MPs consider Lords amendments to Children and Families Bill
10 February 2014
MPs debated amendments by the House of Lords to the Children and Families Bill on Monday 10 February 2014
- Watch Parliament TV: Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Children and Families Bill
- Read Commons Hansard: Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Children and Families Bill
Divisions
MPs voted 376 to 107 (Division 207) in favour of adding Lords amendment 125 to the Bill. This amendment would amend smoke-free legislation (the Health Act 2006) to provide the Secretary of State, or Welsh Ministers in relation to Wales, with the power to make regulations to provide for a private vehicle to be smoke-free when a person under the age of 18 is present in the vehicle.
MPs voted 453 to 24 (Division 208) in favour of adding Lords amendments 121 to 124 and 150 to the Bill.
- Read the Selection of Lords Amendments to Children and Families Bill for Consideration on 10 February 2014
- Read the Lords Amendments to the Children and Families Bill
Related information
Summary of the Bill
The Bill seeks to reform legislation relating to adoption and children in care; aspects of the family justice system; children and young people with special educational needs; the Office of the Children’s Commissioner for England; statutory rights to leave and pay for parents and adopters; time off work for ante-natal care; and the right to request flexible working.
Progress of the Bill
The Bill was introduced to the House of Commons on 4 February 2013 and had its second reading on 25 February 2013. A carry-over motion was passed on the 25 February 2013. The committee stage took place on the 5 March 2013 and concluded on the 25 April 2013. This Bill completed its third reading in the House of Commons on 11 June 2013.
The Bill then went to the House of Lords for consideration. The Bill had its first reading in the Lords on 12 June 2013 and completed its third reading on 5 February 2014.
Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation, including amendment papers, on the Children and Families Bill and find out how a Bill becomes an Act of Parliament.
- Bills before Parliament: Children and Families Bill 2012-13 to 2013-14
- About Parliament: Passage of a Bill
House of Commons Library Analysis
The House of Commons Library produces briefing papers to inform MPs of key issues. The papers contain factual information and a range of opinions on each subject, and aim to be politically impartial. The Library has prepared the following papers:
- Read Commons Library briefing paper: Children and Families Bill
- Read Commons Library briefing paper: Children and Families Bill
Lords Amendments
When a Bill has passed through third reading in both Houses it is returned to the first House (where it started) for the second House's amendments (proposals for change) to be considered.
Both Houses must agree on the exact wording of the Bill. There is no set time period between the third reading of a Bill and consideration of any Commons or Lords amendments.
What happens after consideration of amendments?
Once the Commons and Lords agree on the final version of the Bill, it can receive Royal Assent and become an Act of Parliament (the proposals of the Bill now become law).
Watching proceedings from the public gallery
UK residents and overseas visitors can watch proceedings in the House of Commons by visiting the public gallery.
This article was produced by the Commons Digital Outreach Team. Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.