HC Deb 12 June 1991 vol 192 cc1008-15

'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.

The Chairman of Ways and Means (Mr. Harold Walker)

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.'.

Mr. Bellotti

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.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

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.

10.45 pm
Mr. Bellotti

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 Diane Livsey, Richard
Alton, David Loyden, Eddie
Ashdown, Rt Hon Paddy Mahon, Mrs Alice
Ashton, Joe Meale, Alan
Barnes, Harry (Derbyshire NE) Michie, Mrs Ray (Arg'l & Bute)
Barnes, Mrs Rosie (Greenwich) Salmond, Alex
Beith, A. J. Skinner, Dennis
Bellotti, David Steel, Rt Hon Sir David
Campbell, Menzies (Fife NE) Taylor, Matthew (Truro)
Carlile, Alex (Mont'g) Thomas, Dr Dafydd Elis
Carr, Michael Wallace, James
Cryer, Bob Welsh, Andrew (Angus E)
Douglas, Dick Wigley, Dafydd
Ewing, Mrs Margaret (Moray) Wise, Mrs Audrey
Flynn, Paul
Howells, Geraint Tellers for the Ayes:
Hughes, Simon (Southwark) Mr. Archy Kirkwood and
Lambie, David Mr. Ronald Fearn.
Livingstone, Ken
NOES
Adley, Robert Blackburn, Dr John G.
Aitken, Jonathan Blaker, Rt Hon Sir Peter
Alexander, Richard Bonsor, Sir Nicholas
Alison, Rt Hon Michael Boscawen, Hon Robert
Allason, Rupert Boswell, Tim
Amess, David Bowden, A. (Brighton K'pto'n)
Amos, Alan Bowden, Gerald (Dulwich)
Arbuthnot, James Bowis, John
Ashby, David Boyson, Rt Hon Dr Sir Rhodes
Aspinwall, Jack Brandon-Bravo, Martin
Atkinson, David Brazier, Julian
Baker, Rt Hon K. (Mole Valley) Bright, Graham
Baker, Nicholas (Dorset N) Brooke, Rt Hon Peter
Batiste, Spencer Brown, Michael (Brigg & Cl't's)
Beggs, Roy Bruce, Ian (Dorset South)
Bellingham, Henry Buck, Sir Antony
Bendall, Vivian Butcher, John
Bennett, Nicholas (Pembroke) Butler, Chris
Biffen, Rt Hon John Butterfill, John
Carlisle, John, (Luton N) Howarth, G. (Cannock & B'wd)
Carlisle, Kenneth (Lincoln) Howell, Rt Hon David (G'dford)
Carrington, Matthew Hughes, Robert G. (Harrow W)
Carttiss, Michael Hunt, Sir John (Ravensbourne)
Cash, William Hunter, Andrew
Chapman, Sydney Irvine, Michael
Chope, Christopher Jack, Michael
Churchill, Mr Janman, Tim
Clark, Dr Michael (Rochford) Johnson Smith, Sir Geoffrey
Clark, Rt Hon Sir William Jones, Gwilym (Cardiff N)
Clarke, Rt Hon K. (Rushcliffe) Jones, Robert B (Herts W)
Colvin, Michael Jopling, Rt Hon Michael
Coombs, Anthony (Wyre F'rest) Kellett-Bowman, Dame Elaine
Coombs, Simon (Swindon) Key, Robert
Cope, Rt Hon John Kilfedder, James
Couchman, James King, Rt Hon Tom (Bridgwater)
Cran, James Kirkhope, Timothy
Davies, Q. (Stamf'd & Spald'g) Knapman, Roger
Davis, David (Boothferry) Knight, Greg (Derby North)
Day, Stephen Knowles, Michael
Dickens, Geoffrey Knox, David
Dicks, Terry Lang, Rt Hon Ian
Dorrell, Stephen Latham, Michael
Douglas-Hamilton, Lord James Lawrence, Ivan
Dover, Den Lee, John (Pendle)
Dunn, Bob Leigh, Edward (Gainsbor'gh)
Dykes, Hugh Lennox-Boyd, Hon Mark
Eggar, Tim Lester, Jim (Broxtowe)
Evans, David (Welwyn Hatf'd) Lloyd, Sir Ian (Havant)
Fairbairn, Sir Nicholas Lloyd, Peter (Fareham)
Favell, Tony Lord, Michael
Fenner, Dame Peggy Luce, Rt Hon Sir Richard
Field, Barry (Isle of Wight) Lyell, Rt Hon Sir Nicholas
Finsberg, Sir Geoffrey Macfarlane, Sir Neil
Fishburn, John Dudley MacGregor, Rt Hon John
Fookes, Dame Janet MacKay, Andrew (E Berkshire)
Forman, Nigel Maclean, David
Forsyth, Michael (Stirling) McLoughlin, Patrick
Forth, Eric McNair-Wilson, Sir Michael
Fowler, Rt Hon Sir Norman McNair-Wilson, Sir Patrick
Fox, Sir Marcus Madel, David
Franks, Cecil Malins, Humfrey
Freeman, Roger Marland, Paul
French, Douglas Marlow, Tony
Fry, Peter Marshall, John (Hendon S)
Gale, Roger Marshall, Sir Michael (Arundel)
Gardiner, Sir George Martin, David (Portsmouth S)
Gill, Christopher Mates, Michael
Glyn, Dr Sir Alan Maude, Hon Francis
Goodlad, Alastair Mawhinney, Dr Brian
Goodson-Wickes, Dr Charles Mayhew, Rt Hon Sir Patrick
Gorman, Mrs Teresa Mellor, Rt Hon David
Grant, Sir Anthony (CambsSW) Meyer, Sir Anthony
Greenway, Harry (Ealing N) Miller, Sir Hal
Greenway, John (Ryedale) Mills, Iain
Gregory, Conal Miscampbell, Norman
Griffiths, Peter (Portsmouth N) Mitchell, Andrew (Gedling)
Grist, Ian Mitchell, Sir David
Ground, Patrick Moate, Roger
Grylls, Michael Monro, Sir Hector
Hague, William Montgomery, Sir Fergus
Hamilton, Hon Archie (Epsom) Morris, M (N'hampton S)
Hamilton, Neil (Tatton) Moss, Malcolm
Hanley, Jeremy Nelson, Anthony
Hannam, John Neubert, Sir Michael
Hargreaves, Ken (Hyndburn) Nicholls, Patrick
Harris, David Nicholson, David (Taunton)
Hawkins, Christopher Nicholson, Emma (Devon West)
Hayes, Jerry Onslow, Rt Hon Cranley
Hayward, Robert Oppenheim, Phillip
Heathcoat-Amory, David Page, 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, James Peacock, Mrs Elizabeth
Hind, Kenneth Porter, David (Waveney)
Holt, Richard Portillo, Michael
Hordern, Sir Peter Powell, William (Corby)
Howard, Rt Hon Michael Price, Sir David
Howarth, Alan (Strat'd-on-A) Raison, Rt Hon Sir Timothy
Redwood, John Tapsell, Sir Peter
Riddick, Graham Taylor, Teddy (S'end E)
Rifkind, Rt Hon Malcolm Tebbit, Rt Hon Norman
Roberts, Sir Wyn (Conwy) Temple-Morris, Peter
Roe, Mrs Marion Thompson, D. (Calder Valley)
Ross, William (Londonderry E) Thompson, Patrick (Norwich N)
Rossi, Sir Hugh Thornton, Malcolm
Rost, Peter Thurnham, Peter
Rowe, Andrew Townsend, Cyril D. (B'heath)
Rumbold, Rt Hon Mrs Angela Tracey, Richard
Sackville, Hon Tom Trotter, Neville
Sayeed, Jonathan Twinn, Dr Ian
Scott, Rt Hon Nicholas Vaughan, Sir Gerard
Shaw, David (Dover) Viggers, Peter
Shaw, Sir Michael (Scarb') Ward, John
Shelton, Sir William Wardle, Charles (Bexhill)
Shephard, Mrs G. (Norfolk SW) Watts, John
Shepherd, Richard (Aldridge) Wheeler, Sir John
Shersby, Michael Whitney, Ray
Skeet, Sir Trevor Wiggin, Jerry
Smith, Tim (Beaconsfield) Wilkinson, John
Speller, Tony Wilshire, David
Spicer, Sir Jim (Dorset W) Winterton, Mrs Ann
Spicer, Michael (S Worcs) Winterton, Nicholas
Squire, Robin Wolfson, Mark
Stanbrook, Ivor Wood, Timothy
Stanley, Rt Hon Sir John Woodcock, Dr. Mike
Steen, Anthony Yeo, Tim
Stevens, Lewis Young, Sir George (Acton)
Stewart, Allan (Eastwood)
Stewart, Andy (Sherwood) Tellers for the Noes:
Stewart, Rt Hon Ian (Herts N) Mr. John M. Taylor,
Sumberg, David Mr. 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]

10.58 pm
Mr. Portillo

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

Mr. Blunkett

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.

11.3 pm

Mr. Bellotti

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, Robert Bellingham, Henry
Aitken, Jonathan Bendall, Vivian
Alexander, Richard Bennett, Nicholas (Pembroke)
Alison, Rt Hon Michael Biffen, Rt Hon John
Allason, Rupert Blackburn, Dr John G.
Amess, David Blaker, Rt Hon Sir Peter
Amos, Alan Bonsor, Sir Nicholas
Arbuthnot, James Boscawen, Hon Robert
Arnold, Sir Thomas Boswell, Tim
Ashby, David Bowden, A. (Brighton K'pto'n)
Aspinwall, Jack Bowden, Gerald (Dulwich)
Atkinson, David Bowis, John
Baker, Rt Hon K. (Mole Valley) Boyson, Rt Hon Dr Sir Rhodes
Brandon-Bravo, Martin Heathcoat-Amory, David
Brazier, Julian Hicks, Mrs Maureen (Wolv' NE)
Bright, Graham Hicks, Robert (Cornwall SE)
Brooke, Rt Hon Peter Higgins, Rt Hon Terence L.
Brown, Michael (Brigg & Cl't's) Hill, James
Bruce, Ian (Dorset South) Hind, Kenneth
Buck, Sir Antony Hordern, Sir Peter
Butler, Chris Howard, Rt Hon Michael
Butterfill, John Howarth, Alan (Strat'd-on-A)
Carlisle, John, (Luton N) Howarth, G. (Cannock & B'wd)
Carlisle, Kenneth (Lincoln) Howell, Rt Hon David (G'dford)
Carrington, Matthew Hughes, Robert G. (Harrow W)
Carttiss, Michael Hunt, Sir John (Ravensbourne)
Cash, William Hunter, Andrew
Channon, Rt Hon Paul Irvine, Michael
Chapman, Sydney Jack, Michael
Chope, Christopher Janman, Tim
Churchill, Mr Johnson Smith, Sir Geoffrey
Clark, Dr Michael (Rochford) Jones, Gwilym (Cardiff N)
Clark, Rt Hon Sir William Jones, Robert B (Herts W)
Clarke, Rt Hon K. (Rushcliffe) Jopling, Rt Hon Michael
Colvin, Michael Kellett-Bowman, Dame Elaine
Coombs, Anthony (Wyre F'rest) Key, Robert
Coombs, Simon (Swindon) Kilfedder, James
Cope, Rt Hon John King, Rt Hon Tom (Bridgwater)
Couchman, James Kirkhope, Timothy
Cran, James Knapman, Roger
Davies, Q. (Stamf'd & Spald'g) Knight, Greg (Derby North)
Davis, David (Boothferry) Knowles, Michael
Day, Stephen Knox, David
Dickens, Geoffrey Lang, Rt Hon Ian
Dicks, Terry Latham, Michael
Dorrell, Stephen Lawrence, Ivan
Douglas-Hamilton, Lord James Lee, John (Pendle)
Dover, Den Leigh, Edward (Gainsbor'gh)
Dunn, Bob Lennox-Boyd, Hon Mark
Dykes, Hugh Lester, Jim (Broxtowe)
Eggar, Tim Lilley, Rt Hon Peter
Evans, David (Welwyn Hatf'd) Lloyd, Sir Ian (Havant)
Fairbairn, Sir Nicholas Lloyd, Peter (Fareham)
Favell, Tony Lord, Michael
Fenner, Dame Peggy Luce, Rt Hon Sir Richard
Field, Barry (Isle of Wight) Lyell, Rt Hon Sir Nicholas
Finsberg, Sir Geoffrey Macfarlane, Sir Neil
Fishburn, John Dudley MacGregor, Rt Hon John
Fookes, Dame Janet Maclean, David
Forman, Nigel McLoughlin, Patrick
Forsyth, Michael (Stirling) McNair-Wilson, Sir Michael
Forth, Eric McNair-Wilson, Sir Patrick
Fowler, Rt Hon Sir Norman Madel, David
Fox, Sir Marcus Malins, Humfrey
Franks, Cecil Marland, Paul
Freeman, Roger Marlow, Tony
French, Douglas Marshall, Sir Michael (Arundel)
Fry, Peter Martin, David (Portsmouth S)
Gale, Roger Mates, Michael
Gardiner, Sir George Maude, Hon Francis
Gill, Christopher Mawhinney, Dr Brian
Gilmour, Rt Hon Sir Ian Mayhew, Rt Hon Sir Patrick
Glyn, Dr Sir Alan Mellor, Rt Hon David
Goodlad, Alastair Meyer, Sir Anthony
Goodson-Wickes, Dr Charles Miller, Sir Hal
Gorman, Mrs Teresa Mills, Iain
Grant, Sir Anthony (CambsSW) Miscampbell, Norman
Greenway, Harry (Ealing N) Mitchell, Andrew (Gedling)
Greenway, John (Ryedale) Mitchell, Sir David
Gregory, Conal Moate, Roger
Griffiths, Peter (Portsmouth N) Monro, Sir Hector
Grist, Ian Montgomery, Sir Fergus
Ground, Patrick Morris, M (N'hampton S)
Hague, William Morrison, Rt Hon Sir Peter
Hamilton, Hon Archie (Epsom) Moss, Malcolm
Hamilton, Neil (Tatton) Neale, Sir Gerrard
Hanley, Jeremy Nelson, Anthony
Hannam, John Neubert, Sir Michael
Hargreaves, Ken (Hyndburn) Nicholls, Patrick
Harris, David Nicholson, David (Taunton)
Hawkins, Christopher Nicholson, Emma (Devon West)
Hayes, Jerry Onslow, Rt Hon Cranley
Hayward, Robert Oppenheim, Phillip
Page, Richard Stewart, Rt Hon Ian (Herts N)
Paice, James Sumberg, David
Patnick, Irvine Summerson, Hugo
Pattie, Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey Tapsell, Sir Peter
Peacock, Mrs Elizabeth Taylor, Teddy (S'end E)
Porter, David (Waveney) Tebbit, Rt Hon Norman
Portillo, Michael Temple-Morris, Peter
Powell, William (Corby) Thompson, D. (Calder Valley)
Price, Sir David Thompson, Patrick (Norwich N)
Redwood, John Thornton, Malcolm
Riddick, Graham Thurnham, Peter
Roberts, Sir Wyn (Conwy) Townsend, Cyril D. (B'heath)
Roe, Mrs Marion Tracey, Richard
Rost, Peter Trippier, David
Rowe, Andrew Trotter, Neville
Rumbold, Rt Hon Mrs Angela Twinn, Dr Ian
Sackville, Hon Tom Vaughan, Sir Gerard
Sayeed, Jonathan Viggers, Peter
Scott, Rt Hon Nicholas Ward, John
Shaw, David (Dover) Wardle, Charles (Bexhill)
Shaw, Sir Michael (Scarb') Watts, John
Shelton, Sir William Wheeler, Sir John
Shephard, Mrs G. (Norfolk SW) Whitney, Ray
Shepherd, Richard (Aldridge) Wiggin, Jerry
Shersby, Michael Wilkinson, John
Skeet, Sir Trevor Wilshire, David
Smith, Tim (Beaconsfield) Winterton, Mrs Ann
Soames, Hon Nicholas Winterton, Nicholas
Speller, Tony Wolfson, Mark
Spicer, Sir Jim (Dorset W) Wood, Timothy
Spicer, Michael (S Worcs) Woodcock, Dr. Mike
Squire, Robin Yeo, Tim
Stanbrook, Ivor Young, Sir George (Acton)
Stanley, Rt Hon Sir John
Steen, Anthony Tellers for the Ayes:
Stevens, Lewis Mr. John M. Taylor and
Stewart, Allan (Eastwood) Mr. Nicholas Baker.
Stewart, Andy (Sherwood)
NOES
Abbott, Ms Diane Dalyell, Tarn
Adams, Mrs Irene (Paisley, N.) Darling, Alistair
Allen, Graham Davis, Terry (B'ham Hodge H'I)
Alton, David Dewar, Donald
Archer, Rt Hon Peter Dixon, Don
Armstrong, Hilary Dobson, Frank
Ashdown, Rt Hon Paddy Douglas, Dick
Ashley, Rt Hon Jack Duffy, A. E. P.
Ashton, Joe Dunnachie, Jimmy
Barnes, Harry (Derbyshire NE) Dunwoody, Hon Mrs Gwyneth
Barnes, Mrs Rosie (Greenwich) Eastham, Ken
Barron, Kevin Edwards, Huw
Battle, John Ewing, Mrs Margaret (Moray)
Beckett, Margaret Fatchett, Derek
Beith, A. J. Faulds, Andrew
Bell, Stuart Fearn, Ronald
Bellotti, David Fields, Terry (L'pool B G'n)
Bennett, A. F. (D'nt'n & R'dish) Flynn, Paul
Bermingham, Gerald Foster, Derek
Blair, Tony Foulkes, George
Blunkett, David Fraser, John
Boateng, Paul Fyfe, Maria
Boyes, Roland Galbraith, Sam
Bradley, Keith Garrett, John (Norwich South)
Bray, Dr Jeremy Godman, Dr Norman A.
Brown, Ron (Edinburgh Leith) Golding, Mrs Llin
Caborn, Richard Gordon, Mildred
Callaghan, Jim Gould, Bryan
Campbell, Menzies (Fife NE) Graham, Thomas
Campbell, Ron (Blyth Valley) Grant, Bernie (Tottenham)
Canavan, Dennis Griffiths, Nigel (Edinburgh S)
Carlile, Alex (Mont'g) Griffiths, Win (Bridgend)
Carr, Michael Hain, Peter
Clark, Dr David (S Shields) Hardy, Peter
Clarke, Tom (Monklands W) Harman, Ms Harriet
Clelland, David Heal, Mrs Sylvia
Cohen, Harry Henderson, Doug
Cryer, Bob Hinchliffe, David
Cummings, John Hoey, Ms Kate (Vauxhall)
Cunliffe, Lawrence Hogg, N. (C'nauld & Kilsyth)
Home Robertson, John O'Hara, Edward
Howells, Geraint Orme, 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, Eric Prescott, John
Ingram, Adam Primarolo, Dawn
Jones, Barry (Alyn & Deeside) Quin, Ms Joyce
Jones, Martyn (Clwyd S W) Radice, Giles
Kaufman, Rt Hon Gerald Redmond, Martin
Kinnock, Rt Hon Neil Reid, Dr John
Kirkwood, Archy Richardson, Jo
Lambie, David Ross, Ernie (Dundee W)
Lamond, James Rowlands, Ted
Leadbitter, Ted Ruddock, Joan
Leighton, Ron Salmond, Alex
Lestor, Joan (Eccles) Sedgemore, Brian
Lewis, Terry Sheerman, Barry
Litherland, Robert Sheldon, Rt Hon Robert
Livingstone, Ken Shore, Rt Hon Peter
Livsey, Richard Short, Clare
Lloyd, Tony (Stretford) Skinner, Dennis
Loyden, Eddie Smith, Andrew (Oxford E)
McAllion, John Smith, C. (Isl'ton & F'bury)
McAvoy, Thomas Smith, Rt Hon J. (Monk'ds E)
Macdonald, Calum A. Smith, J. P. (Vale of Glam)
McFall, John Snape, Peter
McKay, Allen (Barnsley West) Soley, Clive
McKelvey, William Spearing, Nigel
McMaster, Gordon Steel, Rt Hon Sir David
McNamara, Kevin Steinberg, Gerry
McWilliam, John Strang, Gavin
Madden, Max Taylor, Mrs Ann (Dewsbury)
Mahon, Mrs Alice Taylor, Matthew (Truro)
Marek, Dr John Turner, Dennis
Marshall, David (Shettleston) Vaz, Keith
Martin, Michael J. (Springburn) Wallace, James
Martlew, Eric Wareing, Robert N.
Meale, Alan Watson, Mike (Glasgow, C)
Michael, Alun Welsh, 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 Lewis Williams, Alan W. (Carm'then)
Morgan, Rhodri Winnick, David
Morley, Elliot Wise, Mrs Audrey
Morris, Rt Hon J. (Aberavon) Worthington, Tony
Mullin, Chris Young, David (Bolton SE)
Murphy, Paul
Nellist, Dave Tellers for the Noes:
Oakes, Rt Hon Gordon Mr. Frank Haynes and
O'Brien, William Mr. Jack Thompson.

Question accordingly agreed to.

Bill read the Third time, and passed.