![]() ![]() |
Closure is a procedural device used to bring debate on a question to a conclusion by “a majority decision of the House, even though all Members wishing to speak have not done so”.[32] The closure rule[33] provides the government with a procedure to prevent the further adjournment of debate on any matter and to require that the question be put at the end of the sitting in which a motion of closure is adopted. Apart from technical changes as to the hour at which debate is to conclude,[34] the rule has remained virtually unchanged since its adoption in 1913. Closure may be applied to any debatable matter, including bills and motions. The rule was conceived for use in a Committee of the Whole[35] as much as in the House, but it cannot be applied to the business of its standing, special, legislative or joint committees. When these committees are considering bills, the House may, however, use the time allocation rule[36] to impose a deadline on the committee stage or to force a committee to report the bill under consideration to the House.
|
![]() ![]() ![]() |