(See Passage of a Bill)

This refers to the period between the prorogation of Parliament and the Opening of a new Session (see Opening of Parliament), as distinct from the period between a dissolution and the first meeting of a new Parliament. The term is also popularly used to refer to the period between an adjournment and the next sitting. (See also Adjournment of Parliament and Prorogation of Parliament)

After a Bill has been considered in Committee (whether in a Committee of the whole Parliament or a Select Committee) and reported to Parliament, the Bill may be recommitted to a Committee of the whole Parliament for further consideration, if there are new amendments to be made or new provisions to be introduced. This recommittal must be done before the Third Reading of a Bill is moved. On recommittal, the House will decide whether the proposed amendments will be taken immediately or on a future date to be named by the Member. S.Os. 76 and 80.

The termination of a law. To repeal an Act, a Bill has to be passed by Parliament to this effect.

(See Parliamentary Reporter)

Views submitted by the public to a Select Committee, usually on a Bill or a matter being considered by the Committee. (See also Passage of a Bill)

A reprimand is a formal expression of disapproval by the Speaker addressed to a Member or a stranger who breaches any rules of order. A Member may be reprimanded either at his seat or at the Bar, whereas a stranger is only reprimanded at the Bar. (See also Admonition and Stranger) S. 20 of the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act (Cap. 217)

A formal expression of opinion on a motion by the House. (See also Motion)

Only the mover of an original motion has a right of reply. All other Members may speak only once to any question in Parliament, except when raising points of order or clarification. The right of reply is given when all other Members have spoken. After the reply, the question is put on the terms of the motion by the Speaker and a vote is taken. (See also Motion, Question and Putting the Question) S.Os. 48 and 51.

At the end of a sitting day, a motion for the adjournment of Parliament is moved. At this point, a Member may claim the right to raise any matter for which the Government is responsible. The Member must give at least three clear days’ notice of the subject matter to be raised. This right is allotted to one Member only at each sitting, if necessary, by ballot. A Member is allowed to speak for up to 20 minutes on his subject matter. The Minister responsible for the subject may reply for up to 10 minutes. At the end of the time allotted for the debate, the Speaker will adjourn Parliament without any question put. (See also Adjournment of Parliament and Motion for Adjournment) S.O. 2(8)(b).

Rules to ensure that the proceedings are conducted in an orderly manner in a debate. Among others, these rules require that Members confine their speeches to the subject matter of the debate, observe the time limits imposed and refrain from irrelevance, tedious repetition and use of offensive language. These rules allow every Member an opportunity to participate in the debates and without undue interruptions. (See also Unparliamentary Language) Art 52 of the CRS and S.Os. 47 -54.

Rules to ensure order and decorum in the Chamber.²³ In the event of any breach of the rules, the Speaker may reprimand or order any Member to leave Parliament’s precincts for the remainder of the day’s sitting or suspend him for the remainder of the session. (See also Reprimand) S.Os. 55-61 and S. 21 of the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act (Cap. 217).