Menu
UK Parliament

Draft Bills 2003-04

The Government publishes a number of Bills each parliamentary session in draft form, before they are introduced in Parliament as formal Bills

Draft Bills

Listed on this page are the draft bills published by the Government for the 2003-04 parliamentary session. Also published are select and joint committee reports and Government responses to select or joint committee reports.

Draft Animal Welfare Bill

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs published on 14 July 2004 a draft Bill to bring together and modernise legislation that exists to promote the welfare of vertebrate animals.

Draft Charities Bill

The Home Office published on 27 May 2004 a draft Bill on Charities.

The Charities Bill [HL] was introduced in the House of Lords on 20 December 2004. It received a second reading and was considered in committee but the dropped due to the 2005 General Election. The Bill was reintroduced in the House of Lords on 15 May 2005 and received Royal Assent on 8 November 2006. 

Draft Civil Service Bill

The Cabinet Office published on 15 November 2004 a draft Bill and consultation document on whether legislation is necessary for a Civil Service Act.

Draft Criminal Defence Services Bill

The Department for Constitutional Affairs (now known as the Ministry of Justice) published on 17 May 2004 a draft Bill containing proposals for changes to the Criminal Defence Service (CDS) grant of the right to representation (legal aid).

The Criminal Defence Services Bill [HL] was introduced into Parliament on 23 May 2005 and received Royal Assent on 30 March 2006. 

Draft Disability Discrimination Bill

The Department for Work and Pensions published on 3 December 2003 a draft Bill which would bring within the scope of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 new areas in which disabled people currently have no rights or limited rights: functions of public bodies; and membership of private clubs.

The Disability Discrimination Bill [HL] was introduced into Parliament on 25 November 2004 and received Royal Assent on 7 April 2005.  

Draft Gambling Bill

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport published on 19 November 2003 a draft Bill to consolidate all gambling legislation in one Act of Parliament.

The Gambling Bill was introduced into Parliament on 18 October 2004 and received Royal Assent on 7 April 2005.

Draft Identity Cards Bill

The Home Office published on 26 April 2004 a consultation document on legislation on identity cards. The consultation document included draft clauses for a Identity Cards Bill.

The Identity Cards Bill was introduced into the House of Commons on 29 November 2004. The Bill completed its Commons stages and received second reading in the House of Lords. The Bill was dropped due to the 2005 General Election. The Bill was reintroduced into Parliament on 25 May 2005 and received Royal Assent on 30 March 2006.

Draft Mental Health Bill

The Department of Health published on 8 September 2004 a draft Bill on mental health.

The Mental Health Bill [HL] was introduced into Parliament on 16 November 2006 and received Royal Assent on 19 July 2007. 

Draft Regional Assemblies Bill

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (now known as the Department for Communities and Local Government) published on 22 July 2004 a draft Bill for regional elected assemblies. 

Draft School Transport Bill

The Department for Education and Skills (now known as the Department for Education) published on 8 March 2004 a draft Bill to give Local Education Authorities the power to operate school travel schemes which are tailored to the needs of their area, with a view to reducing car use on the school run.

The School Transport Bill was introduced into the House of Commons on 14 October 2004 in the 2003-04 session. The Bill was carried over into the 2004-05 session but was then dropped due to the 2005 General Election.    

Draft Single European Currency (Referendum) Bill

The Department for Constitutional Affairs (now known as the Ministry of Justice) published on 10 December 2003 a draft Bill making provision for a referendum to be held on the UK adopting the single European currency.

Draft Transport (Wales) Bill

The Wales Office published on 27 May 2004 a draft Bill to enable the Welsh National Assembly to develop and implement a safe, integrated, efficient and economic transport system for Wales.

The Transport (Wales) Bill was introduced into the House of Commons on 15 December 2004 and was dropped due to the 2005 General Election. The Bill was reintroduced on 20 May 2005 and received Royal Assent on 16 February 2006. Measures contained in the Draft Transport (Wales) Bill relating to railways were amended and are now part of the Railways Act 2005.    

What is a Draft Bill?

Draft Bills from previous sessions

Draft Bills that were published in previous parliamentary sessions are available to view.

What is a Draft Bill?

A Draft Bill is published to enable consultation and pre-legislative scrutiny. After consultation and pre-legislative scrutiny has taken place, the Draft Bill may be introduced formally in House of Commons or the House of Lords.

Most Draft Bills are examined either by select committees in the House of Commons or in the House of Lords or by a joint committee of both Houses of Parliament.

What is a Draft Bill?

Draft Bills from previous sessions

Draft Bills that were published in previous parliamentary sessions are available to view.

What is a Draft Bill?

A Draft Bill is published to enable consultation and pre-legislative scrutiny. After consultation and pre-legislative scrutiny has taken place, the Draft Bill may be introduced formally in House of Commons or the House of Lords.

Most Draft Bills are examined either by select committees in the House of Commons or in the House of Lords or by a joint committee of both Houses of Parliament.