Opposition Progressive Labour Party.

PLP deputy leader Eugene Cox said yesterday it was up to Government Ministers to be more succinct -- presenting "facts not waffle''.

"I don't think you need to put time frames on people. I think Government members should do what they are supposed to do -- that is give proper presentations based on facts and figures,'' he said.

The debate arose after House Speaker Ernest DeCouto admonished MPs for not presenting their arguments in a nutshell.

His comments came towards the end of a marathon session in the House of Assembly which finished shortly before 3 a.m. on Saturday.

They sparked a debate of their own with some MPs saying speaking times should be limited when it came to issues like the Throne Speech and Budget.

The UBP said it approached the PLP over the issue suggesting times be limited but the idea was thrown out because it impinged on freedom of speech.

But Mr. Cox said: "I do not recall the UBP approaching us, but if they want to limit the debates, Ministers should give proper presentations so members will have facts and figures rather than having to guesstimate or propose their own ideas.

"I think all this is a red herring. The people who to a large measure waste time are the Government. It is unneccessary to start talking about curbing time.''