Westminster Hall debates: 14 December 2011
15 December 2011
Westminster Hall debates provide MPs with an opportunity to debate local or national issues and to receive a response from a government Minister
Westminster Hall debates
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays there are two one and a half hour debates and three half hour debates. The longer debates are intended for broader subjects where a number of MPs will want to speak. The shorter debates may focus on an issue that an MP may want to raise about their constituency.
Two ballots are held on the Wednesday of the previous week for each type of debate; MPs may enter into both ballots but can only be successful in one.
Each government department responds to the debates every other week according to a rota.
The Chair is taken by a member of the Panel of Chairs, with the same duties and powers conferred on Deputy Speakers.
Westminster Hall debates: 14 December 2011
Five debates were held in Westminster Hall. Watch and read the views expressed by MPs during the debates via the links to Parliament TV and Commons Hansard. Also, find more information about current parliamentary material in the Topics section on the Parliament website.
9.30-11.00am Zoos and regional economic development
Andrew Rosindell, Conservative MP for Romford, moved a debate on the economic growth potential of zoos and wildlife sites in the United Kingdom which received an answer from the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Mark Prisk.
- Parliament TV: Zoos and regional economic development
- Commons Hansard: Zoos and regional economic development
- Topics: Animals
11.00-11.30am Israel
Guto Bebb, Conservative MP for Aberconwy moved a debate on Israel which received an answer from the Minister for Europe, David Lidlington.
2.30-4.00pm Dyslexia
Kelvin Hopkins, Labour MP for Luton North, moved a debate on educational support for dyslexia which received an answer from the Minister of State, Department for Education, Sarah Teather.
4.00-4.30pm Farepak
Jessica Morden, Labour MP for Newport East, moved a debate on Farepak which received an answer from the Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, John Hayes.
4.30-5.00pm Alcohol taxation
Sarah Wollaston, Conservative MP for Totnes, moved a debate on alcohol taxation which received an answer from the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Chloe Smith.
Westminster Hall debates
Westminster Hall adjournment debates allow MPs to discuss issues of local or personal interest which rarely have time to be debated in the main Chamber of the House of Commons. MPs can discuss a variety of issues and receive a response from a government Minister.