The Week Ahead

My apologies for the break in service over the last few days. My attention has been elsewhere - I hope soon to make an announcement explaining the exciting developments which have occurred!

This coming week will see "Super Tuesday" - when 24 states will hold primaries or caucuses. Already this has been an exciting "season" - and who knows what Tuesday will bring. Even a good showing by a particular candidate may not lead to their virtual coronation - since a "backlash" in the remaining primaries could snatch victory from their hands. As I write this I am watching the Superbowl. The next month could see as many strategic plays and turnovers as any great American Football game.

No doubt particular attention will be paid by the Senate to the results - as 3 Senators are in strong positions to win the two nominations. On Monday the Senate will Resume consideration of S. 2248, the FISA Amendments Act of 2007

The House of Representative will next meet on Wednesday. Eleven suspensions bills are due to be considered. H.R. 4137 - College Opportunity and Affordability Act (Rep. George Miller – Education and Labor) is the major item of legislation for the week.


In the House of Commons

Monday 4 February: Oral Questions - Children, Schools and Families, including Topical Questions: Motions - Relating to the Police Grant and Local Government Finance Reports

Tuesday 5 February: Oral Questions - Health, including Topical Questions
Debate - The Treaty of Lisbon (No.3); Human Rights
Legislation - European Union (Amendment) Bill - Consideration in Committee of the Whole House (Allotted Day 3)

Wednesday 6 February: Oral Questions - Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster; Prime Minister
Debate - The Treaty of Lisbon (No.4); The Single Market : Legislation - European Union (Amendment) Bill - Consideration in Committee of the Whole House (Allotted Day 4)

Thursday 7 February: Oral Questions - Church Commissioners, Public Accounts Commission and Speaker's Committee on Electoral Commission; Solicitor General; Women and Equality; Leader of the House of Commons and House of Commons Commission
Business Statement - Leader of the House
Topical Debate - to be announced
Motions - Relating to European Scrutiny Reform


In the House of Lords

Monday 4 February (2.30pm)
Legislation - Disabled Persons (Independent Living) Bill [HL] (Committee stage) - a private members bill
Legislation - European Communities (Finance) Bill (Second reading)
Legislation - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [HL] (Third reading)
Legislation - Employment Bill [HL] (Grand Committee, day 1, Moses Room, 3.30pm)

Tuesday 5 February (2.30pm)
Oral Questions - including Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer to ask Her Majesty's Government what changes they are proposing to the law governing the holding of peaceful demonstrations in Parliament Square. Lord Campbell-Savours to ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will review the role of juries in rape trials
Legislation - Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill (Committee stage, day 1)
Legislation - Child Maintenance and Other Payments Bill [HL] (Grand Committee, day 3, Moses Room, 3.30pm)
Question for short debate - on the assessment of the arrangements for preserving Government archives and preparing official histories (L. Rodgers of Quarry Bank)

Wednesday 6 February (3.00pm)
Legislation - Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill (Committee stage, day 2)
Legislation - Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Bill [HL] (Grand Committee, day 5 Moses Room, 3.45pm)
Question for short debate - on the prospects for a resolution of the political, economic and human problems in Zimbabwe (L. Blaker)

Thursday 7 February (11.00am)
Legislation - Child Maintenance and Other Payments Bill (Grand Committee, day 4, Moses Room, 2.00pm)
Debates - on the Corston review of women in the criminal justice system (B. Corston); on free entry to museums (L. Harrison)