Members’ 90 second statements

During this 15 minute period in the House, from 1.45 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (immediately prior to Question Time), any Member other than a Minister (or Parliamentary Secretary) may be called by the Chair to make a statement on any topic of concern for no longer than 90 seconds.[108] The call is alternated between government and non-government Members, subject to the proviso that Members who have not received the call are given priority over Members who have already spoken. Independent Members have been given the call with the frequency appropriate to their representation in the House. Opposition frontbench Members do not receive precedence. If no other Member rises to make a statement, a Member who has already spoken may speak again. The Chair has given the call preferentially to Members who have been present for the full period,[109] and to Members who were not regular participants.[110] The raising of spurious points of order and other disruptive tactics are not in accord with the spirit of the procedure and have not been tolerated.[111]

A Member may present a petition during this period, provided the Petitions Committee has checked the petition for compliance with the standing orders and approved it for presentation.[112]