Contents
Chamber business
The House met at 11.30 am.
Prayers
1Speaker’s Statement: Correcting the record
2Questions to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
3Urgent Question: Rail manufacturing job losses (Huw Merriman)
4Horticultural peat (prohibition of sale): Motion for leave to bring in a Bill (Standing Order No. 23)
Motion made and Question proposed, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to provide for the prohibition of the sale in England of horticultural peat by the end of 2024; to provide for certain exemptions from that prohibition; and for connected purposes.—(Theresa Villiers.)
Motion opposed (Standing Order No. 23(1)).
Question put and agreed to.
Ordered, That Theresa Villiers, Selaine Saxby, Chris Grayling, Miss Sarah Dines, Robin Millar, Andrew Selous, Dr Thérèse Coffey, Tim Loughton, Tracey Crouch, Sally-Ann Hart, Trudy Harrison and Siobhan Baillie present the Bill.
Theresa Villiers accordingly presented the Bill.
Bill read the first time; to be read a second time on Friday 26 April, and to be printed (Bill 199).
5Tobacco and Vapes Bill: Second Reading
Motion made and Question proposed, That the Bill be now read a second time.
The Deputy Speaker announced a time limit on backbench speeches (Standing Order No. 47(1)).
Question put.
The House divided.
Division No. 123
Ayes: 383 (Tellers: Aaron Bell, Mike Wood)
Noes: 67 (Tellers: Gareth Johnson, Craig Whittaker)
Question agreed to and Bill read a second time.
6Tobacco and Vapes Bill: Programme
Motion made and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 83A(7)), That the following provisions shall apply to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill:
Committal
(1) The Bill shall be committed to a Public Bill Committee.
Proceedings in Public Bill Committee
(2) Proceedings in the Public Bill Committee shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion on Thursday 23 May.
(3) The Public Bill Committee shall have leave to sit twice on the first day on which it meets.
Consideration and Third Reading
(4) Proceedings on Consideration shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour before the moment of interruption on the day on which those proceedings are commenced.
(5) Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the moment of interruption on that day.
(6) Standing Order No. 83B (Programming committees) shall not apply to proceedings on Consideration and Third Reading.
Other proceedings
(7) Any other proceedings on the Bill may be programmed.—(Mr Gagan Mohindra.)
Question agreed to.
7Tobacco and Vapes Bill: Money
King’s Recommendation signified.
Motion made and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 52(1)(a)), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable under any other Act out of money so provided.—(Mr Gagan Mohindra.)
Question agreed to.
8Tobacco and Vapes Bill: Ways and Means
Motion made and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 52(1)(a)), That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, it is expedient to authorise the charging of fees under or by virtue of the Act.—(Mr Gagan Mohindra.)
Question agreed to.
A public petition from residents of the constituency of Wansbeck relating to the recommendations of the Infected Blood Inquiry was presented and read by Ian Lavery.
Subject: Solar supply chains (Alicia Kearns)
Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Aaron Bell.)
Adjourned at 7.42 pm until tomorrow.
Other Proceedings
Lords Messages
11Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill
The Lords do not insist on certain Amendments to the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill to which the Commons have disagreed, but propose Amendments in lieu to which they desire the agreement of the Commons; they do not insist on an Amendment to which the Commons have disagreed; they do not insist on an Amendment to which the Commons have disagreed and they agree with the Commons in their Amendment in lieu.
Printing of Lords Messages
12Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill
Lords Message relating to the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill to be considered tomorrow, and to be printed (Bill 201).
Changes to Notices Given
13Health and Safety at Work Bill
Order for Second Reading on Friday 19 April, read and discharged.
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 26 April.
14Asylum Seekers (Accommodation Eviction Procedures) Bill
Order for Second Reading on Friday 19 April, read and discharged.
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 26 April.
15Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (Powers) Bill
Order for Second Reading on Friday 19 April, read and discharged.
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 26 April.
16Asylum Seekers (Permission to Work) Bill
Order for Second Reading on Friday 19 April, read and discharged.
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 26 April.
Order for Second Reading on Friday 19 April, read and discharged.
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 26 April.
18Deductions from Universal Credit (Report) Bill
Order for Second Reading on Friday 19 April, read and discharged.
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 26 April.
19Evictions (Universal Credit) Bill
Order for Second Reading on Friday 19 April, read and discharged.
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 26 April.
Order for Second Reading on Friday 19 April, read and discharged.
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 26 April.
21Under-Occupancy Penalty (Report) Bill
Order for Second Reading on Friday 19 April, read and discharged.
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 26 April.
22Devolution (Employment) (Scotland) Bill
Order for Second Reading on Friday 19 April, read and discharged.
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 26 April.
23Social Security Benefits (Healthy Eating) Bill
Order for Second Reading on Friday 19 April, read and discharged.
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 26 April.
24Universal Credit Sanctions (Zero Hours Contracts) Bill
Order for Second Reading on Friday 19 April, read and discharged.
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 26 April.
25Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity (Ratification of Treaty) Bill
Order for Second Reading on Friday 19 April, read and discharged.
Bill to be read a second time on Friday 17 May.
General Committees: Reports
26Third Delegated Legislation Committee
Dr Rupa Huq (Chair) reported the draft Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Investigative Powers of Prosecutors: Code of Practice) Order 2024, the draft Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Search, Recovery of Cryptoassets and Investigations: Codes of Practice) Regulations 2024, the draft Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and Terrorism Act 2000 (Certain Information Orders: Code of Practice) Regulations 2024, and the draft Terrorism Act 2000 (Code of Practice for Authorised Officers) Order 2024.
27Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee
Christina Rees (Chair) reported the draft Official Controls (Fees and Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 and the draft Plant Health (Fees) (England) and Official Controls (Frequency of Checks) (Amendment) Regulations 2024.
28Fifth Delegated Legislation Committee
Sir Robert Syms (Chair) reported the draft Major Sporting Events (Income Tax Exemption) (2024 UEFA Champions League Final) Regulations 2024.
General Committees: Appointments
The Speaker appoints the Chair of General Committees and members of Programming Sub-Committees, and allocates Statutory Instruments to Delegated Legislation Committees.
The Committee of Selection nominates Members to serve on General Committees (and certain Members to serve on Grand Committees).
29Third Delegated Legislation Committee (draft Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Investigative Powers of Prosecutors: Code of Practice) Order 2024, draft Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Search, Recovery of Cryptoassets and Investigations: Codes of Practice) Regulations 2024, draft Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and Terrorism Act 2000 (Certain Information Orders: Code of Practice) Regulations 2024 and draft Terrorism Act 2000 (Code of Practice for Authorised Officers) Order 2024)
Members: Jesse Norman and Theresa Villiers discharged and Andrew Jones and David Simmonds nominated in substitution.
30Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee (draft Official Controls (Fees and Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 and draft Plant Health (Fees) (England) and Official Controls (Frequency of Checks) (Amendment) Regulations 2024)
Members: Sir Mike Penning discharged and Joy Morrissey nominated in substitution.
31Fifth Delegated Legislation Committee (draft Major Sporting Events (Income Tax Exemption) (2024 UEFA Champions League Final) Regulations 2024)
Members: Sir Bernard Jenkin discharged and Suzanne Webb nominated in substitution.
Select Committees: Reports
32Backbench Business Committee
Transcript of representations made on Tuesday 16 April, to be published (Bob Blackman).
33Business and Trade Committee
(1) Industrial policy: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 440);
(2) Correspondence from the Insolvency Service relating to The Body Shop: Written evidence, to be published;
(3) Correspondence from the Minister for Trade Policy relating to UK-Canada FTA: Written evidence, to be published;
(4) Export-led growth: Written evidence to be published (HC 289);
(5) Labour markets reform: Workers’ rights and protections: Written evidence, to be published (HC 703);
(6) The performance of investment zones and freeports in England: Written evidence, to be published (HC 272)
(Mark Pawsey).
34Culture, Media and Sport Committee
(1) Gambling regulation: Government Response to the Committee’s Second Report: Sixth Special Report, to be printed (HC 698);
(2) British film and high-end TV: Written evidence, to be published (HC 157);
(3) Football governance follow-up: Written evidence, to be published (HC 471);
(4) Grassroots music venues: Written evidence, to be published (HC 527);
(5) Promoting Britain abroad follow-up: Written evidence, to be published (HC 158)
(Dame Caroline Dinenage).
(1) Ofsted’s work with schools: Government Response to the Committee's First Report: Third Special Report, to be printed (HC 689);
(2) Children’s social care: Oral and written evidence, to be published (HC 372);
(3) Impact of industrial action on university students: Written evidence, to be published (HC 327)
(Mr Robin Walker).
36Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
(1) Correspondence from the Chair of the Environment Agency relating to the 2023 Event Duration Monitor data: Written evidence, to be published;
(2) Correspondence from the Chief Executive of Ofwat relating to Thames Water: Written evidence, to be published;
(3) Correspondence from the Federation of Wholesale Distributors: Written evidence, to be published;
(4) Correspondence from the Freight Liaison Group relating to the Border Target Operating Model: Written evidence, to be published;
(5) Correspondence from the Minister for Biosecurity, Animal Health and Welfare relating to border control posts: Written evidence, to be published;
(6) Education and careers in land-based sectors: Written evidence, to be published (HC 165);
(7) Vet shortages: Written evidence, to be published (HC 497)
(Sir Robert Goodwill).
37Environmental Audit Committee
Correspondence with Amazon relating to electronic waste: Written evidence, to be published (HC 675) (Philip Dunne).
38European Statutory Instruments Committee
Third Report, to be printed, with the formal minutes relating to the Report (HC 668) (Andrew Jones).
(1) International relations within the multilateral system: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 691);
(2) Correspondence with the Minister of State for Americas, Caribbean and the Overseas Territories relating to ministers for the Overseas Territories: Written evidence, to be published;
(3) Correspondence with the Secretary of State: Written evidence, to be published;
(4) The situation in Ukraine and the UK’s response: Written evidence, to be published (HC 629);
(5) The UK Government’s engagement regarding the British Indian Ocean Territory: Written evidence, to be published (HC 598)
(Alicia Kearns).
40Health and Social Care Committee
(1) NHS leadership, performance and patient safety: Oral and written evidence, to be published (HC 521);
(2) Assisted Dying/Assisted Suicide: Written evidence, to be published (HC 321);
(3) Correspondence from Maria Caulfield MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Care, relating to mental health services in Nottinghamshire: Written evidence, to be published;
(4) Correspondence from the Director General (Finance), Department of Health and Social Care, relating to departmental spending in 2022–23: Written evidence, to be published;
(5) Correspondence from the Health and Care Professions Council, relating to fees consultation: Written evidence, to be published;
(6) Correspondence from the Royal College of Nursing, relating to nursing staff pay arrangements and the profession: Written evidence, to be published;
(7) Correspondence from the Secretary of State, relating to donating medical supplies to Ukraine: Written evidence, to be published;
(8) Correspondence from the Secretary of State, relating to pay negotiations: Written evidence, to be published;
(9) Prevention in health and social care: Written evidence, to be published (HC 141)
(Steve Brine).
(1) Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 684);
(2) Probate: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 520);
(3) Correspondence from the Minister for Courts and Legal Services: Written evidence, to be published;
(4) Correspondence from the Minister for Prisons, Parole and Probation relating to Lay Observers’ Annual Reports 2022–23: Written evidence, to be published;
(5) Correspondence from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State relating to the law of apologies: Written evidence, to be published;
(6) Correspondence with the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State relating to legal aid: Written evidence, to be published;
(7) Future prison population and estate capacity: Written evidence, to be published (HC 29);
(8) The Coroner Service: follow-up: Written evidence, to be published (HC 490);
(9) Work of the County Court: Written evidence, to be published (HC 414)
(Sir Robert Neill).
(1) Record of the Committee’s decisions relating to e-petitions, to be published;
(2) List of closed e-petitions presented to the House, to be published
(Cat Smith).
43Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
(1) Parliamentary Scrutiny of International Agreements in the 21st century: Government Response to the Committee’s Second Report of Session 2023–24: Second Special Report, to be printed (HC 685);
(2) Devolution capability in Whitehall: Oral and written evidence to be published (HC 200);
(3) Correspondence with the Civil Service Chief Operating Officer and Permanent Secretary for the Cabinet Office relating to the Cabinet Office Annual Report and Accounts 2022–23: Written evidence, to be published;
(4) Correspondence with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions relating to the Government’s response to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Report into communication of state pension age changes: Written evidence, to be published;
(5) The work of the Cabinet Office: Written evidence, to be published (HC 607)
(Mr David Jones).
(1) Correspondence from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport relating to Bus, Coach and HGV driver consultation: Written evidence, to be published;
(2) Correspondence from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport relating to National Networks National Policy Statement Government response: Written evidence, to be published;
(3) Correspondence from the Secretary of State for Transport relating to medical certification for fishers: Written evidence, to be published;
(4) Future of transport data: Written evidence, to be published (HC 83);
(5) HS2: progress update: Written evidence, to be published (HC 85);
(6) Rail services and infrastructure: Written evidence, to be published (HC 361);
(7) Scrutiny of the draft Rail Reform Bill: Written evidence, to be published (HC 584);
(8) Work of National Highways: Written evidence, to be published (HC 418)
(Iain Stewart).
(1) Appointment of Clare Lombardelli as Deputy Governor for Monetary Policy, Bank of England:
(i) Seventh Report, to be printed, with the formal minutes relating to the Report (HC 687);
(ii) Oral and written evidence, to be published (HC 687);
(2) Quantitative Tightening: Government and Bank of England responses to the Committee’s Fifth Report: Third Special Report, to be printed (HC 688);
(3) Budget 2024: Written evidence, to be published (HC 625);
(4) Small and medium enterprise finance: Written evidence, to be published (HC 27);
(5) The work of the Financial Ombudsman Service: Written evidence, to be published (HC 223);
(6) The work of the Payment Systems Regulator: Written evidence, to be published (HC 212)
(Dame Harriett Baldwin).
Lindsay Hoyle
Speaker
Westminster Hall
The sitting began at 9.30 am.
Business appointed by the Chairman of Ways and Means (Standing Order No. 10(6))
1Food waste and food distribution
Resolved, That this House has considered food waste and food distribution.—(Jo Gideon.)
2Citizens' assemblies and local democracy
Resolved, That this House has considered citizens' assemblies and local democracy.—(Debbie Abrahams.)
The sitting was suspended between 11.27 am and 2.30 pm (Standing Order No. 10(1)(b)).
3Consular services for cases involving human rights
Resolved, That this House has considered consular services for cases involving human rights.—(Christine Jardine.)
The sitting was suspended between 3.43 pm and 4 pm.
4Cross-border co-operation on health services
Resolved, That this House has considered cross-border co-operation on health services.—(Virginia Crosbie.)
The sitting was suspended between 4.20 pm and 4.30 pm.
Resolved, That this House has considered the matter of digital skills and careers.—(Dr Lisa Cameron.)
Sitting adjourned without Question put (Standing Order No. 10(14)).
Adjourned at 5.28 pm until tomorrow.
Eleanor Laing
Chairman of Ways and Means
Papers Laid
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution
Draft Agriculture (Delinked Payments) (Reductions) (England) Regulations 2024 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Secretary Steve Barclay)
Draft Management of Hedgerows (England) Regulations 2024 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Secretary Steve Barclay)
Papers subject to Negative Resolution
Trade Remedies (Increase in Imports as a Result of a Free Trade Agreement Causing Serious Injury to UK Producers) Regulations 2024 (SI, 2024, No. 519), dated 15 April 2024 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Greg Hands)
Police (Conduct) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (SI, 2024, No. 521), dated 15 April 2024 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Secretary James Cleverly)
Representation of the People Act 1983 (Amendment of Schedule 6A) Regulations 2024 (SI, 2024, No. 512), dated 15 April 2024 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Simon Hoare)
Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) (Revocation) Regulations 2024 (SI, 2024, No. 513), dated 15 April 2024 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Secretary Steve Barclay)
CORRECTION
Monday 15 April 2024
The following entries should have appeared after items 12 and 13 relating to General Committees (Reports):
General Committees: Appointments
The Speaker appoints the Chair of General Committees and members of Programming Sub-
Committees, and allocates Statutory Instruments to Delegated Legislation Committees.
The Committee of Selection nominates Members to serve on General Committees
(and certain Members to serve on Grand Committees).
14 First Delegated Legislation Committee (draft Code of Practice on Dismissal and Re-Engagement)
Members: Samantha Dixon and Alexander Stafford discharged and Steve Tuckwell and Andrew Western nominated in substitution.
15 Second Delegated Legislation Committee (draft Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Disapplication or Modification of Financial Regulator Rules in Individual Cases) Regulations 2024)
Members: Tonia Antoniazzi and Matt Warman discharged and Gerald Jones and Chloe Smith nominated in substitution.
16 Seventh Delegated Legislation Committee (draft Post Office Network Subsidy Scheme (Amendment) Order 2024)
Members: Samantha Dixon discharged and Gerald Jones nominated in substitution.