SUFFOLK South MP Tim Yeo has secured second place in the ballot for MP's Bills, which took place in the House of Commons yesterday.The 20 winners will be able to present a Private Member's Bill to the Commons and hope that it eventually becomes law.
By Graham Dines
SUFFOLK South MP Tim Yeo has secured second place in the ballot for MP's Bills, which took place in the House of Commons yesterday.
The 20 winners will be able to present a Private Member's Bill to the Commons and hope that it eventually becomes law. In reality, this will only happen if it receives either overwhelming cross-party support or the backing of the Government.
Probably only the top six or seven have a realistic chance of their Bills entering legislation - it could be even fewer if the winner picks a controversial issue which takes up a lot of time.
Tories secured the top four places after a total of 471 MPs had their names put and 20 were drawn out by a Commons clerk.
No Liberal Democrats were successful, nor were any members of the other minor parties. The list comprises 11 Tories and nine Labour MPs.
Top of the pile was newcomer Nick Hurd (C Ruislip-Northwood), son of former Tory foreign secretary Lord (Douglas) Hurd.
Mr Yeo has not yet decided what kind of measure to introduce but will make a decision over the weekend.
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