Question

What is the purpose of an adjournment motion in a parliamentary session?

• A. To terminate the session immediately
• B. To draw attention to urgent public matters
• C. To adjourn the house indefinitely
• D. To introduce a new legislative proposal

Answer 1

Answer:

B. To draw attention to urgent public matters

Adjournment motion

• An adjournment motion is a parliamentary procedure in some legislatures.
• It is used to adjourn the business of the house to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance.
• When a motion of adjournment is accepted, it leads to the setting aside of normal business and the house is adjourned to discuss the matter raised in the motion.
• This allows members of the house to discuss urgent issues that require immediate attention.
• The motion is normally taken up at 16.00 hours.
• The time allotted for discussion is not less than two and a half hours, unless the debate concludes earlier.
• When the motion is being discussed, the Speaker has no power to adjourn the House for the day because during that time the power vests in the House to take a decision on its adjournment.
• The Speaker cannot also postpone the voting to the next sitting, even if a request is made to that effect.
• The motion has to be disposed of before the House is adjourned.