Appendix 1: Proposed amendments to the Companion to the Standing Orders
Deleted text is struck through; inserted text is in bold text.
Proposals A and B
A: Revised guidance on the length of speeches opening and winding up debates on groups of amendments
B: Revised guidance on backbench speaking times as they apply to amendments
Insert the following new paragraph before paragraph 4.41, with consequential amendments to paragraphs 4.41 and 4.41A:
4.40A In debates at all stages on public bills other than second reading, all members opening or winding are expected to keep within 15 minutes, with the exception of ministers winding up who are expected to keep within 20 minutes. Other speakers are expected to keep within 10 minutes.
4.41 In other debates where there are no formal time limits, members opening or winding up, from either side, are expected to keep within 20 minutes …
4.41A The limits described in the preceding paragraphs are guidelines. The House expects them to be observed, but on occasion a speech of outstanding importance, or a ministerial speech winding up a long debate, may exceed them.
Proposals C, D and E
C: New guidance on length of speeches when pressing or withdrawing an amendment
D: New guidance to reduce repetition
E: New guidance that speeches should reflect the purpose of the stage at which they are made, even where a member was not present at an earlier stage
After paragraph 8.79, insert the following new heading and paragraphs:
Guidance on speaking at amending stages
8.79A Members taking part in debate at an amending stage should not use their speech simply to summarise or repeat at length points made by others. They should not make “second reading” speeches or make discursive interventions which are not relevant to the amendment(s) under discussion. A member need not be present at earlier stages of consideration of a bill to contribute to debate. Whether or not a member was present for earlier stages of consideration of a bill, their contribution should reflect the purpose of the current stage.
8.79B A member speaking more than once at Committee stage should not repeat points they have already made. Members (other than the Minister) pressing or withdrawing an amendment should normally be brief and need not respond to all the points made during the debate, nor revisit points made when moving the amendment.
8.79C For length of speeches on amendments, see paragraphs 4.41 and 4.41A.
Proposal F
F: Changes to how the clock is used during amending stages
Amend paragraph 4.42 as follows:
4.42 Clocks are installed under the galleries to time the length of speeches. The clocks are used principally to record:
- the length of speeches in all debates except debates on amendments, debates on delegated legislation where there is no speakers list and in Committee of the whole House;
- the time taken on amendments at all stages and, in Committee of the whole House, on debates on the Question that a clause or schedule stand part of the bill;
- the total time taken for oral questions and debates on delegated legislation where there is no speakers’ list; and
- for ministerial statements, the length of the statement itself, the frontbench exchanges and the backbench exchanges.