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{
    "id": 85294,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/85294/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 285,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Members, I have listened to what has transpired under Order No.7 pertaining to Statements and, in particular, I have heard the sentiments of the Leader of Government Business. I just want to reassure the House that the Chair, which includes the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and the four Members of the Speaker’s Panel, exercises its collective responsibility, power and authority strictly in accordance with the Standing Orders, and in conformity with all the relevant law and that, at no time has this discretion been exercised injudiciously. But that notwithstanding, Leader of Government Business, we have had certain concerns, some of which you have also covered. I just want to remind hon. Members that we have put in place a modus operandi ; a method by which Statements will access the House. This method respects the provisions of Standing Order No.36(3) - and I want to reiterate this so that all hon. Members will comply. Allow me to read this in extenso . Paragraph 3 of Standing Order No.36 reads:- “A member who wishes to make or request for a statement under paragraph 1(a)(7) shall notify the Chair of the substance of the statement to be made at least one hour before the Sitting of the House” It ought to be strictly so. We have, however, had instances where hon. Members have ambushed whoever is in the Chair out of that Panel, when the House is already sitting. That, therefore, disallows the Member who is presiding an opportunity to be able to look, scrutinize and evaluate the request to see whether or not it passes for a request for a Statement. So, I am directing that from now on, there will be no approval for requests for Statements when the House is already sitting. None of the Panelists will approve that request. So, all requests must be made to Mr. Speaker as the Standing Orders provide, at least, one hour before the Sitting of the House."
}