Privilege

Introduction

Members may rise on a question of privilege whenever they feel their rights as Members have been infringed or a contempt of the House has been committed. In presenting a case, the Member is claiming that its importance demands priority over all other House business. It is the role of the Speaker to judge whether the claim is well founded; that is, whether on a prima facie basis it deserves privileged consideration.

In reaching a decision, the Speaker hears a brief statement from the Member raising the complaint. Although the Speaker is under no obligation to hear comments from other Members, he may prefer to do so before rendering a decision.

Debate on a question of privilege only properly begins after the Speaker has agreed that there is a prima facie question of privilege. The Speaker's decision can tum on other factors in addition to the merits of the case itself; these include the terms of the motion the Member seeks to move, and evidence that the issue was raised at the first opportunity.