Westminster Hall debates: 23 June 2015

MPs debated Government policy on support for pupils with English as an additional language and the work of the Crown Prosecution Service on Tuesday 23 June 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.

9.30-11am – Government policy on support for pupils with English as an additional language

Stewart Jackson, Conservative MP for Peterborough, moved a debate on support for pupils with English as an additional language. The Minister of State for Schools, Nick Gibb, responded on behalf of the Government.

11-11.30am – Reforming the House of Lords and the number of peers

David Morris, Conservative MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, moved a debate on reforming the House of Lords and the number of peers. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office, John Penrose, responded on behalf of the Government.

2.30-4pm – The work of the Crown Prosecution Service

Teresa Pearce, Labour MP for Erith and Thamesmead, moved a debate on the work of the Crown Prosecution Service. The Solicitor General, Robert Buckland responded on behalf of the Government.

4-4.30pm – Local government funding in Tameside and Oldham

Angela Rayner, Labour MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, moved a debate on local government funding in Tameside and Oldham. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Mr Marcus Jones, responded on behalf of the Government.

4.30-5.30pm – BBC investment in the East and West Midlands

Mark Spencer, Conservative MP for Sherwood, moved a debate on BBC investment in the East and West Midlands. The Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy, Mr Edward Vaizey, responded on behalf of the Government.

Related information

Westminster Hall debates

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays there are two one and a half hour debates, one hour debate and two 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 Tuesday of the previous week for the Tuesday and Wednesday debates; MPs may enter into both ballots but can only be successful in one.

On Thursday there are two one and a half hour debates, or one three hour debate. Thursday debates are determined by the Backbench Business Committee or the Liaison Committee.

Each government department responds to the debates every other week according to a rota.

The Petitions Committee can determine whether a sitting should take place on a Monday in Westminster Hall to consider one or more petitions or e-petitions.

The Chair is taken by a Deputy Speaker, or a member of the Panel of Chairs with the same duties and powers conferred on Deputy Speakers.

Find out more about Westminster Hall debates.

About Parliament: Westminster Hall debates

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.