Ruling
March 11, 2002
Leave refused: human embryo research; matter deemed not of sufficient urgency and another opportunity for debate available
Hon. Peter Milliken
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
The Speaker:
The Chair has heard the submissions of the hon. Member and I had the advantage of course of reading the letter that he sent to me indicating his intention to raise this very important matter this afternoon.
I have no doubt that the matter is of considerable importance. The question that concerns the Chair is the one of urgency, and under the Standing Order I believe that in this case there does not appear to be urgency as required by the Standing Order.
I note also, without making any further comment on it, that there is an opposition day tomorrow and there is going to be another one on Thursday. It is the hon. Member's party's chance on Thursday and I know that he might want to see that the issue is brought forward at that time. Certainly he could do more on an opposition day with a motion than he could at an adjournment debate that I am allowed to grant under the Standing Order. Accordingly I must decline his request at this time..
[1]
Debates, March 11, 2002, p. 9471.
Edit Metadata
Holding
"The request for an emergency debate is denied as it does not meet the procedural requirement of urgency, particularly when alternative opportunities for debate are imminent."
AI Summary
The Speaker denied a request for an emergency debate on human embryo research, citing a lack of urgency and the availability of an upcoming opposition day.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Denied
- Tone
- Conciliatory
- Procedural Stage
- Routine Proceedings
- Significance
Low
High