Parliamentary Law Making

Question 1

Pre-legislative Process - a green paper (3 points)

Answer 1

• A consultative document
• Issued in relation to a bill when major matters go through Parliament
• It outlines what the Government wants to make law and interested parties can comment and have their say so proposals can be amended.

Question 2

Pre-legislative Process - a white paper (3 points)

Answer 2

• A consultative document
• Follows a green paper
• Sets out firm proposals for the new law after amendments are made.

Question 3

Pre-legislative Process - problems of not having a green paper (3 points)

Answer 3

• ‘Knee-jerking’ accusations (rushed process that hasn’t been well thought out
• Laws may be unworkable if they are rushed
• Dangerous Dogs Act (1991) act was rushed through after attacks from dangerous dogs but was proved unworkable and amended in 1997

Question 4

Bills - Public Bills (5 points)

Answer 4

• Most common bill
• Affects the public as a whole
• Introduced by the Government
• Once creation is decided, the Parliamentary Council (civil servants who are specialist draftsmen) draft the bill so it means exactly was is intended
• Abortion Act 1967

Question 5

Bills - Private Bills (3 points)

Answer 5

• Relating to individuals or organisations
• Suggested by the Government
• Faversham Oyster Fishery Company Bill 2016 changed the way the company was run

Question 6

Bills - Private Member Bills (2 points)

Answer 6

• Suggested by other parties or backbenchers
• Marriage Act 1994

Question 7

Parliamentary Law Making Process - First Reading (HoC and HoL)

Answer 7

• HoC = formal introduction, no debate. Short title is read and the Bill is printed.
• HoL = formal introduction, no debate. Long title (contents of Bill) is read and the Bill is printed.

Question 8

Parliamentary Law Making Process - Second Reading (HoC and HoL)

Answer 8

• HoC = debate on the general principles of the Bill from the Opposition and backbench MPs.
• HoL = members debate key principles and purpose, and flag any amendments needed.

Question 9

Parliamentary Law Making Process - Committee Stage (HoC and HoL)

Answer 9

• HoC = detailed examination of the Bill takes place through a Committee.
• HoL = detailed line by line examination from start to finish.

Question 10

Parliamentary Law Making Process - Report Stage (Hoc and HoL)

Answer 10

• HoC = chance for the whole HoC to discuss and amend the Bill.
• HoL = gives all members further time to examine and suggest amendments.

Question 11

Parliamentary Law Making Process - Third Reading (HoC and HoL)

Answer 11

• HoC = opportunity for a final debate and a vote on whether the Bill should be passed. No amendments can be made.
• HoL = tidying up the Law. Making sure it is workable and there are no loopholes.

Question 12

Parliamentary Law Making Process - Consideration of amendments and Royal Assent

Answer 12

• Each house considers the others amendments. A ‘ping pong’ between houses may happen until both houses agree.
• A Bill is made into an Act of Parliament when the Monarch agrees. This is a formality.

Question 13

Parliament Act 1911 and 1949

Answer 13

The House of Lords can only delay the passage of an approved Bill for a year.