Rules of Debate / Relevance

Second reading

Debates p. 5413

Background

During debate on the motion for second reading of Bill C-200, an Act granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the public service, for the financial year ending March 31, 1970, Mr. Baldwin (Peace River) proposed an amendment which was ruled out of order by the Chair. Subsequently, while Mr. Lang (Minister without Portfolio) was participating in debate, Mr. Baldwin rose on a point of order to complain that the Minister should not continue to comment on an amendment that had been declared out of order, or on particular provisions in the bill. After listening to Members' comments, the Speaker ruled.

Issue

At second reading, can particular provisions in a bill be debated?

Decision

No. The principle of a bill can be debated but not particular provisions.

Reasons given by the Speaker

"When a motion for second reading is before the House, [the House] may debate in a general way the principle of the bill but not the clauses in detail." They and the schedules should be debated at another stage.

References

Debates, March 24, 1970, pp. 5409-13.