Proceedings on the Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill will commence between 12.40 and 1pm, following the conclusion of the presentation of a Ten Minute Rule Motion by Jeremy Corbyn. However, it may begin later, if any Urgent Questions or Statements are granted.
Timings are approximate as Parliamentary business is subject to change.
Transcripts of proceedings in the House of Commons Chamber are available three hours after they happen in Today's Commons Debates.
Summary of the Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill [HL]
The Bill examines the practices of larger supermarket chains with regard to their suppliers, including farmers and small-scale producers. It seeks to establish the office of the Groceries Code Adjudicator, whose role is to enforce and oversee the Groceries Code.
The new groceries code will apply to the UK's ten 'large' retailers, each with a turnover of more than one billion pounds in groceries. If the Bill is passed, the code will ensure that retailers
- deal fairly and lawfully with suppliers
- do not vary supply arrangements retrospectively
- pay suppliers within a reasonable time
Progress of the Bill
The Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill was introduced to the House of Lords on 10 May 2012. It completed all of its Lords stages and was introduced into the House of Commons on 3 September 2012.
The Bill had its second reading in the House of Commons on 19 November 2012.
The Bill completed its Committee stages on 18 December 2012.
Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation, including amendment papers, on the Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill [HL] and find out how a Bill becomes an Act of Parliament.
House of Commons Library analysis
The House of Commons Library produces briefing papers to inform MPs of key issues. The papers contain factual information and a range of opinions on each subject, and aim to be politically impartial.
What are report stage and third reading of a bill?
The report stage gives MPs an opportunity, on the floor of the House, to consider any further amendments (proposals for change) to a Bill which has been examined in a public bill committee or on the floor of the House. There is no set time period between the end of committee stage and the start of the report stage.
What happens at report stage?
All MPs may speak and vote. For lengthy or complex Bills, the debates may be spread over several days. All MPs can suggest amendments to the Bill or new clauses (parts) that they think should be added.
What happens after report stage?
Report stage is usually followed immediately by debate on the Bill's third reading.
What happens at third reading?
Debate on the Bill is usually short, and limited to what is actually in the Bill, rather than, as at second reading, what might have been included.
Amendments (proposals for change) cannot be made to a BIll at a third reading in the Commons. At the end of the debate, the House decides (votes on) whether to approve the third reading of the Bill.
What happens after third reading?
If the Bill started in the Commons it goes to the House of Lords for its first reading.
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