Adjournment Motion Proposed Under Standing Order 26

Introduction

The purpose of the emergency adjournment motion is to allow a debate on a specific and important issue outside the schedule of House business. It is the Speaker's decision, based on the Member's presentation, which initially determines whether such a debate should take place. Before the 1968 rule changes, that decision took into account the urgency of the debate itself rather than the urgency of the issue. The Procedure Committee of 1968 thought this focus was too narrow and proposed that it be widened. At the same time, the House accepted the recommendation that the Speaker have regard to other criteria, including the administrative responsibility of the Government and, the scope of ministerial action, in reaching a decision. The practice of delaying an emergency adjournment debate until 8:00 p.m. was also introduced at this time.