Delegated Legislation

– in the House of Commons at 8:34 pm on 20 January 2009.

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Photo of Michael Lord Michael Lord Deputy Speaker (Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means) 8:34, 20 January 2009

With the leave of the House, we shall take motions 4, 5 and 6 together.

Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 118(6)),

Delegated Legislation

Delegated legislation is law made by ministers under powers deriving from Acts of Parliament.

Thousands of pieces of delegated legislation, commonly known as statutory instruments, are passed by Parliament each year.

They enable the government to make minor, technical changes to the law without having to introduce a whole new Act of Parliament.