text_body: --- MOTION EFFECT ---
  
  <p>I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.</p>
  
  <p>It is necessary to return to some of the basic issues surrounding the Bill to understand why we tabled the new clause. The old structure of the Lord Chancellor provided, as we have debated peripherally this afternoon, that he was a judge first and foremost. He was a judge with a hybrid role, because as well as sitting as the head of the judiciary and a Law Lord, and being Speaker of the House of Lords, he was a Minister.</p>
  
  <p><i>Question put,</i> That the clause be read a Second time:&#8212;</p>
  
  <p><i>This clause prevents the Lord Chancellor (head of the judiciary) from taking ministerial office.  The Lord Chancellor is clearly in a position of great importance.  This clause is designed to prevent him from being influenced by political pressure or pressure from constituants.  Those voting Aye in this division agreed that the Lord Chancellor should not also be a Minister.</i></p>
  
  <p><i>The Committee divided:</i> Ayes 167, Noes 283.</p>
  
  
  --- COMMENTS AND NOTES ---
  
  (put thoughts and notes for other researchers here)
  