Part of Children and Adoption Bill [Lords] – in a Public Bill Committee am 9:00 am ar 16 Mawrth 2006.
David Kidney
PPS (Mr Elliot Morley, Minister of State), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
9:00,
16 Mawrth 2006
I am disappointed with the Opposition’s response, because it is vital not to lose focus on the paramount importance of children’s welfare as soon as there is a problem between parents. As a result of the way in which the Bill is drawn, the court might take a lesser interest in the welfare of the children when focusing on the behaviour of the parents. It is vital that we do not let the notion of children’s welfare as the paramount consideration become eroded. That is why I support the Amendment very strongly.
A parliamentary bill is divided into sections called clauses.
Printed in the margin next to each clause is a brief explanatory `side-note' giving details of what the effect of the clause will be.
During the committee stage of a bill, MPs examine these clauses in detail and may introduce new clauses of their own or table amendments to the existing clauses.
When a bill becomes an Act of Parliament, clauses become known as sections.
As a bill passes through Parliament, MPs and peers may suggest amendments - or changes - which they believe will improve the quality of the legislation.
Many hundreds of amendments are proposed by members to major bills as they pass through committee stage, report stage and third reading in both Houses of Parliament.
In the end only a handful of amendments will be incorporated into any bill.
The Speaker - or the chairman in the case of standing committees - has the power to select which amendments should be debated.
The Opposition are the political parties in the House of Commons other than the largest or Government party. They are called the Opposition because they sit on the benches opposite the Government in the House of Commons Chamber. The largest of the Opposition parties is known as Her Majesty's Opposition. The role of the Official Opposition is to question and scrutinise the work of Government. The Opposition often votes against the Government. In a sense the Official Opposition is the "Government in waiting".
