Speakers’ statements on ministerial policy announcements made outside the House

The Ministerial Code states that when Parliament is in session, the most important announcements of government policy should be made in the first instance in Parliament. There have been occasions when key announcements have not been made to the House first. In such cases the Speaker may make a statement to the House, deprecating what has happened and sometimes calling on the minister concerned to account for his or her action. 

The downloadable Excel file lists Speaker’s statements on ministerial announcements made outside the House since October 2000. Responses to points of order on this subject are not included. Source details are available in the Excel file. 

Further information 

More information on the conduct and conventions relating to ministerial statements can be found in Erskine May. 

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