PREFACE
This is the 23rd edition of the Companion to the
Standing Orders of the House of Lords since Sir John Shaw-Lefevre,
then Clerk of the Parliaments, compiled his first edition for
private circulation in 1862. It is issued with the authority of
the Procedure Committee.
The Companion is the authoritative guide to procedure,
but it is by no means the only source of information for members.
A summary of key elements of procedure is given in the Brief Guide
on Procedure and Practice in the House and Grand Committee,
while general services are covered in the Handbook on facilities
and services for Members. Members may also consult the Guide
to the Code of Conduct, the Guide to Financial Support
for Members (from the Finance Department) and the booklets
on participation in legislative business issued by the Legislation
Office. All such guidance is available online. The Table Clerks
and procedural offices are always available to advise members.
DAVID BEAMISH
Clerk of the Parliaments
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