That this House notes that soon after securing a ??101 million order to supply rolling stock for the London Underground, the French-owned multinational, Alstom, announced that it had decided to cease production at its plant at Washwood Heath, Birmingham, thereby bringing to an end 150 years of train production at the plant and threatening 1,400 jobs; believes that if there had been a major order for Alstom-produced rolling stock by the French railways, then it is unlikely that it would have been regarded as acceptable for Alstom to either reduce its investment in France or produce the rolling stock outside that country; also believes that it is no more acceptable for the company to run down its operation in Britain; welcomes the Prime Minister's call for a positive outcome to talks taking place between the British Government and Alstom about the restructuring of the Company; and calls on Alstom to recognise its obligations to all the communities on which it has relied for its manufacturing operations and to reconsider its run down of the Washwood Heath plant.

That this House notes that soon after securing a ??101 million order to supply rolling stock for the London Underground, the French-owned multinational, Alstom, announced that it had decided to cease production at its plant at Washwood Heath, Birmingham, thereby bringing to an end 150 years of train production at...

That this House expresses its profound disappointment over the Government's failure to observe its own deadline of 30th April for the completion and approval of the business case for the development of England's national football stadium at Wembley; notes the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport's undertaking to make a further statement to the House before the Whitsun recess; draws her attention to the 69 per cent. of football fans, 55 of the 92 league clubs and 100 honourable Members who believe that Birmingham should be the venue for the stadium; and calls on her to resist any temptation to extend Wembley's deadline further and to open negotiations with the backers of the Midlands bid at the earliest opportunity.

That this House expresses its profound disappointment over the Government's failure to observe its own deadline of 30th April for the completion and approval of the business case for the development of England's national football stadium at Wembley; notes the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport's undertaking to...

That this House notes that the Council of Europe was established by a treaty which was signed in London on 5th May 1949; welcomes the fact that 41 countries have now joined this organisation which is based on the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law; congratulates the Council of Europe on its achievements during the last 50 years; and looks forward to a time when its values are extended throughout the whole continent.

That this House notes that the Council of Europe was established by a treaty which was signed in London on 5th May 1949; welcomes the fact that 41 countries have now joined this organisation which is based on the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law; congratulates...

That this House notes that the Council of Europe was founded in 1949 to unite the peoples of Europe around the values of pluralist democracy, human rights, the rule of law and a culture of tolerance; notes that it is Europe's oldest international organisation - from the Atlantic to the Urals - since it comprises 40 member states, with the applications of four more under consideration; welcomes the Action Plan agreed by its Heads of State and Government meeting at its Second Summit in October 1997 which included the establishment of a new Single European Court of Human Rights on 1st November 1998, the creation of an office of Commissioner for Human Rights, and the strengthening of machinery ensuring the compliance of member states' commitments; congratulates the Council of Europe on its 50th Anniversary; notes with appreciation its accomplishments in the advancement of democracy and particularly in the new democracies following the fall of communism in Europe: and calls on the Government to help ensure that it maintains its pre-eminent role in the future architecture of Europe.

That this House notes that the Council of Europe was founded in 1949 to unite the peoples of Europe around the values of pluralist democracy, human rights, the rule of law and a culture of tolerance; notes that it is Europe's oldest international organisation - from the Atlantic to the...

That this House notes that the Council of Europe was founded in 1949 to unite the peoples of Europe around the values of pluralist democracy, human rights, the rule of law and a culture of tolerance; notes that it is today not only Europe's oldest international organisation - from the Atlantic to the Urals - since it comprises 40 member states, with the applications of four more under consideration; welcomes the Action Plan agreed by its Heads of State and Government meeting at its Second Summit last October which includes the establishment of a new Single European Court of Human Rights on 1st November this year, the creation of an office of Commissioner for Human Rights, and the strengthening of machinery ensuring the compliance of member States' commitments; congratulates the Council of Europe on its 50th Anniversary next year; notes with appreciation its accomplishments in the advancement of democracy and particularly in the new democracies following the fall of Communism in Europe; and calls on the Government to help ensure that it maintains its pre-eminent role in the future architecture of Europe.

That this House notes that the Council of Europe was founded in 1949 to unite the peoples of Europe around the values of pluralist democracy, human rights, the rule of law and a culture of tolerance; notes that it is today not only Europe's oldest international organisation - from the...

That this House congratulates Colin Cameron on being elected Clerk of the Western European Union Assembly.

That this House congratulates Colin Cameron on being elected Clerk of the Western European Union Assembly.

That this House notes that the Social Services Inspectorate of the Department of Health wrote on 28th March to the Social Services Department of Birmingham City Council and asked for examples of community care success stories to assist Ministerial pronouncements and thus 'pay political dividends at both local and national levels'; considers that this letter calls into question the political neutrality of the Social Services Inspectorate; and condemns the politicisation of the Civil Service under this Conservative Government.

That this House notes that the Social Services Inspectorate of the Department of Health wrote on 28th March to the Social Services Department of Birmingham City Council and asked for examples of community care success stories to assist Ministerial pronouncements and thus 'pay political dividends at both local and national...

That this House calls for urgent steps to secure the granting of rights for additional United States airline services to Manchester, Birmingham and other regional airports, ahead of the negotiation to resolve United States airline access to Heathrow and details of the purchase by British Airways of shares in US Air, in recognition of the strong stimulus this would give to regional economic regeneration.

That this House calls for urgent steps to secure the granting of rights for additional United States airline services to Manchester, Birmingham and other regional airports, ahead of the negotiation to resolve United States airline access to Heathrow and details of the purchase by British Airways of shares in US...

That this House notes that the new festive lights were first used in Birmingham in 1992; that the Birmingham Post referred to them as Christmas lights and described the Birmingham City Centre a 'a sparkling picture of colour' after they were switched on; further notes that the Editor of the Birmingham Post has now drawn attention to the omission of Santa Claus, reindeer, fairies, wise men and angels from the same festive lights in 1993; understands that he has attributed these omissions to a deliberate and insidious down-grading of the Christian significance of the festival; and that he has accused the Birmingham City Council of 'insinuating its own politically-correct views on (sic) an unsuspecting populous (sic)' as a result of the design of the lights; wonders why the Editor of the Birmingham Post sees any connection between Christianity and Santa Claus, reindeer and fairies; assumes that he was so dazzled by these lights in 1992 that he failed to spot these omissions; and concludes that he is still so dazzled by the lights that he has also lost his grasp of both grammar and spelling.

That this House notes that the new festive lights were first used in Birmingham in 1992; that the Birmingham Post referred to them as Christmas lights and described the Birmingham City Centre a 'a sparkling picture of colour' after they were switched on; further notes that the Editor of the...

That this House notes that New Street in the City of Birmingham will be illuminated from November 1993 to February 1994; also notes that these lights were used during the same period a year ago, and that the design was agreed with representatives of the traders and unanimously approved by a committee of councillors of all political parties; further notes that the Birmingham Post has now chosen to criticise the design for not including Santa Claus, reindeer, fairies, wise men and angels and attributed these omissions to an alleged outbreak of political correctness among Labour councillors; and expects the publication of similar anti-Labour fantasies by the Conservative-supporting Birmingham Post until the local elections are held in May 1994.

That this House notes that New Street in the City of Birmingham will be illuminated from November 1993 to February 1994; also notes that these lights were used during the same period a year ago, and that the design was agreed with representatives of the traders and unanimously approved by...

That this House welcomes the Department of Trade and Industry's review of Section 43 of the Weights and Measures Act 1985 which outlaws the inclusion of the traditional head as part of a pint of beer; considers the cost to the licensed trade of ??35 million to scrap existing glassware and to replace it to be totally disproportionate to the 23 consumer complaints received by the Department of Trade and Industry in 1991, repesenting one complaint for every 256 million pints sold; believes that the existing remedy of drinkers asking for their glass to be topped up is more than adequate to address any consumer dissatisfaction; rejects the alternative of 6 pence or more on a pint of beer; and calls upon the Government which wishes to reduce the burden of regulation upon industry to rescind Section 43.

That this House welcomes the Department of Trade and Industry's review of Section 43 of the Weights and Measures Act 1985 which outlaws the inclusion of the traditional head as part of a pint of beer; considers the cost to the licensed trade of ??35 million to scrap existing glassware...

That this House warmly congratulates Governor Bill Clinton on his being elected 42nd President of the U.S.A.; notes with pleasure that advice on negative campaigning given to the Republican Party by the British Conservative Party has proved to be unproductive on this occasion; hopes that this close and unsavoury collaboration between the two political parties will not be allowed to damage future United States-United Kingdom relationships; and looks forward to President Clinton introducing progressive policies which reverse the worst excesses of the monetarist ones of the past 13 years and which hopefully will be copied by governments throughout the Western World.

That this House warmly congratulates Governor Bill Clinton on his being elected 42nd President of the U.S.A.; notes with pleasure that advice on negative campaigning given to the Republican Party by the British Conservative Party has proved to be unproductive on this occasion; hopes that this close and unsavoury collaboration...

That this House welcomes the victory of President Clinton; and further welcomes the President's commitment to stimulating steady growth in the global economy, an early conclusion to the GATT talks, continued efforts to reduce nuclear arsenals, the rededication of the fight against world poverty and support for the emergent democracies.

That this House welcomes the victory of President Clinton; and further welcomes the President's commitment to stimulating steady growth in the global economy, an early conclusion to the GATT talks, continued efforts to reduce nuclear arsenals, the rededication of the fight against world poverty and support for the emergent democracies.

That this House deplores the fact that many British car manufacturers do not incorporate as standard many features which have been designed to improve driver and passenger safety; and therefore asks the Government to take action to compel all British car manufacturers to install in every new car all safety measures which have a proven success record.

That this House deplores the fact that many British car manufacturers do not incorporate as standard many features which have been designed to improve driver and passenger safety; and therefore asks the Government to take action to compel all British car manufacturers to install in every new car all safety...

That this House notes that East Birmingham Health Authority has arranged for East Birmingham patients at Moseley Hall to be transferred to a voluntary sector nursing home to be provided by Coventry Churches Housing Association; notes that there will be fewer beds for the continuing care of East Birmingham patients in the National Health Service as a result of this arrangement; also notes that some patients will be required to pay for their accommodation and for services such as chiropody as a result of being moved to a voluntary sector nursing home and that some patients will be forced to sell their homes to pay these charges; further notes that the East Birmingham Health Authority failed to consult the patients, their relatives, the Community Health Council and local honourable Members about this reduction in beds and transfer from the National Health Service to voluntary sector provision; condemns this arrangement as another example of creeping privatisation of the National Health Service; and calls for the dismissal of the managers who are responsible for this secret sabotage of the rights of patients to continuing care which is free at the point of delivery.

That this House notes that East Birmingham Health Authority has arranged for East Birmingham patients at Moseley Hall to be transferred to a voluntary sector nursing home to be provided by Coventry Churches Housing Association; notes that there will be fewer beds for the continuing care of East Birmingham patients...

That this House notes that Dr Peter Knight, the Director of Birmingham Polytechnic, chaired the employers' side in the recent negotiations with the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education resulting in an agreed contract for academic staff at polytechnics and other institutions; also notes that Dr Knight failed to recommend this agreement to the Board of governors of Birmingham Polytechnic and produced his own version of a contract for academic staff at this polytechnic; is not surprised that the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education has called for a national boycott of Birmingham Polytechnic in these circumstances; and urges the Board of Governors to arrange for urgent discussions with the trade union representatives of academic staff at Birmingham Polytechnic in an attempt to resolve this dispute in the interests of staff and students.

That this House notes that Dr Peter Knight, the Director of Birmingham Polytechnic, chaired the employers' side in the recent negotiations with the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education resulting in an agreed contract for academic staff at polytechnics and other institutions; also notes that Dr Knight...

That this House notes that the Patent Office became an agency in March 1990; also notes the subsequent decision of the Patent Office to increase its charges to the British Library; further notes that the British Library has therefore required the Birmingham Patents Library to pay for some essential patent information which has previously been supplied at no charge; and recognises that the cost of providing patent information to industry in the West Midlands and elsewhere has thus been transferred from the Government to the Birmingham City Council at the expense of the poll tax payers of Birmingham.

That this House notes that the Patent Office became an agency in March 1990; also notes the subsequent decision of the Patent Office to increase its charges to the British Library; further notes that the British Library has therefore required the Birmingham Patents Library to pay for some essential patent...

That this House is deeply concerned that the introduction of the rule whereby only those with disability assessed at 14 per cent. or more qualify for disablement benefit has led to a serious decline in the numbers qualifying for benefit, particularly amongst sufferers of vibration white finger, dermatitis, tenosynovitis and beat conditions of the hand, knee and elbow.

That this House is deeply concerned that the introduction of the rule whereby only those with disability assessed at 14 per cent. or more qualify for disablement benefit has led to a serious decline in the numbers qualifying for benefit, particularly amongst sufferers of vibration white finger, dermatitis, tenosynovitis and...

That this House notes that Joseph Chamberlain represented the City of Birmingham as a Member of Parliament for 38 years following his service as Mayor of Birmingham for three years - a period of municipal enterprise which included the installation of a plentiful, pure and cheap supply of water, the transformation of an inefficient privately-owned gas company into an efficient publicly-owned undertaking, a massive programme of slum clearance, and the provision of much-needed municipal parks, libraries and swimming baths; also notes that Joseph Chamberlain declared himself to have `an abiding faith in municipal institutions and a deep sense of the value and importance of local self-government'; condemns the removal of the statue of Joseph Chamberlain from its place in the Members' Lobby on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Works of Art in the House of Commons as a snub to thousands of local councillors who serve their fellow citizens in the tradition of Joseph Chamberlain; and calls for the return of Joseph Chamberlain's statue to the Members' Lobby without delay and the immediate resignation of the members of the Advisory Committee.

That this House notes that Joseph Chamberlain represented the City of Birmingham as a Member of Parliament for 38 years following his service as Mayor of Birmingham for three years - a period of municipal enterprise which included the installation of a plentiful, pure and cheap supply of water, the...

That this House welcomes the initiative of the Minister for Health, the honourable Member for Surrey South West, in setting up a working party to secure reductions in the appalling hours worked by junior hospital doctors; deplores the fact that two out of three junior hospital doctors are contracted to work over 77 hours a week, and calls upon the Government to allocate the necessary funding to enable changes in working patterns and to ensure that more direct patient care is provided by fully trained doctors.

That this House welcomes the initiative of the Minister for Health, the honourable Member for Surrey South West, in setting up a working party to secure reductions in the appalling hours worked by junior hospital doctors; deplores the fact that two out of three junior hospital doctors are contracted to...