Part of Serious Crime Bill [Lords] – in a Public Bill Committee at 12:15 pm on 3 July 2007.
Douglas Hogg
Conservative, Sleaford and North Hykeham
12:15,
3 July 2007
The Minister makes a rather important statement. He will know that the courts are entitled to consider Ministerial Statements when determining the interpretation of statutes. I understand plainly what he says—that the applicant has to produce evidence to show that he has turned over a new leaf. That is wholly and utterly right. I accept that. However, he also says that if the applicant can do that and the court is satisfied, as a matter of fact, that he has turned over a new leaf, the change of circumstances provision is established and the court can discharge the order.
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.
Ministerial statements are made after questions and urgent questions, before the main business of the day. A minister speaks on behalf of the government to present its views to Parliament. Statements can be on any subject ranging from a new policy announcement to an important national or international event or crisis.
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
