Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at on 8 December 1920.
Lieut-Colonel Leo Amery
, Birmingham Sparkbrook
I imagine that on the introduction of a Bill the Customs officials take steps on the assumption that the Bill will be passed. If any Clause is dropped out they arrange accordingly.
A parliamentary bill is divided into sections called clauses.
Printed in the margin next to each clause is a brief explanatory `side-note' giving details of what the effect of the clause will be.
During the committee stage of a bill, MPs examine these clauses in detail and may introduce new clauses of their own or table amendments to the existing clauses.
When a bill becomes an Act of Parliament, clauses become known as sections.
