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{
    "id": 493392,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/493392/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 93,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "at that time is rolled over. It is for the same reason that I am saying that while the Procedure and House Rules Committee goes to look at that Communication, the Departmental Committees will still sit within the precincts of Parliament and the Chairpersons are going to ensure that they stay within the time available; 50 minutes but of course only five minutes for housekeeping matters. Every hon. Member of this National Assembly will be at liberty to attend those sessions. At exactly 50 minutes, the Chairman of one Committee leaves the Chair and the next Cabinet Secretary is called in. the Chairperson of the Committee to which the questions relate to and all hon. members who have interest in asking questions will still be there to ask them for 45 minutes to 50 minutes maximum, because of housekeeping matters. The third Chairperson and the third Committee takes over. At 12.30 p.m. the session will be over. The only thing that perhaps one can argue is that during that period of two-a-half hours, you may not necessarily see the face of the Speaker but the Chairpersons of respective Committees will chair those respective sessions. So, we will still insist and uphold the principle that it is mandatory that Cabinet Secretaries appear as per the Constitution; Article 153 to answer auestions before Committee. We are still remaining faithful to that: They will still have to appear. For the time being, what we are suspending is the fact of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker chairing those sessions. That is the only thing and I am sure you have faith and confidence in the chairs of Committees. However, file as many auestions as possible and appear in your droves. Appear in as many numbers as possible and ask auestions. Hon. Members have not been denied any of their rights. No right has been taken away. I will not allow your rights to be taken away to hold Cabinet Secretaries accountable by way of auestions. So, that is retained. It is just removing myself from chairing those sessions."
}