Instruments of Parliamentary Procedure Question Hour: Question hour is the first hour of each parliamentary sitting. It is mentioned in the House Rules of Procedure. During this time, members ask questions, and ministers usually respond. There are three types of questions: Starred Questions: These are denoted by an asterisk and require oral responses. As a result, additional questions may arise. Unstarred questions: Because they require a written response, supplementary questions cannot be asked. Short notice questions: These are questions that are considered to be of public importance and an urgent nature. These are asked with less than ten days' notice and are answered orally. Zero Hour: A Zero Hour is a parliamentary innovation in India. The parliamentary rules do not mention it. Members of Parliament (MPs) can raise issues without prior notice under this provision. The zero hours begin immediately following the question hour and continue until the day's agenda (regular business of the House) is completed. In other words, zero hours is the time between the question hour and the agenda. Half-hour Discussion: It is intended for debating a matter of sufficient public importance that has been the subject of much debate and the answer to which requires clarification on a matter of fact. The Speaker may set aside three days per week for such discussions. There is no formal motion or vote in the House today. Short Duration Discussion: This type of discussion is also known as a two-hour discussion because the time allotted for it should not exceed two hours. Members of Parliament can initiate such debates on issues of critical public importance. The Speaker may set aside two days per week for such discussions. There is no formal motion before the house, nor is there voting. This device has been around since 1953.
