Lords debates Private Members' Bills
15 July 2011
The House of Lords debated three Private Members’ Bills this morning (Friday 15 July). The Coinage (Measurement) Bill had its second reading – the general debate on all aspects of the Bill. The Live Music Bill and Rehabilitation of Offenders (Amendment) Bill had their committee stage – line by line examination of the Bills.
Coinage (Measurement) Bill
The Bill aims to amend the Coinage Act 1971, so as to enable the Royal Mint to strike commemorative coins for the 2012 London Olympics.
The Bill, which started in the House of Commons, had its first reading in the House of Lords on 4 April.
- Watch the debate live on Parliament TV
- Read a transcript of the debate from Today in the Lords
- Bills before Parliament: Coinage (Measurement) Bill
Live Music Bill
The Bill aims to amend the Licensing Act 2003 with respect to the performance of live music entertainment.
The Bill had its second reading in the House of Lords on 4 March.
- Watch the debate live on Parliament TV
- Read a transcript of the debate from Today in the Lords
- Bills before Parliament: Live Music Bill
Rehabilitation of Offenders (Amendment) Bill
The Bill aims to amend the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
The Bill had its second reading in the House of Lords on 21 January.
- Watch the debate live on Parliament TV
- Read a transcript of the debate from Today in the Lords
- Bills before Parliament: Rehabilitation of Offenders (Amendment) Bill
Further information
Members of the Lords who are not government ministers can introduce Private Members’ Bills. Like Public Bills their purpose is to change the law as it applies to the general population. Most Private Members’ Bills do not become Acts of Parliament; however, by creating publicity around an issue, some Private Members’ Bills can indirectly affect legislation.
Second reading is the first opportunity for Members of the Lords to debate the main principles and purpose of the Bill and to flag up concerns and areas where they think changes (amendments) are needed.
Committee stage allows Members to go through the Bill line by line. At committee stage in the Lords, any Member can take part. It can last one or two days, to eight or more. It usually starts no fewer than two weeks after the second reading.