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As the Speaker noted in 1971, private bill procedure was established to protect the public against the uncontrolled granting of special powers to private interests.[22] The affected person or organization petitions Parliament to grant some extraordinary favour set down in a bill. The facts upon which the bill is based are examined by both Houses of Parliament. If deemed necessary, the committee to which the private bill is referred may call witnesses to testify, and the committee will adjudicate whether the need for the bill has been demonstrated. Thus, in considering private bills, Parliament acts in both a judicial and legislative capacity. Like a court, Parliament will hear all parties involved and decide whether or not the interests of private parties justify additional rights or exemptions from the general law; as a legislature overseeing the passage of a bill, it is watchful over the interests of the public.[23] Four fundamental principles underlie and define private bill procedure as set out in the Standing Orders and the procedural authorities.[24] These principles may be expressed in the following terms: 1. A private bill should only be passed at the explicit request of the persons who are to benefit from the legislation. 2. Pertinent information regarding a private bill should be made available to all interested persons. 3. All persons or bodies affected by a private bill should be heard and the need for the bill demonstrated. 4. The financial burden of considering a bill for the benefit of private interests should not be borne solely by the public treasury. These principles are examined in detail below.
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