On a point of order, Presiding Officer. The confusion about what we were voting on in this afternoon's proceedings—arising from the fact that we were not voting on the minister's statement and did not know whether the statement could be questioned—raises considerable questions for the chamber. I see that the convener of the Procedures Committee is in his place. I ask you and your fellow Presiding Officers to reflect on what took place this afternoon and to seek a referral to the Procedures Committee so that we are never again in the position where the procedure confuses members and—I believe—abuses the Parliament.
Presiding Officers, as of habit, review most of their decisions, so I am sure that we can comply with your request, Mr Russell.
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I appreciate that the statement was exceptional, but I agree with Mr Russell. It should be clear in future, in exceptional circumstances such as this, whether statements are subject to questions. That is crucial, for the clarity of what is going on, in our interests and in the interests of the people we represent.
I have taken your point, Mr Raffan.
Previous
Decision TimeNext
Robert Burns