Parliament Acts

Question 1

Background to Parliament Acts

Answer 1

Before Parliament Acts, Lords could stop legislation
1909 - Lords refused to pass Budget
Was passed after general election in 1910
2nd general election - main issue = Lords reform

Question 2

Parliament Act 1911

Answer 2

removed Lords power to veto a bill
can only veto a bill to extend lifetime of a Parliament
can delay a bill up to 2 years
max lifespan of a Parliament reduced from 7 to 5 years

Question 3

Parliament Act 1949

Answer 3

Lords delaying power reduced to one year
Money bills - raise money through taxes - must receive Royal Assent no later than 1 month even if not passed by Lords
Lords cannot amend money bills
if held up in the Lords for a year, Commons can reintroduce in following session without Lords consent

Question 4

What bills are not subject to parliament acts

Answer 4

those that prolong length of Parliament over 5 years
private bills
bills sent to Lords less than one month before end of session
bills which start in the Lords