MPs approve committee to run register
Register of Interests.
The House on Friday passed a Report of the Rules and Privileges Committee concerning an amendment to the Rules of the House on the Register of Members Interests.
Shadow Finance Minister Eugene Cox suggested that the plan apply only to the House since the Senate had their own rules.
And he urged members to erase the word "joint'' from the report, since MPs were elected and therefore responsible to the people, while Senators are appointed.
But Deputy Premier Jerome Dill said one committee should set the standard for all the legislature, both the House and Senate.
Health and Social Services Minister Clarence Terceira said if the Senate was not included, it would appear as if they were less important.
Walter Roberts (PLP) reiterated the fact that the Senate had its own rules.
"I don't think we should have a joint select committee on rules when we have different rules,'' he said.
The House voted against Mr. Cox's suggestion to delete the word "joint'' from the report, therefore allowing a joint select committee.