UK Parliament — House of Commons

That Notices of questions be given by Members in writing to the Clerk at the Table, without reading them viva voce in the House, unless the consent of the Speaker to any particular question has been previously obtained.

On days when there are two sittings of the House, Questions shall be taken at a quarter-past Two of the clock.

No Questions shall be taken after five minutes before Three of the clock, except Questions which have not been answered in consequence of the absence of the Minister to whom they are addressed, and Questions which have not appeared on the Paper, but which are of an urgent character, and relate either to matters of public importance or to the arrangement of business.

Any Member who desires an oral answer to his Question may distinguish it by an asterisk, but notice of any such Question must appear at latest on the Notice Paper circulated, on the day before that on which an answer is desired.

If any Member does not distinguish his Question by an asterisk, or if he or any other Member deputed by him is not present to ask it, or if it is not reached by five minutes before Three of the clock, the Minister to whom it is addressed shall cause an answer to be printed and circulated with the Votes, unless the Member has signified his desire to postpone the Question.

Notices of questions shall be given by members in writing to the clerk at the table, without reading them viva voce in the house, unless the consent of the speaker to any particular question has been previously obtained.

On days when there are two sittings of the house, questions shall be taken at a quarter past two of the clock.

No questions shall be taken after five minutes before three of the clock, except questions which have not been answered in consequence of the absence of the minister to whom they are addressed, and questions which have not appeared on the paper, but which are of an urgent character, and relate either to matters of public importance or to the arrangement of business.

Any member who desires an oral answer to his question may distinguish it by an asterisk, but notice of any such question must appear at latest on the notice paper circulated on the day before that on which an answer is desired.

If any member does not distinguish his question by an asterisk, or if he or any other member deputed by him is not present to ask it, or if it is not reached by five minutes before three of the clock, the minister to whom it is addressed shall cause an answer to be printed and circulated with the votes, unless the member has signified his desire to postpone the question.

Notices of questions shall be given by members in writing to the clerk at the table, without reading them viva voce in the house, unless the consent of the speaker to any particular question has been previously obtained.

Questions shall be taken on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, after private business has been disposed of, and not later than three of the clock.

No questions shall be taken after a quarter before four of the clock, except questions which have not been answered in consequence of the absence of the minister to whom they are addressed, and questions which have not appeared on the paper, but which are of an urgent character, and relate either to matters of public importance or to the arrangement of business.

Any member who desires an oral answer to his question may distinguish it by an asterisk, but notice of any such question must appear at latest on the notice paper circulated on the day before that on which an answer is desired.

If any member does not distinguish his question by an asterisk, or if he or any other member deputed by him is not present to ask it, or if it is not reached by a quarter before four of the clock, the minister to whom it is addressed shall cause an answer to be printed and circulated with the votes, unless the member has signified his desire to postpone the question.

Notices of questions shall be given by members in writing to the clerk at the table without reading them viva voce in the house, unless the consent of the speaker to any particular question has been previously obtained.

Questions shall be taken on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, after private business has been disposed of, and not later than three of the clock.

No questions shall be taken after a quarter before four of the clock, except questions which have not been answered in consequence of the absence of the minister to whom they are addressed, and questions which have not appeared on the paper, but which are of an urgent character, and relate either to matters of public importance or to the arrangement of business.

Any member who desires an oral answer to his question may distinguish it by an asterisk, but notice of any such question must appear at latest on the notice paper circulated on the day before that on which an answer is desired.

If any member does not distinguish his question by an asterisk, or if he or any other member deputed by him is not present to ask it, or if it is not reached by a quarter before four of the clock, the minister to whom it is addressed shall cause an answer to be printed in the Official Report of the Parliamentary Debates, unless the member has signified his desire to postpone the question.

Notices of questions shall be given by members in writing to the clerk at the table without reading them viva voce in the House, unless the consent of Mr. Speaker to any particular question has been previously obtained.

Questions shall be taken on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, after private business has been disposed of, and not later than three of the clock.

No questions shall be taken after a quarter before four of the clock, except questions which have not been answered in consequence of the absence of the minister to whom they are addressed, and questions which have not appeared on the paper, but which are of an urgent character, and relate either to matters of public importance or to the arrangement of business.

Any member who desires an oral answer to his question may distinguish it by an asterisk, but notice of any such question must appear at latest on the notice paper circulated on the day before that on which an answer is desired.

If any member does not distinguish his question by an asterisk, or if he or any other member deputed by him is not present to ask it, or if it is not reached by a quarter before four of the clock, the minister to whom it is addressed shall cause an answer to be printed in the Official Report of the Parliamentary Debates, unless the member has before questions are disposed of signified his desire to postpone the question.

Notices of questions shall be given by members in writing to the clerk at the table without reading them viva voce in the House, unless the consent of Mr. Speaker to any particular question has been previously obtained.

Questions shall be taken on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, after private business has been disposed of, and not later than a quarter to three of the clock.

No questions shall be taken after half-past three of the clock, except questions which have not been answered in consequence of the absence of the minister to whom they are addressed, and questions which have not appeared on the paper, but which are of an urgent character, and relate either to matters of public importance or to the arrangement of business.

Any member who desires an oral answer to his question may distinguish it by an asterisk, but notice of any such question must appear at latest on the notice paper circulated two days (excluding Sunday) before that on which an answer is desired. Provided that questions received at the Table Office on Monday and Tuesday before half-past two of the clock and on Friday before eleven of the clock, may, if so desired by the member, be put down for oral answer on the following Wednesday, Thursday and Monday, respectively.

If any member does not distinguish his question by an asterisk, or if he or any other member deputed by him is not present to ask it, or if it is not reached by half-past three of the clock, the minister to whom it is addressed shall cause an answer to be printed in the Official Report of the Parliamentary Debates, unless the member has before questions are disposed of signified his desire to postpone the question.

Whenever the House is adjourned for more than one day, notices of questions received at the Table Office at any time not later than half-past four of the clock on either of the two last days on which the House is not sitting (excluding any Saturday or Sunday) shall be treated as if either day were a day on which the House were sitting at half-past four of the clock and the notice had been received after half-past two of the clock, and notices of questions received at the Table Office at any time not later than half-past four of the clock on a day before the penultimate day shall be treated as if they had been so received on the penultimate day.

Notices of questions shall be given by Members in writing to a Clerk at the Table and shall not be read viva voce in the House.

Questions shall be taken on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, after private business has been disposed of, and not later than a quarter to three of the clock.

No questions shall be taken after half-past three of the clock, except questions which have not been answered in consequence of the absence of the Minister to whom they are addressed, and questions which have not appeared on the paper, but which are in Mr. Speaker's opinion of an urgent character, and relate either to matters of public importance or to the arrangement of business.

A Member who desires an oral answer to his question shall distinguish it by an asterisk, but notice of any such question must appear at latest on the notice paper circulated two days (excluding Sunday) before that on which an answer is desired. Provided that questions received at the Table Office on Monday and Tuesday before half-past two of the clock and on Friday before eleven of the clock, may, if so desired by the Member, be put down for oral answer on the following Wednesday, Thursday and Monday, respectively.

If any Member does not distinguish his question by an asterisk, or if he is not present to ask it, or if it is not reached by half-past three of the clock, the Minister to whom it is addressed shall cause an answer to be printed in the Official Report of the Parliamentary Debates, unless the Member has before half-past three of the clock signified his desire to postpone the question.

Whenever the House is adjourned for more than one day, notices of questions received at the Table Office at any time during the adjournment shall be treated-

if received not later than half-past four of the clock on the last day but one, as if they had been received after half-past two of the clock during a sitting of the House on that day;

if received after half-past four of the clock on the last day but one and not later than half-past four of the clock on the last day, as if they had been received after half-past two of the clock during a sitting of the House on that day; and

if received after half-past four of the clock on the last day, as if they had been received before half-past two of the clock on the day the House meets:

Provided that if the last day of the adjournment be a Sunday, the Friday and Thursday immediately preceding shall for the purposes of this paragraph be deemed to be respectively the last day and the last day but one of the adjournment; and that if the last day be a Monday the preceding Friday shall for the purposes aforesaid be deemed to be the last day but one of the adjournment.

Notices of questions shall be given by Members in writing to a Clerk at the Table and shall not be read viva voce in the House.

Questions shall be taken on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, after private business has been disposed of, and not later than a quarter to three of the clock.

No questions shall be taken after half-past three of the clock, except questions which have not been answered in consequence of the absence of the Minister to whom they are addressed, and questions which have not appeared on the paper, but which are in Mr. Speaker's opinion of an urgent character, and relate either to matters of public importance or to the arrangement of business.

A Member who desires an oral answer to his question shall distinguish it by an asterisk, but notice of any such question must appear at latest on the notice paper circulated two days (excluding Sunday) before that on which an answer is desired: Provided that questions received at the Table Office on Monday and Tuesday before half-past two of the clock and on Friday before eleven of the clock, may, if so desired by the Member, be put down for oral answer on the following Wednesday, Thursday and Monday, respectively.

If any Member does not distinguish his question by an asterisk, or if he is not present to ask it, or if it is not reached by half-past three of the clock, the Minister to whom it is addressed shall cause an answer to be printed in the Official Report of the Parliamentary Debates, unless the Member has before half-past three of the clock signified his desire to postpone the question.

Whenever the House is adjourned for more than one day, notices of questions received at the Table Office at any time during the adjournment shall be treated-

if received not later than half-past four of the clock on the last day but one, as if they had been received after half-past two of the clock during a sitting of the House on that day;

if received after half-past four of the clock on the last day but one and not later than half-past four of the clock on the last day, as if they had been received after half-past two of the clock during a sitting of the House on that day; and

if received after half-past four of the clock on the last day, as if they had been received before half-past two of the clock on the day the House meets:

Provided that if the last day of the adjournment be a Sunday, the Friday and Thursday immediately preceding shall for the purposes of this paragraph be deemed to be respectively the last day and the last day but one of the adjournment; and that if the last day be a Monday the preceding Friday shall for the purposes aforesaid be deemed to be the last day but one of the adjournment.

Notices of questions shall be given by Members in writing to a Clerk at the Table and shall not be read viva voce in the House.

Questions shall be taken on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, after private business has been disposed of, and not later than a quarter to three of the clock.

No questions shall be taken after half-past three of the clock, except questions which have not been answered in consequence of the absence of the Minister to whom they are addressed, and questions which have not appeared on the paper, but which are in Mr. Speaker's opinion of an urgent character, and relate either to matters of public importance or to the arrangement of business.

A Member who desires an oral answer to his question shall distinguish it by an asterisk, but subject to paragraph (5) of this Order notice of any such question must appear at latest on the notice paper circulated two days (excluding Sunday) before that on which an answer is desired: Provided that notice of questions for oral answer on a Monday must be given not later than ten of the clock on the preceding Thursday evening.

Questions received at the Table Office on Monday and Tuesday before half-past two of the clock may, if so desired by the Member, be put down for oral answer on the following Wednesday and Thursday respectively: Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to questions received on the first day of a session nor to questions received on the day on which the House first meets pursuant to Standing Order No. 117 (Earlier meeting of House in certain circumstances).

Notice of a question shall not be given for oral answer on a day later than twenty-one days after the date of notice. In reckoning the period of twenty-one days, no account shall be taken of any period during which the House stands adjourned for more than two days.

If any Member does not distinguish his question by an asterisk, or if he is not present to ask it, or if it is not reached by half-past three of the clock, the Minister to whom it is addressed shall cause an answer to be printed in the Official Report of the Parliamentary Debates, unless the Member has before half-past three of the clock signified his desire to postpone the question.

Whenever the House is adjourned for more than one day, notices of questions received at the Table Office at any time during the adjournment for answer on or after the day to which the House stands adjourned shall be treated-

if received not later than half-past four of the clock on the last day but one, as if they had been received after half-past two of the clock during a sitting of the House on that day;

if received after half-past four of the clock on the last day but one and not later than half-past four of the clock on the last day, as if they had been received after half-past two of the clock during a sitting of the House on the last day; and

if received after half-past four of the clock on the last day, as if they had been received before half-past two of the clock on the day the House meets:

Provided that if the last day of the adjournment be a Sunday, the Friday and Thursday immediately preceding shall for the purposes of this paragraph be deemed to be respectively the last day and the last day but one of the adjournment; and that if the last day be a Monday the preceding Friday shall for the purposes aforesaid be deemed to be the last day but one of the adjournment.

Notices of questions shall be given by Members in writing to a Clerk at the Table or to the Table Office.

Questions shall be taken on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, after private business has been disposed of, and not later than a quarter to three o'clock.

No questions shall be taken after half-past three o'clock, except questions which have not been answered in consequence of the absence of the Minister to whom they are addressed, and questions which have not appeared on the paper, but which are in Mr. Speaker's opinion of an urgent character, and relate either to matters of public importance or to the arrangement of business.

A Member who desires an oral answer to his question shall distinguish it by an asterisk, but subject to paragraph (5) of this order notice of any such question must appear at latest on the notice paper circulated two days (excluding Sunday) before that on which an answer is desired: Provided that notice of questions for oral answer on a Monday must be given not later than ten o'clock on the preceding Thursday evening.

Questions received at the Table Office before half-past two o'clock on a Monday or Tuesday on which the House is sitting may, if so desired by the Member, be put down for oral answer on the following Wednesday or Thursday respectively: Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to questions received on the first day of a session nor to questions received on the day on which the House first meets pursuant to Standing Order No. 122 (Earlier meeting of House in certain circumstances).

Notice of a question shall not be given for oral answer on a day later than twenty-one days after the date of notice. In reckoning the period of twenty-one days, no account shall be taken of any period during which the House stands adjourned for more than two days.

If any Member does not distinguish his question by an asterisk, or if he is not present to ask it, or if it is not reached by half-past three o'clock, the Minister to whom it is addressed shall cause an answer to be printed in the Official Report of the Parliamentary Debates, unless the Member has before half-past three o'clock signified his desire to postpone the question.

Whenever the House stands adjourned to a day other than the next day (not being a Saturday or Sunday)-

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Monday, notices of questions for oral answer on that Monday shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Thursday; and notices of questions for oral answer on the Tuesday following shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Friday;

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Tuesday, notices of questions for oral answer on that Tuesday or the Wednesday following shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Friday;

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Wednesday, notices of questions for oral answer on that Wednesday shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Friday; and notices of questions for oral answer on the Thursday following shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Monday;

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Thursday, notices of questions for oral answer on that Thursday shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Monday; and

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Friday, notices of questions for oral answer on the following Monday shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Thursday:

Provided that this paragraph shall not affect the provisions of paragraphs (4) and (5) of this Standing Order if the House should sit on any day on which they are applicable.

Notices of questions shall be given by Members in writing to a Clerk at the Table or to the Table Office.

Questions shall be taken on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, after private business has been disposed of, and not later than a quarter to three o'clock.

No questions shall be taken after half-past three o'clock, except questions which have not been answered in consequence of the absence of the Minister to whom they are addressed, and questions which have not appeared on the paper, but which are in Mr. Speaker's opinion of an urgent character, and relate either to matters of public importance or to the arrangement of business.

A Member who desires an oral answer to his question shall distinguish it by an asterisk, but subject to paragraph (5) of this order notice of any such question must appear at latest on the notice paper circulated two days (excluding Sunday) before that on which an answer is desired: Provided that notice of questions for oral answer on a Monday must be given not later than ten o'clock on the preceding Thursday evening.

Questions received at the Table Office before half-past two o'clock on a Monday or Tuesday on which the House is sitting may, if so desired by the Member, be put down for oral answer on the following Wednesday or Thursday respectively: Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to questions received on the first day of a session nor to questions received on the day on which the House first meets pursuant to Standing Order No. 122 (Earlier meeting of House in certain circumstances).

Notice of a question shall not be given for oral answer on a day later than ten sitting days after the date of notice.

If any Member does not distinguish his question by an asterisk, or if he is not present to ask it, or if it is not reached by half-past three o'clock, the Minister to whom it is addressed shall cause an answer to be printed in the Official Report of the Parliamentary Debates, unless the Member has before half-past three o'clock signified his desire to postpone the question.

A Member who, while not desiring an oral answer to his question, desires that the answer to it shall be printed in the Official Report not later than the day for which notice has been given, shall distinguish it with the letter W, and the Minister shall cause the answer to be so printed: Provided that the minimum notice for such a question shall be the same as that prescribed for questions for oral answer in paragraphs (4) and (5) of this Order.

Whenever the House stands adjourned to a day other than the next day (not being a Saturday or Sunday)-

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Monday, notices of questions for oral answer on that Monday shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Thursday; and notices of questions for oral answer on the Tuesday following shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Friday;

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Tuesday, notices of questions for oral answer on that Tuesday or the Wednesday following shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Friday;

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Wednesday, notices of questions for oral answer on that Wednesday shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Friday; and notices of questions for oral answer on the Thursday following shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Monday;

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Thursday, notices of questions for oral answer on that Thursday shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Monday; and

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Friday, notices of questions for oral answer on the following Monday shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Thursday:

Provided that this paragraph shall not affect the provisions of paragraphs (4) and (5) of this standing order if the House should sit on any day on which they are applicable.

Notices of questions shall be given by Members in writing to a Clerk at the Table or to the Table Office.

Questions shall be taken on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, after private business has been disposed of, and not later than a quarter to three o'clock.

No questions shall be taken after half-past three o'clock, except questions which have not been answered in consequence of the absence of the Minister to whom they are addressed, and questions which have not appeared on the paper, but which are in Mr. Speaker's opinion of an urgent character, and relate either to matters of public importance or to the arrangement of business.

A Member who desires an oral answer to his question shall distinguish it by an asterisk, but subject to paragraph (5) of this order notice of any such question must appear at latest on the notice paper circulated two days (excluding Sunday) before that on which an answer is desired.

Questions received at the Table Office before half-past two o'clock on a Monday or Tuesday on which the House is sitting may, if so desired by the Member, be put down for oral answer on the following Wednesday or Thursday respectively: Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to questions received on the first day of a session nor to questions received on the day on which the House first meets pursuant to Standing Order No. 122 (Earlier meeting of House in certain circumstances).

Notice of a question shall not be given for oral answer on a day later than ten sitting days after the date of notice.

If any Member does not distinguish his question by an asterisk, or if he is not present to ask it, or if it is not reached by half-past three o'clock, the Minister to whom it is addressed shall cause an answer to be printed in the Official Report of the Parliamentary Debates, unless the Member has before half-past three o'clock signified his desire to postpone the question.

A Member who, while not desiring an oral answer to his question, desires that the answer to it shall be printed in the Official Report not later than the day for which notice has been given, shall distinguish it with the letter W, and the Minister shall cause the answer to be so printed: Provided that the minimum notice for such a question shall be the same as that prescribed for questions for oral answer in paragraphs (4) and (5) of this Order.

Whenever the House stands adjourned to a day other than the next day (not being a Saturday or Sunday)-

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Monday, notices of questions for oral answer on that Monday shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Thursday; and notices of questions for oral answer on the Tuesday following shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Friday;

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Tuesday, notices of questions for oral answer on that Tuesday or the Wednesday following shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Friday;

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Wednesday, notices of questions for oral answer on that Wednesday shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Friday; and notices of questions for oral answer on the Thursday following shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Monday;

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Thursday, notices of questions for oral answer on that Thursday shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Monday; and

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Friday, notices of questions for oral answer on the following Monday shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Thursday:

Provided that this paragraph shall not affect the provisions of paragraphs (4) and (5) of this standing order if the House should sit on any day on which they are applicable.

Notices of questions shall be given by Members in writing to a Clerk at the Table or to the Table Office.

Questions shall be taken on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, after private business has been disposed of, and not later than a quarter to three o'clock.

No questions shall be taken after half-past three o'clock, except questions which have not been answered in consequence of the absence of the Minister to whom they are addressed, and questions which have not appeared on the paper, but which are in Mr. Speaker's opinion of an urgent character, and relate either to matters of public importance or to the arrangement of business.

A Member who desires an oral answer to his question shall distinguish it by an asterisk, but subject to paragraph (5) of this order notice of any such question must appear at latest on the notice paper circulated two days (excluding Sunday) before that on which an answer is desired.

Questions received at the Table Office before half-past two o'clock on a Monday or Tuesday on which the House is sitting may, if so decided by the Member, be put down for oral answer on the following Wednesday or Thursday respectively: Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to questions received on the first day of a session nor to questions received on the day on which the House first meets pursuant to Standing Order No. 143 (Earlier meeting of House in certain circumstances).

Notice of a question shall not be given for oral answer on a day later than ten sitting days after the date of notice.

If a Member does not distinguish his question by an asterisk, or if he is not present to ask it, or if it is not reached by half-past three o'clock, the Minister to whom it is addressed shall cause an answer to be printed in the Official Report of the Parliamentary Debates, unless the Member has before half-past three o'clock signified his desire to postpone the question.

A Member who, while not desiring an oral answer to his question, desires that the answer to it shall be printed in the Official Report on the day for which notice has been given, shall distinguish it with the letter W, and the Minister shall cause the answer to be so printed: Provided that the minimum notice for such a question shall be the same as that prescribed for questions for oral answer.

Whenever the House stands adjourned to a day other than the next day (not being a Saturday or Sunday)-

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Monday, notices of questions for oral answer on that Monday shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Thursday; and notices of questions for oral answer on the Tuesday following shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Friday;

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Tuesday, notices of questions for oral answer on that Tuesday or the Wednesday following shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Friday;

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Wednesday, notices of questions for oral answer on that Wednesday shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Friday; and notices of questions for oral answer on the Thursday following shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Monday;

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Thursday, notices of questions for oral answer on that Thursday shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Monday; and

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Friday, notices of questions for oral answer on the following Monday shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Thursday:

Provided that this paragraph shall not affect the provisions of paragraphs (4) and (5) of this order if the House should sit on any day on which they are applicable.

Any questions tabled for written answer on a day on which this House does not sit by reason of the continuance of a previous sitting shall be deemed to be questions for written answer on the next sitting day and shall appear on the order paper for that day.

Notices of questions shall be given by Members in writing to a Clerk at the Table or to the Table Office.

Questions shall be taken on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, after private business has been disposed of, and not later than a quarter to three o'clock.

No questions shall be taken after half-past three o'clock, except questions which have not been answered in consequence of the absence of the Minister to whom they are addressed, and questions which have not appeared on the paper, but which are in Mr. Speaker's opinion of an urgent character, and relate either to matters of public importance or to the arrangement of business.

A Member who desires an oral answer to his question shall distinguish it by an asterisk, but subject to paragraph (5) of this order notice of any such question must appear at latest on the notice paper circulated two days (excluding Sunday) before that on which an answer is desired.

Questions received at the Table Office before half-past two o'clock on a Monday or Tuesday on which the House is sitting may, if so decided by the Member, be put down for oral answer on the following Wednesday or Thursday respectively: Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to questions received on the first day of a session nor to questions received on the day on which the House first meets pursuant to Standing Order No. 12 (Earlier meeting of House in certain circumstances).

Notice of a question shall not be given for oral answer on a day later than ten sitting days after the date of notice.

If a Member does not distinguish his question by an asterisk, or if he is not present to ask it, or if it is not reached by half-past three o'clock, the Minister to whom it is addressed shall cause an answer to be printed in the Official Report of the Parliamentary Debates, unless the Member has before half-past three o'clock signified his desire to postpone the question.

A Member who, while not desiring an oral answer to his question, desires that the answer to it shall be printed in the Official Report on the day for which notice has been given, shall distinguish it with the letter W, and the Minister shall cause the answer to be so printed: Provided that the minimum notice for such a question shall be the same as that prescribed for questions for oral answer.

Whenever the House stands adjourned to a day other than the next day (not being a Saturday or Sunday)-

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Monday, notices of questions for oral answer on that Monday shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Thursday; and notices of questions for oral answer on the Tuesday following shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Friday;

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Tuesday, notices of questions for oral answer on that Tuesday or the Wednesday following shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Friday;

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Wednesday, notices of questions for oral answer on that Wednesday shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Friday; and notices of questions for oral answer on the Thursday following shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Monday;

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Thursday, notices of questions for oral answer on that Thursday shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Monday; and

if the day to which the House stands adjourned is a Friday, notices of questions for oral answer on the following Monday shall not be received later than half-past four o'clock on the preceding Thursday:

Provided that this paragraph shall not affect the provisions of paragraphs (4) and (5) of this order if the House should sit on any day on which they are applicable.

Any questions tabled for written answer on a day on which this House does not sit by reason of the continuance of a previous sitting shall be deemed to be questions for written answer on the next sitting day and shall appear on the order paper for that day.

Notices of questions shall be given by Members in writing to the Table Office.

A notice of a question, or of an amendment to a motion standing on the Order Paper for which no day has been fixed or of the addition of a name in support of such a motion or amendment, which is given after half-past ten o'clock in the evening shall be treated for all purposes as if it were a notice handed in after the rising of the House.

A Member shall indicate on the notice of any question whether it is for oral, written or priority written answer.

Where a Member has indicated that a question is for priority answer the Minister shall cause an answer to be given to the Member on the date for which notice has been given, provided that the requirement of notice shall be the same for such questions as that prescribed in this order for questions for oral answer.

Notice of a question for oral answer may not be given on a day earlier than ten sitting days before the day for answer, provided that, where that earliest day would otherwise fall on a Friday, the earliest day on which such notice may be given will instead be the previous sitting day.

Notice of any question for oral answer must appear at latest on the notice paper circulated two days (excluding Saturday and Sunday) before that on which an answer is desired.

When it is proposed that the House shall adjourn for a period of less than four days, any day during that period (other than a Saturday or Sunday) shall be counted as a sitting day for the purpose of calculating the period in paragraph (5) of this order.

When notice shall have been given of a Motion for the adjournment of the House for more than three days Mr. Speaker may cause to have printed and circulated with the Vote a memorandum superseding the provisions of paragraphs (5) and (6) of this order and instead setting out the earliest day on which notice of questions for oral answer may be given for each of the first ten sitting days after that adjournment, provided that each such day shall as far as practicable fall on the same day of the week as that on which the question is to be answered and shall not be fewer than fourteen days before the day for answer; and also setting out the latest day for notice of questions for oral answer on each of the first two sitting days following that adjournment, provided that each such day shall not be fewer than two days (excluding Saturday and Sunday) before the day for answer.

Notices of questions shall be given by Members in writing to the Table Office.

A notice of a question, or of an amendment to a motion standing on the order paper for which no day has been fixed or of the addition of a name in support of such a motion or amendment, which is given after half-past ten o'clock in the evening shall be treated for all purposes as if it were a notice handed in after the rising of the House.

A Member shall indicate on the notice of any question whether it is for oral or written answer and a Member may indicate a date for answer of a question for written answer in accordance with paragraph (4) of this order.

Where a Member has indicated that a question is for written answer on a named day the Minister shall cause an answer to be given to the Member on the date for which notice has been given, provided that the requirement of notice shall be the same for such questions as that prescribed in this order for questions for oral answer.

Notice of a question for oral answer may not be given on a day earlier than ten sitting days before the day for answer, provided that, where that earliest day would otherwise fall on a Friday, the earliest day on which such notice may be given will instead be the previous sitting day.

Notice of any question for oral answer must appear at latest on the notice paper circulated two days (excluding Saturday and Sunday) before that on which an answer is desired.

When it is proposed that the House shall adjourn for a period of less than four days, any day during that period (other than a Saturday or Sunday) shall be counted as a sitting day for the purpose of calculating the period in paragraph (5) of this order.

When notice shall have been given of a Motion for the adjournment of the House for more than three days the Speaker may cause to have printed and circulated with the Vote a memorandum superseding the provisions of paragraphs (5) and (6) of this order and instead setting out the earliest day on which notice of questions for oral answer may be given for each of the first ten sitting days after that adjournment, provided that each such day shall as far as practicable fall on the same day of the week as that on which the question is to be answered and shall not be fewer than fourteen days before the day for answer; and also setting out the latest day for notice of questions for oral answer on each of the first two sitting days following that adjournment, provided that each such day shall not be fewer than two days (excluding Saturday and Sunday) before the day for answer.

Notices of questions shall be given by Members in writing to the Table Office.

A notice of a question, or of an amendment to a motion standing on the order paper for which no day has been fixed or of the addition of a name in support of such a motion or amendment, which is given after half-past ten o'clock in the evening shall be treated for all purposes as if it were a notice handed in after the rising of the House.

A Member shall indicate on the notice of any question whether it is for oral or written answer and a Member may indicate a date for answer of a question for written answer in accordance with paragraph (4) of this order.

Where a Member has indicated that a question is for written answer on a named day the Minister shall cause an answer to be given to the Member on the date for which notice has been given, provided that the requirement of notice shall be the same for such questions as that prescribed in this order for questions for oral answer.

Notice of a question for oral answer may not be given on a day earlier than ten sitting days before the day for answer, provided that, where that earliest day would otherwise fall on a Friday, the earliest day on which such notice may be given will instead be the previous sitting day.

Notice of any question for oral answer must appear at latest on the notice paper circulated two days (excluding Saturday and Sunday) before that on which an answer is desired.

When it is proposed that the House shall adjourn for a period of fewer than four days, any day during that period (other than a Saturday or Sunday) shall be counted as a sitting day for the purpose of calculating the period in paragraph (5) of this order.

When it is proposed that the House should adjourn for a period of more than three days the Speaker shall cause to have printed and circulated with the Vote a memorandum superseding the provisions of paragraphs (5) and (6) of this order, provided that each day named as the earliest on which notice of a question for oral answer may be given shall as far as practicable fall on the same day of the week as that on which the question is to be answered; and also setting out the latest day for notice of questions for oral answer on each of the first two sitting days following that adjournment, provided that each such day shall not be fewer than two days (excluding Saturday and Sunday) before the day for answer.

Notices of questions shall be given by Members in writing to the Table Office in a form determined by the Speaker.

A notice of a question, or of an amendment to a motion standing on the order paper for which no day has been fixed or of the addition of a name in support of such a motion or amendment, which is given later than half an hour after the moment of interruption shall be treated for all purposes as if it were a notice handed in after the rising of the House.

A Member shall indicate on the notice of any question whether it is for oral or written answer and a Member may indicate a date for answer of a question for written answer in accordance with paragraph (4) of this order.

Where a Member has indicated that a question is for written answer on a named day the Minister shall cause an answer to be given to the Member on the date for which notice has been given, provided that-

notice has appeared at latest on the notice paper circulated two days (excluding Saturday and Sunday) before that on which an answer is desired; and

a Member may not table more than five such questions on any one day.

Notice of a question for oral answer may be given only for answer on the next day on which the Member to whom it is addressed is due to give oral answers; and in respect of each such day the Speaker shall specify the latest date and time at which notice may be given and how many questions are to be printed for each Member answering; and only that number of notices of questions (selected at random from those received in a manner to be prescribed by the Speaker) shall be treated as valid notices received on the day concerned: Provided that the latest date and time specified by the Speaker shall be such as to enable the notices selected to be printed and circulated-

in the case of questions to the Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales at least four days (excluding Friday, Saturday and Sunday) before the question is to be answered or

in the case of questions to other Ministers, at least two days (excluding Friday, Saturday and Sunday) before the question is to be answered.

When it is proposed that the House should adjourn for a period of more than three days the Speaker shall cause to have printed and circulated with the Vote a memorandum superseding the provisions of paragraphs (4) and (5) of this order and specifying the arrangements for tabling questions during the adjournment.

Notices of questions shall be given by Members in writing to the Table Office in a form determined by the Speaker.

A notice of a question, or of an amendment to a motion standing on the order paper for which no day has been fixed or of the addition of a name in support of such a motion or amendment, which is given later than half an hour after the moment of interruption shall be treated for all purposes as if it were a notice handed in after the rising of the House.

A Member shall indicate on the notice of any question whether it is for oral or written answer and a Member may indicate a date for answer of a question for written answer in accordance with paragraph (4) of this order.

Where a Member has indicated that a question is for written answer on a named day the Minister shall cause an answer to be given to the Member on the date for which notice has been given, provided that-

notice has appeared at latest on the notice paper circulated two days (excluding Saturday and Sunday) before that on which an answer is desired; and

a Member may not table more than five such questions on any one day.

Notice of a question for oral answer may be given only for answer on the next day on which the Member to whom it is addressed is due to give oral answers; and in respect of each such day the Speaker shall specify the latest date and time at which notice may be given and how many questions are to be printed for each Member answering; and only that number of notices of questions (selected at random from those received in a manner to be prescribed by the Speaker) shall be treated as valid notices received on the day concerned: Provided that the latest date and time specified by the Speaker shall be such as to enable the notices selected to be printed and circulated-

in the case of questions to the Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and the Advocate General at least four days (excluding Friday, Saturday and Sunday) before the question is to be answered or

in the case of questions to other Ministers, at least two days (excluding Friday, Saturday and Sunday) before the question is to be answered.

When it is proposed that the House should adjourn for a period of more than three days the Speaker shall cause to have printed and circulated with the Vote a memorandum superseding the provisions of paragraphs (4) and (5) of this order and specifying the arrangements for tabling questions during the adjournment.