The Legislative Process

Question 1

First reading-INTRODUCING THE BILL

Answer 1

*introductory announcement to Parliament of the proposed Bill

*printed copies of the Bill are made available to members to begin scrutinising (allows chance for PRESSURE GROUPS to study the Bill and argue for and against - Lobbying MP’s on their views)

*pressure groups are important as they allow MP’s to take all thoughts and opinions into consideration when making legislation

Question 2

Second Reading-DEBATE ON PRINCIPLES AND VOTE ON ACCEPTANCE OR OTHERWISE

Answer 2

*CRUCIAL STAGE

*relevant minister will argue in favour of the Bill and opposition will have time to cross examine and debate the bill

*vote taken on whether to ‘ACCEPT THE BILL IN PRINCIPLE’

Question 3

Committee Stage- PUBLIC BILL COMMITTEE SCRUTINY

Answer 3

*PBC’s examine a bill, line by line, in detail and suggest any amendment to improve the bill (principles of the bill remain unchanged)

*committees always reflect party strength in the commons so gov has majority even at committee. Whips also control this stage

*most bills will therefore have a smooth ride through this stage

Question 4

Report stage-AMENDMENTS ACCEPTED OR REJECTED

Answer 4

*any amendments are brought to the Commons to be passed one by one.

*Government majority ensures this is a straightforward procedure

Question 5

Third Reading-FORMAL VOTE

Answer 5

*usually a formality vote and there is no debate

Question 6

Lords and Royal Assent-HOUSE OF LORDS SCRUTINY AND VOTE - ROYAL ASSENT

Answer 6

*Lords repeat process of the Commons and may produce own potential amendments

*can also vote again a bill but can only DELAY it. This can be a major obstacle to the passage of the bill—leading to lengthy delays

*to become Law the bill must be approved by the King. This is a formality - the King cannot reject a bill