Westminster Hall debates: 19 June 2012
20 June 2012 (updated on 20 June 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: 19 June 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 Armed Forces day
Alex Cunningham, Labour MP for Stockton North, moved a debate on Armed Forces day which received an answer from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, Andrew Robathan.
11.00-12.30pm Cancer treatments
John Pugh, Liberal Democrat MP for Southport, moved a debate on cancer treatments and the NHS outcomes framework which received an answer from the Minister of State for Health, Paul Burstow.
12.30-1.00pm Crises loan funding
Dr Eilidh Whiteford, Scottish National Party MP for Banff and Buchan, moved a debate on crises loan funding which received an answer from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Maria Miller.
1.00-1.30pm Public sector pensions
Richard Fuller, Conservative MP for Bedford, moved a debate on the future fund for public sector pensions which received an answer from the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Chloe Smith.
1.30-2.00pm Parkinson's disease
Linda Riordan, Labour and Co-operative MP for Halifax, moved a debate on employment and support allowance for people with Parkinson's disease which received an answer from the Minister of State for Employment, Chris Grayling.
- Parliament TV: Parkinson's disease
- Commons Hansard: Parkinson's disease
- Topics: Sickness, disability and carers' benefits
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.