Civil Contingencies Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 4:30 pm on 10 February 2004.
Patrick Mercer
Conservative, Newark
This is only a small query. It strikes me that one or two of these minor and consequential amendments and repeals would sit more easily if the Government could clarify the exact nature of the Amendment or repeal, most notably in relation to the Race Relations Act 1976. I fail at first glance to understand where the 1976 Act sits in relation to the Bill. I would be grateful for any clarification.
Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office) and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
On the basis of the shuffling of paper that I hear over my left shoulder, I undertake to write to the hon. Gentleman on that point.
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.
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.
As a bill passes through Parliament, MPs and peers may suggest amendments - or changes - which they believe will improve the quality of the legislation.
Many hundreds of amendments are proposed by members to major bills as they pass through committee stage, report stage and third reading in both Houses of Parliament.
In the end only a handful of amendments will be incorporated into any bill.
The Speaker - or the chairman in the case of standing committees - has the power to select which amendments should be debated.
