– in the House of Commons at on 25 March 1943.
Sir Douglas Hacking
, Chorley
Before the first Amendment is called, Major Milner, might I suggest that it would be for the convenience of the Committee if you would indicate the Amendments you intend to call in order to give us an opportunity of considering the position?
Mr Douglas Clifton Brown
, Hexham
It is not usual to indicate what Amendments have been selected, but the Chair has, I hope, made a judicious selection in order to enable a full discussion to take place on every matter of importance. It may perhaps also help the Committee if I say that in-those cases where the Committee is agreed Amendments might be considered together. The Chair will indicate to the Committee when that might be done. I do not think I can say any more at this stage.
Sir Joseph Lamb
, Stone
May I be informed, Major Milner, whether my position when the time arrives to discuss Clause 17 will not be prejudiced?
Mr Douglas Clifton Brown
, Hexham
The hon. Member will not be prejudiced.
As a bill passes through Parliament, MPs and peers may suggest amendments - or changes - which they believe will improve the quality of the legislation.
Many hundreds of amendments are proposed by members to major bills as they pass through committee stage, report stage and third reading in both Houses of Parliament.
In the end only a handful of amendments will be incorporated into any bill.
The Speaker - or the chairman in the case of standing committees - has the power to select which amendments should be debated.
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.
