Standing Orders

Standing Orders is the name given to permanent regulations made by either House of Parliament for the conduct of its proceedings, and enduring from parliament to parliament unless rescinded. A standing order of the House of Lords when rescinded is said to be vacated; in the Commons the corresponding term is repealed. In the Lords a motion for making or dispensing with a standing order cannot be granted on the same day that the motion is made, or till the House has been summoned to consider it; and every standing order as soon as agreed to is added to the 'Roll of Standing Orders,' which is carefully preserved and published from time to time. In the House of Commons there was until 1854 no authorised collection of standing orders, except such as related to private bills. In that year a manual of rules, orders, and forms of proceeding relative to public business was drawn up and printed by order of the House. Standing orders are occasionally suspended when it is desirable that a bill should be passed with unusual expedition. See May, Parliamentary Practice.