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By the time of the Second Reading, MP’s have access to the detail
of the bill and it is in the Second Reading that MP’s have the chance for a
wide-ranging discussion on a bill’s merits or otherwise. Usually, though
not exclusively, a parliamentary day is given over to a Second Reading,
which usually corresponds to about six hours of discussion. More
controversial bills have been known to be given three days of
parliamentary time – about eighteen hours.
Traditionally, a government minister opens a Second Reading while
his/her opposite number on the Opposition Benches replies. From here,
backbench MP’s join in the debate. When it comes to closing the Second
Reading, the minister concerned does this. The debate in the House in
controlled by either the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker. Controversial bills
may proceed to a vote at a Second Reading. It is almost certain that a
government with a decent Parliamentary majority will win this as the bill
represents what that government wants and the party whips would ensure
that a smooth vote takes place. From the Second Reading, the bill moves
onto to the Committee Stage.
The Committee Stage is probably the most thorough examination of
the bill. This examination is done by a Standing Committee that is made
up of 18 to 25 MP’s. The number per political party is determined by each
party’s strength in the House of Commons. With a large parliamentary
majority, the Labour government has a sound representation on such
committees. The Minister responsible for the bill is on the committee
along with junior ministers. The opposition minister is also on the
committee along with his/her junior ministers. There are two Whips on the
committee – one from the government and one that represents the
opposition. The other places on the committee are made up of MP’s from
both sides of the House. They are considered to have an expertise in the
matter being discussed and can bring such expertise to the detailed
discussion that occurs at the Committee Stage.
The number of times a Standing Committee meets is determined by
the importance of the bill. A major government bill may require a number
of meetings (between 10 and 12 is usual) over a six-week period.
However, controversial bills have taken up more time than this. A
Standing Committee is chaired by a senior backbencher from either side of
the House. His/her task is to remain impartial throughout the committee
stage. Bills that are likely to take time due to their controversial nature

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