Treaty Ratification Procedure

Part of Leader of the House – in the House of Commons at 10:30 am on 8 May 2008.

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Photo of Helen Goodman Helen Goodman Deputy Leader of the House of Commons 10:30, 8 May 2008

As the hon. Gentleman understands fully, the procedure for treaties currently follows the Ponsonby rule. The convention is that they are laid on the Table in both Houses for 21 days. Obviously that will continue until we have the Constitutional Renewal Bill. As he may also be aware, on some occasions there are time limits that make giving full notice particularly difficult. However, I will look into the suggestion that he made.