Frequently Asked Questions: Business

Useful information and reading related to House of Commons business.

What are the sitting (meeting) hours of the House of Commons?

Mondays 2.30-10.30pm

Tuesdays and Wednesdays 11.30am-7.30pm

Thursdays 9.30am-5.30pm

Sitting Fridays 9.30am-3pm

What are the sitting (meeting) hours for Westminster Hall debates?

Mondays 4.30pm-7.30pm

Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9.30-11.30am and 2.30-5.30pm

Thursdays 1.30pm-4.30pm

The House of Commons agreed on 24 February 2015 to extend the final debate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Westminster Hall from half an hour to an hour, and that sittings in Westminster Hall will take place on Mondays if the Petitions Committee has agreed that one or more petitions or e-petitions should be considered on that day.

When will the House of Commons sit on a Friday during the 2017-19 session?

The House is expected to sit on the following Fridays to consider Private Members' Bills:

  • 20 October 2017
  • 3 November 2017
  • 1 December 2017
  • 19 January 2018
  • 2 February 2018
  • 23 February 2018
  • 16 March 2018
  • 27 April 2018
  • 11 May 2018
  • 15 June 2018
  • 6 July 2018
  • 26 October 2018
  • 23 November 2018
Additional dates agreed to on 30 Jan 2019:
  • 8 February 2019
  • 15 March 2019
  • 22 March 2019
Additional date agreed to on 28 March 2019:
  • 29 March 2019

When did the House of Commons sit on a Friday during the 2016-17 session?

Private Members' business had precedence over government business on the following Fridays:

  • 21 October 2016
  • 28 October 2016
  • 4 November 2016
  • 18 November 2016
  • 25 November 2016
  • 2 December 2016
  • 16 December 2016
  • 13 January 2017
  • 20 January 2017
  • 27 January 2017
  • 3 February 2017
  • 24 February 2017
  • 24 March 2017

When is the next State Opening of Parliament?

We do not know the date for the next State Opening of Parliament, but it is expected to be in 2019.

When was the State Opening of Parliament for the 2017-19 session?

Wednesday 21 June 2017, following the 2017 General Election.

When is the next recess?

Find current recess dates for the House of Commons 

How many days did the House of Commons sit (meet) during the 2016-17 Session?

142 days in the 2016-17 session

How long did the House of Commons sit in total during the 2016-17 Session?

1068 hours and 34 minutes in the 2016-17 session

How long did the House of Commons sit each day on average during the 2016-17 Session?

7 hours and 32 minutes in the 2016-17 session

How many Early Day Motions (EDMs) were there during the last session?

1205 in the 2016-17 session

Which EDM holds the record for the largest number of signatures?

Malcolm Savidge's EDM on the need to avoid conflict between India and Pakistan gained 502 signatures (2001-02).

How many divisions (votes) were there during the last session?

198 in the 2016-17 session.

How much time do MPs have to vote when a division is called?

Eight minutes

What is the cost of answering a parliamentary question?

Oral question costs £450 on average. Written question costs £164 on average

When was the House of Commons first broadcast live?

First live radio broadcast on 3 April 1978 First live television broadcast on 21 November 1989.

How often has the House of Commons sat for over 24 hours continuously?

21 times since 1877

Can the House of Commons sit (meet) on a Saturday?

Although it is possible, weekend sittings are very rare. The House has only sat on four Saturdays since 1939.

2 September 1939 - Outbreak of World War II

30 July 1949 - Summer adjournment debates – last sitting of the summer

3 November 1956 - Suez Crises

3 April 1982 - Falkland Islands invasion

How many Government Bills were successful in the last session?

24 in the 2016-17 session

How many Private Members' Bills were successful in the last session?

8 in the 2016-17 session

When was the ballot for Private Members' Bills?

The ballot for the 2017-19 session was held on Thursday 29 June 2017. The formal presentation of ballot Bills for the 2017-19 session  took place in the House of Commons on Wednesday 19 July 2017.

Can MPs successful in the ballot claim any extra allowances?

Yes. The ten MPs placed highest in the ballot may claim up to £200 expenses in drafting their Bills.

Contact the House of Commons Enquiry Service

The House of Commons Enquiry Service provides information on the work, history and membership of the House of Commons.

  • Telephone: 0800 112 4272 (Freephone) or 020 7219 4272
  • Email: hcenquiries@parliament.uk
  • Text relay:  Dial 18001 followed by our full number

Our telephone enquiry service is open between 10am-12 midday and 2pm-4pm (Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays).

Publications

The House of Commons Enquiry Service produces a series of free publications which you can read online, or contact us to request copies.

House of Commons on Twitter

Follow @HouseofCommons for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.

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