Reduction of service

Orders of the Day — Local Government Finance and Valuation Bill – in the House of Commons at 9:15 pm on 12 June 1991.

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'The Secretary of State shall not designate an English or Welsh authority as a result of this Act without publishing a list of services that it is expected the relevant authority will need to reduce as a result of designation'.—[Mr. Bellotti.]Brought up, and read the First time.

Photo of Mr Harold Walker Mr Harold Walker , Doncaster Central

With this, it will be convenient to take new clause 11—Reduction of services (Scotland)'The Secretary of State shall not designate a Scottish authority as a result of this Act without publishing a list of services that it is expected the relevant authority will need to reduce as a result of designation.'.

Photo of Mr David Bellotti Mr David Bellotti , Eastbourne

The new clauses will ensure that local people know who is responsible when local services are cut. They are designed to heighten accountability so that there is a clear link between action that affects local residents and those who make the decision.

If the Government intend to override the democratic decisions of local councils, it should be made clear to everyone where the consequences of that action will lie. Councils may even find it useful to know what priority the Government would attach to their local services. For example, they may like to know whether the Government believe that housing repairs are more important than home helps or whether libraries are more important than swimming pools. It would be useful for a local authority to know whether, once the Bill is enacted, the Government will still require a local authority to fulfil all the statutory legislation that the Government have heaped on local councils in the past 12 years on environmental protection, mandatory improvement grants and providing sewers in rural areas.

The new clauses would also help to concentrate the mind of the Secretary of State, who would have to face up to the consequences of his decisions. The Government told us that the poll tax would increase accountability and we all know that that is untrue. The clauses would ensure that, under the new council tax, accountability will be seen to work in some way. They would leave the decision of which services to cut with the local authorities, but would ensure that local residents know what the Government intend when they cap an authority and force it to cut expenditure.

I do not wish to prolong this debate—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] Far more hon. Members are present now than have been here at any point during the past two days' debate. In a sense, that is a great shame, but I am sure that those who have been absent will read the debate of the past two days in Hansard and will learn much from it. The point that the two new clauses make is perhaps the most important because it is a point of principle. The Government must face up to the consequences of their actions, which they are not used to doing and should do more often. I shall wait to see what the Minister has to say before I decide whether to divide the Committee.

Photo of Mr Nicholas Bennett Mr Nicholas Bennett , Pembroke

The hon. Member for Eastbourne (Mr. Bellotti) said that this is a large audience for a Liberal. I assure him that it is also a large audience for a Welsh Office Minister.

The effect of adding the new clauses to the Bill would be to make capping throughout Great Britain contingent on further action by the Government through the publication of lists of the services that the relevant Secretary of State considers will need to be reduced as a result of capping. That suggestion is rather odd. In taking a decision about the level of capping for an authority, the Secretary of State is concerned with that authority's aggregate budget and the demands it makes on its charge payers, not with the components within that budget.

The aims of capping are to prevent excessive expenditure and to protect charge payers from its consequences. It remains for individual local authorities to decide their spending priorities within their revised budgets. Authorities are in many cases well able to reduce wastage, improve efficiency and manage their affairs better in order to restrain their expenditure. It is right that we should encourage them to do so. However, it is not for us to tell authorities how to order their priorities. I call on the Committee to reject the new clause.

Photo of Mr David Bellotti Mr David Bellotti , Eastbourne 10:45, 12 June 1991

I am amazed that, after all the cuts in local authority services that have resulted from the Government's policy in the past 12 years, they should still be talking about wastage and efficiency. Most local councillors and most local authorities throughout Britain are doing their best despite the Government. The Bill should not be finance led, as it is; it should address itself to the delivery of local services, and the needs of the people in our local communities should be paramount. It is for that reason that I shall seek to divide the Committee.

Question put, That the clause be read a Second time:—

The Committee divided: Ayes 33, Noes 261.

Division No. 172][10.45 pm
AYES
Abbott, Ms DianeLivsey, Richard
Alton, DavidLoyden, Eddie
Ashdown, Rt Hon PaddyMahon, Mrs Alice
Ashton, JoeMeale, Alan
Barnes, Harry (Derbyshire NE)Michie, Mrs Ray (Arg'l & Bute)
Barnes, Mrs Rosie (Greenwich)Salmond, Alex
Beith, A. J.Skinner, Dennis
Bellotti, DavidSteel, Rt Hon Sir David
Campbell, Menzies (Fife NE)Taylor, Matthew (Truro)
Carlile, Alex (Mont'g)Thomas, Dr Dafydd Elis
Carr, MichaelWallace, James
Cryer, BobWelsh, Andrew (Angus E)
Douglas, DickWigley, Dafydd
Ewing, Mrs Margaret (Moray)Wise, Mrs Audrey
Flynn, Paul
Howells, GeraintTellers for the Ayes:
Hughes, Simon (Southwark)Mr. Archy Kirkwood and
Lambie, DavidMr. Ronald Fearn.
Livingstone, Ken
NOES
Adley, RobertBlackburn, Dr John G.
Aitken, JonathanBlaker, Rt Hon Sir Peter
Alexander, RichardBonsor, Sir Nicholas
Alison, Rt Hon MichaelBoscawen, Hon Robert
Allason, RupertBoswell, Tim
Amess, DavidBowden, A. (Brighton K'pto'n)
Amos, AlanBowden, Gerald (Dulwich)
Arbuthnot, JamesBowis, John
Ashby, DavidBoyson, Rt Hon Dr Sir Rhodes
Aspinwall, JackBrandon-Bravo, Martin
Atkinson, DavidBrazier, Julian
Baker, Rt Hon K. (Mole Valley)Bright, Graham
Baker, Nicholas (Dorset N)Brooke, Rt Hon Peter
Batiste, SpencerBrown, Michael (Brigg & Cl't's)
Beggs, RoyBruce, Ian (Dorset South)
Bellingham, HenryBuck, Sir Antony
Bendall, VivianButcher, John
Bennett, Nicholas (Pembroke)Butler, Chris
Biffen, Rt Hon JohnButterfill, John
Carlisle, John, (Luton N)Howarth, G. (Cannock & B'wd)
Carlisle, Kenneth (Lincoln)Howell, Rt Hon David (G'dford)
Carrington, MatthewHughes, Robert G. (Harrow W)
Carttiss, MichaelHunt, Sir John (Ravensbourne)
Cash, WilliamHunter, Andrew
Chapman, SydneyIrvine, Michael
Chope, ChristopherJack, Michael
Churchill, MrJanman, Tim
Clark, Dr Michael (Rochford)Johnson Smith, Sir Geoffrey
Clark, Rt Hon Sir WilliamJones, Gwilym (Cardiff N)
Clarke, Rt Hon K. (Rushcliffe)Jones, Robert B (Herts W)
Colvin, MichaelJopling, Rt Hon Michael
Coombs, Anthony (Wyre F'rest)Kellett-Bowman, Dame Elaine
Coombs, Simon (Swindon)Key, Robert
Cope, Rt Hon JohnKilfedder, James
Couchman, JamesKing, Rt Hon Tom (Bridgwater)
Cran, JamesKirkhope, Timothy
Davies, Q. (Stamf'd & Spald'g)Knapman, Roger
Davis, David (Boothferry)Knight, Greg (Derby North)
Day, StephenKnowles, Michael
Dickens, GeoffreyKnox, David
Dicks, TerryLang, Rt Hon Ian
Dorrell, StephenLatham, Michael
Douglas-Hamilton, Lord JamesLawrence, Ivan
Dover, DenLee, John (Pendle)
Dunn, BobLeigh, Edward (Gainsbor'gh)
Dykes, HughLennox-Boyd, Hon Mark
Eggar, TimLester, Jim (Broxtowe)
Evans, David (Welwyn Hatf'd)Lloyd, Sir Ian (Havant)
Fairbairn, Sir NicholasLloyd, Peter (Fareham)
Favell, TonyLord, Michael
Fenner, Dame PeggyLuce, Rt Hon Sir Richard
Field, Barry (Isle of Wight)Lyell, Rt Hon Sir Nicholas
Finsberg, Sir GeoffreyMacfarlane, Sir Neil
Fishburn, John DudleyMacGregor, Rt Hon John
Fookes, Dame JanetMacKay, Andrew (E Berkshire)
Forman, NigelMaclean, David
Forsyth, Michael (Stirling)McLoughlin, Patrick
Forth, EricMcNair-Wilson, Sir Michael
Fowler, Rt Hon Sir NormanMcNair-Wilson, Sir Patrick
Fox, Sir MarcusMadel, David
Franks, CecilMalins, Humfrey
Freeman, RogerMarland, Paul
French, DouglasMarlow, Tony
Fry, PeterMarshall, John (Hendon S)
Gale, RogerMarshall, Sir Michael (Arundel)
Gardiner, Sir GeorgeMartin, David (Portsmouth S)
Gill, ChristopherMates, Michael
Glyn, Dr Sir AlanMaude, Hon Francis
Goodlad, AlastairMawhinney, Dr Brian
Goodson-Wickes, Dr CharlesMayhew, Rt Hon Sir Patrick
Gorman, Mrs TeresaMellor, Rt Hon David
Grant, Sir Anthony (CambsSW)Meyer, Sir Anthony
Greenway, Harry (Ealing N)Miller, Sir Hal
Greenway, John (Ryedale)Mills, Iain
Gregory, ConalMiscampbell, Norman
Griffiths, Peter (Portsmouth N)Mitchell, Andrew (Gedling)
Grist, IanMitchell, Sir David
Ground, PatrickMoate, Roger
Grylls, MichaelMonro, Sir Hector
Hague, WilliamMontgomery, Sir Fergus
Hamilton, Hon Archie (Epsom)Morris, M (N'hampton S)
Hamilton, Neil (Tatton)Moss, Malcolm
Hanley, JeremyNelson, Anthony
Hannam, JohnNeubert, Sir Michael
Hargreaves, Ken (Hyndburn)Nicholls, Patrick
Harris, DavidNicholson, David (Taunton)
Hawkins, ChristopherNicholson, Emma (Devon West)
Hayes, JerryOnslow, Rt Hon Cranley
Hayward, RobertOppenheim, Phillip
Heathcoat-Amory, DavidPage, Richard
Hicks, Mrs Maureen (Wolv1 NE)Paice, James
Hicks, Robert (Cornwall SE)Pattie, Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey
Higgins, Rt Hon Terence L.Pawsey, James
Hill, JamesPeacock, Mrs Elizabeth
Hind, KennethPorter, David (Waveney)
Holt, RichardPortillo, Michael
Hordern, Sir PeterPowell, William (Corby)
Howard, Rt Hon MichaelPrice, Sir David
Howarth, Alan (Strat'd-on-A)Raison, Rt Hon Sir Timothy
Redwood, JohnTapsell, Sir Peter
Riddick, GrahamTaylor, Teddy (S'end E)
Rifkind, Rt Hon MalcolmTebbit, Rt Hon Norman
Roberts, Sir Wyn (Conwy)Temple-Morris, Peter
Roe, Mrs MarionThompson, D. (Calder Valley)
Ross, William (Londonderry E)Thompson, Patrick (Norwich N)
Rossi, Sir HughThornton, Malcolm
Rost, PeterThurnham, Peter
Rowe, AndrewTownsend, Cyril D. (B'heath)
Rumbold, Rt Hon Mrs AngelaTracey, Richard
Sackville, Hon TomTrotter, Neville
Sayeed, JonathanTwinn, Dr Ian
Scott, Rt Hon NicholasVaughan, Sir Gerard
Shaw, David (Dover)Viggers, Peter
Shaw, Sir Michael (Scarb')Ward, John
Shelton, Sir WilliamWardle, Charles (Bexhill)
Shephard, Mrs G. (Norfolk SW)Watts, John
Shepherd, Richard (Aldridge)Wheeler, Sir John
Shersby, MichaelWhitney, Ray
Skeet, Sir TrevorWiggin, Jerry
Smith, Tim (Beaconsfield)Wilkinson, John
Speller, TonyWilshire, David
Spicer, Sir Jim (Dorset W)Winterton, Mrs Ann
Spicer, Michael (S Worcs)Winterton, Nicholas
Squire, RobinWolfson, Mark
Stanbrook, IvorWood, Timothy
Stanley, Rt Hon Sir JohnWoodcock, Dr. Mike
Steen, AnthonyYeo, Tim
Stevens, LewisYoung, Sir George (Acton)
Stewart, Allan (Eastwood)
Stewart, Andy (Sherwood)Tellers for the Noes:
Stewart, Rt Hon Ian (Herts N)Mr. John M. Taylor,
Sumberg, DavidMr. Irvine Patnick.
Summerson, Hugo

Question accordingly negatived.

Schedule agreed to.

Bill reported, without amendment.

Order for Third Reading read.—[Queen's and Prince of Wales's consent signified]

Photo of Mr Michael Portillo Mr Michael Portillo , Enfield, Southgate 10:58, 12 June 1991

I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time.

The Government are determined to introduce the council tax in England, Scotland and Wales on 1 April 1993. We will introduce a tax that is sustainable and that commends itself to the British public as fair, and we will introduce it at levels that are acceptable. To achieve that, it may be necessary for us to control the expenditure of local authorities, whatever their size and whatever their budgets may be. That is why the Bill extends our powers to limit local authority budgets below £15 million a year. It also makes it possible for us to commence the valuation process so that we can bring the council tax into operation in April 1993.

The Opposition have shown that they are opposed to any limitation on local government spending. They would like to see it rip. The figures for their alternative hold no water, because under their proposals local authority spending would go through the roof. We have every confidence that with this Bill we shall be able to introduce the council tax in 1993, and I have every confidence that the British public will accept it as a fair and sustainable basis for local taxation. I commend the Bill to the House.

11 pm

Photo of David Blunkett David Blunkett Opposition Spokesperson (Local Government & Poll Tax), Member, Labour Party National Executive Committee

I oppose the Bill and ask the House to oppose its Third Reading.

The past two days have been a wasted opportunity which could have been used to rid the country of the poll tax by 1 April 1992. We could have ensured that the Conservative estimate of £800 million a year—we estimate £3·7 billion for the period to April 1994—was saved by introducing our alternative from 1 April. That money should be spent on services, protecting jobs and enhancing the quality of life of local communities. It should not be wasted through non-collection and the administration of the poll tax for a further two years.

Tonight we come to the end of a debate in which the Government have admitted their contempt for local government. The smallest authorities, with tiny budgets relative to macro-economic policy, will find themselves capped, not because of the impact of the expenditure on their local economy, but because the Government have had to do a cash deal with the Treasury to keep down the poll tax this year and next, and to ensure that resources are made available for that. That is the simple reason why those authorities that spend less than £15 million a year have been included in capping.

Worst of all, the Bill has introduced the valuation system for the council tax. Tory Members will live to regret both their absence from the debate and that they voted the wrong way, as their Whips told them to. We have accorded ourselves a valuation system which will be clumsy to implement and will lead to havoc in the appeals system, confusion, irritation and unfairness.

There is only one thing to be said about the measure. I said it at about 3.45 pm and I shall repeat it. The Secretary of State for the Environment said it on 22 June 1979—the last time a valuation system was attempted in England and Wales. He called on the British people to "tear it up". That is what we should do with the valuation system in this Bill. Instead, we should institute our fair rates proposals which would rid us of the poll tax for ever.

Photo of Mr David Bellotti Mr David Bellotti , Eastbourne 11:03, 12 June 1991

During the passage of the Bill, it has been proven to the House that the system of bandings is unworkable, that the valuation process to be embarked upon will bring utter chaos and that 1993 is far too optimistic a date to have the system in place. The country knows that the poll tax was a failure, and it will soon find that the council tax is an equal failure.

The country knows that we do not want to go back to the rates. In the course of our deliberations a local income tax that could be in place by April 1992 has been on offer, as has the opportunity to remove capping from local authorities and thus the chance to ensure that there are no cuts in their services. Those opportunities were not taken by the Government, and that is why we should vote against giving the Bill a Third Reading.

Question put, That the Bill be now read the Third time:—

The House divided: Ayes 258, Noes 185.

Division No. 173][11.04 pm
AYES
Adley, RobertBellingham, Henry
Aitken, JonathanBendall, Vivian
Alexander, RichardBennett, Nicholas (Pembroke)
Alison, Rt Hon MichaelBiffen, Rt Hon John
Allason, RupertBlackburn, Dr John G.
Amess, DavidBlaker, Rt Hon Sir Peter
Amos, AlanBonsor, Sir Nicholas
Arbuthnot, JamesBoscawen, Hon Robert
Arnold, Sir ThomasBoswell, Tim
Ashby, DavidBowden, A. (Brighton K'pto'n)
Aspinwall, JackBowden, Gerald (Dulwich)
Atkinson, DavidBowis, John
Baker, Rt Hon K. (Mole Valley)Boyson, Rt Hon Dr Sir Rhodes
Brandon-Bravo, MartinHeathcoat-Amory, David
Brazier, JulianHicks, Mrs Maureen (Wolv' NE)
Bright, GrahamHicks, Robert (Cornwall SE)
Brooke, Rt Hon PeterHiggins, Rt Hon Terence L.
Brown, Michael (Brigg & Cl't's)Hill, James
Bruce, Ian (Dorset South)Hind, Kenneth
Buck, Sir AntonyHordern, Sir Peter
Butler, ChrisHoward, Rt Hon Michael
Butterfill, JohnHowarth, Alan (Strat'd-on-A)
Carlisle, John, (Luton N)Howarth, G. (Cannock & B'wd)
Carlisle, Kenneth (Lincoln)Howell, Rt Hon David (G'dford)
Carrington, MatthewHughes, Robert G. (Harrow W)
Carttiss, MichaelHunt, Sir John (Ravensbourne)
Cash, WilliamHunter, Andrew
Channon, Rt Hon PaulIrvine, Michael
Chapman, SydneyJack, Michael
Chope, ChristopherJanman, Tim
Churchill, MrJohnson Smith, Sir Geoffrey
Clark, Dr Michael (Rochford)Jones, Gwilym (Cardiff N)
Clark, Rt Hon Sir WilliamJones, Robert B (Herts W)
Clarke, Rt Hon K. (Rushcliffe)Jopling, Rt Hon Michael
Colvin, MichaelKellett-Bowman, Dame Elaine
Coombs, Anthony (Wyre F'rest)Key, Robert
Coombs, Simon (Swindon)Kilfedder, James
Cope, Rt Hon JohnKing, Rt Hon Tom (Bridgwater)
Couchman, JamesKirkhope, Timothy
Cran, JamesKnapman, Roger
Davies, Q. (Stamf'd & Spald'g)Knight, Greg (Derby North)
Davis, David (Boothferry)Knowles, Michael
Day, StephenKnox, David
Dickens, GeoffreyLang, Rt Hon Ian
Dicks, TerryLatham, Michael
Dorrell, StephenLawrence, Ivan
Douglas-Hamilton, Lord JamesLee, John (Pendle)
Dover, DenLeigh, Edward (Gainsbor'gh)
Dunn, BobLennox-Boyd, Hon Mark
Dykes, HughLester, Jim (Broxtowe)
Eggar, TimLilley, Rt Hon Peter
Evans, David (Welwyn Hatf'd)Lloyd, Sir Ian (Havant)
Fairbairn, Sir NicholasLloyd, Peter (Fareham)
Favell, TonyLord, Michael
Fenner, Dame PeggyLuce, Rt Hon Sir Richard
Field, Barry (Isle of Wight)Lyell, Rt Hon Sir Nicholas
Finsberg, Sir GeoffreyMacfarlane, Sir Neil
Fishburn, John DudleyMacGregor, Rt Hon John
Fookes, Dame JanetMaclean, David
Forman, NigelMcLoughlin, Patrick
Forsyth, Michael (Stirling)McNair-Wilson, Sir Michael
Forth, EricMcNair-Wilson, Sir Patrick
Fowler, Rt Hon Sir NormanMadel, David
Fox, Sir MarcusMalins, Humfrey
Franks, CecilMarland, Paul
Freeman, RogerMarlow, Tony
French, DouglasMarshall, Sir Michael (Arundel)
Fry, PeterMartin, David (Portsmouth S)
Gale, RogerMates, Michael
Gardiner, Sir GeorgeMaude, Hon Francis
Gill, ChristopherMawhinney, Dr Brian
Gilmour, Rt Hon Sir IanMayhew, Rt Hon Sir Patrick
Glyn, Dr Sir AlanMellor, Rt Hon David
Goodlad, AlastairMeyer, Sir Anthony
Goodson-Wickes, Dr CharlesMiller, Sir Hal
Gorman, Mrs TeresaMills, Iain
Grant, Sir Anthony (CambsSW)Miscampbell, Norman
Greenway, Harry (Ealing N)Mitchell, Andrew (Gedling)
Greenway, John (Ryedale)Mitchell, Sir David
Gregory, ConalMoate, Roger
Griffiths, Peter (Portsmouth N)Monro, Sir Hector
Grist, IanMontgomery, Sir Fergus
Ground, PatrickMorris, M (N'hampton S)
Hague, WilliamMorrison, Rt Hon Sir Peter
Hamilton, Hon Archie (Epsom)Moss, Malcolm
Hamilton, Neil (Tatton)Neale, Sir Gerrard
Hanley, JeremyNelson, Anthony
Hannam, JohnNeubert, Sir Michael
Hargreaves, Ken (Hyndburn)Nicholls, Patrick
Harris, DavidNicholson, David (Taunton)
Hawkins, ChristopherNicholson, Emma (Devon West)
Hayes, JerryOnslow, Rt Hon Cranley
Hayward, RobertOppenheim, Phillip
Page, RichardStewart, Rt Hon Ian (Herts N)
Paice, JamesSumberg, David
Patnick, IrvineSummerson, Hugo
Pattie, Rt Hon Sir GeoffreyTapsell, Sir Peter
Peacock, Mrs ElizabethTaylor, Teddy (S'end E)
Porter, David (Waveney)Tebbit, Rt Hon Norman
Portillo, MichaelTemple-Morris, Peter
Powell, William (Corby)Thompson, D. (Calder Valley)
Price, Sir DavidThompson, Patrick (Norwich N)
Redwood, JohnThornton, Malcolm
Riddick, GrahamThurnham, Peter
Roberts, Sir Wyn (Conwy)Townsend, Cyril D. (B'heath)
Roe, Mrs MarionTracey, Richard
Rost, PeterTrippier, David
Rowe, AndrewTrotter, Neville
Rumbold, Rt Hon Mrs AngelaTwinn, Dr Ian
Sackville, Hon TomVaughan, Sir Gerard
Sayeed, JonathanViggers, Peter
Scott, Rt Hon NicholasWard, John
Shaw, David (Dover)Wardle, Charles (Bexhill)
Shaw, Sir Michael (Scarb')Watts, John
Shelton, Sir WilliamWheeler, Sir John
Shephard, Mrs G. (Norfolk SW)Whitney, Ray
Shepherd, Richard (Aldridge)Wiggin, Jerry
Shersby, MichaelWilkinson, John
Skeet, Sir TrevorWilshire, David
Smith, Tim (Beaconsfield)Winterton, Mrs Ann
Soames, Hon NicholasWinterton, Nicholas
Speller, TonyWolfson, Mark
Spicer, Sir Jim (Dorset W)Wood, Timothy
Spicer, Michael (S Worcs)Woodcock, Dr. Mike
Squire, RobinYeo, Tim
Stanbrook, IvorYoung, Sir George (Acton)
Stanley, Rt Hon Sir John
Steen, AnthonyTellers for the Ayes:
Stevens, LewisMr. John M. Taylor and
Stewart, Allan (Eastwood)Mr. Nicholas Baker.
Stewart, Andy (Sherwood)
NOES
Abbott, Ms DianeDalyell, Tarn
Adams, Mrs Irene (Paisley, N.)Darling, Alistair
Allen, GrahamDavis, Terry (B'ham Hodge H'I)
Alton, DavidDewar, Donald
Archer, Rt Hon PeterDixon, Don
Armstrong, HilaryDobson, Frank
Ashdown, Rt Hon PaddyDouglas, Dick
Ashley, Rt Hon JackDuffy, A. E. P.
Ashton, JoeDunnachie, Jimmy
Barnes, Harry (Derbyshire NE)Dunwoody, Hon Mrs Gwyneth
Barnes, Mrs Rosie (Greenwich)Eastham, Ken
Barron, KevinEdwards, Huw
Battle, JohnEwing, Mrs Margaret (Moray)
Beckett, MargaretFatchett, Derek
Beith, A. J.Faulds, Andrew
Bell, StuartFearn, Ronald
Bellotti, DavidFields, Terry (L'pool B G'n)
Bennett, A. F. (D'nt'n & R'dish)Flynn, Paul
Bermingham, GeraldFoster, Derek
Blair, TonyFoulkes, George
Blunkett, DavidFraser, John
Boateng, PaulFyfe, Maria
Boyes, RolandGalbraith, Sam
Bradley, KeithGarrett, John (Norwich South)
Bray, Dr JeremyGodman, Dr Norman A.
Brown, Ron (Edinburgh Leith)Golding, Mrs Llin
Caborn, RichardGordon, Mildred
Callaghan, JimGould, Bryan
Campbell, Menzies (Fife NE)Graham, Thomas
Campbell, Ron (Blyth Valley)Grant, Bernie (Tottenham)
Canavan, DennisGriffiths, Nigel (Edinburgh S)
Carlile, Alex (Mont'g)Griffiths, Win (Bridgend)
Carr, MichaelHain, Peter
Clark, Dr David (S Shields)Hardy, Peter
Clarke, Tom (Monklands W)Harman, Ms Harriet
Clelland, DavidHeal, Mrs Sylvia
Cohen, HarryHenderson, Doug
Cryer, BobHinchliffe, David
Cummings, JohnHoey, Ms Kate (Vauxhall)
Cunliffe, LawrenceHogg, N. (C'nauld & Kilsyth)
Home Robertson, JohnO'Hara, Edward
Howells, GeraintOrme, Rt Hon Stanley
Howells, Dr. Kim (Pontypridd)Parry, Robert
Hughes, John (Coventry NE)Patchett, Terry
Hughes, Robert (Aberdeen N)Pendry, Tom
Hughes, Roy (Newport E)Pike, Peter L.
Hughes, Simon (Southwark)Powell, Ray (Ogmore)
Illsley, EricPrescott, John
Ingram, AdamPrimarolo, Dawn
Jones, Barry (Alyn & Deeside)Quin, Ms Joyce
Jones, Martyn (Clwyd S W)Radice, Giles
Kaufman, Rt Hon GeraldRedmond, Martin
Kinnock, Rt Hon NeilReid, Dr John
Kirkwood, ArchyRichardson, Jo
Lambie, DavidRoss, Ernie (Dundee W)
Lamond, JamesRowlands, Ted
Leadbitter, TedRuddock, Joan
Leighton, RonSalmond, Alex
Lestor, Joan (Eccles)Sedgemore, Brian
Lewis, TerrySheerman, Barry
Litherland, RobertSheldon, Rt Hon Robert
Livingstone, KenShore, Rt Hon Peter
Livsey, RichardShort, Clare
Lloyd, Tony (Stretford)Skinner, Dennis
Loyden, EddieSmith, Andrew (Oxford E)
McAllion, JohnSmith, C. (Isl'ton & F'bury)
McAvoy, ThomasSmith, Rt Hon J. (Monk'ds E)
Macdonald, Calum A.Smith, J. P. (Vale of Glam)
McFall, JohnSnape, Peter
McKay, Allen (Barnsley West)Soley, Clive
McKelvey, WilliamSpearing, Nigel
McMaster, GordonSteel, Rt Hon Sir David
McNamara, KevinSteinberg, Gerry
McWilliam, JohnStrang, Gavin
Madden, MaxTaylor, Mrs Ann (Dewsbury)
Mahon, Mrs AliceTaylor, Matthew (Truro)
Marek, Dr JohnTurner, Dennis
Marshall, David (Shettleston)Vaz, Keith
Martin, Michael J. (Springburn)Wallace, James
Martlew, EricWareing, Robert N.
Meale, AlanWatson, Mike (Glasgow, C)
Michael, AlunWelsh, Andrew (Angus E)
Michie, Bill (Sheffield Heeley)Welsh, Michael (Doncaster N)
Michie, Mrs Ray (Arg'l & Bute)Wigley, Dafydd
Mitchell, Austin (G't Grimsby)Williams, Rt Hon Alan
Moonie, Dr LewisWilliams, Alan W. (Carm'then)
Morgan, RhodriWinnick, David
Morley, ElliotWise, Mrs Audrey
Morris, Rt Hon J. (Aberavon)Worthington, Tony
Mullin, ChrisYoung, David (Bolton SE)
Murphy, Paul
Nellist, DaveTellers for the Noes:
Oakes, Rt Hon GordonMr. Frank Haynes and
O'Brien, WilliamMr. Jack Thompson.

Question accordingly agreed to.

Bill read the Third time, and passed.