Tuesday, 2 February 2010
The Chancellor of the Exchequer was asked-
What steps he is taking to protect the economy from the effects of excessive risk-taking in the financial sector.
If he will take steps to provide greater protection to people who take unsecured loans at high interest rates; and if he will make a statement.
What recent discussions he has had with credit rating agencies on the UK's AAA rating.
What recent assessment he has made of the likely effects on businesses of aligning capital allowances for plant and machinery with depreciation accounting rates.
What steps he plans to take to maintain the level of demand in the economy in the next 12 months.
What recent estimate he has made of the level of the UK budget deficit in comparison with other G20 economies; and if he will make a statement.
What steps his Department is taking to reduce levels of tax avoidance by individuals and businesses.
What recent assessment he has made of the financial viability of Government projects operated under the private finance initiative.
What fiscal measures he plans to introduce to support families in the next 12 months.
When he will give final approval for expenditure on the Better Healthcare Closer to Home project.
What estimate he has made of the peak amount of future public sector debt; and when he expects that peak to be reached.
What discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on the revenue which would accrue to the Exchequer if proposals for a minimum price for alcohol were implemented.
What assessment he has made of the effects on the economy of implementation of policies for early intervention; and if he will make a statement.
What steps he plans to take to maintain the level of demand in the economy in the next 12 months.
If he will make a statement on his Departmental responsibilities.
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. You will recall that on 21 January an urgent question was answered by the Minister for Europe on exchange rate movements and their effect on the Foreign and...
Motion for leave to bring in a Bill ( Standing Order No. 23)
Consideration of Bill, as amended in the Public Bill Committee
'(1) An undertaker's charges scheme under section 143 of the Water Industry Act 1991 may include provision designed to reduce charges for individuals who would have difficulty paying in full. (2)...
'The Environment Agency must undertake a programme of regular maintenance work of major water courses on an annual basis with quarterly reports to both Houses of Parliament.'.- (Miss McIntosh.)...
'The Environment Agency must establish a pilot scheme with the aim of- (a) auditing all private drains and sewers; (b) assessing their condition; (c) estimating the likely cost of adopting all...
'(1) The Secretary of State may by order require utility companies to report on their critical infrastructure and their ability to withstand future floods. (2) The Secretary of State must lay...
'The Secretary of State must within one year of the passing of this Act bring forward regulations to ensure the insurance industry has regard to flood prevention measures in calculating premiums...
Amendment made: 30, in page 1, line 12, leave out from 'waters,' to end of line 13 and insert- '(e ) groundwater, or (f) anything else (including any combination of factors).'.- (David Wright.)
Amendments made: 31, in page 13, line 27, leave out 'In the event' and insert 'On becoming aware'. Amendment 32, in page 13, line 27, after 'must', insert ', to the extent that it considers it...
Amendment made: 35, in page 17, line 16, leave out paragraphs (a) and (b) and insert- '(a) the Welsh Ministers, where the amendment relates to- (i) a matter in respect of which functions may be...
Amendments made: 36, in page 17, line 25, leave out 'reassign' and insert 'transfer'. Amendment 37, in page 17, line 26, leave out 'and' and insert 'or'. Amendment 38, in page 17, line 27, at...
Amendments made: 42, in page 18, line 32, at end insert- '(3A) The regulations- (a) may make provision only in relation to projects or works that in the Minister's opinion are of a size or...
Amendments made: 45, in page 21, line 32, leave out 'private'. Amendment 46, in page 21, line 33, at end insert- '(c) watering plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a...
Amendment made: 48, in page 24, line 11, at end insert ', and (d) persons who own or occupy land that, in the opinion of the Agency, is likely to be directly affected by the work.'.- (David Wright.)
Amendment made: 49, in page 25, line 18, at end insert ', and (b) other persons who own or occupy land that, in the opinion of the authority, is likely to be directly affected by the work.'.-...
Amendments made: 50, in page 37, line 24, after third 'the', insert 'reasonable'. Amendment 51, in page 37, line 28, after third 'the', insert 'reasonable'. Amendment 52, in page 37, line 42,...
Amendments made: 53, in page 53, line 30, at end insert- '(e) an internal drainage board, if the approving body thinks that the drainage system may directly or indirectly involve the discharge...
Amendments made: 57, in page 73, line 38, at end insert- 'Regulatory impact assessment 40A (1) The Minister must carry out a review of the burden on undertakers in relation to large raised...
Motion made, and Question put forthwith ( Standing Order No. 118(6)),
That the draft Gambling Act 2005 (Operating Licence Conditions) (Amendment) Regulations 2010, which were laid before this House on 15 December, be approved. -(Mrs. Hodgson.) Question agreed to....
That the draft Passengers' Council (Non-Railway Functions) Order 2010, which was laid before this House on 5 January, be approved. -(Mrs. Hodgson.) Question agreed to. Motion made, and...
That the draft Infrastructure Planning (Decisions) Regulations 2010, which were laid before this House on 5 January, be approved. -(Mrs. Hodgson.) The Speaker's opinion as to the decision of...
Motion made, and Question put forthwith ( Standing Order No. 119(11)),
That this House takes note of an unnumbered explanatory memorandum from HM Treasury dated 2 December 2009 on the European Court of Auditors' 2008 Annual Report, an unnumbered Explanatory...
I warmly congratulate two of my constituents, Mr. Brian Keeler and Mr. Neil Hamper. Both are doughty campaigners who have worked for their community for many years, serving people with great...
Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn. -(Mrs. Hodgson.)
Debates in the House of Commons are an opportunity for MPs from all parties to scrutinise government legislation and raise important local, national or topical issues.
And sometimes to shout at each other.