Westminster Hall debates: 13 May 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 debates: 13 May 2014 

9.30-11am – Political and human rights situation in the African Great Lakes Region

Jeremy Corbyn, Labour MP for Islington North, moved a debate on the political situation in the African Great Lakes region. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Mark Simmonds, responded on behalf of the Government.

• Watch Parliament TV: Political and Human Rights Situation in the African Great Lakes Region
• Read Commons Hansard:  Political and Human Rights Situation in the African Great Lakes Region
• Read Current Parliamentary material in Topics: Africa

11-11.30am – Sale of park homes

Annette Brooke, Liberal Democrat for Mid-Dorset and Poole, moved a debate on the sale of park homes. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Kris Hopkins, responded on behalf of the Government. 

• Watch Parliament TV: Sale of park homes
• Read Commons Hansard: Sale of park homes 
• Read Current Parliamentary material in Topics: Housing - owner occupation

2.30-4pm – Human Rights in North Korea

Andrew Selous, Conservative MP for South West Bedfordshire, moved a debate on human rights in North Korea. Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Mr Hugo Swire, responded on behalf of the Government.

• Watch Parliament TV: Human rights in North Korea
• Read Commons Hansard: Human rights in North Korea
• Read Current Parliamentary material in Topics: Asia
• Read Current Parliamentary material in Topics: Human rights

4-4.30pm – Land safeguarded for development in local plans

Julian Sturdy, Conservative MP for York Outer, moved a debate on land safeguarded for development in local plans. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Nick Boles, responded on behalf of the Government.

• Watch Parliament TV: Land safeguarded for development in local plans
• Read Commons Hansard: Land safeguarded for development in local plans
• Read Current Parliamentary material in Topics: Planning

4.30-5pm – GP services in Tower Hamlets

Jim Fitzpatrick, Labour MP for Poplar and Limehouse, moved a debate on GP services in Tower Hamlets. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Dr Daniel Poulter, responded on behalf of the Government.

• Watch Parliament TV: GP services in Tower Hamlets
• Read Commons Hansard: GP services in Tower Hamlets
• Read Current Parliamentary material in Topics: Health services

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.