Part of Orders of the Day — Finance Bill – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 10 June 1947.
Mr Nigel Birch
, Flintshire
12:00,
10 June 1947
There are one or two odder things than those to which my noble Friend has just drawn attention. The Commissioners may authorise any person "carrying on any art or manufacture" to receive sugar, etc. What is the precise form of the art? Is it the icing of cakes? This is a mysterious Clause, and more explanation is required of what it is wanted for, and why.
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.
