Westminster Hall debates: 24 February 2015

MPs debated Yemen and and public procurement of infrastructure in the South West and more on Tuesday 24 February.

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: Tuesday 24 February

9.30-11am – Yemen

Keith Vaz, Labour MP for Leicester East, moved a debate on Yemen. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Mr Tobias Ellwood, responded on behalf of the Government.

11-11.30am – Police Numbers (Wales)

Chris Evans, Labour MP for Islwyn, moved a debate on police numbers in Wales. The Minister for Crime Prevention, Lynne Featherstone, responded on behalf of the Government.

2.30-4pm – Infrastructure (South-West)

Mr Gary Streeter, Conservative MP for South West Devon, moved a debate on the public procurement of infrastructure in the South West. The Minister for Civil Society, Mr Rob Wilson, responded on behalf of the Government.

4-4.30pm – Human Rights (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

Tessa Munt, Liberal Democrat MP for Wells, moved a debate on allegations of misconduct and human rights abuse by a British oil exploration firm in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Minister for Europe, Mr David Lidlington, responded on behalf of the Government.

4.30-5pm – Mining in Goa (UK-listed Companies)

John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington, moved a debate on the effects of mining in Goa by UK-listed companies. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Jo Swinson, 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.