§ MR. DEPUTY SPEAKER put forthwith the Questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the motion relating to further expenditure, pursuant to Order [29 November].
§
Motion made, and Question proposed,
That this House welcomes the spending plans announced in the Budget statement by Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer on 29th November; congratulates Her Majesty's Government on its firm control over public expenditure, its drive for greater efficiency and economy in all areas of government, and its progress in reducing the share of national income taken by the public sector while improving key public services; and commends the Government's determination to maintain sound public finances.—[Mr. Andrew Mitchell.]
§
Amendment proposed to the Question, to leave out from "House" to the end of the Question and to add instead thereof:
'notes the real cuts in the Government's new spending plans set out in the Budget Statement presented by Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer on 29th November, which are the result of the complete failure of Government policies to achieve either high employment or the basis for sustainable high economic growth; regrets the absence of any strategy for using public investment to help generate growth and employment, and the derisory progress made in attracting private finance to public projects; condemns the unacceptable cuts to key public services and public investment programmes, while forcing public sector workers to continue to pay the price of the Government's economic failure; and condemns the betrayal of election pledges which will savage transport and housing programmes, slash the employment budget, especially training, further reduce support for local authorities, and leave increasing numbers of fellow citizens in poverty.'—[Mr. Derek Foster.]
§ Question put, That the amendment be made:—
§ The House divided: Ayes 279, Noes 325.
276| Division No. 11] | [23.07 pm |
| AYES | |
| Abbott, Ms Diane | Ashton, Joe |
| Adams, Mrs Irene | Austin-Waker, John |
| Ainger, Nick | Banks, Tony (Newham NW) |
| Ainsworth, Robert (Cov'try NE) | Barnes, Harry |
| Allen, Graham | Barron, Kevin |
| Alton, David | Battle, John |
| Anderson, Donald (Swansea E) | Bayley, Hugh |
| Anderson, Ms Janet (Ros'dale) | Beckett, Rt Hon Margaret |
| Armstrong, Hilary | Beith, Rt Hon A J |
| Ashdown, Rt Hon Paddy | Bell, Stuart |
| Benn, Rt Hon Tony | Fraser, John |
| Bennett, Andrew F | Fyfe, Maria |
| Benton, Joe | Gabraith, Sam |
| Berrningharn, Gerald | Galloway, George |
| Berry, Roger | Gapes, Mike |
| Betts, Clive | Garrett, John |
| Blair, Rt Hon Tony | George, Bruce |
| Blunkett, David | Gerrard, Neil |
| Boateng, Paul | Gilbert, Rt Hon Dr John |
| Boyes, Roland | Godman, Dr Norman A |
| Bradley, Keith | Godsiff, Roger |
| Bray, Dr Jeremy | Golding, Mrs Llin |
| Brown, Gordon (Dunfermine E) | Gordon, Mildred |
| Brown, N (N'c'tle upon Tyne E) | Graham, (Thottenham) |
| Bruce, Malcolm (Gordon) | Grant, Bernie (Tottenham) |
| Burden, Richard | Griffiths, Nigel (Edinburgh S) |
| Byers, Stephen | Griffiths, Win (Bridgend) |
| Cabom, Richard | Grocott, Bruce |
| Callaghan, Jim | Gunnell, John |
| Campbell, Menzies (Fife NE) | Hain, Peter |
| Campbell, Mrs Anne (C'bridge) | Hall, Mike |
| Campbell, Ronnie (Blyth V) | Hanson, David |
| Campbell-Savours, D N | Hardy, Peter |
| Cann, Jamie | Harman, Ms Harriet |
| Carlile, Alexander (Montgomry) | Harvey, Nick |
| Chidgey, David | Hattersley, Rt Hon Roy |
| Chisholm, Malcolm | Henderson, Doug |
| Church, Judith | Hendron, Dr Joe |
| Clapham, Michael | Heppell, John |
| Clark, Dr David (South Shields) | Hi, Keith (Streatham) |
| Clarke, Tom (Monklands W) | Hinchliffe, David |
| Clelland, David | Hodge, Margaret |
| Ctwyd, Mrs Ann | Hoey, Kate |
| Coffey, Ann | Hogg, Norman (Cumbemauld) |
| Cohen, Harry | Home Robertson, John |
| Connarty, Michael | Hood, Jimmy |
| Cook, Frank (Stockton N) | Hoon, Geoffrey |
| Cook, Robin (Livingston) | Howarth, George (Knowsley N) |
| Corbett, Robin | Howells, Dr. Kim (Pontypridd) |
| Corbyn Jeremy | Hoyle, Doug |
| Corston, Jean | Hughes, Kevin (Doncaster N) |
| Cousins, Jim | Hughes, Robert (Aberdeen N) |
| Cox, Tom | Hughes, Roy (Newport E) |
| Cummings, John | Hughes, Simon (Southwark) |
| Cunningham, Jim (Covy SE) | Hume, John |
| Cunningham, Rt Hon Dr John | Hutton, John |
| Dafis, Cynog | Illsley, Eric |
| Dalyell, Tarn | Ingram, Adam |
| Darling, Alistair | Jackson, Glenda (H'Stead) |
| Davidson, Ian | Jackson, Helen (Shefld, H) |
| Davies, Bryan (Oldham C'tral) | Jamieson, David |
| Davies, Ron (Caerphilly) | Johnston, Sir Russell |
| Davies, Rt Hon Denzil (Llnelli) | Jones, Barry (Alyn and D'side) |
| Davis, Terry (B'ham, H'dge H'I) | Jones, leuan Wyn (Ynys Mon) |
| Denham, John | Jones, Lynne (B'ham S O) |
| Dewar, Donald | Jones, Martyn (Clwyd, SW) |
| Dixon, Don | Jones, Nigel (Cheltenham) |
| Dobson, Frank | Jowell, Tessa |
| Donohoe, Brian H | Kaufman, Rt Hon Gerald |
| Dowd, Jim | Keen, Alan |
| Dumachie, Jimmy | Kennedy, Charles (Ross, C&S) |
| Dunwoody, Mrs Gwyneth | Kennedy, Jane (Lpool Brdgn) |
| Eagle, Ms Angela | Khabra, Piara S |
| Eastham, Ken | Klfoyle, Peter |
| Enright, Derek | Kinnock, R Hon Neil (Islwyn) |
| Etherington, Bill | Kirkwood, Archy |
| Evans, John (St Helens N) | Lestor, Joan (Eccles) |
| Ewing, Mrs Margaret | Lewis, Terry |
| Fatchett, Derek | Liddell, Mrs Helen |
| Field, Andrew | Litherland, Robert |
| Field, Frank (Birkenhead) | Livingstone, Ken |
| Fisher, Mark | Lloyd, Tony (Stretford) |
| Ftynn, Paul | Llwyd, Elfyn |
| Foster, Don (Bath) | Loyden, Eddie |
| Foster, Rt Hon Derek | Macdonald. Calum |
| Foulkes, George | Mackinlay, Andrew |
| Maclennman, Robert | Reid, Dr John |
| Madden, Max | Rendel, David |
| Maddock, Diana | Robertson, George (Hamilton) |
| Mahon, Alice | Robinson, Geoffrey (Co'try NW) |
| Mallon, Seamus | Robinson, Peter (Belfast E) |
| Mandelson, Peter | Roche, Mrs Barbara |
| Marek, DrJohn | Rogers, Allan |
| Marshall, David (Shettleston) | Rooker, Jeff |
| Marshall, Jim (Leicester, S) | Rooney, Terry |
| Martin, Michael J (Springbum) | Ross, Ernie (Dundee W) |
| Martlew, Eric | Rowlands, Ted |
| Maxton, John | Ruddock, Joan |
| McAllion, John | Salmond, Alex |
| McAvoy, Thomas | Sedgemore, Brian |
| McCrea, Rev William | Sheerman, Barry |
| McFall, John | Sheldon, Rt Hon Robert |
| McGrady, Eddie | Shore, Rt Hon Peter |
| McKelvey, William | Short, Clare |
| McLeish, Henry | Simpson, Alan |
| McMaster, Gordon | Skinner, Dennis |
| McNamara, Kevin | Smith, Andrew (Oxford E) |
| McWilliam, John | Smith, Chris (Isl'ton S & F'sbury) |
| Meacher, Michael | Smith, Llew (Blaenau Gwent) |
| Meale, Alan | Snape, Peter |
| Michael, Alun | Soley, Clive |
| Michie, Bill (Sheffield Heeley) | Spearing, Nigel |
| Michie, Mrs Ray (Argyll & Bute) | Spellar, John |
| Milburn, Alan | Squire, Rachel (Dunfermline W) |
| Miller, Andrew | Steinberg, Gerry |
| Mitchell, Austin (Gt Grimsby) | Stevenson, George |
| Moonie, Dr Lewis | Stott, Roger |
| Morgan, Rhodri | Strang, Dr. Gavin |
| Morley, Elliot | Straw, Jack |
| Morris, Estelle (B'ham Yardley) | Sutdiffe, Gerry |
| Morris, Rt Hon Alfred (Wy'nshawe) | Taylor, Matthew (Truro) |
| Morris, Rt Hon John (Abemavon) | Taylor, Mrs Ann (Dewsbury) |
| Mowlam, Marjorie | Thompson, Jack (Wansbeck) |
| Mudie, George | Timms, Stephen |
| Mullin, Chris | Tipping, Paddy |
| Murphy, Paul | Turner, Dennis |
| O'Brien, Mike (N W'kshire) | Tyler, Paul |
| O'Brien, William (Norrmanton) | Vaz, Keith |
| C'Hara, Edward | Walker, Rt Hon Sir Harold |
| O'Neill, Martin | Wallace, James |
| Oakes, Rt Hon Gordon | Walley, Joan |
| Olner, Bill | Wardell, Gareth (Gower) |
| Orme, Rt Hon Stanley | Wareing, Robert N |
| Paisley, The Reverend Ian | Watson, Mike |
| Parry, Robert | Welsh, Andrew |
| Patchett, Terry | Wicks, Malcolm |
| Pendry, Tom | Wigley, Dafydd |
| Pickthall, Colin | Wiliams, Alan W (Carmarthen) |
| Pike, Peter L | Wliams, Rt Hon Alan (Sw'n W) |
| Powell, Ray (Ogmore) | Wibon, Brian |
| Prentice, Bridget (Lew'rn E) | Wirmick, David |
| Prentice, Gordon (Pendle) | Wise, Audrey |
| Prescott, Rt Hon John | Worthington, Tony |
| Primarolo, Dawn | Wray, Jimmy |
| Purchase, Ken | Wright, Dr Tony |
| Quin, Ms Joyce | young, David (Boton SE) |
| Radice, Giles | |
| Randall, Stuart | Tellers for the Ayes: |
| Raynsford, Nick | Mr. Eric Clarke and |
| Redmond, Martin | Mr. Jon Owen Jones. |
| NOES | |
| Ainsworth, Peter (East Surrey) | Ashby, David |
| Aitken.Rt Hon Jonathan | Aspinwall, Jack |
| Alexander, Richard | Atkins, Robert |
| Alison, Rt Hon Michael (Selby) | Atkinson, David (Bour'moulh E) |
| Allason, Rupert (Torbay) | Atkinson, Peter (Hexham) |
| Amess, David | Baker, Nicholas (Dorset North) |
| Ancram, Michael | Baker, Rt Hon K (Mole Valley) |
| Arbuthnot, James | Baldry, Tony |
| Arnold, Jacques (Gravesham) | Banks, Matthew (Southport) |
| Arnold, Sir Thomas (Hazel Grv) | Banks, Robert (Harrogate) |
| Bates, Michael | Fishburn, Dudley |
| Batiste, Spencer | Forman, Nigel |
| Bellingham, Henry | Forsyth, Michael (Stirling) |
| Bendall, Vivian | Forth, Eric |
| Beresford, Sir Paul | Fowler, Rt Hon Sir Norman |
| Biffen, Rt Hon John | Fox, Dr Liarn (Woodspring) |
| Bonsor, Sir Nicholas | Fox, Sir Marcus (Shipley) |
| Booth, Hartley | Freeman, Rt Hon Roger |
| Boswell, Tim | French, Douglas |
| Bottomley, Peter (Eltham) | Fry, Sir Peter |
| Bottomley, Rt Hon Virginia | Gale, Roger |
| Bowden, Sir Andrew | Gallie, Phil |
| Bowis, John | Gardiner, Sir George |
| Boyson, Rt Hon Sir Rhodes | Garel-Jones, Rt Hon Tristan |
| Brandreth, Gyles | Garnier, Edward |
| Brazier, Julian | Gill, Christopher |
| Bright, Sir Graham | Gillan, Cheryl |
| Brooke, Rt Hon Peter | Goodlad, Rt Hon Alastair |
| Brown, M (Brigg & Cl'thorpes) | Goodson-Wickes, Dr Charles |
| Browning, Mrs. Angela | Gorman, Mrs Teresa |
| Bruce, Ian (Dorset) | Gorst, Sir John |
| Budgen, Nicholas | Grant, Sir A (Cambs SW) |
| Burns, Simon | Greenway, Harry (Ealing N) |
| Burt, Alistair | Greenway, John (Ryedale) |
| Butcher, John | Griffiths, Peter (Portsmouth, N) |
| Butler, Peter | Grylls, Sir Michael |
| Butterfill, John | Gummer, Rt Hon John Selwyn |
| Carlisle, John (Luton North) | Hague, William |
| Carlisle, Sir Kenneth (Lincoln) | Hamilton, Neil (Tatton) |
| Carrington, Matthew | Hamilton, Rt Hon Sir Archibald |
| Cash, William | Hampson, Dr Keith |
| Channon, Rt Hon Paul | Hanley, Rt Hon Jeremy |
| Chapman, Sydney | Hannam, Sir John |
| Churchill, Mr | Harg reaves, Andrew |
| Clappison, James | Harris, David |
| Clark, Dr Michael (Rochford) | Haselhurst, Alan |
| Clarke, Rt Hon Kenneth (Ru'clif) | Hawkins, Nick |
| Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey | Hawksley, Warren |
| Coe, Sebastian | Hayes, Jerry |
| Colvin, Michael | Heald, Oliver |
| Congdon, David | Heath, Rt Hon Sir Edward |
| Coombs, Anthony (Wyre For'st) | Heathcoat-Amory, David |
| Coombs, Simon (Swindon) | Hendry, Charles |
| Cope, Rt Hon Sir John | Heseltine, Rt Hon Michael |
| Cormack, Patrick | Hicks, Robert |
| Couchman, James | Higgins, Rt Hon Sir Terence |
| Cran, James | Hill, James (Southampton Test) |
| Critchley, Julian | Hogg, Rt Hon Douglas (G'tham) |
| Currie, Mrs Edwina (S D'by'ire) | Horam., John |
| Curry, David (Skipton & Ripon) | Hordern, Rt Hon Sir Peter |
| Davies, Quentin (Stamford) | Howard, Rt Hon Michael |
| Davis, David (Boothferry) | Howarth, Alan (Stnat'rd-on-A) |
| Day, Stephen | Howell, Rt Hon David (G'dford) |
| Deva, Nirj Joseph | Howell, Sir Ralph (N Norfolk) |
| Devlin, Tim | Hughes, Robert G (Harrow W) |
| Dicks, Terry | Hunt, Rt Hon David (Wirral W) |
| Dorrel, Rt Hon Stephen | Hunt Sir John (Ravensbourne) |
| Douglas-Hamilton, Lord James | Hunter, Andrew |
| Dover, Den | Hurd, Rt Hon Douglas |
| Duncan Smith, Iain | Jack, Michael |
| Duncan, Alan | Jackson, Robert (Wantage) |
| Dunn, Bob | Jenkin, Bernard |
| Durant, Sir Anthony | Jessel, Toby |
| Dykes, Hugh | Johnson Smith, Sir Geoffrey |
| Eggar, Tim | Jones, Gwilym (Cardiff N) |
| Elletson, Harold | Jones, Robert B (W Hertfdshr) |
| Emery, Rt Hon Sir Peter | Jopling, Rt Hon Michael |
| Evans, David (Welwyn Hattield) | Kellett-Bowman, Dame Elaine |
| Evans, Jonathan (Brecon) | Key, Robert |
| Evans, Nigel (Ribble Valley) | Kilfedder, Sir James |
| Evans, Roger (Monmouth) | King, Rt Hon Tom |
| Evennett, David | Kirkhope, Timothy |
| Faber, David | Knapman, Roger |
| Fabricant, Michael | Knight, Dame Jill (Bir'm E'st'n) |
| Fenner, Dame Peggy | Knight, Greg (Derby N) |
| Field, Barry (Isle of Wight) | Knight, Mrs Angela (Erewash) |
| Knox, Sir David | Rifkind, Rt Hon Malcolm |
| Kynoch, George (Kincardine) | Robathan, Andrew |
| Lait, Mrs Jacqui | Roberts, Rt Hon Sir Wyn |
| Lamont, Rt Hon Norman | Robertson, Raymond (Ab'd'n S) |
| Lang, Rt Hon Ian | Robinson, Mark (Somerton) |
| Lawrence, Sir Ivan | Roe, Mrs Marion (Broxbourne) |
| Legg, Barry | Rowe, Andrew (Mid Kent) |
| Leigh, Edward | Rumbold, Rt Hon Dame Angela |
| Lennox-Boyd, Sir Mark | Ryder, Rt Hon Richard |
| Lester, Jim (Broxtowe) | Sackville, Tom |
| Lidington, David | Sainsbury, Rt Hon Tim |
| Lightbown, David | Scott, Rt Hon Nicholas |
| Lilley, Rt Hon Peter | Shaw, David (Dover) |
| Lloyd, Rt Hon Peter (Fareham) | Shaw, Sir Giles (Pudsey) |
| Lord, Michael | Shephard, Rt Hon Gillian |
| Luff, Peter | |
| Lyel, Rt Hon Sir Nicholas | Shepherd, Colin (Hereford) |
| MacGregor, Rt Hon John | Shepherd, Richard (Aldridge) |
| Shersby, Michael | |
| MacKay, Andrew | Sims, Roger |
| Skeet, Sir Trevor | |
| Maclean, David | Smith, Sir Dudley (Warwick) |
| Madel, Sir David | Smith, Tim (Beaconstfield) |
| Maitland, Lady Olga | Soames, Nicholas |
| Speed, Sir Keith | |
| Major, Rt Hon John | Spencer, Sir Derek |
| Majone, Gerald | Spicer, Michael (S Worcs) |
| Mans, Keith | Spicer, Sir James (W Dorset) |
| Marland, Paul | Spink, Dr Robert |
| Marlow, Tony | Spring, Richard |
| Marshall, John (Hendon S) | Sproat, Iain |
| Marshall, Sir Michael (Arundel) | Squire, Robin (Hornchurch) |
| Martin, David (Portsmouth S) | Stanley, Rt Hon Sir John |
| Mates, Michael | Steen, Anthony |
| Mawhinney, Rt Hon Dr Brian | Stephen, Michael |
| Mayhew, Rt Hon Sir Patrick | Stem, Michael |
| McLoughlin, Patrick | Stewart, Allan |
| McNair-Wilson, Sir Patrick | Streeter, Gary |
| Mellor, Rt Hon David | Sumberg, David |
| Merchant, Piers | Sweeney, Walter |
| Mills, Iain | Sykes, John |
| Mitchell, Andrew (Gedling) | Tapsell, Sir Peter |
| Mitchell, Sir David (Hants NW) | Taylor, Ian (Esher) |
| Moate, Sir Roger | Taylor, John M (Solihull) |
| Monro, Sir Hector | Taylor, Sir Teddy (Southend, E) |
| Montgomery, Sir Fergus | Temple-Morris, Peter |
| Moss, Malcolm | Thomason, Roy |
| Needham, Rt Hon Richard | Thompson, Patrick (Norwich N) |
| Nelson, Anthony | Thompson, Sir Donald (C'er V) |
| Neubert, Sir Michael | Thornton, Sir Malcolm |
| Newton, Rt Hon Tony | Thumham, Peter |
| Nicholls, Patrick | Townend, John (Bridlington) |
| Nicholson, David (Taunton) | Townsend, Cyril D (Bexl'yh'th) |
| Nicholson, Emma (Devon West) | Tracey, Richard |
| Norris, Steve | Tredinnick, David |
| Onslow, Rt Hon Sir Cranley | Trend, Michael |
| Oppenheim, Phillip | Trotter, Neville |
| Ottaway, Richard | Twinn, Dr Ian |
| Page, Richard | Vaughan, Sir Gerard |
| Paice, James | Viggers, Peter |
| Patrick, Sir Irvine | Waldegrave, Rt Hon William |
| Patten, Rt Hon John | Walden, George |
| Pattie, Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey | Waller, Bill (N Tayside) |
| Pawsey, James | Waller, Gary |
| Peacock, Mrs Elizabeth | Ward, John |
| Pickles, Eric | Wardle, Charles (Bexhill) |
| Porter, Barry (Wirral S) | Waterson, Nigel |
| Porter, David (Waveney) | Watts, John |
| Portillo, Rt Hon Michael | Wells, Bowen |
| Powell, William (Corby) | Wheeler, Rt Hon Sir John |
| Rathbone, Tim | Whitney, Ray |
| Redwood, Rt Hon John | Whittingdale, John |
| Renton, Rt Hon Tim | Widdecombe, Ann |
| Richards, Rod | Wiggin, Sir Jerry |
| Riddick, Graham | Wilkinson, John |
| Willetts, David | Yeo, Tim |
| Wilshire, David | Young, Rt Hon Sir George |
| Winterton, Mrs Ann (Congleton) | |
| Tellers for the Noes: | |
| Winterton, Nicholas (Macc'fld) | Mr. Timothy Wood and |
| Wolfson, Mark | Mr. Derek Conway |
§ Question accordingly negatived.
§ Main Question put:—
§ The House divided: Ayes 324, Noes 297.
280| Division No. 12] | [23.20 pm |
| AYES | |
| Ainsworth, Peter (East Surrey) | Conway, Derek |
| Aitken, Rt Hon Jonathan | Coombs, Anthony (Wyre For'st) |
| Alexander, Richard | Coombs, Simon (Swindon) |
| Alison, Rt Hon Michael (Selby) | Cope, Rt Hon Sir John |
| Allason, Rupert (Torbay) | Cormack, Patrick |
| Amess, David | Couchman, James |
| Ancram, Michael | Cran, James |
| Arbuthnot, James | Critchley, Julian |
| Arnold, Jacques (Gravesham) | Currie, Mrs Edwina (S D' by'ire) |
| Arnold, Sir Thomas (Hazel Grv) | Curry, David (Skipton & Ripon) |
| Ashby, David | Davies, Quentin (Stamford) |
| Aspinwal, Jack | Davis, David (Boothferry) |
| Atkins, Robert | Day, Stephen |
| Atkinson, David (Bour'mouth E) | Deva, Nirj Joseph |
| Atkinson, Peter (Hexham) | Devlin, Tim |
| Baker, Nicholas (Dorset North) | Dicks, Terry |
| Baker, Rt Hon K (Mole Valley) | Dorrell, Rt Hon Stephen |
| Baldry, Tony | Douglas-Hamilton, Lord James |
| Banks, Matthew (Soulhport) | Dover, Den |
| Banks, Robert (Harrogate) | Duncan Smith, Iain |
| Bates, Michael | Duncan, Alan |
| Batiste, Spencer | Dunn, Bob |
| Bellingham, Henry | Durant, Sir Anthony |
| Bendall, Vivian | Dykes, Hugh |
| Beresford, Sir Paul | Eggar, Tim |
| Biffen, Rt Hon John | Elletson, Harold |
| Bonsor, Sir Nicholas | Emery, Rt Hon Sir Peter |
| Booth, Hartley | Evans, David (Welwyn Hatfield) |
| Boswell, Tim | Evans, Jonathan (Brecon) |
| Bottomley, Peter (Eltham) | Evans, Nigel (Ribble Valley) |
| Bottomley, Rt Hon Virginia | Evans, Roger (Monmouth) |
| Bowden, Sir Andrew | Evernett, David |
| Bowis, John | Faber, David |
| Boyson, Rt Hon Sir Rhodes | Fabricant, Michael |
| Brandreth, Gyles | Fenner, Dame Peggy |
| Brazier, Julian | Field, Barry (Isle of Wight) |
| Bright, Sir Graham | Fishbum, Dudley |
| Brooke, Rt Hon Peter | Forman, Nigel |
| Brown, M (Brigg & Cl'thorpes) | Forsyth, Michael (Stirling) |
| Browning, Mrs. Angela | Forth, Eric |
| Bruce, Ian (Dorset) | Fowler, Rt Hon Sir Norman |
| Budgen, Nicholas | Fox, Dr Liam (Woodspring) |
| Burns, Simon | Fox, Sir Marcus (Shipley) |
| Burt, Alistair | Freeman, Rt Hon Roger |
| Butcher, John | French, Douglas |
| Butler, Peter | Fry, Sir Peter |
| Butterfill, John | Gale, Roger |
| Carlisle, John (Luton North) | Gallie, Phil |
| Carlisle, Sir Kenneth (Lincoln) | Gardiner, Sir George |
| Carrington, Matthew | Garel-Jones, Rt Hon Tristan |
| Cash, William | Gamier, Edward |
| Channon, Rt Hon Paul | Gill, Christopher |
| Churchill, Mr | Gillan, Cheryl |
| Clappison, James | Goodlad, Rt Hon Alastair |
| Clark, Dr Michael (Rochford) | Goodson-Wckes, Dr Charles |
| Clarke, Rt Hon Kenneth (Ru'clif) | Gorman, Mrs Teresa |
| Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey | Gorst, Sir John |
| Coe, Sebastian | Grant, Sir A (Cambs SW) |
| Colvin, Michael | Greenway, Harry (Ealing N) |
| Congdon, David | Greenway, John (Ryedale) |
| Griffiths, Peter (Portsmouth, N) | Marland, Paul |
| Grylls, Sir Michael | Marlow, Tony |
| Gummer, Rt Hon John Setwyn | Marshall, John (Hendon S) |
| Hague, William | Marshall, Sir Michael (Arundel) |
| Hamilton, Neil (Tatton) | Martin, David (Portsmouth S) |
| Hamilton, Rt Hon Sir Archibald | Mates, Michael |
| Hampson, Dr Keith | Mawhinney, Rt Hon Dr Brian |
| Hanley, Rt Hon Jeremy | Mayhew, Rt Hon Sir Patrick |
| Hannam, Sir John | McLoughlin, Patrick |
| Hargreaves, Andrew | McNair-Wilson, Sir Patrick |
| Harris, David | Mellor, Rt Hon David |
| Haselhurst, Alan | Merchant Piers |
| Hawkins, Nick | Mills, Iain |
| Hawksley, Warren | Mitchell, Andrew (Gedling) |
| Hayes, Jerry | Mitchell, Sir David (Hants NW) |
| Heald, Oliver | Moate, Sir Roger |
| Heath, Rt Hon Sir Edward | Monro, Sir Hector |
| Heathcoat-Amory, David | Montgomery, Sir Fergus |
| Hendry, Chailes | Moss, Malcolm |
| Heseltine, Rt Hon Michael | Needham, Rt Hon Richard |
| Hicks, Robert | Nelson, Anthony |
| Higgins, Rt Hon Sir Terence | Neubert, Sir Michael |
| Hill, James (Southampton Test) | Newton, Rt Hon Tony |
| Hogg, Rt Hon Douglas (G'tham) | Nicholls, Patrick |
| Horam, John | Nicholson, David (Taunton) |
| Hordem, Rt Hon Sir Peter | Nicholson, Emma (Devon West) |
| Howard, Rt Hon Michael | Norris, Steve |
| Howarth, Alan (Strat'rd-on-A) | Onslow, Rt Hon Sir Cranley |
| Howell, Rt Hon David (G'dford) | Oppenheim, Philip |
| Howell, Sir Ralph (N Norfolk) | Ottaway, Richard |
| Hughes, Robert G (Harrow W) | Page, Richard |
| Hunt, Rt Hon David (Wirral W) | Paice, James |
| Hunt, Sir John (Ravensbourne) | Patnick, Sir Irvine |
| Hunter, Andrew | Patten, Rt Hon John |
| Hurd, Rt Hon Douglas | Pattie, Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey |
| Jack, Michael | Pawsey, James |
| Jackson, Robert (Wantage) | Peacock, Mrs Elizabeth |
| Jenkin, Bernard | Pickles, Eric |
| Jessel, Toby | Porter, Barry (Wirral S) |
| Johnson Smith, Sir Geoffrey | Porter, David (Waveney) |
| Jones, Gwilym (Cardiff N) | Portillo, Rt Hon Michael |
| Jones, Robert B (W Hertfdshr) | Powell, William (Corby) |
| Jopling, Rt Hon Michael | Rathbone, Tim |
| Kellett-Bowman, Dame Elaine | Redwood, Rt Hon John |
| Key, Robert | Renton, Rt Hon Tim |
| King, Rt Hon Tom | Richards, Rod |
| Kirkhope, Timothy | Riddick, Graham |
| Knapman, Roger | Rifkind, Rt Hon Malcolm |
| Knight, Dame Jill (Bir'm E'sf'n) | Robathan, Andrew |
| Knight Greg (Derby N) | Roberts, Rt Hon Sir Wyn |
| Knight, Mrs Angela (Erewash) | Robertson, Raymond (Ab'd'n S) |
| Knox, Sir David | Robinson, Mark (Somerton) |
| Kynoch, George (Kincardine) | Roe, Mrs Marion (Broxbourne) |
| Lait, Mrs Jacqui | Rowe, Andrew (Mid Kent) |
| Lamont, Rt Hon Norman | Rumbold, Rt Hon Dame Angela |
| Lang, Rt Hon Ian | Ryder, Rt Hon Richard |
| Lawrence, Sir Ivan | Sackville, Tom |
| Legg, Barry | Salisbury, Rt Hon Tim |
| Leigh, Edward | Scott, Rt Hon Nicholas |
| Lennox-Boyd, Sir Mark | Shaw, David (Dover) |
| Lester, Jim (Broxtowe) | Shaw, Sir Giles (Pudsey) |
| Lidington, David | Shephard, Rt Hon Gillian |
| Lightbown, David | Shepherd, Colin (Hereford) |
| Lilley, Rt Hon Peter | Shepherd, Richard (Aldridge) |
| Lloyd, Rt Hon Peter (Fareham) | Shersby, Michael |
| Lord, Michael | Sims, Roger |
| Luff, Peter | Skeet, Sir Trevor |
| Lyell, Rt Hon Sir Nicholas | Smith, Sir Dudley (Warwick) |
| MacGregor, Rt Hon John | Smith, Tim (Beaconsfield) |
| MacKay, Andrew | Soames, Nicholas |
| Maclean, David | Speed, Sir Keith |
| Madel, Sir David | Spencer, Sir Derek |
| Maitland, Lady Olga | Spicer, Michael (S Worcs) |
| Major, Rt Hon John | Spicer, Sir James (W Dorset) |
| Malone, Gerald | Spink, Dr Robert |
| Mans, Keith | Spring, Richard |
| Sproat, Iain | Vaughan, Sir Gerard |
| Squire, Robin (Hornchurch) | Viggers, Peter |
| Stanley, Rt Hon Sir John | Waldegrave, Rt Hon William |
| Steen, Anthony | Walden, George |
| Stephen, Michael | Walker, Bill (N Tayside) |
| Stem, Michael | Waller, Gary |
| Stewart, Allan | Ward, John |
| Streeter, Gary | Wardle, Charles (Bexhill) |
| Sumberg, David | Waterson, Nigel |
| Sweeney, Walter | Watts, John |
| Sykes, John | Wells, Bowen |
| Tapsell, Sir Peter | Wheeler, Rt Hon Sir John |
| Taylor, Ian (Esher) | Whitney, Ray |
| Taylor, John M (Solihull) | Whittingdale, John |
| Taylor, Sir Teddy (Southend, E) | Widdeoombe, Ann |
| Temple-Morris, Peter | Wiggin, Sir Jerry |
| Thomason, Roy | Wilkinson, John |
| Thompson, Patrick (Norwich N) | Willetts, David |
| Thompson, Sir Donald (C'er V) | Wilshire, David |
| Thornton, Sir Malcolm | Winterton, Mrs Ann (Congleton) |
| Thurnham, Peter | Winterton, Nicholas (Macc'fld) |
| Townend, John (Bridlington) | Wolfson, Mark |
| Townsend, Cyril D (Baxl'yh'th) | Yeo, Tim |
| Tracey, Richard | Young, Rt Hon Sir George |
| Tredinnick, David | |
| Trend, Michael | Tellers for the Ayes: |
| Trotter, Neville | Mr. Sydney Chapman and |
| Twinn, Dr Ian | Mr. Timothy Wood |
| NOES | |
| Abbott, Ms Diane | Chisholm, Malcolm |
| Adams, Mrs Irene | Church, Judith |
| Ainger, Nick | Clapham, Michael |
| Ainsworth, Robert (Cov'ty NE) | Clark, Dr David (South Shields) |
| Allen, Graham | Clarke, Eric (Midlothian) |
| Alton, David | Clarke, Tom (Monklands W) |
| Anderson, Donald (Swansea E) | Clelland, David |
| Anderson, Ms Janet (Ros'dale) | Clwyd, Mrs Ann |
| Armstrong, Hilary | Coffey, Ann |
| Ashdown.Rt Hon Paddy | Cohen, Harry |
| Ashton, Joe | Connarty, Michael |
| Austin-Walker, John | Cook, Frank (Stockton N) |
| Banks, Tony (Newham NW) | Cock, Robin (Livingston) |
| Barnnes, Harry | Corbett, Robin |
| Barron, Kevin | Corbyn, Jeremy |
| Battle, John | Corston, Jean |
| Bayley, Hugh | Cousins, Jim |
| Beckett, Rf Hon Margaret | Cox, Tom |
| Beith, Rt Hon A J | Cummings, John |
| Bell, Stuart | Cunningham, Jim (Covy SE) |
| Benn, Rt Hon Tony | Cunningham, Rt Hon Dr John |
| Bennett, Andrew F | Dafis, Cynog |
| Benton, Joe | Dalyell,Tam |
| Bermingham, Gerald | Darling, Alistair |
| Berry, Roger | Davidson, Ian |
| Betts, Clive | Davies, Bryan (Oldham C'tral) |
| Blair, Rt Hon Tony | Davies, Ron (Caerphilly) |
| Blunkett, David | Davies, Rt Hon Denzil (Llanelli) |
| Boateng, Paul | Davis, Terry (B'ham, H'dge H'I) |
| Boyes, Roland | Denham, John |
| Bradley, Keith | Dewar, Donald |
| Bray, Dr Jeremy | Dixon, Don |
| Brown, Gordon (Dunferrmline E) | Dobson, Frank |
| Brown, N (N'c'tle upon Tyne E) | Donohoe, Brian H |
| Bruce, Malcolm (Gordon) | Dunnachie, Jimmy |
| Burden, Richard | Dunwoody, Mrs Qwyneth |
| Byers, Stephen | Eagle, Ms Angela |
| Caborn, Richard | Eastham, Ken |
| Callaghan,Jim | Enright, Derek |
| Campbell, Menzies (Fife NE) | Etherlngton, Bill |
| Campbell, Mrs Anne (C'bridge) | Evans, John (St Helens N) |
| Campbell, Ronnie (Blyth V) | Ewing, Mrs Margaret |
| Campbell-Savours, D N | Fatchett, Derek |
| Cann, Jamie | Faulds, Andrew |
| Carlile, Alexander (Montgomry) | Field, Frank (Birkenhead) |
| Chidgey, David | Fisher, Mark |
| Flynn, Paul | Lloyd, Tony (Stretford) |
| Foster, Don (Bath) | Llwyd, Elfyn |
| Foster, Rt Hon Derek | Loyden, Eddie |
| Foulkes, George | Macdonald, Calum |
| Fraser, John | Mackinlay, Andrew |
| Fyfe, Maria | Maclennan, Robert |
| Galbraith, Sam | MacShane, Denis |
| Galloway, George | Madden, Max |
| Gapes, Mike | Maddock, Diana |
| Garrett, John | Mahon, Alice |
| George, Bruce | Mallon, Seamus |
| Gerrard, Neil | Mandelson, Peter |
| Gilbert, Rt Hon Dr John | Marek, Dr John |
| Godman, Dr Norman A | Marshall, David (Shettleston) |
| Godsiff, Roger | Martin, Michael J (Springburn) |
| Golding, Mrs Llin | Martlew, Eric |
| Gordon, Mildred | Maxton, John |
| Graham, Thomas | McAllion, John |
| Grant, Bernie (Tottenham) | McAvoy, Thomas |
| Griffiths, Nigel (Edinburgh S) | McCartney, Ian |
| Griffiths, Win (Bridgend) | McCrea, Rev William |
| Grocott, Bruce | McFall, John |
| Gunnell, John | McGrady, Eddie |
| Hain, Peter | McKelvey, William |
| Hall, Mike | McLeish, Henry |
| Hanson, David | McMaster, Gordon |
| Hardy, Peter | McNamara, Kevin |
| Harman, Ms Harriet | McWilliam, John |
| Harvey, Nick | Meacher, Michael |
| Hattersley, Rt Hon Roy | Meale, Alan |
| Henderson, Doug | Michael, Alun |
| Hendron, Dr Joe | Michie, Bill (Sheffield Heeley) |
| Heppell, John | Michie, Mrs Ray (Argyll & Bute) |
| Hill, Keith (Streatham) | Milburn, Alan |
| Hinchliffe, David | Miller, Andrew |
| Hoey, Kate | Mitchell, Austin (Gt Grimsby) |
| Hogg, Norman (Cumbernauld) | Moonie, Dr Lewis |
| Home Robertson, John | Morgan, Rhodri |
| Hood, Jimmy | Morley, Ellot |
| Hoon, Geoffrey | Morris, Estelle (B'ham Yardley) |
| Howarth, George (Knowsley N) | Morris, Rt Hon Alfred (Wy'nshawe) |
| Howells, Dr. Kim (Pontypridd) | Morris, Rt Hon John (Aberavon) |
| Hoyle, Doug | Mowlam, Marjorie |
| Hughes, Kevin (Doncaster N) | Mudie, George |
| Hughes, Robert (Aberdeen N) | Mullin, Chris |
| Hughes, Roy (Newport E) | Murphy, Paul |
| Hughes, Simon (Southwark) | O'Brien, Bill (Normanton) |
| Hume, John | O'Brien, Mike (N W'kshire) |
| Hutton,John | O'Hara, Edward |
| Illsley, Eric | O'Neill, Martin |
| Ingram, Adam | Oakes, Rt Hon Gordon |
| Jackson, Glenda (H'stead) | Olner, Bill |
| Jackson, Helen (Shefld, H) | Orme, Rt Hon Stanley |
| Jamieson, David | Paisley, The Reverend Ian |
| Jamer, Grevile | Parry, Robert |
| Johnston, Sir Russell | Patchett Terry |
| Jones, Barry (Alyn and D'side) | Pendry, Tom |
| Jones, Ieuan Wyn (Ynys Mon) | Pickthall, Colin |
| Jones, Jon Owen (Cardiff C) | Pike, Peter L |
| Jones, Lynne (B'ham S O) | Pope, Greg |
| Jones, Martyn (Olwyd, SW) | Powell, Ray (Ogmore) |
| Jones, Nigel (Cheltenham) | Prentice, Bridget (Lew'm E) |
| Jewell, Tessa | Prentice, Gordon (Pendle) |
| Kaufman, Rt Hon Gerald | Prescott, Rt Hon John |
| Keen, Alan | Primarolo, Dawn |
| Kennedy, Charles (Ross, C&S) | Purchase, Ken |
| Kennedy, Jane (Lpool Brdgn) | Quin, Ms Joyce |
| Khabra, Piara S | Radice, Giles |
| Kilfoyle, Peter | Randall, Stuart |
| Kinnock, Rt Hon Neil (Islwyn) | Raynsford, Nick |
| Kirkwood, Archy | Redmond, Martin |
| Lestor, Joan (Eccles) | Reid, Dr John |
| Lewis, Terry | Rendel, David |
| Liddell, Mrs Helen | Robertson, George (Hamilton) |
| Litherland, Robert | Robinson, Geoffrey (Co'try NW) |
| Livingstone, Ken | Robinson, Peter (Belfast E) |
| Rogers, Allan | Taylor, Mrs Ann (Dewsbury) |
| Rocker, Jeff | Thompson, Jack (Wansbeck) |
| Rooney, Terry | Timms, Stephen |
| Ross, Emie (Dundee W) | Tipping, Paddy |
| Rowlands, Ted | Turner, Dennis |
| Ruddock, Joan | Tyler, Paul |
| Salmond, Alex | Vaz, Keith |
| Sedgemore, Brian | Walker, Rt Hon Sir Harold |
| Sheerman, Barry | Wallace, James |
| Sheldon, Rt Hon Robert | Walley, Joan |
| Shore, Rt Hon Peter | Wardell, Gareth (Gower) |
| Short, Clare | Wareing, Robert N |
| Simpson, Alan | Watson, Mike |
| Skinner, Dennis | Welsh, Andrew |
| Smith, Andrew (Oxford E) | Wicks, Malcolm |
| Smith, Chris (Isl'ton S & F'sbury) | Wigley, Dafydd |
| Williams, Alan W (Carmarthen) | |
| Smith, Llew (Blaenau Gwent) | Williams, Rt Hon Alan (SW'n W) |
| Snape, Peter | Wilson Brian |
| Soley, Clive | Winnick, David |
| Spearing, Nigel | Wise, Audrey |
| Spellar, John | Worthington, Tony |
| Squire, Rachel (Dunfermline W) | Wray, Jimmy |
| Steinberg, Gerry | Wright, Dr Tony |
| Stevenson, George | Young, David (Bolton SE) |
| Strang, Dr. Gavin | |
| Straw, Jack | Tellers for the Noes: |
| Sutcliffe, Gerry | Mr. Jim Dowd and |
| Taylor, Matthew (Truro) | Mrs. Barbara Roche |
§ Question accordingly agreed to.
§
Resolved,
That this House welcomes the spending plans announced in the Budget statement by Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer on 29th November; congratulates Her Majesty's Government on its firm control over public expenditure, its drive for greater efficiency and economy in all areas of government, and its progress in reducing the share of national income taken by the public sector while improving key public services; and commends the Government's determination to maintain sound public finances.
§ Madam SpeakerI call Mr. Conway and Mr. Jon Owen Jones to come to the Table.
§ Mr. Derek Conway (Lords Commissioner to the Treasury)I have to report that in the Division on the amendment, the numbers for the Ayes were incorrectly reported as 279. The figure should have been 297.
§ Madam SpeakerI direct that the correct figure of 297 be recorded in the Votes and Proceedings.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeOn a point of order, Madam Speaker—[Interruption.] I see that voting against all the tax increases and against all the spending reductions has cheered up the Labour party, but it might actually help the House if I gave a brief explanation of how I think our proceedings will now go ahead.
During the Budget debate, I mapped out a clear path for reductions in public borrowing and emphasised the importance of sound public finances to the achievement of a strong and sustainable recovery. Nothing said in the course of the debate tonight has changed our commitment to take all the necessary measures to put the public finances on a sound footing and nor, indeed, has the outcome of the vote.
However, it is only right that we should listen to the views expressed here tonight. I have therefore decided not to proceed with the second stage of value added tax on 281 fuel and power. The Government will be bringing forward a resolution to hold the rate at 8 per cent., together with the requisite new clause.
The shortfall in the public finances must be made good. I shall be bringing proposals to the House on Thursday, designed to ensure that the public sector borrowing requirement remains on the course that I mapped out in my Budget statement. Proceeding in that way is essential to keep the recovery on course in order to achieve the prosperity and jobs that we need in this country.
§ Madam SpeakerOrder. The Chancellor of the Exchequer rose to catch my eye on a point of order. I judge what he has said to be a short statement, and I shall treat it as such.
§ Mr. Gordon BrownFurther to that point of order, Madam Speaker. Now that VAT at 17.5 per cent. has been stopped dead in its tracks, is that not a humiliating defeat for the Cabinet, for the Chancellor and for the Prime Minister? Having tried for 18 months, in three successive Budgets, to impose the unfair VAT tax, does the Chancellor agree that VAT on fuel should never have been imposed in the first place? Does he agree also that promises made by political parties at elections should be kept? The Government will have to listen to the British people.
Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree also that no hasty and ill-considered measures—cobbled-together compromises—should be brought to the House by the Chancellor? If he believes, as he says, that there is an obligation on us to come forward with proposals, why does he not consult us before he brings proposals before the House on Thursday?
This is not just a defeat for the Budget. This signals a turning point in the politics of this country. Conservative Members may remain in office, but they are tired, they are discredited and they are out of touch. It is the Labour party that now represents and speaks for the people of this country.
§ Mr. ClarkeThe Labour party may produce proposals slowly, but they are certainly cobbled together when they come. The hon. Member for Dunfermline, East (Mr. Brown) has made his proposals to deal with the public finances—loopholes, windfalls and zero rates on rollercoasters in theme parks. They are unlikely to feature in my statement on Thursday.
On Thursday, I will produce what the hon. Gentleman has never produced, which is a package of spending and taxation measures designed to keep borrowing on course and to regain confidence in the strong recovery of this country. The hon. Gentleman, in all his speeches on this matter, has made it clear that he will be utterly unfit to take forward the affairs of this country. He has no responsible suggestions to make on either spending or taxation. His vote this evening has been irresponsible and opportunist. He may gloat today, but we have the responsibility of keeping British industry on course tomorrow.
§ Mr. Malcolm BruceWill the Chancellor accept that the defeat of the Government tonight was inflicted by the votes of Members from all nine parties in the House? That demonstrates a monumental rejection of the Government's policies. What ingenious new taxes will the 282 Tories now introduce? They have become the party of tax. If it moves they will tax it, and they will go on taxing until it stops moving. Does he accept that he is a member of a discredited Government who are rejected by the House, by his own party and by the people? There is only one place for him and his Government to go, and that is out.
§ Mr. ClarkeThe Liberal Democrat party was the first political party in this country to advocate the imposition of value added tax on domestic fuel. The Liberal Democrat party remains committed to a carbon energy tax which would impose equivalent taxation in terms of domestic fuel and would also impose huge costs on British industry, damaging our competitiveness in world markets.
The hon. Gentleman asked me a question. He asked what taxes I might bring forward. In effect, he is asking me to advertise tax increases in advance in an utterly irresponsible way. The Liberal Democrat party is no better than the Labour party at producing thought-out proposals of its own and the hon. Gentleman illustrates his own irresponsibility by asking me to trail tax changes in advance of their being announced_ I cannot do so today, any more than I could do so before a Budget.
§ Sir Peter Tapsell (East Lindsey)As the Labour party is committed to harmonising all taxes with those in the European Union and as every country in western Europe has a value added tax on fuel, is not it absolutely clear that a future Labour Government would introduce the tax which the House has just rejected?
§ Mr. ClarkeAs my hon. Friend says, if the Labour party stood by the commitments that it incurred in the European Parliament, that would indeed be the case. But Opposition Members shake their heads at the idea that they are committed to anything. Throughout five days of debate they never said that they would repeal the tax if we introduced it, and they engaged in pure political opportunism without offering any alternative proposals of their own.
§ Mr. Peter Shore (Bethnal Green and Stepney)Now that we have a minority Government, does not the Chancellor think that it is rather premature to bring forward new proposals this Thursday? Would not he be better advised to give himself more time to consult not only Opposition parties, but within his own party before he presents further proposals?
§ Mr. ClarkeI see no alternative Government—nothing resembling an alternative Government— before me. I see no political party ready for office which could be responsible for this country's economic affairs. I have heard the Labour party's propositions: the windfalls, the loopholes, the zero rating of funfairs, and the restoration of the tax on champagne. They are preposterous. Of course, better suggestions will be considered if the Opposition can think of any between now and Thursday.
§ Mr. Alex Salmond (Banff and Buchan)Has the Chancellor had time to reflect upon the wisdom of the petulance which led him to defend an indefensible tax increase to the last ditch? If that was a marginal part of the Government's programme, should not the Chancellor consider his own position in leading his party to such 283 humiliation? If it was a central part of the Government's programme, should not the entire Government face the people in a general election?
§ Mr. ClarkeBecause of the compensation I announced— and actually would have improved during the debate— pensioners were one group in this country who would not have borne the full weight of the proposal. Indeed, about one fifth of pensioners would have received more compensation than the VAT they would have been likely to pay. The principal beneficiaries of this evening's vote will be people living in large houses with large central heating bills.
§ Mr. Duncan SmithDoes not my right hon. and learned Friend agree that when he brings forward his package on Thursday he should consider the fact that we are determined to bring down public expenditure, while the Opposition spokesman, the hon. Member for Copeland (Dr Cunningham), said that public expenditure was too high, and other Opposition Back Benchers said that taxation is not high enough? Does the Chancellor agree that that shows the Labour party's absolute hypocrisy in this area?
§ Mr. ClarkeMy hon. Friend is quite right: the hon. Member for Copeland (Dr. Cunningham) made the extraordinary statement that, in his opinion, public expenditure was too high. He said— he repeats it now—that public expenditure on social security was too high, which I think bodes ill for old-age pensioners. He then went through the Division Lobby with his hon. Friends and voted against every public expenditure reduction that we had proposed. As I said a moment ago, the Labour party's position is preposterous—and other adjectives leap to mind quite easily.
§ Mr. D. N. Campbell-Savours (Workington)In so far as Ministers were predicting a substantial increase in interest rates in the event that they lost the Division, is that still their view or were they just threatening Back Benchers in an irresponsible way?
§ Mr. ClarkeIf there is one thing dafter than asking the Chancellor of the Exchequer questions about possible tax movements two days before he announces them, it is asking him about likely movements in interest rates. There is scarcely a Labour Member who would be capable of running a whelk stall, let alone the Exchequer.
§ Madam SpeakerOrder. We shall move on to petitions.