SODELPA Opposition Whip Lynda Tabuya could not deliver her end of week statement in Parliament yesterday after it was dismissed by Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.

Ms Tabuya was supposed to deliver her statement on the current status of the Air Terminal Services Board.

The Speaker said the end of week statement by Ms Tabuya contravened Standing Orders 61 of Parliament, which stated that when speaking a member must not refer to any matter in relation to which a judicial decision is pending.

“Given that the matter of the Air Terminal Services Board is currently a matter before the courts, it is not appropriate for the proposed statement to be discussed in Parliament,” Ratu Epeli said.

He said the statement in question had earlier been approved by the Business Committee, but that he was invoking his powers under the Standing Orders and therefore ruled that the end of the week statement by Ms Tabuya be removed from yesterday’s order paper.

“I remind all members that my ruling is final and there will be no debate or clarification on my ruling,” the Speaker said.

Edited by Percy Kean

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