![]() ![]() |
When the House stands adjourned during a session, the rules provide the means by which the House may be recalled prior to the date originally specified, to transact business as if it had been duly adjourned to the earlier date.[94] This process usually begins with a government request made in writing to the Speaker, setting out reasons why it is in the public interest to recall the House. The request may be made at any time.[95] The decision to recall is taken by the Speaker, after consultation with the government and once the Speaker is satisfied that the public interest would be served by an earlier meeting of the House.[96] The rule makes no reference to criteria other than the public interest. Should the Speaker be satisfied of the need for the recall, the rule further provides for the Speaker to give notice of the day and hour of the resumption of the session. Normally, the Speaker requests a period of time following the notice (the practice is a minimum of 48 hours) in which to notify Members individually and allow for their travel time. Depending on the circumstances, a Special Order Paper and Notice Paper (in addition to the regular Order Paper and Notice Paper) may be published at the request of the government.[97] When a decision is taken to recall the House, the Speaker advises the Clerk of the House and asks that the necessary steps be taken to resume the session. Should the Speaker be unable to act due to illness or other reason, deputy presiding officers may act in the Speaker’s place for the purpose of this particular Standing Order. The Clerk then ensures that all is made ready for the resumption of the sittings. House officials are responsible for the logistics of the recall, including informing the Members and publishing the Order Paper and Notice Paper (and a Special Order Paper and Notice Paper, if the government so requests).[98]
|
![]() ![]() ![]() |