Long title

26.7The long title sets out in general terms the purposes of the bill, and should cover everything in the bill. The phrase ‘and for connected purposes', with which it commonly ends, makes it possible to omit an express reference in the long title to minor matters related to the main substance of the bill. Conversely, the long title should not refer to significant purposes which are not covered by the provisions of the printed bill,1 but this rule is not enforced in the case of a Private Member's Bill presented under the ballot procedure.2 When the term ‘title’ is used without qualification it usually refers to the long title.

Both the long title and the short title may be amended in certain circumstances (see para 28.119 ).

Footnotes

  1. 1. Poor Removal (Ireland) Bill, CJ (1883) 161; Speaker's Ruling, Registration of Electors (Ireland) Bill, CJ (1847–48) 522.
  2. 2. See para 28.13. Also: New Streets Bill, Stg Co Deb (1950–51) Co B, c 718; Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, ibid (1952–53) Co B, c 1059; Parliamentary Control of Expenditure (Reform) Bill (changed to National Audit Bill), Stg Co Deb (1982–83) Co C, c 254; Activity Centres (Young Persons’ Safety) Bill, Stg Co Deb (1994–95) Co C, c 90.