Pre-Legislative Process

• What are the two types of paper?

  • Green paper
  • White paper
• Green and White paper

  Green paper-

  • Government will produce this
  • Its a consultative document which asks for feedback from interested parties

  White paper-

  • Firm proposal for a law based on feedback from green paper
  • Includes draft version of the bill to be introduced to Parliament once agreed by the Cabinet
• What are the 3 types of bills?

  • Public Bill
  • Private Bill
  • Private Members Bill
• Public Bill


  • Form of government bill as they are introduced by government
  • Affect the public as a whole
  • Most common form of bill

  e.g. Equality Act 2010
• Private Bill

  • Introduced by government after a petition to Parliament from those affected
  • Affect small number of people

  e.g. Marriage Enabling Act 1980
• Private Members Bill

  • MPs introduce ideas for changes to law
  • Will affect whole public
  • Rare - difficult to introduce
  • Usually on important moral and ethical issues

  e.g. Abortion Act 1967 - David Steel

  
  

  Can be introduced by 2 ways:

  • Ballot - 20 members ideas picked from ballot each session and given timetabled slot to discuss bill
  • 10 minute rule - Backbenchers get 10 minutes to gain support of house for their proposal