Part of the debate – in a Public Bill Committee at 10:30 am on 15 June 2004.
Gerry Sutcliffe
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Trade and Industry) (Employment Relations and Consumer Affairs)
10:30,
15 June 2004
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, who has already started scrutinising. I will take his word on the pronunciation of patent. Those who read the report of Second Reading were even more confused, because hon. Members also talked about the parent Bill and the patient Bill. I am afraid that we caused difficulties.
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.
