Westminster Hall debates: 27 November 2012
27 November 2012 (updated on 27 November 2012)
MPs debated winter fuel allowance and knife crime on Tuesday 27 November 2012.
The debates were two of five Westminster Hall debates that gave MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and receive a response from a government Minister.
Schedule of Westminster Hall debates
9.30-11am – Fiscal support for the Humber economy
Alan Johnson, Labour MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle, moved a debate on the contribution that Hull city region makes to the UK. Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Sajid Javid, responded on behalf of the Government.
- Watch Parliament TV: Fiscal support for the Humber economy debate
- Read Commons Hansard: Fiscal support for the Humber economy debate
11-11.30am – Winter fuel allowance
Mike Weir, Scottish National Party MP for Angus, moved a debate on the payment of winter fuel allowances. Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions, Steve Webb, responded on behalf of the Government.
- Watch Parliament TV: Winter fuel allowances debate
- Read Commons Hansard: Winter fuel allowances debate
2.30-4pm – Knife crime
Douglas Carswell, Conservative MP for Clacton, moved a debate on knife crime. Minister of State, Home Department, Jeremy Browne, responded on behalf of the Government.
4-4.30pm – Car hire consumer protection
Ian Swales, Liberal Democrat MP for Redcar, moved a debate on car hire consumer protection. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Jo Swinson, responded on behalf of the Government.
- Watch Parliament TV: Car hire consumer protection debate
- Read Commons Hansard: Car hire consumer protection debate
4.30-5pm – Boundary Commission and Great Grimsby constituency
Austin Mitchell, Labour MP for Great Grimsby, moved a debate on the Boundary Commission's proposal to split the constituency of Great Grimsby in two, with a new constituency of Grimsby South and Cleethorpes, and a new Grimsby North and Barton constituency. Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, Chloe Smith, responded on behalf of the Government.
- Watch Parliament TV: Boundary Commission and Great Grimsby constituency debate
- Read Commons Hansard: Boundary Commission and Great Grimsby constituency debate
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.