House of Lords

• STAGE 1 - First Reading

  This takes place without debate and the long title indicating the contents of the bills is read out by the member of the Lords in charge of the bill.
• STAGE 2 - Second Reading

  The spokesperson responsible for the bill opens the debate and any person can speak - this stage can indicate members particularly interested in a bill or a specific aspect of it.
• STAGE 3 - Committee Stage

  Every clause of bill must be agreed to and votes on any amendments must be made and all amendments must be considered. The government can't restrict the subjects under discussion or impose a time limit.
• STAGE 4 - Report Stage

  A detailed exam of bill is carried out. Any member of the boards can take part and votes on any amendments take place. The bill is reprinted to include all agreed amendments.
• STAGE 5 -Third Reading

  Amendments can be made if the issue hasn't been considered and voted on amendments are used to clarify specific parts of the bill and allow the government to make good any promises of changes they made at earlier stages of the passage of the bill.