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{
    "id": 192754,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/192754/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 8,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Members, I have two issues on which I wish to communicate. First, as you will recall, the Financial Statement on the Annual Estimates was laid on the Table of the House by the Minister for Finance on Thursday, 12th June, 2008, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order No.133. The Debate on the Financial Statement is limited to seven days exclusive of the Mover's Speech and reply, pursuant to Standing Order No.137. Hon. Members, Debate on the Financial Statement was slotted in the Order Paper on Tuesday, 17th June, 2008, which was the First Allotted Day. Unfortunately, the House adjourned due to lack of quorum. Consequently, the day was lost as the sitting period did not fulfil the terms of Standing Order No.135 which defines the day for the purposes of considering matters pertaining to Supply and Ways and Means as any period of not less than three hours prior to 1 p.m. or of not less than three hours between 2.30 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. and of not less than three hours after 7.00 p.m. Therefore, the First Allotted Day was repeated on Wednesday during the morning sitting which, however, also experienced a quorum hitch. The Wednesday afternoon sitting which was the Second Allotted Day adjourned early due to lack of quorum and was hence totally wasted. As you have noted in today's Order Paper, the Second Allotted Day has had to be repeated. Hon. Members, I am taking time to highlight these very unfortunate incidents and events in order to remind you of the importance of taking the Business of the House seriously and, in particular, in consideration of the Budget due to its critical policy implications. I note with concern that the Vote on Account, which authorises the withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund of monies not exceeding in total one half of the sums included in the Estimates must be approved before 26th June. This in essence means that up to half of the Budget expenditure will be approved without exhaustive debate which, in my view, is a very grave matter indeed. Let me, therefore, take this opportunity to remind all hon. Members, without any exception, of their cardinal duty and responsibility of appropriation, legislation and taxation and at the same time appeal to the Leader of Government Business to address the worrying trend as a matter of priority. Thank you. GRANTING OF AUTHORISATION TO KBC FOR INSTALLATION 1268 OF TV CAMERAS IN THE CHAMBER Secondly, hon. Members, on Tuesday, 17th June, 2008, the Chair issued"
}