Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what are the terms of reference of the proposed independent assessor to be appointed to compile the responses to a consultation on the environmental aspects of a bill for Phase 2b of HS2 between Crewe and Manchester; and what changes are being proposed to the hybrid bill process to incorporate this new role.

The role of the Independent Assessor in hybrid bill procedure is to summarise the issues raised in comments received on the environmental statement (and any supplementary environmental information subsequently deposited) relating to a hybrid bill and to make a report (or reports). The second reading of a hybrid bill cannot be moved until at least 14 days after the report relating to the environmental statement has been submitted.

The procedure in relation to the Independent Assessor is well-established. It is set out in detail in House of Lords Private Business Standing Order 83A. HL SO 83A was agreed by the House of Lords on 25 July 2013, following a recommendation by the Procedure Committee (2^nd Report, Session 2013-14, HL Paper 33). An Independent Assessor was appointed in relation to the High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Bill and the High Speed Rail (West Midlands – Crewe) Bill.