Points of Order — Seeking of Leave—Matter for Debate

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I seek your guidance on a point on which the Standing Orders and Speakers’ rulings appear silent, in respect of yesterday. I sought leave to introduce a bill to the House, and there were two points of order raised that, effectively, led to the House debating the merit, or otherwise, of putting the leave. I seek your guidance as to whether or not that is something that should be allowed to happen, and, if so, whether the member who originally put the leave should be offered a right of reply.

I will give further consideration to the matter that is raised, but when leave is sought, on occasion I will take points of order from people who wish to clarify what the leave is being sought for or whether they need further information as to whether they will then object to the leave being put. Once the leave is sought—by, in this case, Mr Seymour—my duty as Speaker is to put the leave, if it is in order. It is for the House to decide whether the matter proceeds further.