibitions) [HL] | Government | 8 December |
| Bribery [HL] | Government | 9 December |
| Northern Ireland Assembly Members [HL] | Government | 1 December |
| Contaminated Blood (Support for Infected and Bereaved Persons) [HL] | Private Member’s | |
| Marriage (Wales) [HL] | Private Member’s | |
| Live Music [HL] | Private Member’s | |
| Children’s Rights [HL] | Private Member’s | |
| Rehabilitation of Offenders (Amendment) [HL] | Private Member’s | |
| Building Regulations (Amendment) [HL] | Private Member’s | |
| Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies and Credit Unions [HL] | Private Member’s | |
| Powers of Entry etc. [HL] | Private Member’s | |
| Consumer Emissions (Climate Change) [HL] | Private Member’s | |
| Constitutional Reform [HL] | Private Member’s | |
| Marine Navigation Aids [HL] | Private Member’s | |
| Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) [HL] | Private Member’s | |
| Third Parties (Rights against Insurers) [HL] (Law Commission Bill) | Government | |
| Patient Transport [HL] | Private Member’s | |
| Health and Social Care (Independent Living) [HL] | Private Member’s | |
| Waiting for Third Reading | ||
| London Local Authorities [HL] | Private | |
| London Local Authorities and Transport for London (No. 2) [HL] | Private | |
| Sent to the Commons | ||
| Beverley Freemen [HL] | Private |
Affirmative Instruments in Progress
The Merits of Statutory Instruments Committee has drawn attention to certain instruments in the reports indicated
| Merits Committee | To be considered | |
| Waiting for consideration by the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments | ||
| Draft Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2009 | ||
| Draft Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (Designation of Participating Countries) (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) (No. 3) Order 2009 | ||
| Draft National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Welsh Language) Order 2009 | ||
| Draft Banking Act 2009 (Exclusion of Insurers) Order 2009 | ||
| Draft Climate Change Levy (Solid Fuel) (Revocation) Regulations 2009 | ||
| Draft Pharmacy Order 2010 | ||
| Draft European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (1996 Hague Convention on Protection of Children etc.) Order 2009 | ||
| Draft General and Specialist Medical Practice (Education, Training and Qualifications) Order 2010 | ||
| Draft Charities Act 2006 (Changes in Exempt Charities) Order 2009 | ||
| Draft Charities Act 2006 (Principal Regulators of Exempt Charities) Regulations 2009 | ||
| Draft Community Radio (Amendment) Order 2010 | ||
| Draft Local Government (Wales) Measure 2009 (Consequential Modifications) Order 2009 | ||
| Draft Immigration (Biometric Registration) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2009 | ||
| Draft Non-Domestic Rating (Chargeable Amounts) (England) Regulations 2009 | ||
| Draft Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Mandatory Life Sentence: Determination of Minimum Term) Order 2009 | ||
| Referred to a Grand Committee and waiting for Affirmative Resolution | ||
| Draft Legal Services Act 2007 (Functions of an Approved Regulator) Order 2009 | 2 December | |
| Draft Transfer of Functions of the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal Order 2009 | 2 December | |
| Draft Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2009 | 2 December | |
| Draft Amendment to Schedule 6 to the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 Order 2009 | 2 December | |
| Draft Census (England and Wales) Order 2009 | 29th Report, Session 2008-09 | 2 December |
| Draft European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (Stabilisation and Association Agreement) (Republic of Montenegro) Order 2009 | 2 December | |
| Draft Legal Services Act 2007 (Consequential Amendments) Order 2009 | 2 December | |
| Waiting for Affirmative Resolution | ||
| Draft Social Security (Contributions Credits for Parents and Carers) Regulations 2009 | ||
| Draft Health Professions (Hearing Aid Dispensers) Order 2009 | ||
| Draft Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2009 | ||
| Draft Criminal Defence Service (Representation Orders: Appeals etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 | ||
| Draft Criminal Defence Service (Representation Orders) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 | ||
| Draft Criminal Defence Service (Contribution Orders) Regulations 2009 |
Negative Instruments
Instruments reported by the Merits of Statutory Instruments Committee
| Praying time expires | To be considered | |
| 29th Report, Session 2008-09 | ||
| Artist’s Resale Right (Amendment) Regulations 2009 | 4 December | |
| Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Order 2009 | 5 December | 3 December |
| 31st Report, Session 2008-09 | ||
| Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Financial Investigators) (Amendment) Order 2009 | 20 November | 7 December |
Legislative Reform Orders in Progress
| Report | To be considered | |
| First-stage super-affirmative draft Order laid before the House and referred to the Regulatory Reform Committee | ||
| Draft Legislative Reform (Industrial and Provident Societies and Credit Unions) Order 2010 | ||
| Second-stage super-affirmative draft Order laid before the House and referred to the Regulatory Reform Committee | ||
| Draft Legislative Reform (Insolvency) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2009 | ||
| Affirmative draft Order reported by the Regulatory Reform Committee and waiting for Affirmative Resolution | ||
| Draft Legislative Reform (Revocation of Prescribed Form of Penalty Notice for Disorderly Behaviour) Order 2009 | 13th Report, Session 2008-09 |
Committees
Unless otherwise indicated, Committees meet in the Lords’ rooms in the Committee Corridor as indicated in the daily broadsheet. Only the next meeting of each Committee is listed below. Further details of these meetings, and of planned further meetings, may be found in the House of Lords Committees Weekly Bulletin.
| Thursday 26 November | ||
| European Union | Sub-Committee G Social Policy and Consumer Affairs | 9.30am |
| European Union | Sub-Committee C Foreign Affairs, Defence and Development Policy | 10.30am |
| Monday 30 November | ||
| European Union | Sub-Committee B Internal Market | 4.00pm |
| Tuesday 1 December | ||
| European Union | Sub-Committee A Economic and Financial Affairs, and International Trade | 10.30am |
| Human Rights | Joint Committee | 1.30pm |
| Economic Affairs | Select Committee | 3.30pm |
| Merits of Statutory Instruments | Select Committee | 3.30pm |
| Wednesday 2 December | ||
| Communications | Select Committee | 10.00am |
| Constitution | Select Committee | 10.30am |
| European Union | Sub-Committee D Environment and Agriculture | 10.30am |
| European Union | Sub-Committee F Home Affairs | 10.30am |
| Science and Technology | Select Committee | 3.30pm |
| Statutory Instruments | Joint Committee | 3.45pm |
| European Union | Sub-Committee E Law and Institutions | 4.00pm |
| Thursday 3 December | ||
| Audit | Domestic Committee | 2.00pm |
| Monday 7 December | ||
| Procedure of the House | Domestic Committee | 4.15pm |
| Tuesday 8 December | ||
| European Union | Select Committee | 4.00pm |
| Wednesday 9 December | ||
| Information | Domestic Committee | 3.45pm |
| Thursday 10 December | ||
| Refreshment | Domestic Committee | 2.15pm in Committee Room G |
| Monday 14 December | ||
| Administration and Works | Domestic Committee | 4.15pm in Committee Room G |
Minutes of Proceedings of Wednesday 25 November 2009
The House met at 3.00pm.
Prayers were read by the Lord Bishop of Manchester.
Private Business
1 City of Westminster Bill [HL] The Chairman of Committees moved that this House resolves that the promoters of the City of Westminster Bill [HL] which was originally introduced in this House last session on 22 January 2009 should have leave to proceed with the bill in the current session in accordance with the provisions of Private Business Standing Order 150B (Revival of bills). The motion was agreed to and a message was sent to the Commons.
2 Transport for London (Supplemental Toll Provisions) Bill [HL] The Chairman of Committees moved that this House resolves that the promoters of the Transport for London (Supplemental Toll Provisions) Bill [HL] which was originally introduced in this House in session 2006-07 on 22 January 2007 should have leave to proceed with the bill in the current session in accordance with the provisions of Private Business Standing Order 150B (Revival of bills). The motion was agreed to and a message was sent to the Commons.
3 Beverley Freemen Bill [HL] The bill was read a third time and passed and sent to the Commons.
Public Business
4 Defence Medical Services A question was asked by Lord Lee of Trafford and answered by Baroness Taylor of Bolton.
5 Independent Safeguarding Authority A question was asked by Lord Northbourne and answered by Lord West of Spithead.
6 NATO A question was asked by Lord Wallace of Saltaire and answered by Lord Brett.
7 BBC: humanism A question was asked by Lord Harrison and answered by Lord Davies of Oldham.
8 Deputy Chairmen of Committees The Chairman of Committees moved that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed as the panel of members to act as Deputy Chairmen of Committees for this session:
| B Anelay of St Johns L Bassam of Brighton L Brougham and Vaux L Colwyn B Fookes L Geddes B Gibson of Market Rasen B Gould of Potternewton B Harris of Richmond | L Haskel B Hooper B McIntosh of Hudnall C Mar L Paul B Pitkeathley V Simon V Ullswater. |
After debate, the motion was agreed to.
9 Administration and Works The Chairman of Committees moved that a Select Committee be appointed to consider administrative services, accommodation and works, including works relating to security, within the strategic framework and financial limits approved by the House Committee;
That, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members together with the Chairman of Committees be appointed to the Committee:
| B Anelay of St Johns L Bassam of Brighton L Brougham and Vaux L Cameron of Dillington L Campbell-Savours B D’Souza | Bp Exeter B Harris of Richmond B McIntosh of Hudnall L Mancroft L Rowe-Beddoe L Shutt of Greetland |
That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records;
That the Committee have leave to report from time to time.
The motion was agreed to.
10 Communications The Chairman of Committees moved that a Select Committee be appointed to consider communications and that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed to the Committee:
| B Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury B Eccles of Moulton L Fowler (Chairman) L Gordon of Strathblane B Howe of Idlicote L Inglewood L King of Bridgwater | L Macdonald of Tradeston B McIntosh of Hudnall Bp Manchester L Maxton L St John of Bletso B Scott of Needham Market |
That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records;
That the Committee have power to appoint specialist advisers;
That the Committee have power to adjourn from place to place;
That the Committee have leave to report from time to time;
That the Reports of the Committee shall be printed, regardless of any adjournment of the House;
That the evidence taken by the Committee in the last session of Parliament be referred to the Committee;
That the evidence taken by the Committee shall, if the Committee so wishes, be published.
The motion was agreed to.
11 Consolidation etc. Bills The Chairman of Committees moved, in accordance with Standing Order 52, that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following Lords be appointed to join with a Committee of the Commons as the Joint Committee on Consolidation etc. Bills:
| L Acton L Campbell of Alloway L Carswell (Chairman) L Christopher V Colville of Culross E Dundee | L Eames B Fookes L Janner of Braunstone B Mallalieu L Methuen L Razzall |
That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records.
The motion was agreed to and a message was sent to the Commons.
12 Constitution Committee The Chairman of Committees moved that a Select Committee be appointed to examine the constitutional implications of all public bills coming before the House; and to keep under review the operation of the constitution;
That, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed to the Committee:
| L Goodlad (Chairman) L Hart of Chilton L Irvine of Lairg B Jay of Paddington L Lyell of Markyate L Norton of Louth | L Pannick B Quin L Rodgers of Quarry Bank L Shaw of Northstead L Wallace of Tankerness L Woolf |
That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records;
That the Committee have power to appoint specialist advisers;
That the Committee have power to adjourn from place to place;
That the Committee have leave to report from time to time;
That the Reports of the Committee shall be printed, regardless of any adjournment of the House;
That the evidence taken by the Committee in the last session of Parliament be referred to the Committee;
That the evidence taken by the Committee shall, if the Committee so wishes, be published.
The motion was agreed to.
13 Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform The Chairman of Committees moved that a Select Committee be appointed to report whether the provisions of any bill inappropriately delegate legislative power, or whether they subject the exercise of legislative power to an inappropriate degree of parliamentary scrutiny; to report on documents and draft orders laid before Parliament under sections 14 and 18 of the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006; and to perform, in respect of such draft orders, and in respect of subordinate provisions orders made or proposed to be made under the Regulatory Reform Act 2001, the functions performed in respect of other instruments and draft instruments by the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments;
That, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed to the Committee:
| L Armstrong of Ilminster L Blackwell L Boyd of Duncansby L Butler of Brockwell V Eccles | L Goodhart (Chairman) L Haskel L Mayhew of Twysden L Razzall L Soley |
That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records;
That the Committee have power to appoint specialist advisers;
That the Committee have power to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom.
The motion was agreed to.
14 Economic Affairs The Chairman of Committees moved that a Select Committee be appointed to consider economic affairs and that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed to the Committee:
| L Best L Currie of Marylebone L Eatwell L Forsyth of Drumlean L Griffiths of Fforestfach B Hamwee B Kingsmill | L Levene of Portsoken L Lipsey L MacGregor of Pulham Market L Moonie L Tugendhat L Vallance of Tummel (Chairman) |
That the Committee have power to appoint a sub-committee and to refer to it any of the matters within the Committee’s terms of reference; that the Committee have power to appoint the Chairman of the sub-committee;
That the Committee have power to co-opt any member to serve on the sub-committee;
That the Committee and its sub-committee have power to send for persons, papers and records;
That the Committee and its sub-committee have power to appoint specialist advisers;
That the Committee and its sub-committee have power to adjourn from place to place;
That the Committee have leave to report from time to time;
That the Reports of the Committee shall be printed, regardless of any adjournment of the House;
That the evidence taken by the Committee in the last session of Parliament be referred to the Committee;
That the evidence taken by the Committee or its sub-committee shall, if the Committee so wishes, be published.
The motion was agreed to.
15 House Committee The Chairman of Committees moved that a Select Committee be appointed to set the policy framework for the administration of the House and to provide non-executive guidance to the Management Board; to approve the House’s strategic, business and financial plans; to agree the annual Estimates and Supplementary Estimates; to supervise the arrangements relating to Members’ expenses; and to approve the House of Lords Annual Report;
That, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed to the Committee:
| L Baker of Dorking L Brabazon of Tara L Bradley L Craig of Radley B D’Souza B Hayman (Chairman) | B Hollis of Heigham L McNally B Royall of Blaisdon L Strathclyde L Tordoff L Wakeham |
That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records;
That the Committee have leave to report from time to time;
That the Reports of the Committee shall be printed, regardless of any adjournment of the House.
The motion was agreed to.
16 Human Rights The Chairman of Committees moved that a Select Committee of six members be appointed to join with the Committee appointed by the Commons as the Joint Committee on Human Rights:
To consider:
(a) matters relating to human rights in the United Kingdom (but excluding consideration of individual cases);
(b) proposals for remedial orders, draft remedial orders and remedial orders made under section 10 of and laid under Schedule 2 to the Human Rights Act 1998; and
(c) in respect of draft remedial orders and remedial orders, whether the special attention of the House should be drawn to them on any of the grounds specified in Standing Order 74 (Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments);
To report to the House:
(a) in relation to any document containing proposals laid before the House under paragraph 3 of the said Schedule 2, its recommendation whether a draft order in the same terms as the proposals should be laid before the House; or
(b) in relation to any draft order laid under paragraph 2 of the said Schedule 2, its recommendation whether the draft Order should be approved;
and to have power to report to the House on any matter arising from its consideration of the said proposals or draft orders; and
To report to the House in respect of any original order laid under paragraph 4 of the said Schedule 2, its recommendation whether:
(a) the order should be approved in the form in which it was originally laid before Parliament; or
(b) the order should be replaced by a new order modifying the provisions of the original order; or
(c) the order should not be approved;
and to have power to report to the House on any matter arising from its consideration of the said order or any replacement order;
That the following members be appointed to the Committee:
| L Bowness L Dubs B Falkner of Margravine | L Morris of Handsworth E Onslow B Prashar |
That the Committee have power to agree with the Committee appointed by the Commons in the appointment of a Chairman;
That the quorum of the Committee shall be two;
That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records;
That the Committee have power to appoint specialist advisers;
That the Committee have power to adjourn from place to place;
That the Committee have leave to report from time to time;
That the Reports of the Committee shall be printed, regardless of any adjournment of the House;
That the evidence taken by the Committee in the last session of Parliament be referred to the Committee;
That the evidence taken by the Committee shall, if the Committee so wishes, be published.
The motion was agreed to and a message was sent to the Commons.
17 Hybrid Instruments The Chairman of Committees moved that a Select Committee be appointed to consider hybrid instruments and that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members together with the Chairman of Committees be appointed to the Committee:
| L Campbell of Alloway B Fookes L Grantchester L Harrison | L Luke L Quirk L Sandberg |
That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records.
The motion was agreed to.
18 Information The Chairman of Committees moved that a Select Committee be appointed to consider information and communications services, including the Library and the Parliamentary Archives, within the strategic framework and financial limits approved by the House Committee;
That, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed to the Committee:
| B Billingham B Coussins E Erroll L Feldman B Gibson of Market Rasen L Haskel | L Kirkwood of Kirkhope L Rennard L Renton of Mount Harry (Chairman) L St John of Bletso L Selsdon L Taylor of Warwick |
That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records;
That the Committee have leave to report from time to time.
The motion was agreed to.
19 Liaison The Chairman of Committees moved that a Select Committee be appointed to advise the House on the resources required for select committee work and to allocate resources between select committees; to review the select committee work of the House; to consider requests for ad hoc committees and report to the House with recommendations; to ensure effective co-ordination between the two Houses; and to consider the availability of members to serve on committees;
That, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members together with the Chairman of Committees be appointed to the Committee:
| B Corston B D’Souza L Fellowes L McNally B Perry of Southwark | B Royall of Blaisdon L Strathclyde B Thomas of Winchester L Wakeham |
That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records;
That the Committee have power to appoint specialist advisers;
That the Committee have leave to report from time to time.
The motion was agreed to.
20 Procedure of the House The Chairman of Committees moved that the Select Committee on Procedure of the House be appointed and that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members together with the Chairman of Committees be appointed to the Committee:
| B Anelay of St Johns L Bassam of Brighton B D’Souza B Gould of Potternewton L Harries of Pentregarth B Hayman L Jopling L Low of Dalston L McNally | B Royall of Blaisdon B Shephard of Northwold L Shutt of Greetland L Strathclyde B Thomas of Winchester L Tyler V Ullswater B Wall of New Barnet |
That the following members be appointed as alternate members:
| L Dubs B Hamwee L Hunt of Wirral | L Palmer (alternate for the Convenor of the Crossbench peers) V Slim |
That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records;
That the Committee have leave to report from time to time.
The motion was agreed to.
21 Refreshment The Chairman of Committees moved that a Select Committee be appointed to advise on the refreshment services provided for the House, within the strategic framework and financial limits approved by the House Committee;
That, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members together with the Chairman of Committees be appointed to the Committee:
| L Brougham and Vaux L Davies of Oldham L Elder B Fritchie L Geddes L Glenarthur | B Henig L Lee of Trafford V Montgomery of Alamein B Rendell of Babergh L Skidelsky B Thomas of Winchester |
That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records;
That the Committee have leave to report from time to time.
The motion was agreed to.
22 Science and Technology The Chairman of Committees moved that a Select Committee be appointed to consider science and technology and that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed to the Committee:
| L Broers L Colwyn L Crickhowell L Cunningham of Felling L Haskel L Krebs L May of Oxford | L Methuen B Neuberger E Northesk L O’Neill of Clackmannan B Perry of Southwark L Sutherland of Houndwood (Chairman) L Warner |
That the Committee have power to appoint sub-committees and that the Committee have power to appoint the Chairmen of sub-committees;
That the Committee have power to co-opt any member to serve on the Committee or a sub-committee;
That the Committee and its sub-committees have power to send for persons, papers and records;
That the Committee and its sub-committees have power to appoint specialist advisers;
That the Committee and its sub-committees have power to adjourn from place to place;
That the Committee have leave to report from time to time;
That the Reports of the Committee shall be printed, regardless of any adjournment of the House;
That the evidence taken by the Committee or its sub-committees in the last session of Parliament be referred to the Committee or its sub-committees;
That the evidence taken by the Committee or its sub-committees shall, if the Committee so wishes, be published.
The motion was agreed to.
23 Standing Orders (Private Bills) The Chairman of Committees moved that a Select Committee on the Standing Orders relating to private bills be appointed and that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members together with the Chairman of Committees be appointed to the Committee:
| L Geddes B Gould of Potternewton L Luke L Naseby | L Palmer V Simon B Thomas of Walliswood |
That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records.
The motion was agreed to.
24 Statutory Instruments The Chairman of Committees moved, in accordance with Standing Order 74 and the resolution of the House of 16 December 1997, that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed to join with a Committee of the Commons as the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments:
| L Campbell of Alloway L Clinton-Davis B Jones of Whitchurch L Kimball | C Mar E Mar and Kellie L Walpole |
That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records.
The motion was agreed to and a message was sent to the Commons.
25 Tax Law Rewrite Bills The Chairman of Committees moved that a Select Committee of six members be appointed to join with the Committee appointed by the Commons to consider tax law rewrite bills, and in particular to consider whether each bill committed to it preserves the effect of the existing law, subject to any minor changes which may be desirable;
That, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed to the Committee:
| L Blackwell L Goodhart B Goudie | L Haskel L Millett L Newton of Braintree |
That the Committee have power to agree with the Committee appointed by the Commons in the appointment of a Chairman;
That the quorum of the Committee shall be two;
That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records;
That the Committee have power to appoint specialist advisers;
That the Committee have leave to report from time to time;
That the evidence taken by the Committee shall, if the Committee so wishes, be published;
That the procedure of the Joint Committee shall follow the procedure of select committees of the House of Commons when such procedure differs from that of select committees of this House, and shall include the power of the Chairman to select amendments.
The motion was agreed to and a message was sent to the Commons.
26 Works of Art The Chairman of Committees moved that a Select Committee be appointed to administer the House of Lords Works of Art Collection Fund; and to consider matters relating to works of art and the artistic heritage in the House of Lords, within the strategic framework and financial limits approved by the House Committee;
That, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed to the Committee:
| V Falkland (Chairman) B Gale B Howells of St Davids L Luke B Massey of Darwen E Shrewsbury | L Smith of Clifton L Stevenson of Coddenham L Thomas of Swynnerton B Trumpington B Valentine L Waddington |
That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records;
That the Committee have leave to report from time to time.
The motion was agreed to.
27 Parliamentary Broadcasting Unit Limited (PARBUL) The Chairman of Committees moved that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed to the Board of the Parliamentary Broadcasting Unit Limited (PARBUL):
| B Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury L Brabazon of Tara | L Naseby L Paul. |
The motion was agreed to.
28 Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) The Chairman of Committees moved that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following Lords be appointed to the Board of the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST):
| L Oxburgh L Sutherland of Houndwood | L Taylor of Warwick L Winston. |
The motion was agreed to.
29 Queen’s Speech The debate on the motion that a Humble Address be presented to Her Majesty was resumed and, after further debate, was again adjourned until Thursday 26 November.
The House adjourned at 9.49pm until Thursday 26 November at 11.00am.
Michael Pownall
Clerk of the Parliaments
Papers
All statutory instruments laid before the House are accompanied by an Explanatory Memorandum presented by command of Her Majesty, unless otherwise indicated.
Instrument Withdrawn
The following instrument, laid before the House on 2 November, was withdrawn:
Draft Immigration (Biometric Registration) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2009.
Command Paper
The following paper was presented to the House by command of Her Majesty:
Devolution—Scotland’s Future in the United Kingdom: Government proposals (7738)
Legislative Reform Order
The following order was laid before the House under section 14 of the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006 together with an explanatory document recommending the super-affirmative procedure:
Draft Legislative Reform (Industrial and Provident Societies and Credit Unions) Order 2010.
Affirmative Instruments
The following instruments were laid before the House for approval by resolution:
1 Draft Non-Domestic Rating (Chargeable Amounts) (England) Regulations 2009, laid under the Local Government Finance Act 1988.
2 Draft Immigration (Biometric Registration) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2009, laid under the UK Borders Act 2007.
3 Draft Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Mandatory Life Sentence: Determination of Minimum Term) Order 2009, laid under the Criminal Justice Act 2003.
Negative Instruments
The following instruments were laid before the House:
1 (1) Medicines (Exemptions and Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2009 (3062)
(2) Medicines for Human Use (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2009 (3063)
laid under the Medicines Act 1968.
2 Provision of Services (Insolvency Practitioners) Regulations 2009, laid under the European Communities Act 1972. (3081)
3 Prison and Young Offender Institution (Amendment) Rules 2009, laid under the Prison Act 1952.
(3082)
Papers not subject to parliamentary proceedings
The following papers were laid before the House:
1 Accounts for 2008-09 of National Savings Bank: Ordinary Deposits, together with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General, laid under the National Savings Bank Act 1971.
2 Report of Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland on the Evaluation of the West Belfast Community Safety Forum, laid under the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002.
ISBN 9780 108457456
| © Parliamentary copyright 2009 | Prepared: 26 November 2009 |