Speaker’s Ruling Contested

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31113, 16 July 1966, Page 3

Speaker’s Ruling Contested

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 15. Mr N. V. Douglas (Opp., Auckland Central) today indicated his intention to call on Parliament to condemn a recent ruling by the Speaker (Sir Ronald Algie).

Mr Douglas gave notice of his intention to move “that this House deplores the recent confusing and vacillating decision of the Speaker wherein he ruled: “‘lf, however, he (a mem-

ber) expresses himself in an indirect or roundabout way, or by means of a question, he is not out of order unless he acknowledges that he intended to make such a suggestion, or unless the Speaker rules that his words can fairly and reasonably be held to convey such a suggestion by innuendo or by implication. “‘When a member states that a party has received its marching orders or directions or instructions from an outside person or persons, he is not out of order unless the Speaker is satisfied that there is a clear suggestion that such orders, directions or instructions have been or are being acted upon by the party referred to.’” Mr Douglas’s motion concluded: “The House condemns the ruling as it is inimical to the maintenance of good order in the House and because of the serious contradiction contained in it, and because it undermines the previous rulings made by the Speaker himself.” The ruling quoted by Mr Douglas was presented to the House last Tuesday. A week ago, the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Kirk) had questioned a ruling made by the Speaker after a member suggested a party had changed its policy because it was directed from the outside.