Westminster Hall debates: 28 January 2014

MPs debated education funding for 18 year olds and First Capital Connect’s franchise agreement on Tuesday 28 January 2014.

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

Westminster Hall: 28 January 2014

9.30am - 11am: Education Funding for 18-year-olds

Kate Green, Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston, moved a debate on education funding for 18 year olds. The Minister for Skills and Enterprise, Matthew Hancock, responded on behalf of the Government.

11am - 11.30am: UK Bill of Rights

Mr Graham Allen, Labour MP for Nottingham North, moved a debate on a UK Bill of Rights. The Minister of State for the Ministry of Justice, Simon Hughes, responded on behalf of the Goverment.

2.30pm - 4pm: First Capital Connect (Hertford Loop)

Nick de Bois, Conservative MP for Enfield North, moved a debate on First Capital Connect’s franchise agreement and the Hertford loop. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Mr Robert Goodwill, responded on behalf of the Government.

4pm - 4.30pm: Kings Science Academy (Bradford)

Mr David Ward, Liberal Democrat MP for Bradford East, moved a debate on Kings Science Academy in Bradford. The Minister for Schools, Mr David Laws, responded on behalf of the Government.

4.30pm - 5pm: Tyne River (Pollution)

Nicholas Brown, Labour MP for Newcastle upon Tyne East, moved a debate on pollution of the Tyne River from the former tar works site in Walker. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice, 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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