Formal Minutes of the Committee

House of Commons Backbench Business Committee

Session 2014-15

The Backbench Business Committee

The Backbench Business Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to determine the backbench business to be taken in the House and in Westminster Hall on days, or parts of days, allotted for backbench business.

Current membership Natascha Engel (Labour, North East Derbyshire) (Chair) Sir David Amess (Conservative, Southend West) Mr David Anderson (Labour, Blaydon) Bob Blackman (Conservative, Harrow East) Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) Mr Nigel Evans (Conservative, Ribble Valley) John Hemming (Liberal Democrat, Birmingham Yardley) Ian Mearns (Labour, Gateshead)

Powers The Committee is established under Standing Order No 152J to determine the backbench business to be taken in the House and in Westminster Hall on days, or parts of days, allotted for backbench business. The powers of select committees are set out in House of Commons Standing Orders, which are available on the internet via www.parliament.uk.

Publications All publications of the Committee are on the internet at http://www.parliament.uk/bbcom

Committee staff The current staff of the Committee is Robin James (Clerk), Mark Etherton (Second Clerk), Sean Harris (Committee Assistant) and Gary Calder (Media Officer).

Contacts All correspondence should be addressed to the Clerk of the Backbench Business Committee, Table Office, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA. The telephone number for general enquiries is 020 7219 5068; and the Committee’s email address is [email protected].

Formal Minutes of the Committee, Session 2014-15

TUESDAY 1 JULY 2014

Members present:

Natascha Engel, in the Chair

Mr David Amess Oliver Colvile Bob Blackman John Hemming

Pete Wishart also attended, at the invitation of the Committee, pursuant to Standing Order No. 152J (7).

1. Representations from Members

The following Members made oral representations:

 Jim Shannon: Organ transplants  Robert Halfon, Mr Jim Cunningham, Mr Stewart Jackson, Jim Shannon and Steve Rotheram: Hospital car parking charges  Chloe Smith, Mr Brooks Newmark and Ian Swales: Youth unemployment  Mrs Anne Main, Stephen Pound, Mr Dominic Raab and Mr John Redwood: Stamp duty and the UK housing market  Mr John Denham and Mike Thornton: Position of Hazaras in Pakistan and Afghanistan  Fiona Bruce, Robert Flello, Mrs Mary Glindon and Jacob-Rees-Mogg: Mitochondrial replacement techniques and public safety  Katy Clark and Mr Mike Weir: Universal postal service obligation  Gordon Birtwistle, Mr Nigel Evans and Robert Flello: The provision of suitable education for children with autism

2. Determination of business on 3 July

The Committee determined that the following business would take place in backbench time:

 Thursday 3 July in the Chamber: Select Committee Statement on the Second Report from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, on Food Security, HC 243 (Member in charge: Miss Anne McIntosh)  Thursday 3 July in the Chamber: Select Committee Statement on the publication of the Second Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee, on Gibraltar-Time to get off the fence, HC 461 (Member in charge: Sir Richard Ottaway)  Thursday 3 July in the Chamber: General debate on protecting children in conflict (Member in charge: Fiona O’Donnell) (first half)

 Thursday 3 July in the Chamber: General debate on social mobility and the Child Poverty Strategy (Members in charge: Hazel Blears, Mr Graham Stuart) (second half)

3. Recommendations for business in Westminster Hall on 8 July

The Committee decided to recommend to the Chairman of Ways and Means that the following debates take place in Westminster Hall at 9.30am:

 Tuesday 7 July: Organ transplants (Member in charge: Jim Shannon) [Adjourned until Tuesday 8 July 2.55pm

TUESDAY 8 JULY 2014 Members present:

Natascha Engel, in the Chair

Mr David Amess Mr Nigel Evans Bob Blackman John Hemming Oliver Colvile

1. Representations from Members

The following Members made oral representations:

 Ian Austin, Dr Julian Huppert and Steve Brine: Progress on the All Party Cycling Group’s report, Get Britain Cycling  Yasmin Qureshi, Nick de Bois and Jacob Rees-Mogg: Oral hormone pregnancy tests  Roger Williams, Glyn Davies, Jim Shannon and Mrs Mary Glindon: Food fraud  Nick Smith: Physical inactivity in the UK  Pauline Latham: Refugee camps  Alistair Burt and Jim Shannon: The Middle East and North Africa

2. Determination of business on 17, 21 and 22 July

The Committee determined that the following business would take place in backbench time:

 Thursday 17 July in the Chamber: Select Committee Statement on the publication of the Second Report from the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee, A new Magna Carta?, HC 463 (Member in charge: Mr Graham Allen)

 Thursday 17 July in the Chamber: Select Committee Statement on the publication of the Second Report from the Education Committee, Safe and suitable: 16-plus care options, HC 259 (Member in charge: Mr Graham Stuart)  Thursday 17 July in the Chamber: Debate on a Motion relating to the Universal Postal Service obligation (Member in charge: Katy Clark)  Thursday 17 July in the Chamber: General debate on provision of education for children with autism (Member in charge: Gordon Birtwistle)  Thursday 17 July in the Chamber: General debate on the position of Hazaras in Afghanistan and Pakistan (Member in charge: John Denham)

 Monday 21 July in Westminster Hall: General debate on the Middle East and Africa (Member in charge: Alistair Burt) (3 hours)

 Tuesday 22 July in the Chamber: Matters to be raised before the forthcoming adjournment (Member in charge: Natascha Engel) (full day)

3. Recommendations for business in Westminster Hall on 15 July

The Committee decided to recommend to the Chairman of Ways and Means that the following debates take place in Westminster Hall at 9.30am:

 Tuesday 15 July: Youth employment (Member in charge: Chloe Smith)

[Adjourned until Tuesday 15 July 2.55pm

TUESDAY 15 JULY 2014

Members present:

John Hemming, in the Chair

Mr David Amess Mr Nigel Evans Bob Blackman

1. Chair

In the temporary absence of the Chair, John Hemming was called to the Chair for the meeting.

2. Representations from Members

The following Members made oral representations:

 Mr David Ward, Mr David Nuttall and Andrew Stephenson: The political and humanitarian situation in Kashmir  Sarah Newton: The national pollinator strategy for bees and other pollinators in England

3. Determination of business on 21 July and 1, 4 and 8 September

The Committee determined that the following business would take place in backbench time:

 Monday 21 July in Westminster Hall: General debate on e-petition relating to making Eid and Diwali public holidays (Member in charge: Bob Blackman)

 Monday 1 September in the Chamber: Debate on a Motion relating to hospital car parking charges (Member in charge: Robert Halfon)  Monday 1 September in the Chamber: Debate on a Motion relating to mitochondrial replacement techniques and public safety (Members in charge: Fiona Bruce, Robert Flello, Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson, John Pugh, Mark Durkan)  Monday 1 September in the Chamber: General debate on the position of Hazaras in Afghanistan and Pakistan (Member in charge: John Denham)

 Thursday 4 September in the Chamber: Debate on a Motion relating to the regulation of the sale of puppies and kittens (Member in charge: Robert Flello)  Thursday 4 September in the Chamber: General debate on the future of non- league football (Member in charge: Jesse Norman)  Thursday 4 September in the Chamber: General debate on the achievement gap between poorer children and their better-off peers (Member in charge: Annette Brooke)

 Thursday 4 September in Westminster Hall: General debate on stamp duty and the housing market (Member in charge: Mrs Anne Main) (3 hours)

 Monday 8 September in Westminster Hall: General debate on e-petition relating to research funding for and awareness of pancreatic cancer (Members in charge: Nic Dakin, Eric Ollerenshaw) (3 hours)

[Adjourned until Tuesday 2 September 2.55pm

TUESDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2014

Members present:

John Hemming, in the Chair

Mr David Amess Oliver Colvile Mr David Anderson Mr Nigel Evans Bob Blackman Ian Mearns

Pete Wishart also attended, at the invitation of the Committee, pursuant to Standing Order No. 152J (7).

1. Chair

In the temporary absence of the Chair, John Hemming was called to the Chair for the meeting.

2. Representations from Members

The following Members made oral representations:

 Mr Bernard Jenkin and Jesse Norman: Motion to appoint a Select Committee on House of Commons Governance

3. Determination of business on 8, 10 and 11 September

The Committee determined that the following business would take place in backbench time:

 Monday 8 September in the Chamber: General debate on food fraud (Member in charge: Roger Williams) (unallotted)

 Wednesday 10 September in the Chamber: Debate on a Motion relating to a Select Committee on Governance of the House (Members in charge: Jesse Norman, Mr Bernard Jenkin) (unallotted)

 Thursday 11 September in the Chamber: Debate on a Motion relating to carbon taxes and energy-intensive industries (Members in charge: Alex Cunningham, Ian Swales)  Thursday 11 September in the Chamber: General debate on Gurkha pensions and terms of employment (Member in charge: Jackie Doyle-Price)

 Thursday 11 September in Westminster Hall: General debate on political and humanitarian situation in Kashmir (Mr David Ward)

[Adjourned until Tuesday 9 September 12.55pm

TUESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2014

Members present:

Natascha Engel, in the Chair

Mr David Amess John Hemming Bob Blackman Ian Mearns Oliver Colvile

1. Representations from Members

The following Members made oral representations:

 Gordon Birtwistle: Providing young people in schools and colleges with inspiring role models

 Grahame M. Morris and Sir Gerald Kaufman: Future of the two state solution in Israel and Palestine

2. Determination of business on 13 and 16 October

Motion made, and Question put, That the Committee determine time for a debate in the Chamber on 13 October on the Motion relating to Palestine and Israel proposed by Grahame M. Morris. – (John Hemming.)

The Committee divided.

Ayes 2, Noes 2

Ayes, 2 Noes, 2 John Hemming Mr David Amess Ian Mearns Bob Blackman

Whereupon the Chair declared herself with the Ayes.

Resolved, That the Committee determine time for a debate in the Chamber on 13 October on the Motion relating to Palestine and Israel proposed by Grahame M. Morris.

The Committee determined that the following business would take place in backbench time:

 Monday 13 October in the Chamber: Debate on a Motion relating to Palestine and Israel (Member in charge: Grahame M. Morris) (1 day)

 Thursday 16 October in the Chamber: Debate on a Motion relating to the All- Party Parliamentary Cycling Group’s report ‘Get Britain Cycling’ (Members in charge: Ian Austin, Dr Julian Huppert, Steve Brine) (first half)  Thursday 16 October in the Chamber: General debate on the National Pollinator Strategy (Member in charge: Sarah Newton) (second half)

[Adjourned until Tuesday 14 October 12.55pm

TUESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2014

Members present:

Natascha Engel, in the Chair

Mr David Amess Oliver Colvile Mr David Anderson John Hemming Bob Blackman Ian Mearns

1. Representations from Members

The following Members made oral representations:  Mr Dominica Raab and Frank Field: Scottish devolution and the Union  Chris White: Promotion of the living wage  Guto Bebb and Mark Garnier: The Financial Conduct Authority’s redress scheme

2. Determination of business on 23 and 30 October

The Committee determined that the following business would take place in backbench time:

 Thursday 23 October in the Chamber: Debate on a Motion relating to repeal of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act (Members in charge: Richard Drax, Sir Edward Leigh) (first half)

 Thursday 23 October in the Chamber: Debate on a Motion relating to oral hormone pregnancy tests (Member in charge: Yasmin Qureshi) (second half)

 Thursday 30 October in the Chamber: Debate on a Motion relating to UK drugs policy (Members in charge: Caroline Lucas, Dr Julian Huppert, Bob Ainsworth)

[Adjourned until Tuesday 21 October 12.55pm

TUESDAY 21 OCTOBER 2014

Members present:

Natascha Engel, in the Chair

Mr David Amess Oliver Colvile Mr David Anderson John Hemming Bob Blackman Ian Mearns

1. Representations from Members

The following Members made oral representations:

 Steve Baker: Money creation and society  Annette Brooke: Sale of Park Homes  Jeremy Corbyn and Dr Julian Lewis: Renewal of US-UK Mutual Defence Agreement

2. Determination of business on 30 October

The Committee determined that the following business would take place in backbench time:

 Thursday 30 October in the Chamber: Debate on a Motion relating to the sale of Park Homes (Member in charge: Annette Brooke)

[Adjourned until Tuesday 28 October 12.55pm

TUESDAY 28 OCTOBER 2014

Members present:

Natascha Engel, in the Chair

Mr David Amess Oliver Colvile Mr David Anderson Mr Nigel Evans Bob Blackman John Hemming

Pete Wishart also attended, at the invitation of the Committee, pursuant to Standing Order No. 152J (7).

1. Representations from Members

The following Members made oral representations:

 Grahame M. Morris, Jeremy Corbyn and Mr David Ward: Israel and Palestine (e-petition)  Mr Jack Straw and Mr Richard Bacon: UK foreign policy towards Iran

2. Determination of business on 6 November

The Committee determined that the following business would take place in backbench time:

 Thursday 6 November in the Chamber: General debate on UK foreign policy towards Iran (Members in charge: Mr Jack Straw, Mr Richard Bacon) (first half)  Thursday 6 November in the Chamber: General debate on promotion of the living wage (Member in charge: Chris White) (second half)

 Thursday 6 November in Westminster Hall: General debate on US-UK Mutual Defence Agreement (Member in charge: Jeremy Corbyn) (3 hours)

3. Work of the Committee in the 2010-15 Parliament: Draft Heads of Report

The Committee considered this matter.

4. Parliament Week

Resolved, That the Committee take part in discussions with a group of young people following its public session on 18 November 2014.

[Adjourned until Tuesday 4 November 12.55pm

TUESDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2014

Members present:

Bob Blackman, in the Chair

Mr David Amess Mr Nigel Evans Mr David Anderson John Hemming Oliver Colvile Ian Mearns

1. Chair

In the temporary absence of the Chair, Bob Blackman was called to the Chair for the meeting.

2. Representations from Members

The following Members made oral representations:

 Frank Doran, Ms Margaret Ritchie, Austin Mitchellm Sheryll Murray, Jim Shannon, Peter Aldous and Dr Eilidh Whiteford: Fishing industry  Simon Danczuk, Zac Goldsmith and Tessa Munt: Progress of the historic child sex abuse inquiry

3. Determination of business on 11 and 20 November

The Committee determined that the following business would take place in backbench time:

 Tuesday 11 November in the Chamber: Debate on a Motion relating to the Medium-Term Financial Plan for the House of Commons and Draft Estimates for 2015-16 (Member in charge: John Thurso) (unallotted)

 Thursday 20 November in the Chamber: General debate on Money creation and society (Member in charge: Steve Baker) (first half)  Thursday 20 November in the Chamber: Debate on a Motion relating to Devolution and the Union (Member in charge: Mr Dominic Raab) (second half)

 Monday 1 December in Westminster Hall: General debate on e-petition relating to ending the conflict in Palestine (3 hours)

4. Recommendations for business in Westminster Hall on 18 November

The Committee decided to recommend to the Chairman of Ways and Means that the following debate take place in Westminster Hall at 9.30am:

 Tuesday 18 November: Physical inactivity and public health (Member in charge: Chris Smith)

[Adjourned until Tuesday 18 November 12.55pm

TUESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2014

Members present:

Natascha Engel, in the Chair

Mr David Amess John Hemming Bob Blackman Ian Mearns Oliver Colvile

1. Representations from Members

The following Members made oral representations:

 David Nuttall (on behalf of Stephen Mosley): Small business Saturday and the contribution of small businesses to the economy  Mr Andrew Lansley and Dr Julian Huppert: Availability and pricing of branded medicines on the NHS

2. Determination of business on 27 November and 4 December

The Committee determined that the following business would take place in backbench time:

 Thursday 27 November in the Chamber: Debate on a Motion relating to inequality (Member in charge: Mr Michael Meacher) (first half)  Thursday 27 November in the Chamber: General debate on progress of the historic child sex abuse inquiry (Members in charge: Simon Danczuk, Zac Goldsmith, Tessa Munt) (second half)

 Thursday 4 December in Westminster Hall: General debate on Small Business Saturday (Member in charge: Stephen Mosley) (3 hours)

[Adjourned until Tuesday 2 December 12.55pm

TUESDAY 2 DECEMBER 2014

Members present:

John Hemming, in the Chair

Mr David Amess Oliver Colvile Mr David Anderson

1. Chair

In the temporary absence of the Chair, John Hemming was called to the Chair for the meeting.

2. Representations from Members

The following Members made oral representations:

 Oliver Colvile: Release of Marine ‘A’ e-petition  Bill Esterson and Craig Whittaker: Accommodation for young people in care  Ian Lavery, John Cryer and Grahame M. Morris: Firefighters’ pensions  Mr Adrian Bailey, Mr Brian Binley and Paul Blomfield: Higher education funding

3. Determination of business on 11 December and 26 January

The Committee determined that the following business would take place in backbench time:

 Thursday 11 December in the Chamber: General debate on the fishing industry (Members in charge: Mr Frank Doran, Mrs Margaret Ritchie, Austin Mitchell, Peter Aldous, Dame Anne Begg, Sheryll Murray) (first half)  Thursday 11 December in the Chamber: General debate on Uktraine and UK relations with Russia (Member in charge: Mr John Whittingdale)

 Monday 26 January in Westminster Hall: General debate on an e-petition relating to Marine A (Member in charge: Oliver Colvile)

[Adjourned until Tuesday 9 December 12.55pm

TUESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2014

Members present:

Natascha Engel, in the Chair

Mr David Amess Ian Mearns

John Hemming

1. Representations from Members

The following Members made oral representations:

 Mr James Clappison and Gordon Birtwistle: Holocaust Memorial Day 2015  Mr Mike Weir and Dr Eilidh Whiteford: Impact of CFD allocation process on offshore wind developments

2. Determination of business on 11 December and 26 January

The Committee determined that the following business would take place in backbench time:

 Thursday 18 December in the Chamber: Select Committee Statement on the publication of the Fourth Report from the Communities and Local Government Committee, Operation of the National Planning Policy Framework, HC 190 (Member in charge: Mr Clive Betts) (first half)  Thursday 18 December in the Chamber: General debate on matters to be raised before the forthcoming adjournment (Member in charge: Natascha Engel) (second half)

 Thursday 18 December in Westminster Hall: General debate on business investment in outer city estates (Member in charge: Mr Graham Allen) (90 minutes)  Thursday 18 December in Westminster Hall: General debate on future of Carnforth station (Member in charge: David Morris) (90 minutes)

3. Recommendations for business in Westminster Hall on 6 January

The Committee decided to recommend to the Chairman of Ways and Means that the following debate take place in Westminster Hall at 9.30am:

 Tuesday 6 January: Effect of the CfD allocation process on offshore wind developments (Member in charge: Mr Mike Weir)

[Adjourned until Tuesday 16 December 12.55pm

TUESDAY 16 DECEMBER 2014

Members present:

Natascha Engel, in the Chair

Oliver Colvile Ian Mearns John Hemming

1. Determination of business on 8 January 2015

The Committee determined that the following business would take place in backbench time:

 Thursday 8 January 2015 in the Chamber: Debate on a motion relating to higher education funding (Members in charge: Mr Adrian Bailey, Mr Brian Binley, Paul Blomfield) (first half)  Thursday 8 January 2015 in the Chamber: Debate on a motion relating to Gibraltar (Members in charge: Sir Richard Ottaway, Mike Gapes) (second half)

[Adjourned until Tuesday 6 January 12.55pm

TUESDAY 6 JANUARY 2015

Members present:

Natascha Engel, in the Chair

Sir David Amess Nigel Evans Mr David Anderson John Hemming Bob Blackman Ian Mearns Oliver Colvile

1. Representations from Members

The following Members made oral representations:

 Caroline Lucas and Derek Twigg: Building sustainable GP services  John Hemming: Family courts  Fabian Hamilton, Norman Baker, Cathy Jamieson and Crispin Blunt: Self- determination for Tibet  Alistair Burt, Chloe Smith, Jason McCartney, Mr George Howarth, Mrs Anne Main, Sir Oliver Heald, Nia Griffith, Jessica Morden, Richard Fuller and Mr Richard Bacon: Contaminated blood  Laura Sandys and Mrs Cheryl Gillan: Epilepsy

2. Determination of business on 15 January

The Committee determined that the following business would take place in backbench time:

 Thursday 15 January in the Chamber: Debate on a motion relating to contaminated blood (Members in charge: Alistair Burt, Jason McCartney)  Thursday 15 January in the Chamber: Debate on a motion relating to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (Member in charge: Geraint Davies)

 Thursday 15 January in Westminster Hall: General debate on national commissioning of NHS specialised services (Member in charge: Stephen Gilbert) (3 hours)

[Adjourned until Tuesday 13 January 12.55pm

TUESDAY 13 JANUARY 2015

Members present:

Natascha Engel, in the Chair

Sir David Amess Nigel Evans Bob Blackman John Hemming

Pete Wishart also attended, at the invitation of the Committee, pursuant to Standing Order No. 152J (7).

1. Representations from Members

The following Members made oral representations:

 Mr David Davis: Iraq inquiry  Greg Mulholland, Charlotte Leslie and Grahame M. Morris: Pubs and planning legislation  Jesse Norman: Rural phone and broadband connectivity  Mrs Madeleine Moon: Financial support available for the restoration of open cast coal sites

2. Determination of business on 27 and 29 January

The Committee determined that the following business would take place in backbench time:

 Tuesday 27 January in the Chamber: Debate on a motion relating to accommodation for young people in care (Members in charge: Mr Graham Stuart, Bill Esterson, Craig Whittaker) (unallotted)

 Thursday 29 January in the Chamber: Debate on a motion relating to the Iraq inquiry (Members in charge: Mr David Davis, Norman Baker, Fabian Hamilton) (first half)  Thursday 29 January in the Chamber: General debate on financial support for restoration of opencast coal sites (Member in charge: Mrs Madeleine Moon) (second half)

Recommendations for business in Westminster Hall on 20 January

The Committee decided to recommend to the Chairman of Ways and Means that the following debate take place in Westminster Hall at 9.30am:

 Tuesday 20 January: Holocaust Memorial Day (Member in charge: James Clappison)

[Adjourned until Tuesday 27 January 12.55pm

TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2015

Members present:

Natascha Engel, in the Chair

Sir David Amess Oliver Colvile Mr David Anderson Nigel Evans Bob Blackman John Hemming

Pete Wishart also attended, at the invitation of the Committee, pursuant to Standing Order No. 152J (7).

1. Representations from Members

The following Members made oral representations:

 Tracey Crouch and Hazel Blears: Dementia  Sir Edward Leigh, Robert Flello, Fiona Bruce, Andrew Turner, John Pugh and Sir Gerald Howarth: Impact of education regulations on faith schools  Mr John Baron, Grahame M. Morris, Eric Ollerenshaw, Jack Lopresti and Rebecca Harris: Improving cancer outcomes  Henry Smith: Devolution to English counties

2. Determination of business on 3 and 5 February

The Committee determined that the following business would take place in backbench time:

 Tuesday 3 February in the Chamber: General debate on rural broadband connectivity (Member in charge: Jesse Norman) (unallotted)

 Thursday 5 February in the Chamber: Debate on a motion relating to building sustainable GP services (Members in charge: Derek Twigg, Caroline Lucas)  Thursday 5 February in the Chamber: General debate on improving cancer outcomes (Members in charge: Mr John Baron, Grahame M. Morris, Eric Ollerenshaw, Jack Lopresti, Rebecca Harris)

Recommendations for business in Westminster Hall on 3 February

The Committee decided to recommend to the Chairman of Ways and Means that the following debate take place in Westminster Hall at 9.30am:

 Tuesday 3 February: Compensation for victims of badly installed cavity wall insulation (Member in charge: Mr John Denham)

[Adjourned until Tuesday 10 February 12.55pm

TUESDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2015

Members present:

Natascha Engel, in the Chair

Sir David Amess John Hemming Bob Blackman Ian Mearns Oliver Colvile

1. Representations from Members

The following Members made oral representations:

 Keith Vaz: Yemen  Derek Twigg: Harvey’s Law (e-petition)  Sir Tony Baldry: Evolution of Parliament  Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: Planning and the National Planning Policy Framework  Paul Burstow and Mr Charles Walker: Mental health and unemployment  Sir Nick Harvey and Guy Opperman: A fair funding formula for schools  John McDonnell and Sir Bob Russell: Future of local newspapers  John McDonnell: Dog meat trade cruelty  John McDonnell and Dr Eilidh Whiteford: Effects of welfare reform on sick and disabled people  Mr Tim Yeo: Low carbon electricity generation  Margaret Beckett, Jeremy Corbyn, Sir Nick Harvey and Dr Julian Lewis: NPT Review Conference  Meg Hillier: Digital democracy and opening up Parliament  Bob Blackman: Equitable Life

2. Determination of business on 23, 24 and 26 February and 2 March

The Committee determined that the following business would take place in backbench time:

 Monday 23 February in Westminster Hall: General debate on an e-petition relating to ending non-stun slaughter to promote animal welfare (Member in charge: Mr Philip Hollobone) (3 hours)

 Tuesday 24 February in the Chamber: General debate on mental health and unemployment (Members in charge: Paul Burstow, Mr Kevan Jones, Mr Charles Walker) (unallotted)

 Thursday 26 February in the Chamber: Select Committee Statement on the publication of the Fourth Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Future of the BBC, HC 315 (Member in charge: Mr John Whittingdale)  Thursday 26 February in the Chamber: Debate on a motion relating to Equitable Life (Members in charge: Bob Blackman, Fabian Hamilton, Stephen Lloyd) (first half)  Thursday 26 February in the Chamber: General debate on epilepsy (Members in charge: Laura Sandys, Mrs Cheryl Gillan) (second half)

 Thursday 26 February in Westminster Hall: General debate on low carbon electricity generation (Member in charge: Mr Tim Yeo) (3 hours)

 Monday 2 March in Westminster Hall: General debate on an e-petition relating to Harvey’s Law (Member in charge: Derek Twigg) (3 hours)

3. Recommendations for business in Westminster Hall on 24 February

The Committee decided to recommend to the Chairman of Ways and Means that the following debate take place in Westminster Hall at 9.30am:

 Tuesday 24 February: Yemen (Member in charge: Keith Vaz)

[Adjourned until Tuesday 24 February 12.55pm

TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2015

Members present:

John Hemming, in the Chair

Sir David Amess Oliver Colvile Mr David Anderson Ian Mearns Bob Blackman

1. Chair

In the temporary absence of the Chair, John Hemming was called to the Chair for the meeting.

2. Representations from Members

The following Members made oral representations:

 Mr Robin Walker and Mr Graham Stuart: A fair funding formula for schools  Adam Afriyie: The Thames Valley technology sector  Glyn Davies and Albert Owen: St David’s Day debate  Tim Loughton: Relationship between police and children  Mr John Baron, Jack Lopresti, Richard Drax, Mr Philip Hollobone, Mr James Clappison, Mr Dai Havard and Jim Shannon: Defence spending  Maria Miller, Mrs Caroline Spelman and Caroline Dinenage: International Women’s Day  Sir George Young: Valedictory debate

2. Determination of business on 5 March

The Committee determined that the following business would take place in backbench time:

 Thursday 5 March in the Chamber: General debate on International Women’s Day (Members in charge: Maria Miller, Mrs Caroline Spelman, Jessica Lee) (first half)  Thursday 5 March in the Chamber: General debate on Welsh Affairs (Members in charge: Glyn Davies, Albert Owen, Guto Bebb, Simon Hart) (second half)

 Thursday 5 March in Westminster Hall: General debate on planning and the National Planning Policy Framework (Member in charge: Geoffrey Clifton- Brown) (3 hours)

3. Recommendations for business in Westminster Hall on 10 March

The Committee decided to recommend to the Chairman of Ways and Means that the following debate take place in Westminster Hall at 9.30am:

 Tuesday 10 March: Digital Democracy and opening up Parliament (Member in charge: Meg Hillier)

[Adjourned until Tuesday 3 March 12.55pm

TUESDAY 3 MARCH 2015

Members present:

Natascha Engel, in the Chair

Sir David Amess Oliver Colvile Mr David Anderson John Hemming Bob Blackman Ian Mearns

1. Representations from Members

The following Members made oral representations:

 Sir Alan Haselhurst and Crispin Blunt: Commonwealth Day  Mary Macleod and Katy Clark: Violence against women and girls  Katy Clark: Pre-1975 veterans’ pensions  John McDonnell, Sir Peter Bottomley and Jeremy Corbyn: Shaker Aamer – the last British resident in Guantanamo Bay

2. Determination of business on 9, 10, 12, 17, 19 and 23 March

The Committee determined that the following business would take place in backbench time:

 Monday 9 March in the Chamber: General debate on the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty Review Conference (Members in charge: Margaret Beckett, Jeremy Corbyn, Dr Julian Lewis, Sir Nick Harvey, Paul Flynn) (unallotted)

 Tuesday 10 March in the Chamber: Debate on a motion on schools funding formula (Members in charge: Robin Walker, Nic Dakin, Sir Nick Harvey, Graham Stuart) (unallotted)

 Thursday 12 March in the Chamber: Debate on a motion on defence spending (Members in charge: Mr John Baron, Paul Flynn, Mr James Clappison, Mr Philip Hollobone, Jim Shannon, Jack Lopresti) (first half)  Thursday 12 March in the Chamber: Debate on a motion on education regulations and faith schools (Member in charge: Sir Edward Leigh, Robert Flello, Martin Vickers)

 Thursday 12 March in Westminster Hall: General debate on the relationship between police and children (Member in charge: Tim Loughton) (first half)  Thursday 12 March in Westminster Hall General debate on violence against women and girls (Members in charge: Mary Macleod, Pauline Latham, Mark Garnier, Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger, Katy Clark) (second half)

 Tuesday 17 March in the Chamber: Debate on a motion on Shaker Aamer (Member in charge: John McDonnell, Sir Peter Bottomley, Sir Bob Russell, Jeremy Corbyn) (unallotted)

 Thursday 19 March in Westminster Hall: General debate on the future of local newspapers (Members in charge: John McDonnell, Sir Bob Russell, Mr John Whittingdale) (3 hours)

 Monday 23 March in Westminster Hall: General debate on an e-petition relating to proposed increase in fees for nurses and midwives (Member in charge: Mr David Anderson) (3 hours)

3. Recommendations for business in Westminster Hall on 17 and 24 March

The Committee decided to recommend to the Chairman of Ways and Means that the following debate take place in Westminster Hall at 9.30am:

 Tuesday 17 March at 9.30am: Thames Valley technology sector (Member in charge: Adam Afriyie)  Tuesday 24 March at 9.30am: Commonwealth Day (Member in charge: Sir Alan Haselhurst)

[Adjourned until Tuesday 17 March 12.55pm

TUESDAY 17 MARCH 2015

Members present:

Natascha Engel, in the Chair

Sir David Amess Mr Nigel Evans Mr David Anderson John Hemming Bob Blackman Ian Mearns

Draft Special Report (The Work of the Committee in the 2010-15 Parliament), proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.

Ordered, That the draft Report be read a second time, paragraph by paragraph.

Paragraphs 1 to 31 read and agreed to.

Paragraph 31 read.

Amendment proposed, in line 13, at end to add “Although the committee has held back an application because of opposition from a select committee chair it is the committee’s view that select committee chairs should not be able to veto the tabling

of motions affecting their committees and such a decision by the committee should not be taken in the future.”-(John Hemming.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The Committee divided.

Ayes, 1 Noes, 5 Sir David Amess John Hemming Mr David Anderson Bob Blackman Mr Nigel Evans Ian Mearns

Paragraph agreed to.

Paragraph 33 read.

Amendment proposed, in line 4, at the end to add “In those circumstances, or where an application for debate on an Instruction to an existing committee had been made, we would also normally seek the views of the existing committee’s chair, and take those into account along with other relevant factors, before making our decision on the application.”.-(The Chair.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The Committee divided.

Ayes, 5 Noes, 1 Sir David Amess John Hemming Mr David Anderson Bob Blackman

Mr Nigel Evans Ian Mearns

Question put, That the paragraph, as a mended by agreed to. Ayes, 5 Noes, 1 Sir David Amess John Hemming Mr David Anderson Bob Blackman

Mr Nigel Evans Ian Mearns

Paragraphs 34 to 82 read and agreed to.

Annexes and Summary agreed to.

Resolved, That the Report be the First Special Report of the Committee to the House.

Ordered, That the Chair make the Report to the House.

Ordered, That embargoed copies of the Report be made available, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No. 134.

[The Committee adjourned.