ABSTRACT
The Closure Motion, introduced in 1881, is a means of stopping debate, usually by agreement between government and Opposition, in order to ensure that debates end at times agreed by the parties. The closure can be used in debate on the floor of the House or in standing committee. It is an instrument of control, and one which is used sparingly: rarely will it be used without agreement. In the 1987-88 session, however (a long session), it was used 20 times without inter-party agreement.
