MP debate Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill
16 July 2014
MPs debated the second reading of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill in the House of Commons on Wednesday 16 July 2014. The Bill passed second reading without division and will now be considered in a Public Bill Committee.
The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable, opened the debate. Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Chuka Umunna, responded for the Opposition.
- Watch Parliament TV: Second reading debate of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill
- Read Commons Hansard: Second reading debate of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill
- Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Small businesses
Related information
Summary of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill
The Bill contains 142 substantive clauses and 10 Schedules, which in the main seek to reduce regulatory burdens and facilitate the inception, financing and growth of business.
The Bill’s scope includes access to finance; exports; regulatory reform; competition; public sector procurement; the Pubs Code; childcare and education; transparency of company ownership; company law; directors’ disqualification; insolvency; and employment law
Progress of the Bill
The Bill was introduced to the House of Commons on Wednesday 25 June 2014.
Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation, including amendment papers, on the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill and find out how a bill becomes an Act of Parliament.
- Follow Bills before Parliament: Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill
- About Parliament: Passage of a Bill
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.
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 which will conclude by 6 November 2014.
The programme motion would also schedule the report and third reading stages to take place over one day.
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.