Debates held in Westminster Hall provide MPs with an opportunity to debate local or national issues and to receive a direct response from a government Minister.
Five debates were held in Westminster Hall on 27 April 2011. Watch and read the views expressed by MPs during the debates via the links to Parliament TV and Commons Hansard.
Also, find more information about current parliamentary material in the Topics section on the Parliament website.
09.30-11.00 – Zimbabwe
Kate Hoey, Labour MP for Vauxhall, moved a debate on the political situation in Zimbabwe which received an answer from the Minister for Europe, David Lidington.
11.00-11.30 – Irish Communities in Britain
Chris Ruane, Labour MP for Vale of Clwyd, moved a debate on Irish communities in Britain which received an answer from Andrew Stunell, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
14.30 -16.00 – Railway Expansion
John Pugh, Liberal Democrat MP for Southport, moved a debate on expansion of the railways which received an answer from Theresa Villiers, Minister of State, Department of Transport.
16.00-16.30 – Brown Signs
Julian Smith, Conservative MP for Skipton and Ripon, moved a debate on brown road signs that indicate a tourist attraction which received an answer from Mike Penning, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport.
16.30-17.00 – Coroners (Recording of Suicides)
Madeleine Moon, Labour MP for Bridgend, moved a debate on the recording of suicides by coroners which received an answer from Jonathan Djanogly, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice.
Westminster Hall debates
Westminster Hall adjournment debates allow MPs to discuss issues of local or personal interest which rarely have time to be debated in the main Chamber of the House of Commons. MPs can discuss a variety of issues and receive a response from a government Minister.
Image: iStockphoto