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{
    "id": 887186,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/887186/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 76,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "In some instances, the people asking Questions are, through no fault of their own, out of the country or engaged elsewhere. It is a fairly delicate issue. Where we know that Members are engaged elsewhere on official duties, we do not want their Questions to be dropped entirely. It will not be helpful. The Chairs of Committees should strike the necessary balance that would ensure that first, the Questions are answered on time or within the timeframes provided and secondly, where necessary, appropriate accommodation is also given to Members who may be absent on account of being away on official duties. However, in cases where Questions have not been responded to for no reason, the Chairs are under obligation to also report to the House those who have failed to appear before them to answer Questions so that the House can proceed to take the necessary action as would be appropriate in the circumstances of every case. We cannot give a blanket ruling on that. There will be those occasions when Members are not present. There will be occasions when, for very good and compelling reasons, there may be nobody to respond to a Question on a particular day. It cannot be the case that any particular CS or their representatives are not available to respond to Questions. Chairs are encouraged not to allow such situations to obtain. Unless a Member has a specific issue which the House can respond to, we cannot also fail to give the Chairs and the Committees the necessary latitude to make decisions as befits every case. Hon. John Mbadi, you have indicated an intervention."
}