HOUSE OF LORDS - United Kingdom Parliament

Constitution Committee
8.35 The Constitution Committee examines the constitutional
implications of all public bills coming before the House.
Pre-legislative scrutiny
8.36 Government bills which are published in draft may be considered
and reported on, before they are introduced, by a select or joint
committee appointed for that purpose. At least 3–4 months (excluding
long recesses) is normally required to hear evidence and report. Such
“pre-legislative scrutiny” does not have the effect of eliminating any stages
when the bill itself is considered by the House.
SECOND READING
8.37 The second reading is the stage at which the general principles of
the bill are considered. The Lord in charge of the bill says, “My Lords, I
beg to move that this bill be now read a second time”, and makes the
case for the bill. In their speeches other members of the House may
indicate the way in which they consider the bill requires amendment and
the general nature of amendments which they will propose later, but
discussion of points of detail should normally be left to the committee
stage.
Opposition to second reading
8.38 A bill may be opposed on second reading by an amendment to
the effect that “this House declines to give the bill a second reading”. The
amendment may add a reason (a “reasoned amendment”). The
agreement of the House to such an amendment, with or without a
reason, means automatic rejection of the bill. The question as amended is
not put, and the bill is removed from the list of bills in progress.
8.39 It is possible to oppose the motion “That this bill be now read a
second time”, without tabling an amendment. However, it is uncommon
for such opposition to take place, because notice of it, which is desirable
in the interests of good order, cannot be given on the order paper.
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