Westminster Hall debates: 25 November 2014
25 November 2014
MPs debated fracking and the processing of personal independence payment decisions on Tuesday 25 November 2014.
The debates were among five scheduled Westminster Hall debates that gave MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and to receive a response from a government minister.
Westminster Hall debates: 25 November 2014
9.30-11am – Fracking
Norman Baker, Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, moved a debate on Fracking. The Minister for Business and Enterprise, Matthew Hancock, responded on behalf of the Government.
- Watch Parliament TV: Debate on Fracking
- Read Commons Hansard: Debate on Fracking
- Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Oil, petrol and natural gas
11-11.30am – Bede Griffiths Charitable Trust and Southern India
Bob Stewart, Conservative MP for Beckenham, moved a debate on Bede Griffiths Trust and Southern India. The Lord Commissioner of Her Majesty’s Treasury, David Evennett, responded on behalf of the Government.
- Watch Parliament TV: Debate on Bede Griffiths Charitable Trust and Southern India
- Read Commons Hansard: Debate on Bede Griffiths Charitable Trust and Southern India
- Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: International development
2.30-4pm – Personal Independence Payments
Yasmin Qureshi, Labour MP for Bolton South East, moved a debate on Processing of Personal Independence Payment decisions. The Minister for Disabled People, Mark Harper, responded on behalf of the Government.
- Watch Parliament TV: Debate on Personal Independence Payments
- Read Commons Hansard: Debate on Personal Independence Payments
- Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Sickness, disability and carers' benefits
4-4.30pm – London Transport Zones (Croydon)
Steve Reed, Labour MP for Croydon North, moved a debate on London transport zones and Croydon. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Robert Goodwill, responded on behalf of the Government.
- Watch Parliament TV: Debate on London Transport Zones (Croydon)
- Read Commons Hansard: Debate on London Transport Zones (Croydon)
- Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Roads
4.30-5pm – Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety)
Andrew Stephenson, Conservative MP for Pendle, moved a debate on a review of the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Jo Swinson, responded on behalf of the Government.
- Watch Parliament TV: Debate on Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety)
- Read Commons Hansard: Debate on Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety)
- Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Manufacturing industries
- Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Standards
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.
This article was produced by the Commons Digital Outreach Team. Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.