House of Lords recess ends
31 May 2012
Since the new parliamentary session began on 9 May, several new public bills introduced in the Queen's Speech have had their first reading (introduction) and second reading (first debate)
Crime and Courts Bill
This bill aims to establish the National Crime Agency (NCA). It also examines the structure, administration, proceedings and powers of courts and tribunals and addresses issues like border control and drugs and driving.
European Union (Approval of Treaty Amendment Decision) Bill
This bill makes provision for the purposes of section 3 of the European Union Act 2011 in relation to the European Council decision of 25 March 2011. It amends Article 136 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union with regard to a stability mechanism for member states whose currency is the Euro.
Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill
The bill examines the practices of larger supermarket chains in relation to their suppliers, including farmers and small-scale producers.
Lords debate building a multicultural Britain
Lords including a former chair and members of the Commission for Racial Equality, debated the contribution made by minority ethnic and religious communities to the UK’s cultural life and economy on Thursday 24 May.
Lords debates food security
Members of the Lords, including the author of the Curry Report on the sustainable future of farming and food and a former chair of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, debated current government policies on food security on Thursday 24 May.
Lords committee work
In the last fortnight the Lords Economics Affairs Committee has been questioning key experts in their inquiries.
On Tuesday 22 May economist Professor John Kay spoke to the committee about the economic implications for the UK of Scottish independence.
Professor Gavin McCrone, former chief economic adviser to the Scottish Office, was also quizzed by the committee on the same theme (Tuesday 29 May).
On Tuesday 22 May, the Communications Committee questioned witnesses on broadband demand and access and what it would mean for the UK to have the best superfast broadband network in Europe by 2015.
On Wednesday 23 May the Constitution Committee held the first evidence session in its inquiry into the accountability of civil servants.
Future business
The Lords gets back to business on Monday 11 June with the following debates:
- Local Government Finance Bill - second reading stage on Tuesday 12 June
- European Union (Approval of Treaty Amendment Decision) Bill - committee stage (line by line scrutiny begins) on Wednesday 13 June
- Civil Aviation Bill - second reading on Wednesday 13 June
Business is provisional and subject to change.