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    "id": 276433,
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    "content": "horizontally. It is, therefore, important that this document is accorded the seriousness that it deserves. Hon. Members, you are further aware that under Article 221 of the Constitution, it is a requirement that the annual estimates be submitted to Parliament at least two months before the end of the financial year. It, therefore, follows that the submission of the Budget Policy Statement may require to be pushed back in a manner commensurate with the provisions in the Constitution regarding the Budget process. This will need to be considered in the Public Financial Management Bill now before the House as well as in the current review of the Standing Orders of this House. So, Member for Gwassi, please, note that we have an opportunity to realign these processes. It is a very serious matter. Just note what I am saying at that point and that applies to all the other hon. Members. Hon. Members, to the first issue on the delay in tabling the Budget Policy Statement and the implications for the Budget process, the Speaker notes that that even as the Budget Policy Statement was being tabled in the House, the Estimates were being finalized by the three arms of Government for submission to this House and that, therefore, as expressed by several Members, there is a real danger that the Budget Policy Statement may not perform its functions as expected. Effective parliamentary oversight of public budgets is central to democratization and improved budget management. It also ensures that there are checks and balances that are crucial for transparent and accountable government and, hence, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of goods and services to the citizenry. As representatives of the people, Parliament has a role to ensure that the nation’s priorities are adequately reflected in the nation’s major fiscal plan which is the budget. This is why the Budget Policy Statement is so critical. It is not ceremonial. It is not, and was never intended to be an exercise in futility. Hon. Members, notwithstanding, the delay, I direct as I did yesterday, that the Budget Committee nevertheless proceeds pursuant to the provisions of the Fiscal Management Act and the Standing Orders, to review the Budget Policy Statement and submit a report to this House. I note that the Chairperson of the Budget Committee has expressed the preparedness of his Committee to make the best of the present circumstances and has requested for seven days for this purpose. The cooperation of all other Committees is, of course, expected, and I am certain, will be forthcoming. As hon. Mbau, the Chair of the Budget Committee explained, the Report of his Committee even if it is laid after the annual estimates have been prepared or even submitted to the House, will nevertheless form the basis of the review of the Estimates and possible adjustments to the final form of the annual estimates. For you, Minister, that part is important."
}