This is the 22nd edition of the Companion to the Standing Orders of the House of Lords since Sir John Shaw-Lefevre, then Clerk of the Parliaments, compiled his first edition for private circulation in 1862. It is issued with the authority of the Procedure Committee.

The House and its procedures have changed much in recent years, and continue to do so. This edition of the Companion reflects two particularly significant changes. First, on 1 October 2009 the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom formally came into being, and the historic judicature of the House of Lords came to an end. Secondly, events in 2009 focused attention on the House's procedures for regulating the conduct of its members; in response the House agreed new procedures for investigating complaints, asserted new disciplinary powers and, on 30 November 2009, agreed a new Code of Conduct. These are reflected in Chapter 5.

The Companion is the authoritative guide to procedure, but it is by no means the only source of information for members. Others are the Handbook on facilities and services for Members, booklets on participation in legislative business (from the Public Bill Office) and the General Guide to the Members' Reimbursement Scheme (from the Finance Department). All such guidance is available online. The Table Clerks and procedural offices are always available to advise members.

MICHAEL POWNALL

Clerk of the Parliaments