Westminster Hall debates: 20 January 2015

MPs debated Holocaust Memorial Day and North Sea oil and gas industry employment on Tuesday 20 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 20 January

9.30-11am – Holocaust Memorial Day

Mr James Clappison, Conservative MP for Hertsmere, moved a debate on Holocaust Memorial Day. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Stephen Williams, responded on behalf of the Government.

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

11-11.30am – Drugs for ultra-rare diseases

Greg Mulholland, Liberal Democrat MP for Leeds North West, moved a debate on drugs for ultra-rare diseases. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, George Freeman, responded on behalf of the Government.

2.30-4pm – North Sea oil and gas industry employment

Mr Frank Doran, Labour MP for Aberdeen North, moved a debate on North Sea oil and gas industry employment. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell, responded on behalf of the Government.

4-4.30pm – Ofcom consultation on football broadcasting rights

Thomas Docherty, Labour MP for Dunfermline and West Fife, moved a debate on the Ofcom consultation on football broadcasting rights. The Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy, Mr Edward Vaizey, responded on behalf of the Government.

4.30-5pm – Planning and community right of appeal

Anne Marie Morris, Conservative MP for Newton Abbot, moved a debate on planning and the community right of appeal. The Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government, Brandon Lewis, 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

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