An important aspect of Parliamentary privilege is that each House has the privilege of controlling its own procedures. There are many Rules and customs that affect how each House runs. Some of these are written down and are called Standing Orders.

Standing Orders are written rules formulated by each House to regulate its own proceedings. They cover, for example, how business is arranged and conducted, the behaviour of MPs and Members of the Commons or Lords during debates, and rules relating to committees.

Erskine May: Parliamentary Practice is considered the authoritative source on parliamentary procedure. It provides details of observed 'rules' within each House, including those relating to Standing Orders.