Minister’s absence from questions
Kelly objected that the Minister was absent despite being in the country and asked to postpone his question; the Chair said it had no jurisdiction over the Minister’s attendance, and the question was postponed.
On a point of order, am I to understand that for the second day running and despite the fact that the Minister is in the country his questions are to be taken by his Parliamentary Secretary? In that event I must ask that my question be postponed. The Minister was here at 1.30 p.m. and is due to be here again at 3.30 p.m. and I should like to know why he is not present now to answer his questions.
Comment on this
The Deputy knows that is not a point of order. The Chair has no jurisdiction over whether the Parliamentary Secretary comes in to represent the Minister.
Comment on this
I appreciate that. I do not want to have trouble with the Chair. I want to inquire about several matters. First, is it a fact that the Minister who was seen here at 1.30 p.m. and who is due to be here again at 3.30 p.m. cannot be here at 2.30 p.m. to take his questions? If that is the case, may I have the permission of the Chair to postpone my question for the second time? I do not want to hound the Parliamentary Secretary; I want to hound the Minister.
Question No. 3 postponed.