Which motion is not among the four listed as debatable subsidiary motions?

• A. Postpone Definitely
• B. Lay on the Table
• C. Amend
• D. Postpone Indefinitely

Answer: (B)

In parliamentary procedure, some subsidiary motions are debatable because they involve arguing about how to treat the main motion, while others are not debatable because they only affect the timing or form of handling the main motion.

The motion to lay on the table is nondebatable. Its purpose is to briefly suspend consideration of the current matter, not to discuss its merits or decide its future. Because debate would defeat the purpose of pausing for information or other business, members cannot debate this motion, and it is not amendable.

The other common subsidiary motions—such as amending the main motion or postponing it to a definite time or indefinitely—are debatable because each involves arguments for or against changing, delaying, or advancing the main motion’s consideration. Therefore, the motion that is not among the debatable ones is the lay on the table.