A parliamentary bill is divided into sections called clauses. Printed in the margin next to each clause is a brief explanatory `side-note' giving details of what the effect of the clause will be. During the committee stage of a bill, MPs examine these clauses in detail and may introduce new clauses of their own or table amendments to the existing clauses. When a bill becomes an Act of Parliament, clauses become known as sections.
contributed by user Tom Loosemore
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