Westminster Hall debates: 17 March 2015

MPs debated Thames Valley technology sector and VAT and the tourism industry on Tuesday 17 March 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 17 March 2015

Morning schedule

9.30-11am – Thames Valley technology sector

Adam Afriyie, Conservative MP for Windsor, moved a debate on Thames Valley technology sector. The Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy, Mr Edward Vaizey, responded on behalf of the Government.

This first debate was appointed on the recommendation of the Backbench Business Committee.

11-11.30am – Financial inclusion

Mr Nick Hurd, Conservative MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, moved a debate on Financial inclusion. The Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrea Leadsom, responded on behalf of the Government.

2.30-4pm – VAT and the tourism industry

Mr Mark Williams, Liberal Democrat MP for Ceredigion, moved a debate on VAT and the tourism industry. The Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Mr David Gauke, responded on behalf of the Government.

4-4.30pm – Government support for survivors of child abuse

John Mann, Labour MP for Bassetlaw, moved a debate on Government support for survivors of child abuse. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education, Mr Edward Timpson, responded on behalf of the Government.

4.30-5pm – Adminstration of Premier Motor Auctions

Austin Mitchell, Labour MP for Great Grimsby, moved a debate on Adminstration of Premier Motor Auctions. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Jo Swinson, 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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