MPs consider Lords Amendments to the Water Bill
7 May 2014
MPs debated amendments made by the House of Lords to the Water Bill on Wednesday 7 May 2014
The Commons agreed to the amendments made by the Lords. The Bill is now waiting for Royal Assent.
- Watch Parliament TV: Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Water Bill
- Read Commons Hansard: Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Water Bill
- Read the Lords Amendments to the Water Bill
Related information
Summary of the Bill
To make provision about the water industry; about compensation for modification of licences to abstract water; about main river maps; about records of waterworks; for the regulation of the water environment; about the provision of flood insurance for household premises; about internal drainage boards; about Regional Flood and Coastal Committees; and for connected purposes.
Progress of the Bill
The Bill was introduced into the Commons on 27 June 2013. MPs debated the remaining stages of the Water Bill in the House of Commons on 6 January 2014.
The Bill then went to the House of Lords for consideration. The Bill had its first reading in the Lords on 7 January 2014 and completed its third reading on 8 April 2014.
- Catch up on news: Water Bill: Commons remaining stages
- Catch up on news: Water Bill: Lords third reading
Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation, including amendment papers, on the Water 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 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 Library Briefing Paper: Water Bill
- Read Library Briefing Paper: Water Bill: Committee Stage Report
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.