Text 4. Procedure of passing bills

A law passing through Parliament is called a bill. It becomes a law, an Act of Parliament, when it is passed by Parliament.

Preparing a bill for submission to Parliament may take many months, and it may be preceded by other government publications. A Green Paper sets out various alternatives or discussion. Pressure groups make their views known. Government departments concerned are also consulted. The Government then issues a White Paper containing its definite proposals for legislation. Any member of the House of Commons may introduce a bill. When the bill is introduced it receives its formal “first reading”¹ after which it is printed² and circulated to members. The first reading of a bill is scarcely³ objected to as there is no debate or amendment allowed at this stage, but a date is fixed for the second reading.

At the “second reading” the bill is debated. When this second reading takes place, the member who has introduced the bill makes speech explaining the proposed new law and his reasons for bringing it forward⁴. Some members may support the bill, but others may oppose it. There may be a discussion. If the bill passes this stage it is sent to a Committee where details are discussed and amendments generally made.

Finally the bill is given a “third reading”. The House of Commons may be unanimous in favour of⁵ the bill or not. The Speaker must then call for a division⁶. If the bill has a majority of votes it will go before the House of Lords.

The House of Lords can not reject bills passed by the House of Commons. The Lords can merely delay⁷ bills which they don’t like.

A bill becomes an Act of Parliament when the Queen signs it.

Notes:

¹ “first reading” – «первое чтение» (законопроекта)

² to print – печатать

³ scarcely – редко

⁴ bringing forward – выдвижение

⁵ in favour of – в пользу

⁶ call for a division – призвать к голосованию

⁷ to delay – отсрочить