Question

To ask The Leader of the House, further to the reply by the Leader of the House on 21 April (HL Deb col 612), what progress has been made in the discussions she reported on regarding improvements to the efficiency, effectiveness and cost of scrutiny, particularly in relation to the handling of amendments.

The Procedure and Privileges Committee regularly reviews the Companion to the Standing Orders. As a result of the Committee’s 1st report of this session a number of changes were made to the Companion including in relation to the procedures around amending stages. Those changes included emphasising that when moving or withdrawing amendments, Noble Lords must be brief, reducing the advisory speaking time at report and subsequent stages from 10 to 8 minutes and reinforcing the existing guidance regarding third reading. The Usual Channels will continue to monitor these matters and bring forward suggested changes to the Companion when required.