The Week in Westminster: 15-19 April 2013
The first full week back from the parliamentary recess after the recall, we find ourselves in a bleak, baron(ess) world without Margaret Thatcher, whose death is still looming over Westminster.
Questions are being asked about Prime Minister's Questions, with David Cameron lobbying to get it cancelled this week in light of Baroness Thatcher's funeral.
After MPs were relatively reserved in their criticism of the Iron Lady (Glenda Jackson being the obvious exception) last week, it will be interesting to see how long it will be before Westminster descends into its usual childish game of cheap shots and name calling.
The regulation of the press may have taken a backseat to the all-encompassing Thatcher coverage but the issue remains alive. Culture secretary Maria Miller will join Oliver Letwin and Harriet Harman in front of the culture committee this week.
House of Commons
Monday 15th April 2013
Oral Questions – Defence, including Topical Questions
Legislation – Finance (No.2) Bill – Second reading
Adjournment – Community pharmacies and NHS reorganisation – Stephen Pound
Tuesday 16th April 2013
Oral Questions – Health, including Topical Questions
Ten Minute Rule Motion – Abortion Statistics – Fiona Bruce
Legislation – Growth and Infrastructure Bill – Consideration of Lords amendments; Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill – Consideration of Lords amendments; Defamation
Bill – Consideration of Lords amendments; Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill [HL] – Consideration of Lords amendments
Adjournment – Visa restrictions and the Sergei Magnitsky case – Mr Robert Buckland
Wednesday 17th April 2013
Oral Questions – Scotland
Prime Minister's Question Time
Ten Minute Rule Motion – Co-operative Schools – Meg Munn
Legislation – Finance (No.2) Bill – Committee of the whole House
Adjournment – Franchising of Alloa Crown Post Office – Gordon Banks
Thursday 18th April 2013
Oral Questions – Culture, Media and Sport, including Topical Questions; Women and Equalities
Legislation – Finance (No.2) Bill – Committee of the whole House (Day 2)
Adjournment – Obstetric and paediatric services in East Sussex – Stephen Lloyd
Friday 19th April 2013
No business has been announced for this day.
House of Lords
No business has been announced for this week.
Pick of the select committees
Tuesday 16th April 2013
Culture, Media and Sport
Subject: Regulation of the press
Witness(es): Rt hon Maria Miller MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Rt hon Oliver Letwin MP; Rt hon Harriet Harman MP
Location: The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House
Home Affairs
Subject: Asylum
Witness(es): John Vine, Chief Inspector of Border and Immigration
Location: The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
