The Member of Parliament may also move adoption of a Private Member’s Bill during the time allotted to Private Members’ business. Although a public bill, a Private Member’s Bill is sponsored by a Private Member, and is not part of the government’s proposed legislative package. Prior to 24 February 1986, procedures governing the consideration of Private Members’ Bills resulted in the death of most such bills before they received Second Reading, and their introduction was useful primarily as a means of publicizing issues and encouraging action by the government. Under current procedures, at least a few Private Members’ Bills have a genuine chance of being passed, in addition to performing their earlier functions. Individual Members may also seek to raise a notice of motion both to provoke debate on general government policy and to explain the views of constituents.
