HOUSE OF LORDS - United Kingdom Parliament

PREFACE
This is the 22nd edition of the Companion to the Standing Orders of the
House of Lords since Sir John Shaw-Lefevre, then Clerk of the
Parliaments, compiled his first edition for private circulation in 1862. It is
issued with the authority of the Procedure Committee.
The House and its procedures have changed much in recent years, and
continue to do so. This edition of the Companion reflects two particularly
significant changes. First, on 1 October 2009 the Supreme Court of the
United Kingdom formally came into being, and the historic judicature of
the House of Lords came to an end. Secondly, events in 2009 focused
attention on the House’s procedures for regulating the conduct of its
members; in response the House agreed new procedures for
investigating complaints, asserted new disciplinary powers and, on
30 November 2009, agreed a new Code of Conduct. These are reflected
in Chapter 5.
The Companion is the authoritative guide to procedure, but it is by no
means the only source of information for members. Others are the
Handbook on facilities and services for Members, booklets on
participation in legislative business (from the Public Bill Office) and the
General Guide to the Members’ Reimbursement Scheme (from the
Finance Department). All such guidance is available online. The Table
Clerks and procedural offices are always available to advise members.
MICHAEL POWNALL
Clerk of the Parliaments
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