The week in Westminster: February 28th – March 4th
After a week’s break for half-term, parliament returns with a packed schedule.
Peers are examining the effect of public spending cuts on the Big Society on Monday, Nick Clegg will be taking questions from MPs on Tuesday and Wednesday sees – in addition to our weekly prime minister’s questions treat – Alan Johnson making his Commons return with an adjournment debate on trawlermen’s pensions. He won’t need an economics primer for that.
COMMONS
Monday
Questions – communities and local government
Backbench business – motion relating to Big Society
Adjournment debate – provision of library services in Walsall South constituency
Tuesday
Questions – deputy prime minister
Ten minute rule motion – resource extraction (transparency and reporting)
Legislation – protection of freedoms bill
Adjournment debate – future of the Tote
Wednesday
Questions – Cabinet Office, PMQs
Ten minute rule motion – medical insurance (pensioner tax relief)
Debate – Sure Start children’s centres and HMRC
Motion – To approve draft Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005, Continuation in Force of Sections 1-9 Order 2011
Adjournment debate – trawlermen’s pensions
Thursday
Questions – culture, Olympics, media and sport
Business statement – leader of the House
Opposition day debate (DUP)
Presentation of bill – proceedings on the consolidated fund bill
Adjournment debate – children’s heart surgery service in Leeds
Friday
Private members’ bills – sports ground safety authority bill, estates of deceased persons (forfeiture rule and law of succession) bill; and others
Adjournment debate – use of false self employment status in companies
LORDS
Monday
Questions – independent commission on banking, training for prisoners, Child Trust Fund replacement, effect of cuts on Big Society
Legislation – public bodies bill
Short debate – ensuring that Israel complies with United Nations resolutions and international law
Tuesday
Questions – low value consignment relief, telephone hacking, detecting TB among homeless
Legislation – fixed term parliaments bill
Wednesday
Questions – tourist and hospitality employment, government-owned banks, Bribery Act 2010
Legislation – energy bill
Short debate – voting arrangements for British citizens residing abroad and members of the armed forces serving abroad
Thursday
Introduction – Rt Hon David Mclean
Questions – Network Rail apprenticeships, light rail vehicles, Middle East peace talks
Debate – Challenges for women in the centenary year of International Women’s Day
Debate – Disposal of the Forestry Commission estate
Short debate – ethical and sustainable fashion and clothing industry
Friday
Legislation – dog control bill
Legislation – live music bill
Legislation – building regulations (review) bill
PICK OF THE COMMITTEES
Tuesday
10:00 – Bank of England governor Mervyn King, before Treasury committee, on: Bank of England February inflation report
14:40 – chief steward for the march planned for March 26th Carl Roper of TUC, before joint committee on human rights, on: policing and protest
Thursday
09:45 – Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude and Cabinet secretary Sir Gus O’Donnell,, before public administration select committee, on: good governance and civil service reform/Cabinet manual
