CHAPTER 9
Private Legislation
Role of the Chairman of Committees
9.01 In addition to his duties in the House,
the Chairman of Committees exercises a general supervision and
control over private bills, personal bills, Scottish provisional
order confirmation bills and hybrid instruments. References in
any private business standing order or in the Statutory Orders
(Special Procedure) Act 1945 to the Chairman of Committees are
construed as including references to the Principal Deputy Chairman
of Committees and to any other Deputy Chairman.[358]
9.02 The Chairman of Committees has the duty
to name the Lords to form the following committees:
(a) select committees on private bills;
(b) select committees on opposed personal bills;
(c) select committees on opposed provisional
order confirmation bills;
(d) joint committees under the Private Legislation
Procedure (Scotland) Act 1936 (House of Lords members);
(e) joint committees under the Statutory Orders
(Special Procedure) Act 1945 (House of Lords members);
unless he is of the opinion that any such committee
should be selected and proposed to the House by the Committee
of Selection or unless at least two members of that committee
request a meeting for that purpose.[359]
The Chairman of Committees also has the duty to name the chairman
of any select committee on a private bill appointed by him.[360]
1: PRIVATE BILLS
Origination of private bills
9.03 Private bills originate outside Parliament
and are promoted by bodies seeking special powers not available
under the general law. They should not be confused with private
members' bills, which are public bills (see paragraph 8.29). Each
private bill starts with a petition to Parliament from the promoter
for leave to bring in a bill.[361]
The petition, with a copy of the proposed bill annexed to it,
is deposited on or before 27 November in the House of Commons[362]
and a copy of the proposed bill is deposited in the office of
the Clerk of the Parliaments.
9.04 The government cannot promote a private
bill. When a government department wants to promote a bill which
would, if promoted by another person or body, be a private bill
the bill is introduced as a public bill and is subsequently treated
as a hybrid bill (see paragraph 8.213).
9.05 Where a bill deals exclusively with the
personal affairs of an individual it may be certified by the Chairman
of Committees and the Chairman of Ways and Means in the Commons
("the two Chairmen" or "the Chairmen") as
a "personal bill", though such bills are rare. Personal
bills can be presented at any time during the session.
9.06 Scottish private legislation on matters
not wholly within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament
(other than personal bills) is governed by a statutory procedure
contained in the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act
1936 (see paragraph 9.66).
Examination for compliance with
standing orders
9.07 Each House normally appoints an Examiner
of Petitions for Private Bills.[363]
The Clerk
of Public and Private Bills in the Lords and the Clerk of Bills
in the Commons customarily hold these offices, and each Examiner
may act on behalf of either House. On occasion both Examiners
may sit to examine a particular bill. In the Lords, appointments
are made by the House, and in the Commons by the Speaker. Beginning
on 18 December, each petition for a bill is examined by one of
the Examiners, who certifies whether the standing orders applicable
contained in the Private Business Standing Orders and similar
standing orders of the House of Commons have been complied with.[364]
These standing orders require notices and advertisements and the
deposit of bills and other documents at various public offices.
9.08 Complaints of non-compliance with the standing
orders ("memorials") may be presented, and memorialists
are entitled to be heard before the Examiner.[365]
9.09 The Examiner certifies to both Houses whether
the standing orders applicable have, or have not, been complied
with. If they have not been complied with, the Examiner reports
the facts and any special circumstances. Should the Examiner be
in doubt as to the construction of any standing order in its application
to a particular case, he or she makes a special report of the
facts, without deciding whether the standing order has or has
not been complied with.[366]
9.10 In a case of non-compliance or doubt the
Examiner's certificate or report is referred by each House to
its Standing Orders (Private Bills) Committee.[367]
Both Committees must agree to suspend or dispense with the relevant
Standing Orders in order for the bill to progress further.
European Convention on Human
Rights
9.11 The memorandum which accompanies each Private
Bill when it is deposited on 27 November includes a statement
by or on behalf of the promoters of the bill as to the compatibility
of the provisions of the bill with the Convention Rights (as defined
in the Human Rights Act 1998).[368]
In the case of every private bill, whether introduced in the Lords
or the Commons, a report from a minister of the Crown on the promoter's
statement of opinion required by Private Business SO 38(3) is
to be presented no later than the second sitting day after first
reading in each House.[369]
Late bills
9.12 A promoter who wishes to introduce a bill
late (after 27 November) submits to the two Chairmen a statement
of the objects of the bill, the reasons for the need to proceed
during the current session, and the reasons why it was impracticable
to deposit the bill by 27 November.
9.13 The Chairmen consider:
(a) whether the explanation justifies the delay
in depositing the bill; and
(b) whether the proposals are so urgent that
postponement of the bill to the following November would be contrary
to the public interest.
9.14 If the Chairmen are satisfied on these points,
or if they consider that the public interest so requires, the
appropriate Chairman gives leave for the petition and the bill
to be deposited in the House in which they decide the bill is
to originate.[370]
9.15 After the petition together with the proposed
bill has been presented to the House, it is referred to the Examiners.
The Examiners certify to both Houses non-compliance with standing
orders. The Certificate is referred to the Standing Orders Committee
of each House. If both committees report that the standing orders
ought to be dispensed with, the bill is presented and read a first
time.
9.16 The bill, as presented, should not contain
any non-urgent provisions nor any other than those outlined in
the original statement of the promoters in support of their application.
Lords bills: introduction and
first reading
9.17 The allocation of private bills between
the two Houses is determined between the two Chairmen or, more
usually, their Counsel, on or before 8 January.[371]
The private bills proposed to be introduced are divided as equally
as possible between the two Houses with a view to general convenience.
Where a bill has been rejected previously in one House, a subsequent
bill with similar objects normally originates in that House. Personal
bills and consolidation bills usually originate in the Lords.
9.18 It is usual, before any allocation is made,
for Counsel to the two Chairmen to invite representations from
each promoter.
9.19 First reading is "formal", that
is to say, by way of an entry in the Minutes of Proceedings. No
proceedings take place in the House itself. In the case of bills
originating in the House of Lords, it takes place on 22 January
or, if later, the day on which:
(i) the Examiner has certified that standing
orders have been complied with; or
(ii) the Standing Orders Committee has reported
that standing orders have been complied with; or
(iii) the House, on report from the Standing
Orders Committee that the standing orders ought to be dispensed
with, has agreed that the bill should be allowed to proceed.[372]
Subsequent stages
9.20 The Chairman of Committees normally moves
subsequent stages of private bills in the House (but see paragraph
9.26 below). His Deputies may act for him for all purposes connected
with private legislation.[373]
Petitions against private bills
9.21 Parties affected by a bill may present a
petition against it, which must state clearly the grounds of their
objection to the bill.[374]
9.22 Petitions against Lords bills must usually
be presented on or before 6 February. Petitions against a Commons
bill, or a late bill originating in the House of Lords, may be
deposited up to 10 days after first reading, subject to private
business SOs 201 and 201A. Petitions against Commons bills are
admissible whether or not the petitioner also petitioned against
the bill in the Commons.
9.23 Petitions against proposed amendments must
be lodged in time for the committee to consider them.
Petitions for additional provision
9.24 After the introduction of a bill, the promoters
may wish to make additional provision in the bill in respect of
matters which require the service of new notices and advertisements.
A petition for that purpose, after approval by the Chairman of
Committees, who acts for this purpose in close accord with the
Chairman of Ways and Means, is deposited in the office of the
Clerk of the Parliaments with a copy of the provisions proposed
to be added. The petition is referred to the Examiners, and may
not proceed unless any standing orders applicable have been complied
with or dispensed with. A petition for additional provision may
not be presented in the case of a bill brought from the Commons.[375]
Second reading
9.25 The second reading of a private bill is
usually taken before public business and is usually brief. It
does not, as in the case of public bills, affirm the principle
of the bill, which may therefore be called in question before
a committee, or at a later stage. The second reading is normally
moved by the Chairman of Committees, and provides an opportunity
for him to direct the attention of the House to any special circumstances
connected with the bill.[376]
9.26 A member of the Lords who intends to debate
the second reading of a bill is expected to notify the Chairman
of Committees, the Public and Private Bill Office or the Government
Whips' Office; a member who intends to oppose it should always
do so. The Chairman of Committees then usually asks the promoters
to arrange for someone other than himself to move the second reading,
and he may enter it at a lower place on the order paper.
9.27 The second reading of a bill originating
in the House of Lords may not be taken earlier than the second
sitting day after first reading[377]
and it is customary to wait until the petitioning period has expired
before taking second reading.
9.28 Lords bills affected by the standing orders
originally devised by Lord Wharncliffe, which govern the consents
of proprietors, members and directors of companies,[378]
are referred again to the Examiners after second reading.[379]
Such bills are not committed unless those Orders have been complied
with or dispensed with.[380]
Instructions
9.29 Instructions to committees on private bills
may be moved at any time between the second reading and committee
stage of the bill, but are usually put down for the same day as
the second reading. The Chairman of Committees should be informed
before an instruction is tabled.[381]
9.30 Permissive instructions enable the committee
to do what it could not do without such an instruction. However,
any enlargement of the scope of a bill should be effected by a
petition for additional provision rather than such an instruction.
Mandatory instructions compel the committee to do something which
it already has discretion to do. However, the House has been reluctant
to agree to any instruction which will restrict the decisions
of the committee.
9.31 The most usual type of instruction on a
private bill is of a cautionary nature. For example, the committee
is sometimes instructed to have regard to certain matters or to
ensure that various objections have been considered. An instruction
of this nature is often accepted by the House, as it ensures that
the committee considers matters which might not be raised by the
parties appearing before it or in a departmental report.
9.32 To assist them in carrying out an instruction,
committees have on occasion been given power by the House to hear
evidence other than that tendered by the parties entitled to be
heard. This expedient, however, is open to criticism: it may enable
a person to oppose a bill without having petitioned against it,
and there is no fund out of which the fees of any expert witness
may be paid.
9.33 Instructions have occasionally been given
to an unopposed bill committee.
9.34 It is customary for the committee to make
a special report to the House upon matters referred to in an instruction.
9.35 Private business SOs 124A and 131-146 amount
to "standing instructions" to committees on certain
types of bill.
Commitment
9.36 After second reading every unopposed bill
is normally committed to an unopposed bill committee.[382]
Every bill opposed by petitions is committed to a select committee.[383]
9.37 The Chairman of Committees may report to
the House that, in his opinion, an unopposed bill should be proceeded
with as an opposed bill and committed to a select committee.[384]
In such a case the committee might be authorised to hear evidence
tendered by parties other than the promoters, but this procedure
has rarely been used.
Committees on opposed bills
9.38 Select committees on opposed bills consist
of five members, normally named by the Chairman of Committees,
who also nominates the chairman, and reports his appointments
to the House. Members of the House with an interest in the bill
may not serve on the committee.[385]
If the chairman is absent, the committee may appoint a substitute.[386]
9.39 In principle every member of the committee
must attend the whole proceedings, but the committee may sit with
only four members if all the parties agree. In this case a report
is made to the House. If the consent of any party is withheld,
the committee adjourns and may not resume in the absence of a
member without leave of the House. No member who is not a member
of the committee may take any part in its proceedings.[387]
9.40 If the committee adjourns over a day on
which the House sits, it must report the reason to the House.[388]
Promoters and petitioners may be represented by counsel or agents.
The committee hears arguments and evidence from the parties and
the representations of government departments, which may include
opposition to all or part of the bill. The committee is not allowed
to hear other evidence without an order of the House. The committee
may decide that the bill should be allowed to proceed, with or
without amendments, or "that it is not expedient to proceed
further with the bill".[389]
Locus standi
9.41 In general, and subject to private business
SOs 115-120, a petitioner has a right to be heard if his or her
interests are specially and directly affected by the bill. If
another party challenges a petitioner's locus standi, the
question is heard and decided by the committee at the beginning
of their proceedings.[390]
Bill rejected
9.42 If the select committee rejects the bill,
an entry to this effect is made in the Minutes of Proceedings.
The bill does not then proceed further and is removed from the
list of Bills in Progress in House of Lords Business.
Recommitment
9.43 If the committee reports that the bill should
be allowed to proceed, the bill is recommitted to an unopposed
bill committee, which then considers the unopposed clauses. It
may not vary any decision made by the select committee.[391]
9.44 If no petitioner appears, or if all petitions
are withdrawn before proceedings commence, or if the locus
standi of all petitioners is disallowed, then the select committee
reports accordingly; the bill becomes unopposed, and, unless there
is an instruction, the Bill is recommitted to an unopposed bill
committee.[392]
However, if an instruction has been given to a select committee
on a private bill, the committee must consider the bill and instruction.
Special report
9.45 In certain circumstances, when it is thought
that the House should be informed of the findings of a committee,
and its reasons for reaching them, a special report is made and
printed. It is usual, for instance, to make a special report in
response to an instruction. An order for the special report to
be considered can be made, to allow the House to debate and review
the decisions of the committee; but third reading provides the
normal opportunity for such a debate.
Unopposed bill committees
9.46 Each unopposed bill committee normally consists
of the Chairman of Committees assisted by his Counsel.[393]
The Chairman of Committees may select further members from the
panel of Deputy Chairmen.[394]
No member who is not a member of the committee may take any part
in the proceedings. The promoters may be represented by their
agents (rather than by counsel) and may call witnesses; evidence
called is not tendered on oath. Representatives of the government
departments which have reported on the bill attend and may be
questioned by the committee.[395]
9.47 The promoter's agent is called upon to justify
any clauses on which the Chairman of Committees has asked for
further information or which are the subject of a departmental
report. The committee may then amend the bill as it thinks fit.
9.48 When the committee is prepared to accept
the bill, witnesses are called, on oath, to prove the preamble
to the bill and to produce copies of any Private Acts, and the
originals of any documents, referred to in the preamble.
Report
9.49 The proceedings of committees on both unopposed
and opposed bills are concluded by an entry in the Minutes of
Proceedings reporting the bill from the committee. Amendments
made in committee are available for inspection in the Private
Bill Office; the bill as amended must be deposited by the promoter
at certain public offices. No Report stage is held in the House.
However, after the bill has been reported by the committee, drafting
or consequential amendments can be inserted in the bill by Counsel
to the Chairman of Committees on the authority of the Chairman,
and endorsed "Amendments made on Report". No entry in
the Minutes of Proceedings is made when this is done.[396]
Third reading and passing
9.50 In the majority of cases the third reading
of a private bill is formal. Any amendments proposed to be moved
on third reading must be submitted to the Chairman of Committees
at least "one clear day", that is, two days, in advance.[397]
All amendments which have the approval of the Chairman of Committees
are moved by him; the House usually accepts them without question.
These are usually amendments asked for by the promoters to correct
errors or to carry out agreements made during the committee stage.
Occasionally an amendment contrary to the wishes of the promoters
is submitted and moved by a member of the House. In such cases
a debate would ordinarily arise.
9.51 Any member of the House who wishes to speak
without proposing amendments is expected to notify the Chairman
of Committees of his intention in advance. Such remarks should
be made on the motion that the bill do now pass, not on the motion
for third reading.
Commons bills
9.52 A private bill brought from the Commons
is read a first time forthwith by means of an entry in the Minutes
of Proceedings, and referred to the Examiners in respect of the
standing orders relating to such bills.[398]
It may not be read a second time until the standing orders have
been complied with or dispensed with.[399]
Petitions against it may be deposited up to 10 days after first
reading,[400]
whether or not the petitioner also petitioned the House of Commons.[401]
If it is amended in the House of Lords, it may be referred to
the Examiners again in respect of the amendments.[402]
Queen's Consent
9.53 When the Queen's or Prince of Wales' Consent
(see paragraphs 8.184-8.187) is required for a private bill it
is usually signified on third reading by a minister who is a Privy
Counsellor, and recorded by entry in the Minutes of Proceedings.
Commons amendments
9.54 Amendments made by the Commons to Lords
bills, or to Lords amendments to Commons bills, and amendments
to such amendments which the promoters wish to make in the House
of Lords, are submitted to the Chairman of Committees for approval.[403]
Commons amendments are usually agreed formally by an entry in
the Minutes of Proceedings, without notice, and not taken in the
House.
9.55 If there is disagreement between the Houses
on amendments to private bills, the same procedure is followed
as for public bills. However, decisions on private legislation
are coordinated between the two Houses, so that the need for this
procedure seldom arises. Neither House reinserts a provision struck
out by the other House unless by agreement in advance between
the two Houses.
Royal Assent
9.56 Private bills other than personal bills
receive Royal Assent in the same form as public bills,"La
Reyne le veult" (see Appendix H).
Personal bills
9.57 Petitions for bills relating to the "estate,
property, status, or style, or otherwise relating to the personal
affairs, of an individual"[404]
are presented to the House of Lords rather than the House of Commons.
The petition must be signed by one or more of the parties principally
concerned in the consequences of the bill, and may be deposited
at any time during the session.[405]
The petition and draft bill which must accompany it are considered
by the Chairman of Committees and the Chairman of Ways and Means,
who may certify that the proposed bill is of such a nature and
that private business SOs 4-68 should not be applicable to it.
Bills so certified are termed personal bills and are subject to
private business SOs 151-153, 157-170 and 173-174. These bills
are now rare, partly in consequence of the passing of the Marriage
(Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Act 1986, which relaxed the
prohibitions on many previously prohibited relationships for which
parliamentary approval was sought.
9.58 Every petition for a personal bill is referred
to the Chairman of Committees for preliminary scrutiny, aided
by Counsel. The procedure for first reading is the same as for
other private bills. The Chairman of Committees may require the
appointment by the Lord Chancellor of a guardian to represent
the interests of any infant who should be protected.[406]
In the case of personal bills affecting entailed estates and wills,
private business SOs 162-165 and 168-172 govern the giving of
notices, appointment of new trustees, consents and other matters.
Proceedings after first reading
for personal bills
9.59 Between first and second reading, copies
of the bill as introduced are delivered to all persons affected
by the bill by the promoter. The second reading is normally moved
by the Chairman of Committees who also fixes a date by which petitions
against the bill must be presented.[407]
9.60 If the bill is unopposed, it is committed
to an unopposed bill committee.[408]
At this stage the persons concerned in the bill give their consent
by attending and signing a copy of the bill. In certain cases,
such as absence abroad, illness or old age, the Chairman of Committees
may admit affidavits in proof of signatures in lieu of attendance.
9.61 If the bill is opposed, it is referred to
a select committee of five members named by the Chairman of Committees
and proceeded with in the same manner as any other opposed private
bill.[409]
The Chairman of Committees may propose that an unopposed bill
be treated as opposed.
9.62 No committee may consider a personal bill
until 10 days after the second reading.[410]
9.63 The proceedings on third reading and passing
of a personal bill are the same as for an ordinary private bill,
but Royal Assent is given in the form "Soit fait comme
il est désiré."
Marriage enabling bills
9.64 Bills to enable persons to marry within
the prohibited degrees of affinity are subject to a special procedure,
intended to avoid discussion of personal details on the floor
of the House.[411]
The bill is granted a second reading without debate and is then
committed to a select committee consisting of the Chairman of
Committees, a bishop and two other members, which examines the
promoters of the bill on oath in private before deciding whether
the bill should proceed.
2: PROVISIONAL ORDER
CONFIRMATION BILLS
9.65 Procedure by way of a provisional order
confirmation bill is simpler than private bill procedure. It is
available only where a statute so provides, and has now been largely
superseded by procedure outside Parliament. No such bills have
been introduced since 1980; and the provisional order confirmation
bill procedure has fallen into disuse.
3: SCOTTISH PRIVATE
LEGISLATION
9.66 Private legislation on matters affecting
interests in Scotland, and not wholly within the legislative competence
of the Scottish Parliament, is governed by the Private Legislation
Procedure (Scotland) Act 1936.[412]
A person seeking such legislation does not present a petition
for a private bill to Parliament but submits a draft order to
the Secretary of State for Scotland; and petitions him to issue
a provisional order in the terms of the draft or with such modifications
as may be necessary.[413]
Legislation for purposes which would require a personal bill,
as defined by private business SO 3(2), is exempted from this
provision.
9.67 In this Part "s." refers to sections
of the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1936; and
"GO" refers to General Orders made under s.15(1).
Legislation not confined to
Scotland
9.68 A person who seeks powers "to be operative
in Scotland and elsewhere" may make representations to the
Secretary of State that the powers should be conferred by a single
enactment.[414]
The Secretary of State, the Chairman of Committees and the Chairman
of Ways and Means in the House of Commons consider such a representation.
If they are of the opinion that the powers would be more properly
obtained by a private bill than by the duplicated process of a
provisional order for Scotland and a private bill for the areas
affected beyond Scotland, they publish their decision and report
it to Parliament. The promoter then proceeds by private bill.[415]
A petition for such a bill may not be presented sooner than four
weeks after the representation has been made to the Secretary
of State.
Draft orders
9.69 Application for provisional orders may be
made twice a year, on 27 March and 27 November. A printed copy
of every draft order must be deposited in the appropriate offices
of both Houses of Parliament.[416]
9.70 Promoters are required to comply with General
Orders made under the 1936 Act, which correspond with the standing
orders that have to be complied with prior to the introduction
of a private bill. These require them to deposit copies of draft
orders at certain public offices, and to give notice by public
advertisement to owners and occupiers of land or houses affected.
The Secretary of State refers all draft orders to the Examiners,
who report to him and the two Chairmen whether these General Orders
have been complied with. If they have not, the promoters may apply
for dispensation to the two Chairmen, whose decision is final.[417]
9.71 The last date for advertisements is 11 April
or 11 December, as the case may be, and for six weeks from the
last date of advertisement persons may petition against any draft
order to the Secretary of State, who notifies the two Chairmen.[418]
When this period has expired, the two Chairmen examine all the
draft orders and any petitions, and report to the Secretary of
State, who lays each report before Parliament.[419]
Order refused
9.72 If the two Chairmen report that the provisions,
or some of the provisions, of any draft order relate to matters
outside Scotland to such an extent, or raise questions of public
policy of such novelty and importance, that they ought to be dealt
with by private bill and not by provisional order, the Secretary
of State must, without further inquiry, refuse to issue a provisional
order, to the extent objected to by the Chairmen.[420]
Substituted bill
9.73 The promoters of a draft order which the
two Chairmen consider should not be issued by the Secretary of
State for Scotland, may, if they wish, introduce a private bill
known as a "substituted bill". They must, within 14
days after the Secretary of State has notified them of his refusal
to make the provisional order, deposit a copy of the bill in every
public office where a copy of the draft order was deposited, and
they must notify their intention to the opponents of the draft
order and prove to the Examiner that they have done so. They must
satisfy the Examiner that the bill does not contain any provision
which was not contained in the draft order, though it is not required
to contain all the provisions which were in the order. Subject
to these conditions, the notices which were given for the draft
order are deemed to have been given for the substituted bill,
and the petition to the Secretary of State for the provisional
order is taken to be the petition for the bill. Petitions deposited
against the draft order are received from the Scotland Office
by the House in which the bill originates as petitions presented
against the substituted bill. In the House of Lords no other petition
may be received.[421]
Unopposed orders
9.74 If the two Chairmen raise no objection to
the draft order and if there is no opposition outstanding, the
Secretary of State issues the provisional order, with such modifications
as may be necessary to meet recommendations made by the two Chairmen
or any public department affected. He has power to send an unopposed
order to an inquiry by Commissioners before issuing it if he thinks
it necessary, but this is seldom done.[422]
Opposed orders
9.75 Opposed orders are referred to Commissioners,
who hear parties in Scotland. There are four Commissioners, normally
two members of each House, selected by the two Chairmen from parliamentary
panels appointed by the Chairman of Committees in the House of
Lords and the Committee of Selection in the House of Commons.
One of the Commissioners is appointed as Chairman and, by custom,
is chosen alternately from each House. There is an extra-parliamentary
panel for emergencies, which consists of twenty persons "qualified
by experience of affairs to act as Commissioners" under the
Act. This panel is revised every five years.[423]
9.76 The proceedings of the Commissioners follow
closely those of select committees on private bills. After inquiry
the Commissioners report on the order to the Secretary of State.
They either report that the order should not be made, in which
case the order is rejected; or they approve it, with or without
modification.[424]
9.77 The Secretary of State then issues the provisional
order. He is entitled to make further amendments after the inquiry,
and he is required at this stage to have regard to any recommendations
made by the Chairmen or by departments. It is an essential feature
of the procedure, however, that the fullest respect is paid to
the views of the Commissioners. With the rarest exception, further
amendments are limited to matters of drafting.
Confirmation bills
9.78 No provisional order issued by the Secretary
of State for Scotland has any validity until it has been confirmed
by public Act of Parliament. A bill to confirm any such order
or orders is usually introduced by the Secretary of State in the
House of Commons. A bill to confirm an order into which no inquiry
has been held is deemed to have passed through all its stages
up to and including Committee in each House.[425]
In the House of Lords, after first reading, it is put down for
consideration on report. The Lord in charge of the bill moves:
"That this bill be now considered on Report."
9.79 The third reading and passing of the bill
are usually taken on the next convenient day. Proceedings on such
a bill are usually formal. Such bills are not printed in the Lords
unless amended on consideration on report.
9.80 A bill to confirm an order into which an
inquiry has been held may be petitioned against within seven days
of introduction in the House of origin.[426]
If a petition is presented, a member may, with notice, move immediately
after second reading to refer the bill to a joint committee, which
broadly follows the procedure of a select committee on an opposed
private bill.[427]
Such a motion is rare. If such a motion is agreed to in the House
of Commons and the bill is passed by that House, then in the House
of Lords the bill proceeds straight from second reading to third
reading.[428]
If no such motion is agreed to, then, if the bill was introduced
in the Lords, it proceeds from second reading to consideration
on report; if the bill was introduced in the Commons, it proceeds
in the Lords straight from first reading to consideration on report.
9.81 Because Scottish provisional order confirmation
bills are not printed in the House of Lords, the ministerial statement
of compatibility with the Convention rights under section 19 of
the Human Rights Act 1998 is made by means of a written statement.
4: TRANSPORT AND WORKS
ACT 1992
9.82 Under the Transport and Works Act 1992,
projects such as railways, tramways, harbours and barrages no
longer come before Parliament for approval by way of private bill,
but are dealt with by ministerial orders, in most cases following
local public inquiries. Such orders are not normally subject to
parliamentary proceedings, but may be deposited in the libraries
of both Houses for information. However, section 9 of the Act
provides that schemes which are adjudged by the Secretary of State
to be of national significance must be approved by each House
on a motion moved by a minister before an order is made to give
effect to the scheme. In practice such a motion precedes any local
public inquiry.
9.83 Motions take the following form:
"The Lord X to move that, pursuant to section
9 of the Transport and Works Act 1992, this House approves the
following proposals which in the opinion of the Secretary of State
are of national significance, namely,
.".
358 Private Business SOs 94A, 204. Back
359
SO 63(2). Back
360
Private Business SO 95(2). Back
361
PBSO 2. In this chapter any reference to standing orders is, unless
otherwise stated, a reference to the standing orders relating
to private business and the abbreviation PBSO is used. Back
362
PBSO 38. Back
363
PBSO 69. Back
364
PBSOs 70, 3. Back
365
PBSOs 76-79. Back
366
PBSOs 72, 81. Back
367
PBSO 87. Back
368
PBSO 38(3). Back
369
PBSO 98A. Back
370
PBSO 97. Back
371
PBSO 90. Back
372
PBSO 98. Back
373
Procedure 2nd Rpt 1967-68; PBSO 94A. Back
374
PBSO 111. Back
375
PBSO 74. Back
376
PBSO 91. Back
377
PBSO 99. Back
378
These are often referred to as the "Wharncliffe Orders". Back
379
PBSOs 62-68. Back
380
PBSO 100. Back
381
PBSO 93. Back
382
PBSO 121. Back
383
PBSO 104. Back
384
PBSO 92. Back
385
PBSO 96. Back
386
PBSO 95. Back
387
PBSOs 105, 106. Back
388
PBSO 108. Back
389
PBSOs 110, 127, 124. Back
390
PBSO 114. Back
391
PBSO 121. Back
392
PBSO 113. Back
393
PBSO 121. Back
394
PBSO 121, 122. Back
395
PBSO 127. Back
396
PBSO 147. Back
397
PBSO 148. Back
398
PBSOs 98, 74, 60-61, 65-68. Back
399
PBSO 99. Back
400
PBSO 101. Back
401
PBSO 112. Back
402
PBSO 75. Back
403
PBSO 150. Back
404
PBSO 3. Back
405
PBSO 153. Back
406
PBSO 167. Back
407
PBSOs 157-158. Back
408
PBSO 160. Back
409
PBSO 161. Back
410
PBSO 159. Back
411
Procedure 2nd Rpt 1985-86. Back
412
s. 1(1). Back
413
s. 1(1). Back
414
s. 1(4). Back
415
PBSO 193. Back
416
GO 2, s. 1(2). Back
417
s. 13, GO 4-56, 58-60, 65-67, 69-72, s. 3(2). Back
418
GO 75. Back
419
s. 2, PBSO 189. Back
420
s. 2(2). Back
421
PBSO 194, 195, 196, s. 2(4), PBSO 197. Back
422
s. 7, s. 3(1). Back
423
s. 5, PBSO 190, s. 4. Back
424
s. 6, 10-12, 14, 17, GO 73-115, s. 8. Back
425
s. 7(2). Back
426
s. 9. Back
427
PBSO 191. Back
428
PBSO 192. Back
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