Chapter 21Private Members’ Business

Divisions

Any recorded division requested on a votable item of Private Members’ Business, or on the motion to concur in the report of a committee that a private Member’s bill not be proceeded with, or in the report of a committee that requests an extension of time for the consideration of a private Member’s bill in committee is deferred to the next Wednesday that the House sits, immediately before Private Members’ Hour.²⁶¹ Such a vote may be further deferred by the Chief Government Whip, with the agreement of the Whips of all recognized parties and of the sponsor of the item.²⁶²

When a recorded division is taken on an item of Private Members’ Business, the bells ring for a maximum of 15 minutes.²⁶³ If the Member sponsoring the bill or motion is present and voting in favour of the question, be it the main motion, an amendment or a subamendment, the vote of that Member is recorded first, followed by the votes of the other Members on the same side of the House, starting with the back row, who are in favour of the bill or motion, and then the Members on the other side of the House, starting with the back row, who are in favour of the item. The same order is followed for recording the votes against the item.²⁶⁴ In the case of an amendment to a motion for third reading or a motion to amend at report stage when the sponsor of the bill is not in favour, the Member proposing the amendment or the motion is invited to vote first. He is followed by the other Members on the same side of the House.²⁶⁵

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