HC Deb 30 July 1998 vol 317 c596
Mr. Paul Murphy

I beg to move amendment No. 32, in page 16, leave out line 6 and insert— '(c) the Assembly elects from among its members a person to hold office as Presiding Officer or deputy in his place.'.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

With this, it will be convenient to discuss Government amendments Nos. 33 and 34.

Mr. Murphy

The amendments deal with replacing the presiding officer. Under clause 31 as it stands, it would theoretically be possible for the Assembly to dismiss the Presiding Officer or a deputy without appointing a successor. Although it is highly unlikely in practice that there would be cross-community support for such a move without there being support for an agreed successor, we have to provide for all contingencies. We cannot afford a vacancy in the Presiding Officer post: a vacuum would make the Assembly's business impossible and it would be unable to hold the necessary election for a replacement.

These are useful, tidying amendments and I commend them to the House.

Amendment agreed to.

Amendments made: No. 33, in page 16, line 7, after 'office', insert '(otherwise than under subsection (2)(c))'. No. 34, in page 16, line 18, leave out from 'under' to 'without' in line 19 and insert 'subsections (1) to (3)'.—[Mr. Ingram.]

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