Railway Ticket Offices
Debates and evidence sessions
On Wednesday 13 September 2023, there were two items of Parliamentary business on railway ticket office closures in the House of Commons:
- A Westminster Hall debate
- An oral evidence session
This article has links to watch each item, read the transcripts, and access relevant Parliamentary research.
What is a Westminster Hall Debate?
Westminster Hall debates take place in the Grand Committee Room in the House of Commons.
They give MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and receive a response from a government minister.
Westminster Hall debates don't end with a vote to make a decision on the issue debated.
Debates in Westminster Hall take place on 'general debate' motions expressed in neutral terms. These motions are worded 'That this House has considered [a specific matter]'.
How Parliament works: Westminster Hall debates.
Oral evidence session:
'Accessible Transport: legal obligations - rail ticket office closures'
13 September 2023, Transport Committee
What is an oral evidence session?
As part of select committee inquiries, committees invite witnesses to give oral evidence to help inform their work.
In these sessions, witnesses answer questions put to them by the MPs on the committee. Select committees hear a variety of opinions from a range of stakeholders, such as:
- Academic experts
- Groups and associations
- Government ministers
- People with personal experience of the subject matter.
The sessions are usually open to the public and are broadcast live on parliamentlive.tv.
How Parliament Works: Select Committees.
Parliamentary resources
Research briefings from the House of Commons Library
Photo credit: UK Parliament / Jessica Taylor
Built with Shorthand