BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE NOT READY TO PRESENT ITS RESPONSE TO THE 2014/2015 BUDGET STATEMENT

National speaker of Assembly Richard Msowoya on Monday urged members of parliament to adhere to Parliamentary standing Orders that stipulate that Members should stand and allow the Speaker and his entourage to depart in silence from the Chamber.

After returning to the chambers Mr Msowoya then announced that the Budget and Finance Committee was not yet ready to present its response to the 2014/2015 Budget Statement as was indicated on the order paper. It then was time for members to continue with their personal responses to the Budget Statement.

The budget statement was presented to the house by the Minister of Finance, economic planning and development Goodall Gondwe on 2^nd September 2014.

Most of the members who spoke were in support of the budget, saying it is aimed at restoring financial discipline in the management of the country’s economy.

In his contribution Member of Parliament for Ntchisi North Boniface Kadzamira said there was need for the government to institute a civil service training board which will take care of the civil servants training needs.

In his contribution Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City Centre David Bizinowarty said it is high time the country start living within its means. He said the country should be economically independent.

In another contribution, Dedza Central, Member of Parliament said there is need to include the Malawi Revenue Authority-MRA Officials in the declaration of Assets to avoid corruption.

Member for Nsanje Central Francis Kasaila also made his contribution.

Kasaila who is also leader of the House thanked government for establishing more Irrigation Schemes in his constituency.

He said the irrigation schemes have enhanced food security in the area.