Five Bills passed by Commons
8 April 2010 (updated on 22 April 2010)
Harriet Harman, Leader of the House, introduced a business motion in the Commons which led the way to the completion of five outstanding Bills in one sitting - all part of the process known as wash-up.
Completed Bills
The following are the Bills which have now completed their passage through the Commons:
Bribery Bill
Northern Ireland Assembly Members Bill
- Bills before Parliament: Northern Ireland Assembly Members Bill
- Commons Hansard: Northern Ireland Assembly Members Bill
Debt relief (Developing Countries) Bill
- Bills before Parliament: Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Bill
- Commons Hansard: Debt relief (Developing Countries) Bill
Finance Bill
Digital Economy Bill
In addition, the Commons approved an amendment to the Dangerous Drugs Act which bans from 16 April 2010 the use of mephedrone, which the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs has advised should be classified as a category B drug.
Wash-up
Wash-up is the short period at the end of a Parliament - after the election has been announced but before dissolution. All the unfinished business - mainly Bills which have not completed their passage - must be dealt with swiftly.
The Government, in co-operation with the Opposition, agree to pass certain Bills. Some might be lost completely, others might be fast-tracked, but in a much-shortened form.
Seven remaining Bills
Seven more Bills will complete their Commons stages on Thursday 8 April.
The House will prorogue - end the parliamentary session - once all remaining Bills have completed their passage through Parliament.