HOUSE OF LORDS - United Kingdom Parliament

Committees on motions
6.77 On rare occasions when the House considers that the structure of
debate set out above is too restrictive, it can go into committee on a
motion, so that the limit on the number of times a member may speak is
removed. The motion to do so may be moved without notice.
Adjournment of debates lasting more than one day
6.78 A motion for the adjournment of a debate may be moved at any
time during the debate without notice and may be debated. But when it
has been arranged in advance for a debate to be adjourned (for example,
the debate on the Queen’s Speech), it is usual for its adjournment to be
moved formally by the member who will speak first when the debate is
resumed. The House may make an order, without notice, for adjourned
business to be taken later the same day, or taken as first business on
another day. 1
Withdrawal of motions
6.79 The practice of asking leave for the motion to be withdrawn at the
conclusion of a debate is normally adopted in cases where all that has
been sought is to raise a subject in debate. A motion or an amendment
to a motion that has been moved can only be withdrawn by the
unanimous leave of the House, but it is rare for any objection to be made
to withdrawal.
6.80 The member in whose name the motion stands should conclude
the debate by saying:
“I beg leave to withdraw the motion”
6.81 No formal motion for withdrawal is made and no formal Question
is put. The Lord on the Woolsack asks the House:
“Is it your Lordships’ pleasure that the motion be withdrawn?”
6.82 A single dissenting voice is sufficient to prevent withdrawal. 2 If
there is none, the Lord on the Woolsack adds:
“The motion is, by leave, withdrawn.”
1 SO 45.
2 SO 31.
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