​​​On Thursdays after Question Time, Members debate items of general business. These are motions which propose that the House do something or express an opinion on a matter – e.g. that "This House condemns X" or 'this House supports Y".

The first step is for the Member to give notice of their intention to move a motion - see Notices of Motions (General Business).  Once given, notices are listed on the following day's Business Paper with the most recent notices at the bottom.

On a Thursday morning, the Daily Business Program  lists the order the notices are expected to proceed that day. Motions which have been previously moved but have been interrupted and now stand as Orders of the Day appear first on the list.  When the item of business is read out by the Clerk, the Member moves the motion and may speak on it for up to seven minutes (Standing Order 85).  In each debate the maximum speaking times are as follows:

After the House has debated the motion the House will resolve the question either "on the voices" or by voting in a division.

General Business Notices of Motions and Orders of the Day not commenced or completed three months from the date given will lapse.