Guides

The Committee Stage of a Bill normally takes place in a Standing Committee. A new Standing Committee is set up for each Bill, although there are normally no more than eight at one time. Even though the membership is different each time a Standing Committee is set up, they are always given the names Standing...Read More

Starred questions are questions for oral answer by Ministers. They are called 'Starred Questions' because they appear next to a star on the order paper. They can be tabled by any peer for the calendar month before the time specified for answer up to 24 hours before that time. In practice several weeks' notice is...Read More

Statements are normally delivered first to the Commons at about 12.30pm. They are repeated to the Lords by a relevant Minister at a convenient time after that. The Minister reads out the text of the statement made to the Commons. Opposition spokespersons then make speeches in response to which the Minister responds. Brief questions from...Read More

By convention, the House expects to be the first to be informed of important issues, including new government policy announcements and updates on developing situations. Ministers will, therefore, often address the House in a statement. Statements normally follow oral questions, but, with the agreement of the Speaker, can take place at any time. Depending on...Read More