Westminster Hall debates: Tuesday 10 November 2015.

MPs debated the family-friendliness of the Houses of Parliament and the role of devolved administrations in UK renegotiation of EU membership on Tuesday 10 November.

The debates were among five scheduled 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 10 November

9.30-11am – British Council

David Warburton, Conservative MP for Somerton and Frome, moved a debate on the British Council. The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Hugo Swire, responded on behalf of the Government.

11-11.30am – Court closure in Buxton

Andrew Bingham, Conservative MP for High Peak, moved a debate on court closure in Buxton. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, Shailesh Vara, responded on behalf of the Government.

2.30-4pm – Houses of Parliament (Family-Friendliness)

Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham, Yardley, moved a debate on the Houses of Parliament (Family-Friendliness). The Deputy Leader of the House of Commons, Thérèse Coffey, responded on behalf of the Government.

4-4.30pm – Barnett floor (Wales)

Nick Thomas-Symonds, Labour MP for Torfaen, moved a debate on the Barnett floor (Wales). The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns, responded on behalf of the Government.

4.30-5.30pm – Renegotiation of EU Membership (Devolved Administrations)

Stephen Gethins, Scottish National Party MP for North East Fife, moved a debate on the renegotiation of EU membership (Devolved Administrations). The Minister for Europe, Mr David Lidington, 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.