The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock.

1    Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee,—Dr William McCrea reported from the Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee the draft Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning Act 1997 (Amnesty Period) Order 2008.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.

2    Sale of Wine (Measures),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require licensed premises which sell wine by the glass to offer measures of 125ml: And that Greg Mulholland, Dr Richard Taylor, John Thurso, Mr Andrew Dismore, Mr John Grogan, Lorely Burt, Peter Luff, Mr Don Foster, Dr Howard Stoate, Kelvin Hopkins, Mr Nigel Evans and Peter Bottomley do prepare and bring it in.

3    Sale of Wine (Measures) Bill,—Greg Mulholland accordingly presented a Bill to require licensed premises which sell wine by the glass to offer measures of 125ml: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 20th June and to be printed [Bill 64].

4    Treaty of Lisbon (No. 2) [2nd allotted day],—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House approves the Government's policy towards the Treaty of Lisbon in respect of provisions concerning energy—(Mr Secretary Hutton);

An Amendment was proposed to the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word 'House' to end of the Question and add the words 'notes that the Government demanded the deletion of a new article on energy when it was first proposed as part of the EU Constitution; further notes that the Government's explanation was that 'this provision is unnecessary as all aspects of energy policy are effectively covered elsewhere in the Treaty e.g. single market, environment'; believes that the Government's position then was right and remains valid; and accordingly rejects the Government's current policy towards the Treaty of Lisbon in respect of provisions concerning energy', instead thereof.—(Mr Alan Duncan.)

And the Question being put, That the Amendment be made;

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Brooks Newmark, Mr Crispin Blunt: 170.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Bob Blizzard, Mr Dave Watts: 369.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Bob Blizzard, Mr Dave Watts: 367.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Brooks Newmark, Mr Crispin Blunt: 169.

5    European Union (Amendment) Bill [2nd allotted day],—The House, according to Order, again resolved itself into a Committee on the European Union (Amendment) Bill.

(In the Committee)

Clause No. 2 (Addition to list of Treaties).

Another Amendment (No. 204) proposed, in page 1, line 12, after the word 'excluding', to insert the words—

'(i) Article 2, paragraph 12, inserted Article 2C TEC (TFEU), paragraph 2(i), providing for energy to be an area of shared competence; and

(ii) '.—(Mr Mark Francois.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Richard Benyon, Mr Crispin Blunt: 159.

Tellers for the Noes, Alison Seabeck, Siobhain McDonagh: 351.

And it being more than one and a half hours after the commencement of proceedings in the Committee, the Chairman left the chair to report progress and ask leave to sit again, pursuant to Order [this day].

________________

The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair; and Mr Sadiq Khan reported, That the Committee had made progress in the Bill, and moved, That the Committee may have leave to sit again.

Committee again to-morrow.

6    Companies,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Delegated Legislation Committees), That the draft Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, which were laid before this House on 17th December, be approved—(Mr Sadiq Khan):—It was agreed to.

7    Companies,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Delegated Legislation Committees), That the draft Small Companies and Groups (Accounts and Directors' Report) Regulations 2008, which were laid before this House on 17th December, be approved—(Mr Sadiq Khan):—It was agreed to.

8    Companies,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Delegated Legislation Committees), That the draft Companies Act 2006 (Amendment) (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, which were laid before this House on 17th December, be approved—(Mr Sadiq Khan):—It was agreed to.

9    Corporation Tax,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Delegated Legislation Committees), That the draft Insurance Business Transfer Schemes (Amendment of the Corporation Tax Acts) Order 2008, which was laid before this House on 10th December, be approved—(Mr Sadiq Khan):—It was agreed to.

10    Business of the House,—Ordered, That, at the sitting on Monday 4th February, notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order No. 16 (Proceedings under an Act or on European Union documents), the Speaker shall put the Question necessary to dispose of proceedings on the Motion in the name of Secretary Jacqui Smith relating to Police Grant Report not later than three hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Motion, and shall put the Question necessary to dispose of proceedings on the Motion in the name of Secretary Hazel Blears relating to Local Government Finance not later than Ten o'clock; proceedings may continue after the moment of interruption; and Standing Order No. 41A (Deferred divisions) shall not apply.—(Mr Sadiq Khan.)

11    Adjournment.

Subject: Travelling community (Mr Brian H. Donohoe).

Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Sadiq Khan.)

And accordingly, the House, having continued to sit till three minutes past Eight o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

Michael J. Martin

Speaker

Mr Speaker will take the Chair at half-past Ten o'clock.

APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1    Immigration,—Draft Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum and Impact Assessment [by Command] [Secretary Jacqui Smith].

2    Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism,—Draft Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005 (Continuance in force of sections 1 to 9) Order 2008 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Jacqui Smith].

Paper subject to Negative Resolution:

3    Pensions,—Judicial Pensions and Retirement Act 1993 (Addition of Qualifying Judicial Offices) Order 2008 (S.I., 2008, No. 171), dated 30th January 2008 [by Act], with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Secretary Jack Straw].

Other Papers:

4    Mental Health,—Report of the Mental Health Act Commission for 2005-07 [by Act] [Secretary Alan Johnson].

5    National Lottery,—Review of the sportscotland Lottery Fund for 2006-07 [by Act]; to be printed [No. 260] [Secretary Des Browne].

6    Treasury,—Paper, entitled Financial stability and depositor protection: strengthening the framework [by Command] [Cm. 7308] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer].

Papers withdrawn:

7    Immigration,—Draft Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2008, with an Explanatory Memorandum [laid 29th January].

APPENDIX II

General Committees

1    Planning and Energy Bill,—The Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Planning and Energy Bill Committee: Gregory Barker, John Battle, Hugh Bayley, Colin Challen, Mr David Drew, Mr Michael Fallon, Caroline Flint, Julia Goldsworthy, Mr Nick Hurd, Mr Michael Jack, Mr Michael Meacher, Mr Elliot Morley, Dan Rogerson, Chris Ruane, Dr Alan Whitehead and Bill Wiggin.

2    Draft Regional Learning and Skills Councils Regulations 2007:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the First Delegated Legislation Committee and has appointed Mr David Taylor Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr David Anderson, Mr Richard Bacon, Peter Bottomley, Annette Brooke, Ann Clwyd, Mr Geoffrey Cox, Mr Michael Foster (Worcester), Mr John Hayes, Fiona Mactaggart, Mr Khalid Mahmood, Mr Alan Meale, Bill Rammell, Mrs Linda Riordan, Mr Virendra Sharma, Mr Marsha Singh, Angela Watkinson and Stephen Williams.

3    Draft Companies (Late Filing Penalties) and Limited Liability Partnerships (Filing Periods and Late Filing Penalties) Regulations 2008:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Second Delegated Legislation Committee and has appointed Mr Martin Caton Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Lorely Burt, Mr James Clappison, Philip Davies, James Duddridge, Mr Neil Gerrard, Mr John Gummer, Mr Fabian Hamilton, Mr Oliver Heald, Mr Stephen Hepburn, Mr Peter Kilfoyle, Mr Denis MacShane, Mr Elliot Morley, Stephen Pound, Alison Seabeck, Alan Simpson, Sarah Teather and Mr Stephen Timms.

4    Draft Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 and the draft Scottish Parliament (Elections etc.) (Amendment) Order 2008:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations and draft Order to the Third Delegated Legislation Committee and has appointed Mr Jim Hood Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated twenty-one Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Crispin Blunt, Mr Russell Brown, David Cairns, Mr Alistair Carmichael, Ms Katy Clark, Mr Ian Davidson, Mr Brian H. Donohoe, Mr David Hamilton, Mr Adam Ingram, Robert Key, Mr Peter Lilley, Mr Jim McGovern, Ann McKechin, Anne Main, Mr Humfrey Malins, Sandra Osborne, John Reid, Mr Frank Roy, John Thurso, Mr Ben Wallace and Pete Wishart.

5    Draft Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning Act 1997 (Amnesty Period) Order 2008,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr David Clelland, Mr Adam Ingram and Mrs Siān C. James from the Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee (nominated in respect of the draft Order) and nominated in substitution John Battle, Mr Andy Reed and Geraldine Smith.

6    Draft Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions (Representations and Appeals) (Wales) Regulations 2008:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee and has appointed Mr Martyn Jones Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Graham Allen, Mr John Baron, Paul Flynn, Mrs Cheryl Gillan, Mr Dai Havard, Huw Irranca-Davies, Mr Bob Laxton, Mr Michael Meacher, Mr Austin Mitchell, Jessica Morden, Julie Morgan, Mr Malcolm Moss, Richard Ottaway, Mr Lee Scott, Mark Tami, Mark Williams and Mr Roger Williams.

7    Draft Companies (Trading Disclosures) Regulations 2008:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Regulations to the Fifth Delegated Legislation Committee and has appointed Mrs Janet Dean Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Colin Burgon, Lorely Burt, Mr James Clappison, Jim Dobbin, James Duddridge, Keith Hill, Lynne Jones, Dr Doug Naysmith, Stephen Pound, Mr Ken Purchase, Mr Geoffrey Robinson, Alison Seabeck, Mr Richard Shepherd, Mr Gary Streeter, Mr Hugo Swire, Sarah Teather and Mr Stephen Timms.

8    Draft County Durham (Structural Change) Order 2008 and draft Northumberland (Structural Change) Order 2008:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Orders to the Sixth Delegated Legislation Committee and has appointed Mr John Cummings Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Mr Alan Beith, Richard Burden, Ben Chapman, Mr David Clelland, Jon Cruddas, Paul Farrelly, Julia Goldsworthy, John Healey, Kelvin Hopkins, Mr Nick Hurd, Mr Brian Jenkins, Chris Mole, Robert Neill, Mr Andrew Turner, Peter Viggers, Mr Robert Walter and Mr Dave Watts.

9    Draft Statutory Auditors (Delegation of Functions etc) Order 2008:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Seventh Delegated Legislation Committee and has appointed Ann Winterton Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Liz Blackman, Lorely Burt, Mr James Clappison, Frank Dobson, Jim Dowd, James Duddridge, Bill Etherington, Mr John Grogan, Mr Denis Murphy, Stephen Pound, Gwyn Prosser, Bob Spink, Sarah Teather, Mr Stephen Timms, Jon Trickett, Mr John Whittingdale and Mr David Wilshire.

10    Draft Cornwall (Structural Change) Order 2008:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Eighth Delegated Legislation Committee and has appointed Mr Mike Hancock Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated seventeen Members to serve on the Committee: Hilary Armstrong, Mr Stephen Byers, Mrs Ann Cryer, Mr Stephen Dorrell, Julia Goldsworthy, John Healey, Mr John Heppell, Mr George Howarth, Mr Nick Hurd, Chris Mole, Robert Neill, Dan Rogerson, Chris Ruane, Mr Robert Syms, Mr Dave Watts, Mr Rob Wilson and Mr Anthony Wright.

European Standing Committees

11    European Union Documents No. 13043/07, No. 13045/07, No. 13212/07, No. 13219/07, No. 13046/07, No. 13048/07 and No. 13049/07, relating to Regulation of Electricity and Gas:

(1) The Speaker has appointed Mr Bill Olner Chairman of the European Standing Committee nominated in respect of the Documents; and

(2) The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr John Baron and Tim Farron from the European Standing Committee (nominated in respect of the Documents) and nominated in substitution Andrew Stunell and Jeremy Wright.

12    European Union Documents No. 14277/07 and Addenda 1 and 2, No. 14175/07 and Addenda 1 and 2, No. 14165/07 and Addendum 3 and No. 14266/07 and Addenda 1 and 2, relating to Freight Transport:

(1) The Speaker has appointed Frank Cook Chairman of the European Standing Committee nominated in respect of the Documents; and

(2) The Committee of Selection has discharged Jeremy Wright from the European Standing Committee (nominated in respect of the Documents) and nominated in substitution Mr John Baron.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1    Children, Schools and Families,—Diversity of school provision: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Children, Schools and Families Committee; to be printed [No. 311-i] [Mr Barry Sheerman].

2    Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,—Flooding: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee; to be printed [No. 49-vii] [Mr Michael Jack].

3    European Scrutiny,—(1) Eleventh Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 16-x];

(2) The Work of the Committee in 2007: Twelfth Report from the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 315]; and

(3) Ministerial Correspondence: Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published

[Michael Connarty].

4    Human Rights,—Counter-Terrorism Policy and Human Rights (Eighth Report): Counter-Terrorism Bill: Ninth Report from the Joint Committee on Human Rights, with Memoranda; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report, and a Memorandum reported and ordered to be published on 17th December [No. 199] [Mr Andrew Dismore].

5    Innovation, Universities and Skills,—Renewable Electricity-Generation Technologies:

(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Innovation, Universities and Skills Committee; to be printed [No. 216-ii] and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published

[Mr Phil Willis].

6    Modernisation of the House of Commons,—Regional Accountability:

(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons; to be printed [No. 282-i]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be published

[Ms Harriet Harman].

7    Northern Ireland Affairs,—Political developments in Northern Ireland: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee; to be printed [No. 314-i] [Sir Patrick Cormack].

8    Procedure,—e-Petitions: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Procedure Committee; to be printed [No. 136-iii] [Mr Greg Knight].

9    Public Accounts,—The cancellation of Bicester Accommodation Centre: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee of Public Accounts; to be printed [No. 316-i] [Mr Edward Leigh].

10    Statutory Instruments,—Eighth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, with Memoranda; to be printed [No. 38-viii] [David Maclean].

11    Transport,—Department for Transport Annual Report 2007: Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Committee; to be printed [No. 313-i] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

12    Work and Pensions,—Work of the Committee 2007: First Report of the Work and Pensions Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 317] [Mr Terry Rooney].

[W.H., No. 25]

Minutes of Proceedings of the Sitting in Westminster Hall

The sitting began at half-past Nine o'clock.

Subjects:

Maternity services (Harry Cohen).

Political situation in Gaza (Jeremy Corbyn).

Hospice movement funding (Bob Spink).

UK private equity and venture capital industry (Mr Mark Field).

Government policy on the British Association for Central and Eastern Europe (Ms Gisela Stuart).

Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr Dave Watts.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.

Sir Alan Haselhurst

Deputy Speaker