It will, however, be perhaps the most convenient here (in concluding this description of the practice in respect of private bills in the House of Commons) to refer to the mode in which bills are proceeded with on their return from the other House of Parliament. Consideration of Lords' Amendments. In case any private bill is passed through the House of Lords without amendment, that fact is stated by their lordships' messengers (Masters in Chancery) on bringing back the bill to the Commons. If such be the fact, the bill passes through no further stage, but awaits the royal assent. Their lordships' messengers also state if any alterations have been made in any particular bill, informing the House that they have passed the bill in question "with an amendment" or "with amendments" (as the case may be), and to which they desire the concurrence of that House. When any amendments have been so made by the House of Lords to any bill, notice must be given in the Private Bill Office the day previous to the consideration thereof. (H. C. 146.) If these amendments be disagreed to, the bill falls to the ground unless they be waived by the House proposing them. Sometimes, however, differences on such subjects are arranged by amendments being proposed on the original amendments, that so far qualify the otherwise obnoxious alterations as to lead, ultimately, to agreement between the two branches of the Legislature. Frequently conferences are held between committees specially appointed by both Houses for the purpose; and the members attending such conferences report the result on their return to their own Houses. |