Proceedings on delegated legislation in the House of Commons

31.18Instruments subject to the affirmative procedure automatically require debate and approval. A motion to annul an instrument subject to the negative procedure is first tabled as an Early Day Motion in the form of a ‘prayer’—a motion for an Address praying that the instrument be annulled (see paras 20.3, 31.5 ). Where such a motion is signed by Shadow Ministers, the Government has normally found time for the motion to be debated, although it cannot be compelled to do so.1 Motions to annul or revoke instruments have also been the subject of opposition days (see para 31.21 ).