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House of Representatives                                Ch 8                                                 p 256

Matters of privilege

A Member may rise at any time to speak on a matter of privilege suddenly arising. ¹ Until a matter of privilege is disposed of (for example, by the Speaker giving a decision immediately or stating that the matter will be considered), or unless debate on a motion arising from a matter is adjourned, it suspends the consideration and decision of every other question. However, precedence over other business is not given to any motion if, in the opinion of the Speaker, a prima facie case of breach of privilege has not been made out or the matter has not been raised at the earliest opportunity. ²

When consideration of a substantive motion on a matter of privilege or a report from the Committee of Privileges is made an order of the day, the practice is to place it on the Notice Paper with a note ‘to take precedence’. If it is not desired to consider the motion or report as the first item of business, a positive motion to postpone the order is necessary. ³ It has been the practice of the House to proceed with the ordinary order of business up to, but not including, ‘Government business’ before a privilege motion or report is considered.

For further information see Chapter on ‘Privilege’.

S.O.s 51, 66(b).

S.O. 51; see also Ch. on ‘Parliamentary privilege’.

NP 18 (12.4.78) 913; VP 1978-80/142; H.R. Deb. (12.4.78) 1462-7.