HL Deb 26 October 1998 vol 593 c198WA
Lord Marlesford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Queen signed the Letters Patent signifying the Royal Assent to the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Bill before the completion of its passage through both Houses of Parliament. [HL3428]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Royal Assent is itself a process, of which the Queen's signature is a vital part but neither the start nor the end. The Queen signed the Letters Patent for the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Bill before the completion of its passage through Parliament. This has been normal procedure for many years. Royal Assent was subsequently given, after the completion of all the Bill's stages, on Friday 4 September.