It processes and revises legislation.
Bills have to go through various stages in both Houses before
they receive Royal Assent and become Acts. The Lords spends about
two-thirds of its time revising or initiating legislation.
It acts as a check on the Government.
Members question the Government orally or by written questions, they debate policy issues and scrutinise secondary legislation.
Minister answering questions. |
Legislation: Lords Stages |
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1st Reading: | Formal announcement.
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2nd Reading: | Debate on general principles.
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Committee: | Detailed consideration of amendments in the Chamber
but sometimes “off the floor” depending on nature of
Bill.
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Report: | Further chance for amendments. |
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3rd Reading: | Last chance to amend.
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Consideration
of Commons
Amendments
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Royal Assent: | By the Queen.
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It provides a forum of independent expertise.
Specialist Select Committees enable members’ wide ranging expertise to be actively
used.
The European Communities Committee has 6 sub-committees involving over 60 members who vet proposed European legislation.
The Science and Technology Committee involves over 20 Members
in examining science policy. | 
The Science and Technology Committee |
It acts as a final Court of Appeal.
The House, through its Appellate
Committee fulfills this function for the United Kingdom in civil
cases and for England, Northern Ireland and Wales in criminal
cases. Members include the Law Lords and the Lord Chancellor.
Its sittings, on the Committee corridor, are open to the public. |
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