Westminster Hall debates: 15 September 2015
11 September 2015 (updated on 14 September 2015)
MPs are to debate the future of black cabs in London, and child poverty on Tuesday 15 September.
The debates are two of five scheduled Westminster Hall debates taking place today that will give MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and receive a response from a government minister.
Morning schedule
Timings are approximate. Parliamentary business is subject to change.
9.30-11am – The future of black cabs in London
To be moved by Zac Goldsmith, Conservative MP for Richmond Park.
11-11.30am – Scotland Office response to Freedom of Information requests
To be moved by Peter Grant, Scottish National Party MP for Glenrothes.
Afternoon schedule
Timings are approximate. Parliamentary business is subject to change.
2.30-4pm – Child poverty
To be moved by Kirsten Oswald, Scottish National Party MP for East Renfrewshire.
4-4.30pm – The Shoreham air show crash and its implications
To be moved by Tim Loughton, Conservative MP for East Worthing and Shoreham
4.30-5pm – Tamil rights in Sri Lanka
To be moved by James Berry, Conservative MP for Kingston and Surbiton.
Transcripts of proceedings in the House of Commons Chamber are available three hours after they happen in Today’s Commons Debates.
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.
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.
This article was produced by the Commons Digital Outreach Team. Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.