That this House believes that the UK faces a growing and ever more complex range of current and future threats, many of which were unforeseen, such as the Ukrainian crisis; calls on the next Government to adopt effective and properly resourced diplomatic, development and defence policies to meet these threats; and supports the UK devoting at least two per cent of its gross domestic product to defence, including a one per cent per annum increase in the defence equipment budget.

That this House believes that the UK faces a growing and ever more complex range of current and future threats, many of which were unforeseen, such as the Ukrainian crisis; calls on the next Government to adopt effective and properly resourced diplomatic, development and defence policies to meet these threats;...

That this House welcomes the recently published annual survey undertaken by the Federation of Small Businesses in conjunction with ICM Research, one of the most comprehensive business surveys since the recession began; notes with concern that over 30 per cent. of small businesses report late payment for goods and services supplied to central government departments; and calls on the Government to pay invoices to small businesses on time and in keeping with the prompt payment code that it introduced in December 2008.

That this House welcomes the recently published annual survey undertaken by the Federation of Small Businesses in conjunction with ICM Research, one of the most comprehensive business surveys since the recession began; notes with concern that over 30 per cent. of small businesses report late payment for goods and services...

That this House agrees with the Save Our Sound UK campaign that wireless microphones are essential to live music, musical theatre, newsgathering, filmmaking, television production, sports events, concerts, conferences and community events in the UK; understands that over 95 per cent. of stocks of existing equipment will become redundant as a consequence of the impending clearance of the radio spectrum that they use; notes that this spectrum, once cleared, will be auctioned with significant revenues going to government; recognises that if these activities are to continue at current levels then all affected equipment will need to be replaced, at significant cost; further understands that Ofcom has consulted on a compensation package that the Government has committed to provide in its Digital Britain White Paper; but notes that Ofcom's proposals would only entitle some users to partial replacement costs, and the rest to nothing; is concerned that many of those who own and supply existing equipment could not afford to replace entire inventories, jeopardising all productions that depend on them; and therefore urges the Government to provide a compensation package that covers all fifteen spectrum channels being cleared, and at levels that cover the full costs of replacing existing equipment with like-for-like alternatives as this would prevent serious damage to this vital part of the UK's creative industries at a small fraction of the revenues that the spectrum auctions are likely to generate for government.

That this House agrees with the Save Our Sound UK campaign that wireless microphones are essential to live music, musical theatre, newsgathering, filmmaking, television production, sports events, concerts, conferences and community events in the UK; understands that over 95 per cent. of stocks of existing equipment will become redundant as...

That this House notes with concern that business rate relief is not taken up by over half of those small businesses eligible to claim it; further notes that as a result small businesses are losing out on saving up to ??2,500 yearly; further notes that across the country around ??400 million earmarked for rate relief to be paid to small businesses is returned to the Treasury; and calls on the Government to support the Small Business Rate Relief (Automatic Payment) Bill.

That this House notes with concern that business rate relief is not taken up by over half of those small businesses eligible to claim it; further notes that as a result small businesses are losing out on saving up to ??2,500 yearly; further notes that across the country around ??400...

That this House believes the power for hon. Members to hold Ministers to account is of paramount importance to democracy in the United Kingdom; further believes the duty of a Minister is always to give honest and detailed responses to questions from hon. Members; further believes that when Ministers have not offered honest responses that they should come to the House and correct themselves; further believes that Parliamentary records should be amended and, where the dishonesty has been deliberate, the Minister concerned should be censured; condemns the apparent dishonesty in the former Prime Minister Tony Blair's response to an oral question from the hon. Member for Mid Worcestershire on 12th November 1997 concerning the timing of the decision relating to the exemption of Formula 1 from tobacco advertising constraints, and to a subsequent written question on the matter from the hon. Member for Stratford-upon-Avon; and calls for current Ministers to issue new answers to the original questions and to correct the Parliamentary record.

That this House believes the power for hon. Members to hold Ministers to account is of paramount importance to democracy in the United Kingdom; further believes the duty of a Minister is always to give honest and detailed responses to questions from hon. Members; further believes that when Ministers have...

That this House notes the Regional Review Programme of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) which will continue beyond April 2008; is concerned about the threat of closure of HMRC offices in non-urban areas such as Shropshire and Herefordshire; appreciates the high level of service provided by HMRC staff in such offices; recognises the pressures that would be placed on HMRC staff by having to travel further to their place of work; further notes the economic impact that would be imposed by such closures and the additional burdens which could be faced by customers in non-urban areas; and calls on the Government to withdraw the threat of HMRC office closures in all non-urban areas and to implement a full socio-economic review of the impact of such office closures in those areas affected by these draconian proposals.

That this House notes the Regional Review Programme of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) which will continue beyond April 2008; is concerned about the threat of closure of HMRC offices in non-urban areas such as Shropshire and Herefordshire; appreciates the high level of service provided by HMRC staff in...

That this House recognises that the normal state of affairs is for the media to report on, criticise and comment on politicians; and believes that, although it is fair game and good sport to reverse roles, politicians should usually have the sense, strength and humour to live with robust coverage.

That this House recognises that the normal state of affairs is for the media to report on, criticise and comment on politicians; and believes that, although it is fair game and good sport to reverse roles, politicians should usually have the sense, strength and humour to live with robust coverage.

That this House notes with concern that the Circus Working Group disregarded substantial amounts of evidence on the welfare of animals in circuses as a result of the methodology imposed by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; believes that the report of the Chair of the Circus Working Group fails to provide reliable information on this subject; and urges the Government to maintain its commitment to ban the use of wild species in travelling circuses and to restrict and limit the use of domesticated species under a strict, accountable and open licensing system.

That this House notes with concern that the Circus Working Group disregarded substantial amounts of evidence on the welfare of animals in circuses as a result of the methodology imposed by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; believes that the report of the Chair of the Circus...

That this House welcomes the development of the New Acropolis Museum in Athens which is planned to open next year and which clearly demonstrates the capacity of the Greek authorities to receive and satisfactorily instal those marbles from the Parthenon which were, in the past, removed in previous periods, including the so-called Elgin Marbles; notes that the principles of the restitution of museum items is now well established, which include the British Museum's return of Aboriginal remains to Australia under the Human Tissue Act 2004 and a number of fragments from the Parthenon and the Acropolis to Greece from collections in Germany, Sweden and elsewhere; believes that the opening of the New Acropolis Museum will give the British Museum a golden opportunity to demonstrate its goodwill towards the project; and calls on the Government to work with the British Museum to open a dialogue with the Greek authorities to arrange for the proper restitution of the Parthenon Marbles to Athens.

That this House welcomes the development of the New Acropolis Museum in Athens which is planned to open next year and which clearly demonstrates the capacity of the Greek authorities to receive and satisfactorily instal those marbles from the Parthenon which were, in the past, removed in previous periods, including...

That this House notes that, after the Prime Minister stated in this House on 6th November that the Government was planning to reform inheritance tax before this year's Conservative Party conference and that documents requested under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 would confirm his statement, the Daily Telegraph requested the relevant Treasury papers under Labour's Freedom of Information Act; notes that these papers corroborated what the Prime Minister had said; further notes that the Daily Telegraph published the outcome of its inquiries in a three-inch story at the bottom of the seventh column on page two in its issue of 9th November; wonders what prominence the Daily Telegraph would have given this story if the Prime Minister's statement had not been borne out; and wonders, further, how this salutary episode conforms with the high journalistic standards established for the Daily Telegraph by William Deedes and other distinguished editors.

That this House notes that, after the Prime Minister stated in this House on 6th November that the Government was planning to reform inheritance tax before this year's Conservative Party conference and that documents requested under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 would confirm his statement, the Daily Telegraph requested...

That this House notes with concern the traffic disruption caused by the closing of St Margaret Street and Millbank/Great Parliament Street between 30th October and 12th November for the Queen's Speech; notes that these closures have resulted in serious traffic disruption for thousands of Londoners; recognises the obvious security requirements surrounding the State Opening of Parliament, but questions the merits of a 13 day road closure for an eight minute speech; and calls on the Government to carry out a review of the necessity of such measures for the State Opening in 2008.

That this House notes with concern the traffic disruption caused by the closing of St Margaret Street and Millbank/Great Parliament Street between 30th October and 12th November for the Queen's Speech; notes that these closures have resulted in serious traffic disruption for thousands of Londoners; recognises the obvious security requirements...

That this House recognises the critical importance of wireless microphones and other short range wireless devices for the production of live and recorded entertainment including the performing arts, broadcasting, news gathering, film and independent production, corporate events, concerts, night venues and sports events; welcomes Ofcom's recognition of the size and importance of the programme making and special events (PMSE) sector but is concerned that uncertainty over Ofcom's plans for the digital switchover continue to threaten a ??15 billion per annum British entertainment industry; welcomes Ofcom's recognition of the PMSE sector's inability to compete in a spectrum auction and the need for a single band manager, mindful of the needs of the PMSE community, to coordinate spectrum usage; is concerned that Ofcom's guarantees to PMSE users for temporary access to interleaved analogue spectrum are unclear; understands that without a concrete and detailed programme for provision of interleaved spectrum, the PMSE sector cannot adequately plan for its future; recognises that there is currently no feasible commercial alternative to use of analogue equipment in the PMSE sector and that access to interleaved spectrum is essential for the continued production of world class entertainment; and urges the Government to guarantee that sufficient quality and quantity of such regulated spectrum be reserved for PMSE use to prevent the collapse of a renowned and valuable UK industry.

That this House recognises the critical importance of wireless microphones and other short range wireless devices for the production of live and recorded entertainment including the performing arts, broadcasting, news gathering, film and independent production, corporate events, concerts, night venues and sports events; welcomes Ofcom's recognition of the size and...

That this House welcomes the revised proposals by Ofcom on the long-term supply of radio spectrum for the users of wireless microphones and similar equipment; recognises that the new proposals demonstrate that Ofcom has listened to the concerns of wireless microphone users about initial plans to auction off the spectrum to the highest bidder; believes that the new proposals represent a step forward to ensuring that, after digital switchover, existing users of radio microphones will continue to have access to the spectrum they need at an affordable cost; supports in principle the proposal to establish an independent spectrum management organisation, but believes that the workability of Ofcom's two preferred solutions will depend on the detailed way in which they are implemented; and therefore urges the programme making and special events sector and all other users of radio microphones to work together to ensure that the most practical and economical solution is found during the new consultation period ending on 31st August.

That this House welcomes the revised proposals by Ofcom on the long-term supply of radio spectrum for the users of wireless microphones and similar equipment; recognises that the new proposals demonstrate that Ofcom has listened to the concerns of wireless microphone users about initial plans to auction off the spectrum...

That this House welcomes the successful prosecution of the Quantock Staghounds for illegal hunting; congratulates the League Against Cruel Sports for taking another successful private prosecution; believes that the current total of eleven convictions for illegal hunting shows that the Hunting Act 2004 is an enforceable piece of legislation; recognises that the Hunting Act is stopping hunts from inflicting pain and suffering on animals; and calls on those who oppose this legislation to comply with the law and cease hunting activities.

That this House welcomes the successful prosecution of the Quantock Staghounds for illegal hunting; congratulates the League Against Cruel Sports for taking another successful private prosecution; believes that the current total of eleven convictions for illegal hunting shows that the Hunting Act 2004 is an enforceable piece of legislation; recognises...

That this House believes that public affairs firms have a key role to play in articulating the point of view of business, charities, trade unions and public bodies to Government and Parliament; believes that political lobbying must always be open and transparent; welcomes in this regard the codes of the Association of Professional Political Consultants (APPC) and Public Relations Consultations Association (PRCA), which insist that public affairs firms publish the names of all clients and do not make payments to hon. Members and Peers; notes that the APPC register is easily accessible on that Association's website and calls on the PRCA to adopt a similar practice; applauds the decision of Thames Gateway London Partnership to insist that agencies bidding for their public affairs contract must adhere to the ethical codes of the APPC; and calls on all public bodies and private firms to insert a similar clause in all lobbying contracts.

That this House believes that public affairs firms have a key role to play in articulating the point of view of business, charities, trade unions and public bodies to Government and Parliament; believes that political lobbying must always be open and transparent; welcomes in this regard the codes of the...

That this House congratulates Battersea Arts Centre (BAC) on the huge contribution it has made to well-being both in the London Borough of Wandsworth and in London as a whole, attracting more than 220,000 visitors a year; acknowledges the important part that Wandsworth as well as the Arts Council has played in laying the foundation for BAC's success over the last three decades; notes that BAC won a Wandsworth Business Award for Best Community Contribution from Wandsworth Council only two months ago; fears that the withdrawal of grant and premises by Wandsworth would make BAC unviable; accepts that the responsibility for financial support for BAC should be shared between Wandsworth and the Arts Council; and welcomes any move by Wandsworth to enter into discussions aimed at securing the future of BAC.

That this House congratulates Battersea Arts Centre (BAC) on the huge contribution it has made to well-being both in the London Borough of Wandsworth and in London as a whole, attracting more than 220,000 visitors a year; acknowledges the important part that Wandsworth as well as the Arts Council has...

That this House notes that the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has decided to make all but one of the chaplaincy team at the Worcestershire Royal, Alexander and Kidderminster General hospitals redundant and to stop payment to the part-time visiting chaplains; further notes the inadequate consultation with local faith representatives and members of the wider community before reaching this decision; welcomes the action of the Worcestershire division of the British Medical Association in deploring the decision and calling upon the trust to `restore the traditional chaplaincy services as a priority in the forthcoming reorganisation of clinical services'; considers that the action of the trust is contrary to the guidance provided by the Department of Health in NHS Chaplaincy: Meeting the religious and spiritual needs of patients and staff published in November 2003; is concerned that this unprecedented action could be emulated by other trusts seeking to curb deficits; reaffirms the vital role provided by chaplains of all faiths and denominations for both patients and staff; believes that chaplains have a crucial role in ensuring that patients are treated in a holistic fashion; calls upon the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust to withdraw the proposals immediately and instead reduce chaplaincy services in line with cuts to the other clinical services at the three hospitals; and asks the Government to restate its support for chaplaincy services to reduce the likelihood of Worcestershire's example being emulated elsewhere.

That this House notes that the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has decided to make all but one of the chaplaincy team at the Worcestershire Royal, Alexander and Kidderminster General hospitals redundant and to stop payment to the part-time visiting chaplains; further notes the inadequate consultation with local faith representatives...

That this House wishes to promote Jerusalem as the official national anthem of England.

That this House wishes to promote Jerusalem as the official national anthem of England.

That this House notes that the forcible removal of placards and posters from Brian Haw's long-standing demonstration in Parliament Square against the Iraq war is symbolic of the erosion of liberty in a country where the freedom to protest should be fundamental to democracy.

That this House notes that the forcible removal of placards and posters from Brian Haw's long-standing demonstration in Parliament Square against the Iraq war is symbolic of the erosion of liberty in a country where the freedom to protest should be fundamental to democracy.

That this House is deeply concerned at the failure to resolve the ongoing national dispute between the Association of University Teachers and universities; is further concerned at the massive disruption that students, in particular final year students, are facing in the light of this failure to secure a settlement to the dispute; and urges university vice-chancellors to make the resolution of this damaging ongoing dispute an urgent priority and to seek an immediate settlement in the interests of staff, students and the whole of England.

That this House is deeply concerned at the failure to resolve the ongoing national dispute between the Association of University Teachers and universities; is further concerned at the massive disruption that students, in particular final year students, are facing in the light of this failure to secure a settlement to...