ABSTRACT
At the close of the parliamentary day, under Standing Orders, the opportunity is provided for backbenchers to initiate a short debate on a matter of their choosing. Competition for a debate is keen and Members take part in a ballot held in the Speaker’s Office for the opportunity. If successful, the Member may speak for 15 minutes on the chosen subject and the relevant minister is given 15 minutes for reply. The subject matter for debate is as varied as are Members’ interests. The matter raised may be one of relevance solely to the Member’s constituency or the matter may be related to a particular source of general concern.
