House of Lords written statement – made at on 23 November 2006.
Lord Falconer of Thoroton
Secretary of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs, Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor
I will be introducing the Legal Services Bill today and so setting out the Government's proposals for the regulatory reform of legal services in England and Wales.
The Bill sets out proposals for a new legislative framework for the regulation of legal services. This includes a Legal Services Board, an Office for Legal Complaints and the facilitation of alternative business structures, all of which are designed to help to ensure the delivery of first-rate and consumer-focused legal services. The Bill also provides statutory objectives and guiding principles for all partners in the regulatory framework. It will provide effective and proportionate regulation while imposing the minimum burden necessary.
The Government are committed to putting in place a regulatory framework that puts the interests of the consumer first—a framework that will encourage more competition, innovation and transparency in the provision of legal services, but which will safeguard the independence and reputation of the legal professions.
The house of Lords is the upper chamber of the Houses of Parliament. It is filled with Lords (I.E. Lords, Dukes, Baron/esses, Earls, Marquis/esses, Viscounts, Count/esses, etc.) The Lords consider proposals from the EU or from the commons. They can then reject a bill, accept it, or make amendments. If a bill is rejected, the commons can send it back to the lords for re-discussion. The Lords cannot stop a bill for longer than one parliamentary session. If a bill is accepted, it is forwarded to the Queen, who will then sign it and make it law. If a bill is amended, the amended bill is sent back to the House of Commons for discussion.
The Lords are not elected; they are appointed. Lords can take a "whip", that is to say, they can choose a party to represent. Currently, most Peers are Conservative.
