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{
    "id": 375577,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/375577/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 253,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Ababu",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 108,
        "legal_name": "Ababu Tawfiq Pius Namwamba",
        "slug": "ababu-namwamba"
    },
    "content": "Hon. Deputy Speaker, it has been said countless times that we are on Order No.11. In that case, I will drop that one. I will go to my second issue. The issue has to do with the manner in which we are handling the business of this honourable House. It has already been said and I need to stress that point, that anything that comes from the Chair sets a precedent. This House is guided by the Standing Orders, but it is also guided by customs, usages and practices. That is something that you can pick up from any House within the Commonwealth, of which you are a part. So, for the Members to continuously insist that the rules of this House are restricted to the letter of the Standing Orders alone is erroneous. We are also a House of practices, customs and usages. Among those usages, practices, customs and traditions are the rulings from the Chair. Therefore, whenever any matter is brought to the attention of the Chair that touches on procedures, rules and the conduct of business of this House, I want to plead that such matter be given due consideration, seriously so. Two matters have been raised which I want to plead that in the tradition of the Commonwealth Parliamentary practices, customs and the usages of this House, where any ruling; any pronouncement from the Chair is a precedent, it sets a precedent for future reference. I want to invite you to determine - and I want to plead with due respect that you make a considered ruling on this one - at what stage this House is considered to be seized of a Bill. When do we say that the National Assembly is now properly seized of a matter?"
}