New clauses

28.100New clauses are considered after the clauses of the bill have been disposed of, unless the committee has ordered otherwise. The procedure on a new clause gives an opportunity for a debate on its principle and then for the proposal of amendments to the new clause before its incorporation in the bill. The Member in whose name it stands, or another Member,1 on being called by the Chair, ‘brings up’ the clause in a speech, explaining its merits. Under the provisions of Standing Order No 69, a new clause is read the first time without question put, and the reading of the title by the clerk is taken as complying with the Standing Order. The question, that the clause be read a second time, is then proposed and debate proceeds on this question. If this is agreed to, amendments to the new clause may be moved in the ordinary manner. Finally, after any amendments to the new clause have been disposed of, the question is put that the clause, or the clause as amended, be added to the bill. This question is often not debated, particularly if the clause is unamended (because in such a case the scope of debate is virtually identical to that on the question for second reading).

At the Chair's discretion, new clauses may be grouped together for discussion along with amendments, clause stand part motions or other new clauses in the same way as amendments (see para 28.97 ).

The decision on where in the bill a new clause, if agreed, is to be inserted is not a decision for the committee, but is left to be settled between the Member in charge of the bill and the Public Bill Office, which is responsible for reprinting the bill as amended.