Westminster Hall debates: 10 January 2012
11 January 2012 (updated on 11 January 2012)
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: 10 January 2012
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 Regional pay for the public sector
Jonathan Edwards, Plaid Cymru MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, moved a debate on regional pay in the public sector which received an answer from the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Chloe Smith.
- Parliament TV: Regional pay for the public sector
- Commons Hansard: Regional pay for the public sector
11.00-12.30pm History teaching
Chris Skidmore, Conservative MP for Kingswood, moved a debate on teaching history in schools which received an answer from Minister of State for Schools, Nick Gibb.
12.30-1.00pm Millennium Development Goals
Gareth Thomas, Labour/Co-operative MP for Harrow West, moved a debate on Government policy after the Millenium Development Goals which received an answer from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development, Stephen O'Brien.
- Parliament TV: Millennium Development Goals
- Commons Hansard: Millennium Development Goals
- Topics: International Development
1.00-1.30pm School transport
Nicky Morgan, Conservative MP for Loughborough, moved a debate on Government policy on school transport which received an answer from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education, Tim Loughton.
1.30-2.00pm Deregulation
Therese Coffey, Conservative MP for Suffolk Coastal, moved a debate on Government policy on deregulation which received an answer from the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise, Mark Prisk.
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.