Part of Export Control Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 11:15 am on 18 October 2001.
Vincent Cable
Shadow Spokesperson (Trade and Industry), Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Trade and Industry)
11:15,
18 October 2001
May I add a few further words in the same spirit, Mr. Benton? I thank you and the staff for the businesslike and efficient conduct of business. We have had a minimum of time-wasting interventions. The business has been dealt with quickly, but all points have been thoroughly aired. We have had few Divisions and I suspect that the attendants may be worrying about their future employment if that practice continues, but I am sure that we can remedy that when we discuss other legislation. I thank all concerned for their conduct.
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.
