17/04/2014

House Of Commons To Debate Second Reading Of High Speed Rail Bill

A second reading of the High Speed Rail Bill is to be debated by the House of Commons on Monday 28 April.

The debate is expected to follow the conclusion of Home Office Questions.

The Bill confers the powers required to construct phase 1 of the proposed HS2 scheme from London Euston to Birmingham Curzon Street with intermediate stations in West London (Old Oak Common) and at Birmingham Airport. It provides for a connection to the existing rail link to the Channel Tunnel (HS1) but not to Heathrow Airport.

The Bill was introduced to the House of Commons on 25 November 2013, and is described as a "hybrid bill".

Hybrid bills mix the characteristics of public and private bills. The changes to the law proposed by a hybrid bill would affect the general public but would also have a significant impact for specific individuals or groups.

The procedure for second reading of a hybrid bill is the same as for a public bill: the House debates the main principles of the bill. At the end of the debate, the Speaker determines whether there are any objections to the motion being debated and asks for the Ayes and Noes.

Members voice their opinion, and if no objections are made, the bill passes second reading without a vote. If the Speaker believes Members have voiced disagreement, a division is called and a vote taken.

If the High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill passes second reading, motions establishing the select committee on the Bill and containing various instructions to the Committee, and on carry-over of the Bill between sessions, will be considered on Tuesday 29 April in the House of Commons.

(MH/JP)

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