Parliamentary Law Making - Stages

Green Paper - Proposal which asks for interested parties views - a consultation paper.

White Paper -  1st draft of proposals for new law - takes into account parties views.

Both optional!

Formal procedure - name and main aims read out.

Verbal vote - aye/no; if unclear walk through a yes/no door.

Debate on whole bill & main principles.

- If people wish too speak, must catch Speakers eye.

- Need a majority vote.

(16-50 MPs) - Clause by Clause stage.

- Standing committee chosen as they have an interest in the area - if it was a finance bill the whole house debates it.

Committee report back on amendments - if no amendments goes straight to 3rd Reading.

Final vote on the bill - (unlikely to fail at this stage).

- 6 MPs are needed for another debate.

If there are amendments here the bill will get sent back to the House of Commons for their view.

Only hears the title of the bill and gives their formal approval to every bill (has to due to the Royal Assent Act 1961).

The last time a bill was refused was in 1707 by Queen Anne on the Scottish Militia Bill.