Second reading of Infrastructure (Financial Assistance) Bill
18 September 2012 (updated on 18 September 2012)
Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, introduced the second reading of the Infrastructure (Financial Assistance) Bill in the House of Commons on Monday 17 September.
The Bill passed without a division and will now be considered in Committee of the whole House. Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Rachel Reeves, 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.
- Parliament TV: Second reading of Infrastructure (Financial Assistance) Bill
- Commons Hansard: Second reading of Infrastructure (Financial Assistance) Bill
Summary of the Bill
The Bill allows the Government to provide financial assistance of up to £50 billion in support of infrastructure investment. This limit could be increased by order.
The Government would have to report to Parliament at the end of each financial year on any commitments made under the Bill’s provisions.
Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation on the Infrastructure (Financial Assistance) Bill and find out how a Bill becomes an Act of Parliament
- Bills before Parliament 2012-13: Infrastructure (Financial Assistance) Bill
- About Parliament: Passage of a Bill
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.
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.