Westminster Hall debates: 27 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: 27 January 2015

9.30-11am – Employment in Wales

Chris Ruane, Labour MP for Vale of Clwyd, moved a debate on employment in Wales.  The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns, responded on behalf of the Government.

• Watch Parliament TV: Debate on Employment in Wales
• Read Commons Hansard: Debate on Employment in Wales
• Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Employment and training

11-11.30am – Effect of London Bridge station redevelopment on rail services

Heidi Alexander, Labour MP for Lewisham East, moved a debate on the effect of London Bridge station redevelopment on rail services.  The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Claire Perry, responded on behalf of the Government.

• Watch Parliament TV: Debate on London Bridge Station (Redevelopment)
• Read Commons Hansard: Debate on London Bridge Station (Redevelopment)
• Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Railways

2.30-4pm – Commonwealth immigration and visas

Andrew Rosindell, Conservative MP for Romford, moved a debate on Commonwealth immigration and visas. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, Karen Bradley, responded on behalf of the Government.

• Watch Parliament TV: Debate on Commonwealth immigration and visas
• Read Commons Hansard: Debate on Commonwealth immigration and visas
• Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Immigration

4-4.30pm – Confiscation of property from British nationals in Goa and corruption amongst government officials

Tim Loughton, Conservative MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, moved a debate on the confiscation of property from British nationals in Goa and corruption amongst government officials. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Mr Tobias Ellwood, responded on behalf of the Government.

• Watch Parliament TV: Debate on British Nationals in Goa
• Read Commons Hansard: Debate on British Nationals in Goa
• Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Asia

4.30-5pm – Sports Direct and USC Dundonald

Mr Brian H. Donohoe, Labour MP for Central Ayrshire, moved a debate on Sports Direct and USC Dundonald. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Jo Swinson, responded on behalf of the Government.

• Watch Parliament TV: Debate on Sports Direct (USC Dundonald)
• Read Commons Hansard: Debate on Sports Direct (USC Dundonald)
• Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Manufacturing industries

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.