Page 1752 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 1 May 2012
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Mr Smyth: The point you made was that, because it was a discussion, relevance did not apply—on the collective wisdom of the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister Corbell. I draw your attention to standing order 58, where it says:
A Member shall not digress from the subject matter of any question under discussion:
If it is a discussion, clearly relevance still applies and I expect you to change your ruling.
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: As I said, Mr Smyth—
Mr Corbell: On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Corbell.
Mr Corbell: Mr Smyth quotes the words “of any question under discussion”. There is no question before the chair when it comes to the issue of an MPI. There is no question; it is a discussion. Relevance is still an important consideration, and you have indicated, Madam Deputy Speaker, that you believe Mr Barr’s comments were within the standing orders. If Mr Smyth is unhappy with that, he can pursue that matter as he wishes. But you have not ruled, Madam Deputy Speaker, that the relevance rule does not apply to MPIs. You have instead ruled, as I understand it, that Mr Barr’s comments were in order. Mr Smyth can be aggrieved by that, but I do not think he should misrepresent your ruling.
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Corbell. I will review the Hansard to see exactly what I did say so that—
Mr Hanson: Madam Deputy Speaker, on the point of order, my clear understanding of the ruling that you made was that essentially relevance does not apply to MPIs because it is a discussion. Obviously this is a very important matter moving forward so that we do not in this place, when an MPI is before the Assembly, just talk about whatever we want. We need a ruling so that we understand that. I think there is now some confusion. I ask that you do come back to this place with a ruling on just what it is with regard to MPIs in terms of standing orders applying for relevance.
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Hanson. Obviously you did not listen to what I said. What I said was that I will review the Hansard and I will come back tomorrow.
Mr Hanson: Thank you.
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: I do not know how many times I have got to say that. Unfortunately, you were unable to hear it the first and second and third times. Mr Corbell, you have the call.
Mr Hanson: Madam Deputy Speaker, on the ruling you just made, they were pretty snide comments. What I was saying was that I—
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