HC Deb 22 May 1995 vol 260 c452W
Mr. McMaster

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the role of the Office of Parliamentary Counsel in relation to(a) public Bills, (b) private Bills and (c) private Members' Bills; how this has changed over the past 20 years, with specific instances; and if he will make a statement. [24132]

Mr. David Hunt

Parliamentary counsel are responsible for drafting Government Bills, except common form ones and those relating exclusively to Scotland. Parliamentary counsel advise on all aspects of parliamentary procedure in connection with these Bills. On the instructions of sponsoring Departments, they are responsible for drafting Government amendments and a procedural and other motions.

The Office is not involved in the production of private Bills. It may, however, provide drafting assistance on private Members' Bills on the instructions of Departments acting with the authority of Ministers.

There has been no change in the role of the Office of Parliamentary Counsel over the past 20 years.