PREFACE
This is the 25th 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. Guidance on key
elements of procedure and taking part in business are given in the Short Guide
to Practice and Procedure in the Chamber and Grand Committee and the booklets
on participation in legislative business issued by the Legislation Office, while general
services are covered in the Handbook on facilities and services for Members and
their staff.
Members may also consult the Guide to the Code of Conduct the
Guide to Financial Support for Members
(from the Finance Department).The Table Clerks and procedural offices are
always available to advise members.
DAVID BEAMISH
Clerk of the Parliaments
ABBREVIATIONS
Erskine May Erskine May's Treatise on The Law, Privileges and Usage of Parliament, 24th edition, 2011
GO General Order (see paragraph 9.96)
HL Deb. House of Lords Official Report (Hansard)
LJ House of Lords Journals
PBSO Private Business Standing Order
SO Public Business Standing Order
REFERENCES TO HOUSE OF LORDS COMMITTEE REPORTS
Leave of Absence House of Lords (Leave of Absence) Select Committee
Offices Select Committee on the House of Lords' Offices
Procedure Select Committee on Procedure of the House
