Time and Manner of Speaking

“42. (1) A member desiring to speak shall signify his intention and if called upon shall address his observations to the Presiding Officer, and no member shall speak unless called upon to do so by the Presiding Officer.

(2) If two or more member rise at the same time, the Presiding Officer shall call upon the member who first catches his eye.

(3) Subject to paragraph (5) of this Standing Order, no member shall speak more than once on any question except:- (a) when the Assembly is in committee; or (b) in explanation as prescribed in paragraph (4) of this Standing Order; or (c) on a point of order, as provided in Standing Order No.44 (Interruptions), save that any member, without prejudice to his right to speak at a later period of the debate, may second a motion or amendment by rising in his place and stating merely that it is his intention to second the motion amendment.

(4) A member who has spoken on a question may again be heard to offer explanations of some material part of his speech which he alleges has been misunderstood or misrepresented, but he shall not introduce any new matters.

(5) A member who has spoken may speak again when a new question has been proposed by the Presiding Officer, such as a proposed amendment or a motion for the adjournment of the debate. (6) Except with the leave of the Presiding Officer, a member shall not read his speech but he may read extracts from written or printed papers or books in support of his argument and may refresh his memory by reference to notes. (7) No member may speak on any question after it has been put to the vote by the Presiding Officer.”