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House of Representatives                                Ch 8                                                 p 276

Successive divisions

When successive divisions are taken, and there is no intervening debate after the first division, the Chair appoints tellers immediately and the bells are rung for one minute only. ¹ Successive divisions often occur when a closure motion is moved or when a closure of debate motion follows one or two closures of Member (for example, of the mover and seconder of a motion attempting to suspend standing orders). However, a successive division may relate to a new item of business if no debate occurs on it ² —amendments can be moved formally without constituting intervening debate. ³

With successive divisions votes are recorded as being the same as for the immediately preceding division unless Members report different voting intentions to the tellers—this applies to Members who voted in the preceding division and who then wish not to vote or to vote differently, as well as to Members who did not vote in the preceding division and who then wish to vote. Members who intend to vote the same way as they did previously must remain seated until the result of the division is announced. A full count is carried out if it is clear to the Chair that the majority of Members wish to vote differently or if there is any confusion or error in the count by the tellers. ⁴

S.O. 131(a).

E.g. H.R. Deb. (10.12.98) 1850 (new bill).

H.R. Deb. (29.10.97) 10150-51; (30.10.97) 10374-5.

S.O. 131(b)(c).