Rules of Debate - Order and Decorum / Relevance

Question and comment period must relate to previous Member’s speech

Debates p. 1691

Background

During debate on the Budget presented by Mr. Lalonde (Minister of Finance), at the end of the ten-minute question and comment period following the speech of Mr. Simmons (Burin—St. George's), the Acting Speaker (Mr. Guilbault) commented on the proper use of this new procedure.

Issue

Must questions and comments made during the ten-minute period reserved for questions and comments relate to the substance of the Member's speech?

Decision

Yes. Questions and comments must be relevant to the preceding speech.

Reasons given by the Acting Speaker

Standing Order 35(2)(b) is very precise about the purpose of the question and comment period; it is to allow Members to ask questions and comment briefly on matters relevant to the preceding speech and to allow responses thereto. It is not intended for "mud slinging or the type of speeches that are more at home on hustings during an election campaign."

Sources cited

Standing Order 35(2)(b).