Parliamentary Law Making8️⃣

Question 1

Parliamentary Law Making – Types of Bills

Answer 1

1. Bills are introduced in the House of Commons or House of Lords and must pass the legislative process.
   
   2. Public Bills (Government Bills) are most common and apply to the whole country.
   3. Example of a Public Bill: Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012.
   4. Private Members’ Bills are introduced by backbench MPs or Lords and also affect the whole country.
   5. These are introduced via a ballot (around 20 per session) or the 10-minute rule.
   6. Example of a Private Members’ Bill: Abortion Act 1967 or Household Waste Recycling Act 2003.
   7. Private Bills affect specific individuals or organisations (e.g. Faversham Oyster Fishery Act 2017).
   8. Hybrid Bills are introduced by government and affect certain people/places (e.g. HS2 Act 2017).

Question 2

Parliamentary Law Making (Including Green and White Papers)

Answer 2

1. Green Paper is a draft proposal for a new law, open for consultation and amendments.
   
   2. White Paper follows, presenting firm proposals after consultation.
   3. First Reading: Bill is introduced, title read out; starts in the House of Commons.
   4. Second Reading: Bill’s main purpose is debated and voted on, requiring a majority to pass.
   5. Committee Stage: Bill scrutinized by a committee (16-50 MPs), amendments made, experts can give evidence.
   6. Report Stage: Amendments made in Committee are debated and voted on.
   7. Third Reading: Final debate and vote on the bill, no amendments can be made.
   8. Other House and Ping Pong: Bill passes through the House of Lords, may go back and forth (ping pong) until agreement is reached.
   9. Royal Assent: Formally granted (since 1707, has never been refused).
   10. Commencement Orders: Act may come into force on a set date or require an order.