HC Deb 14 May 2002 vol 385 cc716-20

Motion made, and Question proposed,

That— (1) the following Standing Order (Committee of Nomination) be made: (1) There shall be a select committee, called the Committee of Nomination, to propose to the House the membership of all select committees other than the Committee of Nomination itself and any other select committee for which the House makes other provision. (2) The committee shall consist of nine members nominated by the Chairman of Ways and Means, who shall be the following:

  1. (a) the most senior woman member of the Chairmen's Panel belonging to the Government party, and the three other most senior members of the Panel belonging to that party;
  2. (b) the most senior woman member of the Panel belonging to the party to which the Leader of the Opposition belongs, and the other most senior member of the Panel belonging to that party;
  3. (c) the most senior member of the Panel belonging to the second largest opposition party;
  4. (d) the most senior Member of the House belonging to the Government party but not being a Minister of the Crown; and
  5. (e) the most senior Member of the House not belonging to the Government party who is not a front-bench spokesman for his party.
(3) Where a Member who would otherwise be a member of the Committee of Nomination is unwilling to serve, the next most senior Member in the relevant category shall be nominated. (4) In sub-paragraphs (a) to (c) of paragraph (2) of this order, seniority shall consist of length of continuous service as a member of the Chairmen's Panel (other than as Chairman or Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means), and in sub-paragraphs (d) and (e) of that paragraph, seniority shall consist of length of continuous service as a Member of the House. (5) The Chairman of Ways and Means, or in his absence a Deputy Chairman, shall be chairman of the committee, but shall not vote. (6) The Chairman of Ways and Means shall report the membership of the committee to the House. (7) The quorum of the committee shall be seven when the committee is nominating select committees at the commencement of a Parliament and otherwise four, in either case including the chairman. (8) The committee shall have power to sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House and to report from time to time."; (2) Standing Order No. 121 (Nomination of select committees) be amended as follows: Line 9, leave out paragraph (2) and add— (2) Unless the House otherwise orders, no motion shall be made for the nomination of members of select committees, or for their discharge, unless—
  1. (a) notice of the motion has been given at least two sitting days previously; and
  2. (b) the motion is made on behalf of the Committee of Nomination by one of its members.
(3) Unless the House otherwise orders, all Members nominated to a select committee shall continue to be members of that committee for the remainder of the Parliament (or for the period of existence of the committee, if that is a shorter period)."; (3) Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business) be amended, as follows: Line 16, leave out from "committees)" to "which" in line 20; and (4) Standing Orders be amended, as follows: Standing Order No. 139 (Select Committee on Broadcasting) Line 29, leave out paragraph (6); Standing Order No. 140 (Joint Committee on Consolidation, &c., Bills) Line 37, leave out paragraph (4); Standing Order No. 141 (Deregulation and Regulatory Reform Committee) Line 98, leave out paragraph (10); Standing Order No. 142 (Domestic Committees) Line 37, leave out paragraph (7); Standing Order No. 143 (European Scrutiny Committee) Line 80, leave out paragraph (13); Standing Order No. 144 (Finance and Services Committee) Line 29, leave out paragraph (5); Standing Order No. 145 (Liaison Committee) Line 27, leave out paragraph (4); Standing Order No. 146 (Select Committee on Public Administration) Line 20, leave out paragraph (3); Standing Order No. 147 (Procedure Committee) Line 11, leave out paragraph (4); Standing Order No. 148 (Committee of Public Accounts) Line 10, leave out paragraph (2); Standing Order No. 149 (Committee on Standards and Privileges) Line 26, leave out paragraph (3); Standing Order No. 151 (Statutory Instruments (Joint Committee)) Line 126, leave out paragraph (11); Standing Order No. 152 (Select committees related to government departments) Line 34, leave out paragraph (5); Standing Order No. 152A (Environmental Audit Committee) Line 10, leave out paragraph (3); Standing Order No. 152B (Human rights (joint committee)) Line 41, leave out paragraph (6); Standing Order No. 152C (Tax simplification (joint committee)) Line 15, leave out paragraph (4).—[Mr. Robin Cook.]

Amendment made: (a), in line 7, leave out 'nine' and insert `thirteen'.— [Mr. Lloyd]

Amendment proposed: (d), in line 20, at end add 'and (f) two Members belonging to the Government party, one belonging to the party to which the Leader of the Opposition belongs, and one belonging to the second largest opposition party, in each case first elected to the House in the previous Parliament and proposed by the chairman of the relevant party.'.—[Mr. Lloyd.]

Amendment made to the proposed amendment: (h), in line 4, after second 'the', insert 'current or'.—[Mr. Bryant.]

Amendment, as amended, agreed to.

Amendment made: (e), in line 21, after '(3)', insert 'In sub-paragraphs (a) to (c) of paragraph (2) of this order.'.—[Mr. Lloyd.]

Main Question, as amended, put:

The House divided: Ayes 195, Noes 209.

Division No. 237] [8 Pm
AYES
Abbott, Ms Diane Bacon Richard
Allan, Richard Baird, Vera
Allen, Graham Barrett, John
Anderson, Rt Hon Donald (Swansea E) Begg, Miss Anne
Bell, Stuart
Armstrong, Rt Hon Ms Hilary Benn, Hilary
Atherton, Ms Candy Bennett, Andrew
Best, Harold Hinchliffe, David
Blackman, Liz Hodge, Margaret
Blears, Ms Hazel Holmes, Paul
Blunt, Crispin Hughes, Simon (Southwark N)
Bradley, Peter (The Wrekin) Iddon, Dr Brian
Brake, Tom Irranca-Davies, Huw
Breed, Colin Jack, Rt Hon Michael
Brennan, Kevin Jackson, Helen (Hillsborough)
Bruce, Malcolm Johnson, Miss Melanie
Bryant, Chris (Welwyn Hatfield)
Buck, Ms Karen Jones, Jon Owen (Cardiff C)
Burnett, John Jones, Lynne (Selly Oak)
Burnham, Andy Keetch, Paul
Calton, Mrs Patsy Kidney, David
Campbell, Mrs Anne (C'bridge) King, Andy (Rugby & Kenilworth)
Campbell, Rt Hon Menzies (NE Fife) King, Ms Oona (Bethnal Green)
Kirkbride, Miss Julie
Campbell, Ronnie (Blyth V) Kirkwood, Archy
Casale, Roger Laws, David
Caton, Martin Lazarowicz, Mark
Cawsey, Ian Lepper, David
Challen, Colin Levitt, Tom
Chapman, Sir Sydney (Chipping Barnet) Lewis, Terry (Worsley)
Lloyd, Tony
Chaytor, David Llwyd, Elfyn
Clapham, Michael Love, Andrew
Clark, Dr Lynda (Edinburgh Pentlands) Lucas, Ian
Lyons, John
Clarke, Rt Hon Kenneth (Rushcliffe) McCafferty, Chris
McDonnell, John
Coffey, Ms Ann McKechin, Ann
Cook, Rt Hon Robin (Livingston) McKenna, Rosemary
Corbyn, Jeremy Mackinlay, Andrew
Corston, Jean Mactaggart, Fiona
Cousins, Jim McWalter, Tony
Cranston, Ross McWilliam, John
Cryer, Mrs Ann (Keighley) Mahon, Mrs Alice
Curry, Rt Hon David Mallaber, Judy
Curtis-Thomas, Mrs Claire Marris, Rob
Dalyell, Tam Marsden, Gordon (Blackpool S)
Davey, Edward (Kingston) Marshall-Andrews, Robert
Davey, Valerie (Bristol W) Maude, Rt Hon Francis
Davis, Rt Hon Terry (B'ham Hodge H) Mawhinney, Rt Hon Sir Brian
Miliband, David
Dean, Mrs Janet Moffatt, Laura
Dhanda, Parmjit Mole, Chris
Doran, Frank Morgan, Julie
Dorrell, Rt Hon Stephen Mullin, Chris
Drown, Ms Julia Munn, Ms Meg
Dunwoody, Mrs Gwyneth Murphy, Denis (Wansbeck)
Edwards, Huw Naysmith, Dr Doug
Efford, Clive Oaten, Mark
Ellman, Mrs Louise Öpik, Lembit
Ewing, Annabelle Osborne, George (Tatton)
Fabricant, Michael Osborne, Sandra (Ayr)
Farrelly, Paul Owen, Albert
Fisher, Mark Picking, Anne
Fitzsimons, Mrs Lorna Pike, Peter
Flynn, Paul Prentice, Gordon (Pendle)
Follett, Barbara Price, Adam
Francis, Dr Hywel Prosser, Gwyn
Garnier, Edward Pugh, Dr John
George, Andrew (St Ives) Purchase, Ken
Gilroy, Linda Raynsford, Rt Hon Nick
Goodman, Paul Reid, Alan (Argyll & Bute)
Griffiths, Win (Bridgend) Rendel, David
Hague, Rt Hon William Robathan, Andrew
Hall, Patrick (Bedford) Ruddock, Joan
Hamilton, David (Midlothian) Russell, Bob (Colchester)
Hanson, David Salmond, Alex
Harris, Dr Evan (Oxford W) Salter, Martin
Harris, Tom (Glasgow Cathcart) Sanders, Adrian
Harvey, Nick Savidge, Malcolm
Heath, David Sheerman, Barry
Hermon, Lady Sheridan, Jim
Hill, Keith Simpson, Alan (Nottingham S)
Smith, Jacqui (Redditch) Webb, Steve
Squire, Rachel Weir, Michael
Starkey, Dr Phyllis White, Brian
Stewart, David (Inverness E) Whitehead, Dr Alan
Stinchcombe, Paul Wicks, Malcolm
Stunell, Andrew Williams, Rt Hon Alan
Taylor, David (NW Leics) (Swansea W)
Taylor, Ian (Esher & Walton) Williams, Mrs Betty (Conwy)
Taylor, Matthew (Truro) Williams, Hywel (Caernarfon)
Taylor, Sir Teddy Williams, Roger (Brecon)
Thomas, Simon (Ceredigion) Winnick, David
Timms, Stephen Winterton, Mrs Ann (Congleton)
Tonge, Dr Jenny Winterton, Nicholas (Macclesfield)
Turner, Dr Desmond (Kemptown) Wishart, Pete
Twigg, Stephen (Enfield) Wright, Tony (Cannock)
Tyler, Paul Young, Rt Hon Sir George
Tynan, Bill Younger-Ross, Richard
Tyrie, Andrew
Vis, Dr Rudi Tellers for the Ayes:
Walley, Ms Joan Mr. John Heppell and
Wareing, Robert N Mr. Fraser Kemp.
NOES
Adams, Mrs Irene (Paisley N) Dawson, Hilton
Ainger, Nick Dismore, Andrew
Ainsworth, Peter (E Surrey) Donohoe, Brian H
Amess, David Duncan, Alan (Rutland & Melton)
Atkinson, Peter (Hexham) Duncan, Peter (Galloway)
Bailey, Adrian Duncan Smith, Rt Hon Iain
Baldry, Tony Eagle, Angela (Wallasey)
Barker, Gregory Eagle, Maria (L'pool Garston)
Barnes, Harry Evans, Nigel
Battle, John Fallon, Michael
Beard, Nigel Field, Mark (Cities of London)
Bellingham, Henry Fitzpatrick, Jim
Benton, Joe Flight, Howard
Bercow, John Flint, Caroline
Betts, Clive Forth, Rt Hon Eric
Blizzard, Bob Foster, Michael Jabez (Hastings)
Borrow, David Foulkes, George
Boswell, Tim Fox, Dr Liam
Bottomley, Peter (Worthing W) Gale, Roger
Bottomley, Rt Hon Virginia Gapes, Mike
Bradley, Rt Hon Keith (Withington) Gerrard, Neil
Brady, Graham Gibson, Dr Ian
Brazier, Julian Gillan, Mrs Cheryl
Brown, Rt Hon Nicholas (Newcastle E & Wallsend) Goggins, Paul
Gray, James
Burgon, Colin Green, Damian (Ashford)
Burns, Simon Grieve, Dominic
Burt, Alistair Griffiths, Jane (Reading E)
Cairns, David Griffiths, Nigel (Edinburgh S)
Campbell, Alan (Tynemouth) Hain, Rt Hon Peter
Cash, William Hall, Mike (Weaver Vale)
Chope, Christopher Hamilton, Fabian (Leeds NE)
Clappison, James Hammond, Philip
Clark, Paul (Gillingham) Hawkins, Nick
Clarke, Rt Hon Tom (Coatbridge) Hayes, John
Clarke, Tony (Northampton S) Heald, Oliver
Clelland, David Heathcoat-Amory, Rt Hon David
Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Henderson, Ivan (Harwich)
Coaker, Vernon Hendrick, Mark
Cohen, Harry Hendry, Charles
Collins, Tim Hoban, Mark
Connarty, Michael Hope, Phil
Conway, Derek Howard, Rt Hon Michael
Cruddas, Jon Howarth, George (Knowsley N)
Cummings, John Howells, Dr Kim
Cunningham, Rt Hon Dr Jack (Copeland) Hughes, Kevin (Doncaster N)
Humble, Mrs Joan
Cunningham, Jim (Cov'try S) Hunter, Andrew
Cunningham, Tony (Workington) Jamieson, David
David, Wayne Jenkin, Bernard
Davies, Geraint (Croydon C) Jones, Helen (Warrington N)
Davies, Quentin (Grantham) Jones, Kevan (N Durham)
Davis, Rt Hon David (Haltemprice) Jones, Martyn (Clwyd S)
Joyce, Eric Quinn, Lawrie
Keen, Alan (Feltham & Heston) Rammell, Bill
Keen, Ann (Brentford & Isleworth) Randall, John
Key, Robert Robertson, Hugh (Faversham)
Knight, Rt Hon Greg (E Yorkshire) Robertson, Laurence (Tewk'b'ry)
Ladyman, Dr Stephen Rooney, Terry
Laing, Mrs Eleanor Ross, Ernie
Lait, Mrs Jacqui Ruane, Chris
Laxton, Bob Ruffley, David
Leigh, Edward Russell, Ms Christine (Chester)
Leslie, Christopher Ryan, Joan
Lewis, Dr Julian (New Forest E) Sawford, Phil
Liddell-Grainger, Ian Sayeed, Jonathan
Lidington, David Shaw, Jonathan
Loughton, Tim Simpson, Keith (Mid-Norfolk)
Luff, Peter Skinner, Dennis
Luke, Iain Smith, Angela (Basildon)
McAvoy, Thomas Southworth, Helen
McCabe, Stephen Spellar, Rt Hon John
McFall, John Spelman, Mrs Caroline
McGuire, Mrs Anne Spicer, Sir Michael
McIntosh, Miss Anne Spring, Richard
MacKay, Rt Hon Andrew Steinberg, Gerry
Maclean, Rt Hon David Stoate, Dr Howard
McLoughlin, Patrick Stringer, Graham
McNulty, Tony Stuart, Ms Gisela
MacShane, Denis Sutcliffe, Gerry
Malins, Humfrey Swayne, Desmond
Mann, John Syms, Robert
Martlew, Eric Tami, Mark
May, Mrs Theresa Taylor, Ms Dari (Stockton S)
Mitchell, Andrew (Sutton Coldfield) Taylor, John (Solihull)
Moonie, Dr Lewis Thomas, Gareth (Clwyd W)
Morley, Elliot Thomas, Gareth R (Harrow W)
Moss, Malcolm Tipping, Paddy
Mountford, Kali Todd, Mark
Mudie, George Touhig, Don
Murphy, Jim (Eastwood) Trickett, Jon
Murrison, Dr Andrew Truswell, Paul
Norris, Dan Turner, Andrew (Isle of Wight)
O'Brien. Bill (Normanton) Turner, Dennis (Wolverh'ton SE)
O'Brien, Stephen (Eddisbury) >Twigg, Derek (Halton)
Olner, Bill Ward, Ms Claire
Ottaway, Richard Waterson, Nigel
Paice, James Wilkinson, John
Paterson, Owen Wilshire, David
Pickles, Eric Wilson, Brian
Pickthall, Colin Wray, James
Plaskitt, James Wright, Anthony D (Gt Yarmouth)
Pollard, Kerry Wright, David (Telford)
Pond, Chris Yeo, Tim
Pope, Greg Tellers for the Noes:
Prentice, Ms Bridget (Lewisham E) Mr. Ivor Caplin and
Purnell, James Mr. Ian Pearson

Question accordingly negatived.

Mr. Gordon Prentice (Pendle)

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Is it in order for Government Whips to stand outside the Lobby—[Interruption.]

Madam Deputy Speaker (Sylvia Heal)

Order. I cannot hear the hon. Gentleman's point of order.

Mr. Prentice

On a free vote, is it in order for the Government Whips to point to the No Lobby saying "PLP this way"?

Madam Deputy Speaker

I would hope that hon. Members would be able to make up their own mind.