Westminster Hall Debates: 14 January 2014

MPs debated the economic effects of High Speed 2 and the future of manufacturing in the UK on Tuesday 14 January 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: 14 January 2014

9.30-11am – High Speed 2

Sheila Gilmore, Labour MP for Edinburgh East, moved a debate on the economic effects of High Speed 2. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Mr Robert Goodwill, responded on behalf of the Government.

11-11.30am – South Sudan

Mr William Bain, Labour MP for Glasgow North East, moved a debate on the humanitarian situation in South Sudan. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development, Lynne Featherstone, responded on behalf of the Government.

2.30-4pm – Strengthening Couple Relationships

Sir Gerald Howarth, Conservative MP for Aldershot, moved a debate on strengthening couple relationships. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education, Mr Edward Timpson, responded on behalf of the Government.

4-4.30pm – Lower Thames Crossing

Jackie Doyle-Price, Conservative MP for Thurrock, moved a debate on options for the new Lower Thames Crossing. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Mr Robert Goodwill, responded on behalf of the Government.

4.30-5pm – Manufacturing in the UK

Iain McKenzie, Labour MP for Inverclyde, moved a debate on the future of manufacturing in the UK. The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Michael Fallon, 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.