Westminster Hall debates: 9 June 2015

MPs debated air pollution in London and city regions and metro mayors on Tuesday 9 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 – Air pollution in London

Diane Abbott, Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, moved a debate on air pollution in London. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Rory Stewart, responded on behalf of the Government.

11-11.30am – Future of Dyfed Powys police helicopter

Jonathan Edwards, Plaid Cymru MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, moved a debate on the future of Dyfed Powys police helicopter. The Minister for Policing, Crime and Criminal Justice, Mike Penning, responded on behalf of the Government.

2.30-4pm – Annual Vocational Qualifications Day

Neil Carmichael, Conservative MP for Stroud, moved a debate on Annual Vocational Qualifications Day. The Minister for Skills, Nick Boles, responded on behalf of the Government.

4-4.30pm – Future of libraries in Harrow

Bob Blackman, Conservative MP for Harrow East, moved a debate on the future of libraries in Harrow. The Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy, Mr Edward Vaizey, responded on behalf of the Government.

4.30-5.30pm – City regions and metro mayors

John Pugh, Liberal Democrat MP for Southport, moved a debate on city regions and metro mayors. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, James Wharton, 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.