Page 60 - Member of Parliament Uk-handbook
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Debates
If you wish to speak in debates in the Chamber, or in
90-minute debates in Westminster Hall, you should write to
the Speaker in advance. If you have not written you may still
take part in debates by approaching the Chair or seeking to
catch the Chair’s eye, but it is likely that preference will be
given to those who have written in advance.
Selection of speakers in debate is at the Speaker’s discretion.
His objective is to give all Members a fair opportunity
to take part in debate. He will take account of relevant
experience or expertise (in or outside the House), Members’
expressed interests or constituency involvement and the
number of times Members have previously spoken (or have
failed to catch his eye) during the parliamentary session. He
may have to impose time limits on speeches in order to give
as many Members as possible the opportunity to contribute
to debate. It will not always be possible for you to be called
when you wish to speak. The Speaker will generally seek to
be as helpful as possible to Members seeking advice on the
likelihood of being called.
You need not apply to speak in Committee of the whole
House, Report stages or on Lords Amendments. It will be
enough for you to rise in your place on such occasions or, if
you have a disability, otherwise indicate to the Chair.

