Business of the House

Before I announce business for the next two weeks, may I wish all my Welsh colleagues and the people of Wales a happy St. David’s day? The provisional business for the week commencing 5 March will be: Monday 5 March—Second Reading of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill [Lords]. Tuesday 6 March—Debate on House of Lords reform. Wednesday 7 March—Conclusion of debate on House of Lords reform. Thursday 8 March—To mark international women’s day, a debate entitled ““Women, Justice and Gender Equality in the UK”” on a motion for the Adjournment of the House. Friday 9 March—Private Members’ Bills. The provisional business for the week commencing 12 March will be: Monday 12 March—Estimates [2nd Allotted Day]. Subject to be confirmed by the Liaison Committee. Tuesday 13 March—Proceedings on the Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) Bill, followed by remaining stages of the Statistics and Registration Service Bill. Wednesday 14 March—A debate on Trident on a Government motion. Thursday 15 March—A debate on a motion for the Adjournment of the House. Subject to be announced. Friday 16 March—The House will not be sitting. I should like to say a brief word about proceedings for the debate on House of Lords reform on Tuesday and Wednesday next week. It is a two-day debate which, under the terms of a business motion agreed by the House earlier this week, will come to a conclusion earlier than the usual finishing time on a Wednesday, ending at 5.30 pm, to allow more time for the number of Divisions that may be required. A total of nine motions have been tabled in my name. In accordance with the precedent set in 2003, and as permitted by the business motion that has already been agreed, the Government intend to move all nine motions, to allow the House to express its view on each proposition, even if one option has already received a majority, or appears to be inconsistent with the next option to be put. The House will be aware that as part of the review of House services Members will receive a survey in their pigeonholes next week, and I encourage all of them to complete it. There are sometimes complaints about services provided by different departments, so if Members wish to contribute constructively to improvements, it is important that they fill in the survey.