INTERPELLATION (from

See also:

• LAT

Lat. interpellare, to interrupt)  , a term meaning, in general, an interruption, more particularly used of a method of procedure adopted in some of the legislative chambers of continental Europe, especially those of France and Italy, and somewhat similar to that of a motion to adjourn the House in the British parliament . It was originally confined to the asking of a question, after due notice, on some affair of state . It is now, however, the chief means by which the policy or action of the ministry of the day is challenged . An interpellation can be brought on without the consent of the minister to be attacked; it is usually made the subject of a general debate, and generally ends with a vote of confidence or want 'of confidence in the ministry . The right of permitting or vetoing an interpellation rests with the chamber . In France a tendency has been growing among deputies to use the interpellation as a method of attack on or accusation against individual colleagues .