Debate on white disadvantaged pupils in Birmingham
20 May 2009 (updated on 22 April 2010)
Birmingham Northfield MP, Richard Burden, leads Westminster Hall debate on levels of achievement of white disadvantaged pupils in Birmingham
An adjournment debate is simply a way in the Commons of having a general debate without requiring the House to vote.
At sittings in Westminster Hall on Tuesdays and Wednesdays there are two one-and-a-half hour debates and three half-hour debates. The one-and-a-half hour debates are intended to be more general involving a number of MPs.
Each government department is available to respond to debates only every other week, according to a rota.