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Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill is not hybrid

16 November 2010

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A majority of the Members of the House of Lords voted against referring the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill to a panel of officials – the 'Examiners' – to determine whether it is hybrid

The division followed a debate moved by Lord Falconer of Thoroton on referring the Bill to the Examiners. The result of the division was Contents 209, Not Contents 224. The progress of the Bill would have been delayed if the motion had been agreed to.

Hybrid Bills are public Bills that have an adverse affect on specific private or local interests. In considering the Bill’s status, Members discussed its effect on Orkney and Shetland and Na h-Eileanan an Iar which would become ‘preserved constituencies’ if the Bill came into law.

The Bill proceeded to its second reading stage – a general debate on the main principles of the Bill – in the Lords on 15 November. It is expected the second reading stage will conclude today.

Further information

The Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill makes provision for changes to the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies to reduce their size and for an alternative vote system for the next General Election if endorsed by a referendum.