Rules of Debate / Miscellaneous

Superseding motion (adjournment)

Debates pp. 6897-8

Background

During the hour before the ordinary adjournment. Mr. Starr (Ontario) rose on a point of order to suggest that the House should now adjourn in view of the Government's defeat on a recorded division on Bill C-193, an Act to amend the Income Tax Act. After the Speaker had declined the request, Mr. Diefenbaker (Prince Albert) rose on a question of privilege to argue that the Government should resign. Mr. Churchill (Winnipeg South Centre) then rose on a point of order to claim that it was "within the competence of the Speaker himself to adjourn the House" following the defeat of the Government. The Speaker again refused the request and further interventions were made by various Members in the few minutes remaining before the 10:00 p.m. adjournment.

Issue

Is the Speaker able to adjourn the House on his own authority at the request of Members following the defeat of a government motion?

Decision

The Chair is not responsible for adjourning the House on his own authority prior to the ordinary adjournment.

Reasons given by the Speaker

Members may always propose motions for adjournment before the ordinary hour of adjournment. The Speaker should not be placed in a position where he is constrained to adjourn the House.

References

Debates, February 19, 1968, pp. 6894-7, 6899.