Passage of a Bill

Question 1

Where are Bills usually introduced?

Answer 1

The Commons, but can be the Lords

Question 2

What are the two stages of a Bill before First Reading and what do they entail?

Answer 2

1. Green Paper – rough draft the idea sent out for consultation
2. White Paper – Firmer outline of the proposed law

Question 3

What are the next two stages and what do they entail?

Answer 3

1. First Reading – Title of the Bill is read out on the floor of the Commons
2. Second Reading – Bill is debated in the Commons

Question 4

What are the final three stages of the debate?

Answer 4

1. Committee Stage – Bill is scrutinised by a committee of backbenchers
   Report Stage
2. Committee reports back with recommendations for amendments
3. Third Reading – the Bill is debated in its final form

Question 5

What does a “guillotine” do?

Answer 5

Imposed by the Government to speed up the passage of the Bill

Question 6

What happens if the Commons passes the Bill?

Answer 6

It passes to the House of Lords

Question 7

What happens if the Lords suggests amendments?

Answer 7

They have to be accepted by the Commons.

Question 8

Which type of Bill can the Lords not delay?

Answer 8

A Money Bill (eg the Finance Bill after the Budget)

Question 9

What is the maximum amount of time the Lords can delay other legislation for?

Answer 9

13 months

Question 10

What happens once a Bill is approved?

Answer 10

It receives the Royal Assent and becomes the law of the land