To be suitable for offering to a Private Member a Bill should normally be short, simple, non-financial and not controversial in party political terms. It may be unsuitable if it is likely to be unpopular with prominent non-parliamentary interest groups, but such proposals may be included on the
There list provided that the likely reaction of outside groups is explained. is no need to use a separate page of Annex C to list each bid, but bids should be numbered in the Department's order of priority.
Overlap Between Lists
If
Departments may consider that some Bills merit places in the Government programme but would also be suitable for offering to Private Members. genuinely suitable for both categories they should be included on both
lists, with a cross-reference in each entry to the other one. Inclusion
in the Private Members' list as well as the Government one will not
necessarily lead to a Bill being excluded from the latter by QL Committee. It is important for each entry to make clear whether there are any special timing considerations which could influence the choice which is finally made.
Cabinet Office
November 1988