The time allowed to answer oral questions

Published on: 26 April 2016

Question type: Written

Asked by: Jeremy Maçon

Answered by: Privileges and Procedures Committee

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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHAIRMAN FOR PRIVILEGES AND PROCEDURES COMMITTEE

BY DEPUTY J.M. MAON OF ST. SAVIOUR

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 26th APRIL 2016

Question

Could the Chairman explain what the basis is for the 90 second rule' applying to answers to oral questions and what right do members have to challenge the Presiding Officer with regard to this rule?

Answer

Standing Order 63(7) states that "the member of the States asked the question shall answer it and any supplementary question concisely". Interpretation of this Standing Order is a matter for the Presiding Officer but it has been the case for many years that 90 seconds is normally allowed for an answer to be given. Members wishing to change the rules of the Assembly have the option of bringing forward propositions for debate to achieve their aims.