Second reading of Water Industry (Financial Assistance) Bill

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Caroline Spelman, introduced the second reading of the Water Industry (Financial Assistance) Bill in the House of Commons on Wednesday 29 February. The second reading debate was adjourned, due to an emergency debate in the Chamber, and resumed again on 6 March 2012.

Second reading debate: 6 March 2012

MPs continued to debate measures contained in the Water Industry (Financial Assistance Bill), the Bill was read a second time without a division. The Bill will now be considered by a committee of the whole house.

Watch and read the second reading debate and the views expressed by MPs on Parliament TV and in Commons Hansard.

Second reading debate: 29 February 2012

The Leader of the House of Commons, Sir George Young, made a Point of Order before the start of the second reading debate. The Leader of the House stated it was the Government's intention to make more time available to debate the Bill.

Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Mary Creagh, responded on behalf of the Opposition.

Watch and read the second reading debate and the views expressed by MPs on Parliament TV and in Commons Hansard.

Summary of the Bill

To make provision for the giving of financial assistance for the purpose of securing the reduction of charges for the supply of water and the provision of sewerage services and in connection with the construction of, and the carrying out of works in respect of, water and sewerage infrastructure.

Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation on the Water Industry (Financial Assistance) Bill and find out how a Bill becomes an Act of Parliament

House of Commons Library analysis

The House of Commons Library produce briefing papers to inform MPs of key issues. The Library published a briefing paper for second reading of the Water Industry (Financial Assistance) Bill.

Library briefing paper: Second reading of Water Industry (Financial Assistance) Bill

Second reading

Second reading is the first opportunity for MPs to debate the main principles of the Bill. It usually takes place no sooner than two weekends after first reading.

What happens at second reading?

The Government minister, spokesperson or MP responsible for the Bill opens the second reading debate. The official Opposition spokesperson responds with their views on the Bill.

The debate continues with other Opposition parties and backbench MPs giving their opinions. At the end of the debate, the Commons decides whether the Bill should be given its second reading by voting, meaning it can proceed to the next stage.

What happens after second reading?

The Bill proceeds to committee stage and will be considered in a Public Bill Committee or Committee of the whole House (in the Commons Chamber). Each clause (part) and any amendments (proposals for change) to the Bill may be debated.