Westminster Hall debates: 3 September 2013

MPs debated the plain packaging of tobacco products and firearms controls on Tuesday 3 September 2013

The debates were among 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: 3 September 2013

9.30-11am – Tobacco Products (Plain Packaging)

Bob Blackman, Conservative MP for Harrow East, moved a debate on the plain packaging of tobacco products. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health, Anna Soubry, responded on behalf of the Government.

11-11.30am – Social Enterprise: Wider UK Economy

Chris White, Conservative MP for Warwick and Leamington, moved a debate on social enterprise in the wider UK economy. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Jo Swinson, responded on behalf of the Government.

2.30-4pm – Firearms Controls

Grahame M. Morris, Labour MP for Easington, moved a debate on Firearms Controls. The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice, Damian Green, responded on behalf of the Government.

4-4.30pm – Kamran Majid and the Legal Services Commission

Steve McCabe, Labour MP for Birmingham, Selly Oak, moved a debate on Kamran Majid and the Legal Services Commission. The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice, Damian Green, responded on behalf of the Government.

4.30-5pm – Brain Tumours in Children

Mr Dominic Raab, Conservative MP for Esher and Walton, moved a debate on the awareness of brain tumours in children. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health, Anna Soubry, 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.