Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 221229,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/221229/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 180,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Deputy Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "My understanding is that even if an hon. Member is in the ruling party, as long as he is a Backbencher, has the right to bring a Private Members' Motion to the House. As to the issue of whether one is on the Government side or not, so long as the Motion has been endorsed by the Party Whip, whether the party is the ruling party or not, the Motion is given priority because it carries the weight of a party. I understand that hon. Members have been apprehensive about hon. Members on the Government side bringing in Private Members' Motions. I have actually asked for some research work to be carried out. We are guided by our Standing Orders, which do not bar hon. Members from the Government side from bringing Private Members' Motions. A Motion should be given priority if the party in question says that it is sponsoring that Motion. Therefore, to answer Mr. Raila, so long as the Motion has been approved by the party, it becomes a party Motion. The House Business Committee goes by party Motions in that manner. If you wish that in future we change that rule, currently, we are overhauling our Standing Orders. I want to inform hon. Members that the Committee, which is chaired by Mr. Speaker, will be presenting its draft to hon. Members for review, and you will have an opportunity, if you wish, to make some proposals 1354 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES May 16, 2007 to amend those Standing Orders. However, as of today, there is nothing which bars an Backbencher from the ruling party from bringing to the House a Private Member's Motion, and for such Motion to be given priority by his party. So, that is the position. Next Order!"
}