Sunday trading

MPs will have a free vote next Wednesday on Sunday trading. They have three options: total deregulation; allowing small shops to open all day and larger ones for six hours; and keeping most shops shut.

Next week

THE main business in Parliament next week includes:

MONDAY: Commons - Questions to social security ministers and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster; Budget debate. Lords - Trade Marks Bill, second reading. European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (European Investment Fund) Order. TUESDAY: Commons - Health questions; Prime Minister's Questions; Budget debate, last day. Lords - Education Bill, second reading; New Towns (Amendment) Bill, second reading; Inshore Fishing (Scotland) Bill, second reading.

WEDNESDAY: Commons - Scottish questions; Sunday Trading Bill, committee. Lords - Debate on respect for the law; Debate on possible health threat from depleted uranium shells.

THURSDAY: Commons - Agriculture questions; Prime Minister's Questions; Debate on EC budget. Lords - Intelligence Services Bill, second reading.

FRIDAY: Commons - Backbench debates on Budget procedures and town and country planning. Lords - Not sitting.

TODAY: Commons: Christmas adjournment debate. Lords: Not sitting.