Westminster Watch

Here is a list of what proceedings are listed for the House of Commons and House of Lords for the week beginning 12 January.

Monday 26 January:

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon hit back at claims delays by ministers caused kit problems for troops in Iraq. But Mr Hoon said early preparations for the war had been made but not in a way which put diplomatic efforts at risk.

The government has struck deal with senior judges in England and Wales on plans to reform the legal system. Ministers told MPs they had now pledged to protect judges by enshrining the independence of the judiciary in the new legislation.

Fire and rescue services may be forced to merge if they do not work together to tackle potential emergencies, said the local government minister. Nick Raynsford said authorities would have to set up regional boards so they were ready to respond to national emergencies, such as terror attacks.

The amnesty for terrorist weapons to be decommissioned in Northern Ireland is being extended. Under plans agreed by peers, the new date is now midnight on 24 February.

Tuesday 27 January:

House of Commons

Oral Questions
Foreign Office

Business
- Ten Minute Rule Bill - Power Supply (Compensation for Erroneous Transfer)
- Higher Education Bill - Second Reading

End of Day Adjournment Debate
Information Technology and retail crime - Tom Watson

House of Lords

Starred Questions
* The guidelines that speed cameras are only employed conspicuously on dangerous stretches of road.
* The rise in the number of schools placed in special measures by OFSTED.
* The "red lines", as described by the prime minister, maintaining the veto in European Union procedures on specified areas of vital national interest.

Business

- Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill - Committee
- European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (Common Electoral Principles) Order 2004
- European Union Parliamentary Elections (Combined Region and Campaign Expenditure) (United Kingdom and Gibraltar) Order 2004

Wednesday 28 January:

House of Commons

Oral Questions
International Development, prime minister

Business
- Ten Minute Rule Bill - Motor Vehicle Insurance Disc
- National Insurance Contributions and Statutory Payments Bill - Remaining stages - NB This Bill will be interrupted at some point for the PM's Hutton Statement

Statement
The prime minister will make a statement on the publication of the Hutton Report

End of Day Adjournment Debate
Funding for brain injury rehabilitation - Mrs Iris Robinson

House of Lords

Starred Questions
* Reform of the way the council tax or equivalent local government tax is levied.
* New generating capacity (excluding wind power) to be commissioned in years 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Business - Debate on the Post Office and postal services
-Debate on Zimbabwe
-The economic and human costs of the Iraq conflict

Thursday 29 January:

House of Commons

Oral Questions
Treasury

Statement
The Leader of the House will give the Business Statement

Business
Debate on Members' Estimates matters

End of Day Adjournment Debate
Bedwetting and continence services - Dr Jenny Tonge

House of Lords

Starred Questions
*The setting up of a Royal Commission to investigate whether the UK's declared reasons for war against Iraq were justified by the available evidence.

Business
- Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill -Committee Day 4
- Gender Recognition Bill - Report

Friday 30 January:

House of Commons

Private Members' Bills
- Sustainable and Secure Buildings Bill - Andrew Stunell;
- Performance of Companies and Government Departments (Reporting) Bill ­ Andy King;
- Civil Service Bill ­ Mr Oliver Heald.

House of Lords

The House will not be sitting.