Privilege / Impeding a Member

Refusal of a Minister to answer a question

Debates pp. 4500-1

Background

After raising a point of order on this issue on November 5, Mr. Clark (Leader of the Opposition) rose on a question of privilege the following day, to protest the fact that Ministers sitting in the House of Commons had refused to answer questions about statements made by Ministers sitting in the Senate. Mr. Clark said he was prepared to move referral of the matter to the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections. After hearing comments by another Member, the Speaker ruled.

Issue

Does the refusal of a Minister to answer a question constitute a question of privilege?

Decision

No. There is no prima facie question of privilege.

Reasons given by the Speaker

Although it is legitimate for Members in this House to insist that Ministers answer their questions, Ministers are not bound to do so. "Minister may decline to answer a question without stating the reason for his refusal, and insistence on an answer is out of order."

Sources cited

Beauchesne, 4th ed., p. 153-4, c. 181(3).

References

Debates, November 5, 1980, pp. 4460-2; November 6, 1980, pp. 4499-501.