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Queen’s and Prince’s Consent, legislative process

Impact of Queen’s and Prince’s Consent on legislative process

9 July 2013

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As part of its examination of Executive powers the Committee has agreed to hold an inquiry into The impact of Queen’s and Prince’s Consent on the legislative process.

Terms of reference

The Committee is seeking answers to the following questions:

The process 

  1. When and how are Queen’s and Prince’s Consent sought? What is the source of the procedure?
  2. Who makes the final determination as to whether Queen’s or Prince’s Consent is necessary?
  3. For what reasons would Queen’s or Prince’s Consent be refused?
  4. On what occasions in the past 20 years has the Government advised the Queen or Prince of Wales to refuse Consent and why?
  5. To what extent are Members of Parliament advised on the requirement of Queen’s or Prince’s Consent when introducing Private Members’ Bills?
  6. How does Queen’s or Prince’s Consent operate in the Devolved Administrations?

The impact

  1. Is there a continuing justification for Queen’s or Prince’s Consent to be part of the legislative process?
  2. What impact does Queen’s or Prince’s Consent have on parliamentary scrutiny and debate?
  3. Is there a risk that the requirement of Queen’s or Prince’s Consent could be seen as politicising the Monarchy?  If so, how could this risk be mitigated?
  4. Is there a danger that the process of Queen’s or Prince’s Consent could be seen as a selective veto for Ministers over Private Members’ Bills?  If so, how could this risk be mitigated?
  5. Should the requirement of Queen’s or Prince’s Consent be codified?

The Committee would be pleased to receive submissions that cover some or all of the points listed above.

How to respond

The deadline for written submissions is Friday 30 August 2013.  Submissions should not significantly exceed 3,000 words unless this has been cleared in advance with the Committee secretariat.  Written responses to the Committee will be treated as evidence to the Committee and may be published. If you object to your response being made public in a volume of evidence, please make this clear when it is submitted.

Written evidence to the inquiry into The impact of Queen’s and Prince’s Consent on the legislative process can be submitted online

If you are considering submitting written evidence please read the following guidelines