Early development of a Bill

 The government may proceed(=continue) to initiate(=start) a consultative process by the publication of a Green Paper in which its proposals are set out(=presented) at an early stage with the intention of attracting public response and comment. The government's White Papers contain their more definite proposals, although these are often published following consultation or discussion with pressure groups, professional bodies, or voluntary organisations. A Bill does not have to be preceded(=go before) by a White or Green paper, although it may have been presented for public scrutiny, that is, examination, in draft form earlier.

pressure group = a group that tries to influence public policy in the interest of a particular cause

professional body = an organization of people with particular professional qualifications

voluntary organisation = a group of individuals who enter into an agreement, usually as volunteers, to form a body (or organization) to accomplish a purpose

public scrutiny = the careful and detailed examination of something in order to get information about it provided by ordinary people