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{
    "id": 447128,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/447128/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 133,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Ababu",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 108,
        "legal_name": "Ababu Tawfiq Pius Namwamba",
        "slug": "ababu-namwamba"
    },
    "content": "that its mandate and work be clearly spelt out. The work of that caucus must be clearly distinguished from the normal and ordinary operations of the committees of this House. Hon. Speaker, I say that because Standing Order No.191 of our own rules clearly provides certain privileges and powers to certain committees. Allow me to just put it on record because I believe it is a matter that ought to go into the record of the House. It says: “Committees shall enjoy and exercise all the powers and privileges bestowed on Parliament by the Constitution and statute, including the power to summon witnesses, receive evidence and to request for and receive papers and documents from the Government and the public.” Hon. Speaker, these powers and privileges are exclusive to committees of this House and, therefore, if any caucus of whatever nature, whether it be religious or political, attempts to wade into matters that fall squarely within the powers and privileges of a committee, that certainly will be contrary to the Standing Orders of the House. Hon. Speaker, therefore, if there is a caucus that wishes to become a select committee then the ordinary practice and traditions of this House have always been that a formal Motion is tabled, moved and Members have an opportunity to debate the Motion; the merits and demerits whatever select committee is proposed. Then the House is able to determine the mandate and the exact responsibilities of such a select committee. Hon. Speaker, it would certainly be wrong and an aberration--- It would compromise the effectiveness of this House and, indeed, the constitutional authority of this House for anybody to form a caucus ostensibly for purposes of consultations and then sneak in affairs, responsibilities or powers that properly fall within the province of a committee of this House. Hon. Speaker, let me conclude by saying that I certainly support the spirit of bipartisanship. The spirit of bipartisanship is good. If, indeed, those behind the initiative feel that this should be handled at the level of a select committee then I challenge them to bring a Motion to this House. Let us debate that Motion and make a decision on that Motion depending on its merits. Thank you, hon. Speaker."
}