Read Bill Ministerial Extracts
Baroness Williams of Trafford
Main Page: Baroness Williams of Trafford (Conservative - Life peer)(2 years ago)
Lords ChamberMy Lords, it has been suggested that we might adjourn for five minutes while we just double-check the rules.
My Lords, it might be helpful to read from the Companion about the status of a First Reading:
“The Question is put from the Woolsack. The first reading of a bill is agreed to without dissent or debate, both as a matter of courtesy and because the House has no knowledge of the contents of the bill until it is published.”
On that basis, I beg to move that this Bill is read a first time.
My Lords, that is a very helpful answer but if that is the case—and it is—why does the chair have to say “Content” or “Not Content”? Does it not make this House look even more stupid?
My Lords, it is a formal process for receiving a Bill.
Can I just endorse the comments from the Government Chief Whip? It is a formal process; let us get on with the business.