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Proceeding contribution from Helen Goodman (Labour) in the House of Commons on Friday, 9 September 2011. It occurred during Debate on bill on Legislation (Territorial Extent) Bill.


Legislation (Territorial Extent) Bill

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I would like to point out some of the problems with what has been suggested by the hon. Member for West Worcestershire (Harriett Baldwin), whose Bill this is. Every piece of legislation has a territorial extent clause at its end. Let us consider the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill, which is currently in Committee. The hon. Member for Kettering (Mr Hollobone) has been chairing some of its sittings, so he knows what I am talking about. Clause 117 states that the Bill, as a whole, applies to England and Wales, and then explains which clauses apply more widely. There is no lack of clarity about the legal status of Bills before the House. Clearly, the hon. Lady's underlying concern is that people are taking views on legislation that affects parts of the United Kingdom beyond those in which their constituencies are located. If that is her concern, she should have presented a Bill making that case. However, she has presented a different and flawed Bill.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
532 c650-1 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Jurisdiction Legislation Ministerial duties West Lothian question English votes for English laws
Legislation
Legislation (Territorial Extent) Bill 2010-12
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk