The Week Ahead

With the Queen's Speech debates over, the two Houses in Westminster will turn their attention to action on legislation, the following Second Readings will be held

Monday - European Communities Finance Bill [Commons]; Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords]

Tuesday - Channel Tunnel Rail Link (Supplementary Provisions) Bill [Commons]; Local Transport Bill [Lords]

Wednesday - Dormant Bank & Building Society Accounts Bill [Lords]

Thursday - Sale of Student Loans Bill [Commons]

There will be an opposition day on Wednesday in the Commons, with topics chosen by the official opposition - these will be on (1) Health Care associated infections (2) Schools Reform. The Lords will debate the armed forces on Thursday.

Th House of Representatives has adjourned until December 4th for the Thanksgiving holiday. The Senate will meet in pro forma session on Tuesday. This avoids going into recess - (which would give the President an opportunity to push through recess appointments).