PREFACE
This is the 21st 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 4 July
2006 for the first time the House elected a Lord Speaker. Secondly,
the Minutes of Proceedings have been replaced by the new publication
House of Lords Business from the start of session 2006-07.
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, booklets
on participation in legislative business (from the Public Bill
Office) and the General Guide to the Members' Reimbursement Allowance
Scheme (from the Finance Department). All such guidance is available
on line. The Table Clerks and procedural offices are always available
to advise members.
PAUL HAYTER
Clerk of the Parliaments
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