This content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost. Let us know if you find any major problems.
Text in this format is not official and should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments. Please see the PDF for the official version of the document.
WQ.383/2020
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE
CHAIR OF THE PRIVILEGES AND PROCEDURES COMMITTEE BY DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 20th OCTOBER 2020
Question
Following the adoption of a time limit on speeches in the States Assembly, will the Chair consult with the Bailiff and provide guidance on –
- what period of notice will be required to extend a speech;
- what means should be used to request permission to extend a speech;
- what criteria will be required to extend a speech beyond the 15-minute maximum;
- whether there will be the opportunity to challenge decisions on limiting a speech to 15 minutes and, if so, will a procedure be put in place; and
- whether there will ever be a requirement to look at the content of a speech?
Answer
The Committee has consulted the Bailiff on these points and can answer as follows:
- A request to the Bailiff for a longer speech to be permitted in a debate should be given before the debate begins.
- Members should email the Bailiff to request permission to extend a speech and to set out their reasons for doing so, by reference to the circumstances in which a longer speech can be permitted as set out in the guidance accompanying P.109/2020. Members should not make the request by speaking or raising a point of order in the Assembly, as this will not provide an appropriate amount of time for the Bailiff to consider the matter.
- The guidance attached to P.109/2020 sets out the circumstances in which the presiding officer can exercise discretion to permit a longer speech. These are:
• where the Bailiff has designated a Member to be the "main respondent" to a debate. This will be announced at the start of a debate, in accordance with the criteria set out in the guidance
• where a number of technically complex points need to be made during the speech
• where the subject of the debate is especially emotive and further time is required by an individual member to complete his or her speech
• where a member has experienced technical difficulties when participating remotely
- The decisions of the presiding officer to enforce the 15-minute speech limit cannot be challenged, although Members may raise points of order where there is a need for a ruling from the chair on a related matter. A Member wishing to amend the guidance should write to PPC and the Bailiff and has the option, if necessary, of bringing a proposition to the Assembly for debate.
- The guidance involves longer speeches being permitted if the subject matter of a speech or a debate is particularly emotive or if a Member wishes to elaborate on complex or technical matters. A Member seeking to make a longer speech should give a brief explanation of which of these criteria applies but does not need to provide a copy of the speech.