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Business of the House

As you are aware, Mr. Speaker, my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House is on an overseas ministerial engagement. He has asked me to pass on his apologies to the House for his absence today. The business for next week will be as follows: Monday 5 December—Second Reading of the Work and Families Bill. I remind the House that on that day my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will present his pre-Budget report and my hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government intends to make a statement to the House on the provisional local government finance settlement for England. Tuesday 6 December—Remaining stages of the London Olympics Bill. Wednesday 7 December—A debate on fisheries on a motion for the Adjournment of the House. Thursday 8 December—Estimates [1st Allotted Day]. There will be a debate on the regulation of the pharmaceutical industry. Details will be given in the Official Report. At 6 pm the House will be asked to agree all outstanding estimates. Friday 9 December—The House will not be sitting. The provisional business for the following week will be: Monday 12 December—Second Reading of the Armed Forces Bill. Tuesday 13 December—Opposition Day [11th Allotted Day]. There will be a debate on an Opposition motion in the name of the Liberal Democrats. The subject is to be announced. That will be followed by proceedings on the Consolidated Fund Bill. Wednesday 14 December—A debate on European affairs on a motion for the Adjournment of the House. Thursday 15 December—Remaining stages of the National Insurance Contributions Bill. Friday 16 December—The House will not be sitting. The House may wish to be reminded that we will rise for the Christmas recess at the end of business on Tuesday 20 December and return on Monday 9 January. Following is the information: In so far as they relate to the influence of the pharmaceutical industry (Fourth report of the Health Committee, session 2004–05 (HC 42)) and Government response to the Committee’s Fourth Report into the influence of the pharmaceutical industry (CM 6655).