Commons Second Reading: Consumer Rights Bill
28 January 2014 (updated on 28 January 2014)
MPs debated the second reading of the Consumer Rights Bill in the House of Commons on Tuesday 28 January 2014.
The debate was opened by Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable. Shadow Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills, Stella Creasy, responded to the debate on behalf of the Opposition.
The Bill passed without a division and will now be considered by a Public Bill Committee.
- Watch Parliament TV: Second reading debate of the Consumer Rights Bill
- Read Commons Hansard: Second reading debate of the Consumer Rights Bill
Summary of the Consumer Rights Bill
The Bill sets out a framework that consolidates in one place key consumer rights covering contracts for goods, services, digital content and the law relating to unfair terms in consumer contracts.
Progress of the Bill
This Government Bill was presented to Parliament on 23 January 2014. This is known as the first reading and there was no debate on the Bill at this stage.
Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation, including amendment papers, on the Consumer Rights Bill and find out how a bill becomes an Act of Parliament.
House of Commons Library analysis
The House of Commons Library produces briefing papers to inform MPs and their staff 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 paper to help inform debate on the Bill's Second Reading:
What happens at second reading?
At second reading the House debates the whole principle of the bill. It usually takes place no sooner than two weekends after first reading.
The Member in charge or the Minister moves the motion 'that the bill be now read a second time'. MPs then debate the bill.
At the end of the debate the Speaker determines whether there are any objections to the motion being debated and asks for the Ayes and Noes.
Members voice their opinion, and if no objections are made, the bill passes second reading without a vote. If the Speaker believes Members have voiced disagreement, a division is called and a vote taken.
What happens after second reading?
If the Bill passes second reading, and the programme motion is agreed, the Bill will progress to a Public Bill Committee.
The programme motion would also schedule the report and third reading stages to take place over one day. If the carry over motion is agreed the Bill will be resumed in the next session of Parliament if not previously concluded in this session.
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.