Westminster Hall debates: 16 December 2014

MPs debated human rights abuses in the overseas supply chains of UK companies and funding for Kew Gardens on Tuesday 16 December 2014.

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.

Westminster Hall Debates: 16 December 2014

9.30-11am – Human rights abuses in the overseas supply chains of UK companies

Ian Lavery, Labour MP for Wansbeck, moved a debate on human rights abuses in the overseas supply chains of UK companies. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Jo Swinson, responded on behalf of the Government.

11-11.30am – Tax relief on UK film investment

Sir Nick Harvey, Liberal Democrat MP for North Devon moved a debate on tax relief on UK film investment. The Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Mr David Gauke, responded on behalf of the Government.

2.30-4pm – Funding for Kew Gardens

Zac Goldsmith, Conservative MP for Richmond Park,moved a debate on funding for Kew Gardens. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Dan Rogerson, responded on behalf of the Government.

4-4.30pm – Future of the Barnett Formula

Iain Stewart, Conservative MP for Milton Keynes South, moved a debate on the future of the Barnett Formula. The Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Mr David Gauke, responded on behalf of the Government.

4.30-5pm – Level of the National Minimum Wage

Dan Jarvis, Labour MP for Barnsley Central, moved a debate on the level of the National Minimum Wage. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Jo Swinson, 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

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