Speaker’s Office says no new procedure for parliamentary questions

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives has rejected suggestions that a new procedure governing the submission and tabling of parliamentary questions was introduced in October, saying the process was established in December 2025 and reaffirmed in July this year. The clarification follows concerns raised by the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) after questions submitted by Leader of Opposition Business Phillip Paulwell and Opposition Member of Parliament Peter Bunting were not tabled during the sitting of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, October 6. In a statement, the PNP described the decision as a departure from established parliamentary practice, under which Opposition members submit questions to the speaker and the clerk on the day before a sitting for consideration and tabling at the next sitting. The party argued that Standing Order 15(2) does not prescribe a minimum period that must elapse before a question can be tabled, adding that delays could weaken the Opposition’s ability to scrutinise the Government and obtain timely answers on matters of public concern.

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PNP raises concerns over changes to tabling of parliamentary questions

However, in a statement issued Thursday, the speaker’s office explained that Standing Order 15(2) provides for the submission of parliamentary questions, while Standing Order 16(2) empowers the speaker to examine questions for compliance with the Standing Orders, determine their admissibility and direct any necessary amendments. It noted that under the procedure established in December 2025, members are required to formally submit duly signed questions to the clerk at the table during the period designated for questions and answers. The questions are then submitted to the speaker for examination before they can be tabled. According to the office, the December ruling expressly stated that “Standing Order 15(2) does not guarantee same-day tabling”. It said the procedure took immediate effect and was reaffirmed in July. The office also clarified that members may email draft questions before a sitting to facilitate preliminary examination and receive procedural guidance. However, such correspondence does not constitute formal submission. “The informal transmission of a draft does not constitute formal notice or create an entitlement to publication,” the July ruling stated. The speaker’s office said preliminary guidance from the clerk does not replace the speaker’s determination of admissibility, maintaining that the formal submission of a question and its acceptance for tabling are separate procedural steps. The office further rejected any suggestion that the rulings impose an automatic requirement for questions to wait an additional sitting before being tabled. It said questions should be tabled following formal submission and completion of the speaker’s examination, once they have been found to comply with the Standing Orders. While Standing Order 15(2) does not prescribe a minimum waiting period, the office said this does not remove the speaker’s responsibility under Standing Order 16(2) to determine whether questions are admissible. It added that earlier practices must be understood in the context of the directions issued in December 2025 and reaffirmed in July 2026. The speaker’s office acknowledged that parliamentary questions are fundamental to democratic accountability and the ability of members to scrutinise the executive and said it remains committed to ensuring that questions are examined promptly and fairly, without unnecessary delay. The procedure, it added, applies equally to Government and Opposition members and preserves the provision for questions permitted without notice under Standing Order 15(1). The office also cited Standing Order 41, which makes the speaker responsible for ensuring observance of the rules of order in the House. “For the avoidance of doubt, no new restriction was introduced in October,” the statement said, reiterating that the established process involves formal submission, examination by the speaker and tabling once compliance with the Standing Orders has been confirmed.