Amend Standing Order 20
In Standing Order 20—
In paragraph (7), leave out “The Speaker shall determine, by means of a random selection, the order in which questions are taken,” and insert “Subject to paragraph 7A, the Speaker shall determine, by means of a random selection, the order in which questions are taken.”;
After paragraph (7), insert:
“(7A) Where there is an opposition, the first question to the Minister shall be asked by a member of the opposition. Otherwise, the first question may not be asked by a member of the same party as the Minister (unless all the questions are from members of that party).”;
Leave out paragraph (8), and insert:
“(8) Answers to oral questions may not be debated, but supplementary questions may be asked in accordance with paragraph (8A).”;
Leave out paragraph (8A) and insert:
“(8A) This paragraph makes further provision about supplementary questions.
(a) A supplementary question shall contain no more than one enquiry.
(b) The Speaker shall ensure that—
(i) the first supplementary question may be asked by the member who submitted the question for oral answer.
(ii) The second supplementary question may be asked by a member of the opposition (where there is an opposition).
(c) Paragraph (b)(ii) applies only to the first three questions for oral answer taken by each Minister.
(d) Additional supplementary questions may be asked at the discretion of the Speaker.”; and
After paragraph (8A), insert:
“(8B) Subject to the discretion of the Speaker to allow additional time, answers to oral questions (including answers to supplementary questions) shall last no more than two minutes.”
Committee Motion
15/02/2022
22/02/2022
01/03/2022
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