Dear Editor,
With portions of the proceedings in the National Assembly being televised, members of the public are now afforded the opportunity to observe and evaluate the performance of their parliamentary representatives.
In this connection, it is apposite to mention that Standing Order 38 of the Standing Orders of the Assembly prohibits a member of the Assembly from reading his or her speech except with the permission of the Speaker. The Standing Order, however, allows a member to read extracts from books or papers in support of the member’s argument and the member may also refresh his or her memory by referring to notes.
Observing the televised portions of the proceedings of the Assembly, it seems that a significant number of Members of the Assembly (including Ministers) do not comply with the provisions of Standing Order 38, unless perhaps the Speaker has given general permission or approval for presentations to be read in the course of proceedings.
Persons of my era have regarded themselves as privileged to have witnessed the scintillating contributions in debates over past years from members on both sides of the House. However, our nostalgic recollections may no longer be in accordance with current parliamentary practice. Perhaps we ought to ascertain this practice with reference to the Commonwealth, and if it is no longer current, then it may be time to review Standing Order 38.
Yours faithfully,
Brynmor T.I. Pollard
