The debate on a procedural motion which will change the timetable of parliamentary sittings and the method of voting was delayed by 24 hours after the opposition yesterday demanded a ruling from the Speaker over whether the government's proposals violated the Constitution and the House Standing Orders.

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

More than two hours after suspending the sitting, Acting Speaker Carmelo Abela rejected Dr Farrugia's argument that the motion violated the Constitution and Standing Orders because it was not limited in scope and amounted to a change of Standing Orders.

Reacting to Dr Farrugia's request, Deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg said the 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.

Dr Farrugia remarked that the procedural motion showed that the government was panicking.

Mr Abela ruled that suspension of the Standing Orders was always limited to specific reasons, and this always led to a change in regulations. Any standing order could be suspended if the motion was approved by a majority of the members of the House.

The debate on the motion is expected to start this evening.