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{
    "id": 471258,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/471258/?format=api",
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    "content": "So, I was the one who deferred it. I said: Let me read the report overnight so that I can approve it for tabling today fully knowing that you will not exhaust the deliberations. Secondly, during the Second Reading, you usually do not alter much on the Bill. On the face of it, you can proceed. The most important thing before the Third Reading is that we would already have availed you the copy of the report. I think at that point, you would be seized of the proceedings and you can bring the necessary amendments. The third point, which is even more important now, is just the timelines. Let me read to you Standing Order No.134 (1). “Whenever a Bill is referred to a Standing Committee, the Chairperson of the Committee, the Vice Chairperson or a Senator designated by the Committee to which the Bill is committed shall present the Committee’s report to the Senate within 30 calendar days of such committal. (2) Upon presentation of the Bill under paragraph (1) or if the Committee’s report is not presented when it becomes due, the Bill shall be ordered to be committed to the Committee of the Whole on such day as the Rules and Business Committee shall, in consultation with the Senator who introduced the Bill, appoint.” The business of the House, therefore, shall not stop if the Committee has not performed its duty. So, after 30 days, we will always bring that business, especially given that this is a matter that has already been dealt with by another House. It is important for us to just do it at the next available opportunity. So, if you even look at the report, following the submission to the Senate of the Public Procurement and Disposal Act, the Bill was read a First Time on 4th June, 2014. So, 30 days have obviously elapsed since 4th June, 2014. That is why we brought it for debate yesterday afternoon. So, nothing is lost; we are fully seized of the matter. The only small thing is just to encourage Committees to operate within the 30 calendar days. However, I cannot really be harsh on committees because, so far, we have really done well. I think most committees have submitted their reports within the stipulated period. Even this one, they just operated on the edge; it is just delayed by 24 hours. So, I will not be harsh on this Committee. I know this Committee where you belong, Sen. Wetangula, by the way, it was in your interest to have ensured so. Therefore, if there is any culpability, you must share."
}