Westminster Hall debates: 15 July 2014

MPs debated youth employment and the rights of young asylum seekers on Tuesday 15 July 2014.

The debates were among four Westminster Hall debates that gave MPs an opportunity to raise local and national issues and to receive a response from a Government Minister.

Morning schedule

9.30am - 11am: Youth employment

Chloe Smith, Conservative MP for Norwich North, moved a debate on youth employment. The Minister for Skills and Enterprise, Matthew Hancock, responded on behalf of the Government.

The Chairman of Ways and Means appointed this debate on the recommendation of the Backbench Business Committee.

11am - 11.30am: Political independence of charities

This debate was due to be moved by Charlie Elphicke, Conservative MP for Dover, but was withdrawn by the Member in charge. The morning sitting was suspended at 11am.

Afternoon schedule

2.30pm - 4pm: Domestic and international connectivity provided by regional airports

Mike Kane, Labour MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East, moved a debate on domestic and international connectivity provided by regional airports. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Robert Goodwill, responded on behalf of the Government.

4pm - 4.30pm: Rights of young asylum seekers

Jim Sheridan, Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, moved a debate on the rights of young asylum seekers. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, Karen Bradley, responded on behalf of the Government.

4.30pm - 5pm: Provision of additional school places in London Borough of Harrow

Bob Blackman, Conservative MP for Harrow East, moved a debate on the provision of additional school places in London Borough of Harrow. The Minister for Schools, David Laws, responded on behalf of the Government.

Related information

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.