Recommendation 17

We believe that adequate time should be available for both Houses to conduct meaningful scrutiny of treaties. However, it is a matter for the House of Lords how it chooses to arrange its business, both in its committees and chamber. We would, however, hope that a practice might develop whereby the House of Lords carries out scrutiny and holds a debate and vote on a treaty prior to that which will take place in the House of Commons under the amended legislation, so that the views of that House can be taken into account when the elected chamber votes on whether to approve a treaty.