The week in Westminster: November 8th to 12th
We hate to say this, but things are returning to normal in parliament this week.
The ructions of the comprehensive spending review have now subsided, meaning MPs and peers are returning to their normal routine without the usual excitement of an enormous epoch-defining political event overshadowing their daily lives.
Former prime minister Gordon Brown’s return to the limelight, through an appearance in front of the international development committee, will be of interest on Tuesday.
The Lords are again debating their future on the same day, in the latest in a series of moans about change.
In the Commons, Liam Fox, William Hague and Chris Huhne will be defending their departments’ portfolios throughout the week.
COMMONS
Monday
Questions – defence
Legislation – finance bill
Adjournment debate – reconstructing Gaza
Tuesday
Questions – Foreign Office
Ten minute rule motion – armed forces charter
Opposition day debate – impact of proposed changes to housing benefit
Adjournment debate – c.difficile
Wednesday
Questions – Northern Ireland, PMQs
Presentation bill – Support and Protection for Elderly People and Adults at Risk of Abuse
Legislation – Equitable Life (payments) bill
Motion – to approve a European Document relating to economic policy coordination
Adjournment debate – Future funding of the BBC following the Comprehensive Spending Review
Thursday
Questions – energy and climate change
Business statement – leader of the House
Backbench business – policy on growth
Adjournment debate – future of RAF Marham
Friday
Private members’ bills – sustainable livestock bill, public bodies (sustainable food) bill, and others
Adjournment debate – appointment of the Chair of Lewisham NHS Hospital Trust
LORDS
Monday
Questions – EU cost, Parliament Square protests, coalition consultation, blood donations
Legislation – budget responsibility and national audit bill
Tuesday
Questions – Commonwealth Games, private sector jobs in north of England, tourist industry
Legislation – public bodies bill
Wednesday
Questions – mental illness, mortgage market, Zambia economy
Legislation – contaminated blood (support for infected and bereaved persons) bill
Debate – European Union committee report on combating Somali piracy
Short debate – effect of an elected House of Lords
Short debate – civil list and grant-in-aid to the royal family
Thursday
Questions – media power in UK, treasure, nuclear installations inspectorate
Debate – improving the quality and quantity of life for people with cancer
Debate – properly resourced and active diplomacy for Britain
Friday
Debate – strategic defence and security review
PICK OF THE COMMITTEES
Tuesday
10:30: Gordon Brown, before international development committee, on: The 2010 Millennium Development Goals Review Summit
14:00: US attorney-general, before home affairs committee, on: Firearms Control
15:15: leader of the House Sir George Young, before procedure committee, on: Ministerial Statements to Parliament
