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House of Representatives                                Ch 8                                                 p 260

Absence of a Minister

There is a convention that a Minister (or Parliamentary Secretary) should be present in the Chamber at all times, and in practice Governments maintain a roster of ‘Duty Ministers’. It is of course desirable from the Government’s point of view, and expected by Members, that there should be a Member present able to react with authority on behalf of the Government to any unexpected development. There is obviously a need for a government representative to be ‘in charge of’ items of government business. However, even when other matters are before the House—for example, during private Members’ business, or adjournment or grievance debates—it is expected that a member of the Government will be available to take note of or to respond to matters raised. A short absence of a Minister may go unremarked, but sometimes a point of order will be taken and the Chair’s attention drawn to the situation. ¹ In such circumstances the Chair has sometimes intervened on his or her own initiative ² —for example, by asking a government whip to fetch a Minister—and on one occasion has even had the bells rung to secure a Minister’s attendance. ³

There is not a similar requirement for an opposition frontbencher to be present, although this does facilitate the business of the House and is desirable from the Opposition’s point of view. In practice a roster is maintained.

E.g. H.R. Deb. (1.5.87) 2458.

E.g. H.R. Deb. (1.3.50) 219; H.R. Deb. (11.5.50) 2628; H.R. Deb. (12.4.78) 1443; H.R. Deb. (29.6.99) 7701-2.

H.R. Deb. (11.5.50) 2497.