6.1.2 Second reading

A spokesperson or government minister will be made responsible for the Bill and will introduce the Bill at the second reading. Once the minister has outlined the Bill and made any specific points there will be an opportunity for the opposition parties to give their opinions on the Bill. There may be support and opposition to the Bill and this depends on the nature and purpose of the Bill. At the end of the second reading the House votes on whether to support the Bill or oppose it. If the majority of MPs support the Bill it will then proceed to the next stage, which is the committee stage.