Reply: It should be recalled that the former Speaker, Mr Sooroojdev Phokeer, disallowed a similar question quoting wrongly section 22(1)(n) of the Standing Orders and

107 Rules of the National Assembly according to which a question cannot be asked on a matter within the jurisdiction of the Speaker. It is obvious that this distorted interpretation of the Standing Orders and Rules of the National Assembly was but a ploy not to provide information to the House. In line with our principle of transparency and accountability, I am hereby providing the information requested by the hon. Member. Mr Phokeer was elected as Speaker of the National Assembly on 21 November 2019 and he tendered his resignation on 16 July 2024 purportedly due to health issues. During his tenure of office, that is, from 21 November 2019 to 10 July 2024, i.e, a period of 56 months, the former Speaker undertook 21 official overseas missions. As regards Mr Mohammud Zahid Nazurally, who was elected as Deputy Speaker on 21 November 2019, he did not proceed on any official overseas mission during his tenure of office from 21 November 2019 to 18 October 2024. I am informed that an amount of Rs4,423,361.42 was paid in respect of air tickets for Mr Phokeer. Furthermore, an amount of Rs3,450,170.82 was disbursed as per diem and other allowances in favour of the latter. That is, a total of Rs7,873,582.24 was spent for the official overseas missions undertaken by Mr Phokeer over a period of 56 months. The list indicating the amount spent in respect of each overseas mission undertaken by the former Speaker is being placed in the Library of the National Assembly. POLICE FORCE – TRAFFIC BRANCH – RIDERS