Ruling
March 19, 1991
Anticipating Orders of the Day; right of a Minister not to answer a question
Hon. John Fraser
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
The Speaker:
The honourable Minister has made reference to a long-standing rule in the House that questions ought not to anticipate the Order of the Day. Despite that the Minister has, as is his right and if he wishes to, responded. This question is clearly taken right out of the debate which has been taking place in this House. I think I have to say that it is out of order. If the Minister wishes to reply, he can, but he does not have to. I want to make it very clear that the Minister does not have to reply.
F0309-e 34-2 1991-03-19.
[1]
Debates, March 19, 1991, p. 18674.
Edit Metadata
Holding
"A question that anticipates an Order of the Day is out of order, and a Minister is not obligated to reply to it."
AI Summary
The Speaker ruled a question out of order for anticipating a scheduled debate but affirmed the Minister's right to choose whether to reply.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Sustained
- Tone
- Educational
- Procedural Stage
- Oral Questions
- Significance
Low
High