The week in Westminster: April 20th – 24th
It’s Budget time. After the fortnight-long Easter recess MPs will return to Westminster for the first full-on Budget since last October’s momentous economic crisis.
Alistair Darling will be outlining the government’s plans for dealing with Britain’s perilous finances – and after ducking the question repeatedly will be forced to confront the deteriorating situation since the Pre-Budget Report.
After PMQs the Commons will hear the statement, as usual, before debate takes up the rest of the week.
Commons
Monday
Questions – culture, media and sport
Debate – defence procurement
Adjournment debate – pain management services in England
Tuesday
Questions – communities and local government
Ten minute rule bill – insolvency (provision of information to employment agencies)
Legislation – industry and exports (financial support) bill
Legislation – The Chairman of Ways and Means, Opposed Private Business for consideration (1) Manchester City Council Bill [HL] and Bournemouth Borough Council Bill [HL]: Revival Motion (Standing Order No. 188B relating to Private Business); (2) Canterbury City Council Bill, Leeds City Council Bill, Nottingham City Council Bill and Reading Borough Council Bill: Revival Motion (Standing Order No. 188B relating to Private Business)
Adjournment debate – case of councillor Paul Bucannan
Wednesday
Questions – Northern Ireland, PMQs
Budget
Adournment debate – debt collection and the Consumer Credit Act 1974
Thursday
Questions – energy and climate change, leader of the House, House of Commons Commission
Business statement
Debate – continuation of the Budget debate
Adjournment debate – controlling urban seagulls
Friday
Private members’ bills – Cooperative and community benefit societies and credit unions bill; palliative care bill; damages (asbestos-related conditions); and others
Adjournment debate – council rents in Lambeth
Lords
Monday
Questions – further education colleges building programme; 2012 Olympic Games and Sport and Exercise Medicine consultants; voting rights for prisoners in the European elections; civilian staff in conflict prevention and peace-keeping operations
Legislation – postal services bill
Short debate – assessment of Channel 4 Dispatches programme ‘Undercover Mosque’
Tuesday
Questions – mortgages for residential properties; development of high-speed rail; government policy and the current economic situation
Legislation – disabled persons (independent living) bill
Legislation – marine and coastal access bill
Orders and regulations – Categories of Gaming Machine (Amendment) Regulations 2009
Wednesday
Questions – quantitative easing; unemployment figures and benefits; re-use of graves
Legislation – borders, citizenship and immigration bill
Legislation – business rate supplements bill
Legislation – postal services bill
Thursday
Questions – TB, cancer patients living in fuel poverty, postal address of new supreme court
Debate – inquiry into contaminated NHS blood and blood products
Debate – civil liberties and electronic surveillance
Short debate – future of British formula one grand prix
Friday
Legislation – dog control bill
Legislation – companies’ remuneration reports bill
Legislation – law commission bill
