Precedence and Sequence of Business / Superseding Motion

Adjournment; moving during question-and-comment period

Debates p. 3030

Background

On March 14, 1985, during debate on second reading of Bill C-24 (Act to amend the Oil Substitution and Conservation Act and the Canadian Home Insulation Program Act), the Speaker recognized Mr. Axworthy (Winnipeg—Fort Garry) for questions and comments on the previous speech. Mr. Axworthy proceeded to move that the House adjourn. The Speaker heard statements from several Members and then made his ruling.

Issue

Can a Member recognized during the question-and-comment period move to adjourn the House?

Decision

No. A motion to adjourn during the question -and-comment period is out of order.

Reasons given by the Speaker

The Standing Orders specify that a motion to adjourn is in order "unless otherwise prohibited in these Standing Orders". The ten-minute period following debate was brought into our rules not to allow debate but specifically for questions and comments, and no other purpose.

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Sources cited

Standing Order 29.

Special Committee on Standing Orders and Procedure, Third Report, November 5, 1982, p. 7:16.

References

Debates, March 14, 1985, pp. 3029-30.