Hybrid Instruments
Selected letter
H
Some statutory instruments (SIs) which need to be approved by both Houses (affirmative instruments) are ruled to be hybrid instruments because they affect some members of a group (be it individuals or bodies) more than others in the same group. Hybrid instruments are subject to a special procedure which gives those who are negatively affected by them the chance to present their arguments against the SI to the Lords Hybrid Instruments Committee and then, possibly, to a Select Committee charged with reporting on its merits. The hybrid instrument procedure is unique to the House of Lords and the process must be completed before the SI can be approved by both Houses.
- Lords select committees: Hybrid Instruments Committee
- Legislation UK: Text of statutory instruments, including hybrid instruments [external website]
- Related glossary term: Affirmative procedure
- Related glossary term: Statutory instrument