Page 1697 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 18 May 1994

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Mr Stevenson: I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. Is it not unparliamentary to suggest that something is utterly fraudulent?

MADAM SPEAKER: I believe that it is not, unless it is directed at the intentions of an individual.

Mr Stevenson: I thought that was exactly what it was - and not only intentions.

MADAM SPEAKER: Order! In this case it was not, I believe. However, if you feel that there was an imputation against you, which I do not think was intended, I will ask the Chief Minister to withdraw it.

Mr Stevenson: I think there was an imputation against me.

MADAM SPEAKER: Chief Minister, will you withdraw that?

MS FOLLETT: I am happy to withdraw any imputation, Madam Speaker; but the facts are there for even the most hypocritical of members to see, that is, that Mr Stevenson came into this place on a platform that said that he would abolish self-government - - -

Mr Stevenson: On a point of order, Madam Speaker: I am happy to move for a debate on self-government, if the standing orders are so changed as to allow a member to do that, at any time they choose. But I would suggest that this has nothing whatsoever to do with the motion before us.

MADAM SPEAKER: If you would permit the Chief Minister to finish, I think you would see the relevance of her point.

MS FOLLETT: The fact of the matter is, Madam Speaker, that Mr Stevenson has made no attempt to abolish self-government. He has sat here doing no committee service whatsoever, he is rarely in the house - - -

Mr Stevenson: I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. There have been many times when you have suggested to me in particular that I am not keeping to the subject. When the Chief Minister, one of your colleagues in the same party, does that, to ignore it absolutely, I think, is unreasonable and unfair and is not following your role as the Speaker of this Assembly.

Mr Berry: On the point of order, Madam Speaker: The member clearly imputed that the Speaker's independence was in question, and he must withdraw that unequivocally.

MADAM SPEAKER: I would ask you to withdraw that and then I will explain my former ruling, Mr Stevenson. Please withdraw your comments against me personally.

Mr Stevenson: Why should I withdraw it when I think it is obvious - - -

MADAM SPEAKER: Because you have been asked to, Mr Stevenson. It is as simple as that.


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