Points of Order — Questions for Written Answer—Replies

I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. This is the second time I have sought your assistance on this matter. I have asked several written questions of the Minister of Health, and the answers are now long overdue. In fact, one of the questions was first asked of the Minister of Health on 29 April 2004, so that question is now more than 1 year overdue. I raised this matter with you in the House on a point of order on 16 March, and you requested that I should write to you. I did so, and you responded on 17 March saying that you would look into this matter and contact me again. That was 6 weeks ago, and I have yet to hear from you. I would just like to say that Standing Order 366(4) is very specific on this matter, and reads: “The reply to a question for written answer must be lodged no later than the sixth working day following the day on which the question is published.” I have 11 questions that are well and truly beyond the 6-day mark, and I wonder what redress I now have.

💬 Madam SPEAKER: I thank the member. My understanding is that a response was given, but I will look into it further for her.