Lords private members’ bills
11 November 2013
The House of Lords had its first chance to debate the key principles and purpose of four private members' bills on Friday 8 November, covering the royal titles, food standards in hospitals, the age of criminal responsibility and unsolicited telephone calls
A private member's bill is a type of public bill (that affects the public), but is introduced by an individual member of the Lords, rather than the government. Private members' bills must go through the same set of procedures as other public bills. These four private members' bills were first introduced in the House of Lords.
Rights of the Sovereign and the Duchy of Cornwall Bill
Peers discussed the main clauses of the bill, asking whether the Royal family’s travel costs should be placed under greater scrutiny, what rights the Duke of Cornwall has over land in the Duchy of Cornwall, and whether the Queen or the Prince of Wales should have to give consent to bills.
Find out more about the Rights of the Sovereign and the Duchy of Cornwall Bill
Health and Social Care (Amendment) (Food Standards) Bill
This bill covers the regulation of food standards in hospitals. Peers discussed the current quality of food in hospitals, and the ways food standards could be increased. They also considered how the cost of providing hospital food could be reduced.
Find out more about the Health and Social Care (Amendment) (Food Standards) Bill
Age of Criminal Responsibility Bill
This bill will raise the age of criminal responsibility. Lords discussed the issues around raising the age from 10 to 12, including effects on the youth justice system, rehabilitation and the use of mentors.
Find out more about the Age of Criminal Responsibility Bill
Unsolicited Telephone Communications Bill
This bill will reduce the number of unsolicited telephone calls and texts received by consumers. Peers considered ways to protect consumers from unsolicited calls, including an opt-in system, and also discussed who would regulate the new system.
Find out more about the Unsolicited Telephone Communications Bill
Further information
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