Companion to the Standing Orders and Guide to the Proceedings of the House of Lords Laid before the House by the Clerk of the Parliaments 2017 PREFACE This is the 25th edition of the Companion to the Standing Orders of the House of Lords since Sir John Shaw-Lefevre, then Clerk of the Parliaments, compiled his first edition for private circulation in 1862. It is issued with the authority of the Procedure Committee. The Companion is the authoritative guide to procedure, but it is by no means the only source of information for members. Guidance on key elements of procedure and taking part in business are given in the Short Guide to Practice and Procedure in the Chamber and Grand Committee and the booklets on participation in legislative business issued by the Legislation Office,1 while general services are covered in the Handbook on Facilities and Services for Members and their staff.2 Members may also consult the Guide to the Code of Conduct,3 the Guide to Financial Support for Members4 (from the Finance Department). The Table Clerks and procedural offices are always available to advise members. DAVID BEAMISH Clerk of the Parliaments 1 https://intranet.parliament.uk/business-news/parliamentary-business/guidance-and-handbooks/ procedure-and-practice/ 2 https://intranet.parliament.uk/business-news/parliamentary-business/guidance-and-handbooks/ facilities-handbook/ 3 http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/standards-and-financial-interests/house-of-lords- commissioner-for-standards-/code-of-conduct-for-the-house-of-lords/ 4 http://www.parliament.uk/business/lords/whos-in-the-house-of-lords/house-of-lords-expenses/ #jump-link-3 iii iv ABBREVIATIONS Erskine May Erskine May’s Treatise on The Law, Privileges and Usage of Parliament, 24th edition, 2011 GO General Order (see paragraph 9.96) HL Deb.