Transaction of unopposed business after moment of interruption

17.9After the business under consideration at the moment of interruption has been disposed of, no opposed business can be taken except to the extent permitted by particular standing orders (as discussed below – see para 17.12 ). It is a common practice for the Government to seek to take minor and uncontroversial motions as unopposed business after the moment of interruption. Many such motions, often in relation to the conduct of future business, or changes to select committee memberships, are taken in this way.

Remaining items of business set down for the day, which have not been disposed of before the moment of interruption, are called in the order in which they stand on the Order Paper.

Proceedings on an order of the day or motion can be carried on, even though a debate arises, until a division is claimed upon a question proposed from the Chair, or objection is taken to further proceeding, or until debate arises which, in the opinion of the Chair, constitutes opposition to the business.1 Thus, after the moment of interruption the House has resolved itself into a committee on a bill, a clause has been amended and agreed to, the remaining clauses have been agreed to, and the bill has been reported, considered as amended, read the third time and passed.2 A clause has also been disagreed to, other clauses agreed to, some amended and agreed to, the bill reported, considered as amended, read the third time and passed.3 Amendments in the name of the Member in charge of the bill would not constitute objection, and to avoid the risk that amendments in the name of another Member would be held to constitute objection, the Member in charge has added their name to amendments which were acceptable to them. But as soon as objection is taken, the business becomes opposed business; and further consideration must be postponed until such other sitting as the Member in charge of the business may appoint.4