Westminster Hall debates: 22 October 2013

MPs debated immigration controls and teacher training and supply on Tuesday 22 October 2013

The debates were two of five scheduled Westminster Hall debates that gave MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and to receive a response from a Government minister.

Schedule of Westminster Hall debates: 22 October 2013

9.30-11am - Immigration controls

Priti Patel, Conservative MP for Witham, moved a debate on immigration controls. Minister for Immigration, Mr Mark Harper, responded on behalf of the Government.

11-11.30am – Gibraltar and the George Cross

Oliver Colville, Conservative MP for Plymouth, Sutton and Devenport, moved a debate on Gibraltar and the George Cross. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Mark Simmonds, responded on behalf of the Government.

2.30-4pm – Teacher training and supply

Bill Esterson, Labour MP for Sefton Central, moved a debate on Teacher Training and Supply. Minister for Schools, Mr David Laws, responded on behalf of the Government.

Watch Parliament TV: Teacher Training and Supply

4-4.30pm – Football governance and the situation at Coventry City Football Club

Bob Ainsworth, Labour MP for Coventry North East, moved a debate on Coventry City Football Club. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Mrs Helen Grant, responded on behalf of the Government.

4.30-5pm – The Guardian newspaper and its impact on national security

Julian Smith, Conservative MP for Skipton and Ripon, moved a debate on The Guardian Newspaper and National Security. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, James Brokenshire, responded on behalf of the Government.

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.

Watching Westminster Hall debates from the public gallery

UK residents and overseas visitors can watch proceedings in the House of Commons by visiting the public galleries.

How to attend a debate in the Chamber or in Westminster Hall

This article was produced by the Commons Digital Outreach Team. Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.