AC1.1

Question 1

White paper (2nd stage of law making)

Answer 1

Where the proposal for future legislation is set out

Question 2

Green paper (first stage of law making)

Answer 2

Where consultation documents of a potential law is proposed

Question 3

3) consultation stage

Answer 3

Government makes a draft of the Bill and asks senior officials to make comments

Question 4

4) First reading

Answer 4

Government tells everyone about the Bill by reading its title in the House of Commons

Question 5

5) Second reading

Answer 5

This is the main debating stages where MPs/ Lords discuss the Bill and vote in it. It could be voted out at this stage

Question 6

6) Committee stage

Answer 6

A smaller group of MPs/ Lords look at the Bill in detail. May make amendments (changes) based on their discussions

Question 7

7) Report stage

Answer 7

Amendments made during previous stage are reported to everyone. MPs or Lords may vote on these changes

Question 8

8) Third Reading

Answer 8

Overall consideration of the Bill and final votes to decide whether it goes any further

Question 9

9) Bill goes to other house

Answer 9

Bill goes to House of Lordd where stages 4 to 8 are repeated

Question 10

10) Royal assent

Answer 10

The monarch signs of the Bill as a new law or ‘Act of Parliament’