Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker whether he plans to initiate a review of hybrid Bill procedures; and if so, when he expects to start that review and when it will invite evidence.

In 2016, a review of hybrid bill procedure was commissioned by the Senior Deputy Speaker and the Chairman of Ways and Means in the House of Commons. It was planned to take place in two stages. The first stage was completed in 2017 and resulted in a number of changes to the Private Business Standing Orders in both Houses. On the 22 March, I wrote to the Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal informing her that a consultation in relation to the second stage would begin soon. It will last for two to three months. It will be a public consultation and evidence will be invited. This is a joint review, and the Chairman of Ways and Means has written to the Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons in similar terms.