The Role of the Speaker at Question Time

The Speaker controls the pace of Question Time. After each question, if he/she allows MLAs to ask a lot of supplementary questions, there will be less time to cover different topics; the Minister will be under close scrutiny on just a few subjects. If the Speaker allows too few supplementary questions, they will be able to deal with more topics in the time allowed, but in less detail. The Speaker has to try to find the right balance.

When selecting who can ask supplementary questions, the Speaker will try to ensure a cross-community balance during the 30 minutes the Minister is subject to questioning.

The Speaker will also try to control the progress of Question Time by appealing to Members to keep their supplementary questions short. He/she may check a Member for being too lengthy or for engaging in debate across the Chamber.

Try the Question Time challenge in MLA for a Week to see if you can ask the right question to the right Minister.