S.O. 17(2) – ORDER OF BUSINESS

Hon. Members, I have two points to raise at the beginning of today’s Sitting. By virtue of Standing Order 17(2), I have the power to allow the Order of Business, set out on the Order Paper, to be altered in respect of any particular Sitting. After consultation, I have, therefore, decided that for today, the Second Reading of the Public Bill will be taken as item 6 before we resume the debate on the Motion on the Government Programme. S.O. 39(9) & S.O. 40(1) & (2) – DEBATE & SPEECH RULE The second point, hon. Members, I would like to tell you is that it is now a little bit more than two months since we all were sworn in, including myself as Speaker of this Assembly. And I suppose we do not all, including me, master all the proceedings of the Assembly; the intricacies of the procedures of our Assembly. One principle, however, that I do know – I am sure that most of you know; maybe some of the newcomers do not yet realise it – is that a Member is not allowed to read a statement when we are debating an issue, including on the Motion, and it will be the same for the Bill, except the person who has been chosen to make the main speech, like the hon. Second Member for Quartier Militaire and Moka did. Of course, I did not stop her because the Standing Order is quite clear on this. Let me, myself, read. You can read when you are citing. So, I am going to read because I am going to cite you Standing Order 39(9) – “A Member shall not read his or her speech, but he or she may read extracts from written or printed papers in support of his or her arguments and may refresh his or her memory by reference to notes. Reading of speeches is permitted for opening addresses (…).” It was in this spirit, therefore, that I allowed the hon. Second Member for Quartier Militaire and Moka to read her speech. But several Members, I think, tended to read their prepared speeches. Of course, it is always easier. I also want to draw your attention to Standing Order 40(1) and (2). “40. (1) A Member shall confine his or her observations to the subject [matter] under discussion and may not introduce matter not relevant thereto.” I prefer to say it now rather than stop you. “40. (2) It shall be out of order to use unbecoming words or expressions or to use offensive language about Members of the Assembly [on whichever side].” So, I hope, hon. Members, that you will help me in maintaining the high standard expected of such an august Assembly as ours. I promised you when I was sworn in that I would uphold the dignity of the National Assembly. Remember also that children and adults are watching us both from Mauritius and from abroad. Thank you very much.