Reversing the Deputy Speaker's ruling on Free Personal Care

Speech by David Ford delivered to Assembly, 29 May 2007: Deputy Speaker incorrectly ruled an Alliance amendment defeated on Tue 29th May 2007

Mr Deputy Speaker: The Question is that amendment No 1 standing on the Marshalled List be made. All those in favour say "Aye".

Some Members: Aye.

Mr Deputy Speaker: Contrary, if any, "No".

Some Members: No.

Some Members: Aye.

Some Members: No.

Mr Deputy Speaker: The Noes have it. The Question is that amendment No 2 standing on the -

Mr Ford: On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. It has been a precedent in this Assembly that, when a significant number of voices are raised, there has always been a recorded Division. On what grounds have you refused to grant a Division on amendment No 1?

Mr Deputy Speaker: One has to find out what the definition of "significant number" is, Mr Ford. The very clear indication of the House was that the Noes had it. [Interruption.] Order.

Mr Ford: Further to that point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker, I was not querying your interpretation of the sounds made in the Chamber; I was making the point that there was a precedent in cases in which a significant number of voices were raised. Indeed, after a similar vote five years ago, the voices of only five Members were accepted and a Division granted. Clearly more than five Members shouted "Aye" today.

Some Members: Hear, hear.

Mr Deputy Speaker: [after consultation with Clerks] It is my intention, therefore, to put the Question again.

Question put, That amendment No 1 be made.

The Assembly divided: The Assembly divided: Ayes 48; Noes 47. [The Alliance amendment was actually passed.]