HC Deb 09 May 2001 vol 368 cc198-208

'(1) Section 393A Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 (set-off of trading losses against profits of previous three years) shall be amended in accordance with subsections (2) and (3) below.

(2) In subsection (2), after "(2A)", and before "below", insert the words "and (2D)".

(3) After subsection (2C), insert the following new subsection— quote"(2D) this subsection shall have effect in relation to any loss incurred by a company which is not large (as defined by SI 1998/3175 as subsequently amended)—

  1. (a) as if in subsection (2) above, the words 'three years' were substituted for the words 'twelve months': and
    2. 199
  2. (b) which is incurred in any accounting periods ending in the period beginning on 1 April 2000 and ending on or before 31 March 2003.".'.—[Mr. David Heath.]
Brought up, and read the First time.

Mr. David Heath

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Alan Haselhurst)

With this it will be convenient to discuss the following: New clause 7—Extension of carry back of excess interest costs—

'(1) Chapter II of Part IV of the Finance Act 1996 (loan relationships) shall be amended in accordance with subsections (2) and (3) below.

(2) In paragraph 3(7) of Schedule 8 (permitted period of twelve months for carry-back of deficits), after "means" and before "the period" insert "subject to paragraph 3(7A) below".

(3) After paragraph 3(7) of Schedule 8, insert the following new paragraph—

"3(7A) This paragraph shall have effect in relation to a deficit, incurred by a company which is not large (as defined by SI 1998/3175 as subsequently amended)—

  1. (a) as if in paragraph 3(7) above, the words 'three years' were substituted for each case of the words 'twelve months'; and
  2. (b) which is incurred in any accounting periods ending in the period beginning on 1 April 2000 and ending on or before 31 March 2003.".'.
New clause 8—Relief for furnished holiday lettings—

'(1) Section 504 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 (Letting of furnished holiday accommodation treated as a trade, supplementary provisions) shall be amended in accordance with subsections (2) and (3) below.

(2) In subsection (3)(6) the figure "70" shall be replaced by the figure "30".

(3) This section shall only apply for accounting periods ending in the period beginning on 1 April 2001 and ending on or before 31 March 2002.'.

Mr. Heath

These new clauses allow the House, should it wish—even at this late stage of this Parliament—to do something effective for businesses seriously affected by the foot and mouth crisis. Businesses in my constituency and in many rural constituencies throughout the country that have been affected by the crippling economic consequences of the disease simply do not understand why the Government are deaf to their need to survive this year.

The epidemic has been awful for the livestock industry. However if—and it is a big "if' because, in my own county of Somerset, new cases are being reported every day, so we are by no means sure that the epidemic is over—we are drawing to the end of the animal disease epidemic, I assure hon. Members that we are entering an epidemic of business failures in rural areas. Businesses in rural parts of Britain such as the south-west all say that they have suffered an extraordinary reduction in turnover in the past few months. I am sure that that also applies to the north-west and the north-east, where foot and mouth has done its worst, and even areas passed over by the epidemic, which have suffered in the same way from the downturn in economic circumstances and tourism. It is not just businesses directly associated with agriculture or tourism that have suffered; a huge spectrum of businesses in every sector in every town and village throughout rural Britain has been affected.

Mr. Paul Tyler (North Cornwall)

Does my hon. Friend agree that, although a devastating tragedy has hit many livestock farms, particularly smaller family farms, at least they have some cash flow coming through? Businesses that are indirectly affected, however, are the hidden victims of this terrible scourge and have no prospect of any cash flow improvement in the coming months. They are having a desperate time in making a good case to their bank managers to keep going.

Mr. Heath

My hon. Friend is right. The consequential losses, which no one could have expected, are quite extraordinary, and a range of businesses are involved. I have mentioned in the House before a garden centre in my constituency whose takings are down by 80 per cent. A dealer in lawnmowers and similar equipment has had his takings reduced by two thirds. A marquee manufacturer in my constituency has as its principal clients the major agricultural shows, all of which have been cancelled; the Royal Bath and West show, for example, is not happening. The firm is having to lay off workers because it no longer has any orders. Another such firm is a laundry whose trade is mainly with the hotel industry. It must now shut up shop. I even have in my constituency an animal incinerator which must close its doors because no one can bring animals to be burned, because of the foot and mouth restrictions. These are serious matters which are affecting the rural economy in a big way. What is so disappointing is the paucity of ideas and the lack of urgency on the part of Government in dealing with these issues.

Mr. Letwin

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for giving way. Every hon. Member of whatever party who represents a rural constituency would agree with him. Does he agree that we probably face an increase in the problems to which he alluded as we come to the summer months? That is the time on which many of our tourism-related industries in rural areas depend for the great bulk of their income, and that is when we shall see the crisis magnified, long after, as we all hope, the disease has virtually disappeared.

Mr. Heath

The hon. Gentleman is right. He knows and I know that a crisis taskforce was set up. It goes away and ponders, and that is all it does. The Minister for the Environment who chairs the taskforce gave a preliminary report, which was the last that the House heard about what it intended to do to deal with the crisis. We have a so-called Rural Affairs Cabinet Committee. What has it done during the crisis Nothing, as far as anyone can see.

I exclude from these strictures the Minister of Agriculture, who has reported frequently to the House about what he has been doing, but of course his purview is limited to the agricultural aspects. One of the problems to which we have repeatedly drawn attention is the fact that we do not have a Department of Rural Affairs, which might have taken wider view and recognised the fact that there is a crisis for the rural economy, not simply for the agricultural industry.

We are failing in our duty because the Government have not allowed the House the opportunity to give proper scrutiny to measures that could have been introduced over the past few weeks. Now we face the extraordinary prospect that the House will dissolve at the beginning of next week without our having the opportunity properly to discuss in Government time the proposals that they might have introduced to deal with the crisis.

Miss Melanie Johnson

Does the hon. Gentleman accept that so far 7,000 businesses have been helped, and £40 million worth in tax has been deferred by Customs and Exercise and the Inland Revenue to help businesses affected by foot and mouth?

Mr. Heath

Does the hon. Lady not understand that that is a drop in the ocean compared with magnitude of the crisis in our rural areas? Deferment of tax simply puts off the evil day when the bailiffs come in. That is the problem that the Government do not seem to understand.

The measures proposed in the new clauses are not the only steps that the Government should take, but they are at least an attempt to deal with issues such as restoring cash flow to many small businesses, in rural areas and elsewhere, and giving them an immediate benefit through the tax system. The carry-back of trading losses and excess interest costs could be made against previous years' accounts, which would provide immediate benefit and help them get through the present crisis, rather than offering help at some indeterminate stage in the future.

Miss Johnson

rose—

Mr. Heath

The hon. Lady wants to intervene, but she knows that we have limited time for the debate.

Miss Johnson

I am anxious that the hon. Gentleman will not allow me any time at all to respond to the debate. In four minutes the time will be up. Is he aware of the non-tax measures that have been taken, which will assist all the businesses affected by foot and mouth? Those measures include providing temporary relief for business rates, whereby authorities can offer hardship relief to small businesses with a rateable value of £12,000 or less, in the knowledge that central Government will reimburse 95 per cent. of the cost. There is an extension of the small loans guarantee. There is a Phoenix fund aimed at helping small business in the most distressed communities. There are regional venture capital funds as well. A further £18 million is being made available to help promote Britain as a tourist destination. Additional measures include a £15 million package—

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Order. The hon. Lady cannot reply to the debate in an intervention.

Mr. Heath

I hope that the hon. Lady is not castigating me for what her business managers consider to be the appropriate time for debating this important matter, for which not one minute of Government time has been given. It is an outrage that we are being told that we must hurry our comments on this crucial problem facing the country, especially rural areas, prior to the coming general election. We are told that there is lot time to discuss it. That tells us all we need to know about the Government's attitude to rural areas.

I will place a bet with the hon. Lady that more businesses will go out of business in rural areas over the next few months. She clearly considers her measures to be magnanimous, generous and adequate. People in rural areas do not think so. The people who came to lobby the House from Powys in mid-Wales and from Cumbria were desperately seeking something from the Government and the House to keep their businesses going over this summer. The proposals in the new clause would be a start, and would certainly be more adequate than anything that the Government have come up with so far. If the Government cannot accept it, they must answer to the people in rural areas who will lose their businesses in the next few weeks. They must tell those people why they sat by and did nothing while a disaster for the rural economy unfolded.

Mr. Letwin

I do not want to detain the House for long. We thoroughly agree with the hon. Member for Somerton and Frome (Mr. Heath), and we would have liked other measures to have been introduced. We have been arguing for months for measures such as the £500 million interest-free loan scheme. The proposals in these new clauses would be beneficial.

By her tone of voice, the Economic Secretary showed the Government's neglect and misunderstanding of rural areas. Contrary to the tone in which some of the rational debates of the past three hours have been conducted, the tone in which the Economic Secretary replied to the hon. Gentleman was demonstrative of a total lack of understanding of the scale of the disaster that is and will be faced by rural business in the tourism-related sector as we approach the summer months. What has already—

It being three hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Programme motion, MR. DEPUTY SPEAKER put forthwith the Question already proposed from the Chair.

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

The House divided: Ayes 129, Noes 259.

Division No.206] [9.8 pm
AYES
Arbuthnot, Rt Hon James Ernery, Rt Hon Sir Peter
Atkinson, Peter (Hexham) Ewing, Mrs Margaret
Baldry, Tony Fabricant, Michael
Beith, Rt Hon A J Fearn, Ronnie
Bell, Martin (Tatton) Flight, Howard
Bercow, John Fowler, Rt Hon Sir Norman
Blunt, Crispin Fox, Dr Liam
Boswell, Tim Fraser, Christopher
Bottomley, Peter (Worthing W) Gale, Roger
Bottomley, Rt Hon Mrs Virginia Garnier, Edward
Brady, Graham Gill, Christopher
Brazier, Julian Gillen, Mrs Cheryl
Brooke, Rt Hon Peter Gorman, Mrs Teresa
Browning, Mrs Angela Gorrie, Donald
Bruce, Ian (S Dorset) Gray, James
Burns, Simon Green, Damian
Butterfill, John Greenway, John
Cash, William Hamilton, Rt Hon Sir Archie
Chapman, Sir Sydney Hammond, Philip
(Chipping Barnet) Harvey, Nick
Chope, Christopher Hayes, John
Clifton—Brown, Geoffrey Heald, Oliver
Collins, Tim Heath, David (Somerton & Frome)
Cormack, Sir Patrick Horam, John
Cotter, Brian Jack, Rt Hon Michael
Cran, James Jackson, Robert (Wantage)
Davies, Quentin (Grantham) Jenkin, Bernard
Day, Stephen Key, Robert
Dorrell, Rt Hon Stephen king, Rt Hon Tom (Bridgwater)
Laing, Mrs Eleanor Russell, Bob (Colchester)
Lait, Mrs Jacqui St Aubyn, Nick
Leigh, Edward Sayeed, Jonathan
Letwin, Oliver Shephard, Rt Hon Mrs Gillian
Lewis, Dr Julian (New Forest E) Simpson, Keith (Mid-Norfolk)
Lidington, David Smyth, Rev Martin (Belfast S)
Livsey, Richard Spicer, Sir Michael
Lloyd, Rt Hon Sir Peter (Fareham) Streeter, Gary
Llwyd, Elfyn Swayne, Desmond
Loughton, Tim Syms, Robert
Luff, Peter Tapsell, Sir Peter
Lyell, Rt Hon Sir Nicholas Taylor, Ian (Esher & Walton)
McCrea, Dr William Taylor, John M (Solihull)
McIntosh, Miss Anne Taylor, Matthew (Truro)
Maclean, Rt Hon David Thomas, Simon (Ceredigion)
McLoughlin, Patrick Thompson, William
Madel, Sir David Tredinnick, David
Malins, Humfrey Trend, Michael
Maples, John Tyrie, Andrew
Mates, Michael Viggers, Peter
Maude, Rt Hon Francis Wallace, Rt Hon James
Mawhinney, Rt Hon Sir Brian Walter, Robert
May, Mrs Theresa Waterson, Nigel
Michie, Mrs Ray (Argyll & Bute) Wells, Bowen
Morgan, Alasdair (Galloway) Welsh, Andrew
Moss, Malcolm Whitney, Sir Raymond
O'Brien, Stephen (Eddisbury) Whittingdale, John
Öpik, Lembit Wigley, Rt Hon Dafydd
Ottaway, Richard Willetts, David
Paice, James Wilshire, David
Paterson, Owen Winterton, Mrs Ann (Congleton)
Randall, John Winterton, Nicholas (Macclesfield)
Redwood, Rt Hon John Yeo, Tim
Rendel, David Young, Rt Hon Sir George
Robathan, Andrew
Robertson, Laurence (Tewk'b'ry) Tellers for the Ayes:
Roe, Mrs Marion (Broxbourne) Mr. Paul Tyler and
Rowe, Andrew (Faversham) Mr. Edward Davey.
NOES
Abbott, Ms Diane Chaytor, David
Ainger, Nick Chisholm, Malcolm
Ainsworth, Robert (Cov'try NE) Clapham, Michael
Allen, Graham Clark, Rt Hon Dr David (S Shields)
Anderson, Rt Hon Donald Clark, Paul (Gillingham)
(Swansea E) Clarke, Charles (Norwich S)
Ashton, Joe Clarke, Eric (Midlothian)
Atkins, Charlotte Clarke, Rt Hon Tom (Coatbridge)
Austin, John Clelland, David
Bailey, Adrian Clwyd, Ann
Banks, Tony Coaker, Vernon
Barnes, Harry Coffey, Ms Ann
Barron, Kevin Cohen, Harry
Battle, John Connarty, Michael
Bayley, Hugh Cooper, Yvette
Beckett, Rt Hon Mrs Margaret Corbett, Robin
Benn, Hilary (Leeds C) Corbyn, Jeremy
Bennett, Andrew F Cousins, Jim
Benton, Joe Cox, Tom
Bermingham, Gerald Cranston, Ross
Berry, Roger Crausby, David
Betts, Clive Cryer, Mrs Ann (Keighley)
Blizzard, Bob Cummings, John
Boateng, Rt Hon Paul Cunningham, Jim (Cov'try S)
Bradley, Rt Hon Keith (Withington) Davidson, Ian
Browne, Desmond Davies, Rt Hon Denzil (Llanelli)
Buck, Ms Karen Davis, Rt Hon Terry
Burden, Richard (B'ham Hodge H)
Caborn, Rt Hon Richard Denham, Rt Hon John
Campbell, Mrs Anne (C'bridge) Dobbin, Jim
Campbell, Ronnie (Blyth V) Dobson, Rt Hon Frank
Campbell-Savours, Dale Donohoe, Brian H
Cann, Jamie Doran, Frank
Caplin, Ivor Eagle, Angela (Wallasey)
Caton, Martin Eagle, Maria (L'pool Garston)
Chapman, Ben (Wirral S) Efforts, Clive
Ellman, Mrs Louise McAllion, John
Ennis, Jeff McAvoy, Thomas
Etherington, Bill McCabe, Steve
Field, Rt Hon Frank Macdonald, Calum
Fisher, Mark McFall, John
Fitzpatrick, Jim McIsaac, Shona
Flint, Caroline McKenna, Mrs Rosemary
Flynn, Paul Mackinlay, Andrew
Follett, Barbara McNamara, Kevin
Fyfe, Maria McNulty, Tony
Galbraith, Sam Mactaggart, Fiona
Gapes, Mike McWalter, Tony
Gardiner, Barry McWilliam, John
George, Rt Hon Bruce (Walsall S) Mahon, Mrs Alice
Gerrard, Neil Mallaber, Judy
Gibson, Dr Ian Mandelson, Rt Hon Peter
Godman, Dr Norman A Marsden, Gordon (Blackpool S)
Godsiff, Roger Marshall, David (Shettleston)
Goggins, Paul Marshall, Jim (Leicester S)
Golding, Mrs Llin Martlew, Eric
Griffiths, Nigel (Edinburgh S) Maxton, John
Griffiths, Win (Bridgend) Meacher, Rt Hon Michael
Gunnell, John Merron, Gillian
Hain, Peter Michael, Rt Hon Alun
Hall, Mike (Weaver Vale) Michie, Bill (Shefld Heeley)
Hall, Patrick (Bedford) Miller, Andrew
Hanson, David Mitchell, Austin
Harman, Rt Hon Ms Harriet Moffatt, Laura
Healey, John Moonie, Dr Lewis
Henderson, Doug (Newcastle N) Moran, Ms Margaret
Hendrick, Mark Mudie, George
Hepburn, Stephen Mullin, Chris
Heppell, John Murphy, Denis (Wansbeck)
Hewitt, Ms Patricia Naysmith, Dr Doug
Hill, Keith O"Brien, Bill (Normanton)
Hinchliffe, David Olner, Bill
Hoey, Kate O'Neill, Martin
Hope, Phil Pearson, Ian
Hopkins, Kelvin Pendry, Rt Hon Tom
Howarth, Rt Hon Alan (Newport E) Pickthall, Colin
Howarth, George (Knowsley N) Pike, Peter L
Howells, Dr Kim Pond, Chris
Hughes, Ms Beverley (Stre[...]ford) Pope, Greg
Hughes, Kevin (Doncaster N) Pound, Stephen
Humble, Mrs Joan Powell, Sir Raymond
Hutton, John Prentice, Ms Bridget (Lewisham E)
Iddon, Dr Brian Prentice, Gordon (Pendle)
Illsley, Eric Primarolo, Dawn
Ingram, Rt Hon Adam Prosser, Gwyn
Jackson, Helen (Hillsborough) Quin, Rt Hon Ms Joyce
Jamieson, David Quinn, Lawrie
Jenkins, Brian Rammell, Bill
Johnson, Alan (Hull W & Hessle) Raynsford, Rt Hon Nick
Johnson, Miss Melanie Reed, Andrew (Loughborough)
(Welwyn Hatfield) Robertson, John
Jones, Rt Hon Barry (Alyn) (Glasgow Anniesland)
Jones, Helen (Warrington N) Roche, Mrs Barbara
Jones, Ms Jenny Rogers, Allan
(Wolverh'ton SW) Rooker, Rt Hon Jeff
Jones, Dr Lynne (Selly Oak) Rooney, Terry
Jones, Martyn (Clwyd S) Ross, Ernie (Dundee W)
Jowell, Rt Hon Ms Tessa Rowlands, Ted
Joyce, Eric Roy, Frank
Kaufman, Rt Hon Gerald Ruddock, Joan
Keeble, Ms Sally Sarwar, Mohammad
Keen, Alan (Feltham & Heston) Savidge, Malcolm
Keen, Ann (Brentford & Isleworth) Shaw, Jonathan
Khabra, Piara S Sheerman, Barry
King, Ms Oona (Bethnal Green) Sheldon, Rt Hon Robert
Lammy, David Simpson, Alan (Nottingham S)
Lepper, David Skinner, Dennis
Levitt, Tom Smith, Rt Hon Andrew (Oxford E)
Lewis, Ivan (Bury S) Smith, Angela (Basildon)
Lewis, Terry (Worsley) Smith, Jacqui (Redditch)
Lloyd, Tony (Manchester C) Smith, John (Glamorgan)
Lock, David Smith, Llew (Blaenau Gwent)

Question accordingly negatived.

MR. DEPUTY SPEAKER then proceeded to put forthwith the Question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded at that hour.

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

The House divided: Ayes 264, Noes 121.

Division No.206] [9.8 pm
AYES
Arbuthnot, Rt Hon James Ernery, Rt Hon Sir Peter
Atkinson, Peter (Hexham) Ewing, Mrs Margaret
Baldry, Tony Fabricant, Michael
Beith, Rt Hon A J Fearn, Ronnie
Bell, Martin (Tatton) Flight, Howard
Bercow, John Fowler, Rt Hon Sir Norman
Blunt, Crispin Fox, Dr Liam
Boswell, Tim Fraser, Christopher
Bottomley, Peter (Worthing W) Gale, Roger
Bottomley, Rt Hon Mrs Virginia Garnier, Edward
Brady, Graham Gill, Christopher
Brazier, Julian Gillen, Mrs Cheryl
Brooke, Rt Hon Peter Gorman, Mrs Teresa
Browning, Mrs Angela Gorrie, Donald
Bruce, Ian (S Dorset) Gray, James
Burns, Simon Green, Damian
Butterfill, John Greenway, John
Cash, William Hamilton, Rt Hon Sir Archie
Chapman, Sir Sydney Hammond, Philip
(Chipping Barnet) Harvey, Nick
Chope, Christopher Hayes, John
Clifton—Brown, Geoffrey Heald, Oliver
Collins, Tim Heath, David (Somerton & Frome)
Cormack, Sir Patrick Horam, John
Cotter, Brian Jack, Rt Hon Michael
Cran, James Jackson, Robert (Wantage)
Davies, Quentin (Grantham) Jenkin, Bernard
Day, Stephen Key, Robert
Dorrell, Rt Hon Stephen king, Rt Hon Tom (Bridgwater)
Laing, Mrs Eleanor Russell, Bob (Colchester)
Lait, Mrs Jacqui St Aubyn, Nick
Leigh, Edward Sayeed, Jonathan
Letwin, Oliver Shephard, Rt Hon Mrs Gillian
Lewis, Dr Julian (New Forest E) Simpson, Keith (Mid-Norfolk)
Lidington, David Smyth, Rev Martin (Belfast S)
Livsey, Richard Spicer, Sir Michael
Lloyd, Rt Hon Sir Peter (Fareham) Streeter, Gary
Llwyd, Elfyn Swayne, Desmond
Loughton, Tim Syms, Robert
Luff, Peter Tapsell, Sir Peter
Lyell, Rt Hon Sir Nicholas Taylor, Ian (Esher & Walton)
McCrea, Dr William Taylor, John M (Solihull)
McIntosh, Miss Anne Taylor, Matthew (Truro)
Maclean, Rt Hon David Thomas, Simon (Ceredigion)
McLoughlin, Patrick Thompson, William
Madel, Sir David Tredinnick, David
Malins, Humfrey Trend, Michael
Maples, John Tyrie, Andrew
Mates, Michael Viggers, Peter
Maude, Rt Hon Francis Wallace, Rt Hon James
Mawhinney, Rt Hon Sir Brian Walter, Robert
May, Mrs Theresa Waterson, Nigel
Michie, Mrs Ray (Argyll & Bute) Wells, Bowen
Morgan, Alasdair (Galloway) Welsh, Andrew
Moss, Malcolm Whitney, Sir Raymond
O'Brien, Stephen (Eddisbury) Whittingdale, John
Öpik, Lembit Wigley, Rt Hon Dafydd
Ottaway, Richard Willetts, David
Paice, James Wilshire, David
Paterson, Owen Winterton, Mrs Ann (Congleton)
Randall, John Winterton, Nicholas (Macclesfield)
Redwood, Rt Hon John Yeo, Tim
Rendel, David Young, Rt Hon Sir George
Robathan, Andrew
Robertson, Laurence (Tewk'b'ry) Tellers for the Ayes:
Roe, Mrs Marion (Broxbourne) Mr. Paul Tyler and
Rowe, Andrew (Faversham) Mr. Edward Davey.
NOES
Abbott, Ms Diane Chaytor, David
Ainger, Nick Chisholm, Malcolm
Ainsworth, Robert (Cov'try NE) Clapham, Michael
Allen, Graham Clark, Rt Hon Dr David (S Shields)
Anderson, Rt Hon Donald Clark, Paul (Gillingham)
(Swansea E) Clarke, Charles (Norwich S)
Ashton, Joe Clarke, Eric (Midlothian)
Atkins, Charlotte Clarke, Rt Hon Tom (Coatbridge)
Austin, John Clelland, David
Bailey, Adrian Clwyd, Ann
Banks, Tony Coaker, Vernon
Barnes, Harry Coffey, Ms Ann
Barron, Kevin Cohen, Harry
Battle, John Connarty, Michael
Bayley, Hugh Cooper, Yvette
Beckett, Rt Hon Mrs Margaret Corbett, Robin
Benn, Hilary (Leeds C) Corbyn, Jeremy
Bennett, Andrew F Cousins, Jim
Benton, Joe Cox, Tom
Bermingham, Gerald Cranston, Ross
Berry, Roger Crausby, David
Betts, Clive Cryer, Mrs Ann (Keighley)
Blizzard, Bob Cummings, John
Boateng, Rt Hon Paul Cunningham, Jim (Cov'try S)
Bradley, Rt Hon Keith (Withington) Davidson, Ian
Browne, Desmond Davies, Rt Hon Denzil (Llanelli)
Buck, Ms Karen Davis, Rt Hon Terry
Burden, Richard (B'ham Hodge H)
Caborn, Rt Hon Richard Denham, Rt Hon John
Campbell, Mrs Anne (C'bridge) Dobbin, Jim
Campbell, Ronnie (Blyth V) Dobson, Rt Hon Frank
Campbell-Savours, Dale Donohoe, Brian H
Cann, Jamie Doran, Frank
Caplin, Ivor Eagle, Angela (Wallasey)
Caton, Martin Eagle, Maria (L'pool Garston)
Chapman, Ben (Wirral S) Efforts, Clive
Ellman, Mrs Louise McAllion, John
Ennis, Jeff McAvoy, Thomas
Etherington, Bill McCabe, Steve
Field, Rt Hon Frank Macdonald, Calum
Fisher, Mark McFall, John
Fitzpatrick, Jim McIsaac, Shona
Flint, Caroline McKenna, Mrs Rosemary
Flynn, Paul Mackinlay, Andrew
Follett, Barbara McNamara, Kevin
Fyfe, Maria McNulty, Tony
Galbraith, Sam Mactaggart, Fiona
Gapes, Mike McWalter, Tony
Gardiner, Barry McWilliam, John
George, Rt Hon Bruce (Walsall S) Mahon, Mrs Alice
Gerrard, Neil Mallaber, Judy
Gibson, Dr Ian Mandelson, Rt Hon Peter
Godman, Dr Norman A Marsden, Gordon (Blackpool S)
Godsiff, Roger Marshall, David (Shettleston)
Goggins, Paul Marshall, Jim (Leicester S)
Golding, Mrs Llin Martlew, Eric
Griffiths, Nigel (Edinburgh S) Maxton, John
Griffiths, Win (Bridgend) Meacher, Rt Hon Michael
Gunnell, John Merron, Gillian
Hain, Peter Michael, Rt Hon Alun
Hall, Mike (Weaver Vale) Michie, Bill (Shefld Heeley)
Hall, Patrick (Bedford) Miller, Andrew
Hanson, David Mitchell, Austin
Harman, Rt Hon Ms Harriet Moffatt, Laura
Healey, John Moonie, Dr Lewis
Henderson, Doug (Newcastle N) Moran, Ms Margaret
Hendrick, Mark Mudie, George
Hepburn, Stephen Mullin, Chris
Heppell, John Murphy, Denis (Wansbeck)
Hewitt, Ms Patricia Naysmith, Dr Doug
Hill, Keith O"Brien, Bill (Normanton)
Hinchliffe, David Olner, Bill
Hoey, Kate O'Neill, Martin
Hope, Phil Pearson, Ian
Hopkins, Kelvin Pendry, Rt Hon Tom
Howarth, Rt Hon Alan (Newport E) Pickthall, Colin
Howarth, George (Knowsley N) Pike, Peter L
Howells, Dr Kim Pond, Chris
Hughes, Ms Beverley (Stre[...]ford) Pope, Greg
Hughes, Kevin (Doncaster N) Pound, Stephen
Humble, Mrs Joan Powell, Sir Raymond
Hutton, John Prentice, Ms Bridget (Lewisham E)
Iddon, Dr Brian Prentice, Gordon (Pendle)
Illsley, Eric Primarolo, Dawn
Ingram, Rt Hon Adam Prosser, Gwyn
Jackson, Helen (Hillsborough) Quin, Rt Hon Ms Joyce
Jamieson, David Quinn, Lawrie
Jenkins, Brian Rammell, Bill
Johnson, Alan (Hull W & Hessle) Raynsford, Rt Hon Nick
Johnson, Miss Melanie Reed, Andrew (Loughborough)
(Welwyn Hatfield) Robertson, John
Jones, Rt Hon Barry (Alyn) (Glasgow Anniesland)
Jones, Helen (Warrington N) Roche, Mrs Barbara
Jones, Ms Jenny Rogers, Allan
(Wolverh'ton SW) Rooker, Rt Hon Jeff
Jones, Dr Lynne (Selly Oak) Rooney, Terry
Jones, Martyn (Clwyd S) Ross, Ernie (Dundee W)
Jowell, Rt Hon Ms Tessa Rowlands, Ted
Joyce, Eric Roy, Frank
Kaufman, Rt Hon Gerald Ruddock, Joan
Keeble, Ms Sally Sarwar, Mohammad
Keen, Alan (Feltham & Heston) Savidge, Malcolm
Keen, Ann (Brentford & Isleworth) Shaw, Jonathan
Khabra, Piara S Sheerman, Barry
King, Ms Oona (Bethnal Green) Sheldon, Rt Hon Robert
Lammy, David Simpson, Alan (Nottingham S)
Lepper, David Skinner, Dennis
Levitt, Tom Smith, Rt Hon Andrew (Oxford E)
Lewis, Ivan (Bury S) Smith, Angela (Basildon)
Lewis, Terry (Worsley) Smith, Jacqui (Redditch)
Lloyd, Tony (Manchester C) Smith, John (Glamorgan)
Lock, David Smith, Llew (Blaenau Gwent)
Soley, Clive Tynan, Bill
Southworth, Ms Helen Vis, Dr Rudi
Spellar, John Walley, Ms Joan
Squire, Ms Rachel Ward, Ms Claire
Starkey, Dr Phyllis Wareing, Robert N
Steinberg, Gerry Watts, David
Stevenson, George Whitehead, Dr Alan
Stewart, Ian (Eccles) Wicks, Malcolm
Strang, Rt Hon Dr Gavin Williams, Rt Hon Alan
Stringer, Graham (Swansea W)
Sutcliffe, Gerry Williams, Mrs Betty (Conwy)
Taylor, Rt Hon Mrs Ann Wills, Michael
(Dewsbury) Winnick, David
Taylor, David (NW Leics) Winterton, Ms Rosie (Doncaster C)
Temple-Morris, Peter Wood, Mike
Timms, Stephen Worthington, Tony
Tipping, Paddy Wright, Anthony D (Gt Yarmouth)
Todd, Mark Wright, Tony (Cannock)
Touhig, Don Wyatt, Derek
Trickett, Jon
Turner, Dennis (Wolverh'ton SE) Tellers for the Noes:
Turner, Neil (Wigan) Mr. Jim Dowd and
Twigg, Derek (Halton) Mrs. Anne McGuire.
Division No. 207] [9.24 pm
AYES
Abbott, Ms Diane Clapham, Michael
Ainger, Nick Clark, Rt Hon Dr David (S Shields)
Ainsworth, Robert (Cov'try NE) Clark, Paul (Gillingham)
Anderson, Rt Hon Donald Clarke, Charles (Norwich S)
(Swansea E) Clarke, Eric (Midlothian)
Ashton, Joe Clarke, Rt Hon Tom (Coatbridge)
Atkins, Charlotte Clelland, David
Austin, John Clwyd, Ann
Bailey, Adrian Coaker, Vernon
Banks, Tony Coffey, Ms Ann
Barnes, Harry Cohen, Harry
Barron, Kevin Connar[...]y, Michael
Battle, John Cooper Yvette
Bayley, Hugh Corbett Robin
Beckett, Rt Hon Mrs Margaret Corbyn Jeremy
Benn, Hilary (Leeds C) Cousins Jim
Bennett, Andrew F Cox, Tom
Benton, Joe Cranston, Ross
Bermingham, Gerald Crausby, David
Berry, Roger Cryer, Mrs Ann (Keighley)
Betts, Clive Cummings, John
Blizzard, Bob Cunningham, Jim (Cov'try S)
Blunkett, Rt Hon David Davidson, Ian
Boateng, Rt Hon Paul Davies Rt Hon Denzil (Llanelli)
Bradley, Rt Hon Keith (Withington) Davis, Rt Hon Terry
Browne, Desmond (B'ham Hodge H)
Buck, Ms Karen Denham, Rt Hon John
Burden, Richard Dobbin, Jim
Caborn, Rt Hon Richard Dobson, Rt Hon Frank
Campbell, Mrs Anne (C'bridge) Donohoe, Brian H
Campbell, Ronnie (Blyth V) Doran, Frank
Campbell-Savours, Dale Eagle, Angela (Wallasey)
Cann, Jamie Eagle, Maria (L'pool Garston)
Caplin, Ivor Efford, Clive
Caton, Martin Ellman, Mrs Louise
Chapman, Ben (Wirral S) Ennis, Jeff
Chaytor, David Etherington, Bill
Chisholm, Malcolm Ewing Mrs Margaret
Field, Rt Hon Frank McAllion, John
Fisher, Mark McAvoy, Thomas
Fitzpatrick, Jim McCabe, Steve
Flint, Caroline Macdonald, Calum
Flynn, Paul McFall, John
Follett, Barbara McGuire, Mrs Anne
Foster, Rt Hon Derek McIsaac, Shona
Fyfe, Maria McKenna, Mrs Rosemary
Galbraith, Sam Mackinlay, Andrew
Gapes, Mike McNamara, Kevin
Gardiner, Barry McNulty, Tony
George, Rt Hon Bruce (Walsall S) Mactaggart, Fiona
Gerrard, Neil McWalter, Tony
Gibson, Dr Ian McWilliam, John
Godsiff, Roger Mahon, Mrs Alice
Goggins, Paul Mallaber, Judy
Golding, Mrs Llin Mandelson, Rt Hon Peter
Griffiths, Nigel (Edinburgh S) Marsden, Gordon (Blackpool S)
Griffiths, Win (Bridgend) Marshall, David (Shettleston)
Gunnell, John Martlew, Eric
Hain, Peter Maxton, John
Hall, Mike (Weaver Vale) Meacher, Rt Hon Michael
Hall, Patrick (Bedford) Merron, Gillian
Hanson, David Michael, Rt Hon Alun
Harman, Rt Hon Ms Harriet Michie, Bill (Shefld Heeley)
Healey, John Miller, Andrew
Henderson, Doug (Newcastle N) Moffatt, Laura
Hendrick, Mark Moonie, Dr Lewis
Hepburn, Stephen Moran, Ms Margaret
Heppell, John Morgan, Alasdair (Galloway)
Hewitt, Ms Patricia Mudie, George
Hill, Keith Mullin, Chris
Hinchliffe, David Murphy, Denis (Wansbeck)
Hoey, Kate Naysmith, Dr Doug
Hope, Phil O'Brien, Bill (Normanton)
Hopkins, Kelvin Olner, Bill
Howarth, Rt Hon Alan (Newport E) O'Neill, Martin
Howarth, George (Knowsley N) Pearson, Ian
Howells, Dr Kim Pickthall, Colin
Hughes, Ms Beverley (Stretford) Pike, Peter L
Hughes, Kevin (Doncaster N) Pond, Chris
Humble, Mrs Joan Pope, Greg
Hutton, John Pound, Stephen
Iddon, Dr Brian Powell, Sir Raymond
Illsley, Eric Prentice, Ms Bridget (Lewisham E)
Ingram, Rt Hon Adam Prentice, Gordon (Pendle)
Jackson, Helen (Hillsborough) Primarolo, Dawn
Jamieson, David Prosser, Gwyn
Jenkins, Brian Quin, Rt Hon Ms Joyce
Johnson, Alan (Hull W & Hessle) Quinn, Lawrie
Johnson, Miss Melanie Rammell, Bill
(Welwyn Hatfield) Raynsford, Rt Hon Nick
Jones, Rt Hon Barry (Alyn) Reed, Andrew (Loughborough)
Jones, Helen (Warrington N) Robertson, John
Jones, Ieuan Wyn (Ynys Môn) (Glasgow Anniesland)
Jones, Ms Jenny Roche, Mrs Barbara
(Wolverh'ton SW) Rogers, Allan
Jones, Dr Lynne (Sally Oak) Rooker, Rt Hon Jeff
Jones, Martyn (Clwyd S) Rooney, Terry
Jowell, Rt Hon Ms Tessa Ross, Ernie (Dundee W)
Joyce, Eric Rowlands, Ted
Kaufman, Rt Hon Gerald Roy, Frank
Keeble, Ms Sally Ruddock, Joan
Keen, Alan (Feltham & Heston) Sarwar, Mohammad
Keen, Ann (Brentford & Isleworth) Savidge, Malcolm
Khabra, Piara S Shaw, Jonathan
Kilfoyle, Peter Sheerman, Barry
King, Ms Oona (Bethnal Green) Sheldon, Rt Hon Robert
Lammy, David Simpson, Alan (Nottingham S)
Lepper, David Skinner, Dennis
Levitt, Tom Smith, Rt Hon Andrew (Oxford E)
Lewis, Ivan (Bury S) Smith, Angela (Basildon)
Lewis, Terry (Worsley) Smith, Jacqui (Redditch)
Lloyd, Tony (Manchester C) Smith, Llew (Blaenau Gwent)
Llwyd, Elfyn Soley, Clive
Lock, David Southworth, Ms Helen
Spellar, John Vis, Dr Rudi
Squire, Ms Rachel Walley, Ms Joan
Starkey, Dr Phyllis Ward, Ms Claire
Steinberg, Gerry Wareing, Robert N
Stevenson, George Watts, David
Stewart, Ian (Eccles) Welsh, Andrew
Strang, Rt Hon Dr Gavin Whitehead, Dr Alan
Stringer, Graham Wicks, Malcolm
Sutcliffe, Gerry Wigley, Rt Hon Dafydd
Taylor, Rt Hon Mrs Ann williams, Rt Hon Alan
(Dewsbury) (Swansea W)
Taylor, David (NW Leics) Williams, Mrs Betty (Conwy)
Temple-Morris, Peter Wills, Michael
Thomas, Simon (Ceredigion) Winnick, David
Timms, Stephen Winterton, Ms Rosie (Doncaster C)
Tipping, Paddy Wood, Mike
Todd, Mark Worthington, Tony
Touhig, Don Wright, Anthony D (Gt Yarmouth)
Trickett, Jon Wright, Tony (Cannock)
Turner, Dennis (Wolverh'ton SE) Wyatt, Derek
Turner, Neil (Wigan) Tellers for the Ayes:
Twigg, Derek (Halton) Mr. Graham Allen and
Tynan, Bill Mr. Jim Dowd.
NOES
Arbuthnot, Rt Hon James Collins, Tim
Baldry, Tony Cormack, Sir Patrick
Beth, Rt Hon A J Cotter, Brian
Bell, Martin (Tatton) Cran, James
Bercow, John Davey, Edward (Kingston)
Blunt, Crispin Davies, Quentin (Grantham)
Boswell, Tim Day, Stephen
Bottomley, Peter (Worthing W) Dorrell, Rt Hon Stephen
Bottomley, Rt Hon Mrs Virginia Emery, Rt Hon Sir Peter
Brady, Graham Fabricant, Michael
Brazier, Julian Fearn, Ronnie
Brooke, Rt Hon Peter Fowler, Rt Hon Sir Norman
Browning, Mrs Angela Flight, Howard
Bruce, Ian (S Dorset) Fox, Dr Liam
Bums, Simon Fraser, Christopher
Butterfill, John Gale, Roger
Cash, William Garnier, Edward
Chapman, Sir Sydney Gill, Christopher
(Chipping Barnet) Gillan, Mrs Cheryl
Chope, Christopher Gorrie, Donald
Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Gray, James
Green, Damian Randall, John
Greenway, John Redwood, Rt Hon John
Hamilton, Rt Hon Sir Archie Rendel, David
Hammond, Philip Robathan, Andrew
Harvey, Nick Robertson, Laurence (Tewkb'ry)
Hayes, John Roe, Mrs Marion (Broxbourne)
Heald, Oliver Rowe, Andrew (Faversham)
Heath, David (Somerton & Frome) Russell, Bob (Colchester)
Horam, John St Aubyn, Nick
Jack, Rt Hon Michael Sayeed, Jonathan
Jackson, Robert (Wantage) Shephard, Rt Hon Mrs Gillian
Jenkin, Bernard Simpson, Keith (Mid-Norfolk)
Key, Robert Smyth, Rev Martin (Belfast S)
King, Rt Hon Tom (Bridgwater) Spicer, Sir Michael
Laing, Mrs Eleanor Swayne, Desmond
Lait, Mrs Jacqui Syms, Robert
Leigh, Edward Tapsell, Sir Peter
Letwin, Oliver Taylor, Ian (Esher & Walton)
Lewis, Dr Julian (New Forest E) Taylor, John M (Solihull)
Lidington, David Thompson, William
Livsey, Richard Tredinnick, David
Lloyd, Rt Hon Sir Peter (Fareham) Trend, Michael
Loughton, Tim Tyler, Paul
Lyell, Rt Hon Sir Nicholas Tyrie, Andrew
McCrea, Dr William Viggers, Peter
McIntosh, Miss Anne Wallace, Rt Hon James
Maclean, Rt Hon David Walter, Robert
McLoughlin, Patrick Waterson, Nigel
Madel, Sir David Wells, Bowen
Matins, Humfrey Whitney, Sir Raymond
Maples, John Whittingdale, John
Mates, Michael Wilkinson, John
Maude, Rt Hon Francis Willetts, David
Mawhinney, Rt Hon Sir Brian Wilshire, David
May, Mrs Theresa Winterton, Mrs Ann (Congleton)
Michie, Mrs Ray (Argyll & Bute) Winterton, Nicholas (Macclesfield)
Moss, Malcolm Yeo, Tim
O'Brien, Stephen (Eddisbury) Young, Rt Hon Sir George
Öpik, Lembit
Ottaway, Richard Tellers for the Noes:
Paice, James Mr. Peter Atkinson and
Paterson, Owen Mr. Peter Luff.

Question accordingly a greed to.

Bill read the Third Time, and passed.