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Session 2009 - 10 Publications on the internet House of Lords Business |
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Tuesday 1 December 2009 at 2.30pm
The Lord Bishop of Gloucester will be introduced.
*Oral questions, 30 minutes
*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.
†*Lord Tyler to ask Her Majesty’s Government what role they intend that the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority should play in relation to the House of Lords.
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).
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.
Northern Ireland Assembly Members Bill [HL] Second Reading [Baroness Royall of Blaisdon]
If the bill is read a second time, Baroness Royall of Blaisdon to move that the bill be committed to a Grand Committee.
Future Business
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.
†*Lord Clinton-Davis to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will require all those earning £1 million or more employed by banks to be named, contrary to the report by Sir David Walker on corporate governance in United Kingdom banks.
Digital Economy Bill [HL] Second Reading [Lord Mandelson]
If the bill is read a second time, Lord Mandelson to move that the bill be committed to a Committee of the Whole House.
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.
†London Local Authorities Bill [HL] Third Reading [The Chairman of Committees]
†Baroness Royall of Blaisdon intends to move the following two motions en bloc: but if any Lord objects the motions must be moved separately.
†Health Professions (Hearing Aid Dispensers) Order 2009 Baroness Royall of Blaisdon to move that the draft Order be referred to a Grand Committee.
†Pharmacy Order 2010 Baroness Royall of Blaisdon to move that the draft Order be referred to a Grand Committee.
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.
†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
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).
In the Moses Room at 3.30pm
†Third Parties (Rights against Insurers) Bill [HL] Second Reading Committee [Lord Bach] (Law Commission Bill)
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]
If the bill is read a second time, Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead to move that the bill be committed to a Grand Committee.
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]
If the bill is read a second time, Lord Bach to move that the bill be committed to a Grand Committee.
Grand Committee in the Moses Room at 3.45pm
†Immigration (Biometric Registration) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2009 Consideration in Grand Committee [Lord Brett]
†Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (Designation of Participating Countries) (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) (No. 3) Order 2009 Consideration in Grand Committee [Lord Brett]
†Social Security (Contributions Credits for Parents and Carers) Regulations 2009 Consideration in Grand Committee [Lord McKenzie of Luton] 22nd Report, Session 2008-09, from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments
†Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2009 Consideration in Grand Committee [Lord Davies of Oldham] 24th Report, Session 2008-09, from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments
†National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Welsh Language) Order 2009 Consideration in Grand Committee [Lord Davies of Oldham]
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.
The following three motions are expected to be debated together:
Criminal Defence Service (Contribution Orders) Regulations 2009 Lord Bach to move that the draft Regulations laid before the House 28 October on be approved. 24th Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments
Criminal Defence Service (Representation Orders: Appeals etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 Lord Bach to move that the draft Regulations laid before the House on 28 October be approved. 24th Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments
Criminal Defence Service (Representation Orders) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 Lord Bach to move that the draft Regulations laid before the House on 28 October be approved. 24th Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments
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.
Lord Pendry to call attention to the progress made in combating obesity among young people; 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.
†Lord Selsdon to call attention to the future role of the Royal Navy; 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.
Viscount Bridgeman to ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have for the future of hospices in England.
Questions for Written Answer
Tabled on 30 November and due for answer by 14 December.
Baroness Neville-Jones to ask Her Majesty’s Government what checks are carried out on foreign students applying to study in the United Kingdom. HL364
Baroness Neville-Jones to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the use of the words “college” or “university” in the names of institutions of higher education is monitored or regulated. HL365
Baroness Neville-Jones to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many (a) universities, (b) colleges, and (c) other institutions of higher education there are in the United Kingdom. HL366
Baroness Neville-Jones to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many organisations the UK Border Agency has approved to sponsor migrant students. HL367
Baroness Neville-Jones to ask Her Majesty’s Government how organisations permitted to sponsor migrant students are evaluated; and what are the criteria on which they are judged. HL368
Baroness Neville-Jones to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many migrant student sponsors were listed in the register of sponsors, the register of education and training providers, and any predecessor lists, in each year since 1997. HL369
Baroness Warsi to ask Her Majesty’s Government how long it takes on average to deport a failed asylum seeker. HL370
Baroness Warsi to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many people were waiting to be deported in each of the last five years. HL371
Baroness Warsi to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord West of Spithead on 6 July (WA 107-8), what is the current immigration status of the individual concerned. HL372
Baroness Warsi to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord West of Spithead on 6 July (WA 110), how many absconders from immigration detention centres have not been captured in each of the last five years. HL373
Baroness Warsi to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many temporary National Insurance numbers were issued to overseas nationals in the last five years. HL374
Baroness Warsi to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many people participated in a publicly funded English for Speakers of Other Languages programme in each of the last three years. HL375
Lord Roper to ask Her Majesty’s Government why the scrutiny reserve resolution was overridden on the proposed Council Decision concerning the conclusion of the agreement between the government of Russia and the European Union on the protection of classified information (15227/09); and what steps they are taking to avoid a repeat of those circumstances. HL376
Lord Teverson to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in order to preserve the marine floor and conserve marine stocks, they will set rules to limit scallopers to a maximum of 8 dredges per side and a maximum of 221 kw power in the zone 6 to 12 miles offshore. HL377
Lord Avebury to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will discuss with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees the desirability of entering into a new partnership agreement with Nestlé, with reference to the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and subsequent relevant World Health Assembly resolutions. HL378
Lord Carlile of Berriew to ask Her Majesty’s Government why myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is categorised as a non-organic disease; whether they plan to review that categorisation; and what are the treatments available to sufferers of ME. HL379
Lord Berkeley to ask Her Majesty’s Government why they transferred ownership of the former Eurostar terminal at Waterloo station to BRB (Residuary) Ltd rather than to Network Rail; and whether it will be disposed of for property redevelopment rather than to provide extra platforms for domestic train services into Waterloo station. HL380
Lord Berkeley to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, if the former Eurostar terminal at Waterloo station is used as platforms for domestic services, its owner BRB (Residuary) Ltd will become a station operator. HL381
Lord Taylor of Holbeach to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at Communities and Local Government, Mr Ian Austin, on 12 October (HC Deb, cols 1503-4W), why the sums granted to each Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder result in variable numbers of new houses built, existing houses refurbished and houses demolished; why the £270 million allocated to East Lancashire resulted in 16 new homes, 4,300 refurbishments and 2,000 demolitions; and why the £245 million allocated to South Yorkshire resulted in 538 new homes, 9,000 refurbishments and 3,100 demolitions. HL382
Lord Taylor of Holbeach to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Minister of State at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Mr Pat McFadden, on 12 October (HC Deb, col 1523W), what the criteria were for the £120 million funding to support development of a British based offshore wind industry; and whether the criteria will take account of the output of existing offshore wind farms compared to their capacity, maintenance downtime and breakdown duration and costs. HL383
Lord Taylor of Holbeach to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Minister of State at Communities and Local Government, Ms Rosie Winterton, on 12 June (HC Deb, cols 1062-4), why the reorganisation of the Government Office Network resulted in the centralisation of accommodation costs; where those costs are now reported; how many years’ costs are included; and what savings are expected as a result of the reorganisation. HL384
Lord Taylor of Holbeach to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Davies of Oldham on 2 November (WA 10), how much horse meat is used in the United Kingdom as pet food; and how much of that comes from horses slaughtered in the United Kingdom. HL385
Lord Taylor of Holbeach to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they require supermarkets and retail organisations to use supply contracts that are the same for United Kingdom and overseas suppliers; if so, whether they require such contracts to have the same break clauses and penalties; and, if not, whether they will propose such a system, at domestic or European level. HL386
Lord Taylor of Holbeach to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Statement by Lord Bach on 13 October (WS 21-2) on the proposed closure of certain courts, what are the courts “within reasonable travelling distance” of Louth, Gainsborough, Launceston and Cullompton; and, in the event of closures, whether those other courts will be used for all business that would have been dealt with by the closed courts. HL387
Lord Morris of Manchester to ask Her Majesty’s Government what information they have on the over-prescription of antipsychotics to people with dementia; whether they are treating it as a breach of human rights causing serious side-effects and the risk of fatalities; and what further action they will be taking in response to the representations made on that issue by the Alzheimer’s Society. HL388
Lord Dykes to ask the Chairman of Committees on what date the Peers’ Writing Room coffee machine will resume functioning. HL389
Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Health and Safety Executive about designating carbon capture and storage in the same way as dangerous fluids requiring appropriate safety measures. HL390
Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will consider methods for reducing the salt content of children’s food below 3 grams for five year olds, 5 grams for seven-to-ten year olds, and 6 grams for those over eleven, following recent findings. HL391
Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of prospects for expanding the use of semiochemicals in United Kingdom agriculture to reduce insect damage. HL392
Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are planning to reduce vehicle tyre noise, following recent European Union legislative proposals. HL393
Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government what measures they will introduce to ensure that carbon capture technology companies make adequate provision for safe storage and sealing of carbon, decommissioning of plants and minimising the costs of altering plants for other uses. HL394
Lord Stevens of Kirkwhelpington to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the benefits of creating a dual carriageway on the A1 north of Morpeth to the Scottish border for the economy of the north-east, in particular on businesses’ access to markets. HL395
Lord Stevens of Kirkwhelpington to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the benefits of creating a dual carriageway on the A1 north of Morpeth to the Scottish border for access between Scotland and the north-east. HL396
Lord Stevens of Kirkwhelpington to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the effect of creating a dual carriageway on the A1 north of Morpeth to the Scottish border on the number of deaths from accidents on that road. HL397
Lord Stevens of Kirkwhelpington to ask Her Majesty’s Government why the review of the costs of creating a dual carriageway on the A1 north of Morpeth to the Scottish border is not proceeding, as agreed in the Regional Funding Advice documents issued earlier this year. HL398
Lord Stevens of Kirkwhelpington to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are taking account of resilience issues in considering creating a dual carriageway on the A1 north of Morpeth to the Scottish border, taking particular account of the weather on the east coast compared to the west coast. HL399
Lord Hylton to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to ask the United Nations Security Council to define the precise future boundaries of Israel and Palestine. HL400
Lord Hylton to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to propose that the European Union should establish a fund for voluntary peaceful community development in areas of tension and dispute, and for third party mediation and conflict resolution. HL401
Lord Hylton to ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have for releasing Eritrean nationals held in immigration detention centres, in particular those who have claimed asylum. HL402
Lord Hylton to ask Her Majesty’s Government how the €122 million allocated by the European Development Fund for Eritrea for 2009-2013 will be spent. HL403
Lord Hylton to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they or the European Union take any legal, political or economic action against individuals and organisations that encourage or support Israelis settling in the West Bank and east Jerusalem. HL404
Lord Hylton to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to draft a resolution for the United Nations Security Council about existing and additional Israeli settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, to recognise and give membership to Palestinian lands and to set dates for implementation. HL405
Lord Lucas to ask Her Majesty’s Government why Sutton, Worcestershire, Tameside, Sandwell, Telford and Wrekin, Brent, Leicestershire County, Hounslow, Sheffield, Birmingham City, Knowsley, Bracknell and Suffolk local authorities, who filled in the supplemental questionnaire in relation to home education, do not appear on the list of local authorities to have done so published by the Department for Children, Schools and Families. HL406
Lord Lucas to ask Her Majesty’s Government, for each local authority for which they have data, (a) how many home-educated children are considered to be receiving no education, (b) what is the total number of home-educated children, and (c) how many of the home-educated children considered to be receiving no education (1) are from traveller families, (2) are children who first became home educated in years 10 or 11 with a previous history of irregular attendance, and (3) are children who have not yet been assessed. HL407
Lord Lucas to ask Her Majesty’s Government, for each local authority for which they have data, (a) how many home-educated children are considered not to be receiving a suitable education, (b) what is the total number of home-educated children, and (c) how many of the home-educated children considered not to be receiving a suitable education (1) are from traveller families, (2) are children who first became home-educated in years 10 or 11 with a previous history of irregular attendance, (3) are children whose parents have not provided the local authority with the data which they have asked for, (4) are children whose parents have refused to allow the local authority to interview their children, and (5) are children who have not been assessed by the local authority. HL408
Lord Lucas to ask Her Majesty’s Government, for each local authority for which they have data, (a) how many home-educated children are considered to be not in education, employment or training (NEET), (b) how many home-educated children are not considered to be NEET, and (c) how many of the home-educated children in each local authority considered to be NEET (1) are from traveller families, (2) are children who first became home-educated in years 10 or 11 with a previous history of irregular attendance, and (3) are children for whom the local authority has no evidence of their current occupation. HL409
Lord Lucas to ask Her Majesty’s Government, for each local authority for which they have data, (a) how many home-educated children are subject to child protection plans, (b) how many home-educated children have been taken into care or placed with a foster family, (c) what is the total number of home-educated children, and (d) how many of the home-educated children in each local authority who have been taken into care or are subject to a child protection plan (1) are from traveller families, and (2) are children who first became home-educated in years 10 or 11 with a previous history of irregular attendance. HL410
Lord Lucas to ask Her Majesty’s Government why the impact assessment for the Children, Schools and Families Bill does not include a disability impact assessment or a race impact assessment. HL411
Lord Warner to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the margin for error in their estimate in the impact assessment on the Personal Care at Home Bill of about 110,000 younger adults being eligible for free personal home care. HL412
Lord Warner to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the margin for error in their estimate in the impact assessment on the Personal Care at Home Bill of the cost of re-ablement services being £130 million a year. HL413
Lord Warner to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their basis for the forecast in paragraph 5.10 of their assessment on the Personal Care at Home Bill that volumes of service demands would increase by 1.5 per cent per annum and prices by 2 per cent per annum; and whether they had regard in making those forecasts to the increase in the demand for and cost of free personal home care in Scotland between 2003-04 and 2007-08. HL414
Lord Warner to ask Her Majesty’s Government what proportion of the 933,000 elderly people in 2010 estimated by the Personal Social Sciences Research Unit to be in the highest critical needs category will receive free personal home care under the Personal Care at Home Bill who (a) receive no such free care now, and (b) pay for a proportion of such care now. HL415
Lord Warner to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, under the Personal Care at Home Bill, local authorities will continue to have discretion over (a) setting local service eligibility criteria, and (b) charging for adult social care, so that they can recover costs or reduce services to other users. HL416
Lord Warner to ask Her Majesty’s Government which items costing more than £10 million a year they plan to cut from the Department of Health budget to pay for their share of the costs of the Personal Care at Home Bill; and in which areas, and what amounts of, departmental research and development will be reduced. HL417
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 | |
| Patient Transport [HL] | Private Member’s | |
| Health and Social Care (Independent Living) [HL] | Private Member’s | |
| Committed to a Second Reading Committee | ||
| Third Parties (Rights against Insurers) [HL] (Law Commission Bill) | Government | 7 December |
| Waiting for Third Reading | ||
| London Local Authorities [HL] | Private | 3 December |
| 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 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 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 consideration by the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments | ||
| Draft Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (Designation of Participating Countries) (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) (No. 3) Order 2009 | 9 December | |
| Draft National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Welsh Language) Order 2009 | 9 December | |
| Draft Immigration (Biometric Registration) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2009 | 9 December | |
| 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 | |
| Draft Social Security (Contributions Credits for Parents and Carers) Regulations 2009 | 9 December | |
| Draft Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2009 | 9 December | |
| Waiting for Affirmative Resolution | ||
| Draft Health Professions (Hearing Aid Dispensers) Order 2009 | ||
| Draft Criminal Defence Service (Representation Orders: Appeals etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 | 10 December | |
| Draft Criminal Defence Service (Representation Orders) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 | 10 December | |
| Draft Criminal Defence Service (Contribution Orders) Regulations 2009 | 10 December |
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 |
| Instruments not reported by the Merits of Statutory Instruments Committee | ||
| Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2009 | 20 November | 1 December |
| Social Security Benefit (Computation of Earnings) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 | 20 November | 1 December |
| Social Security Benefit (Computation of Earnings) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009 | 20 November | 1 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.
| 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 |
| House | Domestic Committee | 3.45pm |
| 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 | ||
| European Union | Sub-Committee G Social Policy and Consumer Affairs | in Bow and Elephant and Castle |
| European Union | Sub-Committee C Foreign Affairs, Defence and Development Policy | 10.30am |
| Audit | Domestic Committee | 2.00pm |
| Monday 7 December | ||
| European Union | Sub-Committee B Internal Market | 4.00pm |
| 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 Monday 30 November 2009
The House met at 2.30pm.
Prayers were read by the Lord Bishop of Liverpool.
1 Baroness David The Lord Speaker informed the House that Baroness David, a member of the House, had died on 29 November 2009.
Private Business
2 Petitions for Private Bills The following petitions for private bills were deposited on or before 27 November 2009 in accordance with Private Business Standing Orders:
| Name of Petition | By whom deposited | |
| Allhallows Staining Church | Bircham Dyson Bell LLP | |
| Kent County Council (Filming on Highways) | Bircham Dyson Bell LLP |
3 Leeds City Council Bill It was moved by the Chairman of Committees that this House do agree with the order made by the Commons set out in their message of 26 November. The motion was agreed to and a message was sent to the Commons.
4 Reading Borough Council Bill It was moved by the Chairman of Committees that this House do agree with the order made by the Commons set out in their message of 26 November. The motion was agreed to and a message was sent to the Commons.
Public Business
5 Health: genomic medicine A question was asked by Lord Warner and answered by Baroness Thornton.
6 Business: entrepreneurship A question was asked by Lord Haskel and answered by Lord Davies of Abersoch.
7 Media: ownership A question was asked by Lord Dykes and answered by Lord Davies of Oldham.
8 Employment: liability insurance A question was asked by Baroness Turner of Camden and answered by Lord McKenzie of Luton.
9 Business of the House Baroness Royall of Blaisdon moved 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. The motion was agreed to.
10 Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) Bill [HL] Baroness Royall of Blaisdon moved that the bill be referred to a Second Reading Committee. The motion was agreed to.
11 Social Security (Contributions Credits for Parents and Carers) Regulations 2009 Baroness Royall of Blaisdon moved that the draft Regulations be referred to a Grand Committee. The motion was agreed to.
12 Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2009 Baroness Royall of Blaisdon moved that the draft Regulations be referred to a Grand Committee. The motion was agreed to.
13 Immigration (Biometric Registration) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2009 Baroness Royall of Blaisdon moved that the draft Regulations be referred to a Grand Committee. The motion was agreed to.
14 Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (Designation of Participating Countries) (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) (No. 3) Order 2009 Baroness Royall of Blaisdon moved that the draft Order be referred to a Grand Committee. The motion was agreed to.
15 National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Welsh Language) Order 2009 Baroness Royall of Blaisdon moved that the draft Order be referred to a Grand Committee. The motion was agreed to.
16 House of Lords: Code of Conduct Baroness Royall of Blaisdon moved 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. After debate, the motion was agreed to.
17 House of Lords: Code of Conduct Baroness Royall of Blaisdon moved 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.
The motion was agreed to.
18 Afghanistan and Pakistan Baroness Royall of Blaisdon repeated a ministerial statement made in the House of Commons.
19 Basildon and Colchester Hospital Trusts Baroness Thornton repeated a ministerial statement made in the House of Commons.
The House adjourned at 8.46pm until Tuesday 1 December at 2.30pm.
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.
Statutory Instrument (Standing Order 71)
The following negative instrument was laid before the House on 27 November:
Utilities Contracts (Amendment) Regulations 2009, laid under the European Communities Act 1972.
(3100)
Negative Instruments
The following instruments were laid before the House:
1 Pensions Act 2007 (Supplementary Provisions) (No. 2) Order 2009, laid under the Pensions Act 2007. (3094)
2 Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009, laid under the Water Industry Act 1991. (3101)
3 Common Agricultural Policy Single Payment and Support Schemes Regulations 2009, laid under the European Communities Act 1972. (3102)
4 Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2009, laid under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994. (3103)
5 Care Quality Commission (Registration) Regulations 2009, laid under the Health and Social Care Act 2008. (3112)
6 Student Fees (Amounts) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2009, laid under the Higher Education Act 2004. (3113)
Paper not subject to parliamentary proceedings
The following paper was laid before the House:
Minute from the Ministry of Defence concerning the making of a call-out Order to authorise the call-out of Members of the Reserve Forces, laid under the Reserve Forces Act 1996.
ISBN 9780 108457470
| © Parliamentary copyright 2009 | Prepared: 1 December 2009 |