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MPs debate housing and fixed odds betting terminals

8 January 2014

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MPs debated housing shortages in the UK and fixed odds betting terminals in betting shops on Wednesday 8 January 2014 in the House of Commons. The subjects for debate were chosen by the Opposition

Debate on housing

The debate was moved by the Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hilary Benn. The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, responded on behalf of the Government.

The Opposition motion was negatived on division (Ayes 234 votes, Noes 302 votes, Division No.171).

Debate on fixed odds betting terminals

The debate was moved by Shadow Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, Clive Effiord. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Helen Grant, responded on behalf of the Government.

The Opposition motion was negatived on division (Ayes 232 votes, Noes 314 votes, Division No.172).

The Government amendment was agreed on division (Ayes 311 votes, Noes 225 votes, Division No.173).

Related information

About Opposition day debates

Opposition days are days allocated in the House of Commons in each session for the discussion of subjects chosen by the Opposition.

Seventeen days are at the disposal of the Leader of the Opposition, the leader of the largest opposition party, to decide which matters are debated. Three days are usually divided between the other opposition parties.

The Opposition generally use them to raise questions of policy and administration. Frequently, two separate subjects are debated on an opposition day.

Watching Opposition day debates from the public gallery

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

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