The Main Debate

When the Opening is concluded, the Grand will offer an opportunity to other members (and visitors) to comment upon the ideas that have already been expressed or to introduce new material for discussion. Within the traditions of the society, the Grand is in full control of the debate and ensures that the meeting is conducted according to its Standing Orders. Like the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Grand does not participate in the discussions. It is enough to call speakers to the Box, to remind them of permitted timings (five minutes maximum) and to ensure their compliance. From time to time other participants may wish to challenge the ideas of the speaker with a question or comment of their own. The Standing Orders (not always rigorously enforced) require that anyone wishing to challenge the speaker at the Box should signal their intention to the Grand. Such challenges should be addressed in a single sentence and are not an opportunity to make a speech from the floor or to conduct a dialogue with the speaker at the Box. These challenges are permitted on the understanding that the rights of the speaker at the Box override the rights of "hecklers". The speaker is fully entitled to decline a challenge from the floor. The Grand is empowered to determine, at least for the duration of the debate, the dividing line between acceptable and unacceptable language and may require a speaker ( or heckler) to withdraw the use of words and phrases which may give offence. Moreover, the Grand has the power, if he should ever need it, to close the debate if he senses a challenge to his authority or the possibility of disorder. These powers have not been exercised since the society was reconstituted. The Standing Orders of the society give the Grand virtually despotic power over the conduct of the debate. These powers are tempered only in so far as a new person is called to the office of Grand at each debate.