Downing St. Afternoon Briefing from 10 May 2007

Transition

Asked if the next leader would become Prime Minister after Prime Minster on the 27th of June, the Prime Minister's spokesman (PMS) said it was fair to assume that this was the case. Asked if the existing Prime Minister would attend PMQ's, the PMS said she could not be specific about the exact timing on the day.

Forthcoming Business

The Leader announced that business for next week would be: Monday, May 14 - second reading of the Concessionary Bus Travel Bill [Lords] (Douglas Alexander and Gillian Merron, for the Government); Tuesday, May 15 - Opposition Day (11th Allotted Day): there will be a debate entitled "Parliamentary Approval for Participation in Armed Conflict" on an Opposition motion (Government speakers to be announced); Wednesday, May 16 - debate on a motion relating to Home Improvement Pack Regulations (Yvette Cooper); followed by consideration of Lords amendments to the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill (Gerry Sutcliffe); Thursday, May 17 - remaining stages of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill - Day One (Phil Woolas and Angela Smith); Friday, May 18 - Private Members Bills.

Provisional Business for the following week: Monday, May 21 - second reading of the Further Education and Training Bill [Lords]; Tuesday, May 22 - conclusion of remaining stages of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill; Wednesday, May 23 - Opposition Day (12th Allotted Day): there will be a debate on an Opposition motion, subject to be announced; Thursday, May 24 - motion on the Whitsun recess adjournment; Friday, May 25 - not sitting.

The Leader pointed out that, in response to a question in the House earlier today, he had indicated that there would be a debate in Government time on the subject of Darfur. Provisionally, this would take place in the week after the Whitsun recess.

Other

Mr Straw also responded to questions about party political issues.

ENDS

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