Process of a Bill

Question 1

first reading

Answer 1

a formal announcement of the bill, followed by a vote

Question 2

second reading

Answer 2

main principles of the bill are considered and debated by the HoC, vote is taken

Question 3

committee stage

Answer 3

bill is examined properly, committee reports back to HoC highlighting amendments needed

Question 4

report stage

Answer 4

MPs given a chance to consider the committee’s report, debate and vote on amendments they make

Question 5

third reading

Answer 5

final chance for HoC to debate bill. no amendments allowed, bill is either passed or rejected

Question 6

the lords consideration

Answer 6

bill goes through same procedure as HoC. if HoL change anything, it goes back to HoC. amendments do not have to be accepted

Question 7

royal assent

Answer 7

monarch agrees to make bill into Act of Parliament

Question 8

green paper

Answer 8

proposal for reform of law. includes questions for interested parties

Question 9

white paper

Answer 9

states decision as to how it is going to reform the law. includes draft of a bill