Debate on procedural motion delayed by ruling request

A debate on a procedural motion which will change the timetable of parliamentary sittings and the method of voting was delayed to tomorrow after the Opposition this evening demanded a ruling from the Speaker over whether the government's proposals violated the Constitution and Standing Orders.

The request was made by Anglu Farrugia, PL deputy leader for parliamentary affairs, even before the motion was moved.

The motion proposes, among other things, that Wednesday sittings will henceforth be held in the morning, not the evening, and voting when divisions are called will be taken only at the end of the Wednesday sittings, independently of the day when they are called.

Dr Farrugia argued that the motion violated the Constitution and Standing Orders because it was not limited in scope and amounted to a change of Standing Orders.

Dr Tonio Borg, Leader of the House, said this motion was similar to other procedural motions passed by all governments, including the last Labour government, and the House in terms of the Constitution could regulate its own procedure.

The sitting was then suspended for almost two-and-half hours, after which the Acting Speaker , Carmelo Abela, ruled that the motion did not contravene the Constitution or Standing Orders because its purpose was limited in terms of applicability, and the House could regulate its own procedure.

The debate on the motion is expected to start tomorrow Tuesday.