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{
    "id": 816842,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/816842/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 50,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "In light of the fact that all Members have the opportunity to discuss any matter reported to the House by a Committee, Chairpersons of Committees shall give priority to Committee Members in examination of matters before the Committee, including asking questions and a non- committee Member may only speak with the permission of the Chairperson and may be ordered to withdraw from the committee sitting for disorderly conduct. Further, a non-committee Member is not permitted to sit in the Committee during the internal sittings of the Committee, including the pre-inquiry sittings, confirmation of minutes or report writing meetings. It has come to my attention also that some Committees are insistent on Cabinet Secretaries appearing before them in person to answer queries directed to the ministry. I am fully cognisant of the provisions of Article 153(3) and (4)(b) of the Constitution which oblige a Cabinet Secretary to attend before a committee of the National Assembly when required by the Committee and, answer any question concerning a matter for which the Cabinet Secretary is responsible and provide Parliament with full and regular reports concerning matters under their control, respectively. Nevertheless, Hon. Members, Committees ought to be alive to the possibility that awaiting the eventual appearance of a Cabinet Secretary to answer all queries in person may prejudice the effective discharge of their mandate. In this regard, I urge Committees, on a case-by-case basis, to consider allowing either the Principal Secretary or any senior officer of a ministry, to attend and answer queries where the personal attendance of the Cabinet Secretary can be excused. Indeed, technical officers are the best placed to respond to The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposes only. Acertified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}