Glossary

Second Reading

The stage where Parliament debates the main principles and purpose of a bill.

Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee

Abbreviation: SLSC

A House of Lords committee that examines secondary legislation and draws important instruments to the House’s attention.

Select Committee

A cross-party committee that examines the work of government departments, public bodies, or specific issues.

Select Committee Inquiry

A formal investigation by a select committee into a topic, department, or public issue.

Session

The period during which Parliament conducts business between one State Opening and the next.

Sessional Order

An order made for the duration of a parliamentary session.

Skeleton Bill

A bill containing broad principles but leaving much of the detail to be filled in later by delegated legislation.

Special Report

A committee report published for a specific purpose, often to respond to government replies or present particular material.

Standing Order

A formal rule governing how Parliament or one of its Houses conducts business.

Statutory Consultation

A consultation that the law requires to take place before a decision, regulation, or other action is taken.

Statutory Guidance

Official guidance issued under legal authority, which public bodies may be required to follow or take into account.

Statutory Instrument

Abbreviation: SI

A form of secondary legislation made under powers granted by an Act of Parliament.

Statutory Instrument Committee

A general term for a committee arrangement used to consider statutory instruments.

Sunset Clause

A provision causing part of a law to expire automatically at a set time unless renewed.

Super-affirmative Procedure

An enhanced scrutiny procedure giving Parliament more time and opportunity to consider delegated legislation before approval.