Private Bill Procedure

HC Deb 05 June 1986 vol 98 cc627-8W

Sir Paul Bryan

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he has any plans to institute a review of private Bill procedure; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Biffen

Following consultations with the Chairman of Ways and Means, with my noble Friend the Lord President of the Council and the Lord Chairman of Committees, as well as discussions through the usual channels, I propose that there should be a general review of private Bill procedure to be carried out by a Joint Committee of both Houses. The Committee would examine the processes of enacting private legislation and consider whether:

1. (a) there are any matters of a kind at present dealt with by private Bill which could more appropriately be dealt with some other way, taking account of the interests both of promoters and other affected parties;
2. (b) any changes are desirable in private Bill procedure; and
3. (c) any amendments are desirable to the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act 1936 and the procedure thereunder.

It would also consider whether any amendments are desirable to the Statutory Orders (Special Procedure) Act 1945.

I shall be tabling the appropriate motion later today.