THE LEGISLATION PROCESS

Question 1

Green Paper

Answer 1

Issued by the minister with a specialist interest in the subject matter e.g Minister of Health. Government proposals are put forward and suggests other areas for reform. Other interested groups are requested to put forward their suggestions on the bill.

Question 2

White Paper

Answer 2

Firm proposals for a new law. There is less opportunity for commentary on a white paper. This states how the party law is going to be reformed.

Question 3

First Reading

Answer 3

The title and main aims of the bill is read out. No votes or discussion usually takes place at this point.

Question 4

Second Reading

Answer 4

Main debate takes place and the bill is examined in detail. A vote takes place at the end of this stage and a majority vote in favour of the bill it passes it through to the next stage.

Question 5

Comitee stage

Answer 5

16-50MPs with a specialist interest in the bills content form a comittee. They examine the bill line by line and alter its contents. Often called a standing commitee. Majority and minority party’s should be represented in the comitee.

Question 6

Report stage

Answer 6

The bill is returned to the house of commons for a review and the changes should be reported back to the house. The commendments are debated and voted upon.

Question 7

Third reading

Answer 7

Final vote. This is normally a formality as the HofL cannot stop a bill, they can only delay it since the Parliments Act of 1911 and 1949.

Question 8

HofL

Answer 8

Repeat stages from the first reading to the third reading. HofL can only stop a bill, they can only delay one, e.g Hunting Act.

Question 9

Royal Assent

Answer 9

The king is provided with the title to the bill and authorises it. He is unable to refuse it due to the Royal Assent Act. Last Monarch to refuse a bill was 1707.