6.1.3 Committee stage

The committee stage is where the Bill is scrutinised and also where any amendments usually take place. The committee’s role is to examine each clause (paragraph) of the Bill, and if the Bill was first presented to the House of Commons, at this committee stage evidence may be provided by experts or any external pressure groups. There will be an appointed chairperson of the committee and a designated number of members of the committee who will be responsible for the examination of the clauses. The chairperson may select and put forward an amendment at this stage, which must be passed by a majority vote taking place among the members of the committee. Once all the amendments have been undertaken the Bill is re-drafted and printed. It is then returned to the House for the report stage.