Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 12:51 pm on 25 June 2004.
Lord Ashley of Stoke
Labour
12:51,
25 June 2004
My Lords, I express my warm appreciation to all speakers in this high-class debate. I also express my appreciation to Hywel Francis and his wife, Mair, for initiating the legislation. It was a great achievement.
There were many speeches, and I do not propose to comment on any individual contribution, except to say that the noble Baroness, Lady Falkner of Margravine, made a fine speech. I could use many words to describe it, but the two that I will go for are "moving" and "impressive". Congratulations.
It has been heartening to hear all the speeches in the debate, and the House has spoken with a clear voice on a major issue of social policy. The Bill is a landmark in social policy, and I hope that the House will give it a Second Reading.
On Question, Bill read a second time, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.
The clause by clause consideration of a parliamentary bill takes place at its committee stage.
In the Commons this usually takes place in a standing committee, outside the Chamber, but occasionally a bill will be considered in a committee of the Whole House in the main chamber.
This means the bill is discussed in detail on the floor of the House by all MPs.
Any bill can be committed to a Committee of the Whole House but the procedure is normally reserved for finance bills and other important, controversial legislation.
The Chairman of Ways and Means presides over these Committees and the mace is placed on a bracket underneath the Table.
The Second Reading is the most important stage for a Bill. It is when the main purpose of a Bill is discussed and voted on. If the Bill passes it moves on to the Committee Stage. Further information can be obtained from factsheet L1 on the UK Parliament website.
