Health Bill: Lords considered Commons amendments
10 November 2009 (updated on 22 April 2010)
On 9 November, Members of the Lords with experience of and expertise in health services and the NHS, considered Commons amendments to the Health Bill on issues including NHS foundation trusts, mental health services and banning the sale of tobacco from vending machines.
The Bill was passed back to the Commons for MPs to consider Lords amendments.
- Lords Hansard: Health Bill
- Video & Audio: Health Bill
- Lords Divisions Analysis: view the results of votes on the Health Bill
- Passage of a Bill: Consideration of amendments
- Bills before Parliament: Health Bill
'Ping Pong'
When a Bill has passed through third reading in both Houses it is returned to the first House (where it started) for the second House's amendments (proposals for change) to be considered.
Both Houses must agree on the exact wording of the Bill.
If the Lords disagrees with any Commons amendments, or makes alternative proposals, then the Bill is sent back to the Commons.
A Bill may go back and forth between each House (‘Ping Pong’) until both Houses reach agreement.