Английский язык

ВАРИАНТ 2
PROCEDURE OF PASSING BILLS
A law passing through Parliament is called a bill. It becomes a law, an Act of Parliament, when it is passed by Parliament.
Preparing a bill for submission to Parliament may take many months, and it may be preceded by other gove
ment publications. A Green Paper sets out various alte
atives or discussion. Pressure groups make their views known. Gove
ment departments conce
ed are also consulted. The Gove
ment then issues a White Paper containing its definite proposals for legislation.
Any member of the House of Commons may introduce a bill. When the bill is introduced it receives its formal "first reading", after which it is printed and circulated to members. The first reading of a bill is scarcely objected to as there Is no debate or amendment allowed at this stage, but a date is fixed for the second reading.
At the "second reading" the bill is debated. When this second reading takes place, the member who has introduced the bill makes speech explaining the proposed new law and his reasons for bringing it forward. Some members may support the bill, but others may oppose it. There may be a discussion. If the bill passes this stage it is sent to a Committee when details are discussed and amendments generally made.
Finally the bill is given a "third reading". The House of Commons may be unanimous in favour of the bill or not. The Speaker must then call for a division. If the bill has a majority of vote it will go before the House of Lords.
The House of Lords cannot reject bills passed by the House of Commons. The Lords can merely delay bills which they dont like.
A bill becomes Act of Parliament when the Queen signs it.
Notes:
1. bringing forward - выдвижение
2. in favour of – в пользу
3. call for a division – призвать к голосованию
4. to delay – отсрочить