Westminster Hall debates: 13 January 2015

MPs debated grammar school funding and changes to the probation service on Tuesday 13 January 2015.

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 13 January 2015

9.30-11am – Grammar school funding

Sir Edward Leigh, Conservative MP for Gainsborough, moved a debate on grammar school funding. The Minister of State, Department for Education, Mr Nick Gibb, responded on behalf of the Government.

11-11.30am – Contribution of the care sector to the UK economy

Paul Burstow, Liberal Democrat MP for Sutton and Cheam, moved a debate on the contribution of the care sector to the UK economy. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Jo Swinson, responded on behalf of the Government.

2.30-4pm – Changes to the probation service

Kate Green, Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston, moved a debate on changes to the probation service. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, Andrew Selous, responded on behalf of the Government.

4-4.30pm – Governance of Network Rail

Mark Reckless, UK Independence Party MP for Rochester and Strood, moved a debate on the governance of Network Rail. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Claire Perry, responded on behalf of the Government.

4.30-5pm – Contribution of the direct selling industry to the UK economy

Chris Heaton-Harris, Conservative MP for Daventry, moved a debate on the contibution of the direct selling industry to the UK economy. The Minister for Skills and Equalities, Nick Boles, 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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