Page:Robert's Parliamentary Practice.djvu/123

Rh the floor and there is no necessity for answering it immediately, the chair may defer his answer until the speaker has closed his remarks. It is not the duty of the chairman to answer questions of parliamentary law in general. If, however, a member asks for information that may be necessary to enable him to make a suitable motion, or to raise a point of order, or to vote intelligently, it is the duty of the chairman to answer the question.

(b) Request for Information. A request for information relating to the pending business is treated just as a parliamentary inquiry and has the same privileges. The inquirer rises and says, "Mr. Chairman, I rise for information"; or if the information is desired of the speaker instead of the chair, the inquirer upon rising, says, "Mr. Chairman, I should like to ask the gentleman a question." If the speaker consents to being interrupted, the inquirer asks his question through the chair. Though each speaker addresses the chair, the chair remains silent during the conversation. If the speaker consents to the interruption, the time consumed is taken out of his time.

(c) Leave to Withdraw or Modify a Motion. Until a motion is stated by the chair, the mover may withdraw or modify it without asking consent of any one. If he modifies it, the seconder may withdraw his second. After the question has been stated it is in the possession of the assembly, and he can neither withdraw nor modify it without the consent of the