UK House of Commons

Rule History

Date Change Text
04 November 1947 Made

48A   Standing Committees / Meetings of standing committees

A standing committee to whom a bill has been committed shall meet to consider that bill on such days of the week (being days on which the House sits) as may be appointed by the standing committee at half-past ten of the clock, unless the committee otherwise determine: Provided that-

(i) the first meeting of a standing committee to consider a bill shall be on a day and at a time to be named by the chairman of the committee;

(ii) no standing committee shall sit between the hours of one of the clock and half-past three of the clock.

If a standing committee is not previously adjourned, the chairman shall adjourn the committee without question put at one of the clock: Provided that-

(i) if, in the opinion of the chairman, the proceedings on a bill could be brought to a conclusion by a short extension of the sitting, he may defer adjourning the committee until a quarter past one of the clock;

(ii) if proceedings under the standing order " Closure of debate " be in progress at the time when the chairman would be required to adjourn the committee under this paragraph, he shall not adjourn the committee until the questions consequent thereon and on any further motion as provided in that standing order, have been decided.

Government bills referred to a standing committee shall be considered in whatever order the government may decide.

28 July 1948 Amended

63   Standing Committees / Meetings of standing committees

A standing committee to whom a bill or other business has been committed shall meet to consider such business on the day and at the hour named by the member appointed chairman of the committee in respect of that business. If the consideration of the business is not completed at that sitting the committee shall meet further to consider the business on such days of the week (being days on which the House sits) as may be appointed by the committee at half-past ten of the clock, unless the committee otherwise determine:

Provided that no standing committee shall sit between the hours of one of the clock and half-past three of the clock in the afternoon, except as hereinafter provided.

If a standing committee is not previously adjourned, the chairman shall adjourn the committee without putting any question at one of the clock: Provided that-

(i) if, in the opinion of the chairman, the proceedings on a bill or other business could be brought to a final conclusion by a short extension of the sitting, he may defer adjourning the committee until a quarter past one of the clock;

(ii) if proceedings under standing order no. 29 (Closure of debate) be in progress at the time when the chairman is required to adjourn the committee under this paragraph, he shall not adjourn the committee until the question for closing the debate, the question or questions consequent thereon and on any further motion as provided in that standing order, have been decided.

06 December 1951 Amended

63   Standing Committees / Meetings of standing committees

A standing committee to whom a bill or other business has been committed shall meet to consider such business on the day and at the hour named by the Member appointed chairman of the committee in respect of that business. If the consideration of the business is not completed at that sitting the committee shall meet further to consider the business on such days of the week (being days on which the House sits) as may be appointed by the committee at half-past ten of the clock, unless the committee otherwise determine:

Provided that no standing committee shall sit between the hours of one of the clock and half-past three of the clock in the afternoon, except as hereinafter provided.

If a standing committee is not previously adjourned, the chairman shall adjourn the committee without putting any question at one of the clock: Provided that-

(i) if, in the opinion of the chairman, the proceedings on a bill or other business could be brought to a final conclusion by a short extension of the sitting, he may defer adjourning the committee until a quarter past one of the clock;

(ii) if proceedings under Standing Order No. 29 (Closure of debate) be in progress at the time when the chairman is required to adjourn the committee under this paragraph, he shall not adjourn the committee until the question for closing the debate, the question or questions consequent thereon and on any further motion as provided in that standing order, have been decided.

01 August 1963 Amended

66   Standing Committees / Meetings of standing committees

A standing committee to whom a bill or other business has been committed shall meet to consider such business on the day and at the hour named by the Member appointed chairman of the committee in respect of that business. If the consideration of the business is not completed at that sitting the committee shall meet further to consider the business on such days of the week (being days on which the House sits) as may be appointed by the committee at half-past ten of the clock, unless the committee otherwise determine:

Provided that no standing committee shall sit between the hours of one of the clock and half-past three of the clock in the afternoon, except as hereinafter provided.

If a standing committee is not previously adjourned, the chairman shall adjourn the committee without putting any question at one of the clock: Provided that-

(i) if, in the opinion of the chairman, the proceedings on a bill or other business could be brought to a final conclusion by a short extension of the sitting, he may defer adjourning the committee until a quarter past one of the clock;

(ii) if proceedings under Standing Order No. 31 (Closure of debate) be in progress at the time when the chairman is required to adjourn the committee under this paragraph, he shall not adjourn the committee until the question for closing the debate, the question or questions consequent thereon and on any further motion as provided in that standing order, have been decided.

08 March 1971 Amended

64   Standing Committees / Meetings of standing committees

A standing committee to whom a bill or other business has been committed shall meet to consider such business on the day and at the hour named by the Member appointed chairman of the committee in respect of that business. If the consideration of the business is not completed at that sitting the committee shall meet further to consider the business on such days of the week (being days on which the House sits) as may be appointed by the committee at half-past ten o'clock, unless the committee otherwise determine:

Provided that no standing committee shall sit between the hours of one o'clock and half-past three o'clock in the afternoon, except as hereinafter provided.

If a standing committee is not previously adjourned, the chairman shall adjourn the committee without putting any question at one o'clock: Provided that-

(i) if, in the opinion of the chairman, the proceedings on a bill or other business could be brought to a final conclusion by a short extension of the sitting, he may defer adjourning the committee until a quarter past one o'clock;

(ii) if proceedings under Standing Order No. 30 (Closure of debate) be in progress at the time when the Chairman is required to adjourn the committee under this paragraph, he shall not adjourn the committee until the question for the closure of debate, the question or questions consequent thereon and on any further motion as provided in that standing order, have been decided.

08 August 1972 Amended

64   Standing Committees / Meetings of standing committees

A standing committee to whom a bill or other business has been committed shall meet to consider such business on the day and at the hour named by the Member appointed chairman of the committee in respect of that business. If the consideration of the business is not completed at that sitting the committee shall meet further to consider the business on such days of the week (being days on which the House sits) as may be appointed by the committee at half-past ten o'clock, unless the committee otherwise determine:

Provided that no standing committee shall sit between the hours of one o'clock and half-past three o'clock in the afternoon, except as hereinafter provided.

If a standing committee is not previously adjourned, the chairman shall adjourn the committee without putting any question at one o'clock: Provided that-

(i) if, in the opinion of the chairman, the proceedings on a bill or other business could be brought to a final conclusion by a short extension of the sitting, he may defer adjourning the committee until a quarter past one o'clock;

(ii) if proceedings under Standing Order No. 30 (Closure of debate) be in progress at the time when the chairman is required to adjourn the committee under this paragraph, he shall not adjourn the committee until the question for the closure of debate, the question or questions consequent thereon and on any further motion as provided in that standing order, have been decided.

30 March 1983 Amended

67   Standing Committees / Meetings of standing committees

A standing committee to whom a bill or other business has been committed shall meet to consider such business on the day and at the hour named by the Member appointed chairman of the committee in respect of that business. If the consideration of the business is not completed at that sitting the committee shall meet further to consider the business on such days of the week (being days on which the House sits) as may be appointed by the committee at half-past ten o'clock, unless the committee otherwise determines:

Provided that no standing committee shall sit between the hours of one o'clock and half-past three o'clock in the afternoon, except as hereinafter provided.

If a standing committee is not previously adjourned, the chairman shall adjourn the committee without putting any question at one o'clock: Provided that-

(i) if, in the opinion of the chairman, the proceedings on a bill or other business could be brought to a final conclusion by a short extension of the sitting, he may defer adjourning the committee until a quarter past one o'clock;

(ii) if proceedings under Standing Order No. 31 (Closure of debate) be in progress at the time when the chairman is required to adjourn the committee under this paragraph, he shall not adjourn the committee until the question for the closure of debate, the question or questions consequent thereon and on any further motion as provided in that standing order, have been decided.

12 November 1986 Amended

88   Standing Committees / Meetings of standing committees

A standing committee to which a bill or other business has been committed shall meet to consider such business on the day and at the hour named by the Member appointed chairman of the committee in respect of that business. If the consideration of the business is not completed at that sitting the committee shall meet further to consider the business on such days of the week (being days on which the House sits) as may be appointed by the committee at half-past ten o'clock, unless the committee otherwise determines:

Provided that no standing committee shall sit between the hours of one o'clock and half-past three o'clock in the afternoon, except as hereinafter provided.

If a standing committee is not previously adjourned, the chairman shall adjourn the committee without putting any question at one o'clock: Provided that-

(i) if, in the opinion of the chairman, the proceedings on a bill or other business could be brought to a final conclusion by a short extension of the sitting, he may defer adjourning the committee until a quarter past one o'clock;

(ii) if proceedings under Standing Order No. 35 (Closure of debate) be in progress at the time when the chairman is required to adjourn the committee under this paragraph, he shall not adjourn the committee until the question for the closure of debate, the question or questions consequent thereon and on any further motion as provided in that standing order, have been decided.

24 October 1990 Amended

88   Standing Committees / Meetings of standing committees

A standing committee to which a bill or other business has been or stands committed shall meet to consider such business on the day and at the hour named by the Member appointed chairman of the committee in respect of that business. If the consideration of the business is not completed at that sitting the committee shall meet further to consider the business on such days of the week (being days on which the House sits) as may be appointed by the committee at half-past ten o'clock, unless the committee otherwise determines:

Provided that no standing committee shall sit between the hours of one o'clock and half-past three o'clock in the afternoon, except as hereinafter provided.

If a standing committee is not previously adjourned, the chairman shall adjourn the committee without putting any question at one o'clock: Provided that-

(i) if, in the opinion of the chairman, the proceedings on a bill or other business could be brought to a final conclusion by a short extension of the sitting, he may defer adjourning the committee until a quarter past one o'clock;

(ii) if proceedings under Standing Order No. 35 (Closure of debate) be in progress at the time when the chairman is required to adjourn the committee under this paragraph, he shall not adjourn the committee until the question for the closure of debate, the question or questions consequent thereon and on any further motion as provided in that standing order, have been decided.

08 November 1991 Amended

88   Standing Committees / Meetings of standing committees

A standing committee to which a bill or other business has been or stands committed shall meet to consider such business on the day and at the hour named by the Member appointed chairman of the committee in respect of that business. If the consideration of the business is not completed at that sitting the committee shall meet further to consider the business on such days of the week (being days on which the House sits) as may be appointed by the committee at half-past ten o'clock, unless the committee otherwise determines:

Provided that no standing committee shall sit between the hours of one o'clock and half-past three o'clock in the afternoon, except as hereinafter provided.

If a standing committee is not previously adjourned, the chairman shall adjourn the committee without putting any question at one o'clock: Provided that-

(i) if, in the opinion of the chairman, the proceedings on a bill or other business could be brought to a final conclusion by a short extension of the sitting, he may defer adjourning the committee until a quarter past one o'clock;

(ii) if proceedings under Standing Order No. 35 (Closure of debate) be in progress at the time when the chairman is required to adjourn the committee under this paragraph, he shall not adjourn the committee until the question for the closure of debate, the question or questions consequent thereon and on any further motion as provided in that Standing Order, have been decided.

20 March 1997 Amended

88   Standing Committees / Meetings of standing committees

A standing committee to which a bill or other business has been or stands committed shall meet to consider such business on the day and at the hour named by the Member appointed chairman of the committee in respect of that business. If the consideration of the business is not completed at that sitting the committee shall meet further to consider the business on such days of the week (being days on which the House sits) as may be appointed by the committee at half-past ten o'clock, unless the committee otherwise determines:

Provided that no standing committee shall sit between the hours of one o'clock and half-past three o'clock in the afternoon, except as hereinafter provided.

If a standing committee is not previously adjourned, the chairman shall adjourn the committee without putting any question at one o'clock, save as provided in Standing Order No. 100 (Scottish Grand Committee (sittings)), Standing Order No. 108 (Welsh Grand Committee (sittings)) and Standing Order No. 116 (Northern Ireland Grand Committee (sittings)); Provided that-

(i) if, in the opinion of the chairman, the proceedings on a bill or other business could be brought to a final conclusion by a short extension of the sitting, he may defer adjourning the committee until a quarter past one o'clock;

(ii) if proceedings under Standing Order No. 36 (Closure of debate) be in progress at the time when the chairman is required to adjourn the committee under this paragraph, he shall not adjourn the committee until the question for the closure of debate, the question or questions consequent thereon and on any further motion as provided in that Standing Order, have been decided.

29 October 2002 Amended

88   Standing Committees / Meetings of standing committees

A standing committee to which a bill or other business has been or stands committed shall meet to consider such business on the day and at the hour named by the Member appointed chairman of the committee in respect of that business. If the consideration of the business is not completed at that sitting the committee shall meet further to consider the business on such days of the week and at such times as may be appointed by the committee:

Provided that no standing committee shall sit at Westminster, on a day on which the House sits, between the hours of one o'clock and half-past three o'clock in the afternoon on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays or between the hours of twenty-five minutes past eleven o'clock in the morning and two o'clock in the afternoon on Thursdays, except as hereinafter provided.

If a standing committee to which the proviso to paragraph (1) of this order applies is not previously adjourned, the chairman shall adjourn the committee without putting any question at one o'clock or twenty-five minutes past eleven o'clock as the case may be, save as provided in Standing Order No. 100 (Scottish Grand Committee (sittings)), Standing Order No. 108 (Welsh Grand Committee (sittings)) and Standing Order No. 116 (Northern Ireland Grand Committee (sittings)); Provided that-

(i) if, in the opinion of the chairman, the proceedings on a bill or other business could be brought to a final conclusion by a short extension of the sitting, he may defer adjourning the committee for a quarter of an hour;

(ii) if proceedings under Standing Order No. 36 (Closure of debate) be in progress at the time when the chairman is required to adjourn the committee under this paragraph, he shall not adjourn the committee until the question for the closure of debate, the question or questions consequent thereon and on any further motion as provided in that Standing Order, have been decided.

Any standing committee may sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House.

26 January 2005 Amended

88   Standing Committees / Meetings of standing committees

A standing committee to which a bill or other business has been or stands committed shall meet to consider such business on the day and at the hour named by the Member appointed chairman of the committee in respect of that business. If the consideration of the business is not completed at that sitting the committee shall meet further to consider the business on such days of the week and at such times as may be appointed by the committee:

Provided that no standing committee shall sit at Westminster, on a day on which the House sits, between the hours of one o'clock and half-past three o'clock in the afternoon on Mondays or Tuesdays, between the hours of twenty-five minutes past eleven o'clock in the morning and half-past one o'clock in the afternoon on Wednesdays or between the hours of twenty-five minutes past ten o'clock in the morning and half-past twelve o'clock in the afternoon on Thursdays, except as hereinafter provided.

If a standing committee to which the proviso to paragraph (1) of this order applies is not previously adjourned, the chairman shall adjourn the committee without putting any question at one o'clock, twenty-five minutes past eleven o'clock or twenty-five minutes past ten o'clock, as the case may be, save as provided in Standing Order No. 100 (Scottish Grand Committee (sittings)), Standing Order No. 108 (Welsh Grand Committee (sittings)) and Standing Order No. 116 (Northern Ireland Grand Committee (sittings)); Provided that-

(i) if, in the opinion of the chairman, the proceedings on a bill or other business could be brought to a final conclusion by a short extension of the sitting, he may defer adjourning the committee for a quarter of an hour;

(ii) if proceedings under Standing Order No. 36 (Closure of debate) be in progress at the time when the chairman is required to adjourn the committee under this paragraph, he shall not adjourn the committee until the question for the closure of debate, the question or questions consequent thereon and on any further motion as provided in that Standing Order, have been decided.

Any standing committee may sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House.

01 November 2006 Amended

88   General Committees / Meetings of general committees

A general committee to which a bill or other business has been or stands committed shall meet to consider such business on the day and at the hour named by the Member appointed chairman of the committee in respect of that business. If the consideration of the business is not completed at that sitting, and subject to the proviso in paragraph (5) of Standing Order No. 84A (Public bill committees), the committee shall meet further to consider the business on such days of the week and at such times as may be appointed by the committee:

Provided that no general committee shall sit at Westminster, on a day on which the House sits, between the hours of one o'clock and half-past three o'clock in the afternoon on Mondays or Tuesdays, between the hours of twenty-five minutes past eleven o'clock in the morning and half-past one o'clock in the afternoon on Wednesdays or between the hours of twenty-five minutes past ten o'clock in the morning and half-past twelve o'clock in the afternoon on Thursdays, except as hereinafter provided.

If a general committee to which the proviso to paragraph (1) of this order applies is not previously adjourned, the chairman shall adjourn the committee without putting any question at one o'clock, twenty-five minutes past eleven o'clock or twenty-five minutes past ten o'clock, as the case may be, save as provided in Standing Order No. 100 (Scottish Grand Committee (sittings)), Standing Order No. 108 (Welsh Grand Committee (sittings)) and Standing Order No. 116 (Northern Ireland Grand Committee (sittings)); Provided that-

(i) if, in the opinion of the chairman, the proceedings on a bill or other business could be brought to a final conclusion by a short extension of the sitting, he may defer adjourning the committee for a quarter of an hour;

(ii) if proceedings under Standing Order No. 36 (Closure of debate) be in progress at the time when the chairman is required to adjourn the committee under this paragraph, he shall not adjourn the committee until the question for the closure of debate, the question or questions consequent thereon and on any further motion as provided in that Standing Order, have been decided.

Any general committee may sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House.

04 March 2010 Amended

88   General Committees / Meetings of general committees

A general committee to which a bill or other business has been or stands committed shall meet to consider such business on the day and at the hour named by the Member appointed chair of the committee in respect of that business. If the consideration of the business is not completed at that sitting, and subject to the proviso in paragraph (5) of Standing Order No. 84A (Public bill committees), the committee shall meet further to consider the business on such days of the week and at such times as may be appointed by the committee:

Provided that no general committee shall sit at Westminster, on a day on which the House sits, between the hours of one o'clock and half-past three o'clock in the afternoon on Mondays or Tuesdays, between the hours of twenty-five minutes past eleven o'clock in the morning and half-past one o'clock in the afternoon on Wednesdays or between the hours of twenty-five minutes past ten o'clock in the morning and half-past twelve o'clock in the afternoon on Thursdays, except as hereinafter provided.

If a general committee to which the proviso to paragraph (1) of this order applies is not previously adjourned, the chair shall adjourn the committee without putting any question at one o'clock, twenty-five minutes past eleven o'clock or twenty-five minutes past ten o'clock, as the case may be, save as provided in Standing Order No. 100 (Scottish Grand Committee (sittings)), Standing Order No. 108 (Welsh Grand Committee (sittings)) and Standing Order No. 116 (Northern Ireland Grand Committee (sittings)): Provided that-

(i) if, in the opinion of the chair, the proceedings on a bill or other business could be brought to a final conclusion by a short extension of the sitting, he may defer adjourning the committee for a quarter of an hour;

(ii) if proceedings under Standing Order No. 36 (Closure of debate) be in progress at the time when the chair is required to adjourn the committee under this paragraph, he shall not adjourn the committee until the question for the closure of debate, the question or questions consequent thereon and on any further motion as provided in that Standing Order, have been decided.

Any general committee may sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House.

11 July 2012 Amended

88   General Committees / Meetings of general committees

A general committee to which a bill or other business has been or stands committed shall meet to consider such business on the day and at the hour named by the Member appointed chair of the committee in respect of that business. If the consideration of the business is not completed at that sitting, and subject to the proviso in paragraph (5) of Standing Order No. 84A (Public bill committees), the committee shall meet further to consider the business on such days of the week and at such times as may be appointed by the committee:

Provided that no general committee shall sit at Westminster, on a day on which the House sits, between the hours of one o'clock and half-past three o'clock in the afternoon on Mondays, between the hours of twenty-five minutes past eleven o'clock in the morning and half-past one o'clock in the afternoon on Tuesdays or Wednesdays or between the hours of twenty-five minutes past nine o'clock in the morning and half-past eleven o'clock in the morning on Thursdays, except as hereinafter provided.

If a general committee to which the proviso to paragraph (1) of this order applies is not previously adjourned, the chair shall adjourn the committee without putting any question at one o'clock, twenty-five minutes past eleven o'clock or twenty-five minutes past nine o'clock, as the case may be, save as provided in Standing Order No. 100 (Scottish Grand Committee (sittings)), Standing Order No. 108 (Welsh Grand Committee (sittings)) and Standing Order No. 116 (Northern Ireland Grand Committee (sittings)): Provided that-

(i) if, in the opinion of the chair, the proceedings on a bill or other business could be brought to a final conclusion by a short extension of the sitting, he may defer adjourning the committee for a quarter of an hour;

(ii) if proceedings under Standing Order No. 36 (Closure of debate) be in progress at the time when the chair is required to adjourn the committee under this paragraph, he shall not adjourn the committee until the question for the closure of debate, the question or questions consequent thereon and on any further motion as provided in that Standing Order, have been decided.

Any general committee may sit notwithstanding any adjournment of the House.